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Road trip 2025

My Partner and I are travelling from London to the States in September for 2 weeks.

We have planned a road trip through California, Nevada and Arizona. This is a trip of a lifetime for us and we have spent hours planning and discussing what we want to see/do whilst we are out there.

Our plan is:

LHR-LAX

Spend 2 nights in LA

2 nights in Santa Barbara

2 nights in Vegas

1 night at the Grand Canyon

2 nights in Sedona

1 night in Joshua Tree

1 night in Palm Springs

3 nights in San Diego,

then driving back to LA to fly home.

I would love to hear if there is anything we are missing and any recommendations people have! We will both be 22 years old when we travel, we are both in to music, food, beer & the occasional hike ;)

We are open to any suggestions and our budget for the trip is £10,000 (Really should be saving for a deposit on a house, but this seems much more fun lol!)

Thanks in advance

Hannah

Hi Hannah, your California–Nevada–Arizona road trip plan looks fantastic and packed with iconic destinations. At 22, you’ll enjoy a mix of city life, desert landscapes, and national parks, and your budget of £10,000 should be more than enough for a comfortable experience if you plan wisely.

Here are some tailored suggestions and considerations for your itinerary:

  • Los Angeles (2 nights): You have limited time here, so prioritize a mix of classic attractions and your personal interests:
    • Hollywood: Walk the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and maybe a tour of the Hollywood sign area.
    • Santa Monica & Venice Beach: Relax on the beach, walk the pier, and enjoy some local food.
    • Griffith Observatory: Great for city views and sunset photos.
    • If you love music, check local gigs or bars in Silver Lake or Downtown LA.
  • Santa Barbara (2 nights):
    • Beach day at East Beach or Arroyo Burro Beach.
    • State Street for shopping, dining, and local craft beer.
    • Optional: Short hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains or visit local wineries.
  • Las Vegas (2 nights):
    • Walk the Strip, see a show, and explore themed hotels.
    • Consider a helicopter tour of the Strip or nearby Red Rock Canyon for a short outdoor adventure.
    • Evening nightlife: rooftop bars or pool parties depending on your timing.
  • Grand Canyon (1 night):
    • Focus on viewpoints along the South Rim; sunset and sunrise are breathtaking.
    • Short, easy hikes like the Rim Trail are ideal if you want a walk without too much exertion.
  • Sedona (2 nights):
    • Enjoy the red rock scenery; consider a Pink Jeep tour for a fun, accessible adventure.
    • Check out Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock for short hikes or photo stops.
    • Local breweries and restaurants in Uptown Sedona are great for food and drinks.
  • Joshua Tree (1 night):
    • Explore the unique desert landscape and rock formations; short hikes like Hidden Valley or Barker Dam are recommended.
    • Evening stargazing is spectacular here.
  • Palm Springs (1 night):
    • Enjoy mid-century architecture tours or take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for views without hiking.
    • Relax by a pool or check out the local bars for food and drinks.
  • San Diego (3 nights):
    • Explore Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy for nightlife, food, and breweries.
    • Beaches: La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, or Mission Beach.
    • Optional: USS Midway Museum or Balboa Park for a cultural day.

Additional tips and things you might be missing:

  • Driving times: Be mindful of long drives, especially LA to Santa Barbara, and Grand Canyon to Sedona. Start early to avoid traffic and maximize sightseeing.
  • National parks: Make sure you have any required passes or timed entry reservations in advance.
  • Music & nightlife: LA, Vegas, and San Diego all have vibrant live music scenes—check local listings ahead of time.
  • Food: Don’t miss local favorites—In-N-Out Burger (classic), breweries in Santa Barbara and San Diego, and Mexican food in Southern California.
  • Packing: September can still be hot in desert areas, cooler in coastal cities. Bring sunscreen, hats, and layers for the evening.
  • Optional day stops: Consider small scenic detours such as Mojave National Preserve, Route 66 sections, or Antelope Valley for a quirky photo opportunity.

Overall, your itinerary is solid, balancing city, desert, and nature. If anything, ensure you have enough time in each place to enjoy without feeling rushed. Your mix of interests—music, food, beer, occasional hikes—fits well with this route.

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