10 Day road trip itinerary

Question

I was hoping to do a 10 day road trip starting and ending in LA and then stopping at:

* Las Vegas

* Yosemite

* San Francisco

I wanted a max of 5 hours driving a day, and so far I've got

- Start in LA for 3 nights (Wed to Fri)

- 4 hour drive to Las Vegas and then 2 nights there (Sat & Sun )

- 7 hour drive to Yosemite and then 1 night there (Mon)

- 3.5 hour drive to San Francisco and 2 nights there (Tue & Wed)

- 3 hour drive to Monteray and 1 night there (Thur)

- 3.5 hour drive to Pismo beach and 1 night there (Fri)

- 3 hour back to LA

Is there anywhere to stop between Las Vegas and Yosemite? 7 hours is too long for us to drive in one day.

Also - I was thinking of going the other way around - i.e. up to Pismo beach first rather than Las Vegas - is there any other way to do this?

We're a family of 5 - travelling with one Type 1 diabetic, and one Coeliac

Answer

Your 10-day road trip plan is ambitious but doable, and it’s wise to consider stops and adjustments to keep driving times manageable, especially traveling with a Type 1 diabetic and a family member with coeliac disease. Seven hours from Las Vegas to Yosemite in a single day is long, so splitting the drive is a good idea.

Between Las Vegas and Yosemite, here are some potential stopover options that reduce driving time and offer interesting sights:

Bakersfield: Roughly halfway between Las Vegas and Yosemite via CA-58. Offers hotels, restaurants, and basic amenities for a comfortable overnight stay. Driving time from Las Vegas would be about 3–4 hours, and then around 3–4 hours to Yosemite the next day.
Lone Pine/Death Valley area: If you want scenic desert views, you can stop in Lone Pine near the Alabama Hills. Slight detour but very picturesque, ideal for stretching legs and photos. Driving from Las Vegas ~4–5 hours, then ~3–4 hours to Yosemite.
Oakhurst or Mariposa: If you prefer to be closer to Yosemite for an early start, consider stopping in Oakhurst or Mariposa in the southern Sierra foothills. Driving from Las Vegas ~6 hours, but shorter drive into Yosemite the next morning.

Regarding the order of your trip, traveling up the coast first (Pismo Beach, Monterey, San Francisco) and then heading inland to Yosemite and Las Vegas is possible but changes the dynamic:

LA → Pismo Beach → Monterey → San Francisco → Yosemite → Las Vegas → LA. This route keeps coastal drives shorter and scenic, but the stretch from Yosemite to Las Vegas is still 6–7 hours, so you may still want a stop like Bakersfield or Lone Pine.
This reverse route emphasizes coastal scenery first and may be easier for the family if you prefer a gradual inland climb rather than desert heat early in the trip.

Some additional tips for your family’s needs:

Plan meals ahead, especially gluten-free options, and ensure diabetic-friendly snacks are readily available. Many larger towns along the route, like Bakersfield, offer grocery stores and health food options.
Book accommodations that allow easy access to kitchens or nearby dining to accommodate dietary requirements.
Consider breaking longer drives into two segments with scenic stops to allow everyone to stretch and manage health needs comfortably.

Overall, your proposed route is reasonable, but adding a midway stop between Las Vegas and Yosemite will make the drive less exhausting and more enjoyable for the whole family. Whether you choose to go up the coast first or hit Las Vegas first, planning for shorter driving segments each day will help you maintain energy and flexibility.

10 Day road trip itinerary

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