The best 3-week USA road trip holidays

Legendary national parks, mythical roads, iconic cities, stunningly beautiful scenery... in my opinion, the American West is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

And it's not always easy to put down on paper the best itinerary for enjoying its one-of-a-kind sights.

Luckily for you, our unconditional love for the Western U.S. and our expertise mean that we can now reveal the best 3-week USA road trip holidays 

By car or by RV, here are the must-see destinations to add to your itinerary.
 

Map of our 3-week tour of the American West

Summary of the 3-week road trip

Days 1-3 : San Francisco 

Welcome to San Francisco, which I wouldn't hesitate to call THE most beautiful city in the American West.

Right from the start, you'll feel as if you've been thrust into one of your favourite American TV series.

Two and a half days to visit San Francisco should be enough to cover all the must-sees of the city.

After picking up your rental car, head to the hotel to freshen up and drop off your luggage.

Then set off to explore the city on foot, or why not jump on the first cable car? I warned you, you're the lead actor in your favourite series

To get your trip off to a great start, I suggest heading to the top of the 65-metre Coit Tower . Its observation deck offers one of the most beautiful views of the city.

Spend Days 2 and 3 of your 3-week American West tour visiting these legendary sites:

• Fisherman’s Wharf : A series of wharves dotted with shops, restaurants and museums. A stop at Pier 39 is a must to admire the sea lions basking in the sun. There's also a great view of Alcatraz from here.
• Alamo Square : One of San Francisco's most iconic photo spots, where you can photograph the superb, colourful “Painted Ladies” of Steiner Street.
• Golden Gate Bridge : Whether you're cycling across it, passing under it on a cruise or admiring it from the famous Vista Point, you won't be able to resist this legendary view.
• Alcatraz : Book your tickets in advance for a tour of the world's most (in)famous prison.

Days 4-5 : Yosemite  (315 km / 03:36) 

Let the Western USA road trip begin!

Start your 3-week tour with a visit to one of the most spectacular parks in the American West: Yosemite. 

This nature-filled two-day visit will feature landscapes of massive granite cliffs, dizzying waterfalls and giant sequoias, not to mention all the biodiversity you'll be delighted to admire at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Start your visit with the Yosemite Valley area of the park .

After almost 4 hours on the road, you'll be glad to stretch your legs with a walk to the magnificent Yosemite Falls which, at 739 metres, is one of the highest waterfalls in North America.

If you still have some time, head to Tunnel View  for lovely views of Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan. If not, be sure to spend some time in this area the following day.

Stay in the Yosemite Valley area for the start of your second day and make your way to Glacier Point  where one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Southwestern United States awaits you. 

Next, go hiking at Mariposa Grove , the park's largest grove of giant sequoias. I particularly recommend the trail that leads to the California Tunnel Tree , a tree through which a tunnel was dug at the end of the 19th century.

CAR RENTAL PRICE COMPARISON TOOL

Day 6 : Mammoth Lakes  (164 km / 02:22) 

It's time to hit the road again and head for Mammoth Lakes.

Today your American West tour takes you into the  heart of the Sierra Nevada via the Tioga road , one of the most beautiful scenic roads in North America.

Mammoth Lakes is a true paradise for outdoors enthusiasts and a great way to break up the long drive to Death Valley.

Just 30 minutes away, discover the Devil Postpile National Monument , which can be reached along a short trail. Here you will see a very rare geological phenomenon: 60-foot-high basalt columns. 

If you need to relax a bit (you're on vacation, after all!), I recommend the Hilltop Hot Springs , a secret well kept by the locals. Located on a hilltop in the plain, these springs boast a magnificent view of the Sierra Nevada.

 

Day 7 : Death Valley  (291 km / 03:07) 

This morning, head to Death Valley, about a 3-hour drive from Mammoth Lakes. Although the name may be chilling, your apprehension will soon give way to ecstasy as you discover the diverse landscapes of Death Valley.

Must-sees include Zabriskie Point with its lunar landscape, Artists Palette and its brilliant colours, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin , a dry lake bed with the distinction of being the lowest point in North America. All these attractions are also the most photogenic spots in Death Valley.

Beware if you visit in summer: temperatures can reach 45 degrees Celsius in the valley. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection if you want to come back from Death Valley alive 

 

Days 8-9 : Las Vegas  (242 km / 02:26)

If San Francisco is the most beautiful city in the American West, Las Vegas is without a doubt the most eccentric.

Get ready for a radical change of scenery after your morning in Death Valley: welcome to the world of flamboyant hotels, neon signs, luxury cars and Elvis lookalikes.

Since you only have 24 hours to visit Las Vegas, I suggest you focus on “the Strip”, which stretches for around 6 km between the Stratosphere and the Mandalay Bay hotel.

Put on some good walking shoes and explore on foot. Visit the most beautiful resorts, which are real attractions in their own right. Among the most spectacular, I suggest the Wynn, Treasure Island, the Venetian. or Paris Las Vegas if you're craving croissants and baguettes.

In the evening, don't miss the sound and light show at the Bellagio fountains .

Love it or hate it, Sin City is an essential stop on any tour of the American West!

 

Day 10 : Zion  (325 km / 03:12) 

On the road again !

If you get an early enough start in the morning, I suggest you add Valley Of Fire  to your itinerary. You can simply drive through the park or take the opportunity to do a hike like the one that leads to the famous Fire Wave , an incredible formation of striped sandstone waves that is highly photogenic.

If you're in a hurry to reach Zion, I suggest setting off early in the morning to drive the scenic Mount Carmel highway . At that time of day, the light over the park is exceptional.

Take the time to stop at Canyon Overlook  to admire the singular beauty of this legendary western park with its canyon lined with ash and poplar trees, and its immense sandstone monoliths.

If you're travelling between mid-March and late September, note that the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive  is only accessible by shuttle bus. The shuttle serves a total of 8 different stops, the starting points for numerous hikes.

Some of the best known are Angels Landing , The Narrows , and Emerald Pool Trail , which I recommend if you're taking a family road trip.

 

Day 11 : Bryce Canyon  (112 km / 01:16)

A short drive awaits you today. This is Day 11 of your 3-week tour of the western United States, and you've already driven more than 1,500 km.

You're leaving one spectacular park for another that's just as spectacular: Bryce Canyon.

The lush vegetation of Zion gives way to a jumble of tapering sandstone columns and pillars, also known as "hoodoos", forming a natural amphitheatre, the only one of its kind in the world.

24 hours at Bryce Canyon will allow you to take in the best the park has to offer. Spend the morning on the Rim Trail  and the most spectacular viewpoints such as Bryce Point and Inspiration Point .

In the afternoon, head down into the heart of the amphitheatre via the Queens Garden Trail and enjoy a close look at the orange-hued "fairy chimneys".

End the day on a high note with a sunset from Sunset Point .

In high season, the park offers a free shuttle service to provide easy access to the main highlights of the Bryce amphitheatre.

 

Day 12 : Lake Powell  (233 km / 02:27)

All aboard! Today we're heading for Lake Powell, whose azure waters are a striking contrast to the red and pink rock that surrounds it. 

A real playground for boaters, the 2nd-largest man-made body of water in North America is part of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, 1.25 million acres dedicated to preserving the area's natural treasures.

There are two must-sees in the area, which I suggest you include in your tour itinerary: 

• Horseshoe Bend : a 30-minute hike leading to the famous view of a horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River.
• Antelope Canyon : narrow rocky rifts formed by erosion and renowned for the play of light as the sun's rays enter the canyon. Whether you choose Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, the beauty of the place will leave you speechless. A true wonder of the American West.

 

Day 13 : Monument Valley  (277 km / 02:37)

Today's destination is Monument Valley, a legendary, mythical place that is a must for any road trip to the American West.

After stopping at the Visitor Center , where you'll have an incredible view of the buttes , take the Monument Valley Scenic Drive . Please note that the road is unpaved and is not recommended for all types of vehicles. If you're not properly equipped, you can book a place on an organized tour or negotiate a private tour with a Navajo guide by 4X4, on foot or on horseback.

This 27 km route will take you to some extraordinary viewpoints, such as John Ford Point , the Three Sisters , Camel Butte and Elephant Butte .

Finish your day with a drive along Highway 163 to see the famous Forrest Gump Point  before returning to the Visitor Center for a spectacular sunset over Monument Valley.

And so your day in the iconic Wild West comes to end, your head full of lovely memories and your memory card full of photos

 

Days 14-15 : Grand Canyon  (369 km / 03:53)

The adventure continues with the Grand Canyon, the emblem par excellence of the wide open spaces of the American West.

Focus on the South Rim, which is the most impressive and the easiest to access.

Begin your Grand Canyon experience at Mather Point , one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the park, located near the Visitor Center. 

If you feel like it, stretch your legs with a walk to Hopi Point  (about a 90-minute walk).

Between the two, I suggest stopping off at Grand Canyon Historic Village . Alternatively, you can discover the most beautiful viewpoints on the South Rim Trail by taking a free shuttle bus.

The following day, take the opportunity to go hiking or to go for a drive along Desert view Drive , which is not covered by the shuttle service. It provides access to spectacular viewpoints such as Grandview Point and Desert View , where a stone watchtower on a promontory overlooking the canyon offers a 360-degree view.

Finally, treat yourself to the ultimate experience of a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon .

It's the experience of a lifetime!

 

Day 16 : Barstow  (605 km / 05:36)

This morning, spend a little more time enjoying the Grand Canyon before heading to Barstow.

Today is the longest driving day of your 3-week American West tour.

A stopover town along the iconic Route 66, Barstow promises a trip back in time with its retro look and its diners straight out of an American TV sitcom. Speaking of which, don't miss Peggy Sue's Diner, a Route 66 institution and an experience in its own right.

Near Barstow, I suggest a visit to the ghost town of Calico , a former mining town founded in the days of the silver rush.

 

Days 17-18 : Los Angeles  (204 km / 02:02)

Today, set a course for Los Angeles, the last major city on your 3-week American West tour.

The City of Angels has a rather inefficient public transit system, so to make the most of your time, you'll need to use your car to visit the city's many attractions.

Since you have 2 days to visit Los Angeles, here are the must-sees you won't want to miss:

• Beverly Hills : A neighbourhood known for its luxury homes and Rodeo Drive, lined with palm trees and high-end boutiques.
• Hollywood Boulevard : Not exactly glamorous but worth the detour to see the famous stars lining the sidewalks. 
• Film studios : Universal Studios is my favourite. The World Famous Studio Tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at special effects and everything that goes into making a movie. Harry Potter fans will be delighted to immerse themselves in the world of magic and wonder of the world's most famous wizard.
• Santa Monica : A luxury seaside resort on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to visit the Santa Monica Pier, the end of the legendary Route 66 connecting Chicago to Los Angeles. 
• Venice Beach : Take a walk on the boardwalk. This seaside resort is as bohemian as it is eccentric. One of my favourite places in L.A. 

 

Day 19 : Pismo Beach  (278 km / 02:52)

Your American West tour continues with Pismo Beach, a small but pleasant stop-off point on the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Surrounded by hills and sand dunes, the town boasts an ideal seaside location.

Local activities include swimming, hiking, kayaking, surfing and golf.

At the end of the day, head to 365-metre-long Pismo Beach Pier to admire the sunset.

And if you want to take a break from driving, be sure to stop off in Solvang , one of the most beautiful villages in California.

 

Day 20 : Monterey  (252 km / 02:31)

The last stop on your American West tour is Monterey, a picturesque and authentic little fishing town.

Getting there involves 252 km of pure pleasure along the magnificent Highway 1 .

Crank up the music, roll the windows down and enjoy this legendary route, one of the most scenic drives in the American West.

 All you need is a convertible to make it perfect!

A few of the must-see stops along the way:

• McWay Falls : A 24-metre waterfall cascades over a sheer cliff directly onto the beach in a heavenly setting.
• Pfeiffer Beach : Known for its arch-shaped rock and the beauty of its sunsets.
• Bixby Bridge : This icon of the Pacific Coast Highway is certainly one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
• 17-Mile Drive : A road through one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the western USA with ocean views as far as the eye can see. 

 

Day 21 : San Francisco (193 km / 02:01)

We've come to the end of our best 3-week tour of the American West.

This morning, you leave the beautiful Monterey area and head back to San Francisco airport for your flight home.

As they say, you have to leave in order to come back...

 

And there you go!

Only have two weeks for your trip? We've got you covered with our best two-week tour of the American West

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below!