Road trip 2025

Question

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

Answer

Hi Hannah,

Your road trip plan sounds incredible! You’ve already included many of the iconic destinations and a nice mix of city, nature, and scenic experiences. Here’s a detailed breakdown and some additional suggestions to enhance your California, Nevada, and Arizona adventure, tailored for your interests in music, food, beer, and hiking.

Los Angeles (2 nights)

Explore Hollywood and the Walk of Fame, but also check out the Arts District for street art and craft breweries.
Visit Griffith Observatory for panoramic city views and a short hike around the park.
Check out live music: The Troubadour and The Roxy often have great shows.
Food: Grand Central Market downtown has lots of local food options.

Santa Barbara (2 nights)

Walk along State Street for boutique shops, cafes, and local beer tasting rooms.
Hike the Inspiration Point trail for views of the city and coastline.
Visit the Funk Zone, a trendy area with galleries, wineries, and craft beer.

Las Vegas (2 nights)

Experience the Strip but also check out the Fremont Street Experience for a different vibe.
Consider a day hike at Red Rock Canyon—great desert scenery and short trails.
Food: Vegas has countless options; try local favorites off the Strip for a more authentic experience.

Grand Canyon (1 night)

Sunrise or sunset at the South Rim is unmissable—plan your short hikes along the Rim Trail.
If feeling adventurous, try a short segment of Bright Angel Trail.

Sedona (2 nights)

Stunning red rock hikes: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Devil’s Bridge are accessible and scenic.
Explore local art galleries and enjoy Sedona’s craft breweries and coffee shops.
Sunset at Airport Mesa is popular and beautiful.

Joshua Tree (1 night)

Stop at Joshua Tree National Park for short hikes and exploring unique rock formations.
Skull Rock and Hidden Valley are easy and iconic hikes.
Evening stargazing is amazing here—don’t miss it!

Palm Springs (1 night)

Relax by the pool and explore downtown Palm Springs for quirky shops and cafes.
Optional: Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a quick mountain hike with great views.

San Diego (3 nights)

Visit La Jolla Cove for sea lions and short coastal walks.
Explore Balboa Park: gardens, museums, and possibly live performances.
Check out the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife, food, and craft beer.
Optional day trip to Coronado Island or Torrey Pines State Reserve for hiking.

Additional Tips & Recommendations

Consider adding a scenic drive along Highway 1 between LA and Santa Barbara for coastal views.
Book popular hikes or tours in advance if possible, especially Grand Canyon or Joshua Tree guided activities.
Pack light layers for varying climates: coastal, desert, and mountain temperatures differ.
Your £10,000 budget is more than sufficient for hotels, meals, and activities, but booking accommodations early will save money and ensure availability.

Overall, your plan is well-paced with a good mix of city life, nature, and adventure. The itinerary should allow you to experience music, good food, craft beers, and some great hikes without feeling too rushed. The only optional addition could be a short stop in Malibu or along the Pacific Coast for a scenic break on your LA-Santa Barbara leg.

Enjoy your trip—it sounds like an amazing adventure!

Road trip 2025

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