A road trip through the Southwest of the Unites States
For a first introduction to the United States, a road trip through the Southwest is an excellent choice. You'll travel through the states of Nevada, Utah, Arizona and California. Together, these states offer the perfect combination of vibrant cities and stunning natural beauty i the national parks. Start in the City of sin, Las Vegas, and end your trip after three weeks in San Diego.
Las Vegas
Upon arrival at Las Vegas Airport, you can pick up your rental car directly at the Alamo desk. Take some time to acclimatise to Vegas. Walk along The Strip and enjoy the fountains of the Bellagio or the volcano at The Mirage. A visit to the city isn't complete without a photo stop at the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign near the Mandalay Bay Hotel. From Vegas, you can also take great day trips to Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam or Valley of Fire.
National parks in Utah
From Las Vegas, you can first visit Zion National Park, about a 355-kilometre drive. Cars are not allowed in Zion, but free shuttle buses take you to all the highlights. If you have the time, book a tour with a park ranger, thay cna tell you everything about the park's history.
The next national park is Bryce Canyon. The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon offers stunning views, and the landscape is completely different, making both parks well worth a visit. Here too, you can make use of free shuttle buses.
Moab
Drive via Scenic Byway 12 past Canonville and Escalante towards Moab, where you can refuel and grab a bite to eat. Near Moab, you'll find Arches National Park. This park offers views you may only have seen as your screensaver before. Visit highlights such as Balanced Rock, Double Arch and Delicate Arch. About an hour away is Dead Horse Point, shaped like a giant horseshoe and tryly impressive to see in real life.
Dead Horse Point
Grand Canyon
When leaving Utah, it's best to head south into Arizona, where you'll find the famous Grand Canyon National Park. You can enjoy great hikes here, but renting a bike is also a good option. Cycling allows you to explore more of the Rim, which stretches for about 450 kilometres. Free shuttle buses also operate in the park, so you can leave your car parked. Be sure to take plenty of photos, this is an unforgettable experience.
Towards California
Drive west into California and visit Death Valley. It can be a challenge for those with a fear of heights, but once you've driven the narrow, steep road up to Dante's View, You'll understand why it's worth it. This spot offers panoramic views over the valley.
For even more scenic views, drive the Artist Drive, where you'll see colourful rock formations. Afterwards, take a break from the national parks and visit the small town Bishop. Here you can eat, stay overnight and take a trip to the ghost town of Bodie.
Yosemite & San Francisco
From Bodie, drive the Tioga Pass, one of the ost beautiful routes leading into Yosemite National Park. It's the most popular, and busiest, park in the United States. However, you can easily escape the crowds by walking just a little further into the park. Relax on the grass at the base of El Captain and enjoy breathtaking views from Glacier Point.
Then continue to San Francisco, a fantastic city known for its atmosphere, waterfront location, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Union Square, Sausalito, the Painted Ladies and Pier 39. There's so much to see.
Los Angeles
From San Francisco, take Highway 1 towards Los Angeles. This direction is ideal, as the oceaan will be on your right, making it easy to stop for photos along the way. Stoops worth making include Monterey, the famous 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur. In Los Angeles, you can rent a bike to explore the luxurious homes of Beverly Hills or stroll along Sunset Boulevard and Venice Beach. You can also visit theme parks such as Disneyland.
San Diego
The final stop of your trip is San Diego, just above the Mexican border. A trip to the United States isn't complete without attending a baseball game, experience the atmosphere at a San Diego Padres game. A must-visit in downtown San Diego is the historic Gaslamp Quarter. This marks the end of your journey through the Southwest of the United States. You can return your rental car at San Diego international Airport.
