Love this? Share it!

Looking for an incredible adventure? Consider going on an 1-month West Coast road trip. You’ll love the stunning scenery, breathtaking views, magical landscapes, bustling wildlife, and — of course — incredible memories! And to help you out, I’ve put together this ultimate 1-month USA West Coast road trip itinerary that’ll blow your mind!

The ultimate 1-month USA West Coast road trip itinerary that'll blow your freakin' mind.

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

There’s nothing better than the big open road, a car with a full tank of gas, good company, and the opportunity for endless adventures.

That’s exactly what Dan and I experienced when we embarked on our incredible 1-month USA road trip across the West Coast earlier this year. In just 30 days, we visited 14 different states, nearly hit 8,000 miles in our little van, and made incredible memories. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Within these 14 days, we experienced a good number of things — both good and bad…

✓ Camped out in numerous Wal-Mart parking lots, only to be woken up by late-night truckers and visitors.

✓ Ate one of the best vegan donuts ever, as well as my first vegan sausage McMuffin.

✓ Viewed the Mexico/US border from our car while driving to New Mexico from Dallas.

✓ Hiked in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix.

✓ Drove through the darkness to find a good FREE camping spot and star gazed in the middle of nowhere near Sedona, AZ.

✓ Explored the nooks and crannies of Zion National Park.

✓ Experienced strange things on the Las Vegas strip (completely sober BTW).

✓ Got locked out of our van in Yosemite National Park (yep — we were those people!).

✓ Unlocked the van with a piece of string, a stick, and sheer willpower.

✓ Walked with the giants (Giant Sequoia’s that is) in Sequoia National Park.

✓ Camped on a desolate beach on the California Coast (only to be almost caught by the DNR when we woke up!).

✓ Saw endless ocean views along the stunning Oregon Coast.

✓ Drove through blizzard-like weather in Montana.

✓ Made a few Buffalo friends while in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.

✓ Safely made it back home to good ol’ Minnesota.

No doubt, it was an incredible adventure! In the end, this unbelievable west coast trip just made me realize how much the United States really has to offer in terms of amazing natural beauty and fantastic places to explore.

So, with that in mind, are you ready to explore the United States with this awesome 1-month West Coast drive that’ll completely blow your mind? I thought so.

Side Note: This itinerary can also be used as just a general outline and inspiration! Bend it to your will and use it for West Coast road trip ideas; tailor it to find the perfect adventure for you!

Psst, ever thought about renting an RV for your US road trip adventure? Click HERE to read my post on 5 reasons why you need to rent one. (Hint: these reasons are pretty awesome!)

THE ULTIMATE 1-MONTH USA WEST COAST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Since Dan and I nearly drove straight from Minnesota to Dallas, TX in the span of a day and a half, I definitely don’t expect you to start there.

So, because Arizona is damn near my favorite state ever, this mind-blowing west coast USA road trip starts in Phoenix and takes you through incredible national parks, breathtaking landscapes, and along spectacular coastal roads.

You’ll end in Seattle, Washington, where you can easily hop on another flight to get back to where you need to be!

QUICK SUMMARY: 

  • Day 1-3: Phoenix, Arizona
  • Day 4-5: Sedona, Arizona
  • Day 6-7: Grand Canyon National Park
  • Day 8-10: Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Day 11-13: Death Valley National Park
  • Day 14-16: Sedona National Park
  • Day 17-20: Yosemite National Park
  • Day 21-22: Sacramento, California
  • Day 23-27: California/Oregon Coast
  • Day 28-29: Portland, Oregon
  • Day 30-31: Seattle, Washington

Additionally, keep in mind that this is just a general itinerary! You can pick and choose how you’d like to go about it. Like one destination more than you thought? Stay a bit longer! Not feeling the vibe of another destination? Peace out!

**One great thing about using Booking.com (which the accommodations are linked to) is that you can usually cancel last minute without being charged — which means you can be more flexible with your road trip!

Psst, before you pack up and head out, don’t forget to take a peek at my handy dandy list of 55+ essentials to pack for a long-term road trip!


Day 1: Phoenix, Arizona

Depending on how you arrive in Phoenix, whether it be by car or plane, the first day on your epic road trip adventure will no doubt be filled with fatigue and jet lag. Although, if you have the energy, it’s a great place to get out and explore.

If not, take that nap! You deserve it. We all deserve the naps.

If you’re looking for a great restaurant to eat in the day, depending on what time you arrive, check out my list on 10 fantastic vegan restaurants in Phoenix!

Vegan burrito, Phoenix. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Day 2-3: Phoenix, Arizona

Once you’ve rested and you’re reading to go, head out into the bustling city, as well as the city surroundings. Phoenix is a fantastic base for those who love to hike and those who love to shop. Whatever you’re choice, there’s options for everyone!

I recommend researching some awesome hikes in the nearby mountains; Superstition Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and the Phoenix Mountains. You can find some really great hiking trail suggestions here!

Additionally, if you’re not into hiking, the city of Phoenix offers a plethora of things to do.

Things to do in Phoenix:

  • Head into Scottsdale Old Town and explore the Wild West-looking buildings.
  • Check out the incredible Desert Botanical Garden and view adorable succulents, beautiful flowers, towering cacti, and gorgeous greenery!
  • Ready to view beautiful Phoenix from above? Go on a Sunrise Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride!
  • Depending on how hot it is, have a picnic in one of the many city parks.
  • Visit the Heard Museum, which is devoted to Native American civilizations.
  • Check out the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
  • Admire the Pueblo Grande Ruin.
  • Spend time outside at the Tempe Beach Park.
  • Explore the the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Ro Ho En.
  • Ultimately, get outside because the weather is usually spot-on and there are so many things to do in parks, greenery, and mountains of Phoenix, AZ!

P.S. Check out these day tours and excursions from Phoenix if you aren’t into planning activities yourself!

Downtown Scottsdale • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
The adorable Western-styled Downtown Scottsdale.

Where to stay in Phoenix:

As in many cities, there are various neighborhoods which are better than others! A few of my favorite suburbs of Phoenix are Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa.

Hiking near Phoenix. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Views when hiking near Phoenix.

Day 4-5: Sedona, Arizona

Out of all the destinations, I think Sedona, Arizona might be Dan and I’s favorite place.

The gorgeous red rock, non-existent light pollution, beautiful landscapes, and unbelievable star gazing won over our hearts. We spent one awesome night camping just outside Sedona’s city limits before heading up to the Grand Canyon and it was totally worth it!

Seriously, I can’t even tell you how many shooting stars we spotted. We spent hours outside looking at the crystal clear skies and crazy cool stars. It was an awesome night!

Plus, if you get to Sedona early, you can go on a tour through the awesome Red Rock State Park. Sedona is also a pretty cool town to check out, with its cute cafes, gift shops, and nice locals.

Things to do in Sedona, Arizona:

  • Hike one of the many different trails (like the Broken Arrow Trail — highly rated!).
  • Check out Oak Creek Canyon.
  • Visit Cathedral Rock.
  • Explore the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
  • Make your heart skip a beat by hiking the Devil’s Bridge Trail.
  • Check out one (or a few) of the many gift and specialty shops — the crystal shops are amazing here!
  • Visit the Palatki Ruins (super cool!).
  • Take a look at the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
  • View Sedona from above and watch the sunset from the Airport Mesa.
  • Marvel at the Palatki Ruins (Palatki Heritage Site), just outside of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest.

And if you want to stay in Sedona for a bit longer and make it your base, check out these awesome day tours and excursions which go from the city.

Psst, if you want a more detailed itinerary, click here to read a full guide on how to spend one day in Sedona!

Palatki Ruins. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
The ancient Palatki ruins built between AD 1150 – 1350. SUPER COOL.
Ancient hieroglyphics. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Ancient hieroglyphics in the Palatki ruins.

Where to Stay in Sedona:

Psst, want to camp out under the stars? Check out this post on how to find free RV camping around the US!

Also, if you want to spend more time in Arizona, don’t forget to check out my post on the ultimate 7-day Arizona road trip itinerary that explores Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona!

Starlit sky outside of Sedona. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
The stars outside of Sedona are also incredible.

Day 6-7: Grand Canyon National Park

No matter which route you take while traveling the west coast of America, you cannot — I repeat, you cannot! — miss out on the Grand Canyon!

Full of wonder and beauty, Grand Canyon National Park is a spectacular site in Northern Arizona which attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors each year. And when you first see it with your own eyes, it’s no wonder why.

Seriously, you may think you understand the enormity of it when you view the Grand Canyon in pictures, but they don’t do it justice! Its vast valley, mile deep ridges, and huge walls filled with the colors of red, orange, purple, and yellow is unbelievable.

Things to do in the Grand Canyon:

Sophie sitting in front of the Grand Canyon. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Have you ever heard of Minnesota? Here are 15 reasons why summers are better in MN!

Grand Canyon National Park. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Where to stay near or within Grand Canyon National Park:

Dan and I camped in one of the many National Park’s campgrounds — which I highly recommend! — but if you aren’t planning to camp, many accommodations are available.

Dan and Sophie in the Grand Canyon. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Day 8-10: Las Vegas, Nevada

The drive from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim entrance to Las Vegas, Nevada takes about 4-5 hours, depending on how many stops you make to take photos of the surroundings!

When you get to Las Vegas and check-in to your accommodations, get your butt out onto the strip and people watch!

Depending on how much time you have, you can spend 2-3 nights in Las Vegas. Dan and I didn’t drink while exploring Las Vegas but we had such a fun time just walking the strip, seeing what different places had to offer, and watching all the craziness!

Things to do in Las Vegas:

Las Vegas sign. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Where to stay in Las Vegas:

As you can imagine, there are numerous places to stay in Las Vegas! You can spend your top dollar at one of the many high-class hotels right on the strip or go for a budget accommodation somewhere on the outskirts.

Here are my recommendations:

  • If you want to go upscale and splurge, the Bellagio is the place to do it. With its beautiful interior, amazing fountain show, and excellent reviews, there’s no other hotel like it in LV.
  • A more affordable, yet just as great option is The Carriage House.
  • Into more of a condo style hotel? Try the Jet Luxury at The Vdara.
  • At just $60 per night, The LINQ Hotel and Casino is a super affordable option with pretty good reviews.
Las Vegas skyline. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Day 11-13: Death Valley National Park, California

Okay, okay, this might have been my most favorite part on Dan and I’s west coast road trip!

Death Valley National Park looks and feels like another freakin’ planet and it’s the coolest thing ever. As the biggest national park in the continental US, Death Valley has a lot to offer.

No doubt, the best to see it all (or at least see part of it), is to rent a car and simply drive around. You’ll be blown away by the red rock, vast views, endless landscapes, and Mars-looking mountains.

Although, if you want to do a tour around Death Valley, there are a few that go from Las Vegas!

Things to do in Death Valley National Park:

  • Visit Zabriskie Point.
  • Check out the Artists Palette.
  • Lookout at the landscape at Dante’s View.
  • Visit the wondrous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
  • Explore the Mosaic Canyon.
  • If you prefer to do tours, this Death Valley Day Trip tour goes from Las Vegas and is a full-day adventure filled with excitement.
Standing in Death Valley National Park. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Looking to be a more sustainable traveler? Check out these 20 helpful tips to get started.

Death Valley camping. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Waking up to this view in Death Valley was incredible.

Where to stay in Death Valley National Park:

Unfortunately, there’s not many place to stay within Death Valley National Park, but there’s a few nice places on the outskirts.

If possible, I highly recommend camping in the National Park. You can find a few great free campsites from this website.

  • A nice hotel in the middle of Death Valley and Sequoia National Park: Panamint Springs Hotel.
  • The Amargosa Opera House & Hotel is located in Death Valley Junction, near the California/Nevada border.
  • The Longstreet Inn & Casino is the nicest out of the three, but it’s actually in Nevada, near the border. If you decide to leave Las Vegas early, this is a nice spot in between LV and Death Valley National Park.
Death Valley views. • The Ultimate 1-Month USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Day 14-16: Sequoia National Park, California

Ready to see some giants? Giant trees, that is.

Sequoia National Park is one of the most popular national parks in California and after visiting, it’s easy to see why.

The Giant Sequoia and Redwoods, gorgeous views, breathtaking mountains, and incredible hikes are all worthy of the hype!

Things to do in Sequoia National Park:

  • Visit the General Sherman Tree.
  • Explore Grant Grove.
  • Stroll the General Grant Tree Trail.
  • Drive the Crescent Meadow Loop.
  • Simply drive through this spectacular national park and take in the beautiful scenery!

Where to stay in Sequoia National Park:

Similar to other national parks on the list, there’s no real places to stay within Sequoia National Park unless you decide to camp.

The best places to find accommodations near Sequoia NP is in Three Rivers, Badger, or Pinehurst.

Tip: If you’re visiting Sequoia National Park in the summer or in its busy season, make sure to book well in advance. Accommodations book up quickly and you don’t want to miss out on this place!

Day 17-20: Yosemite National Park, California

Even if you’re not from the United States, you might have heard of a magical not-so-little national park in America: Yosemite National Park.

One of my favorite stops on this West Coast America trip, Yosemite boasts breathtaking views, incredible mountains, lush forests, awesome hiking, magical wildlife, and overall an unbelievable atmosphere.

Things to do in Yosemite National Park:

  • Go hiking! One of the best things to do here, no doubt. You’ll find hundreds of trails; some are hard, some are easy but you’ll easily find one you’ll love!
  • Visit one of the many waterfalls. Some of the best include Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Chilnualna Falls.
  • Just sit back and enjoy the views! Yosemite National Park is incredible so don’t miss out on just taking everything in.
  • Go on a hiking adventure with a knowledgable guide! Cross the Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point off your bucket list with this Yosemite Hiking Excursion.

Vegan travel isn’t hard! Especially with these 10+ life-changing vegan travel tips.

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park:

Yosemite National Park is one of the best national parks where you can actually stay within the national park itself.

While camping here is also great, the accommodations are in abundance — and all are relatively wonderful.

  • The Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite has excellent reviews and is in the heart of the national park.
  • Yosemite View Lodge is one of the nearest accommodations near Yosemite Village and has some raving reviews. It’s also relatively affordable!
  • Located on the outskirts of Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is the budget accommodation on this list. At under $100 a night, it’s definitely affordable. Although, it’s not located in Yosemite itself.

Day 21-22: Sacramento, California

Even though Sacramento is the state capital of California, it’s not very big! And totally doable in one day.

Additionally, this city is totally optional. Dan and I didn’t spend much time here, only going to the California Automobile Museum because Dan is totes into cool cars.

So, if you need a little stop between Yosemite National Park and driving to the coast (because yes, the coast is next up on the list), Sacramento is a great place to have it.

No doubt, this west coast road trip itinerary is packed full of things to do and awesome adventures, so if you need a little chill day, have it here.

Things to do in Sacramento, California:

  • Like old and new cars? Check out the California Automobile Museum. (Dan LOVED this place!)
  • Visit the California State Railroad Museum.
  • Take a stroll through Old Sacramento.
  • Marvel at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
  • Admire the California State Capitol Museum.
  • Walk through one of the many city parks (William Land Park is particularly nice).
  • Wander about the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park.

Where to stay in Sacramento, California:

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

Day 23-27: California/Oregon Coast

One of my favorite destinations/regions on this USA road trip itinerary.

The California and Oregon Coast is filled with endless ocean views, heart-stopping cliffs, beautiful wildlife, captivating scenery, and incredible adventures!

(Check out this photo diary of the Oregon Coast if you don’t believe me!)

Even though Dan and I had to rush through the California and Oregon Coast, as we were running out of time, this particular road trip itinerary for the American West Coast focuses on spending 4 days meandering through the region.

Because, as one of the most beautiful parts of this itinerary, you need to spend time relaxing and admiring, rather than rushing!

Sample Itinerary for the California and Oregon Coast:

  • Pull up Google Maps and find a route from Sacramento to Fort Bragg. (This will take about 4 hours, depending on how much you stop.)
  • Fort Bragg has a beautiful glass sand that’s wonderful to explore. If you’d like, you can stay in Fort Bragg. There’s a good amount of affordable, nice hotels.
  • Next, you’ll head up to the Humboldt Redwoods State Park from Fort Bragg.
    • P.S. Make sure to venture off the 101 and go onto the Avenue of the Giants. A gorgeous drive through the massive redwoods! Stop off at one of the pull-offs and just walk around to feel the magic of this state park for yourself.
    • (This will take about 2 hours to arrive at the Avenue of the Giants from Fort Bragg.)
  • After the state park, you’ll hop back on the 101 towards Crescent City, which is near the California/Oregon border.
    •  Throughout this drive, there will be a number of pull-offs to stop at. The beaches are beautiful to walk amongst and the cliffside viewing areas are especially breathtaking.
  • Lastly, you’ll want to make your way towards Lincoln City, OR, to stay on the 101. After Lincoln City, you’ll make your way inland towards Portland.

Psst, ever thought about visiting Glacier National Park? Check out this post 32 photos of Glacier National Park that’ll blow your mind!

Where to stay along the California and Oregon Coast:

Day 28-29: Portland, Oregon

Another one of my favorite cities in the United States, Portland is full of fantastic things to do and is a must-see stop on this US west coast itinerary.

And even better?

It’s chock full of incredible vegan eateries, restaurants, cafes, and shops. As a vegan food fanatic, I love it! In fact, this city kind of reminds of Berlin, Germany; it’s hip, trendy, totally vegan-friendly, and packed with cool things to do.

Things to do in Portland, Oregon:

  • Wander through the most magical book store — Powell’s City of Books! One of my favorite things to do in Portland.
  • Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
  • Walk through the Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market.
  • Take a stroll through the Pittock Mansion, a century-old symbol of Portland’s dramatic transformation from a small lumber town to a bustling city.
  • Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, one of the nation’s leading science museums.
  • Grab a vegan donut at Voodoo Donuts (you won’t be disappointed!).
  • Explore the International Rose Test Garden and take in all the gorgeous sights and smells of the place.
  • Do a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and MT Hood.
  • Avid wine drinker? Check out this Willamette Valley Wine-Tasting Tour!

I recommend checking out this 2-day Portland itinerary for a more detailed guide on how to spend your time in this vibrant, hip city!

Where to stay in Portland, Oregon:

Are you a Harry Potter fan like me? Take a look at this post on the best Harry Potter sites and attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland (the birthplace of HP!).

Day 30-31: Seattle, Washington

One of the more iconic destinations on this west coast itinerary, Seattle, Washington, is a cool city just begging to be explored.

With its gum wall, Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and Museum of Pop Culture, it’s an incredible place to have an adventure.

Alas, I cannot tell lies… Dan and I didn’t actually visit Seattle. We bi-passed it completely to drive from Portland, OR, to Spokane, WA, to visit my sister. Although, it’s not logical to have you end in Spokane, am I right?

Thus, Seattle makes more sense, as it has a bigger airport if you’re planning to fly out.

Additionally, it has much, much more to do than Spokane. Overall, it just works out better as an ending point! Anyhow, without further rambling…

Things to do in Seattle, Washington:

  • Take a ride up the Space Needle to see Seattle from above.
  • Wander through the Pike Place Market.
  • Stroll along the Seattle Waterfront and relax on some of the nice beaches (yes, they do exist in Seattle!).
  • Explore Downtown Seattle and check out the restaurants, shops, eateries, theaters, and more.
  • Take a photo in front of the infamous Seattle Gum Wall (just down the road from the Pike Place Market!).
  • Venture down under and go on an Underground Tour!
  • Relax in one of Seattle’s many parks.
  • Get out on the water and admire Seattle from the sea on a boat tour.
  • Head out to the field and go to a baseball game.
  • Take a walk along one of the many trails surrounding the city.

Where to stay in Seattle:

  • Looking to splurge on your last city? Check out the Paramount Hotel. Located in the heart of Downtown Seattle, it has raving reviews and excellent customer service.
  • A more budget-friendly option is the Motif Seattle. At $197, it’s definitely one of the cheaper options throughout the city and has awesome reviews, as well as a great location.
  • One of the most affordable accommodations throughout Seattle is the HI – Seattle at the American Hotel Hostel; great reviews, $99 per night, and in Downtown Seattle.

What’s the Budget for a One-Month USA West Coast Road Trip?

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how to properly budget for this 1 month USA road trip. While everyone’s budget is going to be slightly different, as people generally like to spend their time differently, here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend.

  • Accommodation: $50-200 per night
  • Food & Drinks: $20-70 per day
  • Fuel: $250-300 total (roughly $.11 per mile)
  • Attractions: $0-100 per day
  • Insurance: $100-200 total (I highly recommend World Nomads travel insurance)
  • Car Maintenance: $50-150 total
  • Miscellaneous: $100-200

Since everyone likes to stay in different accommodations, eats different food, likes to go to different attractions, and do other miscellaneous activities, this budget is going to vary drastically.

To save on accommodation and eating at restaurants everyday, I couldn’t recommend renting an RV more. Use RVShare to explore your options!

Dan and I spent almost every night in our van, so we saved a ton on accommodation. Additionally, while we didn’t have a kitchen, we did use a Coleman camping stove to cook the majority of our meals, saving us loads of money.

Can I just say one word… wowza.

What a monster of a blog post, amirite?!

Although, no doubt, this American West Coast road trip itinerary is packed with helpful information, an easy to follow route, and — of course — awesome experiences!

If you want to discover what the best of the USA west coast has to offer, this itinerary delivers.

Have you visited the United States West Coast? Or have traveled around it? Additionally, let me know what you think of this itinerary in the comments! 

Sophie xx


Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:


Like this post on the ultimate USA west coast road trip itinerary? Pin it!

[lgc_column grid=”50″ tablet_grid=”50″ mobile_grid=”100″ last=”false”]

Want to have a great American adventure? Here's the ultimate 1-month USA west coast road trip itinerary to fuel your adventurous soul! | #USA #america #westcoast #california #coast #roadtrip #travel #adventure #inspiration #itinerary #unitedstates #travelplanning

[/lgc_column] [lgc_column grid=”50″ tablet_grid=”50″ mobile_grid=”100″ last=”true”]Looking to explore the beautiful America? Here's the ultimate 1-month USA west coast road trip itinerary to fuel your adventurous soul! | #USA #america #westcoast #california #coast #roadtrip #travel #adventure #inspiration #itinerary #unitedstates #travelplanning[/lgc_column]

Yay for transparency! This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure policy here.


Love this? Share it!