Best of the Southwest
California Coastlines, Desert Wonders & Canyon Landscapes
Experience the ultimate American Southwest adventure, combining California’s golden coastline with legendary desert highways, glamorous cities and some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in North America. Beginning beneath the palm trees of Los Angeles, this unforgettable self-drive journey follows the Pacific Coast through laid-back beach towns and vibrant cities before turning inland toward the vast landscapes of Arizona, Utah and Nevada.
Relax beside the ocean in San Diego and the desert luxury of Palm Springs before driving through the otherworldly scenery of Joshua Tree National Park and the dramatic red rock landscapes surrounding Sedona. Stand on the rim of the mighty Grand Canyon National Park, cruise stretches of the legendary Route 66, and finish beneath the neon lights of Las Vegas, with the option to explore nearby Death Valley National Park.
Combining iconic cities, epic scenery and unforgettable driving routes, this is the Southwest at its very best.
Perfectly balancing iconic cities, legendary highways and unforgettable natural wonders, this self-drive holiday is an incredible introduction to the American Southwest.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
14 night self drive holiday from £2,399pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Spend three nights exploring the beaches and attractions of Los Angeles
Relax in coastal San Diego and stylish Palm Springs
Explore Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon & Death Valley National Parks
Explore the red rock scenery surrounding Sedona
Your itinerary
DAYs 1-3: ARRIVE & EXPLORE LOS ANGELES
Beaches, Hollywood & California Dreams
Arrive into Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world and the perfect starting point for your Southwest adventure. Spend the next three days discovering the many sides of this vast and exciting city.
Relax along the iconic shores of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, hire bikes along the boardwalk or enjoy sunset views beside the famous Santa Monica Pier. Venture inland to explore Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the glamour of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive.
You’ll also have time to visit attractions such as Universal Studios Hollywood, the Getty Center or Griffith Observatory, where panoramic views stretch across the city towards the Pacific Ocean and the legendary Hollywood sign.
3 Nights in
Los Angeles, CA
Arrive &
Explore
DAYs 4-5: San diego
Coastal California & Relaxed Beach Life
Follow the Pacific Coast south towards San Diego, one of California’s most laid-back and scenic cities. Along the way, stop at beautiful coastal communities such as Huntington Beach, Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, where golden sands and surf culture define the Southern California lifestyle.
With two nights in San Diego, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the city’s near-perfect climate and relaxed atmosphere. Explore the stunning Balboa Park, visit the famous San Diego Zoo, or head to Coronado Island for wide sandy beaches and sweeping ocean views.
The lively Gaslamp Quarter also offers fantastic restaurants, rooftop bars and nightlife, making San Diego a wonderful blend of beach city relaxation and urban energy.
2 Nights in
San Diego, CA
120 miles
Days 6–7: palm springs
Ocean breezes, coastal charm and picture-perfect seaside towns filled with character
Leaving the Pacific coastline behind, head inland through the vineyards and rolling scenery of Temecula before arriving in stylish Palm Springs.
Surrounded by dramatic desert mountains and famous for its sunshine, Palm Springs has long been a playground for Hollywood stars and modernist architecture lovers. Spend your time relaxing beside the pool, exploring the city’s iconic mid-century buildings or enjoying the upscale restaurants, boutiques and galleries found throughout the downtown area.
For those wanting to explore further, nearby desert trails, golf courses and scenic drives offer even more ways to experience this luxurious desert oasis.
2 Nights in
Palm Springs, CA
130 miles
Day 8: lake havasu city
Joshua Tree National Park, Desert Highways and London Bridge!
Today’s drive takes you through the unforgettable landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. Famous for its twisted Joshua Trees, giant boulder formations and vast desert scenery, this National Park feels almost otherworldly.
Continue east into Arizona towards Lake Havasu City, where the original London Bridge was reconstructed stone by stone after being relocated from England in the 1970s. The waterfront setting and desert sunsets make this a memorable overnight stop.
1 night in Lake
Havasu City, AZ
195 miles
Days 9-10: SEDONA
Red Rock Landscapes & Canyon Scenery
Travel deeper into Arizona as the scenery gradually transforms into towering red rock formations and forested canyon landscapes. Arrive in Sedona, one of the Southwest’s most spectacular destinations.
With two nights here, you’ll have time to explore Sedona’s famous scenic drives, hiking trails and art galleries. Visit viewpoints such as Airport Mesa and Cathedral Rock, browse the town’s boutique shops and cafés, or drive through the stunning landscapes of Oak Creek Canyon.
Sedona’s peaceful atmosphere and dramatic scenery provide a wonderful contrast to the bright lights and bustling cities earlier in the journey.
2 Nights in
Sedona, AZ
245 miles
Day 11: grand canyon south rim
The Mighty Grand Canyon
Continue north through the forests and mountain scenery of Northern Arizona towards the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park.
Few places on Earth compare to the scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon. Spend the afternoon exploring viewpoints along the South Rim, watching the colours shift across the canyon walls as the sun begins to set. Sunrise and sunset here are particularly unforgettable experiences.
1 Nights at
Grand Canyon NP, AZ
115 miles
Days 12–14: las vegas
Historic Route 66, Neon Lights & Desert Wonders
After sunrise over the Grand Canyon, begin one of the most iconic drives of the entire trip as you follow stretches of the legendary Route 66 west towards Nevada, passing through towns such as Seligman, Hackberry and Oatman, this route captures the nostalgic spirit of America’s golden age of road travel. Along the way, you may also wish to stop at the remarkable Hoover Dam before arriving beneath the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.
Over the next two nights, experience everything Las Vegas has to offer, from world-famous casinos and spectacular live shows to rooftop bars, themed resorts and exceptional dining. Beyond the Strip, we highly recommend a day trip to Death Valley National Park, where salt flats, colourful badlands and dramatic desert scenery create one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the American West.
On your final day, enjoy some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before returning your car and heading to the airport for your overnight flight home.
2 Nights in
Las Vegas, NV
280 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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Our team have travelled extensively across the USA & Canada to ensure that they can give first hand, unrivalled experience when discussing our holidays.
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