Join the family on an adventure in the western United States featured on Smber. We have adapted the route so that there is something for everyone in the family; big cities, national parks, beaches, wildlife, shopping and more.
This car trip is adapted for families who would like to go on adventures together in the western United States. The trip starts in San Francisco, where you have a few days on your own before you pick up your rental car and drive to Monterey. Monterey is a great starting point to see the most beautiful that Highway 1 has to offer without going down to Los Angeles. Therefore, you have a few days in the city to visit Big Sur or go on a whale safari in the bay. Yosemite is the next stop on the journey. Fantastic nature experiences await there among waterfalls, huge redwood trees, mountains and wildlife. Also visit the ghost town of Bodie and Death Valley before heading on to Las Vegas. In Las Vegas you can go to a show or walk down the Strip. Continue along the legendary Route 66, past the impressive Hoover Dam to the Grand Canyon. Here you can explore the national park on horseback together or go on shorter walks. From the Grand Canyon, you continue to Los Angeles via Lake Havasu, where you can stop and swim. Los Angeles is the perfect place to end your trip. The city offers sunbathing at Santa Monica, bike rides along the beach in Venice Beach, sightseeing in Hollywood and Universal Studios.
Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia and arrival in San Francisco
Departure from Scandinavia to San Francisco with arrival the same day. After arrival you go to the hotel in the city and have the rest of the day to explore.
Day 2: On a voyage of discovery in San Francisco
You have two full days to see the many sights and attractions in San Francisco. Experience the atmosphere of Fisherman’s Wharf, visit Alcatraz or rent a bike and cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to see the huge redwood trees of the Muir Woods National Monument. In the evening, dine in one of San Francisco’s specialties, each offering its own culture and gastronomy.
Day 3: San Francisco to Monterey via Highway 1 (195 km)
You pick up the rental car in downtown San Francisco and then head to Monterey while enjoying the beautiful drive along the Pacific Ocean. Monterey was founded in 1770 and has over time become the sardine capital of the Western Hemisphere. Many of the old sardine factories have today been converted into charming restaurants and shops. You can also take the popular and scenic 17-Mile Drive up the coast. Stop at the famous Pebble Beach and see the large mansions along the coast.
Day 4: Monterey, Whales and Big Sur
In Monterey Bay, there are good chances to see whales, which is best experienced on a whale safari in the bay. South of Monterey you will find Big Sur, which is one of the scenic parts along Highway 1 that offers plenty of lookout points, beaches and hikes.
Day 5: Monterey to YosemiteNational Park (300 km)
Today, the trip goes to one of America’s most spectacular national parks, namely Yosemite. You must not miss the striking beauty of Yosemite. Here you will see impressive cliffs, such as El Capital Monolith, Glacier Point and Half Dome, as well as large waterfalls that rush down for them. In Yosemite there are also many small rivers and meadows as well as large sequoia trees. In Yosemite Village you can visit the Valley Visitor Center, where you can read more about the many children’s activities in the park. In the Junior Ranger program, both children and adults learn about Yosemite’s wildlife and nature.
Day 6: YosemiteNational Park to MammothLakes via Bodie (165 km)
You have all day to explore Yosemite National Park and the area around Mammoth Lakes. Here you have the chance to see wild animals, such as bears and wolves. You can also take a short trip to the Tioga mountain pass and the ghost town of Bodie.
Day 7: MammothLakes to Las Vegas via Death Valley (525 km)
Drive from Mammoth Lakes to Las Vegas. On the way you pass through Death Valley. Here is a barren landscape that has been shaped by the elements. Discover Badwater, which is 86 meters below sea level and is the lowest point in the United States. See the colored cliffs at Zabriskie Point or enjoy the view of the valley from Dante’s View.
Day 8: On a journey of discovery in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is open 24 hours a day, with everything from live shows to exciting casinos. Here you can take a walk along Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as “The Strip”. Each hotel and casino has its own theme and is fantastic to look at. Climb to the top of the Stratosphere Hotel, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Also visit the most famous hotels, such as Ceasars Palace, The Venetian and Paris for luxury shopping. If you are instead looking to bargain, you can go to one of the many outlet stores, which have designer clothes at discounted prices. Do not miss the fountain show at Bellagio.
Day 9: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon via Hoover Dam and Route 66 (470 km)
The road to the Grand Canyon goes via the impressive Hoover Dam and along the classic Route 66. Along Route 66 there are many old cars, classic diners and much more. With its overwhelming size and stunning colors, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s natural wonders. The huge size and brilliant colors make the place unique. In the area around the South Rim there are several viewpoints that can be reached by both shuttle bus and car. There are also many hiking trails in the area. Bright Angel Lodge has an excellent vantage point and there you can also enjoy a beautiful gallery and exciting exhibitions. Just like in Yosemite, there is also a Junior Ranger program in the park.
Day 10: Grand Canyon to LakeHavasu (370 km)
For an unforgettable and unique experience, we recommend that you get up early to see the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. The sun’s rays fall beautifully over the red rock walls and produce an innumerable number of shades. The experience is completely indescribable. Afterwards, it’s time to leave the Grand Canyon and drive on to the beautiful Lake Havasu. You can choose to drive through the pleasant city of Sedona and the beautiful scenery of the Prescott National Forest. At Lake Havasu you can see London Bridge or try the area’s many water sports activities.
Day 11: LakeHavasu to Los Angeles (480 km)
Today the trip goes to Los Angeles. Along the way there are a number of exciting stops, such as the town of Barstow, which has a genuine Route 66 atmosphere.
Day 12: On a voyage of discovery in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is America’s premier entertainment city. Famous stars and the Hollywood sign live here. The city practically swims in culture and events. Los Angeles is the perfect place to end your trip. The city offers activities for the whole family, such as sunbathing at Santa Monica, bike rides along the beach in Venice Beach, sightseeing in Hollywood and Universal Studios.
Day 13: Departure from Los Angeles
After two weeks in the western United States, the journey home. The time depends on when your flight to Sweden departs. It is possible to extend the trip with a stop in Washington, New York and / or Miami, among other places.
Day 14: Arrival in Scandinavia
Arrival in Scandinavia. Arrival time to Scandinavia depends on the airline.
