2-Week US Road Trip : Los Angeles to Sedona

We love LA and especially staying in Santa Monica. The gorgeous seafront, laid-back vibe, fully walkable district with cute cafes and easy bike ride along the boardwalk. Stay at Santa Monica Proper Hotel, close to Santa Monica Pier. You have easy access to the beach, Pacific views, Palisades Park, and Muscle Beach. Rent bikes or scooters to ride along the boardwalk. Stop by Venice Beach to look at the art stores, surf shops, and watch the skateboarders. We also loved Third Street Promenade and Main Street, filled with shopping, cafés – you’ll find anything from Sushi to Steak. There is so much to fill your time in LA. There are five main districts, and many sights. Universal Studios brings joy (even without kids). Take numerous tours such as Celebrity homes and Hollywood bus tours. There are also Warner Bros. Studio tours, Paramount Studio Tours. For car fans, head to the Petersen Automotive Museum, or the Griffith Observatory and California Science Center. The Getty Center and LA County Museum of Art offer art and culture. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, head to Griffith Park or take a walk to the iconic Hollywood sign. LA will you keep you busy for days!

You can get around in LA via taxi or car service, but you should rent a car for a trip to Santa Monica and the rest of your West Coast to Phoenix trip.

Malibu is a 25-minute drive up the coast. In addition to Malibu’s gorgeous beaches, you can also visit the stunning scenery and burgeoning wine scene. Book a Malibu Wine Safari or a Malibu wine Hike. Malibu’s best known beaches are El Matador State Beach and Zuma Beach, or take a walk along the Malibu Pier, and have lunch at Malibu Farm, which is filled with local products. If you love art and culture, don’t miss out on The Getty Villa – with a collection from Ancient Greece and Rome. Love these restaurants, Nobu Malibu, Carbon Beach Club, Malibu Farm, and Geoffrey’s Malibu for gorgeous views.

Take a road trip along Pacific Highway south to San Diego. Make stops at New Port for lunch with harbor views and Laguna Beach to visit the many galleries, cafés, and gardens of Heisler Park. Arrive in San Diego. Stay at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa just outside of La Jolla or La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla center. In the heart of San Diego is the historic Gaslamp Quarter where Victorian-style buildings and modern skyscrapers meet – find the coolest restaurants, art galleries, theaters, and boutiques. Spend time in La Jolla and its scenic coastal views and gorgeous sunsets. You’ll also find Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and the New Children’s Museum to entertain the smaller members of the family.

Drive inland today and spend the night in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a 2-.5-hour drive from San Diego. Stop by Pioneer town, which is an old western movie set and is now a popular tourist destination. Head into the park to watch the sunset and after dark check in. Joshua Tree AutoCamp, where you’ll stay the night in an Airstream with a private outdoor shower and private patio where you can star-gaze. Pappy & Harriets is popular for dinner.

Get up early the next day and head into Joshua Tree. Drive to Keys View to see the park in early light and stop at Cap Rock Nature Trail loop, which spans approximately half a mile round trip. Grab some snacks for the road. Next stop is Las Vegas – about 3.5 hours.

Once in Las Vegas, check into the Mandalay Bay or Four Seasons - both in the Mandalay Bay complex, which has an amazing outdoor pool and beach area. With so many shows and exhibits to see, choosing what you want to do in Vegas will be the hardest part of your stay. Make sure to book these before you go so you don't have to wait. The Sphere is the newest and most popular of Vegas experiences.

One of the most highly recommended activities to do in Vegas is to see the Grand Canyon, and the best way to do this is from the air. Book a full-day tour via helicopter to see this amazing site from the sky, an unforgettable experience!

Leave Las Vegas early as you head to Sedona National Park. This will be the longest drive of your road trip, about 4h30. The majestic red cliffs and milder climate of Sedona is what draws people here. There are so many ways to enjoy this setting – mountain biking, hiking, meditation, and spiritual journeys, ATV tours, rock climbing, tennis, and pickle ball, or just chilling by the pool in the shadow of the cliffs. Stay at Enchantment Resort, which is surrounded by these magnificent cliffs as you connect with nature.

The last part of your trip will be a short drive to Phoenix airport to fly home!