A Perfect 10-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary
One of the best ways to see this magical place is by road. You'll be able to see breathtaking views no matter the time of day. The only driving you should do is down the interstate and back up. Let someone else worry about where they're going and just enjoy the backroads and small towns that make this country great. Here's the 10- day itinerary for a southwestern road trip:
Day 1 : Visit San Diego, California
San Diego is a city that's known for its beaches and beautiful weather, but there's more to it than that. If you're looking for a place to take your family on a road trip, this California city has a lot to offer.
First of all, if you're traveling with kids, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of attractions in San Diego. Sea World is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego, so make sure you get tickets ahead of time—it will save you time at the gate! There are also several beaches that are perfect for kids: Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and La Jolla Shores are all great options.
If you're looking for something more out of the ordinary than just sunbathing on a beach or watching dolphins jump through hoops at Sea World, then check out Balboa Park. Located downtown near the Gaslamp District (where many restaurants are located), this park features gardens, museums and open spaces where residents can relax. It's also home to many festivals throughout the year including Halloween Horror Nights at Halloween as well as Christmas lights in December/January!
Day 2 : Visit Los Angeles, California
A southwest road trip in Los Angeles is sure to be a memorable experience.
The city of Los Angeles, California is filled with many attractions that make it an excellent vacation destination. One of the most popular places to visit is Hollywood Boulevard, which has been the home of many famous actors and actresses over the years. You can also visit Universal Studios and see where some of your favorite movies were filmed, or go shopping at one of the many malls throughout the city.
There are also plenty of museums in Los Angeles that you can visit during your trip such as The Natural History Museum or The Museum Of Contemporary Art. If you're looking for some fun activities then there are a number of amusement parks such as Disneyland or Six Flags Magic Mountain that have rides and attractions for all ages! Also don't forget about Beverly Hills because they have some great restaurants as well as shops if shopping is something you enjoy doing while traveling!
Day 3 : Go sightseeing to Joshua Tree National Park, California
It's easy to get to, just an hour and a half from Los Angeles, and it's absolutely gorgeous. You'll find fields of Joshua trees, cactus plants, and rock formations everywhere you look—it's like being in another world!
There are tons of different activities you can do while you're there. If you want to hike or bike, there are plenty of trails that are easily accessible from the campgrounds or towns nearby (like Twentynine Palms). You can also go rock climbing or horseback riding if that's more your style. Or if you just want to sit back and relax, there are plenty of viewpoints where you can just sit back with your friends and enjoy the scenery.
If all that sounds good to you but maybe not quite enough for your next vacation? Don't worry—there are plenty of other national parks nearby too!
Day 4 : Enjoy the landscape in Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley National Park is huge—it covers 1.6 million acres and spans two states (California and Nevada). The landscape is stunningly diverse: you'll find sandy deserts, salt flats, mountains, canyons, forests, rivers and lakes. It's also an important habitat for wildlife like bighorn sheep, mountain lions and coyotes.
And then there's the weather. Temperatures in Death Valley are generally hot (sometimes up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit), but temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset. Even if it's chilly outside during the day, nights can be downright cold—temperatures often drop below freezing in winter months! So make sure to pack layers for all seasons.
Day 5 : Discover American History in Hoover Dam, Nevada
When you're in Las Vegas, it's hard to believe that there's something more to see around the corner. But when you take a road trip north to the Hoover Dam, you'll quickly realize that the desert isn't all glitz and glamor—there's also some serious natural beauty.
The Hoover Dam is one of the largest concrete structures in the world, and it's located just over an hour outside of Vegas. It was built as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal, which sought to provide jobs during The Great Depression by building major public works projects across America. It took over 5 years to build this massive structure, and even now it remains one of the most impressive feats of engineering in American history.
You can tour the inside of the dam itself or take a guided tour through one of its many visitors' centers. Either way, you'll get a chance to see how this massive structure was built from scratch and learn about its history from knowledgeable guides who are experts in engineering archaeology!
Day 6 : Enjoy Amenities and Restaurants in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (South Rim)
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most populated area and has a wide variety of amenities and attractions, including restaurants, hotels and shops. The area also offers many educational programs on geology, history and astronomy. There are hiking trails that begin at the rim and lead into the canyon proper, as well as tours by bus or helicopter, which can be booked in advance or on-site depending on your preference. You can also take a scenic drive along Highway 64, which offers views of the Colorado River and Pine Creek Canyon.
If you choose to stay overnight at one of the many resorts near the park entrance (such as Bright Angel Lodge), you'll likely find yourself close to several restaurants within walking distance from your hotel room. You may also want to consider packing some snacks for yourself before leaving home since there aren't any grocery stores inside Grand Canyon National Park itself (but there are plenty nearby).
Day 7 : Go for a hike on Sedona, Arizona (Red Rock Country)
Sedona, Arizona is known for its natural beauty, and it's no wonder. From the red rock formations that dot the landscape to the lush forests of pine trees that surround you, there's no shortage of things to see here. It's a great place for a road trip, but if you're short on time or just want to see the highlights, we've got you covered!
Our first stop is Red Rock State Park, where you can hike through a desert forest full of giant sycamore trees and find your way to an old homestead from the 1800s. Next up is Bell Rock Crossroads, where you can see some amazing views of Bell Rock (the tallest freestanding rock in Arizona). From there it's on to Cathedral Rock Trailhead, where you'll find plenty of places to take photos of Cathedral Rock—the namesake mountain for this particular trailhead.
Finally, we recommend driving down Oak Creek Canyon Road until you reach Tuzigoot National Monument. There are several trails here that lead into the canyon and offer beautiful views from above—just make sure you have enough gas in your tank before heading out on this drive!
Day 8 : Enjoy the nature at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Antelope Canyon, Utah
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Antelope Canyon are two popular tourist destinations in the United States.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located in southeastern Utah near the Arizona border. It is home to a number of natural landmarks including buttes, mesas, and sandstone formations that resemble giant pyramids.
Antelope Canyon is one of many slot canyons in the region that have been carved out over time by water flowing through cracks in the rock. The result is a stunning canyon with bizarrely-shaped walls that seem to be made from nothing but rock.
Both locations are easily accessible by car for those traveling from nearby areas such as Las Vegas or Los Angeles; however, if you are planning on visiting both Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Antelope Canyon then it is best to plan ahead as they are located at opposite ends of Utah's canyon country area and will require separate driving time between them (approximately 5 hours total).
Day 9 : Picture taking at Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park in Moab, Utah (South Rim of the Arches)
Moab is famous for its red rocks, which make for an amazing backdrop as you explore the park. The scenery at Canyonlands alone is worth the trip: there are massive canyons and arches that rival those of the Grand Canyon. You'll also find lots of hiking trails and hidden waterfalls if you want to escape the crowds.
Arches National Park is just down the road from Canyonlands and has some incredible rock formations—including Delicate Arch, which is probably the most recognizable feature in all of Utah's national parks. If you're lucky enough to visit during sunrise or sunset, you'll see how the different lighting affects the color of each formation; it's truly breathtaking.
If you're looking for something more relaxing than hiking through caves or scrambling over rocks, then take advantage of your proximity to Moab by stopping by Dead Horse State Park or Sand Flats Recreation Area for some afternoon fun! Both are great spots for birdwatching, stargazing (bring binoculars!), and horseback riding.
Day 10 : Experience the nature in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce Canyon City, Utah
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience nature at its most awe-inspiring, then a trip down to Zion National Park is for you. The park is full of red sandstone cliffs, lush canyons, streams, and waterfalls—all within the boundaries of stunning, colorful rock formations.
If that sounds like an incredible experience, but you don't want to venture too far from home, you should consider taking a day trip out to Bryce Canyon City. There are plenty of activities in the area that will keep your kids entertained while still giving them a chance to explore nature at its finest.
The best way to see both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon City is by renting an RV or camper van from us! You'll be able to bring all your camping gear along with you so that you can enjoy comfort while exploring these beautiful locations. We have fully equipped vehicles available for rent so that even those on a budget can enjoy this amazing road trip!
We hope that after reading this itinerary, you'll be able to piece together your own 10-day trip so you can make the most out of your travel time. Take it slow and enjoy every minute of it!
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