Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce, Zion, Las Vegas, Yosemite, San Fran, Big Sur, Los Angeles, San Diego & More

After touching down in Phoenix, you'll pick up your rental car at the airport and take a short drive to one of the amazing resort hotels found in Scottsdale or neighbouring Carefree to the north.

The world's largest and most well known geological wonder is just staggering. Two billion years in the making, the Colorado River has forged a mile deep, 18 miles wide and 277-mile long gouge into Arizona. On your way to the Grand Canyon, you'll pass by the charming spa town of Sedona and funky Flagstaff too.

Put your spurs and chaps on, and head to cowboy country. As you cross the Utah and Arizona border you’ll witness proud and majestic “Mittens” of Monument Valley made up of every shade of orange and red. Spend the night on Navajo Territory taking in the view.

Drive west over to Bryce Canyon, famous for its unique geology consisting of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is a small park but packs in slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called "hoodoos". En route you'll pass by the town of Page, home of the incredible Antelope Canyon - this is the most photographed slot canyon in the southwest of America.

Emerald pools, lush green trees, rust red canyon walls and crystal clear skies are all crammed into this narrow valley. This combination of colours is a visual delight and the park's trails offer many more. Zion National Park is one The American Road Trip Company’s favourite destinations.

More time to wander the trails and take in the geological wonders of Zion National Park. You may want to try and tackle Angel's Landing trail, culminating at a lofty perch, boasting magnificent 360-degree views over the valley below. Alternatively, walk the famous 'Narrows' which are often knee deep in water. Tonight, enjoy a meal in the town of Springdale, with plenty of local options to choose from.

Head west to Las Vegas today. Once you’ve checked into your Las Vegas hotel, get dressed up and hit the tables, bars and restaurants. Alternatively, take the time to relax at your hotel around the pool.

Wake up in the luxury of your Las Vegas hotel. With so many first-class cuisine, shopping and entertainment options to choose from, you'll have plenty to keep you busy today. Alternatively if you just want to relax, then why not just spend the day by the pool. We also recommend visiting one of the over the top buffets in the hotels. Just make sure you are hungry when you go, the range and quality of the food is amazing value!

Death Valley has an extreme climate and geology. The roads here are superb, dipping and leaning around curves before straightening out as you dip to 85m below sea level in the salt flats of Badwater. You'll finish your drive on the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. It's one of the longer driving days but carries with it three awesome experiences.

Drive north up the scenic Highway 395, with deserts to the right and alpine mountains to the left. Once you reach the weird and wonderful Mono Lake, you can head west over the Tioga Pass (June-October) and into majestic Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park is over 1,000 square kilometres of nature at its very best. The most visited area of the Park is the Valley Floor where you'll find vast rock faces, abundant wildlife, staggering views and stunning waterfalls. Leave enough time to visit Glacier Point, which we believe offers the best views in all Yosemite.

You don't have to like wine to enjoy this beautiful area. These two neighbouring valleys offer stunning scenery made up of perfectly manicured vineyards stretching across rolling hills which can be enjoyed by car or even by an early morning hot air balloon ride. This is a foodies’ heaven too, with places like Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and French Laundry, and if you happen to like wine then visit one of the hundreds of vineyard tours available in either Sonoma or Napa Valley.

Spanning the headlands of San Fran and Marin County, one of the worlds most beautiful bridges is a delightful experience whether you walk, bike or drive across. You can also gain stunning views of the bridge and the city beyond by driving up Conzelman Road on the north side of the bridge. Once you hit town, you’ll be able to explore the cities iconic places.

Once the fog lifts, one of America’s favourite cities will be revealed. Ride a cable car, climb the streets and get into the vibe that only this city can offer. Full of Victorian charm, famous movie locations and wealthy tech companies, this city has it all and is rightly considered one of America’s favourite cities.

Monterey was once California’s capital of the whaling and sardine industry, however, today it's best known for the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium that presides on Cannery Row. The focus now is on marine education and preservation. Want to experience the bay area first hand? Take a whale watching trip during spring or autumn. In the early evening, cruise along the famous “17-Mile Drive” on your way to Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll pass millionaire mansions, Pebble Beach Golf Club and a beautiful rugged coastline along the way.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has two world-class beaches backed by a gorgeous small town made up of beautiful homes, restaurants and quaint streets. To the north is the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and to the south is Big Sur starting with the wild and wonderful Point Lobos which can be enjoyed through the many short walks.

Big Sur is arguably the best driving experience in all America. Enjoy the winding roads, State Parks and stunning vistas. Along the way, Hearst Castle perches on “The Enchanted Hill” and overlooks the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Hearst Castle is truly the product of one man's ambition, wealth and imagination, if you're keen to visit here then an overnight in Cambria is key as there's a lot to see. Onwards to Santa Barbara, built in a charming Mediterranean style - thus making it one of the Central coast's highlights.

Today you’ll continue driving south down the Pacific Coast Highway passing Malibu’s beaches and coastal homes until you reach Santa Monica in Los Angeles. Santa Monica with its “Baywatch” beaches and old-fashioned Pier is a highlight. Hire a bike and cruise the boardwalk down to Venice Beach or shop your heart out on 3rd Street Promenade.

Hollywood is synonymous with glitz and glamour, and although many of the studios have now moved on to other parts of town it's still fun to visit the home of the Oscars and walk Hollywood Boulevard looking for the handprints of your favourite movie stars. Just a short drive northeast of here lies the Griffith Observatory, perched high on a hill overlooking the urban sprawl of LA, this recently renovated landmark is well worth a visit.

A short drive down to San Diego along the final stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, heading south you can stop by the exclusive towns of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach in Orange County. Also be sure to check out Torrey Pine State Reserve just north of San Diego. This glorious spot is right on the road, enjoy beaches, coastal trails and spectacular views. Other highlights in San Diego include Balboa Park, Gaslamp District and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

After three weeks exploring, maybe it's time to just relax by the hotel pool or chill on Coronado Beach? If you're looking to do more, your personalised Road Trip Pack has more on the local attractions such as Cabrillo National Monument, USS Midway Museum and the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Tomorrow you'll return your car at the airport before flying back to the UK.