On my first trip to the US, I planned to only visit the East Coast of the US, but I ended up visiting a very small part of the West Coast – San Diego, California. I loved it so much I just had to come back and explore this region for 20 days.
The US is such a massive country with so much to offer its visitors and locals. Due to its diverse, magnificent attractions, you can easily explore different worlds featuring various natural wonders on the same day.
At the same time, the west coast of the US has one of the most fantastic national parks to explore. Road-tripping in the US is one of the best ways to explore the country, especially on the west coast.
This guide will help you plan two different ways to explore the west coast of the US. You can explore it by road or by taking a mixture of driving and taking domestic flights. Renting a car in the US is pretty easy. Most cars can be picked up at the airport, and finding flights should not be a big problem.
These itineraries for 3 weeks on West Coast USA are suitable for travelling in any country, but good planning is required if you want to go during the peak season. June until August is the busiest month for travelling around the US.
>> CHECK-OUT: 2 itineraries for travelling around the east coast of the US for 3 weeks or our 3 weeks in Hawaii itinerary
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO WEST COAST USA
Planning a trip to a new place you have never been to can be challenging. The best way to start is, to begin with something easy such as deciding the places you really want to see and the time of the year you want to go. Here are things to help you plan and write your trip itinerary.
Getting around
We highly recommend you rent a car which is very easy to do in the US. It will give you the freedom to go anytime and anywhere. Don’t worry about spending too much time in the car.
You can also chop up the entire 3 weeks on west coast USA by travelling to the places near each other by car and then further by air.
You can also use public transportation such as a bus or train; although cheaper, they can be unreliable and not very flexible. Again, if you plan to travel during peak season, make sure to book your flight and car in advance, especially if you want a specific vehicle, such as a camping van or an electric one.
Best time to go
The best time to visit the west coast of the US depends on the activity you want to do. Many places for hiking and camping here are great to do during spring, summer, and even autumn. But if you want to go skiing, you definitely have to plan a trip for winter.
- Peak Season: Summer (June to August) is peak season, offering warm weather perfect for beaches in California and outdoor activities across the region. Expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially in tourist hotspots.
- Rainy Season: In the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon), the rainy season runs from late fall through early spring (November to March). This period brings cooler temperatures and frequent rain, but fewer tourists and lush landscapes.
- Winter Season: Winter (December to February) is mild in California, ideal for those seeking cooler but not freezing temperatures. In contrast, the Pacific Northwest experiences cold and wet weather, which can be a great time for snow sports in the mountains.
- The shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These times offer pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes in the spring, and colourful foliage in the fall, making them excellent for exploring the diverse landscapes and cities of the West Coast.
Visa
The US have one of the strictest visa policies in the world. Only a limited number of nationalities can enter the country and enjoy visa-free. If your passport is from Europe, Canada, some parts of Latin America, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia, you can enter and travel around the US without applying for a visa for six months maximum.
Those nationalities can enter and stay in the US for 90 to 180 days but are still required to get an ESTA in advance. Even after applying for a tourist visa, you can stay in the country for up to 6 months. That is plenty of time for your 3-week in the USA holiday.
It’s no secret that medical services are super expensive here. Thus, getting insurance is worth every penny. You also don’t want the immigration officer to deny you entry if they find out you don’t have insurance valid for the US.
Other travel tips
While planning your holiday, these websites and tools will help you book everything. From flight, accommodations, car rental, and even buying travel insurance.
These are the sites I always use for my trips. I love how many of these travel services have a flexible cancellation policy that allows me to snatch reasonable prices even though I’m not sure about being able to make the trip.
PINNED MAP OF WEST COAST USA ATTRACTIONS
Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google
2 WAYS TO TRAVEL THE WEST COAST
In this guide of 3 weeks on west coast USA, you will see two different ways how to travel. You can either travel around by doing a road trip all the way or do it with a mixture of driving and flying. Check below which one looks more appealing to you.
Full Road Trip
- Duration: 21 days
- Distance to cover: 2,027 miles (3,262.14 km)
- Total driving hours: approx 35 hours
- Average daily driving time: approx 4 hours/ day
- Start: Los Angeles
- End: Portland
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1-3: Los Angeles
- Day 4-5: Las Vegas
- Day 6-8: Grand Canyon
- Day 9-10: Zion National Park
- Day 11-14: Salt Lake City
- Day 12-15: Craters of The Moon National Monument
- Day 15-18: Malheur National Forest
- Day19-21: Portland
Road Trip and Flying
- Duration: 20 days
- Total driving hours: approx 25 hours
- Total Flying hours: 7.5 hours
- Start: Los Angeles
- End: Seattle
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1-3: Los Angeles
- Day 4-5: Las Vegas
- Day 6-8: Grand Canyon
- Day 9-10: Zion National Park
- Day 11: Fly to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- Day 11-14: Yellowstone National Park
- Day 15-18: Bridget-Teton National Forest
- Day 18: fly from Jackson Hole Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- Day 18-21: Seattle
3 WEEKS ON WEST COAST USA ITINERARY
12 states make up the west coast of USA. This includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. However, for this trip, we will only cover six states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and Washington.
Exploring the West Coast of the US means you will see the country’s great ancient and natural attractions. You will also explore the big cities, try local dishes, and visit Starbucks’ home state. Below is a quick overview of your 3 weeks on the US West Coast.
If it’s your first time in the US, we have 3 weeks in the US itinerary that takes you to the most popular places across the entire country.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is also renowned as the “City of Angels” and the location of celebrity-owned mansions. It is a great starting point on your 20 days on West Coast USA trip since it is home to incredible beaches, regional art, and varied culture that every traveller should see.
Besides theme parks, Los Angeles is also known for its unique surfing spots. Head to 27th St Manhattan Beach or the famous Venice Beach for some great waves. You can also explore your way around Los Angeles through its food culture.
There are many places to eat in LA if you are looking for Instagrammable spots, quick bites, or splurge at fancy restaurants. Los Angeles is for you if you’re looking for glamour and excitement.
Rather than exploring the city with public transportation, book a rental car to make the most of your trip, and consult with the rental company if it’s possible to drop off the car in Seattle or other airports you plan to stop and switch to taking a flight. You can even go on a 26-mile day trip to Disneyland on I-5 South which takes around 30 minutes.
Things to do in Los Angeles
- Visit the Hollywood Sign
- Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Day trip to Angeles National Forest
- Tour the Warner Bros. Studio – look at the cost
- Day trip to Griffith Park
- Visit Bradbury Building
- Explore Universal Studios – check the schedule
- Shop at Amoeba Music
- Stroll along Sunset Strip
- Attend a concert at Hollywood Bowl
- You can also sign up for the “Ultimate Tour” that covers all must-see spots to save time
Where to stay in Los Angeles
- Affordable – Samesun Venice Beach or HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
- Mid-range hotels – Hotel Figueroa by Hyatt or H Hotel by Hilton
- Luxury hotels – Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills or Four Season Beverly Hills
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is referred to as the ultimate playground and attracts a wide range of tourists who want to experience its entertainment, gastronomy, and nightlife scene. There are various options available for people of all ages to enjoy.
From incredible museums, performances, and interactive games to renowned hotels and restaurants, Vegas offers it all. But do you know there are many things to do in Vegas besides gambling?
This includes exploring Freemont Street, Downtown Container Park, and even a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
Depending on your route, expect to allocate at least 4 hrs on the road from Los Angeles to Vegas. The shortest and most common way, the I-15 N, takes roughly 4 hrs and 15 mins to complete across a distance of 270 miles (425 km). You’ll enjoy the famous drive between Barstow and Victorville while travelling along this route.
You can also book a bus from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. That will take 5 hr and 10 mins. There are non-stop flights between these two cities that will only take 1 hr and 20 mins.
Things to do in Las Vegas
- Ride the High Roller – get your tickers here
- Explore The Strip
- Explore the Mob Museum
- Stroll along Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
- See a show at MGM Grand – such as David Copperfield
- Sightseeing at Stratosphere Tower
- Fly above Las Vegas at night – book a night helicopter tour
- Visit the Fountains at Bellagio
- Go on a Mojave Desert ATV drive – read reviews and look at the price
- Take a photo at the Las Vegas sign
- You can also get a “Go City All-inclusive Pass”, which allows you to enter 30+ attractions
TIP: If you want to save time, you can also visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas by booking a group tour or helicopter tour.
Where to stay in Las Vegas
- Affordable – The STRAT Hotel or The D Las Vegas
- Mid-range hotels – Bally’s or Downtown Grand Hotels & Casino
- Luxury hotels – Bellagio or The Palazzo
Grand Canyon
Tourists frequently visit the Grand Canyon due to its timeless beauty, which was made possible by untouched nature. In addition, the canyon itself provides a close-up view of the fascinating geological features, the array of rocks, and the numerous desert habitats that are otherwise impossible to witness without travelling to the location.
You can do many activities, including hiking, horseback riding, rafting, swimming, or just taking a leisurely stroll. Spend a night inside the Grand Canyon Village, on Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, where most tourists head while exploring the Canyon.
While there are various places to stay overnight, the most renowned sought-after is El Tovar, which sits directly on the rim of the Canyon and offers an incredible view. Make sure to book ahead of time for cheaper rates.
Grand Canyon West Rim is the nearest entry point, about 128 miles (206 km) or roughly a 2 hr 30 mins drive from Las Vegas. The route passes through areas of Arizona as well as notable locations, including Boulder City, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead.
Taking a bus or flying to the Grand Canyon can be tricky. If you want to fly to Flagstaff (the town where the Gran Canyon is), you’ll have to take a flight to Flagstaff, which means you need to connect, which could take 3 to 4 hours. You can also fly to Phoenix Airport, requiring you to drive for nearly 5 hours to the Grand Canyon.
If you’re not driving a rented vehicle, you can take a bus from Las Vegas to Flagstaff. That will take 6 hr and 40 mins. From Flagstaff, you can rent a car to explore the Grand Canyon or take a bus/train.
Things to do in Grand Canyon
- Hike the Grand Canyon
- Rafting Trip in the Grand Canyon National Park
- Go on a Helicopter Tour Over the Canyon
- Visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk
- Explore the Grand Canyon National Park by Riding a Mule
- Take a photo at Guano Point
- You can save time and avoid driving aimlessly by purchasing a self-driving tour – also possible for walking on your own
Accommodations near Grand Canyon (Flagstaff)
- Affordable: Super 8 by Wyndham or Relax Inn or Days Inn by Wyndham
- Mid-range: Days Hotel by Wyndham or Ramada by Wyndham
- Luxury: Little America Hotel or GreenTree Inn
Zion National Park
When you visit Zion National Park in Southern Utah, you’ll be surrounded by the Earth’s tallest sandstone skyscrapers, a vast night sky filled with a sea of stars, and a few of the most famous trails in the entire world. If you prefer being in nature and seeing wildlife, this park is for you.
Zion National Park is home to 68 different species of mammals, ranging from bighorn sheep to the little kangaroo rat. Mule deer, foxes, rock squirrels, bighorn sheep, and bats are the most frequently sighted animals.
Springdale, just outside Zion National Park and set against one of the most spectacular mountain backdrops you will ever encounter, is the place to book accommodations for your Zion visit.
This area is home to locally owned and operated hotels, bed and breakfasts, art galleries, restaurants, markets, tour guides, gift shops, and many more. Your road trip starts in Desert View, near the park’s Eastern border.
Leave the Grand Canyon through the east entrance and take Arizona State Route 64 toward Highway 89 for about 30 miles (48 km). With a distance of 252 miles (404.5 km), it takes around 5 hrs and 40 mins to travel directly from Grand Canyon to Zion National Park.
No buses will directly connect you from the Grand Canyon/Flagstaff to Zion National Park. But you can fly from Flagstaff to St George Regional Airport. From there, you can rent a vehicle to explore Zion National Park for the day since it’s only an hour’s drive from the airport.
TIP: You can book a Zion and Bryce Canyon tour from Las Vegas to save some time
Things to do in Zion National Park
- Sightseeing along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Hike the Angel’s Landing
- Hike the Narrows and Mountain of Mystery
- Experience Rock Climbing and Canyoneering
- Go on a Horseback Tour – see schedule available
- Take a photo at Big Springs
- Book a Stargazing Experience – check the price
Accommodations near Zion National Park
- Affordable: Gooseberry Lodges or Best Western Plus
- Mid-range: Zion Park Motel or Pioneer Lodge
- Luxury: Hampton Inn & Suites or Holiday Inn Express or La Quinta by Wyndham
Salt Lake City
The capital of Utah, Salt Lake City, is a vibrant city filled with natural and historic attractions and often hosts the Olympic Winter Games. It is also known as the Mormons’ spiritual home. Today, you can find excellent dining, shops, and various activities here in summer or winter.
The atmosphere is welcoming and laid back and provides easy access to urban and outdoor activities for tourists. You’ll notice that things are generally hassle-free as soon as you arrive.
Services and facilities are always nearby, the streets are clear and easy to travel to, public transportation runs on time, and a bike program allows you to roam the downtown area for a fee.
Even though tourists frequently pass through Salt Lake City on their route to the neighbouring ski resorts and the bizarre red-rock landscapes, this increasingly diverse city is worth a comprehensive exploration.
Learn about the city’s Mormon background, see the unique museums’ exhibits, and dine at one of the city’s hippest restaurants -The Park Cafe,s to try the local cuisine and drinks.
The direct drive from Zion National Park to Salt Lake City is around 5 hours, covering a distance of 300 miles (483 km). You can keep your rented car from St George Regional Airport to bring it to Salt Lake City, or you can also board a bus and travel for 4 hrs and 40 mins. There are non-stop flights as well if you want more convenience.
Things to do in Salt Lake City
- Visit Temple Square
- Book a Guided Bus Tour – this will save you time and give you a break from driving, check the reviews or do a bike loop tour
- Visit Mormon Temple
- Explore the National History Museum of Utah
- Watch the Tabernacle Choir – get your ticket
- Explore the Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Don’t miss a Sunset Tour – check the price
- See Bird Exhibits at Tracy Aviary
- Ski at nearby Ski Resorts (Snowbird, Brighton Resort, Park City Mountain)
- Tour the State Capitol
- Unwind at Liberty Park
- Have fun doing a Brewery Tour or Haunted Old Town Tour
Accommodations in Salt Lake City
- Affordable: Avenues Hostel or City Creek Inn & Suites
- Mid-range: Quality Inn & Suites or Best Western Inn & Suites
- Luxury: Salt Lake Plaza Hotel by Best Western or Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites
Craters of The Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon is a massive national park. It is nearly the same size as Rhode Island at around 750,000 acres. In South-Central Idaho, the monument covers over 53,500 acres of lava flows and volcanic landforms on the Northern edge of the Snake River Plain. Although there aren’t many tours available here, many camping options exist.
While Craters of the Moon may appear barren, it is home to small desert rodents, including bobcats, bats, foxes, owls, mountain lions, and nighthawks. The park’s animals will be active depending on the weather and the time of the day.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, head over to Pocatello, the largest city in Southeast Idaho. It is an excellent starting point due to its convenient location at Highways 15 and 86 junction. To secure a slot near the tourist centre, make sure to plan your stay accordingly.!
The direct drive from Salt Lake City to Craters of the Moon National Monument takes around 3 hr 4 mins through the US-26 W and I-15 N, covering a distance of 345 miles (555 km).
You can ride a bus from Salt Lake City to Boise (Idaho), which will take 7 hours; from there, you can rent a car to visit Craters of the Moon. There are also direct flights between Salt Lake City and Boise.
Things to do at Craters of The Moon National Monument
- Explore the Craters of the Moon Center
- Explore a Caves Trail
- Hike the Tree Molds Trail
- Hike the Inferno Cone
- Ski at Blizzard Mountain Ski Hill
Malheur National Forest
The Malheur National Forest is a secluded and stunning landscape located in Eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains. Adventure awaits everyone with its 1.7 million acres of land, wilderness areas, lakes, streams, and hundreds of peaks.
Nearly every camping is possible here, including developed campgrounds, backpacking, roadside camping, and RV camping. The Scenic Malheur Rivers and other noteworthy locations like the Cedar Grove Botanical Area can be reached by over 240 miles (386 km) of trails, primarily in wilderness areas.
The direct drive from Idaho to Malheur National Forest takes around 6 hrs 35 mins via I-84 W and US-20 W, covering a distance of 307.7 miles (495 km). If you rented a vehicle in Boise, I recommend you keep it and drive yourself to Malheur National Forest (see if you can drop it off there).
Things to do in Malheur National Forest
- Explore Strawberry Mountain Wilderness
- Explore Monument Rock Wilderness
- Hike the Cedar Grove Botanical Trail
- Visit Malheur River
- Visit Magone Lake
- Visit Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site
Seattle
Due to its spectacular evergreen forests, Seattle is frequently called the “Emerald City”. You’ll never run out of things to do and sights to see here. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, camping, kayaking, and even whale watching!
Seattle is also the largest city in Washington and is home to significant tech industries, including the corporate headquarters of Amazon and Microsoft. It is also famous for being the birthplace of Starbucks. It is guaranteed to be popular with coffee lovers, especially considering that nearly 2,000 coffee shops are reportedly spread out around the city.
This city is a great place to end your three weeks on west coast USA trip since it has many food and music festivals. Also, ski slopes are only a short trip away, and several locations in the city offer views of the massive Mount Rainier and the adjacent Olympic Mountains.
Take a break from long drives and spend some time in the town with many recreational activities and cocktail establishments.
The direct drive from Malheur National Forest to Seattle is around 7 hours and 40 minutes, travelling through 90 and E and 81 E.
Things to do in Seattle
- Day Trip to Mount Si
- Sign up for Underground History Tour – get your tickets in advance
- Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Visit Space Needle – must book your ticket in advance
- Visit Sky View Observatory
- Do a Day Trip to Mt. Rainier – check the price
- Explore the Museum of Flight
- Explore Pike Place Market – do the famous food tour and/or the tasty chocolate tour
- Visit Starbucks Reserve Roastery
- Don’t miss the Harbour Cruise – book the affordable tour
- Explore Woodland Park Zoo
- Make sure to do a Half-day Tour of Snoqualmie Falls – join a tour
- Stroll along Discovery Park
- Get a City Pass and use it at the top attractions in Seattle
Accommodations in Seattle
- Affordable: HI Seattle Hostel or Green Tortoise Hostel
- Mid-range to Luxury: Mayflower Park Hotel or The Mediterranean Inn or Hotel Theodore or Staypineapple Hotel Five
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER FOR THOSE FLYING AND DRIVING
For those mixing flying and driving, it’s time to leave your car at St. George Regional Airport after Zion National Park and take a flight to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from St. George Regional Airport (Utah) to Bozeman Yellowstone Airport. The shortest flight has one layover and takes around 4 hrs 30 mins.
Yellowstone National Park
3 weeks on west coast USA is incomplete without visiting Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is an active volcano that many scientists always keep an eye on for the possibility of an eruption. Every year, there are 700-3,000 earthquakes caused by the volcano.
Yellowstone National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its breathtaking peaks and crystal-clear lakes. Colourful pools surround hot springs, lush woods wind through wide-open meadows, and erratic geysers shoot streams of scorching water into the air.
Expect to share the trails with year-round dwellers like elk, buffalo, and occasionally even grizzlies as you trek through this over 3,000-square miles landscape. If you want to be adventurous, why not go white rafting in Yellowstone to shake things up? Children as young as 6 years old can even go with you.
If you enjoy staying active while travelling, this park is perfect since it offers limitless hiking opportunities. Approximately 900 miles (1449 km) of trails in Yellowstone can be travelled. Some treks are short and straightforward, while others are long and difficult, rising over 7,000 ft. above sea level.
Renting a car in Bozeman is recommended to explore the area effectively. Book early to obtain the best rental car deal for your trip. Get lodging close to the Bozeman Airport to avoid traffic delays and get a good night’s rest before departure.
Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
- Hike Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon
- Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
- Visit Old Faithful
- Visit the Grand Prismatic Springs
Bridget-Teton National Forest
With 3.4 million acres, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is close to Grand Teton, the National Elk Refuge, and Yellowstone. One of the many activities offered to visitors on the Bridger-Teton includes horseback riding, off-road vehicle tours, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
In addition, the Bridger-Teton has three ski resorts, all providing thrilling downhill routes for snowboarders and skiers every winter.
Meanwhile, the 2,200 trails for varying skill levels in the Bridger-Teton National Forest include 37 constructed campgrounds and 34 marked trailheads, ideal for novice and experienced hikers. If you have a hunting license from the Wyoming Department, you can even take advantage of the hunting opportunities.
The distance from Bozeman to Bridget-Teton National Forest is 190 miles (306 km), and it takes around 4 hrs to travel during regular traffic.
Things to do in Bridget-Teton National Forest
- Try Skiing and Snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Hike the Teston Crest Trail
- Explore Jackson Town Square
Accommodations near Bridget-Teton National Forest
- Stay at Dubois: Lava Mountain Lodge or Crooked Creek Guest Ranch or Super 8 by Wyndham
Flight from Jackson Hole Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 2-6 hours, depending on the connection.
SUMMARY OF 3-WEEKS IN WEST COAST USA
The West Coast is the ideal playground for people who are happiest outdoors. There is a lot to discover in this region of the United States, which offers breathtaking sceneries, music festivals, deserts, and abundant rivers.
Whether you’re interested in hiking the mountains, kayaking around mirror-effect lakes, or engaging in snow sports, the West Coast offers one of the most fabulous outdoor lifestyles in America. There will never be a dull moment during your 3 weeks on west Coast USA trip.
SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:
