Best of the West Self Drive Tour

Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer Independently to your hote

LOS ANGELES - PALM SPRINGS Today pick up your rental car and make your way south to Anaheim, Orange County’s headquarters for fun. Spend the day surrounded by icons and classic characters at the original Disneyland Park. Visit the nation’s oldest theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, filled with old west history, or one of Anaheim’s many other fun-filled attractions before continuing east to Palm Springs. This ultimate desert playground nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains offers the perfect blend of outdoor entertainment and casual relaxation. Take time this evening to dine in one of the many excellent restaurants in downtown Palm Springs or escape the heat and ride the aerial tramway high up above the desert floor for panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.

Driving Distance: 147 MI / 237 KM

Spend the morning lounging by the pool, walking along palm tree lined streets, or exploring countless shops, art galleries and museums before setting out east through the Coachella Valley to Phoenix and Scottsdale, two of Central Arizona’s top destinations. With Phoenix’s skyscraper-filled skyline complemented by famed Camelback Mountain and Scottsdale’s Old West charm, it’s guaranteed you’ll enjoy this uniquely Southwestern playground.

Driving Distance: 267 MI / 430 KM

Today, head north to Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. Spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon. Stop at one of the numerous overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail or along the historic Hermit Road, visit a Photo Hot Spot, or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days.

Driving Distance: 230 MI / 370 KM

Leave the grandeur of the Canyon behind as you head west today through Williams and Kingman, the heart of Historic Route 66 and one of Arizona’s hidden treasures, to Hoover Dam. Considered the largest single public works project in the history of the U.S., Hoover Dam straddles the mighty Colorado River, which forms the border between Nevada and Arizona and brings much-needed water and power to the Southwest. Continue to Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that needs no introduction.

Driving Distance: 276 MI / 444 KM

Enjoy a full day Las Vegas style. Walk the famous Strip lined with mega-resorts and flashing neon lights, place a bet at one of the many casinos, dine at world-class restaurants, catch the latest must-see show, shop designer boutiques, ride a roller coaster, lay by the pool … the list goes on. With so much to do, 24 hours in a day hardly seems like enough.

This morning take the opportunity to capture a photograph at the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign before your journey takes you west to the lowest elevation in North America, Death Valley National Park. Here, the Mojave is at its most magnificent with geological history on full display in this rugged, severe, sublime section of California. Enhance your desert experience with a stop at Zabriskie Point offering spectacular views of the wildly eroded and vibrantly colored badlands. Don’t miss the opportunity this evening to cast your eyes upon the night sky for some of the best stargazing in the world.

This morning, travel north into the High Sierra where Tioga Road, the highest drivable pass in California, leads you into Yosemite National Park. Best known for its impressive waterfalls, grand meadows, and spectacular rock formations, Yosemite was one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Delve into the depths of the park with a walk to a waterfall, each as distinct as the granite cliffs they dive over, or learn about the wonders of the park during a ranger- guided stroll. Explore a giant sequoia grove and meet the most massive trees on earth, or spend an evening under the stars. With approximately 800 miles of trails, Yosemite is also a great place to hike.

Driving Distance: 326 MI / 525 KM

Leave the wonder of Yosemite behind as you journey west through Gold Rush-era attractions, California’s State Capital, Sacramento, and on to San Francisco. Considered one the greatest cities in the world for many reasons, San Francisco offers one-of-a-kind sights and something to suit your every need.

Driving Distance: 195 MI / 314 KM

With 49 square miles of amazing sights, scenes and destinations, there’s always plenty to do in San Francisco. Spend a full day exploring the beloved City by the Bay’s neighborhoods including: Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero/ Financial District, and Golden Gate Park. To experience something truly unique, walk along the railings of the Golden Gate Bridge or take a ride on an iconic Cable Car. For a little piece of heaven on Earth, spend the day in Napa Valley whose picturesque rolling hills and wineries dot the landscape.

This morning, head south to Monterey along Highway 1 which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of Monterey at Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown. Explore Cannery Row’s historic waterfront district, John Steinbeck’s inspiration for his novel of the same name. Visit the quaint area of Carmel, and enjoy an exhilarating trip along 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.

Driving Distance: 130 MI / 210 KM

Continue south along central California’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway. This twisting, cliff-hugging route starts in Monterey and takes you through Big Sur where mountains plunge into the Pacific Ocean. Farther south, the landscape mellows to oak-studded hills as the road passes Hearst Castle and ends in Morro Bay. A short distance inland is the heart of the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo. From here, continue south to Ventura passing through Pismo Beach, inland agricultural valleys of rolling countryside, and Santa Barbara, often described as the American Riviera. Located along the southern-most part of California’s Central Coast, Ventura is a classic beach town in a spectacular setting.

Driving Distance: 280 mi / 451 KM

Today, travel further south through Oxnard, yet another beautiful stretch of coast in Malibu, and the seaside town of Santa Monica. Arrive in Los Angeles with enough time to glimpse some of the glitz and glamour of the City of Angels. Check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive; some of the best sights Los Angeles has to offer.

Driving Distance: 70 MI / 120 KM

Return your rental car at Los Angeles International Airport prior to your departure.