Retour d'un "road trip" sur la côte Ouest américaine et New York
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Retour d'un "road trip" sur la côte Ouest américaine et New York

by Maara

in Destinations › North America

This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.

Original post
MA
Maara
Regular64 posts
Je m'étais renseigné sur ce forum et les différentes expériences partagées m'avaient aidées à concevoir mon voyage. De retour de ce fabuleux voyage de 30 jours, c'est à mon tour de faire partager mon voyage en espérant qu'il puisse en aider certains.

Itinéraire : http://maps.google.fr/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=201241798196358921679.0004a081866fc1c96cc38&ie=UTF8&z=7

Jour par jour :

Jour 1 : San Francisco - Arrivée à l'hôtel à 16h - Financial district : transamerica pyramid et Jackson square - Union Square : boutiques et place - Premiers cablecar vus - Diner au lori's diner : premier burger aux USA :)

Jour 2 : San Francisco - Centre d'attractions du Pier 39 - Lions de mer sur le port - Balade en vélo de Pier 39 à Sausalito en passant par le Golden Gate (environ 20 km) - Sandwichs au déjeuner sur le bord de mer et mega coup de soleil - Bateau pour revenir à SF qui longe Alcatraz (visite d’Alcatraz complet une semaine à l’avance) - Boutiques de bord de mer - Montée de Lombard street

Jour 3 : San Francisco - Alamo square avec maisons victoriennes - Japan center (centre commercial japonais) - St Mary's cathedral (église moderne) - Déjeuner thaï au croisement de haight street et fillmore street - Haight street : resto de tous les pays et boutiques punk / anar - Buena Vista park avec belle vue sur la ville (et plein de chiens) - Golden gate park (5km) : conservatoire des fleurs et plantes, jardin jap

Jour 4 : San Francisco - Fillmore street : rue commerçante - Déjeuner ramen au Japan Center - Union steet : rue commerçante - Nob Hill dont une maison octogonale - Grace cathedral : labyrinthe et vitrail e=mc2 - China Town avec les fortune cookies - Cheesecake factory avec un cheesecake oreo - Castro : quartier gay - Diner saucisse allemande au croisement de haight street et fillmore street

Jour 5 : Sonora - Prise de la jeep à l'aéroport - Piscine et détente dans le super hôtel de sonora - Mega hamburger au blue cheese en face de l’hôtel

Jour 6 : Yosemite - Depart de sonora pour Yosemite valley - Randonnée aux Yosemite falls - Randonnée avec belle vue sur le half dome et errance dans un nid de moustique - Randonnée vers le mirror lake et pique-nique sur le chemin - Randonnée dans mariposa grove pour voir les séquoias - Traversée de Yosemite en voiture (4h) - Arrivée a bishop

Jour 7 : Death Valley - Route caillouteuse mais déserte depuis bishop vers la death valley - Très beaux et immenses paysages - Cratère géant de ubehebe avec beaucoup de vent - Scotty's castle Diner et piscine au furnace creek ranch (chaleur étouffante 50°)

Jour 8 : Las Vegas - Route de bishop a las vegas - Strip: caesar palace, venitian, trésor island, mirage - Diner au cheesecake factory pâte au pesto

Jour 9 : Las Vegas - Strip : paris, planet Hollywood, excalibur, : New York : New York, Louxor, bellagio - Tour dans downtown

Jour 10 : Zion - Route de Vegas à Springale - Piscine et jacuzzi à l’hôtel - Diner au whiptail grill : tacos et crème brule e au piment

Jour 11 : Zion - Randonnée Katenta + emerald pool - Randonnée le long de la Virgin River - Randonnée weeping rock - Vue sur les 3 patriarchs - Musée de Zion - Route vers Tropic.

Jour 12 : Bryce Canyon - Randonnée garden navajo rim entre sunset point et sunrise point - Scenic drive avec Bryce point, rainbow point, inspiration point, fairy point - Route 12 vers Torrey (magnifiques canyons et forêt) - Diner au slackers hamburger à 4 $.

Jour 13 Capitol Reef - Cueillette d’abricots dans fruita area - Scenic drive avec les différentes couleurs de strates sur les massifs rocheux - Randonnée dans la gorge avec les traces des premiers pionniers et avec les réservoirs naturels - Animaux : rongeurs, bouquetins, gros têtards - Route vers moab

Jour 14 : Canyonland - Point de vue sur Mésa arch - Randonnée au grand view point le long de la falaise - Point de vue sur la Green river - Randonnée autour du upheaval dome - Point de vue sur le Colorado depuis dead horse point.

Jour 15 : Arches et route 128 - Park avenue (rochers en forme de buildings) - Pertrified dunes - Randonnée autour de balanced rock - Randonnée dans Windows section (north Window, south Window, turret arch) - Fiery furnace (labyrinthe de rochers) - Randonnée jusqu'à landscape arch - Randonnée jusqu'au point de vue de delicate arch - Route 128 le long du Colorado - Randonnée à fisher towers.

Jour 16 : Monument valley - Route vers monument valley - Goose neck - Scenic drive de Monument valley - Route vers page.

Jour 17 : Page - Lower antelope canyon : seulement la 1/2 car inondation - Farniente au lac Powell - Scenic drive le long de la Marina au nord ouest - Horse shoe bend au coucher du soleil - Diner mexicain au fiesta mexicana

Jour 18 : Grand Canyon - Route vers le grand canyon - Scenic drive au grand canyon - Randonnée kaibab

Jour 19 : Grand Canyon - West rim (et beaucoup de bus) - Route vers Needles - Diner au juicy, très bon steak

Jour 20 : Los Angeles - Route vers Los Angeles - Downtown

Jour 21 : Los Angeles - Huntington library and gardens - Universal studio

Jour 22 : Los Angeles - Hollywood bvd et Walk of fame - Griffith observatory pour voir les lettres sur la montagne - Beverly hills - Plage de Malibu

Jour 23 : Los Angeles - Restitution de la voiture - Santa monica Pier - 3rd promenade - Plage de santa monica

Jour 24 : Los Angeles - Plage de venice - Abort kinney (rue arty) - balade le long de Venice beach - Resto m street kitchen - Vol vers New York

Jour 25 : New York - Chelsea (market) - Highline - Union square

Jour 26 : New York - Soho (shopping) - Little italy - Chinatown - East side

Jour 27 : New York - Messe Gospel à harlem - Musée guggenheim - Central park - Synagogue - 5eme avenue - Cathedral St. Patrick - Moma - Gare - Time square - Empire state building

Jour 28 : New York - Visite des locaux de Google - Meatpacking district - West Village - Ground zero - Tour en bateau vers staten island pour voir la statue de la liberté - Brooklyn Bridge - Soirée au club de jazz le village Vanguard

Jour 29 : New York - Shopping dans Broadway (Macy etc.) - Vol vers Paris
CA Cath13 Regular ·
Whaou ! Quel beau voyage ! Quels sont les lieux où les activités que tu as préféré ?
MA Maara Regular ·
Houla très difficile comme question car il y a des choses vraiment très différentes. Mon park préféré c'est probablement Bryce Canyon et celui que j'ai le moins aimé le Grand Canyon. Pour les villes j'ai préféré NY et le moins aimé LA (rien à faire à part la plage).
PO Pong Globetrotter ·
Jour 28 : New York  - Visite des locaux de Google 

ça m'intéresse ! 🙂 Comment avez-vous trouvé cette visite ? J'avais cru comprendre que la paranoïa ambiante faisait qu'on ne voyait rien véritablement ? Comment se passe l'inscription ? Le conseillez-vous ? 
Conseils pour circuits dans l'Ouest américain : https://voyageforum.com/forum/conseils_etablir_son_circuit_dans_ouest_americain_resume_D5303777/
MA Maara Regular ·
Cette visite était faite dans un cadre professionnel et non touristique.
SA Sandra08 ·
Merci pour ce retour d'expérience, moi qui prépare quasiment le même parcours (sauf New York) pour septembre ça m'aide notamment à organiser mes journées 😉
MA Maara Regular ·
Je peux rajouter quelques conseils (certains pour New York^^):

San Francisco - Réserver à l'avance pour Alcatraz

Los Angeles - Il n'y a pas grand chose à faire à LA à part les plages/les bords de mer (venice, santa monica) et aussi le huntington library & gardens que je recommande (enfin si on aime les jardins^^)

New York - Réserver à l'avance pour la statue de la liberté (enfin avec les travaux je ne sais pas quoi/quand sera fermé) - Guggenheim était décevant (je n'ai pas accroché du tout avec l'expo temporaire qui représente 80% du musée) - Si budget serré on peut voir la statut en passant devant avec le ferry gratuit qui va vers staten island - Un billet offert au Moma si 50 euros dépensés dans leur boutique - Pour les messes en gospel, préférer celles où les touristes sont mélangés aux locaux - Pour les clubs de jazz, préférer les plus petits où les clubs aux spectacles (moins bons musiciens surement mais plus d'ambiance)

Les parcs nationaux - J'étais un peu juste en temps pour Yosemite, du coup je n'avais pas assez de temps pour Mariposa Grove (ça ne prend pas beaucoup de temps en soi mais c'est dans une autre partie du parc que la yosemite valley donc c'est le trajet qui est long) - Quand j'y suis allé (fin juillet), le Grand Canyon était blindé de touristes et c'était pénibles les queues pour leur navette. J'ai aussi trouvé ce parc assez décevant. - Réserver un peu à l'avance pour le antelope canyon et faire en sorte d'être dans le canyon pour 11/12h et surtout (pas facile de prévoir) par beau temps :)
DE Dessert2011 ·
Dommage que tu as visité le Grand Canyon en juillet...la pire période! J'ai vu des photos du mois de juillet et avec toute la pollution des autocars on arrive pas à bien voir. Pour vraiment savourer toute la splendeur de ce parc il faut y aller au printemps ou à l'automne. C'est un monde de différence. Si j'ai un seul conseil à donner à ceux qui veulent y aller, il faut bannir les mois de juillet et août! Le mieux est entre la fin septembre et le début juin, rien d'autre. Ça vaut la peine, ce parc est d'une splendeur incroyable quand c'est le bon moment.
Voyager c'est vivre!
KR Kristen1 Globetrotter ·
"Il n'y a pas grand chose à faire à LA à part les plages/les bords de mer (venice, santa monica) et aussi le huntington library & gardens que je recommande (enfin si on aime les jardins^^)"

Je croyais que vous plaisantiez quand j'ai lu ça, mais je vois que vous êtes sérieux.
MA Maara Regular ·
Tu as raison pour le grand canyon pour la surpopulation touristique en juillet, ce qui est dommage car ce n'est ps trop le cas pour les autres parcs visités. Cela dit j ai qd même trouvé Bryce plus beau et ses randonnées plus sympas (et plus accessibles).

Pour LA, il y a évidemment des choses a faire notamment pas mal de musées mais j'ai largement préféré sf et ny autant au niveau des activités que de l'ambiance.
MA Marnard ·
Bonjour!

Maara, tu semble avoir fait un beau voyage, merci de partager tes info...

Desert2011, je sais que tu as une fifth wheel... peut-être peux-tu m'éclairer... comment ça se passe dans l'ouest avec une fifth wheel? je veux dire... est-ce que les chemins sont beaux ou il y a des places à éviter?

Je vais en acheter une d'environ 30' (8000 lbs)... qu'est-ce que vous conseillez comme véhicule pour la tirer? essence ou diesel? F150 ou 250?

Est-ce difficile de conduire dans les villes comme LA?

Je me prépare à faire un voyage dans l'ouest canadien et américains...

avez-vous des conseils pour moi sur le meilleur véhicule et sur les endroit à ne pas manquer?

merci
Marnard La vie est trop courte pour ne pas en profiter...
59 59alex ·
los angeles il n'y a rien a faire ??????? la capitale du cinema, des stars, la cité des anges ??? Ballade a cheval sur hollywood hills, les studios warner ou tu verras le café central perk de friends et autre decor de cinema, le zoo de los angeles, le griffith observatory, disney land park a anaheim avec son tres beau centre commercial enfin new york a part ses building et ses magazins :s
MA Maara Regular ·
Je n'ai pas décrété des vérités absolus, je faisais juste un retour d'expérience sur mon voyage. Si tout le monde aimait les mêmes pays, les mêmes villes ça serait bien triste :)
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Mitch341 5 days ago · Dennis2
Our road trip through the American Southwest for summer 2026
Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.

So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.

Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026: Car rental – check, Hotels – check, Itinerary – almost check, Photo gear – check, Budget – check, 🤪 Meal planning – meh, we’ll see... Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.

And now, without too much detail...

Fort Worth: The Longhorns and the Stockyards; JR’s ranch (for the missus); Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.

Houston and NASA Space Center: See the Gulf of Mexico/America.

San Antonio and the missions.

Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.

El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains: El Paso and White Sands.

Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum: Tombstone, Bisbee.

Phoenix:

Still working on the program.

Sedona: Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.

Albuquerque: Santa Fe, Turquoise Trail, Los Alamos.

Amarillo via Route 66: Old Route 66 in the city; Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.

Dallas: JFK Museum; Perot Museum; West End district.

And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!

We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).

Return to France: Dallas-Montpellier via CDG.

Cheers!
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Lauraoceane last month · Mitch341
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Hi there,

We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary. Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between: - The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc. - The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...

We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road. Thanks for your input!

Laura
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Marcalamar 2 months ago
Which entrance to choose for Pinnacles National Park (California): East or West?
Hi everyone! 🙂

I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.

This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?

I’ve spotted two short hikes: - East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop - West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop

Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?

Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon! Marcalamar 🙂
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Drazen 3 months ago
Tips for a 20-day family itinerary in the American West in 2028
Hello everyone,

After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)

Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly! Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!

On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.

We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏

Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?

Thanks in advance for your feedback😉
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Marcalamar 3 months ago
Planning King Canyon and Sequoia National Park
Hi everyone! 🙂 Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park. Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening! Marcalamar 🙂
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Ally310 4 months ago · Beajourbrez
5 weeks in the American West with family in summer 2026
Hi everyone! After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.

I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!

Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)

Here’s our final route: Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home

We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.

I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!

We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
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Magie1985 4 months ago · Caussat
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Hello. I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.

There are several attractions along the way: - Mormon Rocks - Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite - Joshua Tree National Park - Mojave Desert - Mojave National Preserve - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - Silverwood Lake

My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?

I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.

Thanks so much. The trip would be in fall 2026
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Cece21 4 months ago · Kimy6791
Is it easy to navigate Detroit Airport?
Hi, My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well. Thanks for your replies,
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Marcalamar 5 months ago
Parking and Viewpoints for Lake Tahoe Visits
Good evening, everyone! 🙂 Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.

**Parking:** We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?

**Viewpoints on the East Side:** Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?

**Donner Memorial State Park:** Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?

Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
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Canales 5 months ago · Drazen
Upper Antelope Canyon prices
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
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MA
Marcalamar 5 months ago · Sbrcoach
Questions about SUV trails and must-sees for a California road trip
Hi everyone! 🙂 As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th. Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us. We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.

Here’s our itinerary: Day 1: Davis – overnight stop Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen) Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes) Day 6: South Lake Tahoe Day 7: South Lake Tahoe Day 8: Mammoth Lake Day 9: Mammoth Lake Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road Day 11: El Portal Day 12: El Portal Day 13: Oakhurst Day 14: Miramonte Day 15: Three Rivers Day 16: Three Rivers Day 17: Coalinga Day 18: Monterey Day 19: Monterey Day 20: San Francisco Day 21: San Francisco Day 22: Departure

For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned: Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2) Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3) Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4) Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)

I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV? Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?

That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening! Marcalamar 🙂
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PT
Ptitebulle59 5 months ago · Mitch341
What budget should I plan for 3 weeks on the US West Coast?
Hi everyone,

I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast. I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October. My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.

Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips. I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

Thanks to everyone for your advice and help.
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AR
Arnaudbu 6 months ago · Nataly03
Need info on the road to White Pocket and Reflection Canyon
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
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RO
Rodens 6 months ago · Nataly03
Where to stay in New York to cut costs?
Hi everyone! I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
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CO
Coco3826 7 months ago
Feedback on West American Itinerary
Hello,

After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!

The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...

M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas) T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC) W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV) F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas Tu19: Return flight

What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.

Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?

Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!

Christophe
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US
Usafan 7 months ago · Junkanoo
Annual National Parks Pass
Hi everyone.

I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.

So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.

This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.

Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks... For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400, which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.). Total madness.

The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.

Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!

That’s all for now.

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Voyage902 7 months ago · Tatra
Renting a car in the US with a deferred debit card
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
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Patoon 7 months ago
How can I tell the difference between cable cars and trams in San Francisco?
Hi VF community,

I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.

Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels. Cheers, Régine
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Arnale 7 months ago · Mitch341
Can you buy the national parks pass online in advance?
Hi, I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026. The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!! Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it? Thanks for your tips. Arnale
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Cup030680 8 months ago · Caussat
Feedback on a Florida road trip
Hi there,

I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense? Day 1: Orlando Day 2: Amelia Island Day 3: Amelia Island Day 4: Tallahassee Day 5: Panama City Beach Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin) Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way) Day 8: Crystal River Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater) Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete) Day 11: Anna Maria Day 12: Orlando Day 13: Orlando Day 14: Orlando Day 15: Departure

Thanks in advance for your tips!
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Twachi06 8 months ago · Usafan
Our experience in the American West with a French-speaking guide
Hey everyone!

We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.

I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.

We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.

What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.

Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.

The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus. In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.

We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.

If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
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