Bon voila mon circuit fini. La ou il y a des ?? si vous avez des idées de trucs a faire ou a voir. Puis bien sur toutes vos remarques sont les bienvenues. Je n'ai pas encore choisi definitivement les hotels pour chaque étape c'est pourquoi il y a deux trois hotels a chaque fois car j'ai fait déjà une premiere selection. Bien sur si vous avez des idées d'hotels sympas je suis preneur.
Autre chose est ce que vous savez ou je peux prendre en photo le fameux panneau vert indiquant la Route66 car je vais de Williams a Kingman mais j'hesite je ne sais pas si prendre la highway40 comme le stypule googlemaps ou bien la Route66 jusqu'a Kingman
1->Arrivée San Francisco
- Installation a l'Hotel
=========================================
2->San Francisco
A voir :
- Union Square(Centre ville)
- 900 Market Street, on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza, next to the cable car turntable at Powell and Market streets.
- Chinatown
- Alcatraz
- Golden Gate Bridge
=========================================
3->San Francisco
A voir :
- Golden Gate Park
- Telegraph Hill & Coit Tower
- Fisherman's wharf
- Russian Hill - rue Lombard street
Les tuyaux a San Francisco: Pour voir au mieux les fameux tramways à câbles (cable cars) de San Francisco, allez à leur terminus à quelques rues de Fisherman's wharf où vous pouvez observer quand on les tourne de 180° à bras d'homme. Pour faire de bons clichés, remontez la rue et attendez l'arrivée d'un cable car, vous pouvez ainsi le photographier avec à l'arrière plan la baie de San Francisco et Alcatraz. Pour monter dessus, il est préférable de se rendre à l'autre extrémité de la ligne, au centre ville, où la foule est généralement moins dense et l'attente est moins longue.
D'autres attractions touristiques se trouvent près de San Francisco. De l'autre côté du pont Golden Gate, la première baie en bordure de la route offre une belle vue sur la ville baignée par la baie. Si vous suivez la petite route passant sous l'autoroute et montez sur la montagne derrière le pont, vous serez récompensé par une vue spectaculaire sur le Golden Gate et la région de la baie. Depuis le sommet, la route continue haut au-dessus du Pacifique avec de nombreux points de vue et des chemins de promenade. Cette route mène vers Stinson Beach, une région très populaire pour la baignade et le surf du pacifique, et vers Muir Woods, une réserve impressionnante de séquoias géants de Californie.
Le Centre d’Informations pour les Visiteurs, situé au 900 Market St., au sous-sol de Hallidie Plaza, près du terminus du cable car à l’angle des rues Powell et Market,
Hotels :
Columbus Motor Inn
Redwood Inn
Pass MUNI(transport en commun)
En vente a l'aéroport dans SFO Information Booth (Baggage Claims)
======================================
4->San Francisco > Monterey > Carmel
A voir a Monterey :??
Hotels :
Best Western de Anza Inn Monterey
Mariposa Inn, Monterey
Americas Best Value Stage Coach Lodge Monterey
A voir a Carmel :
- Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo (Carmel Mission) - 3080 Rio Road, Carmel, California.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Point Lobos Highway 1-California 93923
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5-> Carmel > San Simeon(Hearst Castle) >San luis obispo par la route 1 Big Sure
A voir a San luis Obispo ??
Hotels :
Peach Tree Inn (sans parking)
Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo
Best Western Royal Oak Hotel
A savoir :
SAND DOLLAR BEACH - Juste à un km et demi au sud de la station du U.S. Forest Service à Pacific Valley et à 22 km au nord de la frontière du comté de San Luis Obispo se trouve Sand Dollar Beach. Depuis un grand parking en bordure de la route N°1, en face du terrain de camping de Plaskett Creek un escalier confortable mène à la plage en forme de croissant qui est abritée du vent par des falaises. Sand Dollar offre aux visiteurs la plus grande étendue de sable le long de la côte du Big Sur et probablement celle qui a le meilleur climat. Depuis la plage, en regardant vers le nord-est, on peut voir le sommet du Cone Peak, haut de 1572 mètres. Une intéressante promenade mène à Jade Cove, située à trois km au sud de Sand Dollar Beach. La partie sud de la côte du Big Sur est réputée pour ses réserves de jade et Jade Cove est un endroit populaire pour les peigneurs de plage et les chercheurs de pierres semi-précieuses.
======================================
6-> San luis obispo > Santa barbara > Los Angeles
A voir a Santa Barbara : ??
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7-> Los Angeles
A voir :
- Hollywood est bien sûr à voir absolument, tout particulièrement Hollywood Bld ou la Walk of Fame
- Comment visiter Beverly Hills ?
•Prendre le tramway et suivre le « Celebrity Tour » (point de départ : pendant l’été à l’angle de Dayton et Rodeo Drive)
•Visiter le quartier en solo avec votre voiture et une carte détaillée (par exemple les star maps vendues un peu partout sur Sunset Bld.
- Santa Monica est désormais un quartier branché, très animé la nuit tombée avec de nombreux bars et restaurants le long de la Third Street Promenade, rue pédestre très fréquentée. Vous y verrez aussi des boutiques, cinémas et saltimbanques de rues.
Les mercredi et samedi matin, se tient un marché. Sur la Santa Monica Pier, il y a un parc d’attraction plutôt « vieux jeu », Pacific Park, où vous pourrez néanmoins vous faire plaisir en prenant quelques tours d’auto-tamponeuses face à la mer et sous le soleil californien…Vous pourrez aussi y danser tous les jeudis soirs d’été en plein air et gratuitement.
======================================
8-> Los Angeles
A voir :
- Venice est l’autre must à voir côté mer Venice, situé à côté de Santa Monica vers le sud. C’est un endroit unique où vous comprendrez mieux ce que représente le « culte du corps » en Californie avec des body-builders et des belles californiennes en rollers-skates et bikinis. En vous promenant le long de la mer, sur Ocean Front Walk, vous y verrez aussi des « spécimens rares » de la plus folle excentricité dont certains sont des habitués de Venice. Mais Venice, s’appelle ainsi car on a construit au début du Xxème siècle des canaux. Même si cela n’a aucune ressemblance avec l’ambiance de Venise, c’est un charme un peu particulier (autour de Grand Canal et Eastern Canal)
- Third Street Promenade, zone piétonne très vivante qui s'étire entre Wilshire et Broadway. Elle regorge de restaurants (plus ou moins gastronomiques), de bars, de cinémas et de boutiques branchées. Zone particulièrement animée le week-end (spectacles de rue).
- Venice Boardwalk Petits marchands, peintres, sculpteurs, masseurs, voyants, mimes, joggeurs, danseurs, body buildeurs, offrent aux touristes un spectacle permanent dans une joyeuse ambiance débridée. C'est l'un des spots les plus extravagants et les plus populaires du Grand Los Angeles. Outre les boutiques de souvenirs, vous y trouverez des salons de tatouages et messages, des loueurs de vélos, des restaurants, snacks et autres bars...
Webcam Venice Boardwalk
Hotels :
Super 8 Los Angeles / Culver City Area
Best Western Hollywood Plaza Inn
Best Western Woodland Hills Inn
Comfort Inn Near the Sunset Strip
Comfort Inn - Los Angeles / West Sunset Blvd
======================================
9-> Los Angeles> Death Valley > furnace creek
Acheter l'annual pass pour l'entrée aux parcs
A voir :
- -Visitor Center
- Zabriskie Point sur la CA190 (lever et coucher du soleil)
- Artists Drive - Artists Palette (route a sens unique)
Hotel :
Furnace Creek Ranch
======================================
10-> Death valley > Las Vegas
A voir :
- Strip et Downtown pour Fremont Street
- Red rock canyon
- spectacles des hotels
======================================
11->Las Vegas
- Strip et Downtown pour Fremont Street
- spectacles des hotels
Hotels :
Mirage
Desert Rose Resort
Treasure Island - TI Hotel & Casino
======================================
12->Las Vegas
A voir :
- Strip et Downtown pour Fremont Street
- Red rock canyon
- spectacles des hotels
======================================
13->La vegas > Valley of fire > Zion
A voir a Valley of fire :
- Visitor Center
- White Dome
A voir a zion :
- -Visitor Center
- scenic drive et Esmeralda spool trail
Hotels a Zion (ville de Springdale)
Pioneer Lodge
Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens
Driftwood Lodge
======================================
14-> Zion > Bryce Canyon
A voir :
- Visitor Center
- Quelques visites et installation
Hotels :
Best Western Ruby's Inn
Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
======================================
15->Bryce Canyon
A voir :
- Sunset point
- Fairely Point
- Activitées diverses
======================================
16->Bryce Canyon > Torrey > Capitol reef
A voir :
- Torrey, ville étape pour la nuit
- Visitor center
- Le long de la HighWay 24, le point de vue Gooseneck Overlook, à l'entrée Ouest du parc. Point de vue sur le Chimney Rock, un rocher en forme de cheminée.
- Instalaltion pour la nuit a Torrey
Hotels a Torrey:
Best Western Capitol Reef Resort
Comfort Inn Capitol Reef
Econo Lodge Torrey
======================================
17->Capitol Reef
A voir :
- Des pétroglyphes indiens datés du 8ème siècle gravés dans la pierre par un peuple mystérieusement disparu vers 1250 (supposition : sécheresses à répétition).
- L'énorme rocher Capitol Dome qui surplombe la Fremont River.
- Le scenic drive : Route goudronnée de 13 Km offrant plusieurs points de vue exeptionnels sur les falaises de couleur. Et un accès à deux canyons, le Grand Wash Canyon, et Capital Gorge. ATTENTION : Le scenic drive peut être fermé à tout moment en cas d'orages qui peuvent provoquer des crues dans les canyons (floods).
- Le Waterpocket Fold : situé sur le versant Est de la falaise, la faille Waterpocket est accessible par une piste de 45 Km de long, par laquelle il est possible de rejoindre la vile de Boulder, à l'Ouest, ou de rejoindre la Glen Canyon recretion area au Sud. L'intersection se trouve près de l'entrée Est du parc. Accessible par n'importe quelle voiture sauf en cas de mauvais temps.
======================================
18->Capitol Reef > Moab
- Piscine et repos
- Installation pour la nuit
Hotels a Moab :
Bowen Motel
Rustic Inn
Best Western Canyonlands Inn
======================================
19->Moab > Arches
A voir :
- Visitor Center
- Desert Nature Trail, 300 mètres autour du Visitor Center, 15 à 30 minutes.
- Park Avenue Viewpoint, point de vue sur le spectaculaire canyon Parkavenue.
- Balanced Rock, 500 mètres autour du rocher du même nom, 15 à 30 minutes.
- The Windows, 1.6 Km autour 3 arches, north window, south window et Turret Arch, 30 à 60 minutes.
- Double Arch, 800 mètre jusqu'au pied de Double Arch (voir photo ci-dessous), 15 à 30 minutes.
- Delicate Arch Viewpoint, 100 mètres jusqu'au point de vue de l'arche Delicate Arch.
- Petrified Dune View point, point de vue sur des dunes de sable pétrifiées.
======================================
20->Moab > CanyonLands
A voir :
- Dead Horse Point
- Island of the Sky
- Scenic drive 128
======================================
21->Moab > Monument valley > Kayenta
A voir:
- Visitor Center
- Scenic Drive
Hotels a Kayenta :
Hampton Inn Kayenta
Best Western Wetherill Inn
======================================
22-> Kayenta > Page
A voir :
- visitor Center
- Lac powel
- (Penser a réserver pour le lendemain pour Upper Antelope Canyon)
- Installation pour la nuit
======================================
23-> Page
A voir :
- Horseshoe Bend est localisé en Arizona sur la route US89 à 3 km au Sud de Page. Pour ne pas manquer l'entrée (qui n'est pas vraiment indiquée) il suffit de repérer la borne 545 sur la route, que vous veniez du Nord ou du Sud. En arrivant par le Nord (depuis la ville de Page), vous verrez inscrit sur un gros rocher la lettre "P" pour "parking". Il s'agit en fait d'une aire de stationnement brute. Une fois stationné, vous devrez marcher sur le seul sentier présent pendant une dizaine de minutes pour atteindre la rive.
- Lower Antelope Canyon et Upper Antelope Canyon
======================================
24->Page > Grand Canyon
A voir :
- Visitor Center
- Grand canyon village
- Falaise Sud, de nombreux points de vue se trouvent le long de la Highway 64 en direction du l'Est, tel Yaki Point et Grand View Point.
Hotels :
Red Feather Lodge
Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn
======================================
25->Grand Canyon > Williams > Seligman > Kingman (Pour la route66)
- Installation pour la nuit a Kingdam
Hotels :
Americas Best Value Inn Kingsman
Best Western A Wayfarer's Inn and Suites
======================================
26->Kingdam > Las Vegas
- Nuit a Las Vegas (on en profite c'est la derniere soirée)
- Pour L'Annual pass j'ai vu qu'il est en vente sur Internet ou vaut il mieux le prendre directement sur place?
-
- Pour tous ce qui est paiement, que vaut il mieux privilégier (carte visa, american express, liquide, etc..)
- Pour les assurances (voyage, véhicule etc..) les assurances comprises avec les cartes de paiement suffisent ou bien faut il en souscrire d'autres?
- Enfin si vous connaisser des hotels sympas, je suis preneur
ANNUAL PASS, le prendre a la guerite du premier parc visité. Ca se fait en 2mns..
Carte de paiement : l'American Express ne prend pas de commision sur les achats faits à l'etranger.
Hotel sympas : j'ai eu un coup de coeur pour le Narrow Gauge Inn à FISH CAMP à l'entrée sud de YOSEMITE
Je suis ravie de revenir à nouveau vous solliciter pour cette ébauche de circuit dans l'Ouest (après 2004 et 2007, pour ce dernier Sedonax m'a d'ailleurs été…
Pour mon prochain voyage (mi juin à mi juillet 2013) avec mon conjoint J'aimerais avoir vos commentaires et suggestions nous partirons de Palm Spring pour se…
Merci par avance d'avoir cliqué. Je planifie pour Mai ou Septembre 2012 un circuit dans l'Ouest Américain pour 2 et après avoir épluché le forum et ses carnets…
J'y passe mes soirées et une partie de mes nuits mais là je suis arrivé à un point ou je n'avance plus et pourtant il reste quelques points pas totalement…
Voilà je vais faire mon 1er grand voyage dans l'ouest américain en septembre prochain avec mon compagnon. Nous arrivons à Phoenix pour visiter ensuite le grand…
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).
hi everyone
I’m planning a world trip and I’m looking for great tips on accommodation in the United States.
Do you have any good deals to share, please?
thanks
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
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!
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 🙂
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?
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 🙂
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!!
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.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
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,
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?
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
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 🙂
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 for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the restaurant?
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.
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?
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!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
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!
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!
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
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
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
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!