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.
In my opinion, the prices are the same as last year. I go every year and don’t see a big difference in terms of lower attendance.
However, yes, compared to 2014, it’s more expensive. In 2017, I had a flight ticket for under 500 euros including baggage.
For example, this September, I rented a large SUV (like a Ford Explorer) for 25 days: 1,250 euros with Alamo.
A classic SUV is around 800 euros.
For the flight, I usually go with British Airways. This year, it’ll be with Iberia for 700 € including baggage.
For hotels in September, budget between 80 and 110 euros per night for decent and clean hotels. I hardly ever stay in hotels anymore, but I always check prices everywhere I go.
For gas, you can calculate based on your itinerary.
A classic SUV uses about 8 liters per 100 km, while a large SUV uses about 12 liters per 100 km.
Roughly, if you do a 6,000 km loop, you’ll spend around 400 € on gas for a classic SUV and 600 € for a large one.
For activities, count on an $80 pass for the parks.
It all depends on your fun budget (theme parks, shopping).
I don’t go to parks anymore and spend about $300 on clothes.
For food, it depends on what you eat. But food has gotten a lot more expensive since 2014.
For me, it’s simple—I only book the car and the flight.
I don’t stay in hotels and usually spend around $2,700 on the ground, which includes food, shopping, and gas.
Note that I drove 10,000 km on my last trip, so about $1,000 was just for gas.
I spent around $300 on clothes and about $150 to set up my car like a hotel room (bed, cooler, etc.).
I also spent around $200 in cash on campgrounds.
That leaves about $1,000 for 25 days of food, almost no restaurants (just 2 breakfasts at Denny’s, if I remember right).
Hope this helps.
Wait, is this a joke??? What drop in tourist numbers???
I’ve been going to Florida almost every year since 2013, and prices hadn’t changed (with baggage included, departing from Geneva) until this year, when I noticed an increase of nearly 100 € per ticket. For Phoenix (still from GVA), we paid 690 € in 2023, and it’s 735 € for the same dates in 2025. And departing from Paris, with the new taxes being added, I doubt prices are going down!
As for car rentals, they’ve gone up quite a bit since Covid—nowhere near the lower end of the range!
As for the supposedly lower tourist numbers, what can I say!! ... it’s way too early to tell 😉 and despite the media hype, there’s no difference in Florida between March 2024 and March 2025, and an increase in April 2025 .... we’ll have to wait until next year to really see if the anti-US propaganda worked 😉
From what I saw last month: the flight from GVA was full, and at online check-in, they even offered to move our departure for a few hundred €! I refused, and as a result, we got upgraded! On the ground, lots of Germans (way more than usual), and on the return flight, the plane was full too.
Texas en 2007 - Floride : 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 - 2021 - 2023 - 2025 - Montana et Wyoming : 2022 - Arizona et Utah : 2023 - Montana en 2024 - Nevada, Arizona et Utah : 2025
http://acheterenfloride.blogspot.fr/
Yes, prices on the ground have increased a lot since 2014—inflation has had its say... and if you need to exchange your euros for dollars, it’s also less favorable now.
We’re not the type to watch our spending too closely while traveling (Airbnb or a nice hotel, eating out every day, etc.), and we have a US bank account. But Usafan already gave some great tips and broke down their expenses in detail... I’ll just add my trick for renting a vehicle, since car rental prices have gone up a lot since Covid: I book as late as possible to get a better price (secure a reservation first, then cancel it if prices drop closer to departure).
Happy planning! !
Texas en 2007 - Floride : 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 - 2021 - 2023 - 2025 - Montana et Wyoming : 2022 - Arizona et Utah : 2023 - Montana en 2024 - Nevada, Arizona et Utah : 2025
http://acheterenfloride.blogspot.fr/
I totally agree with you. It’s media manipulation... These days, you have to budget between 750 and 800 euros for a flight ticket outside of school holidays. Before COVID, I got tickets for between 450 and 350 euros, baggage included.
I’m not even talking about peak summer... It’s insane.
Rental cars are only worth it through Alamo and via Los Angeles—otherwise, it’s ridiculous...
In September, Alamo was 1250 € for a large SUV via Los Angeles... Everywhere else, it was between 3500 and 4500 euros.
As for the supposedly declining attendance, what can I say!! ... it's still too early to say anything 😉 and despite the media hype from our news outlets
...I read (on a US site) that FLL Airport lost a quarter of its passengers... mostly Canadians...
MIA has more passengers from South America, so the drop isn't as sharp...
After the initial frustration, maybe our Canadian neighbors will come back (they're the largest group of tourists in the US)
I booked a round-trip direct flight to DEN for 500 €, which is pretty reasonable—it was more expensive last year...
When I say cheaper, I mean compared to 2024, not 5 years ago, but it's also true that the US has had crazy inflation...
Yeah, AA and Miami are cheap (I don’t fly with them anymore after taking a flight in a plane that had a TV on the ceiling like in a bus! 😏)
I don’t know, I have an issue with that airline, same as with Delta.
Right now, Los Angeles is 750 € in September without luggage (so you can budget around 900 €).
Miami is 454 €, so about 600 € with luggage.
But what’s totally crazy is the price of cars.
They vary from simple to triple the cost.
I booked my SUV at a very reasonable price... A few days later, it went up by 500 €.
Hi there, we just got back...
Our budget, excluding transport from home to SF and back:
- SUV rental for 9 days...42 € per day. They refused debit and credit cards... luckily I had my Carrefour Pass Black card on me.
- Gas wasn’t the most expensive, 10 € per 100 km
- Hotels for a mid-range room: 100 €
- Food: outrageously expensive, and getting worse... e.g., $58 at Denny’s for an egg dish (charged an extra $0.50 per egg!). A beer, a coffee... at Five Guys, we paid a bit less... As for shopping at Walmart, it was Laughing Cow with chili on a piece of bread, the same Caesar salad, and bad fruit... I have a friend who went with 3 others and did a lot of Airbnbs with kitchens—cooking dinner and prepping lunch salads. Seems way more efficient...
- Alcatraz visit: expensive for what it is
- National parks: we didn’t spend much—the most expensive, Cedar Breaks, was closed due to a snowstorm...
Converse gift: $30 a pair at the north LV outlet, 50% off if you buy 2 pairs!
The north outlet seemed cheaper than the south one...
- Toll: $11 for the Golden Gate Bridge + $10 "service charge"... a tip! On the Pass card.
Otherwise, if even eating at Denny’s is expensive (and just imagine the price at a fancier restaurant with wine!), which is true these days, that’s why I rent Airbnbs. And I can even shop at Sprouts—the hipster grocery store—and it still ends up being cheaper overall.
Giving budget advice without knowing your means is a bit risky. Like everyone else, I’ll share my experience, and you can analyze it.
My trip to the West in 2022 lasted almost a month.
I’m no longer at the age where I can sleep in the car like my friend Usafan, whom I sometimes envy, so it was hotels all the way—three or four stars. Not many restaurants since Americans don’t know how to cook; instead, I’d grab French fries and a glass of red wine at the bar in the evening. Maybe an Italian restaurant now and then.
I preferred an SUV for the road trip, with an extra travel bag for the trip back to fit all the clothes I bought. I flew with AF (Air France) from Montpellier via CDG.
Final tally for 2022: 8,000 kilometers, a wedding in LV, and around 18,000 € all-in.
Giving budget advice without knowing your means is a bit risky. I’ll share my experience like everyone else, and you can analyze it.
My trip to the West in 2022 lasted almost a month.
I’m no longer young enough to sleep in the car like my friend Usafan, whom I sometimes envy, so I always stayed in hotels—three or four stars. Not many restaurants because Americans don’t know how to cook; instead, I’d have French fries and a glass of red wine at the bar in the evening. Maybe an Italian restaurant.
I preferred an SUV for the road trip, with an extra travel bag for the clothes I bought and flights with Air France from Montpellier via CDG.
Result for 2022: 8,000 kilometers, a wedding in LV, and around 18,000 € all-in.
Clearly not your budget
Let’s say between 3,000 and 4,000 € per person.
I want mid-range hotels but ones with good reviews. My goal is to find the interesting spots, and I usually manage since I’m used to traveling in the US and road trips.
In my opinion, the rates are the same as last year. I go every year and don’t see a big price difference in terms of lower attendance.
However, yes, compared to 2014, it’s more expensive. In 2017, I had a flight ticket for under 500 euros including baggage.
For example, this September, I rented a large SUV (like a Ford Explorer) for 25 days: 1250 euros with Alamo.
A classic SUV costs around 800 euros.
For the flight, I usually fly with British Airways. This year, it’ll be with Iberia for 700 € including baggage.
For the hotel budget in September, expect between 80 and 110 euros per night for decent and clean hotels. I hardly ever stay in hotels anymore, but I still check prices everywhere I go.
For gas, you can calculate based on your itinerary.
A classic SUV uses about 8 liters per 100 km, while a large SUV uses 12 liters per 100 km.
Roughly, if you do a 6000 km loop, you’ll spend around 400 € on gas for a classic SUV and 600 € for a large SUV.
For outings, budget for the park pass at $80.
It all depends on your fun budget (theme parks, shopping).
I don’t go to the parks anymore and spend about $300 on clothes.
For food, it depends on what you eat. But food has gotten much more expensive since 2014.
For me, it’s simple: I only book the car and the flight.
I don’t stay in hotels and usually spend around $2700 on-site, which includes food, shopping, and gas.
Note that I drove 10,000 km on my last trip, so about $1000 just for gas.
I spent around $300 on clothes and about $150 to set up my car like a hotel room (bed, cooler, etc.).
I also spent around $200 in cash on campgrounds.
That leaves about $1000 for 25 days of food, almost no restaurants (just 2 breakfasts at Denny’s, if I remember correctly).
Hope this helps.
Thanks a lot! Yeah, I noticed during my last trip to NYC two years ago that prices had skyrocketed, especially for hotels, food, and flights. I’ll stick with a basic car or something slightly above, like a Corolla.
No loop for me.
I always try to find the best value for money while staying close to the center or easily accessible. I’ll check out some hotels I’ve stayed at before ^^
I’d like to book the hotel at Monument Valley, "The View," and do Universal Studios with a skip-the-line ticket.
If I do SF > LV > LA,
After SF, I was thinking of visiting Yosemite, which I missed last time, then Death Valley.
Is it better to do Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Antelope Canyon after LV?
If I do SF > LV > LA
After SF, I was thinking of doing Yosemite, which I didn’t do last time, then Death Valley.
Is it better to do Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Antelope Canyon after LV?
It depends on your itinerary! For sure, if you're doing SF > LV > LA, the classic route after LV is Bryce / Antelope / Monument Valley / Grand Canyon / LA. With Valley of Fire, or even Zion between LV and Bryce.
But if the question is "Is it worth it after LV?", the answer is Yesss!
For this summer, for decent hotels (not exceptional—like our 2- or 3-star places) with good TA ratings (4/5), but sometimes a bit out of the way (except in SF), I’m averaging around $180 all-in per night, with a peak at $245 for Monument Valley (not at The View, just a random hotel in Kayenta).
I’ll share some details when we get back in September 😛
That said, it’s hard to give a range because the big budget items (flights, rental car, hotels) really depend on the time of year.
Can’t wait to hear your feedback 😉
Hey, I’m going in September, and so far, for 2 people over 15 days, I’m at **3000 €** with flights, a rental car, and Airbnb.
That leaves meals, but since we’ll be eating in the rented apartment, it doesn’t cost too much…
And of course, shopping at Ross—you know how it is… poof poof
Hi there!
I just got back from a fantastic 23-day trip starting in Nice and ending in Phoenix—5,800 km in a big SUV, staying in hotels and motels with breakfasts, picnics at lunch, and restaurants or cafeterias in the evening. 😊 It cost us 6,400 € for two, but I booked everything a year in advance to get good deals!
Hope this helps! 😊
Just FYI, there were lots of tourists this year, and the Americans were super welcoming!!
Hi there!
I just got back from a fantastic 23-day trip from Nice to Phoenix—5,800 km in a big SUV, staying in hotels and motels with breakfast, picnics at lunch, and restaurants or cafeterias in the evening. It cost us 6,400 € for two, but I booked everything a year in advance to get good prices!
Hope this helps...
And just so you know, there were lots of tourists this year, and the Americans were super welcoming!
I’ll keep this in mind since I’m planning a trip in 2016. It’s true that spring rates are lower.
I’ll look into it. 😎
I’ll share some details in September when we’re back 😛
That said, it’s tricky to give price ranges because the big budget items (flights, rental car, hotels) really depend on the time of year.
Can’t wait to hear back from you 😉
As promised, here’s our feedback! 😛
The Itinerary:
23 days, 22 nights on site. From June 25 to July 17, so about ten days outside school holidays. Everything was booked in December.
San Francisco, the coast, Los Angeles, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Page and the Antelope Canyons, Bryce, Death Valley, and finally 3 days in Las Vegas.
Flights:
Multi-destination flights. Arrival in SF, departure from LV with Air France-KLM including domestic connection: 1090 € per person
Transportation:
Rental of a large SUV (like a Peugeot 5008) from Avis. 970 € for 19 days, picked up when leaving SF. I didn’t take the GPS option—I have my own.
48 € per person
Gas: $438 for 5,500 km. Average consumption: 8.5 L/100 km. Average price per gallon: $3.6 (min $2.8 - max $4.9)
Parking: $195 (including $35 at Universal Studios!!! That’s on top of the entrance ticket, and it’s almost impossible to get there by public transport.)
Tolls: None. Otherwise, remember to factor in the fees for the electronic toll system (either via a transponder or license plate reading), which can be very high depending on the rental company.
Hotels:
When possible, we preferred motels on the outskirts (cheaper) with a fridge and microwave in the room. Usually included breakfast, a pool, and laundry. The equivalent of 2- to 3-star hotels in France. Average price: $163 per night (min $120 in Cambria - max $244 in Kayenta for Monument Valley)
Food:
Overall, breakfast was included in the room price except for 4 nights. The fridge and microwave in the room let us eat dinner there (or in the breakfast room, often available) with salads, frozen meals, deli dishes, etc., and keep picnic supplies cool for lunch. We shopped at supermarkets like Walmart. Sometimes a pizza or fast food. No restaurants.
Average cost: $45 per day for two.
Tips:
Mandatory whenever you visit or do an activity: $54 for the trip. But I don’t leave tips at fast-food places, Starbucks, or elsewhere. Not at the hotel either.
Phone:
2 "USA" extensions for our French plans with data (even though we used hotel Wi-Fi a lot): Around 75 €
Activities:
America the Beautiful Pass: $80. Also remember the state parks not included in the pass: $10 to $15 per entry. For the rest, there’s no limit, and it adds up fast!!!!
Here’s my experience with the unavoidable expenses. Happy planning! 😎
3-day public transit pass in SF and airport-to-downtown train: 48€ $48 per person
Oops, small mistake! It’s $48, not 48 euros. That includes $33 for the 3-day pass + $15 for the BART between the airport and Powell, and then to Mission the next day.
Foreign credit cards aren’t accepted on the MUNI app according to what I found out.
The pass doesn’t start automatically at purchase. You have to activate the Pass manually.
Renting a car from San Francisco, I find it’s really much cheaper than before.
However, on the West Coast, I’m not sure where you’re seeing hotels between 80 and 110 €...
I’ve got a 3-week road trip mostly in California, and I’m closer to $200, even more for Yosemite, Sequoia, San Francisco, Pacific Grove, and Fort Bragg.
I’ve never spent more than 110 euros on a hotel without any issues...
That said, you’re mentioning places that are expensive. The California coast is pricey. If you go just 1 hour inland, you can find hotels for under 100 euros. Sometimes, you just need to step back a little. I never stay right in the heart of tourist spots—always a bit off to the side. For example, two years ago when I arrived in San Francisco, I stayed south in Milpitas (Hilton Garden Inn for 97 €) or north near Corte Madera.
In Los Angeles, I usually stay around Glendale or Pasadena (Glendale Hotel for 90 € is great, and Howard Johnson Pasadena for around 110 €—not bad, from what I remember).
I haven’t been to Yosemite in ages, but back then, I stayed near Oakhurst.
But yeah, near the parks, it’s really expensive. I just go farther out.
Now, like I said, I mostly sleep in my car, camp, or stay in nature, and I spend very little time in California because it doesn’t interest me much anymore.
Too expensive! Just the cost of gas alone makes me want to leave.
So when I occasionally look for a hotel, I book the same day on-site via Expedia, for example, to pay in euros. I’ve never had trouble finding something affordable and clean... But I also see you’re planning a bit last-minute ;)
Hi there,
I’m back. I’m wondering about the exact timing I should aim for. I’d love to catch the peak of the fall colors. I was thinking of going from September 19 to October 10, 2026, or maybe September 26 to October 17, 2026. What do you think? Thanks!
My answer might fall flat since I’ve never visited these regions in the fall—I’ve always gone (4 times) in the spring or summer. But I’ll give it a shot!
It probably depends on what you mean by the "West Coast," but if it’s the classic SF–LA route with parks and maybe LV, from what I remember, there isn’t much vegetation aside from pine trees. Though the timing for their fall colors is still a bit of a mystery 😛😎
Then again, my memories (most recently from summer 2025) might be playing tricks on me...
I was in the West last month 😉 and I’d say both periods are great for fall colors, but it also depends on the altitude—higher areas change color earlier!
Burst of yellow in the Moab highlands on October 9th, though you can see many trees are already bare.
Fruita Orchards in Capitol Reef, a mix of green and yellow, on October 11th.
Dixie National Forest at the start of Scenic Byway 12, October 11th—again, lots of trees have already lost their leaves.
Zion on October 14th, just a few splashes of yellow.
As for the budget, here’s my LV-LV loop from 10/1 to 10/17, covering Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Moab (Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Arches), Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.
Flights Geneva-LV: 700 € per person, baggage included
Car rental via BSP Auto: 584 € for a standard SUV (Mitsubishi Outlander) with an additional driver (I traveled with a friend, not my partner!) and $1,000,000 liability coverage.
Hotels: 3000 € for 16 nights (ranging from 109 € to 317 €)
Restaurants + misc. purchases: around 2000 € per person
Gas: for 2,600 km, about 130 €
We wanted to buy the parks pass, but with the shutdown, they were free—except Dead Horse Point, which is a state park ($20).
Texas en 2007 - Floride : 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 - 2021 - 2023 - 2025 - Montana et Wyoming : 2022 - Arizona et Utah : 2023 - Montana en 2024 - Nevada, Arizona et Utah : 2025
http://acheterenfloride.blogspot.fr/
Hello,
I’m back. I’m wondering about the exact period I should choose. I’d love to catch the peak of the fall colors. I was thinking of either September 19 to October 10, 2026, or maybe September 26 to October 17, 2026. What do you think? Thanks!
Hello, we left on September 25 this year, and it was the start of fall—those fluorescent yellow trees are magical!
But predicting the start of fall from one year to the next isn’t a sure thing…
Hi there,
I’m back! This time there’ll be two of us traveling.
This trip, I’m switching things up: SF → LV → LA instead of SF → LA → LV.
Last time, I didn’t get to visit Yosemite, Moab, Joshua Tree, or Zion.
What do you think? Any suggestions?
26/09 – San Francisco
27/09 – San Francisco
28/09 – San Francisco
29/09 – Yosemite
30/09 – Yosemite
01/10 – Las Vegas
02/10 – Las Vegas
03/10 – Zion
04/10 – Zion
05/10 – Bryce
06/10 – Page
07/10 – Monument Valley
08/10 – Moab
09/10 – Moab
10/10 – Grand Canyon
11/10 – Grand Canyon
12/10 – Joshua Tree
13/10 – Los Angeles
14/10 – Los Angeles
15/10 – Los Angeles
16/10 – Return
I’m back with an update—I tweaked the itinerary a bit. I’d actually forgotten a day in my original plan since I was thinking of leaving on the 17th, not the 16th—oops, lol.
I’ve started looking at flight ticket prices, and I’m seeing around 1857 € for two people. What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help!
What do you think?
I’d cut a day in LA to add to Moab—which you’re really just skimming over—or to SF.
For flights, that seems pricey for off-season. This summer, I paid **930 €** with Air France for a multi-destination ticket (arrival in SF, departure from LV) including a domestic connection from the provinces. Though now I’m wondering if it’s *really* off-season, because the screenshot in the other thread about The View is terrifying with those prices!
For the flight, that seems expensive for off-season since this summer I paid 930 € with Air France for a multi-destination ticket (arriving in SF, departing from LV) including a connecting flight from the provinces.
What type of ticket is it? The basic one with no checked baggage?
What type of ticket? The basic one without checked luggage?
No, 23kg baggage per person + choice of duo seats on the outbound flight. And we got a refundable ticket in case business class deals came up (but there weren’t any 😛)
What type of ticket? The basic one without checked luggage?
No, 23kg baggage per person + choice of duo seats on the outbound. And we got a refundable ticket in case business class deals came up (but there weren’t any 😛)
OK! For August 2026, I’m at 2500 € for two, departing from Montpellier - CDG - Dallas and return. Seats chosen, 23 kg and an extra 20 kg for the return trip. 😎
In 2022, Montpellier - CDG - Salt Lake City then SFO - CDG - Montpellier, I paid 2900 €. Same conditions.
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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 🙂
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!
Burst of yellow in the Moab highlands on October 9th, though you can see many trees are already bare.
Fruita Orchards in Capitol Reef, a mix of green and yellow, on October 11th.
Dixie National Forest at the start of Scenic Byway 12, October 11th—again, lots of trees have already lost their leaves.
Zion on October 14th, just a few splashes of yellow.
