If you’re visiting the United States for the first time, there’s no better choice than experiencing the country through a classic road trip. Few places in the world are built for long drives the way the U.S. is—vast highways, fewer crowds, and landscapes that shift dramatically from one region to another.
Among all American road trip routes, the West Coast Loop remains the most iconic. Connecting Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, this circular journey takes you from deserts to mountains, from dramatic canyonlands to coastal cliffs. It even includes the legendary Highway 1—often honored as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world.
Los Angeles — Sunshine, Cinema, and Coastal Dreams
When people think of Los Angeles, the first images that come to mind are sunshine, beaches, and Hollywood. As the birthplace of modern filmmaking, the city has a unique charm that makes everyday scenery feel cinematic. 
Griffith Observatory and the Magic of LA Nights
Head to the iconic Griffith Observatory at sunset. As the city lights flicker on, you’ll understand why movies like La La Land chose this place to capture the essence of Los Angeles.
Theme Parks You Can’t Miss
Los Angeles is also the only city—other than Orlando—where you can visit both:Disneyland Resort&Universal Studios Hollywood
Crowds are manageable, and with two full days, you can enjoy nearly every attraction without stress.
Santa Monica — The Heart of California’s Coastal Vibe
For a laid-back coastal experience, head to Santa Monica. As the western end of U.S. Route 66, its pier, Ferris wheel, entertainers, and ocean breeze capture the dreamy spirit of California.
Las Vegas — The City That Never Sleeps
Driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas takes roughly four hours. The journey cuts through endless stretches of desert before suddenly revealing a glittering city rising out of nowhere.
The Strip — A World of Its Own
Most of the magic happens along The Strip, where dozens of themed hotels create their own worlds—replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids, Venetian canals, and more.
You can spend an entire day simply wandering through hotels, malls, theaters, and casinos.
Las Vegas Dining — From Michelin to Buffets
Don’t miss:
- The Wicked Spoon (The Cosmopolitan)
- Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace)
- The Buffet at Wynn
These are considered the top three buffets in Las Vegas.
Bellagio Fountains and Night Views
At 9 p.m., make your way to the famous Bellagio Fountains. With synchronized music, lights, and water shows, it’s one of the city’s most iconic experiences.
For panoramic night views, visit:
- Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck (Paris Las Vegas)
- High Roller observation wheel
The Entertainment Capital
Las Vegas is home to countless shows and concerts. For first-timers, Cirque du Soleil’s “O” and “KA” are perfect choices.
The Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Leaving Las Vegas and heading east takes you into one of the most breathtaking stretches of the West Coast Loop.
The Grand Canyon — A Window Into Earth’s History
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most recognizable natural landmarks. Spanning 446 km long and over 1,800 meters deep, it reveals geological layers tracing back nearly two billion years.
The South Rim offers the most accessible viewpoints and visitor facilities.
Antelope Canyon — A Photographer’s Dream
A 2.5-hour drive east brings you to Antelope Canyon near the town of Page, Arizona. Famous for its flowing sandstone formations and dramatic beams of sunlight, it is frequently listed among the world’s top photography locations.
- Upper Antelope Canyon: Best for light beams
- Lower Antelope Canyon: Narrower, more adventurous paths
Peak time for photographing light beams is between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
A guided Navajo Nation tour is required for entry.
Horseshoe Bend — The Iconic Colorado River Curve
Just minutes from Page lies Horseshoe Bend, a sweeping overlook of the Colorado River. Its dramatic viewpoint has become one of the most recognizable images from the American Southwest.
Nearby national parks also worth visiting include:
San Francisco — Vintage Charm by the Bay
Compared with Los Angeles and Las Vegas, San Francisco feels more artistic and nostalgic, with steep streets and European-inspired architecture.
The Golden Gate Bridge
The vibrant red Golden Gate Bridge is the city’s most iconic symbol. The best viewpoints include:
- Battery Spencer Viewpoint
- Golden Gate Park
World-Class Museums
San Francisco is home to several noteworthy art museums:
Masterpieces by Picasso, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, and Jasper Johns can all be found here.
Highway 1 — The Crown Jewel of the West Coast
The highlight of the entire road trip is the spectacular Highway 1. Stretching more than 1,000 km along the Pacific coast, it connects San Francisco and Los Angeles with dramatic cliffs, ocean waves, and sweeping views.
A Drive of Pure Freedom
Sunlight, sea breeze, cliffs, and soaring seagulls create the perfect California fantasy. Driving this route with music blasting feels like the whole world opens up.
The best way to experience Highway 1 is driving south from San Francisco toward Los Angeles, keeping the ocean on your right for uninterrupted views. There are no mandatory stops—just pull over anytime to enjoy the scenery.
