Las Vegas to The Coast | Fly Drive through National Parks

Days 1-2

Las Vegas

Fly from the UK to Las Vegas where you can stay anything from 2 – 5 nights depending on what else you would like to do in the area. If you would just like to get a glimpse of Vegas, 2 nights is probably enough, but if you would like time to take an excursion to the Grand Canyon or add a few days in Arizona or the Hoover Dam you should plan to stay longer. There are plenty of ostentatious and OTT hotels on the strip, but if you want a luxurious hotel just away from the hustle and bustle, Frontier America can recommend several.

2 nights Las Vegas

Day 3

Las Vegas to Death Valley

Well named as temperatures in summer reach well over 40 degrees, Death Valley National Park dips 282 feet under sea level. It assaults all the senses with its colours, smells of sagebrush and visions of the shimmering heat haze over the desert. In summertime you will probably not want to walk too far (although it is a dry heat which is much more comfortable) but if you are there in the spring or autumn, do make time to walk through the Golden Canyon or the Ubehebe Crater.

IMPORTANT TIP – Take lots of water.

1 night in Death Valley

Days 4-5

Death Valley to Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks

Your route today will take you from the heat of Death Valley to the comparative cool of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. These two parks share some of the attributes of Yosemite but are far less well known and subsequently receive many less visitors.

At the heart of the park, in the shade of towering sequoias and redwood groves, the Giant Forest is home to half of the Earth’s largest and longest-living trees. Named in 1875 by John Muir, the forest is a stand of more than 8,000 colossal sequoia trees – many standing just as Muir found them. Amongst these monsters is General Sherman tree reputed to be the largest living tree in the world and the largest living organism, by volume, on the planet. It is thought to be 2,100 years old, weighing 2.7 million pounds, 275 feet tall and be 100 feet wide at its trunk.

One of the lesser-known facts about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is that they are home to over 200 caves containing rare minerals and unique animals! Spend your day exploring the park; we would recommend (if you haven’t already) that you drive the National Scenic Byway 180 along the Kings Canyon created by the rushing waters of the King River, taking your time to stop at the many pull outs and stretching your legs on some of the easy hikes into lakes and stunning waterfalls.

TIP: Hike the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Camp.

2 nights in the National Park

Days 6-8

Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks to Yosemite National Park

So much has been written about Yosemite, it is hard to find anything new to say. No matter how much you have read or how many photographs you have seen, it will quite simply take your breath away which is why we suggest a three-night stay. You need time to explore the park whether on your own two feet or by taking one of the excellent tours on offer, such as the two-hour trolley tour around the valley floor of Yosemite or the tour around the Redwoods of nearby Mariposa Grove. Do visit the Ansel Adams gallery – if you are not familiar with his work – he was a phenomenal black and white photographer who spent most of his life photographing the American West, but especially Yosemite.

There are few hotels actually within the park; The historic Ahwanee Lodge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places,  is right in the centre but fills up very quickly due to its unique position and character. The Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is also right in the middle of the park, whilst the Redwood Vacation homes and the Tenyara Lodge are near the South Gate and the Yosemite View Lodge is near El Portal and just outside the park boundary.

3 nights in Yosemite National Park

Day 9

Yosemite National Park to Sacramento & Gold Country

When you finally say goodbye to Yosemite, you will be driving northwards towards Sacramento is the capital of California. Depending on where you stayed in the park, the journey will take you between 2 and 3 ½ hours. Do make sure not to join I5 but instead take route 4 or 120 and highway 99 which are beautiful roads travelling through small towns; watch as the scenery changes from rugged to agriculture and the beginning of the vineyards. Another option is to deviate a little to the north to visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Whichever route you choose, you will want to arrive in time for dinner to sample one of Sacramento’s excellent restaurants.

1 night in Sacramento

Days 10-11

Sacramento & Gold Country to Napa Valley

After a morning in Sacramento seeing the Capitol Buildings, the River and the markets, head west into the Napa Valley. This will be a beautiful drive through the fruit orchards which slowly give way to the vineyards of the famous Napa Valley. Most of the wineries have tours and some of their wines on offer to taste (at a cost). However, be warned the tastings are generous and you might be better advised to leave your car and take the Napa Wine Train or one of the tours available. Frontier America can organise a private tour if you wish as well.

The Valley stretches from Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north.  If you are a wine connoisseur, it might well be worth putting an extra night or two on to your holiday and stay at both ends.  There are some glorious award-winning hotels and several exceptional restaurants including 3 Relais & Chateaux properties and two 3* Michelin Restaurants (The French Laundry in Yountville and The Restaurant at Meadowood) both of which must be booked months in advance. If you choose to eat at both of them, do let Frontier America know to allow us to make the restaurants aware so they will co-ordinate to make sure you can enjoy complimentary meals.

2 nights in Napa

Days 12-14

Napa Valley to San Francisco

Drive today through the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma as you make your way down to San Francisco.  Do allow time to stop in the pretty town of Sausalito at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Discover the Golden Gate Park, the old naval base of Cavallo Point and the tiny side streets full of fascinating boutiques. Drive across the iconic bridge and into the city of San Francisco and drop off your car.

3 nights in San Francisco

Day 15

San Francisco

Time to explore this most iconic of cities. From the cable cars to cruises around San Francisco Bay. From Alcatraz to Fisherman’s Wharf, from Chinatown through the multiple art galleries and museums:  your days will be full.  If you are not quite ready to go home yet have a look at the “California Coast” holiday to San Diego, which might tempt you to extend your holiday.