National Park Road Trip
& Big Sur

Itinerary of your National Park Road Trip with Big Sur

Day 1 and 2, Los Angeles

Arrival in Los Angeles for your national park road trip. Have a first look at the city, and settle in at your hotel for 2 nights. 

Teebsi tips:

Learn about the heritage and history of the city:

• Olvera Street, the ''birthplace of Los Angeles'' displays several museums, old structures, restaurants and other merchants. Enjoy mariachi music and authentic Mexican food. You can also join a historic walking tour by Las Angelitas del Pueblo every Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon  (check schedule).

• The Museum of African American Art is a nonprofit cultural institution that educates visitors about the arts through the lens of African American culture. They exhibit local artists and bring meaningful experiences to the public.

Shop, eat, and visit to support the community and the environment:

• MADE was created by the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to empower women in Los Angeles to break the cycle of chronic homelessness through employment. Shop online or at their downtown boutique, where you can also grab a coffee or tea and pastries. Find them at 438 S San Pedro St, just a few blocks from the cool boutiques and famous murals of the Arts District.

• Head to the Los Angeles Farmers Markets to shop local and family-owned produce, meals-to-go, and more

Accommodation: Best Western Plus Dragon Gate

Day 3, Laughlin

Drive towards the southernmost tip of Nevada, Laughlin.

Teebsi tips:

Get off the main tourist path at the Laughlin Labyrinths, created by Wes Dufek. Wes states that these are to help with life's journey to find your peaceful center and reenergize your soul.

Accommodation: Aquarius Casino Resort

Day 4, Grand Canyon

Morning drive to Grand Canyon, superb geological phenomenon. 

Teebsi tips:

• A bike ride is a great way to step away from the crowds at the main view points on the South Rim and find your own private one. Rent a bike from the only small family owned business in Grand Canyon National Park, Bright Angels Bicycles. They participate in community outreach programs for local youth and support organizations involved in conservation and restoration work.

• Listen to or read some of the Native people's stories and what the Grand Canyon means to them to get an understanding of their cultural connection to the area. 
   

Accommodation: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel

Day 5, Monument Valley

Leave for Monument Valley in the morning and drive along the Desert View Drive.

Teebsi tips:

• Experience Monument Valley on a horseback riding tour with a Navajo guide

• Get off the main tourist path in Valley of the Gods which offers the same kind of scenery without the crowds (it's a fun 17 miles dirt road!)

Accommodation: Monument Valley Inn

Day 6, Page

Page is your getaway to Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon.

Teebsi tips:

• Take a cruise on the Lake Powell to get a better view of this man-made reservoir on the Colorado River

• Visit Horseshoe Bend, a canyon formed in the shape of a horseshoe by the Colorado River. The overlook is 1,280 meters above sea level and the Colorado River is at 975 meters above sea level making it a breathtaking 305 meter drop.
   

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Page - Lake Powell Area

Day 7, Bryce

Drive towards Bryce across the Dixie National Forest.

Teebsi tips:

• Go on a scenic hike to admire the Hoodoos on the Navajo Loop trail, that you can combine with the Queens Garden trail for a longer experience

• Drive past Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park to pick up some fruits from their orchards. The Fruita Orchard has been planted by early settlers, and are now providing fruits to park employees and visitors alike.

Accommodation: Ruby's Inn

Day 8 an 9, Las Vegas

On your way to Vegas we recommend a stop in Zion National Park, the oldest park in Utah.

Teebsi tips:

• A must-do in Zion National Park, the Canyon overlook trail is short and rewards with incredible views on the canyon (moderate, 1 mile round trip) on the Zion - Mt Carmel highway.

• Join the locals and get off the traditional tourist path in the Las Vegas Arts district. Still little-known among visitors, the neighborhood has seen a cultural explosion recently with new galleries featuring local artists, antique shops, and an impressive food scene.

• If you’re travelling with kids, you can learn about the local eco-system in a fun way at the Springs Preserve, the original source of water for Native Americans thousands of years ago. 

Accommodation: Excalibur Hotel and Casino

Day 10, Mammoth Lakes (or Bakersfield)

This morning, cross the Nevada desert on the way to Pahrump and Shoshone and enter California.

Teebsi tips:

• Inyo National Forest abounds with lakes; choose one or a couple and spend some time relaxing or rent a kayak, and get on the water. We recommend Lake Mary close to Mammoth Lakes for its easy access to water, or Lake Sabrina and Convict Lake on your way to Mammoth.

• Stop for a snack in Bishop; this little town is full of delicious surprises! Get some bread or pastries at Erick Schat’s Bakkery, an organic frozen yogurt at Good Earth Yogurt, or simply some locally-roasted coffee at Black Sheep Coffee Roasters.

Accommodation: Mammoth Mountain Inn (or Hampton Inn & Suite Bakersfield North before June 30th 2021 and after October 6th 2021 and if the Tioga Pass is closed)

Day 11, Yosemite

Access to Yosemite National Park from the Tioga Pass if you're staying in Mammoth Lakes.

Teebsi tips:

• There is a hike for all levels of fitness; for an easy discovery, follow the river on the Valley loop trail and don’t miss the viewpoints for the scenic Bridalveil Falls, Lower Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point.  For a moderate hike, we recommend Taft Point, with fantastic views of the Valley with less crowds. If you are up for a full day hike, then get up to Vernal and Nevada Falls, or Yosemite Falls for a challenge!

• Take the time to cool down in the river or find a good spot to look for climbers on the famous El Cap!

Accommodation: Miners Inn Mariposa

Day 12 and 13, San Francisco

Drive down from the mountains and across the fertile agricultural lands of Central Valley then towards the Pacific to reach San Francisco.

Teebsi tips:

• Climb one of the famous hills to see the city from above; some of our favorite are Grandview Park (take the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps on your way up!), Corona Heights Park, and the famous Twin Peaks.

• Go on a hike from the Sutro Bath near Ocean Beach towards Land’s End. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge keeps getting better as you get closer. You can go all the way to it or stop at one of the beaches on the way.

• Spend an evening with the locals at the Church of 8 Wheels. Rent skates for a couple of hours at this former Church now used as a roller disco, a unique San Francisco experience. Listen to old school funk, roll with friends and locals, and admire the costumes on some of the best skaters.

• Did you know that Smitten Ice Cream was women-founded and led? Founder and CEO Robyn Sue Fisher developed her famous ice-cream machine back in 2009 and has become since then a local favorite for ice cream. Not only do they use only unprocessed real ingredients, they favor local suppliers whose values align with Smitten's. Good for our bellies and for the earth.

Accommodation: Hotel Vertigo

Day 14, Monterey

Drive to Monterey, a small charming coastal town. 

Teebsi tips:

• On your way south, find a pick-your-own farm where you can get your fresh fruits and vegetables. This is a great fun way to discover some of the area outside the big cities.

• Pick up a Seafood Watch guide from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is considered one of the world’s best sustainable seafood advisory lists. 

Accommodation: Casa Munras Garden Hotel and Spa

Day 15, Santa Maria

Today you are driving on the scenic Highway 1 along the Californian coast, one of the most beautiful roads in the United States.

Teebsi tips:

• Drive on 17-Mile Drive, a splendid scenic road winding along the Pacific Ocean, which will lead you to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a very picturesque seaside resort full of art galleries and exceptional restaurants.

• Stop at McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, one of the few waterfalls on a beach

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Hotel and SuitesSanta Maria

Day 16, Los Angeles

Stop in Santa Barbara to visit the famous Mission before arriving in Los Angeles for your last full day of the trip. 

Teebsi tips:

• Attend one (or more!) of 50 free concerts and festivals at the Levitt Pavilion in Macarthur Park during the summer weekends. 

• And if you want to give back to the community and spend some of your time volunteering, it's easy to find a mission on the L.A. Works website. Some opportunities can be to prepare grocery pick up for families in need, give a hand at a farmer's market for a community health center, serve meals to the homeless community, or plant trees.

Accommodation: Best Western Plus Dragon Gate

Day 17: Check out and last day of your national park road trip

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. The final hotel list will be sent to you 15 days before your departure.