7-DAY CALIFORNIA & NEVADA DESERTS (LAS VEGAS-SAN DIEGO) MAP +ITINERARY DETAILS + PLACES TO STAY & PLACES TO EAT SUGGESTIONS
An amazing journey across varied landscapes can be experienced on a road trip from Las Vegas to San Diego, which includes stops in Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Death Valley, Mojave Natonal Preserve, Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego. This road journey includes a variety of geological wonders, including canyons and deserts. Make plans for lodging well in advance, especially during the winter, and keep an eye on the weather and road closures. Savor each destination’s beauty and its varied sceneries as you travel! This is a recommended schedule:
Using This Map: To access the layers (driving routes and places to go), click the tab located in the upper left corner of the map. To reveal or conceal layers, click the checkboxes. You may learn more about each point of interest on the map by clicking on the icons. This map will be added to your Google Maps account if you click the star next to the map’s title. Open Google Maps on your computer or phone, select “Your Places” from the menu, then click Maps. This map will appear on your list.
DAY 1: Arrive in Las Vegas
- Explore Las Vegas
DAY 2: Las Vegas and Valley of Fire
- Start your road trip in Las Vegas and head northeast to Valley of Fire State Park.
NOTE: Refer to our One Day in Valley of Fire State Park to give you an idea how to spend your time at the park.
- Explore the vibrant red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and hike the Fire Wave trail.
- Spend the rest of the day and night in Las Vegas.
DAY 3: Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley
NOTE: Refer to our Day Trip to Red Rock Canyon State Park, One Day in Death Valley, and Two Days in Death Valley to give you some ideas on how to spend your time at these parks
.
- Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for stunning desert landscapes and rock formations.
- Head west from Las Vegas towards Death Valley National Park.
- Drive to Dante’s View for Sunset
- Spend the night within or near Death Valley; e.i. Furnace Creek
DAY 4: Death Valley National Park
- Explore key spots such as Twenty Mule Team Overlook, Zabriske Point, Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America), Artist Palette, Devils Golf Course, Golden Canyon Gower Gulch Trail and Mesquite Sand Dune for sunset.
- Go stargazing at places such as Zabriske Point at night.
- Spend the night within or near Death Valley.
DAY 5:
Option 1: Explore more of Death Valley
- Racetrack Playa; Telescope Peak; Ubehebe Crater; Mosaic Trail.
- Spend the night within or near Death Valley
Option 2: Death Valley to Mojave Desert to Joshua Tree
- Drive from Death Valley to Mojave National Preserve Desert
- Explore Mojave National Preserve (NOTE: Refer to our One Day in Mojave National Preserve to give some ideas on how to spend your time at this gem)
- Drive south towards Joshua Tree National Park.
- Camp or stay in nearby towns like Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms.
NOTE: Refer to our One Day in Joshua and Two Days in Joshua to give you some ideas on how to spend your time at these parks.
DAY 6:
Option 1: Drive from Death Valley to Mojave Desert to Joshua
- Drive from Death Valley to Mojave Desert
- Explore attractions like Kelso Dunes, Joshua Tree Forest, and the Mojave National Preserve.
- Drive south towards Joshua Tree National Park.
- Explore the unique landscapes, rock formations, and Joshua Trees. Highlights include Skull Rock, Keys View, and the Cholla Cactus Garden.
- Camp or stay in nearby towns like Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms.
Option 2: Explore Joshua Tree
- Explore the unique landscapes, rock formations, and Joshua Trees. Highlights include Skull Rock, Keys View, and the Cholla Cactus Garden.
DAY 7: Anza-Borrego and San Diego
- Head southeast to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
- Explore the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, Fonts Point, and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center.
- Continue towards San Diego, enjoying the transition from the desert landscape to the coastal city.
- Stay a while in San Diego and explore San Diego’s neighborhoods, visit Balboa Park, and relax on the beaches. Explore attractions like Old Town, the San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla Cove. Or fly home from San Diego.
PLACES TO STAY & PLACES TO EAT SUGGESTIONS
RECOMMENDED LODGING:
- Las Vegas (2 nights): We have a few favorites which include The Cosmopoliton.
- Death Valley National Park (2 or 3 nights; depending on the option you pick): The Ranch
- Joshua Tree National Park (1 or 2 nights; depending on the option you pick): Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Twentynine Palms; Holiday Inn Express & Suites Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree, an IHG Hotel.
- San Diego (1 or 2 nights): Lots of places to choose from depending on your budget and most convenient location based on your activities while in town.
RECOMMENDED EATERIES:
- Las Vegas: Mon Ami Gabi at the strip is one of our favorites especially for breakfast. Love the blueberry french toast!!! Las Vegas is a place we love to try famous Chef restaurants such as Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey.
- Death Valley: Restaurants are very limited here. Be prepared to get pre-packed sandwiches from convenient stores or have hot water so you can make instant cup noodle!
- Joshua Tree: Crossroads Cafe is good for breakfast and brunch. And if you are crave for Indian food and /or pizza for dinner, you can go try Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza
- San Diego: Lots of choises here! Where should I start???
