Epic West Coast USA Road Trip: 10 Adventures from San Francisco to Los Angeles

USA Road trip along the west coast – Began in San Francisco

My USA road trip began in San Francisco, a city known for its iconic sights and unique charm. The first stop was at Fisherman’s Wharf, where I got acquainted with the lively atmosphere and the many tourist markets. Right next to the wharf is Pier 39, a place I really wanted to visit. Here I fulfilled a little culinary dream – I treated myself to a corn dog. But the dream ended faster than I could blink, because as soon as I wanted to take a bite, a seagull grabbed my corn dog!

After the initial shock had passed, I bought another corn dog to fulfill my dream. At Pier 39, you can also see sea lions lazing on the piers and enjoying the sun. From Pier 39 I took a boat tour that took me under the Golden Gate Bridge and also made a short stop at Alcatraz – the former prison island that has now become a fascinating museum.

The Palace of Fine Art

Then I went on to the Palace of Fine Arts, a beautiful building with impressive architecture. Of course, a walk through Chinatown was also a must. It was a colorful mix of Asian shops, restaurants and markets that stimulated the senses.

The Golden Gate Bridge was an absolute highlight for me. I decided to walk halfway across the bridge to enjoy the incredible view of the city and the sea. After that I made a detour to Golden Gate Park, a huge green recreational area in the middle of the city. Full House fans will certainly know the famous house that you can visit here, and also the Painted Ladies, the colorful Victorian houses that are perfect for photos. For the next stop, we went to Union Square, a shopping district with great shops and restaurants, and then on to Lombard Street, the famous winding street that no travel guide should be without.

Of course, a ride on the cable car was a must – the typical San Francisco experience that is simply fun. Another cultural highlight was a visit to a gospel church, where I was able to enjoy the rousing songs and the unique atmosphere. With a rental car, we then continued to Muir Woods National Monument, a beautiful park with centuries-old redwoods that are simply overwhelming.

The next stop on my trip was Las Vegas

The city that never sleeps. Arrival at the famous Las Vegas Strip, where everything revolves: casinos, clubs, bars and restaurants await you around the clock. In Vegas, it is allowed to drink on the street, which gives the whole experience another unique twist.

The Bellagio Fountains are a real spectacle, and the Venetian Resort Hotel with its canals and gondola rides almost feels like a little trip to Venice. Of course, a photo in front of the legendary Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign was a must, and Fremont Street with its huge LED screens and lights also impressed me a lot. One of the craziest experiences was the thought that you can really get married anywhere in Las Vegas – whether in a small chapel or in Caesars Palace.

From Las Vegas to “City of Angels”

From Las Vegas we then went on to Los Angeles, the “City of Angels”. My first stop was the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, where I looked for the stars of famous people. My personal highlight was the print from the Harry Potter films with the corresponding main actors. An unforgettable experience was the sunset from the Griffith Observatory, which offers a breathtaking view of Los Angeles, especially the famous Hollywood Sign.

Afterwards I made a detour to Venice Beach

One of the most famous beaches in the city, and visited the Santa Monica Pier, which exudes the perfect beach vibe.The tour continued in Beverly Hills, where I explored the upscale boutiques on Rodeo Drive and took in the flair of the rich and famous.

Another highlight was a visit to The Grove & Farmers Market, where I not only found delicious food, but also strolled through the pretty shops. In Pasadena, I enjoyed the charm of the city, which is known for its historic buildings and quiet neighborhoods, before hiking the Altadena Crest Trail. After the hike, a visit to the Cheesecake Factory was a must – the perfect place to reward yourself with a delicious piece of cheesecake.

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Universal Studios

For the shopping lovers among you, the Citadel Outlet is a must. I treated myself to a bit of free time and shopping before heading to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Universal Studios. These two attractions are an absolute must for film and series fans. I spent two whole days at Universal Studios, which were absolutely perfect for experiencing the world of films.

My road trip on the west coast was simply unforgettable. Each stop offered new adventures and discoveries, from the breathtaking natural wonders of San Francisco to the exciting nights of Las Vegas and the glamorous streets of Los Angeles. A journey I will always carry in my heart.