Top 10 Places to Visit on an Ultimate Post Camp Road Trip
Grace talks about her favourite places to visit on an ultimate road trip. Full of exciting places and activities with TrekAmerica.
So you’re about to finish camp and you don't know where to go next?
No worries, everyone’s in the same boat. You don’t need to be stressed. We're here to help. Let’s lighten the workload and plan an adventure. One of the best ideas is ofcourse... ROAD TRIP!
There are so many places in America to road trip... but one of our favourites is the wild wild West (coast). There is so much variation - from cities with a vibrant night life to the scorching desert heat… there really is a bit of everything.
So here’s a dream trip with the top things to do in each place. Take what you like, get inspired and have fun with it.
First Stop - Los Angeles
Los Angeles. The City of Angels. There is something for you, whatever your cup of tea.
Whether you have a passion for the arts and could spend hours wandering galleries or you’re a thrill seeker who will be straight off to universal studios - LA is the perfect place to kick your ultimate road trip into high gear.
Top 3 Things to do
- See the Hollywood Sign
- Go to Santa Monica Pier
- Visit the LA County Museum
Top Tip - For one of the best views of the Hollywood sign head to the Griffith Park Observatory. There's free parking and it's one of LA's most iconic buildings. Check it out at dusk and watch LA start to light up the sky from one of the best spots in the city.
Second Stop - San Diego
Next up is San Diego! A surfers paradise, animal lovers dream and a foodie’s fantasy. Surfer? Head to La Jolla Shores. There’s some brilliant waves to battle. Animal Lover? Get over to San Diego Zoo. There are over 3000 animals to croon over. Foodie? Visit the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s full of entertainment and food. Perfect for us!
Top 3 Things to do
- Visit the San Diego zoo
- Relax in Balboa Park
- Surf in “Surfers Paradise”
Fourth Stop - Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu, known as Arizona’s Playground, is an adventurer’s heaven. Havasu is perfect for a daytime exploration and a nighttime party. It’s perfect if you want to mix the day up.
Top 3 Things to do
- Swim in the Lake with Fellow Roadtrippers
- Go Horseback Riding
- Enjoy the Nightlife
Fifth Stop - Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon. A natural masterpiece. If you are feeling adventurous, take a walk on the wild side... or just the skywalk. Make sure your camera battery is charged because the landscape is absolutely breathtaking.
Top 3 Things to do
- Mule Trek across the Canyons
- Go on the Skywalk
- See the Horseshoe Bend
ROUTE 66 Now getting from the canyon to Vegas is a long trip so make sure you fill it up with lots of selfies and an American anthem sing a long.
Sixth Stop - Las Vegas
That’s right. You're going to Vegas baby. For many, Vegas is the place to let loose in one of the many clubs and casinos. But if you’re an adrenaline junkie (join the club), make sure you head to the stratosphere.
It will be sure to get your heart pumping.
Top 3 Things to do
- Explore many of the Casinos and Clubs on the Vegas Strip
- Go to a gun range and test your accuracy
- Test your nerve on some heart pounding thrill rides
Death Valley Plunge into the heat as your road trip will inevitably take you through Death Valley. Make sure you take pictures as this is one to tell the grandkids.
Seventh Stop - Yosemite National Park
Yosemite. A place of beauty and adventure... why not consider hiking up half dome mountain. If hiking isn't your style make sure you see nature from a Merced River float and paddle your way through the beauty instead.
Top 3 Things to do
- Hike up to Half Dome
- Go on a Bear Trail
- Go on a Merced River Float
Eighth Stop - San Francisco
Top 3 things to do
- Visit Alcatraz
- Go to a Baseball Game
- Go to the Golden Gate Bridge
Top Tip - Tickets for Alcatraz are high in demand during the summer months so look to book well in advance or be prepared to get up at 6am and head to the ticket office at the wharf to try secure a day pass.
San Francisco offers so many options for everyone. If you're a self-confessed foodie make sure you explore the many independent coffee shops and grab a bite at a locals favourite “Tartine Bakery”. For the history nerd make sure you visit Alcatraz and of course the Golden Gate bridge where for a second you're sucked into the history of it.
If you love art and culture then there are so many museums
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- Museum De Young
- Museum of Asian art
- … just to name a few
Also make sure you see the adorable sea lions on the piers.
California Coast Now you’re going to drive down the coast so make sure you visit each beach on the way and of course stop off at Big Sur.
Ninth Stop - Santa Barbara
Once you've reached Santa Barbara you're bound to be tired but luckily there are no hikes, kayaks or watersport activities in sight. Relax on the beautiful beaches, casually stroll round a museum or recharge your batteries on a food and wine tour.
Top 3 things to do
- Relax on the Beach
- Go on a Food and Wine Tour
- Visit the Museums
Last Stop - Venice Beach
Beached out and pay a quick trip to Venice Beach. The atmosphere in Venice is vibrant so as this is your last stop make sure you embrace it.
Top 3 Things to do
- Skateboard along the Boardwalk
- Visit Muscle Beach
- Surf
If you're interested in a West Coast road trip but don't want to do it by yourself then check out this TrekAmerica trip.
You will save 10% on all TrekAmerica trips with the Camp Leaders discount code: 333222