United States - West Coast
Explore the natural wonders and iconic cities of the west coast of the United States.
This trip dates back to 2019. As with Canada, I don’t have personal photos from this trip because I was still young and didn’t have a camera. The practical information has been updated.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Los Angeles
- National Parks
- Yosemite
- The Grand Canyon
- Bryce Canyon
- Road Trip Tips
- Practical Information
Introduction
The west coast of the United States is a legendary destination for lovers of wide open spaces. In 2019, I had the chance to participate in a summer camp that took us to discover the treasures of this region: from vibrant metropolises to breathtaking national parks.
This road trip was an unforgettable adventure, crossing landscapes of incredible diversity: arid deserts, giant sequoia forests, dizzying canyons, and wild Pacific coastlines.
"— John Muir, American naturalistIn every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.
Los Angeles
The City of Angels welcomed us with its permanent sunshine and its unique atmosphere blending Hollywood glamour and laid-back Californian culture.
Hollywood and the Studios
You can’t visit LA without stopping by Hollywood! The Walk of Fame, the iconic letters on the hillside, and the atmosphere of this film industry are fascinating.
The Beaches
The beaches of Los Angeles are legendary:
- Santa Monica: The iconic pier with its Ferris wheel
- Venice Beach: Bohemian vibe, skaters, and street artists
- Malibu: Surfer beaches and celebrity homes
Neighborhoods to Discover
- Downtown LA: Modern architecture and art scene
- Beverly Hills: The quintessential upscale neighborhood
- Griffith Observatory: Panoramic view of LA and the Hollywood sign
National Parks
The west coast is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Here are the ones we explored.
Yosemite
Yosemite is a natural gem of the Sierra Nevada. Its granite cliffs, monumental waterfalls, and giant sequoias make it a magical place.
Points of Interest
- El Capitan: 900-meter vertical cliff, a rock climbing mecca
- Half Dome: Iconic rock formation
- Yosemite Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in North America
- Mariposa Grove: Forest of ancient giant sequoias
Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the park before the tourist rush and for the best photography light.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is simply indescribable. This 450 km long gorge, up to 1,800 m deep, is the result of millions of years of erosion by the Colorado River.
South Rim
The south rim is the most accessible and offers spectacular viewpoints:
- Mather Point: First glimpse of the canyon
- Grand Canyon Village: Services and accommodations
- Desert View Watchtower: Observation tower with 360° views
Temperatures can be extreme in summer (40°C+). Stay constantly hydrated and avoid hiking during the hottest hours.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is unique in the world with its “hoodoos” - rock formations shaped like fairy chimneys in shades of orange, red, and white.
Best Viewpoints
- Sunrise Point: Perfect at sunrise
- Sunset Point: Ideal at sunset
- Inspiration Point: Panoramic view of the amphitheater
- Bryce Point: The highest viewpoint
Hikes
The Navajo Loop Trail lets you descend among the hoodoos for an immersive experience. It’s a moderate hike of about 2 hours.
Road Trip Tips
Sample Day Itineraries
Jour 1
Yosemite
Departure from accommodation
💡 Leave early to avoid crowds
Tunnel View
📍 Yosemite entrance
Yosemite Valley
📍 Valley
💡 Free shuttle in the park
Picnic
📍 Sentinel Beach
Mariposa Grove
📍 Giant sequoias
Glacier Point
📍 Viewpoint
💡 Spectacular sunset
Jour 2
Grand Canyon
Sunrise at Mather Point
📍 South Rim
💡 A magical moment not to be missed
Breakfast
📍 Grand Canyon Village
Rim Trail
📍 Panoramic trail
Lunch and rest
💡 Avoid activities between 12pm and 3pm in summer
Desert View Drive
📍 Scenic road
Sunset at Hopi Point
📍 West Rim
Getting Around
🚀 West Coast Transport Options
Car
Avantages
- ✓ Total freedom
- ✓ Access to national parks
- ✓ Stop wherever you want
Inconvénients
- ✗ Driving fatigue
- ✗ Parking sometimes difficult in cities
Plane
Avantages
- ✓ Fast
- ✓ Economical over long distances
Inconvénients
- ✗ No flexibility
- ✗ Car rental needed afterwards
Bus
Avantages
- ✓ Economical
- ✓ WiFi often available
Inconvénients
- ✗ Long
- ✗ Limited schedules
- ✗ No park access
Los Angeles vs San Francisco
📊 Which city to choose?
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Practical Information
🇺🇸 United States
Capitale
Washington D.C.
Population
330 million
Langue(s)
English
Monnaie
US Dollar (USD)
Fuseau horaire
UTC-8 (Pacific)
Type de prise
Type A and B
Indicatif
+1
Conduite
Droite
🛂 Visa pour the United States
Visa non requisPour les ressortissants de nationalité française
Durée autorisée
90 days
Type de visa
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Coût
21 USD (~19€)
Note: ESTA is mandatory for French travelers. Online application, valid for 2 years. Processing time is generally 72 hours.
💵 US Dollar
Taux approximatif: 1 € ≈ 1.10 USD
💡 Conseils pratiques:
- • Credit cards are accepted everywhere
- • Tips of 15-20% are mandatory in restaurants
- • Displayed prices do not include taxes (6-10% depending on state)
- • Gasoline is much cheaper than in Europe
Estimated Budget
💰 Daily Budget - West Coast Road Trip (par jour)
| Catégorie | Estimation |
|---|---|
| Car rental SUV shared by 2-4 | 20 - 40 $ |
| Gas Low prices compared to Europe | 15 - 30 $ |
| Accommodation Motel / Camping | 25 - 60 $ |
| Meals Fast food and restaurants | 25 - 50 $ |
| National Parks America the Beautiful Pass: $80/year | 5 - 15 $ |
| Activities Attractions, excursions | 10 - 30 $ |
| Total estimé | 100 - 225 $ |
For $80 per vehicle, this annual pass grants access to all American national parks. Pays for itself after just 3-4 parks visited!