As you make your way from the glitz and glamour of Sin City’s neon-lit streets to thelaid-back vibes of LA’s beachfront, the Vegas to LA road trip offers an unforgettablemix of excitement and relaxation, with plenty to experience along the way. There’s also no better way of experiencing it all than by renting a campervan in Vegas, transforming your trip into a space to call home, no matter how long you’re planning to spend on the road.
There’s a very important thing to address, though. Once you’ve got your campervan hire sorted, where exactly should you be stopping on the road from Vegas to LA? With so many awesome places to visit, it can be difficult to pinpoint the best, and that’s why we’ve done the hard work for you! Join us as we take you through the very best road trip stops between Vegas and Los Angeles.
Death Valley National Park
Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, with its vast expanse of rugged landscapes, towering sand dunes, and otherworldly rock formations, it’s a truly unique place. I visited in August, as its extremely hot then I would recommend choosing another time to visit. As you explore the park, make sure you stop at Zabriskie Point for a spectacular view of the eroded badlands, and you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of the iconic Racetrack Playa, where mysterious sailing stones leave their trails in the dried mud.
Via Marina Šurniene on Unsplash
World’s Tallest Thermometer
As you make your way through the scorching desert, you’ll stumble upon a quirky roadside attraction in Baker, California, called the World’s Tallest Thermometer. Standing at an impressive 134 feet tall, this gigantic thermometer is the epitome of American quirkiness, and it’s the ideal place to stop and span a photo or two and add a touch of whimsy to your road trip.
Calico Ghost Town
The next must-visit stop on your Vegas to LA road trip is Calico Ghost Town, a former silver mining town that has been preserved to offer visitors a chance to step back in time to the Wild West era. Here, you’ll be able to peek inside abandoned buildings lining the dusty streets, pan for gemstones, and take a ride on the narrow- gauge railroad for an authentic mining experience.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Another unusual roadside attraction, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch features an array of “bottle trees”, sculptures, and structures created entirely from discarded glass bottles. This place truly takes upcycling to a whole new level, and as you wander through, check out the outdoor museum that has more information on the story of the ranch, along with even more colourful glass exhibitions to marvel at. Can you believe there are over 200 of these unique sculptures?
Joshua Tree National Park
One of the many gems found within the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is the ideal place to enjoy a break from the steering wheel, strap on your boots, and go hiking. There are multiple trails to follow here, including rock climbs over towering formations for the more experienced hiker. This is also one of the best places on the road trip to pull up overnight and enjoy a night of stargazing.
Photo by Ruth Durbin on Unsplash
Palm Springs
Synonymous with luxury, Palm Springs is well-known for its mid-century modern architecture, upscale shopping, and exciting nightlife scene. There’s loads to do here, including strolling along the iconic Palm Canyon Drive and dining in one of the city’s many incredible restaurants. Or, if you’re looking to kick back for a day, head to one of the chic resorts and unwind by the pool with a cocktail in your hand.
Huntington Beach
As you approach the coast, make the time to stop at Huntington Beach, which is alsoknown as “Surf City USA”. This laidback beach town is a haven for surfers, with its long stretch of sandy beaches and consistent waves beckoning surfers from all overnthe country. Even if you don’t want to catch some waves, its a wonderful place to soak up the sun as you explore the lively pier, where you’ll also find restaurants,nshops, and a classic amusement park – perfect for a family day out!
Los Angeles
You’ve now hit Los Angeles, where you’ll find a sprawling metropolis offering endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment, from the glamour of Hollywood to the sun-drenched beaches of Santa Monica. Some of the things you absolutely have to do here are visit the Walk of Fame, hike to the world-famous Hollywood Sign, and visit Venice Beach. There are also world-class museums here, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, offering even more variety to an eclectic mix of attractions.
