8-Day Self-Drive Travel Guide for the Western US – Experience the Changing Seasons with Her
This is a travel guide for a self-driving trip in 2019, compiled this year for your reference.
In 2019, due to my work, my wife and I were often apart. So when I first arrived in the US, I secretly planned to take her on a self-driving trip to spend more time together. My wife arrived in the US just before Christmas. Originally, we planned to spend a meaningful Christmas in New York, the world's capital, to experience American life and culture, and then drive to Florida. However, the weather turned extremely cold, and since both of us are sensitive to cold, we began to stir and "plot" this trip to the Western US! Let's get down to business!
Santa Monica Beach - University of California, Los Angeles - TCL Chinese Theatre - Hollywood Walk of Fame - Dolby Theatre - Hollywood & Highland Center
Depart from Washington, D.C., straight to Los Angeles!
We were originally supposed to fly with American Airlines, but later switched to Alaska Airlines. There was a little incident before takeoff. We arrived at Reagan Washington National Airport early in the morning with excitement, but unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate—it started pouring rain! Even worse, our flight was canceled without any advance notice via text or phone call!
After inquiring, there was a flight to Los Angeles from Baltimore, and they gave us a bus ticket between airports, but we were told the other flight departed at 8 a.m., and it was already 6:30 a.m. The bus wouldn't start until 7 a.m.! It takes about 50 minutes from Reagan Airport to Baltimore Airport! After negotiating for a long time, the airport staff couldn't help us, so we had to take a taxi directly to Baltimore Airport. Later, we emailed American Airlines to negotiate, and they compensated us with a $200 voucher, not cash. Better than nothing, I guess! Doesn't seem very democratic either~
Having gotten used to domestic airlines, we found Alaska Airlines a bit different. Checking one suitcase cost $30. Unlike domestic airline meals, they only provided a cookie (one) and a drink on the plane. I have to give a thumbs up to China's airlines! The flight was supposed to be five hours, but the American pilot managed to fly it in four and a half hours, which amazed and excited us!
After picking up our luggage, we followed the airport signs and found the shuttle bus stop for the rental car company. Each rental car company has its own free shuttle bus to take customers to the rental counter.
When they tried to sell insurance, just say "No additional insurances, please" and that's it. They also tried to sell various Pass services, which I politely declined because we decided not to use toll roads on this trip.
One more thing: In the US, rental car companies don't usually specify the brand; they mainly classify by size and whether it's an SUV. It's possible to get an Audi A4 if you rent a mid-size car, but that's theoretical. This time I rented a Nissan compact car because my car in China is also a Nissan, so it would be familiar to drive. The total rental fee was 1,680 RMB, with comprehensive full insurance selected, excluding personal accident insurance. However, we each bought personal accident insurance before renting. I recommend choosing the "Worry-Free Full Insurance" or "Super Saver Full Insurance" when selecting insurance packages, which costs a few dozen RMB more per day and provides protection for yourself and your travel companions.
Also, when picking up the car, check the exterior front, rear, sides, tires, dashboard mileage, fuel level, and interior cleanliness. Take as many photos as possible, and report any issues to the staff immediately and ask them to record it. After all, no one wants to pay for the mistakes of the previous renter!
Since we came from Washington, where the temperature was around freezing in winter, we were wearing down jackets. As soon as we got off the plane, it felt like summer—Los Angeles had a midday temperature of around 20°C! We quickly changed into tank tops!
Arriving from the cold East to the warm West, seeing the blue sky, white clouds, and tall coconut trees on both sides of the road made us feel much more comfortable!
First Stop: Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica is the end of Route 66 and also a very famous beach resort in Los Angeles. We parked at the indoor parking lot of Santa Monica Place. The indoor parking lot is a five-minute walk from the beach, but the advantage is that the first two hours are free!
A distant view of Santa Monica Beach
Pedestrian path near the beach
Route 66 End Point Sign
There were people in the water too
The water temperature was still a bit cold, so we didn't go in. After checking in, we moved on to the next destination!
Second Stop: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
We came here mainly to experience the charm of a prestigious American university. The university doesn't have an obvious outer wall, so it's easy to drive in. There is a parking lot specifically for visitors, which is very user-friendly.
Also an engineering school—same profession, O(∩_∩)O haha~
UCLA Football Stadium
UCLA Gate
After visiting the university, it was getting dark, so we moved on to the next destination!
Third Stop: TCL Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame
We had a simple dinner at McDonald's—always a convenient and affordable choice! One more thing: Before coming to the US, I thought KFC and McDonald's were equally popular, but after arriving, I found that KFC is surprisingly rare; McDonald's and Burger King dominate!
We parked in a street four or five blocks away from TCL Theatre, paid with a credit card at $2 per hour.
View of TCL Theatre from across the street—sponsored by Chinese, a surge of patriotic feeling!
Close-up of TCL Theatre
The famous Walk of Fame is on the sidewalk running east-west in front of TCL Theatre, but this time it felt like the actual walkway didn't live up to its reputation. Perhaps the city's fame and image were the original intention of the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Close-up of a star—small in size, but really for big stars!
Crowded with people
Fourth Stop: Dolby Theatre
Since we arrived late, the theatre was already closed. It's very close to TCL Theatre, just a five-minute walk.
On the way to Dolby Centre
Just checked in
Fifth Stop: Hollywood & Highland Center
Hollywood & Highland Center is adjacent to Dolby Centre, with many shops inside, but we didn't shop here—we left that for Palm Springs Outlets. Outside the Highland Center, we happened to see someone impersonating Michael Jackson. We stopped to watch for a while, then headed back to the B&B.
Exiting the Highland Center
It took about 15 minutes to drive from the Highland Center to the B&B. The host was originally from Germany. This house has five bedrooms, usually only used for her rental. The guests in the rooms were mostly from all over the world. Chatting and talking felt really nice!
After settling in, it was already 9 p.m., so we decided to go to the supermarket to stock up on water, Red Bull, and some food. Be sure to buy plenty of water! Buy plenty of water! Buy plenty of water! Important things said three times! Keep it in the trunk—very convenient!
H Mart is a Korean-owned supermarket chain in the US. They have dumplings, instant noodles, and some common Chinese foods, and the prices are quite reasonable!
Hollywood Park - Universal Studios Hollywood - Universal CityWalk - Staples Center
First Stop: Hollywood Sign
We had long admired the famous Hollywood Sign—an iconic landmark essential in any introduction to Hollywood! Worried that the spot might be crowded, we set out early in the morning. We used the Tantu offline map, downloaded the offline map in advance, which provided convenience when there was no signal. I'll mention it again later. To view the Hollywood Sign, you don't need to go right up to it; taking photos from a distance looks better.
P.S. Drive slowly on the way—there are many curves on the road to the sign. Also, pay attention to street signs when parking; getting a ticket would ruin the fun!
This spot is pretty good for photos
Second Stop: Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk
After checking in at the Hollywood Sign, it was time for the highlight of the day! Universal Studios! Universal Studios has its own parking lot; regular parking costs $20 per car. Each ticket was 679 RMB. Print the tickets before you go—remember to print in color. If you visit Universal Studios, I recommend buying VIP tickets, which allow you to skip the lines. They cost about 900 RMB each. The advantage is that you can finish all the rides in one day. Highly recommended! Download the Universal Studios app to monitor real-time waiting times for each ride and choose your next one based on crowd levels!
We arrived late—it was already after 10 a.m. when we entered. The wait time for Harry Potter (apparently the top attraction) showed 240 minutes, so we gave up and played other rides. In the end, we missed out on Harry Potter and The Mummy, which was a bit regretful.
Universal Studios Sign
Universal Studios Gate
Hogsmeade Village from Harry Potter—crowded, so we skipped it
The Walking Dead—I've been following this show, haha
A hasty photo—people were walking fast inside
Feeling the crowd waiting... You really need to go early, or get VIP. The Minion simulated roller coaster was awesome!
The Simpsons simulated roller coaster—very thrilling, recommended!
Water World—experience the excitement of Hollywood movie stunts!
Transformers roller coaster—very realistic, highly recommended!
Unfortunately, we didn't get to play this one, o(╥﹏╥)o...
Universal CityWalk at night
Universal CityWalk at night
Third Stop: Staples Center
It was my wife's first time in the US, and I wanted to experience the NBA atmosphere with her, even though she doesn't like basketball! We booked the game in advance on StubHub: Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs. Both teams performed well that season and were expected to make the playoffs. Each ticket was $50, and after taxes and service fees, the two tickets cost a bit over $120, but the seats were close to the court. We didn't park at the stadium parking lot—too expensive! We booked a parking spot on BestParking in advance for $7 for the night, very affordable, an eight-minute walk from Staples Center.
The NBA atmosphere was intense, and the interaction with fans was engaging. The person sitting next to me was a die-hard Clippers fan—he shouted all night long, haha.
The opening was exciting, the atmosphere was really hyped!
Game in progress!
Staples Center, my long-cherished wish fulfilled! Although Kobe has retired, I hope Yao Ming can bring the CBA to this level too~
After the game, we returned to the B&B to rest!
Los Angeles - Palm Springs - Williams
First Stop: Palm Springs Outlets
I had long heard about Palm Springs Outlets—one of the better outlets in the West! In the morning, we cooked dumpling noodles and invited the host to join us. The host was German, and we chatted for a while. As a thank-you, she said we could pick oranges from her tree. We didn't refuse her kindness and picked seven or eight oranges, O(∩_∩)O haha~.
It took about an hour to drive from the B&B to Palm Springs Outlets. We enjoyed the scenery along the way and arrived at the outlets before we knew it! Time for shopping!
Picking oranges at the B&B
Panda Express is a common Chinese-American fast-food chain in the US. Although it's Chinese food, the taste is on the sweet side. Better than nothing—I really miss the Chinese food back home, ( Ĭ ^ Ĭ )
The prices are reasonable, and the portions are large. You can choose two side dishes or one, and the main can be noodles or fried rice. Two sides with a main cost about $8. Compared to New York, it's incredibly cheap!
Second Stop: Rodeway Inn
The second stop isn't really a scenic spot; I'm writing it separately to remind everyone of things to watch out for on the road.
We finished shopping at the outlets around 8 p.m. Since we planned to visit the Grand Canyon the next day, we first needed to get to Williams, which is the gateway to the Grand Canyon. The distance from the outlets to Williams was about 370 km. Since we were driving at night, we estimated it would take about 4.5 to 6 hours.
During the drive, when we reached Arizona, my phone lost signal, and my wife's China Telecom signal was also very weak. So downloading an offline map in advance is essential. I recommend installing the Tantu offline map.
Around midnight, we were driving through the Arizona desert. There were no lights, no houses, no towns in sight, and very few passing vehicles. To make matters worse, the gas gauge showed only about 50 miles left! So I remind everyone: fill up the tank before you leave! And if conditions allow, try to rent a larger car—a larger car means a bigger gas tank and more fuel. On the roadside, we saw green glowing eyes (maybe wolves)—very scary! I sped up to 150 km/h at times, but since fuel was low, I kept a steady pressure on the accelerator without braking much to conserve fuel. By 12:30 a.m., we finally saw a gas station! We were saved! I kept calm the whole time and didn't tell my wife what was happening, but she had been worried. After filling up, I told her everything... A big sigh of relief.
That life-saving gas station
So, whenever you see a gas station before setting off, always check the fuel level and keep the tank full. You never know what lies ahead. This was a lesson learned—and a profound one!!
The hotel we booked
Hotel interior—decent decoration, the air conditioner was a bit loud. Can't expect too much from a motel.
Grand Canyon South Rim - Williams Historic Route 66
First Stop: Route 66 Relics
Since the Grand Canyon is large, we planned to spend the entire fourth day at the Grand Canyon National Park. Although we checked the weather forecast on the 30th and it predicted heavy snow for the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas, we took a chance and hoped it wouldn't snow. When we woke up and went out in the morning, the forecast turned out to be surprisingly accurate! It had already snowed heavily, about 20 cm thick. However, the road snow had been cleared by the transportation department—we had to admire their efficiency. Despite our nervousness, after discussing with my wife, we decided to go ahead and explore the Grand Canyon.
But first, we needed to refuel. We chose an American restaurant called Pine Country. The meal cost $56 (including tip—tip rates were 15, 18, 20%), but it was very authentic.
We almost couldn't finish it. American meals are like those in my hometown in Northeast China—big portions and good value!
After eating, we looked for traces of historic Route 66...
Route 66 culture graffiti
Second Stop: Grand Canyon National Park
After eating, we headed to the Grand Canyon. The roads were covered in snow. From Williams to the Grand Canyon entrance was about 90 km. This time, we rented a small car without snow tires, only two-wheel drive, and the temperature dropped by more than 20 degrees. After the thrilling experience last night, everything became uncertain.
During the drive, a warning light came on the dashboard. I searched online for possible causes: coolant issues, tire pressure problems, brake system issues... But in the sub-zero temperatures, I didn't dare stop for long. If it was a coolant problem, the engine might stall and not restart. So we drove slowly to the Grand Canyon. When we reached the entrance booth, there was no one—apparently, the US government was in a shutdown, and the staff were on leave. Of course, we didn't have to pay. Due to the shutdown and heavy snow, the internal shuttle buses (red and yellow) were also suspended.
The Grand Canyon we had longed for looked like this
Since the car had a problem, we asked at the visitor center (partially open despite the shutdown) where we could get it fixed. They pointed out two repair locations inside the Grand Canyon. With a mindset of trying our luck and preparing to spend a fortune, we set off again. The roads were covered in black ice, and we kept slipping. It took a long time to reach the first repair point. After communicating with the mechanic, he thoroughly inspected the car and finally determined it was a tire pressure issue. I tentatively asked how much it would cost, and he said "free." I couldn't believe my ears—I hesitated and asked again, and he said free, then topped up the tires. I was really touched. In a foreign land, in heavy snow, in a remote area, he helped us for free. I am extremely grateful!!!
The guy who helped us for free
After the car was fixed, we decided to leave for the next destination, Page, as soon as the snow lightened. But after checking the weather forecast, my heart sank: Page, Las Vegas, and the surrounding areas were all forecast to have heavy snow for the next three days (a million thoughts ran through my mind!). The road to Page was blocked by barriers. I told my wife, and we decided to head back to Williams first and reconsider our plans. On the way back, there were many broken-down cars on both sides of the road waiting for rescue... I gripped the steering wheel tightly. The car kept slipping the whole way. The 90 km drive took nearly two hours! We arrived back in Williams at 7 p.m. Originally, we planned to return to Los Angeles the same way, but with snow and darkness, after consideration, we decided to stay overnight and make new plans the next day.
First, we needed to refuel.
Another typical American meal—this time we changed it up: burgers and fries, plus two hot chocolates. The restaurant gave us two more free hot chocolates, but we couldn't finish them. (⊙o⊙)... The meal cost about 300 RMB. When ordering, keep in mind that American portions are generous~
After eating, we looked for accommodation. Williams has many motels. We found one for $57 a night (including taxes, no breakfast)—very reasonable, haha.
Highlander Motel
After settling in, we discussed the rest of the trip. Heading north to Page or Las Vegas, or west back to the same latitude as Los Angeles, wouldn't bring higher temperatures—in fact, it might get colder. Given the heavy snow and our adventurous experiences, we decided to head south. First, the south was warmer, allowing us to avoid the cold weather. Second, we could see new scenery without retracing our steps. So we canceled all the hotels in Page and Las Vegas. I have to thank the customer service at Booking.com—they were very responsible and helped us cancel the Las Vegas order. The Page hotel, which we were supposed to check into on the 31st, didn't agree to cancel when we made the request around 9 p.m., but we were still satisfied.
Our original route was: Williams – Grand Canyon – Page (Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, etc.) – Las Vegas – Santa Barbara – Solvang – Monterey – San Jose – San Francisco. Instead, Page and Las Vegas became San Diego—none of these were in the original plan, so we added a lot of distance.
San Diego, California - Outlets at Anthem
Probably because yesterday was so exhausting, we slept especially well. From Williams to San Diego, the drive theoretically takes about 7.5 hours—a tough task!
Just imagine—this route is not recommended, especially with only one driver—very tiring. But luckily, I enjoy driving, haha.
We got up early and went to the supermarket to buy some snacks for the road.
On the way to San Diego, we didn't just drive non-stop; whenever we saw a nice view, we stopped to enjoy it, making the drive quite leisurely.
The further south we went, the warmer it got. The scenery changed from white to green, and our clothing went from down jackets to hoodies. We went from snowy landscapes to spring-like weather!
Arizona desert
Just after Christmas, the Christmas tree at an outlet near Phoenix
A unique scenery
Barbecue burger—tasted pretty good
After lunch and shopping, the southward leg was basically over, and we began heading west.
Around 6 p.m., dinner time
Pizza Hut
Quite a few customers—waited over 20 minutes~
After dinner, we continued west and finally arrived in San Diego at 7:30 p.m.
Pacific Motel
After settling in, we took a walk around the neighborhood.
SeaWorld San Diego - La Jolla Cove
First Stop: SeaWorld San Diego
The last night in Williams cost 290 RMB per person. Parking was $25 per car. Unlike Chinese marine parks, SeaWorld also has roller coasters, which are quite thrilling.
The first roller coaster we went on was terrifying—it was the first time I felt scared on a roller coaster~
Aloof flamingos
A summer-like scene
A unique shop—later we learned it sold decorations for the Mexican Day of the Dead
Second Stop: La Jolla Cove
Located north of San Diego, La Jolla Cove (just navigate to that name) is the best spot to see seals. It has bright sunshine, gentle sea breezes, charming beaches, flocks of seabirds, and you can see seals lounging on the rocks up close.
A note: there are many curves, and parking at this attraction is expensive. We chose to park about a five-minute walk away, mainly because it was free.
If you see a green sign on the roadside, you can park freely.
After admiring the seal beach, we drove to Camarillo, a city very close to Santa Barbara. When booking the B&B, the cost was only 0.07 RMB—probably a system glitch~
From San Diego to Camarillo takes about 2.5 hours, but we hit a big traffic jam—another night drive, which was really frustrating. We arrived at the B&B at 10 p.m.
Exterior of the B&B, photographed the next morning
Santa Barbara Beach - Seven Falls Hike (Santa Barbara) - Cachuma Lake - Solvang Historical Art Museum - Spyglass Park
First Stop: Santa Barbara Beach
The next morning, we woke up to fresh air and a cheerful mood. We drove to Santa Barbara Beach.
The sand was fine. This road is for bicycles.
Haha, close-up of my shoes
The water was still cold—around 18°C—so we didn't stay long before moving to the next spot.
Second Stop: Seven Falls Hike in Santa Barbara
I'm not sure who originally named this "Seven Falls," but when we got there, we didn't find any waterfalls—oops. Instead, we hiked up a mountain, haha.
The road up—you can drive this part, but after the end, you have to walk.
Like a paradise
Third Stop: Cachuma Lake Vista Point
This was a spontaneous discovery on the way to Solvang. Scenic spots like this are best found by yourself, haha.
There is a designated parking area. The water was very blue, but we didn't go down to the water's edge.
Fourth Stop: Solvang (Danish Village)
After a short rest, we continued to Solvang. When we arrived, we found it truly lived up to its reputation—a fairy-tale-like town. Green is the dominant color here.
Lunch—another American meal~
Looks like a museum
Scenery everywhere—very delicate
Fairy-tale-like houses—mouthwatering~
Fifth Stop: Spyglass Park
After visiting Solvang, on the way to Monterey, we stumbled upon another attraction—Spyglass Park. We arrived around 4:30 p.m., just in time for sunset~
The sunset light on the flowers made them even more vibrant.
At night, we stayed at the Bayside Motel in Monterey (breakfast included). We had a drink—cucumber-flavored—which was very good.
17-Mile Drive - Apple Park Visitor Center - Google Headquarters - Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco International Airport
First Stop: 17-Mile Drive
After waking up, we eagerly headed to 17-Mile Drive. We didn't have high expectations, but when we arrived, we found it to be the most stunning scenery of all.
You can park at designated parking spots at each attraction—all free.
Green, red, blue, white, yellow—a colorful painting.
The green roadside signs indicate free parking with time limits—very user-friendly.
Seagulls are not afraid of people—easy to photograph.
Second Stop: Apple Park
Apple has a dedicated visitor parking area.
A photo in front of Apple Park
Third Stop: Google Headquarters
Inside Google—Spring Festival Gala
Very unassuming building
It feels more like a university than a company—very large. Most employees are of Indian descent.
Fourth Stop: Golden Gate Bridge
When we arrived in San Francisco, it wasn't what we imagined. The city's streets were congested and steep. Every time we stopped at a red light, I worried about rolling backward when starting. Street parking was the most expensive we saw in the West. The weather felt like autumn—not very cold—but "desolate" was the perfect word to describe it. Homeless people were everywhere, and there was a lot of trash.
We had a very bad impression of this city. Originally, we planned to visit the Golden State Warriors' home court, but we gave up.
Free parking is available, but pay attention to the signs—lots of text.
Golden Gate Bridge—poor photo quality~
Fifth Stop: San Francisco International Airport
Last stop—fill up the gas tank to the same level as when we picked up the car, and keep the last fuel receipt.
Sushi, rice. Prices at the airport were similar to those outside—this meal cost $26 including tax. I really hope that food prices in Chinese airports could also be comparable to those outside.
The eight-day trip flew by in a flash. We traveled thousands of miles and passed through many cities. Grateful to have experienced the seasons with you on this journey~
Travel Journal Directory
1. Day 1 - December 28, 2018
2. Day 2 - December 29, 2018
3. Day 3 - December 30, 2018
4. Day 4 - December 31, 2018
5. Day 5 - January 1, 2019
6. Day 6 - January 2, 2019
7. Day 7 - January 3, 2019
8. Day 8 (Last Day) - January 4, 2019
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