Day 1: San Diego, California
Driving Time: 0 Hours – Trip Itinerary Starts Here
Arrive in San Diego and plan to attend one of the city’s vibrant live events this evening. Check online events calendars for the dates you will be in town. Look forward to cheering on the Padres at Petco Park, catching a live concert at the iconic Rady Shell by the Bay — where music meets breathtaking waterfront views, or attending a local rodeo to bring the excitement of the Wild West to life. Whether you’re a fan of high-energy sports or unforgettable performances, San Diego’s dynamic event scene ensures there’s always something to experience.
Day 2: San Diego, California (and Coronado)
Driving Time: 30 Minutes (or take a hotel shuttle or Coronado Ferry to remain car free)
Get an early start to your morning at Coronado Beach, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. Stroll along the shimmering sands, bask in the warm California sun, and take in views of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants and then explore Coronado’s charming shopping scene, from unique boutiques to upscale shops along Orange Avenue. Check with your hotel to see if they have a shuttle that will take you to Coronado and be sure to arrive at the stop early. You can also take the Coronado Ferry for easy access to both waterfronts. From Coronado Landing, you can capture photos of the San Diego Skyline. After freshening up from your adventures in Coronado, embark on an evening San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise before settling in for the night.
Day 3: Los Angeles, California
Driving Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes (127 miles)
After breakfast, check out and head north along the scenic coastline to Los Angeles. Along the way, make a quick stop in Oceanside, a laid-back coastal city just 40 miles from San Diego. Spend time exploring the Oceanside Pier, one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast. Grab lunch at a local cafe before strolling through the downtown area, known for its vibrant art scene and boutique shops. If you happen to be traveling through on a Thursday, be sure to check out MainStreet Oceanside’s Sunset Market, which spans five city blocks and features up to 240 food and retail booths. Continue your drive up the coast towards Los Angeles, enjoying stunning ocean views along the way. Get settled in Los Angeles and then find dinner at a nearby local restaurant before calling it a day.
Day 4: Los Angeles, California
Driving Time: 0 Hours – Explore Los Angeles (Some driving may be required depending on the location of your accommodations, location of your activities, and use of public transportation, rideshares, or tour operators.)
Today is an exciting day in Los Angeles! Start with a visit to one of the famous recording studios, like Capitol Records or Sunset Sound, where music legends have created hit songs. Then, explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stop by Grauman’s (TCL) Chinese Theatre, and grab lunch at the historic Musso & Frank Grill. Next, experience the magic of Hollywood by attending a live TV show taping where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at production–check event calendars for comedy shows, talk shows, or game shows to see what’s available. After a day filled with entertainment, head to the Griffith Observatory in the evening, where you can watch the sunset over the city skyline and gaze at the stars through powerful telescopes for stunning views! Depending on how hungry you are, you could enjoy a delicious dinner at Little Dom’s in Los Feliz before or after the Observatory, or you can grab a quick bite to eat at The Café at the End of the Universe while exploring at the Observatory. It’s a perfect day of lights, cameras, and action!
Day 5: Los Angeles, California
Driving Time: 1-2 Hours (Depending on the location of your accommodations and use of rideshares or tour operators.)
Start your day by visiting the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy the ocean breeze, and take some photos by the Ferris wheel. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Urth Caffé, just a 20 minute walk down the beach, or at one of the other local restaurants in the area. Santa Monica Beach is one of the best in LA for playing in the ocean or relaxing on the sand. After some fun at Santa Monica, head to Venice Beach to explore the lively boardwalk, check out the skatepark, watch street performers, or visit the famous Venice Canals. Enjoy a casual, beachy lunch at Gjusta, a local favorite for its fresh seafood, sandwiches, and bakery treats. After lunch, head back to your accommodations to freshen up a bit. Then, begin your afternoon at the Beverly Hills Visitor Center where you can grab a map, get insider tips, and pose for a photo with the famous Beverly Hills Sign. Stroll along the 1-mile stretch of Rodeo Drive, and do some window shopping on one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, lined with high-end boutiques and luxury department stores. Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, dinner at the iconic Spago Beverly Hills, or drinks at the rooftop bar at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, where you can unwind and take in the stunning sunset views of the LA sklyine on your last night in Los Angeles.
Driving Time: 4-5 Hours (270 Miles; Timing depends on traffic)
It’s time to say goodbye to Los Angeles and hello to the twinkling lights of Las Vegas! Check out of your accommodations early and hit the road to avoid traffic congestion. If you need a quick place to stop and stretch after leaving the Los Angeles traffic, Main Street in Barstow, California has some fun historic Route 66 signs and you can also grab a tasty breakfast burrito at Lola’s Kitchen. Once you’re back on the road, make a quick stop in Baker, California, to check out the world’s tallest thermometer and pick up some unique Alien Fresh Jerky, a must-try snack with quirky flavors that perfectly capture the area’s offbeat vibe. Finish the last part of the drive into Las Vegas and get settled into your accommodations. Head to the Las Vegas Strip for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, starting with a delicious dinner at one of the Strip’s world-class restaurants. Afterwards, enjoy a Vegas-style show—a Cirque du Soleil performance, a comedy act, or a concert by your favorite artist to end the night.
Driving Time: 0 Hours (Explore the Las Vegas Strip and walk, take the monorail, rideshares, or tours.)
Spend the day shopping at one of the many shopping centers on the Las Vegas strip–The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, The Shops at Crystals, the Miracle Mile Shops, the Fashion Show Mall, or the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. Have fun exploring the shops and restaurants before going back to rest for a minute in the afternoon. Before dinner, visit the Arte Museum where you can take pictures with the interactive exhibits. Then, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant before watching the water show at the Fountains at Bellagio and walking through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
Driving Time: 0 Hours (Trip itinerary ends here, so you will have driving time home or a flight to get back home if you flew into San Diego and rented a car.)
Spend your last morning in Vegas relaxing in your room or at the pool. Then pack up and it’s time to head home from your Lights, Camera, Action trip!
