Finally exploring glorious America - I fulfilled this lifelong dream a few years ago when I went on a two-week tour of the west coast of the USA. A trip that I definitely don't want to miss and may do again. However, the planning wasn't that easy, because the sheer size of the USA means that you have to collect a lot of kilometers, which wastes a lot of time. That's why I would like to share my itinerary with you, including my experiences, to make your own planning easier.
Starting point: Los Angeles
Sometimes you're lucky: With Lufthansa I found a non-stop flight from Munich to LA and back again for €640 - at Oscar time. I don't know what the current prices are, but Condor always offers cheap flights , which is why it's worth checking regularly.
Of course, Los Angeles has a lot to offer and for me as a film freak, even more. Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theater, Beverly Hills and, and, and. But what I particularly liked was the Griffith Observatory, the planetarium, which offers breathtaking views of all of LA. It's best to come in the evening or at night to watch the twinkling lights and wide streets that look like pulsating veins.
Most beautiful route: Pacific Coast Highway
After a few days in Los Angeles, the journey continues towards San Francisco. However, don't take the shortest route that the navigation system shows you, instead drive along the coast - you won't regret it. Below you the sea crashes against the cliffs, sea lions cavort on the beach. One, two or even three stops at viewpoints are mandatory.
Monterey
On this route it is also worth stopping in Monterey, a picturesque port town from which you can go whale watching. However, I cannot recommend this experience: With relatively strong seas and what felt like 100 Chinese people on board, I could only make out a piece of whale's back several meters away - if there was one at all. The Asians vomiting all around me didn't exactly make me feel very comfortable.
This made the visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the largest public aquariums in the world, all the more amazing. From penguins, jellyfish, otters to sharks, everything the seas and lakes have to offer is represented there - simply beautiful!
San Francisco
From Monterey it's not far to San Francisco, a really pretty city that's great to explore with a hop-on hop-off bus. Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 30 are on the to-do list, among a host of other things.
Yosemite National Park
There is pure nature in Yosemite National Park, where fantastic landscapes await you. The many waterfalls, impressive mountains such as Half Dome or El Capitan and the giant sequoia trees are particularly beautiful. You can even walk through a particularly large specimen. You should definitely plan at least two nights here and then be prepared for a long drive because you're going to Las Vegas.
Las Vegas
The city of gambling sparkles like crazy in the evening and will take you completely by surprise for a short time. Even choosing a hotel is difficult because one looks cooler than the next. I myself stayed in the Luxor Pyramid and Caesar's Palace, and I had problems finding my room in the latter in particular - the hotel complexes are so large and the slot machines and poker tables are so numerous. There are no windows or clocks here; after all, guests should gamble for as long as possible. Of course, there are plenty of shows all along the strip: from magician shows to concerts and Cirque du Soleil, everything is there, but it's relatively expensive. If you want to save money, just walk along the strip and explore the hotels, such as the Venetian, where gondolas travel under bridges.
Grand Canyon
Of course, the legendary Grand Canyon shouldn't be missed and I resorted to the luxury option for exploring: I went up in the air by helicopter, from where you can see the canyon and the Colorado River flowing through it more beautifully than ever by car. It's not cheap (it was a birthday present for me), but it's definitely worth it. You end up in the canyon, have a few snacks there and can attract the cute squirrels that frolic in the canyon.
Bryce Canyon
Back in Vegas I visited another canyon, Bryce Canyon. And although I hardly dare say it out loud: I liked it almost more than the Grand Canyon. The formations are amazing and the contrast between warm desert weather and sudden freezing temperatures was somehow fascinating. But it's a long drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park - an overnight stay is mandatory.
Then we went back to Vegas, from there a short domestic flight back to LA and then home to Munich. My tour of the west coast of the USA was over so quickly and it was simply wonderful!
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