Travel Notes: Las Vegas to California Coast

Our recent family trip from Las Vegas to Southern California reminded me that adventure doesn’t always need a passport. Sometimes, it just needs good snacks, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace the weird and wonderful stops along the way.

If you're considering a getaway that’s equal parts family-friendly, spiritually grounding, and has swoonworthy sun-kissed coastal charm — this route might just be for you.

Las Vegas

We kicked things off at Sahara Las Vegas, a surprisingly calm and modern resort tucked right off the famous Las Vegas Strip, about 4 miles from the airport. Clean, stylish, and refreshingly low-key, it gave us room to breathe after a day of flying and a chance to begin adjusting to the time change. The pool area was understandably busy given the triple digit temperatures, but we were all able to find spots to relax. While my youngest swam, my husband and I basked in the dry heat of Vegas with some drinks from the pool bar.

Dinner at Pizza Rock was unexpectedly divine. I don't get excited for pizza places. In my mind, they area casual restaurants where everyone can find something they like without breaking the bank or needing a reservation. This one honestly shocked me! There were so many pizza varietals that it was overwhelming. It took us a while to decide which to try and, feeling like I needed a cold, veggie packed salad, ordered the chopped Italian salad. I am not exaggerating when I say that I will be trying to recreate this salad at home for the rest of my life! It was sharp, fresh, and full of delicious meats, cheeses, peppers, and vegetables.

We walked off dinner on Fremont Street, where some refer to as "Old Vegas." People-watching is next-level here and the street performers are the kind of chaotic magic you can’t unsee. Later that night, we caught Mystère by Cirque du Soleil, and while some family members struggled with the abstract theme, we all agreed it was an awe-inducing experience. If nothing else, it was a reminder of what the human body can do when joy is the motive.

Grand Canyon West: Beauty Worth the Detour

“Why would we drive for hours just to see a crack in the ground?” That was the youthful perspective of my 8-year old going in. And yet—when we arrived at Grand Canyon West after a short 2 hour ride, even the skeptics fell silent.

We walked the Skywalk (glass floor, sheer drop, serious adrenaline spike), took in the views from Guano Point, and drove past fields of Joshua trees, cattle crossings, and towns so small and forgotten, they looked like film sets from a dusty Western. It was haunting and beautiful all at once.

On the way back to Las Vegas, we stopped at the Hoover Dam because it's one of those "must see" feats of man. It was neat, but not much to do there. And it was HOT outside. We walked around for a few minutes, took some pictures, and headed back to our hotel for some pool time.

If you're road tripping through desert spaces, a travel cooler is a must. There’s not much in the way of healthy road snacks or hydration stops to be found. I was thankful we planned ahead.

Roadside Nostalgia

On our next drive between Las Vegas and California, we crossed vast Mojave desert stretches and tumbleweeds. For a break, made a joyful pit stop in Yermo, CA, where we visited Calico Ghost Town, Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner, and Eddie’s World (basically a gas station-meets-Wonka factory). These kitschy, endearing spots are perfect for stretching your legs, grabbing a milkshake, and visiting history for a couple of hours.

Mission Beach, San Diego

Our Airbnb in Mission Beach was nestled just steps from the sand. Seaweed was common, the shell collecting was magical, and the paved walkway between the homes and the beach brought a constant hum of energy, especially at night. Morning fog lingered until noon most days, but when it lifted, the sunshine was absolutely incredibly. A perfect 75-80 degrees every day with a warm, light breeze.

The San Diego Zoo was vast and full of small surprises (like the reptile egg incubator that fascinated us far more than we expected). If you’re prone to overwhelm, pace yourself. Our watches showed we walked 16,000 steps in the Zoo alone that day.

La Jolla Beach, California

We spent an afternoon exploring La Jolla Beach, home to sunbathing sea lions, tide pools filled with baby crabs, and the famously cheesy-but-fun Cave Store, which offers a quirky underground tunnel to the sea. We also kayaked alongside leopard sharks and seals, though you’ll want to keep your distance — the seals are equal parts majestic and… ripe. Dining oceanside here may be picturesque, but consider wind direction before choosing your table.

Belmont Park & USS Midway

No San Diego visit is complete without a Dole Whip at Belmont Park. Add in classic carnival rides, a ropes course, and a long stretch of beach, and you’ve got a full afternoon of nostalgic fun.

The next day, we explored the USS Midway Museum, where seeing cassette tapes and VHS players behind glass hit a little too close to home. It’s an incredible place to reflect on history, sacrifice, and just how fast time moves.

San Clemente, California

Our next stop was about 2 hours north of San Diego: The beautiful, Spanish architecture inspired town of San Clemente, where the fog lifts quicker and the waves are made for boogie boarding. We spent hours in the surf, watched surfers at sunset, and learned the beach is divided into zones (boogie, swim, surf — pay attention to signs).

We ate our way through town, starting with BeachFire Grill (perfect filet medallions) and ending with Fisherman’s Restaurant at the pier. The Cajun sea bass and views were equally divine.

Also: Corvette Diner is a must. Think balloon artists, dance breaks, and an old-school arcade with MASSIVE milkshakes. It’s chaotic in the best possible way.

Wrapping Up in Vegas

We returned to Vegas and checked into Tahiti Village, a surprisingly serene resort near the airport with a lazy river, swimming pools, and very reasonable rates. Our final night was spent laughing through the Mat Franco magic show, which had heart, humor, and my youngest was even called on stage to launch a playing card cannon — a moment we won’t soon forget!

This journey, from the dry heat of Nevada to the ocean mist of California, reminded me how healing it is to be in motion, to see new things, to laugh in unfamiliar places. Sometimes the best moments are found in the unexpected: a roadside diner, a tide pool, a sunset viewed from a noisy boardwalk.

If you’ve been craving a change of scenery, this route delivers. Beauty. Stillness. Motion. And a chance to remember what you love most about your people.

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