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Monument Valley, Utah (Credit: UOT)

Western USA

California, Las Vegas & national parks

Western USA tailor-made holidays

Introduction

The American West has long seized the imagination of people around the world, thanks to the region's association with the silver screen, the early days of Wild West cinema, and the stars that grace the red carpets of Hollywood premieres. From the ruggedly beautiful Pacific coast to the deserts of the interior, America's West is simply waiting to be explored.

Vast Deserts

The wide desert vistas of Arizona and Utah are full of natural wonders and Native American heritage. In Arizona's south is the arid Sonoran Desert, while further north a landscape of plateaus, deep canyons and mountains, like those you've seen in classic cowboy Western movies, emerges. And in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip are a beacon for pleasure seekers in the remotest of places.

The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Arizona desert
 The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Arizona

A Glamorous Coastline

The 'Golden State' of California best sums up the American dream with its glitzy cities, vast wilderness areas and beautiful coastline. The Pacific Coast Highway, a breathtaking road-trip along the longest state-route in California, takes you via the white sands of Monterey Bay and the cliffside at Half Moon Bay to the wild surf coast at Big Sur. And of course, Los Angeles is home to the celebrity-laden Beverly Hills, the famous Rodeo Drive and the sprawling sands of Santa Monica Beach.

Newport Beach surf in California
Newport Beach, California

Southwestern Cities

In the Lone Star State of Texas, the cities of Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth offer warm Southern hospitality played out in honkytonk bars, and  a glimpse of life as a cowboy in the Wild West at authentic Rodeo shows. Cookouts and steakhouses serve up big American eats, and a thriving blues, rock and country music scene can be heard across the state. Meanwhile in New Mexico, a rich history of Native American and Hispanic cultures has created a vibrant art scene and creative centre in America's oldest capital, Santa Fe.

Ferris wheel at the Texas State Fair
Texas State Fair 

 

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Top itineraries in Western USA

Big Sur, California

California & the Pacific Coast Highway

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,250 pp incl. flights

A truly iconic USA fly-drive, the Pacific Coast Highway brings you between San Francisco and Los Angeles, calling into world-class vineyards, pretty coastal towns and sweeping golden beaches.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California, USA

Highlights of the American West

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,820 pp incl. flights

Driving between San Francisco and Las Vegas, this curated road trip takes in the beauty of Yosemite National Park, austere Death Valley and the ever-spectacular Grand Canyon.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Ultimate Las Vegas & Grand Canyon Break

6-day tailor-made city break from £2,960 pp incl. flights

This spectacular showcase of Vegas is the ultimate way to discover Sin City – a place everyone should visit at least once in their lives.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Canyon Country & National Parks fly-drive

16-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,730 pp incl. flights

This epic fly-drive brings you right among some of the USA's most spectacular wilderness, from the Wild-West grandeur of Monument Valley to the world-wonder beauty of the Grand Canyon.

See all itinerary ideas

Top places to stay in Western USA

Suite, Argonaut, San Francisco

The Argonaut, San Francisco

Contemporary hotel

This early 20th century red-brick and wood-beamed fruit cannery warehouse has been skilfully transformed into a boutique, nautically-themed hotel that offers a waterfront location, seafood specialities and complimentary wine tasting every evening at five.

Ventana Big Sur, California

Ventana, Big Sur

Contemporary resort

Utterly romantic and relaxing, this luxury resort by Alila is set amid 160 acres of old-growth forest in the iconic Big Sur region of California’s rugged Pacific coast. Enjoy spa treatments, fine dining and stunning ocean views.

Handlery pool area

Handlery Union Square Hotel, San Francisco

Contemporary hotel

The Handlery Union Square Hotel is a historic haven among San Francisco’s cosmopolitan buzz. An impressive, traditional interior contrasts to contemporary grey rooms, some with balconies, and the heated outdoor pool, cosy sauna and dark, intimate bar and restaurant add to the delights.

The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa

The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa  

Contemporary hotel

Situated deep in Californian wine country, the Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa is a deluxe retreat whose amenities add a luxurious touch to your stay among world-class vineyards. Expect rustic-chic style rooms and suites alongside a wine bar and a spa and restaurant, both award-winning.

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Where to go in Western USA

Yosemite National Park, Califiornia

California

Lining most of America’s Pacific west, California offers stunning coastal drives, vibrant cities and a veritable plethora of natural attractions accompanied by some of the world's best food and wine.

New Mexico

With the oldest state capital in North America, in Santa Fe, and a rich cultural heritage of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo American, New Mexico is a fascinating place to visit.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Utah

Utah is blessed with some of the most remarkable landscapes in the USA. prime among them a series of beautiful canyons, national parks, forests and monuments that cover the southern half of the state.

Lake Powell, Arizona

Arizona

Arizona is know as the Grand Canyon State after its most famous site, and offers stunning natural beauty. To the south, near Phoenix and Tucson, is the eerily beautiful Sonoran Desert, while further north the landscape rises through high desert plateaus to canyons and mountains.

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When to go to Western USA

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The coastal weather of California is superlative in summer, with a total lack of humidity and a fresh ocean breeze resulting in an all-day-all-night feel good vibe. Similarly for Texas, the beaches are pleasant, but in land the air becomes hot and thick throughout those summer months. Travel just before or after summer around Texas to enjoy a more comfortable climate. Come winter, Texas can become noticeably cold, while The West's deserts come into a life of their own, thanks to relatively temperate conditions.

See regional weather

Western USA articles

  • Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

    Trip report: Northern California

    Reporting from the road, former Wexas marketing executive Claire Benktander drove from San Francisco to the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma. Read her review for an insight into this spectacular road trip.

  • Tucson, Arizona

    5 things to do in Tucson

    From desert wellness retreats to craft brewery visits and ranch stays, discover the top five things to do during a stay in Tucson, Arizona.

  • Monument Valley Tribal Park, Arizona

    Arizona: beyond the Grand Canyon

    Wexas specialist Keely Roberts looks beyond Arizona’s headline-grabbing poster child to discover a rich tapestry of natural beauty, tribal nations and thriving culture.

  • Mittens, Monument Valley, Utah

    America's Best Literary Road Trips

    From Kerouac to Steinbeck, follow the routes of these classic authors for some inspiration on the USA's finest road trips.

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Meet our Western USA experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0636

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0636 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

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