West To East Roadtrip

Watch Video

Los Angeles New York

Visits 16 destinations

22 Days

See inclusions
Dates & Prices See all available trips

Covering 12 states over three unforgettable weeks, this adventure will tick off every item on your USA bucket list in one go.

It’s time to check out the sprawling National Parks, the smooth jazz undertones of New Orleans, and the soul food diners of the Deep South. If you’ve been waiting for the ultimate all-American experience, you’ve just found it! Covering 12 states over three unforgettable weeks, this adventure will tick off every item on your USA bucket list in one go. Kick back on Route 66 and buckle up those cowboy boots, it’s time to live the American Dream on this coast-to-coast road trip of a lifetime!

We spend 22 days exploring USA. We visit Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Williams, Grand Canyon, Durango, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Fort Worth, Austin, Lafayette, New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, Asheville, Washington DC, New York.

What Is Included...

  • Your fantastic Busabout crew

  • 21 nights’ accommodation

  • 19 breakfasts

  • All coach transport

  • Entry to the Grand Canyon National Park

  • Visit an alligator rescue centre in Louisiana

  • Enjoy the sunset at the Grand Canyon

  • Take a tour of Avery Island Tabasco Factory

  • Visit the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo

Trip Highlights
  • Visit the party capitals of Las Vegas and New Orleans
  • Travel from the Wild West to the Deep South
  • Eat Texas BBQs, Southern chicken and Californian burgers

Check these off your bucket list

Austin Austin
New York New York
Las Vegas Las Vegas

22 Day Itinerary

West To East Roadtrip 22 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

Los Angeles to Las Vegas

It’s time for the adventure to begin! This morning you’ll meet your new travel companions at our accommodation, before we leave the city of La La Land behind and travel through the Mojave Desert, admiring the rugged dry landscape. After a stop in Barstow for lunch, we arrive in the City of Sin mid-afternoon. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to explore and later we’ll all get together for a drink and visit a couple of casinos. Later we’ll bask in the neon glow of the Strip, head to a buzzing rooftop bar and see where the night takes us!

Day 2

Las Vegas

Today is your free day to explore. Hit the Strip in the daylight and marvel at the famous hotels like The Bellagio, MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay, as well as the numerous attractions in between. For shopping visit the North Premium Outlets, and for museum fans the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum are must-sees! If you haven’t had In-N-Out Burger yet, today’s your chance, with a tonne of other restaurant options in the city to choose from. Tonight head back to the Strip to catch a show, eat dinner, or find a nightclub - the night is yours!

Day 3

Las Vegas to Williams

This morning we depart after breakfast towards the Wild West. We’ll jump on Route 66 and cruise on this famous highway for the rest of the day. Later we’ll have lunch in Kingman before an afternoon stop in Seligman. This legendary town will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time! We’ll arrive in Williams mid-afternoon and check in. This small town has more than six blocks of historic buildings and shops bursting with memorabilia.

Day 4

Grand Canyon

Today we’ll be ticking off a major bucket list location - the Grand Canyon! We’ll depart early this morning for the full-day experience. After a short drive we’ll arrive at this jaw dropping site, and you’ll be glad you have the entire day to explore. There are optional scenic flights and helicopter rides available for those who want to see the canyon from the sky. For those staying on the ground, there are plenty of hikes and mind-blowing views, so get moving and make sure you capture the moment. In the evening we’ll meet back up and watch the sunset over one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Day 5

Williams to Durango

It’s an early start today as we depart towards Monument Valley. We’ll stop in Cameron, home to one of the few authentic Navajo Trading Posts remaining, then drive the popular main road where you’ll recognise sights from Forrest Gump, Back to the Future 3, Mission Impossible 2, The Lone Ranger and 2001: A Space Odyssey. It’s certainly a popular film location! This afternoon we’ll drive on to Durango, where we’ll arrive in the early evening. Durango is a former railway town that now attracts visitors due to its Old West feel. It’s got a wide array of outdoor activities, and it’s close to the “Four Corners”, where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet. The evening is free for you to explore town, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant and check out the bar scene.

Day 6

Durango to Santa Fe

Spend this morning however you like, in the adventure sport capital of Colorado! There are optional horseback riding or white water rafting trips for those who want to try something a little different. We’ll say farewell to Durango after lunch and drive to Santa Fe. On our arrival we’ll check into our accommodation and get comfortable, then enjoy some free time. One of the oldest sites in the United States, Santa Fe was settled by the Spanish in the 15th century. The look hasn’t changed much in parts of the old city either; the area features pueblo adobe architecture that dates back to the time when Navajo Native Americans co-existed in the city with the Spanish. Tonight you’re free to visit a quirky interactive art space, Meow Wolf, brought to you by Game of Thrones creator, George RR Martin.

Day 7

Santa Fe to Amarillo

This morning we have a couple of hours to explore Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the USA, before we re-join the historic Route 66! We head for Santa Rosa, where you’ll spot plenty of vintage diners and motels. We’ll grab a photo at the half way point of Route 66 and this afternoon we’ll pass into Texas with a time zone change, as well as a distinct change in feel - everything is bigger here! We’ll make a stop at Cadillac Ranch, a quirky art installation serving as a tribute to the ‘Golden Age’ of American automobiles. After we get to our accommodation in Amarillo, we’ll make our way to the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Here you can take on the 72-ounce (2kg) Steak Challenge – if you finish it in under one hour, it’s free!

Day 8

Amarillo to Fort Worth

Today we make our way to Fort Worth, arriving mid-afternoon. After we check in, you have free time to explore! To step back in time, check out the Stockyards National Historic District. Cowboys strolling the streets, horse-and-cart rides, and a choice of BBQ joints make this the Texan experience many are looking for. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is also worth seeing, and you can go shopping for some boots and a big hat at Wild Bills. This afternoon be sure to catch the cowhands drive a herd of Texas Longhorns down the main street. Tonight, we highly recommend hitting up Billy Bob's Texas - the World's Largest Honky-Tonk. This dancehall is outfitted with over 30 bar stations and can hold up to 6,000 people!

Day 9

Fort Worth to Austin

Rise and shine, today we’re off to Austin. Our first stop is in Waco, where Dr Pepper was first sold! We have an hour here, so you can check out the Dr Pepper Museum or wander the Magnolia Markets before we hop back on the coach. We’ll arrive in Austin around lunchtime and you’ll have some time to explore the boutique stores and eateries of South Congress Avenue. This is a perfect opportunity to pick up some Texan boots or a cowboy hat. After checking in it’s time to head out with your guide. Austin is known for its live music and quirky attractions, and has the perfect mix of innovation and old-school culture. We’ll hit up Rainey St where renovated houses have been converted into quirky bungalow bars. Here you’ll be able to get involved in the famous Austin food truck scene before an evening of bar hopping and dancing!

Day 10

Austin

Today you have the whole day to explore Austin at your own pace. This is the fastest growing city in the U.S., so of course there’s plenty to see and do! The quirky city retains its “Keep Austin Weird” motto - a slogan adopted to represent the city’s ongoing support for local artists and businesses, however unique they may seem. Check out the attractions like graffiti parks, the Cathedral of Junk, Zilker Park, and the witness the bats coming out at sunset - the best place to see this is Congress Avenue Bridge. As the sun comes down, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats come out! Once the sun sets, make sure you head to Sixth Street for a variety of live music acts that make this city famous.

Day 11

Austin to Lafayette

It’s an earlier start today as we depart Austin towards Lafayette. Along the way we’ll stop at an alligator rescue centre where you’ll have the chance to hold a baby gator, and learn about the efforts to reintroduce them to the wild. We arrive at our destination of Lafayette, Louisiana this afternoon! You’ll have the option of joining a swamp tour before we head into town for dinner and some live music. This state is famous for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, and there’s a huge range of restaurants to choose from.

Day 12

Lafayette to Avery Island to New Orleans

We leave Lafayette early this morning and drive to Avery Island Tabasco Factory. We will have an included tour to learn all about the home of Tabasco sauce! You can have lunch at their onsite restaurant and wander around the Jungle Gardens. We then drive to New Orleans, arriving mid-afternoon to explore. See the French quarter with its cobblestone streets and the historical Jackson Square at the centre. Lined with heritage houses and street performers, there are bars and restaurants spread throughout the area. Jazz music was born in the Big Easy and tonight your guide will take you to their favourite spot to experience some live music.

Day 13

New Orleans

You have the day to wander New Orleans at your leisure, and it’s hard to go wrong! Why not grab a coffee from the famous Café du Monde, or get a fried chicken and waffle breakfast? Explore the flea markets on Magazine Street, or amble along the lakefront. For lunch we recommend Willie Mae’s Scotch House, which has been around for half a century, serving the best fried chicken in New Orleans and soul-food family style. Try the red beans and rice! Later on, head to Rev. Zombie’s Voodoo Shop to learn more about voodoo in New Orleans. Tonight you can head to Frenchman Street where the locals enjoy live music and casual eateries.

Day 14

New Orleans to Memphis

We depart early this morning and drive through the heartland of blues and soul music, driving parallel to the “Blues Highway”. After a lunch stop in Jackson, Mississippi we’ll arrive at our destination of Memphis this afternoon. The city is steeped in blues music history but also holds claim to being the birthplace of rock & roll, the American civil rights movement, the home of Elvis Presley, and of course great BBQ food. We’ll go for a driving tour of the city to orientate everyone, passing sights like the Civil Rights Museum, the Rock and Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, Orpheum Theatre and the Peabody Hotel. This evening we’ll head out to the historic Beale Street, where B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Louis Armstrong all played on the street; now this area has a wide array of bars and restaurants.

Day 15

Memphis

It’s your opportunity to explore Memphis to your heart’s content, with a free day for you to spend as you wish! Join us on an optional excursion to Graceland, to the home of Elvis Presley. His 14-acre mansion is open for tours, and offers an intimate look at the life of Elvis Presley. In addition, it’s also where he’s buried. The property features a swimming pool in the shape of a guitar! Afterwards, you could explore other musical options by visiting Sun Studios where it is claimed rock & roll was born. Many artists recorded here, like Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and U2. For museum fans, learn more about the history of the civil rights movement at the National Civil Rights Museum, or if you’re feeling active check out the river walk on Mud Island. If you’re hankering for more live blues, head back to Beale Street to soak up the tunes and the atmosphere.

Day 16

Memphis to Nashville

Another city of musical heritage awaits us today - the home of country music, Nashville. We say farewell to Memphis and hit the road. On the way we’ll pass through Jackson, the subject of one of Johnny Cash’s famous songs. After we check in, it’s time to head out and try some of the southern food Nashville is famous for, particularly the chicken - watch out, this local specialty is spicy! Tonight try and catch a show at the Ryman Theatre, famous for being the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, and now the host of some of the greatest musicians in the world.

Day 17

Nashville

While Nashville is known for country songs and delicious grub, it has so much more to offer than that. Today is your free day to go out and experience it! You have the option to check out The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Centennial Park with its exact replica of the ancient Parthenon, RCA Studios, the Johnny Cash Museum, and The Grand Ole Opry. For breathtaking views of the Nashville skyline, head to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Nashville’s nightlife is quite lively, especially down Broadway; this is the main street downtown where you can head tonight! Here, you’ll see horses pulling people in carriages, and you can bar-hop between the honky-tonks that line the streets. While you listen to music by the city’s aspiring songwriters, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on the block.

Day 18

Nashville to Asheville

If it was a late one last night, you can settle into our comfy coach and get some rest on our drive to The Paris of the South, Asheville! We depart early and drive to North Carolina, with a stop to stretch our legs and check out the charming town of Knoxville. Have lunch at one of the local joints, and walk to the Sunsphere if you’re after a panoramic view of the city. It stands 81 metres high with an observation deck and a 360 degree view of the city! Then it’s back onboard, and we’ll arrive in Asheville in the afternoon. After you get settled, we’ll have some free time to wander downtown, following the sculptural urban trail. This is the perfect route to see the sights. The Blue Ridge Mountains surround Asheville, so as sunset draws near we will head to a rooftop for a great vantage point to enjoy a view that locals call “The Land of Skies”. Tonight we hit the town to experience the popular music and food scene.

Day 19

Asheville

You can spend today however you please, so why not get out and about and learn more about the town Barack Obama said he wants to retire to? You have the option of joining your guide and getting back to nature today. This morning will head down to the Blue Ridge Parkway and we’ll stop for hikes, visit some waterfalls, and hit some lookouts. If that’s not your scene, you can visit the River Arts district, an area with countless murals and a high concentration of studios, galleries and street musicians. Another great sight would be Biltmore Estate, a French-style chateau built in 1889, which you might recognise from the movie Richie Rich! You can take tours of the estate and even visit its winery for free tastings. As well as being known as the Paris of the South, Asheville is known as a beer town due to the 30 craft beer breweries that call it home. Tonight we’ll venture to the South Slope brewery district to try the local brew, grab dinner in a BBQ restaurant and, if you’re up for it, a visit to Vortex Donuts for a beer-flavoured donut!

Day 20

Asheville to Washington D.C.

It’s time to settle in and make yourself comfortable, as we cover a lot of ground today on the coach! We say goodbye to Asheville and begin our journey towards Washington D.C. We’ll arrive into the capital this afternoon, and have a driving tour of the city and its major landmarks to orientate you around this bustling metropolis. After taking in the stunning views, we’ll check in and you’ll be free to head out and explore the city’s food and bar scene.

Day 21

Washington D.C.

This morning you have the option to join a bike tour, which is a great way to take in the various monuments located around the capital area; you’ll see the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Washington and Lincoln Memorials. How you spend the afternoon is up to you! We recommend you make a beeline for the Smithsonian Museums, which all have free entry and include the National Gallery of Art, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History and many others. The Newseum and The International Spy Museum are also worth a visit! If shopping is more your thing, then head to the Georgetown area. Though D.C. is not a late-night party town, it’s definitely a happy hour city! You can hit up a good happy hour for some early evening frivolity before heading back to the accommodation.

Day 22

Washington D.C. to Philadelphia to New York

All good things must come to an end! But we still have some great sights to see on our final day together. We depart D.C. early this morning and drive to Philadelphia. The home of Rocky, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and M. Night Shyamalan films, there’s a lot for you to see here. We have 3 hours to explore, so check out the Liberty Bell and try one of the famous Philly Cheesesteaks! After lunch we’ll board the coach for our final drive, arriving in New York in the early evening. It’s time to farewell your travel comrades, and reflect on the road trip of a lifetime. We hope to see you again soon!

See full itinerary

Create Your Own Adventure

Update on 2022 Travel