Looking for an unforgettable American adventure that captures the best of California’s urban style and Nevada’s desert spectacle? The US Golden Triangle—San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas—delivers just that. Whether you’re drawn to the rolling fog over the Golden Gate, the red carpet of Hollywood, or the neon nightscape of the Las Vegas Strip, this bespoke itinerary weaves each city’s signature highlights into one seamless, 9–10 day journey.
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Why book off-the-shelf when you can have every aspect—nights in each city, choice of hotels, and curated excursions—crafted around your travel dreams? Travel artists Louise and Scott at Hays Travel specialise in tailor-made experiences that resonate with your personal style and pace. Ready to make this trip truly yours? Contact Louise and Scott today on 01428 856020 for a free consultation and start shaping your perfect Golden Triangle adventure.
Table of Contents
- Why the US Golden Triangle?
- Your Bespoke Itinerary Framework
- In-Depth: San Francisco (Days 1–3)
- In-Depth: Los Angeles (Days 4–6)
- In-Depth: Las Vegas (Days 7–9/10)
- Customisation Options & Extensions
- Best Travel Dates & Seasonal Highlights
- Getting Around: Flights, Car Hire & Transfers
- Lodging Spotlight & Hotel Alternatives
- Insider Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Why Choose Louise & Scott at Hays Travel?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Next Steps & Call to Action
Why the US Golden Triangle?
The Golden Triangle connects three of the Western USA’s most iconic destinations, each offering a distinct cultural flavour:
- San Francisco: Where pastel-painted Victorians perch on foggy hills and food trucks line bustling piers.
- Los Angeles: A sprawling fusion of beaches, boulevards, and backlot tours—the global epicentre of entertainment.
- Las Vegas: A neon-drenched oasis in the desert, renowned for world-class shows, casinos, and jaw-dropping attractions.
By blending urban sophistication, creative energy, and high-octane allure, this three-point trajectory gives you a comprehensive taste of the West Coast and beyond. The beauty of a bespoke tour is that it’s infinitely adaptable: swap nights, add VIP experiences, or veer off the beaten path into nearby natural wonders.
Your Bespoke Itinerary Framework
Here’s a sample 9–10 day structure to spark your imagination. Remember, every element can be flexed to align with your travel goals:
| Day(s) | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | San Francisco | Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf |
| 4–6 | Los Angeles | Hollywood, Santa Monica, Getty, theme parks |
| 7–9 (10) | Las Vegas | The Strip, Grand Canyon, shows, nightlife |
Typically, clients spend 3 nights in San Francisco, 3 nights in Los Angeles, and 3–4 nights in Las Vegas. But what if you want 5 nights in LA to catch a film premiere or 2 extra nights in the Bay Area for a Napa Valley day trip? No problem—Louise and Scott will adjust your itinerary down to the hour.
In-Depth: San Francisco (Days 1–3)
Day 1: Arrival & Bayfront Beginnings
- Check-in at Hotel Zephyr on Pier 39. With its whimsical maritime décor, fire-pit lounge, and s’mores station, it sets the perfect waterfront mood.
- Evening stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf. Sample clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, watch sea lions sunbathe, and wander through Musée Mécanique’s vintage arcade games.
Day 2: Classics & Culture
- Golden Gate Bridge bike ride: Start in the Marina District, cross the bridge, roll into Sausalito for a gourmet lunch—then take the ferry back.
- Lunch at Greens: A renowned vegetarian spot in Fort Mason, boasting panoramic bay views.
- Afternoon in Haight-Ashbury: Relive the Summer of Love among colourful Victorian homes, vintage record stores, and bohemian boutiques.
- Dinner in Mission District: Indulge in street-taco delights at La Taqueria or upscale Mexican cuisine at Loló.
Day 3: History, Heights & Hidden Gems
- Alcatraz Night Tour: Book months in advance to explore the legendary island prison under haunting floodlights.
- Chinatown walking tour: Visit hidden temples, herbal apothecaries, and sample dim sum in Grant Avenue’s oldest tea parlours.
- Sunset at Twin Peaks: Enjoy 360° city vistas as the sun dips below the Pacific horizon.
Optional extensions:
- A day trip to Muir Woods to wander among ancient coastal redwoods.
- A guided Napa or Sonoma wine tour featuring boutique wineries and private tastings.
In-Depth: Los Angeles (Days 4–6)
Day 4: Hollywood & Highland
- Morning at Griffith Observatory: Get an up-close view of the Hollywood Sign, then explore the free planetarium shows.
- Hollywood Boulevard: Snap selfies at TCL Chinese Theatre’s handprints, stroll the Walk of Fame, and hunt for celebrity stars.
- Lunch at Musso & Frank: Hollywood’s oldest eatery, where the likes of Charlie Chaplin once dined.
- Rodeo Drive Stroll: Window-shop high-end boutiques in Beverly Hills, or upgrade to a personal shopping experience.
- Dinner & Sunset at The Rooftop by JG (at the Waldorf Astoria): Modern Californian cuisine paired with skyline views.
Day 5: Culture, Coast & Creativity
- The Getty Center: Admire European masters and modern sculptures amid cliffside gardens.
- Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade: Ride the iconic Ferris wheel, explore quirky street performances, and shop al fresco.
- Venice Beach Boardwalk: Witness street art, muscle-men at Muscle Beach, and eclectic food stands.
- Evening at The Broad (DTLA): Reservation-based free access to Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama installations.
Day 6: Theme Parks or Backlot Magic
Option A: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Go behind the scenes on working sets: see the Central Perk couch from “Friends,” the Batcave, and custom prop workshops.
Option B: Disneyland Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood
- Choose the “Happiest Place on Earth” or step into cinematic worlds with rides like “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”
Add-on suggestions:
- Malibu wine tasting along the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Whale-watching cruise from Marina del Rey (Dec–Apr).
- Day trip to Joshua Tree for a guided hike and stargazing in the national park.
In-Depth: Las Vegas (Days 7–9/10)
Day 7: Arrival & Lights On
- Check-in at Paris Las Vegas: Your Eiffel Tower–view suite sets the tone for a glamorous desert stay.
- Evening stroll along the Strip: Watch the Bellagio Fountains choreographed to music, then explore the Venetian’s Grand Canal.
Day 8: Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam Adventure
Option A: Helicopter tour to Grand Canyon West
- Fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, land on the canyon floor for a champagne picnic.
Option B: Guided Hoover Dam & Lake Mead tour
- Go inside the dam walls, learn about its engineering feats, and cruise Lake Mead’s tranquil waters.
Day 9: High-Roller Fun & World-Class Shows
- Morning at the High Roller: Book a Happy Half Hour cabin for complimentary drinks and skyline vistas from 550 feet up.
- Afternoon pool relaxation: Reserve a private cabana at a top-tier resort (Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, or Encore).
- Evening show: Choose from Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at Bellagio, “KA” at MGM Grand, or resident headliners like Adele or Bruno Mars.
- Late-night dining: Indulge at a celebrity-chef restaurant—Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Giada, or José Andrés’ Bazaar Meat.
Day 10 (Optional): Final Flourish
- Brunch at Mon Ami Gabi with Strip views.
- Shopping at Fashion Show Mall or local outlets.
- Departure: Private transfer to McCarran International Airport or onward journey.
Extra add-ons:
- Red Rock Canyon for a Jeep eco-tour.
- Valley of Fire State Park sunrise hike.
- Neon Museum guided tour of vintage Vegas signs.
Customisation Options & Extensions
No two bespoke tours are identical. Louise and Scott can weave in:
- Additional nights in any city or at a nearby gem (e.g., Santa Barbara, Wine Country, Zion National Park).
- Private culinary experiences: Chef’s table dinners, taco tours, or speakeasy-style cocktail workshops.
- Luxury transfers: Limousine or private helicopter rides between cities.
- Cultural deep dives: VIP film-studio screenings, behind-the-scenes art tours, or meet-and-greets with local artisans.
- Family-friendly upgrades: Kid-approved excursions, supervised art workshops, and stroller-friendly transport.
Just imagine: a sunrise hot-air balloon over Napa, a star//gazing night in Joshua Tree, or a private yacht charter in Marina del Rey. Any detour you dream of can be integrated seamlessly.
Best Travel Dates & Seasonal Highlights
Choosing when to travel can significantly influence both your experience and budget.
Season Risk Factors Highlights Spring (Mar–May) Mild weather, blooms; pricier Easter weeks Jacarandas in LA, SF cherry blossoms, Vegas pool season kickoff Summer (Jun–Aug) Long days, festivals; peak crowds Coachella-adjacent events, July 4th fireworks at the Marina, Vegas pool parties Fall (Sep–Nov) Comfortable temps, lower room rates SF Fleet Week, LA Film Festival, Vegas F1 races (Nov) Winter (Dec–Feb) Cooler nights, risk of fog; lowest crowds Festive lights in LV, SF Union Square ice rink, LA holiday shopping
Pro tip: Avoid U.S. national holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day) to sidestep peak hotel rates. Louise and Scott monitor promo codes and flash sales—so your bespoke dates can align with unmissable deals.
Getting Around: Flights, Car Hire & Transfers
Internal Flights
- SFO → LAX: ~1 h 15 m on carriers like United or Alaska
- LAX → LAS: ~1 h 10 m on Southwest or Spirit
Pre-book to secure the best fares, or upgrade to First Class for priority boarding and lounge access.
Car Rental & Scenic Drives
- SF → LA via Pacific Coast Highway (US 1): A 10-hour coastal odyssey—ideal for a 2-day road-trip segment.
- Vegas → Grand Canyon: Highway 93 and 40 drives can be self-driven, though many prefer guided tours.
Chauffeur & Limo Services
- Door-to-door luxury transfers between airports and hotels.
- VIP red-carpet arrivals in LA or Vegas.
Ride-Shares & Public Transit
- Efficient Uber/Lyft coverage in all three cities.
- San Francisco: Muni buses, cable cars, BART to Napa or Oakland.
- Los Angeles: Metro Rail to downtown attractions; six-lane highways for car journeys.
Louise and Scott coordinate all transport logistics, factoring travel times, luggage needs, and your personal comfort.
Lodging Spotlight & Hotel Alternatives
| City | Featured Hotel | Vibe | Alternative Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | Hotel Zephyr | Playful, waterfront | Fairmont, Argonaut, Hotel Tomo |
| Los Angeles | citizenM Los Angeles Downtown | Modern, tech-centric | The Roosevelt, Shore Hotel (Santa Monica), Andaz |
| Las Vegas | Paris Las Vegas | European flair, central | Wynn, The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Resorts World |
Why These Picks Work
- Hotel Zephyr: Proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf, free games lounge, waterfront patios.
- citizenM DTLA: Smart rooms, 24/7 canteenM, rooftop bar with skyline panorama.
- Paris Las Vegas: Iconic Eiffel Tower suite views, central Strip location, authentic French café.
Need a different ambience?
- Boutique: Phoenix Hotel (SF rock-n-roll heritage), Mama Shelter (LA arts hub), The Cromwell (LV intimate charm).
- Ultra-luxury: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, Beverly Hills Hotel, Encore at Wynn.
- Budget-smart: Well-located 3* options with local flair.
Whatever your mood—whimsical, chic, or lavish—Louise and Scott find the perfect home base.
Insider Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Layer Up: Coastal fog cools San Francisco mornings; LA’s inland heat spikes midday; Vegas nights can dip into the 50s°F.
- Mobile Essentials: Download MuniMobile, Metro Bike Share, MetroLA, Lyft/Uber, and reservation apps (OpenTable, TodayTix).
- City Attraction Passes: Save up to 50% on combined admissions with Go City (LA & SF) or Vegas Explorer Pass.
- Dining Reservations: Top tables fill 60+ days out—reserve in advance if you can.
- Time Zones: All three cities share Pacific Time (GMT–8/GMT–7 DST) but factor local daylight savings changes in your UK–US calls.
Why Choose Louise & Scott at Hays Travel?
- Travel Architects: Over a decade curating immersive, soul-stirring holidays.
- Insider Networks: Preferred partnerships unlock room upgrades, private tours, and restaurant allocations.
- Digital Savvy: SEO-rich, story-driven itineraries that tell you where you’re going and why it matters.
- Personal Touch: 24/7 support, on-the-ground contacts, and thoughtful travel comforts you won’t find in a booking engine.
- Proven Track Record: 16,000+ followers globally, rave reviews, and repeat clients who trust Louise and Scott to craft their next odyssey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I extend my stay in one city and skip another? A: Absolutely. If you’d rather savour LA’s beaches for five nights or add a Grand Canyon overnight camp, just let us know. Every night count is flexible.
Q: What about dietary restrictions? A: From vegan SF pop-ups to gluten-free pizza in LA and gourmet steak in Vegas, your culinary needs are handled. We liaise directly with chefs and venues.
Q: How far in advance should I book? A: Aim for 6–9 months ahead—especially for summer travel and peak-show reservations. We’ll keep a watch on cancellation lists to snag prime slots.
Q: Is travel insurance included? A: We can add comprehensive multi-risk coverage (trip cancellation, medical evacuation, lost baggage) into your package for peace of mind.
Q: Are family-friendly options available? A: Yes. We tailor kid-approved excursions, strollers, babysitting services, and theme-park passes into your bespoke plan.
Next Steps
Your US Golden Triangle odyssey is more than a trip—it’s a custom storytelling canvas, painted with the Golden Gate at dawn, Hollywood’s neon glow, and Vegas’s electric nights. Don’t settle for cookie-cutter tours. Embrace a journey that adapts to your wanderlust.
Ready to design your dream 9–10 day adventure? Call Louise and Scott at Hays Travel on 01428 856020 or email [email protected] for your complimentary itinerary consultation.
Let’s turn your American travel dreams into reality—one bespoke detail at a time.
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