LA: San Francisco, Yosemite, Vegas & Hoover Dam, 5-Day Tour

Experience the American West in 5 days with this tour covering key destinations—San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas, and Hoover Dam. Priced at around $940 per person, it promises hassle-free travel with included accommodation and transportation. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite waterfalls, and the Vegas Strip. We especially appreciate the ease of having hotels and transport sorted for us, making the trip stress-free.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviewers mention inconsistent sightseeing and long hours on the bus. This tour suits travelers eager to see many of the West’s top spots in a short amount of time, but who are okay with a packed schedule and some compromises on depth. If you’re after an efficient overview of California and Nevada’s highlights, this trip might be a good fit—but if you prefer slow-paced, immersive experiences, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points
– Well-organized logistics with included hotels and transport minimize planning hassles.
– Visit major sights like Yosemite’s waterfalls, San Francisco’s bay cruise, and the Vegas Strip.
– Guides are knowledgeable, enhancing understanding and appreciation of each location.
– Time spent on the road can be long, which might limit sightseeing depth.
– Not all reviews are positive, some travelers felt the itinerary was rushed or inconsistent.
– Ideal for those with limited time seeking an overview of the Western US’s key destinations.

A Closer Look at the 5-Day Tour of the American West

Traveling from Los Angeles to some of the most iconic sights in California and Nevada in just five days sounds ambitious—and it is. This tour, operated by Empire Vacations, aims to give you a whirlwind experience with included hotel stays, transportation, and guided sightseeing*. For around $940, you get a package designed for travelers who want to tick off a lot in a short time, with the added benefit of not worrying about booking hotels or transportation.

What we like most about this trip is the combination of carefully curated sights and the convenience of guided travel. Visiting places like Yosemite National Park and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge are memorable, but what we love about this tour is the ability to see many landmarks without the stress of planning each step yourself. Plus, the included Bay cruise in San Francisco and hotel accommodations make it stand out as a hassle-free option.

On the downside, some reviews highlight that the experience may feel rushed, with limited time at key locations, especially in places like Santa Barbara and Carmel. Plus, there’s a mention of long hours on buses, which can be tiring, and inconsistency in sightseeing coverage depending on conditions such as weather or road closures.

Who is this tour best suited for? It works well for travelers who want an overview of the West’s highlights in a short window—perhaps first-timers or those with limited vacation days. If you’re looking for a leisurely, deep-dive experience, or prefer to spend more time at each site, you might find this tour too condensed.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Day 1: California Coast and Santa Barbara

The journey begins with a classic California coastal drive, starting at Old Mission Santa Barbara. This Spanish mission is a quick but meaningful introduction to the region’s history. We loved the way guides explained how these missions shaped California’s development, giving each visit context.

Next, a stop in Solvang, the Danish-themed town with charming architecture and shops. Here, browsing local stores and tasting Danish pastries add a delightful flavor. Some travelers, however, feel the visit is brief—only about 30 minutes—so don’t expect to fully explore or dine here.

Afterward, heading to Carmel and its famous Cannery Row offers a taste of California’s coast and literary history. Clint Eastwood’s hometown adds a layer of Hollywood glamour, although some reviews note the visit is limited in time, just enough for a quick stroll.

The day culminates with a drive along 17-Mile Drive, with stunning views of cliffs, golf courses, and ocean. The scenery is undeniably breathtaking, and the included stop allows for photos and short walks. A few travelers mention that in winter, the route might differ, such as visiting Stearns Wharf instead, but the scenery remains spectacular.

Day 2: San Francisco Highlights

Moving inland, the second day offers a comprehensive look at San Francisco. The tour includes a walk along Lombard Street, a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf, and a bay cruise that passes under the Golden Gate Bridge—a definite highlight for many.

Guides typically describe the city’s history and landmarks, enhancing appreciation during stops at Chinatown and Twin Peaks. The latter provides arguably the best panoramic view of the city, perfect for photos. Some travelers comment that the city tour covers the essentials but doesn’t allow enough time to explore neighborhoods deeply.

Day 3: Yosemite or Monterey/Carmel Depending on Season

In summer, the focus is on Yosemite National Park—a highlight for nature lovers. Viewing El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome offers postcard-worthy moments. Yosemite Falls, one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, provides a memorable sight, especially from the Yosemite Visitor Center.

In winter, the itinerary shifts toward the coastal towns of Monterey and Carmel, with visits to Cannery Row and scenic drives along the coast. This flexibility ensures travelers see some of California’s best scenery regardless of weather, but reviews suggest the Yosemite experience can be brief, sometimes only about an hour at key viewpoints.

Day 4: Vegas and the Desert

Crossing the Mojave Desert, the tour stops at Barstow Outlets for lunch and shopping. It’s a good chance to stretch legs and grab some bargains. Then, arriving in Las Vegas, the evening tour of the Strip showcases the impressive hotels and light displays.

While the Vegas experience dazzles many, some reviews mention that the tour’s time in Vegas is limited—just a few hours for sightseeing and optional entertainment. It’s enough to get a glimpse of the city’s energy, but fans of longer Vegas stays might wish for more.

Day 5: Hoover Dam and Return to LA

The final day begins with a visit to the Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel and symbol of human ingenuity. The stop is short—about 30 minutes—so don’t expect an in-depth tour, but it’s enough to appreciate the scale of this structure. Crossing the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge offers fantastic views of the dam and river below.

Afterward, the group heads back west, with a final chance at the casinos on the Nevada/California border before returning to Los Angeles in the evening.

Transport and Group Size

Traveling in air-conditioned buses or vans, the experience can vary depending on group size. With a maximum of 50 travelers, the atmosphere is generally lively but manageable. Some reviews note that on days with fewer guests, a smaller van might be used, which can be more comfortable and personal.

Long hours on the bus are unavoidable, especially when covering vast distances like LA to Yosemite or the desert drive to Vegas. This is a practical consideration for travelers with mobility concerns or those who prefer more time exploring rather than riding.

Accommodation and Meals

Your hotel stays are included, typically at Comfort Inn Stevenson Ranch or similar, which are rated as decent, 2-star hotels. The included continental breakfasts are convenient and generally well-received, but meals beyond the provided breakfast are at your own expense. Some travelers appreciated the variety, but others wished for more meal options or better dining experiences.

Guides and Experience

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making each stop more meaningful. Guides like Tse, Beatriz, and Brenda are noted for their commitment and friendliness, which can make a big difference when navigating busy sights.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One traveler mentioned that a guide’s attitude was less than friendly, and some felt the overall experience was rushed or disorganized at times.

The Value Proposition

For the cost of around $940, this tour offers a rundown of key destinations in California and Nevada, with the convenience of included hotels and transportation. While it doesn’t allow for deep exploration, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors wanting to check off major sights quickly and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day tour balances scenic drives, iconic sights, and guided commentary, making it a suitable choice for travelers eager to experience the highlights of the West without the hassle of planning every detail. Expect some long travel days and limited time at each location, but also enjoy the comfort of organized logistics and knowledgeable guides.

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly overview of California and Nevada’s best-known spots, this trip could fit the bill. Just be prepared for a somewhat packed schedule and the possibility of varying sightseeing quality depending on weather and traffic conditions.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You’ll need to arrive at one of the designated meeting points, and parking is available at these locations.

What kind of vehicle is used?
Depending on group size, you’ll travel in either a comfortable air-conditioned bus or van. Longer days mean a lot of sitting, so bring snacks and entertainment.

How much time is spent at each destination?
The schedule is focused on seeing many sights in a short time, so stops are generally brief—about 30 minutes to an hour at each location. This means limited opportunity for in-depth exploration.

Are meals included?
Breakfasts are included each morning, but other meals are at your own expense. The lunch stop in Barstow offers shopping and food options but isn’t part of the package.

Can I customize or extend my stay in Vegas?
Yes, if you wish to remain longer in Las Vegas, you can inform your guide, and they’ll drop you off at your preferred hotel, like the Luxor.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, which strikes a balance between social atmosphere and manageable logistics.

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with mobility issues?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended. Some walking is involved, but the main focus is on sightseeing from the bus and brief stops.

In the end, this tour offers a good snapshot of the Western US for those with limited time. It’s convenient, informative, and includes some unforgettable sights, but it’s not the best choice if you prefer a slow pace or deep dives into each location.