3 Day USA Tour Packages

USA itineraries for 3 days

Compiled by

NadineUSA travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Southwest USA, incl. Zion and Grand Canyon

  Natural wonders unfold across 1,100 miles and 5 major parks. Marvel at Zion's Emerald Pools, Bryce's hoodoos, Antelope Canyon's slots, Monument Valley's buttes, and Grand Canyon's South Rim. Two nights at 3-star hotels included.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Zion & Bryce National Parks

    Leave Las Vegas at 7:15 AM for the 2.5-hour drive to Zion National Park. One traveler suggests: "Save your energy in Zion for Bryce Canyon later - the Emerald Pools trail is perfect for a moderate morning hike without exhausting yourself." Spend a few hours exploring Zion's red cliffs and emerald pools before moving on to Bryce Canyon in the late afternoon. You'll arrive just in time to see the sunset light up Bryce's unique hoodoo formations. The 2.9-mile Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop trail is a great choice - it's manageable for most people and offers some of the best views in the park.

    
  • Day 2

    Antelope Canyon & Monument Valley

    Head out early for the 2.5-hour drive past Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon. The optional tour of Lower Antelope Canyon costs $90-100. A recent visitor shares: "No photos can prepare you for the surreal light and curves. Bring a light jacket as it gets cool in the slot canyons even on hot days." Next up is Monument Valley, where you'll take a Navajo-guided jeep tour. You can also opt for a traditional Navajo taco dinner in a local home. Stay overnight at Gouldings Lodge. Try to get a room facing the mittens for the best views of sunrise.

    
  • Day 3

    Grand Canyon & Route 66

    Watch the sunrise over Monument Valley before driving 3 hours to the Grand Canyon South Rim. You might want to take a helicopter tour ($270-450) for an incredible aerial view. Morning flights usually have calmer air. Spend a few hours walking the rim trail or hiking down Bright Angel Trail. One experienced hiker notes: "Go at least 1-2 miles down Bright Angel to get below the rim - the perspective completely changes." On your way back to Las Vegas, stop in Seligman on historic Route 66. You'll get back to Vegas around 9 PM.

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Day Southwest USA Itinerary, incl. Zion and Grand Canyon

  The Southwest's natural wonders span 1,000+ miles across 6 destinations. Day 1: Zion and Bryce Canyon. Day 2: Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. Day 3: Grand Canyon and Route 66. Daily meals, expert guides, and comfortable transport included for around $900.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks

    Leave Las Vegas by 7:15 AM for the 2.5-hour drive to Zion National Park. "Arrive at Zion early to catch the first shuttle into the park - lines get very long by mid-morning." You'll have time to explore Emerald Pools Trail or walk through The Narrows. If you choose The Narrows bring water shoes. Keep in mind the shuttle can take 30-45 minutes each way so plan your hiking time accordingly. Take the 2-hour drive to Bryce Canyon in the afternoon to walk the Navajo Loop Trail through the hoodoos. "The Bryce Canyon camping can get surprisingly cold at night bring extra layers even in summer as temperatures can drop below 40°F after sunset." Finish your day with some stargazing and campfire s'mores.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon & Monument Valley

    Drive to Page Arizona after breakfast (2.5 hours) to see Lower Antelope Canyon. You'll need to pay $90-100 for the guided tour but visitors say it's worth every penny: "Lower Antelope Canyon was my favorite part - just know it involves climbing steep stairs and squeezing through narrow passages." Book at least 2 weeks ahead during peak season. Head to Monument Valley for an afternoon jeep tour with a Navajo guide. A recent visitor suggests: "Bring a bandana to cover your face during the dusty jeep ride." Stay at a campsite along the rim for incredible sunset and sunrise views. "Waking up to sunrise at Monument Valley was the highlight of our trip."

    
  • Day 3

    Grand Canyon & Return to Vegas

    Take the 3-hour drive to reach Grand Canyon South Rim by mid-morning. A visitor suggests: "Do the Rim Trail between Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge for the best views with minimal crowds." Want to see it from above? Book a helicopter tour ($270-450) first thing to avoid afternoon bumps and still have time to hike. The drive back to Las Vegas takes about 4.5 hours. Stop in Seligman on old Route 66 for some nostalgia. You'll get back to Vegas around 8-9 PM. One reviewer put it well: "It's a fast-paced trip but the only way to see this much in 3 days. Come prepared for early mornings and lots of driving between breathtaking destinations."

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Day California Coast Itinerary, incl. San Francisco and Yosemite

  California's coast and mountains showcase 5 major destinations: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara's Mission, Carmel's boutiques, San Francisco's iconic landmarks, and Yosemite's 1,200 square miles of wilderness. Two hotel nights and continental breakfasts included.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Los Angeles to Carmel

    Leave LA around 6:30 AM from Farmers Market to avoid traffic. Drive north to Santa Barbara (2 hours) where you can visit the Spanish Mission and walk through State Street Promenade. A recent visitor shared: "The state street promenade is perfect for a morning stroll - totally pedestrian-friendly and the architecture is incredible." Stop in Solvang for lunch and experience this unique Danish town. Then take Route 1 (PCH) up the coast to Carmel. Grab a window seat on the right side for the best coastal views. Once in Carmel you can explore downtown with its art galleries and fairy-tale cottages. The afternoon is usually perfect for photos since the coastal fog typically clears by then.

    
  • Day 2

    San Francisco Highlights

    Visit Fisherman's Wharf early to beat the crowds. Take a morning bay cruise for clear views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge after the fog lifts around 10 AM. A recent visitor suggests: "Get to the front of the boat for the best bridge photos, and bring layers - the bay is chilly even in summer." Take an afternoon city tour through Chinatown, Union Square and Nob Hill. Give yourself extra time to walk through Chinatown since it gets busy after 2 PM. Watch the sunset from the Bay Bridge and see the city light up for evening.

    
  • Day 3

    Yosemite or Monterey (Seasonal)

    Summer Option (Apr-Oct): The 4-hour drive to Yosemite takes you through the Central Valley. You'll stop to see El Capitan and Half Dome. If you hike to Yosemite Falls wear good shoes since the mist makes the trail slippery. Plan for longer stops in spring when the waterfalls are strongest. Winter Option (Nov-Mar): Spend your morning in Monterey exploring Cannery Row and the wharf. In the afternoon visit 17-Mile Drive for better lighting. One traveler noted: "Monterey was my favorite stop - the historic canneries and sea life made for amazing photos. Don't miss the otters near the wharf!"

    

  View itinerary