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PEOPLE ASK…WHY ARE YOU CALLED BIG YELLOW?

We love yellow labradors, lions and that special way the African sun shines over the Serengeti. We have owned five generations of yellow labs and called each one “Big Yellow” as a term of affection. One day we took our twin boys to the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines and they spotted a big male lion and shouted “Big Yellow” which made us laugh. Also yellow is my favorite color so we decided to name our travel agency after it. Oh, and the BIG means BIG service which is what we stand for .

24/7 personalized , customized travel assistance

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Hunting is NOT a 9 to 5 endeavor neither should be your travel agent !

I’m Dawn Bernardo and I’ve been booking air travel to Africa and other safari locations for over 25 years. Each client is a VIP to me and I take care of them just like family. I’m thrilled to say that some call me the Queen of Travel and I take that as quite the compliment!

Safaris can be stressful and complicated and we do our best to take all the stress and complication out of the air travel piece. We know the airline gun and ammo rules and can help you be sure all will arrive at your safari location when you do. 

In addition, we are experts in how all the air alliances work so we can typically find available first or business class seats at significant discounts, typically 25% or more off of published fares. Africa is a long flight and you want to land refreshed and ready to get to the hunt. We can also help with overnights and other important parts of your itinerary. So don’t hesitate to ask!

Queen Dawn & Vinny the Wonder Dog

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A Quick Trip to Beautiful Big Sur: What to See, Do, Eat, and Enjoy

last Updated: May 15, 2023 big sur california central coast pacific coast highway

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Heading to California and can’t wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, what to do in Big Sur, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

Seaside cliffs. Winding turns. Miles of misty coastline. Purple sand (yup!). Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. And just one reason it’s on every list of the most beautiful places in California .

Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco . I mean, it’s absolutely GORGEOUS. I feel oh so lucky to only live a few hours north, which means we typically make it to Big Sur at least once a year! 

Whether you’re driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, you’re in luck. And I’m jealous of you already.  With more ocean views than you ever thought possible, eco-friendly and luxurious hotel stays, wooded hiking trails and nature for days, I can never get enough of this stretch of the coastline.

This rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California is just begging to be explored. And trust me, there’s enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary!

If you’re looking to take a much longer trip down the PCH, check out all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway – yes, all 75 of them!

BUT FIRST, THE BASICS

  • Nearest City: Carmel (to the north, ~45 min drive) and San Simeon (to the south ~1.5 hour drive)
  • Closest International Airport: San Francisco (SFO), ~2.5 hour drive
  • Most Well-Known for: McWay Falls and the Bixby Bridge
  • When to Visit: April through October, although my favorite time of year is early Fall
  • How to Get Around: You’ll need (and want) your own car, 110%

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), now’s the time to visit! Definitely don’t miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco , that’s for sure!

READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco

How to Get to Big Sur:

Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. If you’re from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, you’ll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. You’ll most definitely wanna make a few stops along the way ( Half Moon Bay , Pescadero , Santa Cruz , and Carmel/Monterey are my favorites), so plan accordingly!

Renting a Car : Note that you’ll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) So if you’re visiting the area (or live in the city and don’t have access to a car), a car rental will be a necessity! I like to search  via this site  in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! You’ll most likely be coming from the airport if you’re visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO.

Search for the  cheapest car rentals over here !

When to Visit Big Sur:

Big Sur is most popular between April and October , when the weather is at it’s nicest. You’ll find plenty of sunny days over here! Of courseeee this is when it’s most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. Not happening.

However, if you wait until the summer rush is over and visit during either September or October, you’ll experience less crowds and actually better weather! Not many out-of-towners know this, but coastal fog is another downside of a Big sur road trip during summertime ; it can hang around as late as midday! The fog is usually gone by early Fall, and you can even witness whales and butterflies this time of year (yes, really, if you know where to look!)

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

Visiting between the months of November to March? It’s important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season.

Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco

Temps are mild year round, ranging from a cool 60 degrees to a balmy 75 degrees F. It’s always wise to bring along a jacket no matter what month you’ll be frolicking around Big Sur, as it never gets particularly hot hot hot, and temperatures are always cooler on the coast than in the mountains nearby.

Where is Big Sur Exactly?

Many people don’t actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter. It’s more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the Pacific Coast Highway .

This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). 

Most people are surprised at how little “civilization” is around here – no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. It’s so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while!

How Long to Stay in Big Sur:

With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. If this is your first time to the area —  don’t rush it! I recommend anywhere from 1-3 days in Big Sur, kinda depending if you wanna go on a few hikes or just see the typical tourist Big Sur road trip stops.

EXTRA BIG SUR ROAD TRIP TIPS

  • Plan ahead. As you saw above, there’s lots to do within the 90 mile drive encompassing Big Sur. Sure, you can be spontaneous, but you’ll probably miss some of the best spots. I highly suggest to map out your Big Sur road trip in advance to ensure you’re seeing the best of the best of the area.
  • A full day drive through can be enough time, but I don’t recommend it. You can definitely see a great deal of what the area has to offer, but to truly understand it’s captivating magic, you’ll want to stay the night. The area too expensive for ya? Try camping or make the short drive back to Carmel for less expensive accommodation options.
  • Note that mudslides happen quite frequently in Big Sur and nearby. Check this site for current highway conditions before your drive.
  • Bring binoculars to see the wildlife, especially in Point Lobos!
  • Things book up fast, especially in the summer and fall. It’s best to make hotel and restaurant recommendations in advance.
  • There is absolutely no cell phone service in Big Sur. At all. Don’t expect to be connected and/or be able to use Google Maps to get you from place to place. Download the map to your phone beforehand when you still have wifi/service, and may be able to use it for GPS purposes. You’ll find wifi at most popular restaurants, bars, and hotels — but, don’t keep your nose in your phone all day!
  • Grab a free map of the area. With that being said, Big Sur’s free tourist newspaper has a fantastic detailed map. Pick up a copy of the newspaper at almost any establishment in the area.
  • Keep a sweater or two in the car. One minute it’ll be warm and sunny, the next the fog will roll in dropping the temperature 15 degrees. Always better to be prepared!  It’s also a good idea to keep some hiking and/or beach clothing accessible in the car as well. It may not be beach weather when you set out for the day, but later in day who knows!

big yellow travel

A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS

Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Yes and No. There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. The road is narrow, so be extra careful when pulling over for the views (my advice – only pull off in designated spots, there’s plenty of them). Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and you’ll be ok.

How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? It could take as little as 2 hours (if you don’t stop at all), or 2 days if you make all the stops for the views, foods, and hikes. Pace yourself – it’s all beautiful. There’s typically some traffic, so if you’re just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours.

Where does the Big Sur drive start? There’s no real “starting point”. Since Big Sur is located between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon, it’s best to start from either of these (and finish in the other) if you wanna experience the entire coastline of Big Sur.

Why is Big Sur famous? Have you seen the photos?! It’s known for it’s pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. 

Can you swim in Big Sur? Yes and No. Despite all ocean views and beaches, there’s not many safe spots for swimming. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. And plus, the water is chilly over here! Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim.

What to See and Do on Your Big Sur Road Trip:

Woooo – it’s finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way!

You can drive all of these Big Sur road trip stops from either north to south (starting in Carmel) or south to north (starting in San Simeon) of course, but I prefer driving from NORTH to SOUTH. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. And plus, I’m from San Francisco so I’m typically driving down the coast, not up. 🙂

With that being said, I’m planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. You can easily follow along the road trip stops, doing every single one (my recommendation) or picking and choosing a few if you only have part of a day. 

From North to South:

First things first, if you’ve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lover’s Point Park, Pavel’s Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well!

1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

As you start your Big Sur road trip down from San Francisco (after exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea prior), you’re first official stop should be Point Lobos! There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so there’s no risk of getting lost.

While the entire reserve is beautiful, don’t miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). They’re my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you won’t find clearer waters.

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! You’ll also be able to witness sea lions and harbor seals frolicking around on nearby rocks any time of year — listen and you’ll hear them no problem!

Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really!), all while taking in the magnificent views! Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast!

Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park , but you can easily park on the side of the road (if you don’t mind walking a far distance to get in).

2. Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail

Okay, so we just discovered this spot off the side of the highway on our last visit to Big Sur, and I cannot believe I never noticed it before! It’s pretty secluded and kinda secret (aka not on all the typical “things to do in Big Sur” posts), so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

big yellow travel

 A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! I wanna go for sunset next time!

Psst: If you’re visiting in early spring, don’t miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail).

BONUS STOP! CALLA LILY VALLEY!

If you happen to be visiting Big Sur between February and early April, you NEED to make a short pit stop at Calla Lily Valley ! It’s such a unique spot on the coastline, and it’s only a .25 mile hike to get there!

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur!

Calla Lily Valley Big Sur - Everything You Need to Know

3. Rocky Creek Bridge

THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but it’s not! Although I can definitely see why – it’s just as beautiful and even the same style! If you’re not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there – we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second!

big yellow travel

4. Bixby Bridge

Any Big Sur road trip ain’t complete without a stop at iconic Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur (which I’m sure you’ve seen alllll over instagram and pinterest).

You won’t miss it, promise, as it’s just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bixby Bridge is the epitome of Big Sur and it’s everything you’d expect and more (but really, it’s the surrounding scenery that really steals the show).

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridge’s south end at sunset. Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isn’t half bad either. 🙂

Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so it’s best to visit Bixby in the early AM!

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

5. Old Coast Road

This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! — and not many tourists know about it just yet! You’ll be driving on private land, so you can’t stop to take tooo many photos, but since it’s usually not crowded, feel free to stop in the middle of the road if you must for some shots. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lot’s of no trespassing signs. Basically, nature at it’s finest. 🙂

Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. You’ll want an all-wheel drive for best mobility, but if all you’ve got is a regular sedan, go slow and you should be a-okay! The road is not paved. Don’t go during the rain or after it’s just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times.

6. Hurricane and Sea Otter Refuge Viewpoints

All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around!

7. Point Sur State Park and Lighthouse

Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary – the Point Sur Lighthouse! While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you won’t even notice the hours passing by. Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. And get there early — the tours only accommodate 40 people! Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Thankfully there’s hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. Tours cost $15 per person.

There’s also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby.

8. Big Sur River Inn

Hungry? This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! The menu’s pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! They’ve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. 

big yellow travel

Sure, the food is on the pricey side (like the rest of Big Sur), but it’s such a great place to stop and relax for a bit.

There’s a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. And plus, what’s cooler than a cone from a bus? :p

9. Pfeiffer Beach

Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. After you finally find it (the road to get to Pfeiffer Beach is a bit hidden and narrow with no signs), you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the sand is actually truly purple in some spots on the beach. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains.

You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. You don’t really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. You can always put your feet in if you’d like!

How to get here: When you’re heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. You’ll see a big yellow sign that says “NARROW ROAD: NO RV’s OR TRAILERS.” Go down that road! It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but it’s well worth it once you get to the beach. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow!

10. Big Sur Bakery

Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but it’s worth the wait.

Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. Sure, it’s the most expensive pastry I’ve ever bought (at a whopping $8.50), but my husband and I both felt it was worth the hefty price tag. And it’s large enough to split, for sure.

big yellow travel

The banana bread is great too, but now that we’ve had the almond croissant, I don’t think we’ll ever be getting anything else. 

They’ve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if you’re still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts.

Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service!

11. Nepenthe

Cocktails with a view? Yes please! We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe.

I feel the need to say this since you’ll be getting back in the car to continue on the 1: if you’re the driver, please be responsible and limit yourself to one drink at most. 

  • If the weather’s lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldn’t bother with Nepenthe. While the food and drinks are good, you’re paying for the view.  

12. Henry Miller Memorial Library

Book lover? Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and you’ll be nothing less than impressed. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, it’s worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere.

big yellow travel

Tranquil. Cozy. Quiet. Don’t miss it – it’s even surrounded by giant redwoods! They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well.

13. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – McWay Falls

After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyone’s must see list during any Big Sur road trip. And there’s a reason for it — the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. In every way, shape, and form.

The Best Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary - all the best stops to make, where to eat, and where to stay

A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Ocean’s emerald water. Psst: When people say they’re “hiking” to McWay Falls, they’re really just casually strolling down a paved path.

And if there’s still orchids and wildflowers out, you’ll think you’re in Hawaii. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times.

  • LOCAL TIP: Visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns in the afternoon when the sun is shining directly on the waterfall – it will be cast in shadows and difficult to see at other times of the day.

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. You can easily park on the side of the road and forgo the paid parking, which is what most people do (I’m not saying it’s a-okay… just letting you know that’s an option if the parking lot is full). And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! Yes!

Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months.

Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and it’s actually forbidden to go down there. There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where you’re supposed to be.

14. Limekiln State Park

Haven’t had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? Limekiln State Park may be juuust what you’re looking for. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach.

And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you don’t have all day). Be sure to take along a sweater as the trails are shaded and can be very cool the entire time, which makes for a spectacular break on a super hot day!

Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available.

15. Sand Dollar Beach

Being Big Sur’s largest beach, as long as the tide is low, you’ll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Do take note of the tide schedule though – high tide can essentially make the sandy beach disappear, making it difficult to find a place to sit.

Looking for sand dollars might result in a disappointment, but you’ll easily find muscles, crabs, sea anemone, and kelp beds while exploring the nearby rocks during low tide. Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery!

Note that you’ll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. Which means you’ll ultimately need to climb back up! Just letting you know so there are no surprises! The parking lot is large and yes, you’ll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). Again, there’s a toilet here!

Animal Observations in Big Sur

DIY Whale Watching

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Big Sur, you’ll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. Three types of whales frequent the Big Sur coastline:

  • Gray Whales: December to February (migrating south to Mexico), and February to April (returning north; easier to spot as they are closer to the shore)
  • Blue Whales: June to October
  • Humpback Whales: late April to early December

Monarch Butterflies

If you’re visiting Big Sur in the winter months between October and December, you’re in for a real treat – tons of monarch butterflies! These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. While you’ll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most!

Where to Eat (and Drink!) on your Big Sur Road Trip

There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. I’ve already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! A girl’s gotta eat, am I right?

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

Here are my picks and notes, either personally tested by me, or recommended by fellow travelers:

  • Nepenthe : drinks/appetizers right before sunset, stay for golden hour to get the best photos! An absolute must with the best ocean views!
  • Big Sur Lodge Ice Cream : the perfect spot when it’s even a tad warm out!
  • Big Sur Bakery: get an almond croissant and some banana walnut bread to share – it’s huge and heavenly. Pizza is great too if you want some “real” food!
  • Cafe Kevah : serving brunch & light lunch in an outdoor setting. Located on a terrace just below Nepenthe with absolutely fantastic views
  • Deetjens : cozy breakfast; delicious, homely food and great local wines. Be sure to make a reservation — the cozy dining room gets busy.
  • Big Sur Roadhouse : stop here for a coffee and donut
  • Sierra Mar Restaurant : Located in Post Ranch Inn serving a fine dining experience of inquisitive food creations. Pricey, but sounds worth it (I’ve never been).
  • The Restaurant at Ventana : inventive coastal cuisine inspired by the sustainable ingredients of California’s Central Coast. The most beautiful views as well.

Be prepared to spend some big money for dining out in Big Sur. The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). Pick up snacks beforehand to have in the car during the drive so you don’t need to shell out an astronomical amount of cash at the Big Sur convenience stores every time you feel like noshing.

Where to Stay in Big Sur:

Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. There’s really no way around it. If you can settle for not actually staying in Big Sur itself, consider heading up north to Carmel or Monterey for less-than-astronomical prices.

Recommended accommodation options in Monterey and Carmel that won’t break the bank:

  • Briarwood Inn : Quaint B&B with bright rooms & suites, plus continental breakfast & free port/sherry receptions)
  • Carmel Lodge : Cozy, casual rooms in a relaxed hotel offering free Wi-Fi & breakfast, plus parking)
  • Hofsas House : Traditionally decorated rooms in a Bavarian-style hotel with ocean views, sundecks & a heated pool)

The Best Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary - all the best stops to make, where to eat, and where to stay

With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your California Coast road trip , these are the best places to do it:

Post Ranch Inn : Offering 3 pools, one being an infinity hot tub, you can spend the bulk of your time here overlooking the stunning California coastline. You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. Each room also boasts a private deck with those magicnicant coastline views, a wood-burning fireplace to get cozy during the chilly nights, and an indoor spa tub.

Ventana Inn & Spa : You’ll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. Yes, it’s that impressive. And if the two resort pools with panoramic coastal views didn’t do it for you, I bet the spa treatments in outdoor cabanas overlooking the redwood forest will. 🙂 You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined.

Treebones Resort : Looking for something a bit different? Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if you’d like to give your wallet a bit of a break!

AirBnB : Due to the higher-than-normal cost of accommodation in Big Sur, you may want to check out AirBnB for a less expensive option, many even with those ocean views we’re all swooning over (without the super hefty price tag). Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay!

Are you planning a Big Sur road trip anytime soon? What are you most excited about?!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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September 22, 2018 at 6:39 am

Thanks for sharing. Big Sur looks truly incredible. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night.

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June 16, 2020 at 10:37 pm

Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Don't be me.

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June 16, 2020 at 10:58 pm

That just means you'll have to go back! Where did you drive from? I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! And so is Nepenthe!

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July 6, 2020 at 3:31 pm

Thanks for the info .

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April 23, 2021 at 10:04 pm

Looks like such an awesome road trip. That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! Makes me miss San Francisco!

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May 25, 2023 at 10:09 am

Thank you! Planning a trip in July with our three boys and this was super helpful.

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Bearfoot Theory

Epic 7-day Teton and Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

Combine Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks into a week-long action-packed road trip. Follow my detailed 7-day itinerary for my favorite sites, hikes, and attractions in these two incredible national parks.

Kristen Bor and her partner taking a selfie next to a blue geyser in Yellowstone's West Thumb Geyser Basin with Yellowstone Lake in the Background

Back when I was a kid, my parents rented an RV, and we took a road trip to Yellowstone. I remember being in awe of the colorful geysers, the insane amount of wildlife, and the beautiful scenery. I’ve now been back several times in my camper van, and each time has been no less exciting. As a science-nerd, I absolutely love exploring Yellowstone’s geological wonders.

Just next door to Yellowstone is Grand Teton National Park, where the scenery is completely different. You swap the easy boardwalk strolls among geysers for BIG mountains where the hiking opportunities are just endless.

The good news is you don’t have to choose between the two parks. The proximity of Yellowstone and Grand Teton makes it so easy to combine them into an incredible weeklong road trip that offers a bit of everything.

With this 7-day Yellowstone and Teton road trip itinerary, you’ll hit up a large number of the best sites in the parks without spending too much time in the car. In this day-by-day itinerary, I share the best road trip stops, hikes, things to do, places to stay, and even some restaurant suggestions to help you plan an epic visit.

Here’s the ultimate road trip itinerary for a week well-spent in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!

This post may contain affiliate links.

Itinerary Overview

This 7-day road trip itinerary starts with two days in Grand Teton National Park, where you’ll be hiking, enjoying Jenny Lake, and dipping in town to explore Jackson.

After that, you’ll continue north to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is absolutely massive, being the second largest National Park in the lower 48. This is why I’m devoting three full days for exploring Yellowstone. Here is a day-by-day overview of what you will see and do on your road trip.

  • Day 1 : Arrive in Jackson, explore town, set up camp or check into hotel
  • Day 2 : Hike Death Canyon in Grand Teton National Park
  • Day 3 : Hike Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park
  • Day 4 : West Thumb Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
  • Day 5 : Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Osprey Falls Hike
  • Day 6 : Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, and Grand Prismatic Spring
  • Day 7 : Drive back to your starting point

Here is a Google map of all of the hikes, campgrounds, and other points of interest I mention in this itinerary. Just click the arrow next to my profile pic to view the names of each place. If you want to save this map to your Google Maps account so you can refer to it on your road trip, just click the star next to the map title. The map will appear under the saved tab if you are viewing on your phone.

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Closest Airports to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

There are a couple of starting points options for your Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, depending on where you fly into. I’ll start with the major airports first since these are going to be the cheapest to fly into to and will also have the cheapest car rentals. If you want to do this road trip in a camper van, these two cities also have a number of camper van rental companies to choose from.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is the closest major airport, about 5 hours from the southern end of Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson where the good stuff begins.

There are two different routes from SLC to Grand Teton National Park. The route pictured below is my suggested route. It provides the best scenery on the way up, and the quickest drive back to Salt Lake.

Following my suggestion, you’ll take I-80 East out of Salt Lake and then turn North at Evanston on US-89. Once you hit Alpine you’ll be driving next to the Snake River almost all the way to Jackson. This route is slightly longer than the alternate route driving through Lava Hot Springs and Soda Springs (not pictured) , but it’s much prettier in my opinion. You also avoid the long boring stretch of I-15 that you will also be driving on your way back to Salt Lake after leaving West Yellowstone.

Alternate return option: If you don’t mind a longer drive on the way back to Salt Lake, you can make a full circle in Yellowstone and backtrack down through Grand Teton and Jackson. From there, you can take the same exact route back to Salt Lake, or you can drive over Teton Pass and through Victor before hopping on I-15.

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Boise, Idaho

Boise is 5.5 hours from Jackson, which is about a hour longer drive than if you start in Salt Lake. I’d compare the cost of flights and car rentals to Salt Lake, and if Boise is a lot cheaper, than I’d consider flying in and out of there. Boise is also a really cool town worth exploring if you can tack on an extra day or two.

Apart from being shorter, I personally prefer the drive from Salt Lake. I think it’s prettier and the drive requires less time on big highways. However, on your route back to Boise, you do drive right by Craters of the Moon which is an interesting stop if you aren’t in a rush.

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Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is actually the closest major airport to Yellowstone. It’s only 1 hour and 40 minutes from the north entrance. However, flights into Bozeman are typically a lot more expensive than Boise or Salt Lake City. Again, it’s definitely worth pricing out your options because starting in Bozeman will allow you to spend more time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton since you’ll cut out a lot of the driving time to get there.

If you start in Bozeman, you can still do all of the stops I mention in the itinerary below, but you’ll do them in a different order. Instead of starting in Grand Teton like I did, you’ll be coming from the north, starting in Yellowstone. You can do one half of Yellowstone on the way down and hit the other side on the way back up.

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Jackson, Wyoming

It’s worth checking prices in Jackson since it is the most convenient airport to fly into for this Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary. The Jackson Airport is actually inside Grand Teton National Park which is pretty cool. If you choose this option, be prepared to pay a premium. Flights and car rentals in Jackson are $$$$!

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Things to Do Before you Go

Here are a few special tips for things you’ll want to do before you hit the road for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Note: This blog contains affiliate links and references to my sponsors. As always all words and opinions are my own.

Your own personal tour guide

Shaka guide audio tours.

I first discovered Shaka Guide Audio Tours when I was driving the road to Hana in Maui and loved being able to learn more about the area. Now when I’m planning a road trip, I always check to see if there is a Shaka Guide tour for my destination.

Shaka Guide has over 50+ audio tours for National Parks, state parks, and other scenic drives, including Yellowstone/Grand Teton, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Lake Tahoe and more.

Detailed Yellowstone Grand Teton Itinerary

Day 1: arrive jackson, explore town, morning – arrive, eat lunch.

In the morning on Day 1, get an early start and travel to Jackson, Wyoming. Once you arrive, grab some lunch and poke around town. It’s a tourist town but has a unique tempo to it and lots of individual mom-and-pop stores. Some yummy spots in town are Figs (Lebanese), Hand-Fired Pizza, and Healthy Being Cafe and Juicery. Also, Persephone Bakery (not vegan-friendly) is insanely popular.

Afternoon – Set up Camp

If you’re staying at a hotel, it’s best to stay somewhere right in Jackson or north of town rather than out near Jackson Hole (the ski area). Staying in town or even north of town will put you closer to the things you are going to do in Grand Teton National Park. Note that hotels in Jackson (like the flights) are expensive, and you should be prepared to spend at least $200 a night for a 3-star hotel.

Personally, if you enjoy car camping, I think that’s the way to go (if you’re new to car camping, check out my Car Camping 101 Guide ). While the Grand Teton National Park campgrounds are some of the most expensive I’ve ever seen (more than $55+/night), you’ll still save a ton of money, and the locations of the campgrounds are a lot more convenient for exploring the National Park. In addition, there aren’t many restaurants along this itinerary, so having your camp cooking gear will allow you to prepare your meals as you go. Here are the Grand Teton campgrounds that work best for this itinerary.

  • Jenny Lake : This is for you tent campers. It’s a small campground that is really quiet thanks to the fact that camper vans, RVs, trailers or pop-ups are not allowed. This is the closest campground to the trails you’ll be hiking, so if you’re in a tent, stay here!
  • Signal Mountain : This campground is on the shores of Jackson Lake where you’ll find gorgeous views. It’s the second most convenient to the trailheads. There is a lodge here with a restaurant and a bar, as well as hotel rooms.
  • Gros Ventre : The Gros Ventre campground is located outside of the South Park entrance on the other side of the highway. I stayed here during a photography workshop and loved the proximity to the Gros Ventre River.
  • Colter Bay : This is a massive campground, the biggest in Grand Teton National Park. There’s an entire village with a grocery store, restaurant, showers, and more. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to Jackson Lake. It’s the least convenient as far as the hikes I suggest, but being the furthest north of these four, it will shorten your drive when it’s time to move on to Yellowstone.

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Even though it may result in a bit more driving, I’d stay at the same campground for all three nights that you’re in Grand Teton so you don’t have to set up and take down your camping gear more than once. However if you want to move sites to minimize driving, you should stay at Gros Ventre or Jenny Lake on night 1 and Jenny Lake or Signal Mountain on night 2 and 3.

Before you drive to the campsite, stop at the Grand Teton Visitor Center near the South Entrance. It’s a great place to grab a map, and I also purchased bear spray there, which you will 1000% want for this trip. You should have your bear spray easily accessible on all hikes and at your campsites.

Day 2: Hike Death Canyon

Morning – go hiking.

Today you’re going to hike from the Death Canyon Trailhead which is located off Moose Wilson Road by the South Entrance. There are a few different options depending on what kind of challenge you are looking for. If you choose a longer hike, you should pack a lunch since there aren’t any nearby dining options.

  • Phelps Lake Overlook : From the Death Canyon Trailhead, you’ll hike just over a mile to a gorgeous overlook that peers down 700 feet into Phelps Lake. If you’re looking for something short and sweet, you can turn around here (2.0 miles, 416 feet of elevation gain, easy/moderate due to uphill stretch, trail map ).
  • Death Canyon to Patrol Cabin : This starts as the same trailhead as the Phelps Lake Overlook. If you want to cover more ground, continue past the overlook, down the switchbacks, and straight at the next junction. That will that drop you into the entrance of Death Canyon. After 4.5 miles, you reach an old Patrol Cabin that was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Core. On the way, you’ll pass some nice spots along the river that make for an ideal lunch/break spot. The hike out can be hot, so make sure you bring plenty of water and some sun protection (9.0 miles, 2,097 feet of elevation gain, moderate/challenging due to distance and elevation gain, trail map ).
  • Phelps Lake via Valley Canyon Trail : If you don’t want to climb up into Death Canyon, you can hike down and relax on the shore of Phelps Lake (4.4 miles, 994 feet of elevation gain, moderate due to hike back up from the lakeshore, trail map ). You can extend this to 7 miles by walking around the lake.

Bears frequent this area. You’ll want have your bear spray handy and brush up on your bear safety so you know what to do if you encounter one.

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Afternoon – Relax

Post-hike head back to camp or your hotel and relax. Tomorrow you’ll be doing one of the most epic hikes in the Park, so you’ll want to rest up.

If you’re staying at Gros Ventre or a hotel in town, you can grab a bite to eat in Jackson. The Kitchen is my favorite place for dinner.

If you’re camping further from town, set up your camp chair, read a book, cook dinner, or wander around to check out your surroundings. You can also cruise up to Jenny Lake. You’ll be back there tomorrow, but you really can’t get tired of these views.

Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park on a sunny day

Day 3: Hike to Inspiration Point and Cascade Canyon and Stop at Signal Mountain Lodge

Morning – hike cascade canyon.

On Day 3 of your road trip, you are going to hike up Cascade Canyon. This is one of the most stunning (and popular) trails in the Grand Teton National Park. You’ll want to wak up early and drive to Jenny Lake. Then in order to save yourself 2 miles each way, I suggest getting on one of the first boat shuttles across Jenny Lake to the trailheads on the other side of the lake. This will give you a chance to enjoy the trail in peace before all of the crowds show up. Shuttles run non-stop throughout the day, and you don’t need a reservation.

Once you’re on the other side, the trail to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and Cascade Canyon leave right from the boat dock. Like yesterday, you have multiple options depending on how far you want to hike.

  • Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Loop : An easier, shorter hike than the Cascade Canyon Trail hike listed next (1.8 miles, 419 feet of elevation gain, moderate due to rocky steps, see trail map ). This family-friendly trail can get very busy, but it offers fantastic views of Jenny Lake and a decent sized waterfall.
  • Cascade Canyon Trail : Continuing past Hidden Falls, this trail travels through a beautiful mountain gorge with meandering streams perfect for soaking your feet while you eat a PB&J (9.1 miles, 1,102 feet of elevation gain, moderate/challenging due to distance, see trail map ). Wildlife sightings here are super common . There is no destination or final climax on this hike, just pretty views the entire way. If you get tired, you can turn around early without missing too much.
  • Lake Solitude via Cascade Canyon Trail : If you really want to escape the crowds, hike to the end of Cascade Canyon and hang a right and eventually you’ll reach Lake Solitude. From the boat landing, Lake Solitude is around 14 miles round trip with 2,400 feet of elevation gain. It makes for a big day, but the scenery is unbelievably pretty. If you pack a suit you can also take a refreshing (aka very cold) dip in the lake. Just make sure to get an early start and bring a headlamp just in case. (14.7 miles, 2,395 feet of elevation gain, challenging due to distance and elevation, see trail map ).

One more thing to keep in mind is that moose and bears frequent this area, so you might get to see one (or more). If you encounter wildlife, give them space. Don’t get all up in their business trying to take photos.

Hidden Falls // 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park.

Afternoon – Post-hike treats at Signal Mountain Lodge

When you return from your hike, head up to Signal Mountain Lodge for a post-hike treat. While I don’t drink anymore, and I’m plant-based, I hear the huckleberry margaritas (for passengers) and nachos are a local favorite among the park staff. Afterwards, drive up the Signal Mountain Road for an impressive aerial view.

After that, head back to your campsite. Try to get all of your gear organized because tomorrow you’re packing up and heading up to Yellowstone for the next leg of this itinerary.

Day 4: Arrive in Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Morning – drive to yellowstone, west thumb geyser basin.

It’s Yellowstone or bust! The Grand Teton portion of this itinerary is wrapping up as you pack up your car and road trip up to Yellowstone. Be prepared to see a whole new world in a very short distance on your Yellowstone trip. Ryan referred to Yellowstone as “extraterrestrial” or “something from another planet.” And, it’s true, it really has that feel.

Depending on where you camped it could take you anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to reach the Yellowstone south entrance. The drive is beautiful, hugging Jackson Lake with views of Mt. Moran. I made Ryan stop several times for photos. You also cross the Continental Divide.

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On your way into the park, swing by the Grant Village Visitors Center to see the video about the famous 1988 Yellowstone fire that burned a third of Yellowstone— it helps you grasp the level of devastation Yellowstone faced, and why some areas look the way they do.

About 20 minutes after entering Yellowstone National Park and just a few minutes up from the Visitor’s Center, your first stop is going to be the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Personally, this is one of my favorite geyser basins in the Park due to the fact that it sits on the edge of Yellowstone Lake. That backdrop is something you won’t see anywhere else in Yellowstone. It’s also less crowded than some of the other geyser basins. It takes about 45 minutes to walk around here.

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From West Thumb, you are going to head northeast, driving the big loop around Yellowstone in a counter-clockwise direction. Your next major stop is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On the way, you can stop at Gull Point for another perspective of Yellowstone Lake, as well as Sulphur Cauldron and Mud Volcano. These are the park’s most acidic hot springs and are worth a quick stop along the way.

Finally, you’re probably going to want to stop and eat some lunch before the afternoon’s activities. There are several pretty places to pull off along the Yellowstone River.

Afternoon – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of The Yellowstone is carved by the Yellowstone River and is where you’ll find Yellowstone’s Upper and Lower Falls. At 308 feet tall, I found the Lower Falls to be more impressive, but you should have time to check out both.

First you should drive down the South Rim. You can check out the Upper Falls Viewpoints before going to Artist Point. This is the furthest viewpoint of the Lower Falls, but being zoomed out lets you see the entire canyon and the river flowing through it below.

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Next get back in your car, drive to the North Rim and park. Take the Rim Trail out to Lookout point where you can get a closer view of the Lower Falls and really see it’s magnitude.

Your last viewpoint I checked out was the Brink of the Lower Falls. This is a short steep set of switchbacks that drops 600 feet over 3/8 of a mile that is a bit of a doozy on the way back up. I brought my trekking poles to make the hike up a bit easier. The end point of this trail puts you right at the top of the Lower Falls where you can experience how powerful the falls really are. It’s misty and wet, and you can see right over the edge where the Falls go tumbling down. I thought it was worth the effort, but if you don’t like steep climbs, you should skip this.

Evening – Camp at Canyon Village

Your first campground for the Yellowstone portion of this road trip itinerary is Canyon Campground. Just like all of the campsites, you have to make reservations far in advance. If they don’t have any availability, you could also stay at Tower Fall (closed in 2024) or Slough Creek (a quieter experience). You should plan to stay at whatever campsite you get for 1 night since you’ll be moving again tomorrow.

Day 5: Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Optional Hike to Osprey Falls

Morning – lamar valley.

Early bird catches the worm when it comes to seeing wildlife in Lamar Valley and also avoiding the traffic that builds up on the road. While this means you’ll have to pack up your campsite early (like 5am or 6am early), I promise you’ll have a way better experience than if you roll in Lamar Valley at 10.

I once visited Lamar Valley in the afternoon, and traffic was crazy. Of course part of this that the bison walk in the road, and everyone has to stop their vehicles to avoid them, but you have a lot more ability to maneuver before there are cars everywhere.

Kristen Bor in the drivers seat of a Sprinter Van driving through Lamar Valley with bison out the window

Lamar Valley is THE place to see wildlife in Yellowstone. We literally saw hundreds (maybe thousands) of bison. We also saw elk and pronghorn. If you’re really lucky, you may also see bears and even wolves. We heard the best chance of seeing wolves was along Slough Creek, so we cruised up there, but didn’t have any luck.

Man standing on a rock rock overlooking a river in Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park

After you’re done hanging with the animals, you’ll make the twisty drive over to Mammoth Hot Springs. There is food available there, as well as some picnic tables if you’re ready for lunch.

Afternoon – Hike to Osprey Falls

If you feel like you need to stretch your legs after spending all morning in the car, I really enjoyed the hike to Osprey Falls . It’s one of the lesser known trails in Yellowstone, located near Mammoth Hot Springs. I think we saw less than 6 people the entire hike.

It’s 7.3 miles roundtrip with 1,243 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderate to challenging hike. The first part travels through a flat grassy area. I will say I was a bit nervous here, as I read grizzly bears are common in this area. I had my bear spray on my hip ready to deploy if needed.

After 1.5 miles, the trail starts to gradually climb, gaining about 1,000 feet over 2 miles until you reach the base of the falls. At one section you hug the rim of a canyon, resulting in some pretty vast views. Plus, the waterfall was actually quite impressive, and we had it all to ourselves.

If you aren’t into big hikes or you are short on time, this is something you could skip.

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Evening – Mammoth Hot Springs and Camp

After you wrap up your hike, the last adventure of the day is exploring Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the more unique geysers in Yellowstone. The water that pours over the hot springs has been in the ground for over 1,000 years and is responsible for all of the formations in the area as it cascades down. We went right before the sun went down and found the lighting to be very nice, and all of the people were gone for the day. It only takes about 30-45 minutes walk around here.

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The most convenient place to camp tonight is going to be the Mammoth Campground or Indian Creek, which is where we stayed. If you are really feeling like you could use a shower and a bed, you could also book a room at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or head into West Yellowstone where there are lots of inexpensive motels.

Day 6: Old Faithful and Geysers Galore!

Morning – norris basin, lower geyser basin and grand prismatic spring.

By the end of today, I promise you are going to be totally geyser’ed out. There is of course more that you can see, but I’m going suggest what I consider to be the coolest geysers in Yellowstone. Most of these require a little bit of walking on a boardwalk, but none of it is too intense. Be patient when parking. These spots are popular and the parking lots can be a bit hectic.

First stop is Norris Basin, home to the hottest, oldest geysers in Yellowstone. There were some really pretty milky blue and emerald colored pools here. We spent about 1.5 hours walking around the two loops.

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Next you’ll stop at the Lower Geyser Basin. My favorite hot spring here was Silex Spring. The color was an unbelievable shade of turquoise, and it was less than 100 yards from the parking lot.

Blue geyser called Silex Spring at Lower geyser basin in Yellowstone National Park

Your final stop before lunch is Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the most beautiful geysers in the Park. For an even better view, take the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail up 200 feet where you can peer down and really see the contrast in the colors. Parking for the Overlook Trail is a couple minutes drive away at the Fairy Falls parking lot.

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Afternoon – Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful

The last major stop on your road trip is the Famous Old Faithful. The first thing you should do when you arrive is check the schedule. The geyser erupts about every 65-90 minutes. There are signs everywhere in the area informing you of the next eruption. The viewing area is big, but it does get super crowded. So, I suggest arriving at least 15 minutes before the eruption to secure a good viewing spot and earlier if you want to sit down.

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If you have some time to kill, you can grab some food from the cafeteria, the bakeshop, or the dining area. There is also a picnic area near the East lot if you packed your own lunch.

Once you’ve seen Old Faithful erupt, follow the boardwalk around to explore the Upper Geyser Basin, which has the largest concentration of colorful hot pools in the world .

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As the sun sets, for the final night of your Yellowstone Grand Teton road trip, head on over to the small town of West Yellowstone for a night at a local motel. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from as well.

Day 7: Drive back to your starting point

Today your goal is to drive back to your starting point. I recommend booking a late flight so you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn and have plenty of time to drive to the airport without feeling stressed.

Have extra time?

If you have a couple extra days for your Grand Teton Yellowstone itinerary, here are some additional things to do:

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Short on Time?

If you don’t have a full week for your Yellowstone Grand Teton itinerary, here is what I would cut out:

  • Skip hiking to Osprey Falls in Yellowstone
  • Skip Norris Basin and the lower Geyser Basin in Yellowstone
  • Skip the Death Canyon hike in Grand Teton

Frequently Asked Questions

Early summer through mid-fall is the best time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Many of the roads close in winter making the sites inaccessible. The road between Grand Teton and Yellowstone also closes and doesn’t usually open until mid-May. September is my favorite month to visit. The Parks are way less crowded, you can usually snag a campsite, and the temperatures are still comfortable for camping. October is also beautiful with the fall colors, but the evening lows can be pretty chilly for camping, and the Jenny Lake boat shuttle usually stops operating at the end of September. That means if you want to hike Cascade Canyon, you’ll have to walk around Jenny Lake adding 4 miles to your hike. The most popular time to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton is July and August. If you visit during these months, be prepared for crowded trails, full parking lots, and lines to get in and out of the Parks.

Unfortunately, Yellowstone and Grand Teton are not dog-friendly. In both Parks you can have your dog on a leash in the campground, but dogs are not allowed on any trails, boardwalks or beaches. Bringing your dog means you’re going to miss out on 98% of the activities in this road trip itinerary.

I created this 7-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary because I think that’s the amount of time that’s needed to experience the best things to do in both Parks. Doing it in less time than that means you’ll have to skip some of the major highlights. If you have fewer than 4-5 days total for your road trip including your drive to and from the Parks, I’d suggest choosing one Park to visit, rather than doing both. With that little time, you’d barely be scratching the surface trying to cram both Parks in. Pick one and come back another time for the other. If you have more than 7 days, you’ll still have plenty to do, allowing you to hike and explore some of the lesser known regions of the Parks.

Yellowstone is a much bigger park than Grand Teton, and driving through the Park takes significantly more time. My suggested week-long itinerary that combines the two Parks has you spending two full days in Grand Teton and three full days in Yellowstone.

No, you do not need reservations to enter Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There is also no timed entry system so you can enter and leave the Parks as you please. You do however need a reservation for the campgrounds or backcountry camping.

More Wyoming Travel Tips

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collage of pictures of Mammoth Hot springs, a tent at night, a geyser, and Yellowstone falls with the text "Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary - 7-epic days of geysers, hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife"

Are you planning a Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park road trip or have you been? Share your comments, questions, and experiences below .

Portrait of woman at sunset on the Trans-Catalina Trail

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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138 Comments

Great itinerary! I do want to point out that for the Lake Solitude hike, it will likely be at least 15 miles like the external link says (it was 20 miles roundtrip for us without using the boat). There is a multi-year trail maintenance project in progress for the trail system at Jenny lake, and the detours may extend the route. I just thought I’d mention it because 10 is quite a bit less than 15-20 when it comes to hiking and it’s always good to be prepared. It’s definitely worth seeing though!

Thanks for clarifying Emily! I went ahead and updated the post to reflect the trail maintenance that’s going on up there.

I lived in the area near Jackson for 2 years and had some of my most memorable fishing moments there! This place is worth visiting, great itinerary.

I was just up there last week and got to spend some time on the Snake and Gros Ventre Rivers. Sooooo pretty! Jealous you got to live up there. Seems like a super fun place to spend some time in.

Could someone please let me know when the best time to visit the above parks would be? Would love to visit in 2016!! Great itinerary!!

The Tetons and Yellowstone will be best in June-October. The fall if you want to avoid the crowds.

I worked at Signal Mountain Lodge for 8 years and served many a plate of nachos so it was fun to see you mention it. This is a great itinerary. I would just add white water rafting in Jackson as a don’t miss.

Great addition Donna! Thanks for checking out the post and glad you liked it.

Yellow Stone is one of the next places on my traveling list. It looks super cool, I have always wanted to go!

Hopefully this post inspires you to plan that trip you’ve been dreaming about!

Planning a trip there now! Your post was so very helpful! I cannot wait to get there! Hope you get to the Great Smoky Mountains- awesome hiking there too!

Awesome Anna! Have fun and tell me how it goes.

Hey Kristin and Kim! Thanks so much for this awesome itinerary. Currently using it as inspiration for planning my own week-long adventure!

Annnnd sorry for COMPLETELY misspelling your name Kristen!

ha no worries holly! glad it was helpful!

Great info. I pinned it. We are planing on going to Yelowstone, Teton, and Glacier. Is May to early to visit? Will it be cold?

Some of the roads will still be closed in Yellowstone in May. Check this page for the latest info: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm

Hey Kristen! This is super helpful in trying to plan an upcoming trip sometime in July, so thank you. Can I ask what your thoughts are on solo hiking and travel through Grand Teton/Yellowstone?

I think you’d be fine, especially if you stick to popular trails. They do recommended bear spray in the Tetons, so i would definitely plan on carrying that with you when you are hiking. I also use a SPOT transponder when I hike alone: https://bearfoottheory.com/spot-gen3-review/

Kristen. Great info. – we are going late August into the beginning of September but we are staying in Jackson Hole and Bozeman not camping any suggestions?

I don’t have any suggestions for hotels, but I’d suggest you try Airbnb. I bet you can find some cool places.If you haven’t ever used Airbnb, you can get $30 off your first stay by signing up at my link: http://www.airbnb.com/c/kbor

Hi Kristen, We did our Grand Teton and Yellowstone trip based on your itinerary and had a blast! Thank you!

Do you have your hotel/lodging by each day you used with this itinerary?

I believe the author camped at the campgrounds described in the post.

I visited Teton / Yellowstone from Aug 13 to 20th with my family and followed this itinerary with little alteration. For instance, as we were not camping, we just stayed in hotels along the way. As we moved through itinerary, it became obvious that we should not alter our path much from what was suggested as most of it seemed to have purpose. For instance, being able to compare Death Canyon with Cascade Canyon or visiting Signal Mountain Lodge (we stayed there) for awesome views, nachos and blackberry margaritas (no huckleberry while we were there). In Yellowstone, besides the great sight recommendations, we also stuck with the little things such as Woodside bakery stop, Park Ranger Museum and map room in Mammoth. These were the type of things that were off the beaten path but well worth it. The suggestion to hike the Wapiti trailhead to see the Yellowstone Grand Canyon from the south side was also spectacular as was the suggestion to visit Lake Butte lookout (we almost didn’t do it, but reminded ourselves that Kim had not steered us wrong to this point). Here is the only minor alterations we made: – We added a trip to Jackson to look around and go white water rafting down the Snake River between day 1 and 2 instead of waiting until day 6 – We detoured in Mammoth to visit the boiling river which was a hoot (total time about 2 hours) All in all, this is one of the best itineraries I found anywhere and it was a huge help in planning our trip. Many thanks to Kristen for posting and Kim for writing.

Wow! Those pictures are incredible. I hope to be able to visit the Tetons soon. Thanks for sharing your trip!

Would you say March a bad time to visit?

Many of the roads will still be closed in March due to snow. This itinerary is a summer itinerary

This looks great! I know this is an old post, but if you see this – I’m trying to put together an itinerary for a large family trip to Jackson and Yellowstone. Not everyone in our party will be up for a 15 mile hike(small children and grandparents). Any thoughts on what we could cut out and what stays?

Bourbon thanks so much for your message! There are some great short paths that are excellent for children and grandparents alike, especially in Yellowstone! A majority of the major sights in Yellowstone are under 0.5 mile paths. There is a Jackson Hole Children’s Museum so make sure to check that out for the kiddos!

Just found your blog and it will be put to use! Thanks!

My husband and I are interested in a one week vacation from 5/27 to 6/3/17. We are in mid-50s and fairly active. We would be flying into Bozeman MT and check out a bit of Montana, we well as visit Yellowstone np and Grand Tetons. Can this be done in this short timeframe? Your recommendations for how to approach trip? We live on the east coast, so checking out the beauty and the uniqueness of the west is our goal.

Hey Barbara – If you are flying into Bozeman, I think your best bet would be to drive down through Big Sky and enter through West Yellowstone. Then go south on the loop once you reach Yellowstone and then exit back to Bozeman at the north end of the lake. You might be pressed to also visit Teton National Park too, but it depends how much hiking and exploring you want to do vs driving.

Hi Kristen, this is the best itenerary I’ve seen for the area, thanks for sharing! Would love your thoughts on how to approach if we are driving in from the east (coming from Wi). Trying to decide if we should start south in grand Tetons, or come in from the north and work our way down. But how to do the loop then? We would also like to add in rafting in Jackson (or elsewhere?) and possibly the rodeo in Cody? We can do 9 days, but just lost on how best to route everything out. Would love to hear your thoughts!!

Hi Stacie! Thanks for your support. I was super excited to share my itinerary for the Tetons & Yellowstone on Bearfoot Theory! That is so awesome to hear you are road tripping out west from Wisconsin. Are you visiting both the Tetons & Yellowstone? If so, I would do the Cody rodeo on your way in then do Yellowstone first, starting North at Mammoth Hot Springs and drive down to Old Faithful Inn then around to Canyon Village and then back down towards the Tetons and Jackson. You could also maybe make a game time decision based on the best weather for whitewater rafting! Feel free to drop me a person email if you want to discuss more options or even hop on the phone and discuss what you potentially could drop off the trip. The best part of your adventure though is then your drive back home from the Tetons will be a little bit different to stop! Sounds great! Can’t wait to hear about it!

Would love to hear how this goes- I am looking to plan a road trip from MN- with kids ranging in age from 4-16.

Just one tiny correction. The river that flows over the 2 falls and forms the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (I like it better than the other Grand Canyon), that river is the Yellowstone, The Snake is further south in Grand Teton. Really enjoyed the itinerary. Have been to Yellowstone and the Tetons multiple times, but discovered a new trail that we will try in October. Thanks

Thanks Mick for the correction! Great to hear you enjoy the parks! Happy adventuring!

This is great! We just got back from a trip to Yellowstone/Grand Teton and loved it. Unfortunately we didn’t have 7 days but still managed to see a ton.

Hi! Thanks so much for all the great info! I have been attempting to plan this trip forever, but have been overwhelmed with too many options! Ha! One question, how limited would we be if we had our dog with us? We really want to bring her, but know it can limit what you can do. Thanks!!!

Hey, Natalie! Great question–Kristen actually just hit Yellowstone for 5 days in her Sprinter with her dog, Charlie, so it is definitely possible! We are working on a post right now about traveling with your dog so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you know when the post is live. Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, trails, or in the backcountry so it definitely does limit your experience in the park. There are numerous boarding and doggy day care places though in the small towns surrounding the park. Lots of options to consider to make the most of your trip for you AND your four-legged friend.

Hiya! We are doing a LONG road trip next month: Glacier (Sunday-Tuesday)–> Yellowstone (Chico HS: Tuesday-Friday) –>Teton –> Jackson–> SLC (fly out Monday) Do you have suggestions for coming “down” from Yellowstone and making our way to SLC? We don’t have anything nailed down once we leave Chico on Friday… Thanks in Advance! Lindsay

Hello Lindsay, thanks for reaching out. Not sure if you are speaking in terms of things to do or places to stay. In terms of things to do honestly, if you are leaving Yellowstone on Friday and heading through the Tetons & Jackson Hole to be in Salt Lake City by Monday you’ll be totally fine. You can easily spend a full day in the Tetons and another full day in Jackson Hole. Once in Salt Lake City if you have any extra time there are great hikes near Alta or you can also check out Park City, Utah. In terms of places to stay, I don’t have any stand out favorites but there are tons of options along that route. You could even look into a cute AirBnB.

Thank you so much for great info. Esp. like the idea of coming thru Victor Idaho, then returning difft route to SLC, where we would first arrive. Not BIG hikers, but my husband and i certainly could do the short route on Death Canyon Trailhead. You do not mention how to get back UP if we decide to go down to Lake. UT OH.Might catch us by surprise, and we cannot do an extensive trek. Good to know where to get margueritas, plus great view at Signal Mt. Lodge. Just starting to plan for trip in 2018. Thanks again for good details.

Have you personally taken the I80/89 route? I have been the other route in 2016. Both take you close to Bear Lake

Hi Melanie, this is Kim and I took the I80/89 route in 2015 when I visited the parks for the first time. I loved it.

Great itinerary! I’d add a soak in the Boiling River when you are at Mammoth. It’s the only hot spring in the front country where you are allowed to soak. You can also get into the Firehole River in one spot, but it’s bathtub temperature not hot :). As an FYI, it’s the Yellowstone River that flows through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, not the Snake River. That’s down in GTNP. I agree that the Fishing Bridge store is the best one in the park!

Thanks, Mel! We love these soaking spot recommendations! Will definitely check them out on our next trip through the park.

I live about an hour away from Yellowstone and go as often as possible! This was a great post and I would suggest this 7 day trip to anyone going to the Jackson Hole and Yellowstone! I will say this – There are still so many things that you should see if you have the time! For example, when exploring mammoth hot springs, take a short drive north to the Gardiner Entrance where you will get to see the Roosevelt Arch! It is really cool and you can get some iconic family pictures! Here is a article I wrote about the arch I think you will find it interesting! Article: https://outdoorsconnected.com/blog/john-f-yanceys-death-and-the-roosevelt-arch-/

Help! I am trying to plan a great trip for my family the summer of 2018. Having never done this I am a little overwhelmed by all of the options to chose from. Including what to see, where to stay and what activities to try. My plan is to fly into Rapid City SD. Spend one night and see the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Custer park. The next day travel to Devils Tower and then on into Red Lodge MT. (any advice on where we should stay (reasonably priced) and anything else we should see or do I would love to hear!) I want to take the north entrance into Yellow Stone from Red Lodge. From here I am at a loss!? Where should we stay, and how long? From YS I want to head down to GTNP and Jackson Hole. Again where to stay, see and do? I have 3 adult kids, and we would like some adventure. Any place we stay has to accommodate 5 people at a reasonable price. The plan is a 9-10 trip. Not trying to sound cheap but everything must be reasonably priced! I would love some advice 🙂

Hi Diane, have you checked out our lodging guide to Yellowstone? Here is the link: https://bearfoottheory.com/yellowstone-campgrounds-lodging/ Are you considering camping or potentially renting an RV? That would be the most reasonable option and there are some great options. When I plan long lengthy trips for a group I generally only pick 1-2 things at max to do/see a day, I find this makes it easier on me and allows time for things to be added to the list that we might discover. I haven’t been to Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, etc. so I can’t talk a lot about that area. I would plan to only do Badlands and Mt. Rushmore in one day, especially if you want to hike and explore Badlands–that is easily a full-day trip. Maybe you could do Devil’s Tower and arrive late to Red Lodge then head into the park the next morning. If you take the North entrance into Yellowstone, I’d stay near Canyon Village and spend one day doing the North Loop (we list plenty in this area to do for a full day in our itinerary) and then spend 1-2 nights in Grant Village before heading on to the Grand Tetons. Sounds like an incredible trip! Our itinerary has some great items for you to do and see. Feel free to email us @ [email protected] , if you have more questions or need support!

Hi Diane, It sounds like you will have a blast this coming summer! I have to agree with Kim with the places to stay- That article is well written and informative! When we take our kids to Yellowstone they love to go to Mammoth Hot Springs! There are a lot of fun things to do and see while you are there! Check out this article I wrote about the place: https://outdoorsconnected.com/blog/10-things-to-experience-during-your-next-trip-to-mammoth-hot-springs-in-yellowstone/ Have fun next summer!

We are planning a trip out in September. We have a 37 foot Class A. Would we have any troubles sticking to your itinerary using our camper? I am worried about narrow roads and dropoffs. Also, would you recommend towing a vehicle or are there car rental places in the area?

Hi Kristie, you’ll be fine on the roads in the park with a trailer that large. There are no car rental locations in the park but there are options in most major cities outside the park. I would consider towing a car.

Hi Kristen, Your itinerary and blog are great! What a resource! I’m starting my early planning for an early summer trip with my daughter (her first trip camping) where we will be flying from Hong Kong to either LA or SF and then likely up to Jackson. As time is limited can you advise: 1 . How many days do we need for Yellowstone and can we just drive through GTNP on way to Yellowstone (From JH) and if so how many days and where can we make first night camp. Eg our day 1 is your day 3? 2. Any recommended outdoor / camping stores in Jackson Hole as need to get (again) all my gears . Rentals possible? 3. Any recommendation where my wife might stay in hotel and we camp near by. She isn’t a camper but the little one wants to try out camping.

Hi Kelvin, thanks for reaching out! I would recommend at least three days for Yellowstone and at least one full day in GTNP. Check out our lodging post for lots of ideas on hotels that are literally steps away from some of the campgrounds: https://bearfoottheory.com/yellowstone-campgrounds-lodging/ Regarding gear, you should check out http://www.lowergear.com

Hi Kim, So for this itinerary, you rented your camping gear and rented a car?

Hi Jennifer! We did rent a car for this itinerary (from the Salt Lake City Airport) but we just flew with our camping gear, we didn’t rent any camping gear.

Hello, We are 2-3 families planning to visit Grand Teton and YSNP July 2018, coming from East coast, 7/8 nights, starting/finishing ,Jackson/SLC,, Could you please suggest Lodges and number of nights to book(DAY 1 to7) thank Anil

Hi Anil, check out our Yellowstone lodging guide: https://bearfoottheory.com/yellowstone-campgrounds-lodging/

This is the best itinerary I have read and I have read a lot ! Hubby and I are in our 60’s will be flying into Jackson in September. We have reservations at Lake Yellowstone and Canyon then on to the Tetons for two nights. Our first trip so I really appreciate all of the information. We will be coming in the South entrance , is there a link to which way we should start out ? Thank you for all of the info.

Hi Linda, so awesome to hear you are heading to Jackson this Fall. You’re going to love it. I started at the South entrance as well. You can take either route to loop all the way up and around.

I’ve convinced my husband to make this our one year anniversary trip in June. Unfortunately due to his work schedule we will be flying in on a Wednesday and Flying out on a Sunday. Anyone have recommendations for being able to stick to this itinerary best we can with a shorter stay? This is, by far, my favorite I’ve found thus far.

Great suggestions! We’re going this summer with our 3 kids, ages 3, 7 and 10. I saw the one suggestion about the Jackson Hole children’s museum – any other fun kid ideas? They’ll hike 1-2 miles, but there’s only so much hiking we can do… We’re staying in Colter Bay 2-3 days and are flying in and out of Idaho Falls. Looking for where else we should stay. Thanks!

Hey Katie! That is awesome to hear you are taking your kids to the Tetons! Check in with the National Parks regarding talks & programs geared towards kids for the time you are there. Every Wednesday & Saturday there is a rodeo in town–might be a fun night out! If you’re traveling in July there is also the County Fair to visit. Good luck with your trip!

Hi – We are from the East Coast and hoping to go to Yellowstone/Jackson Hole this August. Original thought was to fly into Billings or Bozeman and checking out Beartooth pass on the way into the park. Also looking to do some fly fishing. Any thoughts on how to adapt your itinerary by coming in from the North? Also on my initial list was Lamar Valley with hopes to see some wildlife at dawn. Is that something that should be reserved for another visit perhaps when the wildlife is more active in the spring? Thanks for any thoughts.

Hi Ted, thanks for a great question! For coming in by the North you can easily adapt the itinerary. Day 4 on our itinerary, visiting Mammoth Hot Springs, would be your first day and then I would head to Yellowstone’s Canyon & Lake the next day (Day 5 on our itinerary). You could then circle back to do the Grant Village area the following day before heading to the Tetons where you’d just do our itinerary in reverse. Lamar Valley is 100% worth seeing, even if you don’t catch a glimpse of any wildlife it’s a beautiful area worth including.

Thank you Kim!

I have spent some summers in both parks. I like the itinerary you have for the week stay. If you ever get back you need to stop at Leeks Marina and go to Leeks Pizza a mile north of Colter Bay . Really, really good pizza with a great selection of toppings. Very good pasta also, you will love it. A great beer selection and a porch view of Jackson Lake and the Tetons. Did all the hikes you had listed. So much to see, you have picked some good ones.

what suggestions do u have for camping… are there places there to rent equipment or do people bring their own stuff on the airplane, we plan to stay at an airbnb for a few nights when we r outside the park but wanted the experience of camping for a night or 2 inside the park , any suggestions would be appreciated we are flying in salt lake city. plan on going to Grand Tetons for a day or two… then do Yellowstone for 3 or 4 and head back to SLC Thank you!!!!

Hi Jackie, I recommend packing your own gear for camping in the pack. Just pack the bare minimum that you’ll need to be comfortable. We are actually working on a gear rental blog piece so stay tuned! So great to hear you are heading to the parks!

I was wondering for Day 1 when you mentioned “Grand Teton Visitor Center near the South Entrance,” exactly which visitor center you’re referring to? I am planning my trip and want to follow your plan as closely as possible!

Hi Farheen, we are referring to the first Visitor Center when you enter. It is located at 1 Teton Park Rd, Moose, WY 83012 and is formally called the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.

Can you tell me how many miles this trip is. I’m renting a camper van and need to know if we should purchase additional miles. Do you have any recommendations on where to rent a Camper Van?

Hi Liz, the entire trek from Salt Lake City airport to Yellowstone and back to the airport is at least 720 miles but with side trips and such I’d estimate about 800 miles to be safe. Have you checked out our post on the best places to rent camper vans? We have lots of great recs & ideas in there: https://bearfoottheory.com/campervan-rental-companies-us-road-trip/

Hey Kim, We are planning a trip out West this September leaving AL. on the 15th going to stop at MT. Rushmore 16th and then go to Yellowstone the 17th we’re staying there til the 19th then we thought about going to Teton and Jackson Hole then make our way to Cal. to Sequoia Nat. Park maybe stay there 2 days then thought about going to Las Vegas for the night then going to the Grand Canyon for 2 days then maybe Texas for 1 day then back to AL. Do you have any suggestions? We like seeing Wildlife. And is September a good time to come?

Hi Suzie, September is a great time for Yellowstone as long as snow doesn’t come too early! I would 100% allow time for Tetons; wildlife is abundant and it is breathtaking. Have you visited Yosemite before? Is there a reason you are leaving it out? Grand Canyon sounds amazing as well. Have you checked out our Ultimate Utah roadtrip itinerary of the National Parks? You might want to consider visiting one or two of those parks if it works within your schedule. https://bearfoottheory.com/utah-national-parks/ Zion generally has pretty good wildlife.

Thank you! I had the exact same question 🙂

Thank you for this wonderful and detailed itinerary! My partner and I have been planning to drive and hike around Yellowstone in June, but unfortunately I broke my ankle last week skiing 🙁 I should be out of the cast by June but likely not much of a hiker still. We are now trying to revise the plan to be primarily a driving trip with only light hiking/walking. Will you have a sense of which of the must-sees along the Yellowstone route will not be accessible without a substantial hike? We gotta return to Bozeman at the end of the trip, so we’ll likely be starting from there as well to make it a loop. Thank you for your insights – and thanks again for this travel guide which is obviously a labour of love!

Hi Mariya, this itinerary is still absolutely breathtaking without taking any of the dayhikes. Especially in Yellowstone there are numerous small paths that you can enjoy to really get a sense of the park. You can definitely see both parks without long day hikes/backpacking.

When we booked our trip to Grant Tetons/Yellowstone, I felt overwhelmed with the amount of things we wanted to see in our short 6 day trip, until I found this! AMAZING! I have a few questions… we will be coming from Salt Lake, stopping in Jackson for a day then heading into the parks. We will have 4 nights and 4.5 days to spend in the parks. How would you recommend shortening the trip a little? We were thinking 2 nights in the Grand Tetons, and 2.5 days spent hiking the Tetons. Then travel to Yellowstone midday our 3rd day, hit Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, and pitch camp at Canyon campground. Spend the most of the next day doing the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Our last day in the park, going up to Mammoth Hot Springs before heading back to Salt Lake since we fly out very early the next morning (about an 8 hour drive). Do you think that sounds reasonable? Thanks in advance for your input!

Hey Frankie, you have done your research! Your trip sounds AMAZING! Honestly, I wouldn’t really change anything. I’d try on your first day to get there as early as possible to the Tetons to explore and honestly you might only need 2 days to explore the Tetons and then head on up to Yellowstone that way you’ll be building in some extra time in case you need it in Yellowstone or in case on your way back to SLC you decide to stop to see anything missed in the Tetons.

Hi all, We have booked our trip! Flying into Jackson Hole 7/31 and then flying out of Jackson on 8/8 We plan to follow the itinerary as closely as possible. The question i have is regarding the camping gear. would it be best to rent camping equipment from someplace local? Anyone with experience doing this? Thank you. Ted

This is Exactly what I Have been looking for quite some time. We plan on going to the Yellow stone National Park in the end of may this year. I have made my own itinerary covering Yellow Stone, Bad Lands and Mt Rushmore in 4 days. But, this coming from a person who has already been there should certainly help us. Thanks.

I am trying to plan my days for Yellowstone/Tetons. My wife and I will be with three of our children 12-14-16. We will be staying 3 nights in West Yellowstone and 5 nights in Jackson Hole. I am trying to figure out a plan to get the most out of our days with our launching points. Also we are interested in a good float for the family,more sight seeing than adventure but my 16yr old and I also want to do white water one day. Any advice would be appreciated!!

Hi Craig, sounds like you’re going to have a great time–those are awesome launching points and you’re set up for a good number of nights! I didn’t raft when I was there so I, unfortunately, can’t recommend a good vendor for rafting trips but personally, I utilize TripAdvisor and you might want to start there.

Thank you so much for this amazing, detailed, thorough itinerary! It is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Do you mind providing a list of what you guys packed? As far as camping/hiking gear etc? We are currently trying to decide on whether we want to do camping vs hotels/lodging due to the baggage fees on airplanes. If we do hotels/lodging, we could easily pack one carry on each which would save us $.

You bring up a really great point! I think if you did a cost comparison you’d find that camping is still less expensive even if you have to pay for 1 additional bag. We flew Southwest so we could each fly with 2 bags for free so we weren’t concerned about baggage fees. I think you’d be able to fit all your camping gear in one bag (I love the Patagonia Black Hole duffels and they work well for this situation). You really only need your tent, 2 sleeping pads & 2 sleeping bags. Those items for me all fit easily in a backpack and I traveled with my backpack and then put clothing in a rolling suitcase (carry-on size). I carried my trekking poles on the plane as well & we wore our hiking boots on the plane with flip-flops in our bag. Hotels are really expensive in the area so again I think you’d save more on camping. All of my camping gear is also lightweight & built for backpacking so it really depends on the quality/level of gear you have. We ate out so we didn’t pack any camping kitchen items. The only additional items we packed were headlamps.

Lotus cafe is closed.

Thanks so much, Sean, for the update. We are saddened to learn that.

Hi, Thanks for sharing, really helpful. We are planning to visit this August. We have made bookings and will stay first in Mammoth Frontier Cabin for 2 nights, then Canyon Lodge Western Cabin for 2 nights and in the end 3 nights in OF Inn Old House. Would you suggest how should be plan our visit as per the bookings we have made. Thanks !

Hi Ram! Nice job getting all those reservations; you’re going to have an incredible time. When you stay at Old Faithful that will be the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park (Day 1 & 2); that also is the best location for Day 3 on our itinerary. When you’re at the Mammoth Frontier Cabin you’ll want to focus on that area which is Day 4 on our itinerary. Day 5 will be best to accomplish when you are at the Canyon Lodge. If you’re wanting to visit Jackson at all you’ll also want to do that when staying at Old Faithful (but it is still a bit of a drive).

Hi Kim, We’re planning our first trip to Yellowstone, but will barely have 7 days to do it all. Plus, we’re not campers, so we’re looking at staying at the lodges in the park. Is your itinerary doable in 6 days? By the way, the header for your “Day 5” is missing above. Where does your “Day 5” begin? This page is great and full of great ideas. We plan on following it as best we can in the time we have.

Kristen and crew – I’ve been following your blog and instagram as I research camper van options. Love your posts!! I’m renting a sprinter from Venture Vans in May for a Yellowstone/Grand Teton 6 night trip. They want $100/day (not including camp fees) to assist. $600-700 seems like a lot for the itinerary, but I have not been before. I understand late-May weather can be iffy. Do you think I can follow this itinerary with a 4×4 144″WB that time of year? Camping where you suggest? Thanks so much! I appreciate any insights:) Lisa

Hi Lisa- It looks like no one here got back to you, but I think you will be fine in Late May. There has been a ton of snow, so you won’t necessarily be able to do all the hikes, and some of the campgrounds in Yellowstone might not be open yet, but the one near Mammoth should be great (It’s my favorite and we usually spend mother’s day weekend there). May is great for seeing baby Bison, and it shouldn’t be too crowded. 🙂 If you are headed to Jackson, check out this post too: myoffpistelife.com/tips-for-exploring-jackson-hole-and-grand-teton-national-park/

Great article, enjoyed reading it, especially the way you divided your trip day by day made it a much more interesting and easier read.

Copying the Yellowstone portion of this itinerary except in reverse! Canyon Village lodging was only available if I went their first and then to West Yellowstone and back down to Old Faithful area. Hope it still works well in reverse but I’m so excited 🙂

am planning on visiting grand tetons and yellowstone later this month with a group of 11- adult children in their 20’s and their parents. Renting an airbnb just outside the parks. Do you recommend any particular books for the area with hiking trails and information? Will try to follow your itinerary somewhat but will be staying in Jackson hole for part of the week and at the west gate of Yellowstone for part of the week. Thanks. Any suggestions? Ruth

Do you have an recommendations on where to stay with your group of 11?

We travel back to Texas from Alaska every summer and this year had hoped to come back for a week in Yellowstone and the Tetons in September. With life a bit unsettled now, we aren’t making definite plans, but if it works out we can hopefully use this plan from north to south, and find accommodations for our trailer. Last year we came back through Glacier National Park and had a magical trip.

It is hard to make plans right now, hopefully things settle down by the time September comes around. This itinerary will be here when you’re able to head out there! All the best from the Bearfoot Theory team 🙂

Thanks for all of these tips! We are going to be spending a month in Jackson, WY this September and can’t wait to see the Tetons and explore Yellowstone!

Nice, enjoy and travel safe! Thanks for reading 🙂

We followed a lot of recommendations from Bearfeet Theory on our visit to Yellowstone. It was the the first tie I had been and this was helpful. I suggest that you make the trip there interesting as well with fun stops along the way and also that you create video clips and edit them together to remember the whole adventure. We came from San Diego and had so much fun. Check out my video for some ideas… https://youtu.be/fEEA6r7DX4s

Glad you found this blog post helpful! Thanks for reading and for sharing your video. Looks like you guys had a great trip 🙂

We did! Thanks for the helpful post!

Excellent video of a great road trip. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! My kids watch it over and over…we just got back from another roadtrip and I have started to put the new video together this week. Subscribe to my channel and hit the notification bell to be notified when it comes out.

Headed to Jackson next week. So thankful I found your itinerary! Would this itinerary be your choice with all the smoke in the area?

Glad you found it helpful! We can’t speak to the current situation out there, but I’d recommend looking up fire maps and smoke/air quality maps for the area before deciding if it’s safe to head that way. Best of luck!

In visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, one os the 10 most scenic drives in the West, per National Geographic magazine was missed. That is the 255 mile loop to the west of the mountain range. It goes from Jackson Hole across scenic and beautiful Teton Pass to Victor Idaho. Then North on Hwy 33 to Tetonia, seeing the quaint western Town of Driggs and passing two breweries and Grand Teton Distillery. Stop for samples of Huckleberry bodka and award winning whiskeys. Then further north through Mesa Falls and Island Park where there is great fishing at Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. You end up at the West Hate of Yellowstone where you can enter the Park and loop around both upper and lower falls, pinic along the river and then bisit the lidge at Olf Faithful before heading south again through Grand Teton Park and exiting the South Gate back to Jackson. The Loop can be easily done in a day with lots of activities and magnificent views of both sides of the mountains all day.

That sounds like a fun and scenic loop. Thanks for the tip, Jennie!

My son and I visited the park last August [2020) . This would have been a great itinerary but there were road closures for mud slides, an overturned tanker, fires and road construction. The road from Canyon Village to the Tower was closed foe construction and maybe again this year. Be sure to check road closures when making your plans. We had foe days in the park and saw amazing sites including a day of snow (yes in August) . Be prepared for traffic at all the major attractions and parking. And remember a bison parade can stall your plans as they have the right of way.

Just planned a trip with our 4 adult children for this June. First time to JH area & very excited but feeling a bit overwhelmed with how/where best to drive vs hike vs raft, etc. Staying in Teton Village. Will be using this itinerary for many tips!! Can’t thank you enough for sharing; any other tips from anyone would help!

Sounds like it will be a great family adventure!

We are planning a trip this July to Yellowstone & Grand Tetons. We will be coming from the east. Should we start in GT or Yellowstone? We also would like to know the best place to rent a VRBO? Do we rent in between the two parks? Is it doable to have an in between point or just move lodging to be closer to each park?Also, is Glacier doable if we only have about 8 days for entire time out there? Would love to do the Road to the sun road trip. I have lots of questions, this is a huge trip with so many options! Your itinerary is extremely helpful.

The two parks are about three hours apart, so it’s probably best to enjoy one before heading over to the other. Which one you start with really depends on which route you coming in on from the East (rt 14 or 26). Glacier would be a lot to add to an 8-day trip, maybe keep that one for next summer!

Hello we are planning a trip this June We will be flying into Vegas, hoping to visit Hoover dam, west rim of Grand Canyon, visiting Zion NP, Bryce NP. What would be best route to go to Arches, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone from Bryce We will be flying back home from Salt Lake City.

The fastest way from Bryce to Arches would be Rt 70, but you could also take Rt 12, which would pass by Capitol Reef National Park

Thanks! Great itinerary. We are planning to visit Yellowstone and GTNP this summer coming from ND. We want to go to the rodeo in Cody also. Where would be the best place to add that stop?

Since Cody is closer to Yellowstone, it probably makes sense to tack it on at the end if you plan on following this itinerary.

Is it possible to make this 7 day trip yet only stay at two locations? I’m not sure I want to pack up my family of 6 every day. Are there central cities that we could find lodging that you would recommend (to eliminate as much repeat driving as possible?

You could stay definitely at one place within or near each Park and explore them individually. Jackson Hole is the largest town near Grand Teton and Yellowstone has nine different lodges within the park.

We are planning a 7 day trip leaving Florida on August 16th to visit both parks beginning in SLC..Both of us are looking for recommendations on economical/budget hotels during the trip as we will be enjoying the scenery from our rental car. We love to take walking trips and plan to do so when the trails are available and noted. Any advise would be helpful.

This itinerary is awesome!! If you only had one day at Grand Teton, how would you alter the itinerary? Your help is much appreciated!!

It really depends on what you’re interested in. If you want great scenery and don’t mind some crowds, the Death Canyon Trail is stunning and the Visitor Center is a great intro to the park, especially if you don’t have a lot of time to explore it. But if you prefer to get off the beaten path a bit, heading to the other side of Jenny Lake offers more hiking opportunities and more of a backcountry feel if you hike up to Lake Solitude. Both days are great, it just depends on what you’re looking for!

We are planning a Yellowstone/ Grand Teton trip this fall. Fly into Cody on Sept. 25. Will spend that night in Cody and last night in Cody on Oct 3, fly out on the 4th.We were thinking 4 nights Yellowstone and three for Grand Teton but having trouble deciding which park first and how to divide our nights. Do we come in the northeast entrance and out the east entrance? Would two nights in west Yellowstone then two in canyon, one in Colter and two in Jackson make sense? Or one in Gardiner, one west Yellowstone, 2 Canyon? Or in east entrance and down to grand Teton first? We are so confused not knowing the area at all!

Hi Christina, you could follow this 7-day itinerary by entering Yellowstone from Cody, but instead of going to Jackson at the end of the trip, head back to Cody via rt. 20. If you want to break up the drive, Boyson State Park could be a great stop.

Hi! On Day 2, as opposed to camping, what alternative lodging do you recommend?

Signal Mountain Lodge would be a great choice with beautiful views.

My husband and I did a 12 day road trip through SD/WY/MT/ND 3 years ago and did not spend anywhere near enough time in Grand Teton and Yellowstone. We’ve talked about going back to specifically spend the whole time in those 2 places. This itinerary is exactly what we need to make that trip. Guess we’ll start planning for 2023!

Hi Margaret, we’re so glad you found this itinerary helpful! Agreed that Yellowstone/Grand Tetons are magical places – glad to hear you’re planning a return visit 🙂

We are planning an 8 night round trip for Yellowstone/Tetons from Bozeman in early September and I am trying to pin down our route. We arrive late the first night and will stay in Bozeman or Big Sky. I think we are too late for reservations in the park, so here are my preliminary thoughts on a route:

Night 1 Bozeman or Big Sky Night 2-4 West Yellowstone Night 5-6 Jackson Night 7 Cody Night 8 Gardiner Day 9 Depart Bozeman

On the drive from Cody to Gardner I was thinking entering northeast entrance of Yellowstone and seeing Lamar Pass and some of the other northern sites along the way. Any thoughts or suggested adjustments to this route?

Hi Mark, unfortunately the person who wrote this guide no longer writes for us, and I haven’t been to the Tetons/Yellowstone (yet!). Best of luck on tripping planning and enjoy!

Planning on doing this itinerary next month. If starting early in the mornings what time will you typically be done? Trying to decide if we have room to plan anything in the mornings or afternoons.

Hi Tasha, this was written by a former Bearfoot Theory writer so I’m not sure how many hours per day the itinerary includes. Sorry about that!

KIm We are going in and out of Jackson hole…can I use this itinerary and how can I print it

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Driving to Yellowstone is just as much fun as getting there! Check our road trip itinerary collection for your perfect vacation. You can choose from many different routes that make the trip almost as exciting as the adventures you’ll have when you arrive. Pick and choose your stops along the way to build your own road trip including neighboring national parks such as Grand Teton, Glacier and Badlands.

Yellowstone is a huge park. You’ll want to plan your approach to gateway towns and entrances , plus download a park map in advance of your arrival so you won’t waste time on logistics and have more time to spend having fun.

Short on time? Fly into a nearby airport to shorten your road trip.

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big yellow travel

Yellowstone Luxury Tours - Private Tours of Yellowstone National Park (877) 276-2683 | [email protected]

big yellow travel

Explore Yellowstone National Park throughout the spring, summer and fall months with Yellowstone Luxury Tours' private, customized tours . Take in the magnificence of Old Faithful or seek out hidden gems. With Yellowstone Luxury Tours, enjoy the comfort of our luxury vehicles and the deep knowledge of our experienced guides . A day with Yellowstone Luxury Tours offers a vacation in Yellowstone that you will remember for a lifetime.  Parties up to 4 are comfortably accommodated in our luxury SUVs, starting at $1,089. P arties of 5 - 14 are comfortably accommodated in our luxury Transit high-top limo van, starting at $1,209.

big yellow travel

Customized Private Tours

Luxury Transit High-Top Vans  

Professional, Licensed Tour Guides   

  

Gourmet Picnic Lunches  

  Door-to-Door Service  

       

                                                                                                              

   

Yellowstone Luxury Tours' Mercedes Sprinter Van at the Gateway to Yellowstone National Park

Our tours are customized  aro und the int erests of your group.  Whether you  are a family with small children, a group of friends ready for an adventure, or simply would like to enjoy the scenic dri ve, our experienced guides customize an itinerary that shows you the wonders of Yellowstone, the world's first National Park.

Explore the wonders of summer in Yellowstone National Park with a private tour customized to the needs, interests and ambitions of your particular group!  

Interested in a particular activity or area of interest?  Whether it's wildlife or geology, biking or hiking, we can create a day that will allow you to enjoy all that Yellowstone National Park has to offer!

Family Fun in Yellowstone National Park with Yellowstone Luxury Tours

Traveling with family? Keep in mind that our days are customized around your group's particular interests, timeframe and desires - so don't worry about keeping to a set schedule!

Luxury SUVs starting at: $1,089

Luxury Tranit High-Top Vans starting at: $1,209

Please contact us for a quote based on the size of your party.

*This rate is all-inclusive, with the exception of a 4% resort tax, the park entry fee, and any gratuity you wish to share with your guide. In addition to a complimentary picnic lunch, the rate also includes door-to-door service from any location in Big Sky, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Livingston or Gardiner.

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Watch geysers erupt and see giant, colorful hot springs. Yellowstone is the largest active geyser field in the world and is home to the most famous geyser, Old Faithful. There are also hundreds of colorful hot springs and pools such as the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, which is larger than a football field and the third largest spring in the world. 

See wild animals in their natural habitat.  Yellowstone National Park is home to more wild animals than almost anywhere else in the U.S., but it is not a zoo. Visitors are likely to see a number of animals in Yellowstone freely roaming the landscape in their natural habitat. Animals you might see include grizzly bears, gray wolves, the world's largest wild bison herd, bald and golden eagles, trumpeter swans, moose and more.

Experience the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  View the pink and yellow canyon walls that form the sides of Yellowstone’s two tallest waterfalls. The place is so inspiring that an overlook of the Lower Falls is called Artist's Point.

Hunt for Rocks, Fossils and Dinosaurs.  The Yellowstone area has many paleontological sites – from dinosaur and fossil museums to petroglyphs and pictographs on rock walls. Inside Yellowstone you will find basalt columns formed by lava and a petrified forest.

Summer Skiing at the Beartooth Basin Ski Area, the only ski area in North America that is only open during the summer.  At 10,900 feet above sea level and inaccessible by car in the winter, the region can't be reached until around late May after plows have dug through the area's towering walls of snow.

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Availability

Sample itinerary.

Wondering what a day with Yellowstone Luxury Tours might look like?

Read on for a sample itinerary, but remember, no need to think of this as set in stone!  The course of the day is set with your personal interests in mind and by what exciting opportunities come along as the day progresses!

South Loop Tour

This is our classic Yellowstone National Park tour. Thermal features, boardwalks, bison, Old Faithful, and much more.  Let us show you the highlights throughout Yellowstone’s Lower Loop and many hidden gems, too.

Our day starts at the front door of your place of lodging. We will make our way down the Gallatin Canyon enroute to West Yellowstone, a one-hour drive south where the official entrance to the park is located. Introductions will take place and even the possible sightings of bear, moose, elk, and various other wildlife and geographical features.

Kids Playing in Yellowstone National Park

The Park Entrance

In West Yellowstone, a bathroom and coffee break is prompted for those that wish. Shortly after we will go through the West Entrance of the park where the entrance fees will be paid and the collection of maps, newspapers, and excitement for our day in the park begins.

Madison Junction

The first 14-mile one way, out and back drive is a scenic entrance to the park where the first sightings of wildlife take place. It is not uncommon to see elk and bison along this section as the Madison River slithers its way adjacent to the road, guiding us to the start of the Southern Loop.

Old Faithful & Grand Prismatic

At our first stop sign, we make our way counterclockwise along the southern loop. Here begins our journey through geologic time and the sightings of our first thermal features of the day. The first being the famous and ever colorful Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. Your guide will walk the adjacent boardwalk to the hot spring, educating you on the feature and answering any questions you may have.

The 15-20 minute boardwalk will loop us back to the car where we will then make our way to the infamous Old faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park’s signature move. This is a great place to witness the incredible geyser that erupts on a 90 minute interval where between eruptions we can use the bathroom, grab a snack, and enjoy the gift shops and Visitor center.

Kids Enjoying Yellowstone Scenery

With the infamous geyser now in our rearview, we embark on a drive up and over the Continental Divide enroute to West Thumb and Yellowstone Lake. Passing elevations of 8,000 feet, the views are extraordinary as we see the extent of Yellowstone’s super volcanic past.

Yellowstone Lake

We drop to the shores of Yellowstone Lake. North America’s largest high elevation lake with 141 miles of shoreline. With waters cool with snowmelt from winter and mountainous views in every direction, the shores beg for a dip of the toes in its icy waters and a picnic.  Lunch is served with local deli made sandwiches, freshly baked cookies, and a cold beverage of your liking. All with the heightened and incredible scenery of wind blowing through the trees, water lapping up along the shore, and the silence of the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Hayden Valley

The post lunch energy drop is quickly halted with a stop at the mud volcano. The wafts of sulfur in the air from the stinky thermal feature will wake even the groggiest of guests and gives us all a much-needed energy boost for a highlight up ahead.

The Hayden Valley is infamous for its bison and even wolf activity. Though we of course cannot promise any wildlife encounters, it isn’t uncommon to have bison walking the road directly in front of our tour vehicle. A fantastic place to take photographs of wildlife with our guides ensuring you and the animals safety.

Picnic Lunch with Yellowstone Luxury Tours

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

Though it may be a younger and smaller sibling to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Yellowstone’s Lower Falls demand an equal amount of respect. Coming in at 308 feet tall, nearly twice the height of New York’s Niagara Falls, the Lower Falls of Yellowstone and its Grand Canyon is a fantastic finale to our day with sweeping views for a family photo. Shortly after is a gift shop and bathroom break to acquire any last-minute snacks and memories to remember your trip by as we slowly drive back to West Yellowstone.

Final Thoughts

Please note that this is simply a sample tour. Each tour is customizable as many features of the park were not listed here. Your tour is yours to cherish and we want to make that as special as possible for you, your family, and friends and loved ones to remember forever.

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Michael                

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Originally hailing from New England, Michael Eddy was drawn to the history and wild nature of Big Sky country nearly 25 years ago. He has been immersed in the Yellowstone ecosystem ever since. As fire fighter for over 10 years, Michael has been a part of many of the fires that have played important roles in and around Yellowstone National Park. Michael is particularly drawn to the historic nature of America's first National Park, and loves to help guests peel away the layers of geologic and social history that surround the park. An animal lover at heart, Michael also enjoys sharing with guests his knowledge of Yellowstone's native wildlife.

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Our tours lead you on an exploration of Yellowstone's amazing geysers and hot springs. Marvel at the richness of Yellowstone's wildlife and relax in the comfort of a private vehicle. Say goodbye to the crowded concession stands and instead enjoy a complimentary picnic lunch served family style under the bright blue skies, while the buffalo graze around you.  

Parties of 5 - 14 are comfortably accommodated in our luxury Transit High-Top van starting at $1,209.  For smaller parties we offer full-sized SUVs starting at $1,089 per day.

Whatever your interests or whims might be, we are happy to accommodate any special wishes or needs you may have. Call us at (877) 276-2683 to ensure your vacation in Yellowstone National Park is the best vacation ever.  Feel free to visit TripAdvisor to read our reviews! 

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To book your perfect day in Yellowstone National Park, please call us at 

877.276.2683 / 855.558.4477

Yellowstone Luxury Tours

11 Lone Peak Drive | Suite 207

PO Box 160310 | Big Sky, MT 59716

[email protected]

Or send us a message using the form below.  We will respond promptly.

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  • 4 reviews of Yellowstone Luxury Tours-Private Day Tours in Montana

See what people have to say about their day with us and share your own review of us!

Yellowstone National Park is open. Find important entry information before you go here .

Black Hills to Yellowstone Wide open with possibilities

Open Roads Badge

Wyoming and South Dakota are connected by more than a border.

They share an attitude. Of pioneers and trailblazers. One deeply entwined in each state’s culture and history.

It’s why road trips from the Black Hills to Yellowstone make for such a profound experience. It’s not just the breathtaking scenery and epic experiences — though there’s plenty of that along the route — but a land filled with the spirit of the American West.

Map out a trip rich in adventure today.

Road Trip Map

SOUTH DAKOTA

Western South Dakota is filled with landscape, adventure and rich history.

Check out these can’t-miss stops.

  • Wall Drug & Badlands National Park
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Black Hills National Forest

WY

Wyoming is filled with iconic sights along the way to Yellowstone National Park. Below are a few favorites, but the list goes on and on.

  • Devils Tower National Monument
  • Bighorn National Forest
  • Yellowstone National Park East Entrance

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Get the latest info on in-park roads, regional roads, and summer lodge enhancements. Advance reservations for Lodging, Campground, and Tour/Activities are available online, or please call 307-344-7311.

The Coolest Way to Tour Yellowstone

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Yellowstone Yellow Bus Tours

Early visitors to Yellowstone explored the wonders of the park in all sorts of vehicles, from stagecoaches to surreys to snow planes (a precursor to the snowmobile).

Those transportation modes were long ago eclipsed by more modern conveyances. But one early model, the park’s yellow touring buses, remains a staple. And they’re as big a hit as they were when they first rolled onto Yellowstone’s byways in the 1920s.

These days, a fleet of eight vintage White Motor Co. historic yellow buses ferry visitors on guided tours. The distinctive antique yellow vehicles have retractable canvas roofs and panoramic windows, making them ideal for sightseeing. Plus, they’re really cool to ride around in.

At the height of their popularity within Yellowstone in the mid-1920s, more than 400 of the vehicles operated in the park.

“Yellowstone loved to brag that they had a bus for every day of the year,” says Leslie Quinn, an interpretive specialist for Yellowstone National Park Lodges, the park’s primary concessionaire. “Yellowstone had the second largest bus fleet in the country in the mid-20s, second only to Greyhound.”

As more visitors arrived in private vehicles and explored the park on their own power, the Yellowstone tour buses were gradually sold off. But in 2002, Xanterra purchased eight of the vehicles from the Skagway Streetcar Co., which had used them for touring the historic Alaska mining town. In 2006, the vehicles were refurbished to meet modern safety and mechanical standards and in 2007, Xanterra returned the buses to service in the park. They also added basic amenities like heaters. The bodies sit on 2007 Ford E450 van frames and motors, but the exteriors of the 13-passenger vehicles maintain their original appearance.

The Skagway Motor Co. had acquired these historic buses from around the country, where they’d served various duties. Each of the eight Yellowstone vehicles has a nickname related to its past life. Look for the name posted on the right-hand side above the windshield. For instance, there are “Big Rocky” and “Little Rocky,” named for their stints in Rocky Mountain National Park. “Monty” once belonged to a collector from Vermont. And “Hollywood” appeared in an episode of M*A*S*H and the movie Big Trouble in Little China, Quinn says.

The Historic Yellow Bus can take you to the heart of the greatest geyser region of Yellowstone or wildlife-rich areas like Hayden Valley. And one of the buses can even be rented for private tours . Whether you prefer sightseeing, geyser gazing, or wildlife watching we can help you create your perfect day in a Historic Yellow Bus.

But wherever they roam, Yellowstone’s historic yellow buses are certain to cause a stir among onlookers.

“If we had a nickel for every person who wants their picture taken in front of the bus, we’d make a fortune,” Quinn says. “They’re just the coolest little buggies on the planet.”

Explore all of our tours on a historic yellow bus below.

Washington, DC-based freelance writer Jayne Clark has been a travel reporter at USA TODAY and several other daily newspapers.

  • Explore Historic Yellow Bus Tours
For A World of Unforgettable Experiences ® available from Xanterra Travel Collection ® and our sister companies, visit xanterra.com . Want to experience Yellowstone in-depth? See what makes Yellowstone National Park a great place to work for a season or longer!
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  • Costa Rica: Epic Service Adventure
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Puerto Rico: Hurricane Relief

  • Costa Rica: Service & Sand
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  • Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Expedition
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  • SPAIN: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND IMMIGRATION
  • Spain: Sustainable Communities & Immigration
  • Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med And Public Health
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  • PERU: EPIC SERVICE ADVENTURE
  • Costa Rica: Middle School Service Adventure
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  • EPIC SERVICE ADVENTURE
  • Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health
  • Middle School Service Adventure
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  • SUNNY SERVICE & ISLAND IMMERSION
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Puerto Rico Community Service Trip For Teens

Building projects and hands on community service for motivated teens.

Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on service trip focused on hurricane relief and disaster prevention efforts. Home reconstruction and fortification service work are the heart of this program, with projects designed for and with local families. The projects we work on will improve infrastructure for families and communities to withstand a future hurricane and also recover more efficiently. Practice Spanish and learn about local customs while working alongside welcoming community members. Take a break from projects to relax on the beach and explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan.

Participants fly into San Juan, Puerto Rico (no passport necessary!) and meet their Global Works leaders at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. We pack up the vans and head back through San Juan and west 40 minutes to our group lodging in the small, beach side town of Cerro Gordo. Day 1 is dedicated to getting to know each other and learning about our upcoming projects. We also take a break to explore beautiful Old San Juan with our professional guide, Alvin. We tour Puerto Rico’s many historic sites including the old fort of “El Morro” and the Rio Piedras market with its colorful murals and paintings.

The next day we are ready to dig into our community service work in nearby Villa del Río. This close-knit village consists of relocated families that are rebuilding and fortifying their homes- they are thrilled to have students come join them in work. We spend the next four days fortifying homes and getting to know community members. The projects we work on will improve infrastructure for families to withstand a future hurricane and also recover more efficiently. Each late afternoon/evening, we enjoy group activities such as swimming at local beaches, practicing “La Bomba” dance moves, and participating in various intercultural activities.

We visit a tropical rainforest research station, where we get our hands dirty with some environmental service work. While working in conjunction with a local Puerto Rican non-profit, we assist in the preservation of Puerto Rico’s endemic plant and animal species. The research station is also a sustainable tree farm, so we help with local reforestation efforts. In the afternoon, we hike to a stunning swimming hole and waterfall to cool off.

On our final day, we take a guided hike through the El Yunque tropical rainforest. We enjoy a final, celebratory dinner, providing time for reflections and memories. Punctuating the trip is an evening kayak through the magnificent bioluminescent bay. On Day 8, we depart from home.

There is no chaperoned group flight for this program. Airfare is not included in the tuition. We will provide a recommended window of arrival and departure times for the group.

Please note that this itinerary is subject to change.

SAVE A SPACE FOR 1 Week!

Tech free programs:.

Global Works does not allow phones/internet-capable devices on our summer programs. We believe this enhances group cohesion and allows students to be fully present to their experience.

Service Projects

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Community Building & Service

Complete home construction projects with families in the community of Villa del Rio

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Environmental Restoration & Volunteering

Partner with our friends who operate a non-profit dedicated to sustainable forestry and rainforest enrichment projects

Adventure & Cultural Activities

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Bioluminescent Bay Sea Kayak

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Explore historic El Morro and Old San Juan

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Beach Adventure

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CERRO GORDO

The “Big Yellow House” is the Global Works Puerto Rico base and is perfect for groups! Students stay four to ten per room in bunk rooms with private baths, and share in the cooking responsibilities. Our home is on an acre of land with sand volleyball courts, group meeting space, and is a 5-minute walk to pristine beaches.

The final evening is spent at a small, locally run hotel in Fajardo, a convenient distance from both the evening kayak excursion and the San Juan International airport.

Reviews & Testimonials

Great itineraries, great trip leaders and great home staff who really care.

- Susan L., Mother of Connor M., Puerto Rico Participant

My Global Works trip was something unique, opened my eyes, and made an important impact on my life.

- Puerto Rico Participant

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Our objective is to make your experience as simple as it can be. No client is too small or large for us. If you're looking to rent a roll-off dumpster at the lowest price, we can help. After you schedule with us, we will have your dumpster at the desired location on time. Simply contact us again once the unit is full, and we will come to collect it right away. It's easy to rent a dumpster in Pinellas County FL. *Lowest prices in Pinellas County *No up-charge on dump fees *You only pay for what you dump *Family/local owned & operated …

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10 of The Best Yellow Luggage: Stand Out at the Airport

If you’re looking specifically for a yellow suitcase, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide will show you ten of the best yellow suitcases money can buy, ranging from affordable options to luxury luggage. 

At A Glance: Best Yellow Luggage

  • Best Yellow Carry-On Monos Carry-On Jump To Review
  • Best Yellow Duffel Bag Samsonite Paradiver Wheeled Duffel Jump To Review
  • Best Yellow Hardside Case Travelpro Maxlite Air Jump To Review
  • Best Yellow Luggage Set Ginza Travel Spinner Luggage Jump To Review

I’ve included hardside luggage, softside luggage, and luggage sets so that there’s something for everyone. One thing all the cases featured here have in common is that they’re all in various shades of yellow, ranging from a subtle champagne color to a very bright and pigmented yellow!

Top Product Overview

Top products, monos carry-on.

Monos is one of the best luggage brands out there, known for sleek and simple designs and excellent build quality. The brand offers just one collection of luggage made from durable Polycarbonate, with six size options. The collection includes four carry-on suitcases and two checked cases, all of which are available in a dozen different colors, including a lovely pastel yellow dubbed Banana Pudding.

This suitcase is Monos’ international carry-on . It’s 22” tall, which means that most worldwide airlines will accept it as a cabin bag, except for maybe some budget and local airlines. There’s also a larger version of the carry-on available (24”), but that size won’t be accepted inside the cabin with most international airlines.

Additionally, both Monos carry-ons are available in versions with and without a front pocket. The standard carry-on offers more packing space inside, but the front pocket version is much better for staying organized and keeping items easily accessible.

In terms of regular suitcase features, this premium luggage has everything you’d expect. It’s got a TSA-friendly lock, double spinner wheels, a height-adjustable wheel handle, and two spacious packing compartments. One side features a full panel divider inside, while the other has a height-adjustable padded divider. There are multiple zippered pockets inside this luggage.

  • Excellent build quality
  • Double spinner wheels
  • Height-adjustable wheel handle
  • TSA friendly lock
  • Internal pockets and dividers
  • The capacity is not expandable

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 22" × 14" × 9"
  • Weight: 7.01 lb
  • Capacity: 39.9 liters

Samsonite Proxis

Samsonite is known for manufacturing top-quality luggage and this yellow Proxis is no exception. It is one of the more luxurious Samsonite suitcases you will find on their website.

The Proxis uses one of Samsonite’s latest materials: Roxkin™. It is a super lightweight and robust polypropylene material that bounces when you jump on it. This suitcase is going to last you for a decade or more!

Not only that, but these are some of the lightest suitcases in the Samsonite collection.

The entire Proxis collection is available in three colors: Honey Gold, Black and Petrol Blue. The Honey Gold one is the one I am calling Yellow :>

You can get the Proxis in four different sizes too:

  • Medium Spinner
  • Large Spinner
  • Extra-large Spinner

The Samsonite Proxis luggage is equipped with smooth double-spinner wheels, TSA-friendly locks, and a strong telescopic handle. The luggage features a zippered closure, but it does not have an expandable capacity.

The interior of the Samsonite Proxis-on is divided into two packing compartments with a silky smooth material inside each of them.

  • Premium build quality
  • Stageless wheel handle
  • Roxkin polypropylene shell
  • Buttery smooth materials inside
  • TSA-friendly lock
  • Not expandable
  • Dimensions: 23.6 x 16.3 x 9.3 inches
  • Weight: 4.72 lbs
  • Medium Spinner:
  • Dimensions: 27.2 x 18.9 x11.4 inches
  • Weight: 6.92 lbs
  • Large Spinner:
  • Dimensions: 30.7 x 18.9 x 12.6 inches
  • Weight: 7.52 lbs
  • X-Large Spinner:
  • Dimensions: 31.9 x 22.4 x11.4 inches
  • Weight: 8.77 lbs

Samsonite Paradiver Wheeled Duffel

Samsonite Duffle with 2 Wheels S (55 cm-48.5 L), Yellow (Yellow)

The Paradiver wheeled duffel bag is an interesting option. If you’re a bit bored with traditional suitcases, this might just be what you’re looking for. One major advantage of this duffel bag is that you can roll it around on the wheels, but you can also hook up the shoulder strap and carry it like a traditional duffel.

The transport variety is great because it makes the bag suitable for use in different scenarios. The softshell construction is another advantage of this duffel; it’s made from 600D polyester with a PU coating. The body of the duffel bag has excellent water resistance, plus the softshell construction means you get external pockets and compartments, which is a rarity on hardshells.

The wheel handle is single-barrel, so it’s lighter than a standard suitcase telescopic handle. It’s also stowable and has its own zippered compartment. The duffel does not feature any type of lock on the body, but the zippers are lockable and you could always use a TSA-friendly padlock.

This Samsonite duffel bag is available in two sizes – 22” and 31”. The carry-on size of the duffel is amazing because it’s under 5 lbs, so it’s lighter than most cabin suitcases. At the same time, this duffel has just under 50 liters of packing capacity, whereas most carry-on suitcases offer 40 liters or even less.

On top of that, you get a bunch of internal and external pockets, as well as grab handles on the top, side, and bottom.

  • Large capacity
  • Lightweight construction
  • Stowable wheel handle
  • Multiple carry options
  • Internal and external pockets
  • No spinner wheels
  • Dimensions: 21.65” x 15.75” x 7.87”
  • Weight: 4.84 lbs
  • Capacity: 48.5 liters

Travelpro Maxlite Air

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Carry on Luggage, 8 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Hard Shell Polycarbonate Suitcase, Champagne, Carry On 21-Inch

The Maxlite Air luggage collection is an excellent option for frequent travelers, and I really hope that this beautiful champagne color counts as yellow. It has a yellowish hue by definition (yes, I looked it up in the dictionary), which absolutely counts in my book.

The luggage specs are completely worth compromising a bit on the color. The Maxlite suitcases are made from 100% polycarbonate, for excellent durability and flexibility. But they’re also very lightweight, with a carry-on weight of just a little over 6 lbs!

This TravelPro luggage features double spinner wheels, a height-adjustable wheel handle, a TSA-friendly lock, and expandable capacity. Both packing compartments are lined with water-resistant lining made from recycled plastic bottles, plus they both have zippered dividers with pockets. This luggage allows for easy organization, in addition to premium build quality.

Also, with grab handles at the top, side, and bottom, this luggage will be very easy to pick up and place in overhead bins.

The Maxlite Air suitcases are available in three sizes – 21”, 25”, and 28”, at least in this beautiful champagne color. It’s worth noting that these numbers indicate the sizes of their cases, and you should add an extra 2” to account for the wheels and handles.

  • Expandable capacity
  • Zippered pockets inside
  • Polycarbonate construction
  • Not the most pigmented shade of yellow
  • The carry-on is over 22” tall
  • Dimensions: 23” x 14.5” x 9.5”
  • Weight: 6.3 lbs
  • Capacity: Not specified

Bric’s Luggage Ulisse Spinner Suitcase

Bric's B|Y Ulisse 21-Inch Spinner - Luxury Carry-On Luggage With Spinner Wheels - Hard Shell Suitcases Made From Durable Polypropylene and Polycarbonate - Mango

Bric’s Luggage is another high-end luggage brand known for its quality materials and beautiful designs. The Ulisse collection of luggage is made from Polypropylene, and the design of the lines on the shell is inspired by Milan’s underground trains. It’s certainly a unique suitcase, and it’s available in a bright yellow color.

Polypropylene isn’t the most durable material for hardside luggage, but it certainly is the lightest. This luggage weighs just 5.9 lbs, which is impressive considering that its capacity can be expanded to 45 liters. Additionally, the Ulisse suitcase is 21” tall with wheels and handles, thanks to the recessed design of the double-spinner wheels.

That means that nearly all international airlines will accept it as a cabin bag, making it a great option for people who fly frequently. This luggage also features a TSA-approved lock, a telescopic wheel handle, expandable capacity, and a built-in USB port.

The interior of the suitcase is fully lined with tie-down straps in one compartment and a full-panel divider in the other. The top compartment has a zippered pocket on the divider, while the bottom compartment has a dedicated bag for shoes or laundry.

  • Lightweight polypropylene shell
  • Recessed spinner wheels
  • Built-in USB port
  • Not the most durable option
  • Dimensions: 21” x 14” x 9”
  • Weight: 5.9 lbs
  • Capacity: 40 liters

American Tourister Soundbox Spinner Luggage

AMERICAN TOURISTER S 41 L, Yellow (Golden Yellow), Small (55 cm-41 Litre)

The Soundbox spinner suitcase is another great option if you want bright yellow luggage. American Tourister is owned by Samsonite, so you can expect the brand’s luggage to be of really good quality. This suitcase is made from polypropylene, a very lightweight material with excellent durability.

It’s not quite as tough as polycarbonate, but it doesn’t have to be if it’s a carry-on. The weight is more important, and this carry-on luggage weighs just 5.7 lbs, which is pretty great for a suitcase with a capacity that expands up to 41 liters.

This is an international carry-on that 40+ airlines will accept on board their planes. The luggage also features smooth spinner wheels, a telescopic wheel handle, and a TSA-friendly lock, for maximum convenience.

The suitcase interior is divided into two packing compartments. The top compartment has a zippered divider with a pocket, while the bottom compartment features elastic ribbons and a small zippered pocket. Overall, it’s not the most special suitcase out of the bunch, but it is a good and affordable option.

  • Lightweight polypropylene construction
  • TSA-approved lock
  • Internal pockets
  • Not extremely durable
  • One of the smaller carry-ons
  • Dimensions: 7.87” x 15.75” x 21.65”
  • Weight: 5.7 lbs
  • Capacity: 35.5 liters

Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade

Kenneth Cole REACTION Renegade Luggage Expandable 8-Wheel Spinner Lightweight Hardside Suitcase, Honey Butter, 20-Inch Carry On

Kenneth Cole is mostly a fashion brand from New York. Luggage is just one of the many different items they manufacture, and they’re a good choice if you want stylish but inexpensive luggage.

The Renegade collection is made from ABS plastic, which is one factor behind the affordable prices. ABS plastic is the cheapest material for luggage because it’s not very flexible, and it often breaks upon heavy impact. However, the luggage from Kenneth Cole has reinforcements on all corners, which significantly improves its durability.

The suitcase is equipped with double spinner wheels, a retractable wheel handle, expandable capacity, and lockable zippers. There’s no TSA-friendly lock on this luggage, but you can just use a TSA-approved padlock to secure the zipper in place.

The interior of this yellow suitcase features two fully lined packing compartments. The top compartment has a full-panel divider with zippered and open pockets, while the bottom compartment boasts an adjustable divider with two additional pockets.

Overall, this might not be the best luggage in terms of quality, but it’s certainly an excellent option for travelers on a tighter budget. Especially if you’re looking for carry-on luggage because the material doesn’t matter as much with cabin baggage.

  • Multiple internal pockets
  • Telescopic wheel handle
  • Great value for money
  • No locks on luggage
  • ABS plastic isn’t extremely durable
  • Dimensions: 22" x 14” x 9"
  • Weight: 7.65 lbs

Mixi Carry On Luggage

mixi Carry On Luggage Airline Approved 20'' Lightweight Luggage Wide Handle PC Hardshell Suitcases with Spinner Wheels & TSA Lock, Lark Yellow

The Mixi carry-on luggage is a great option if you want a durable suitcase that stands out with its features, and not just the color. This is a beautiful pale yellow that will certainly get you a few compliments, but it’s also an international carry-on made from polycarbonate for excellent durability.

The luggage is special because it features a wide wheel handle that protrudes very little into the main packing compartment. The handle tubes are along the edges of the suitcase, making it much easier to pack inside the bottom compartment.

Both packing compartments feature full panel dividers and zippered pockets for easy organization and neat packing. The suitcase also has a waterproof pocket for dirty or wet items on the top compartment’s divider. The capacity of this luggage is not expandable, which is pretty much the worst thing I can say about it.

Other features of the Mixi luggage include double spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and low-profile grab handles. All the zippers on the suitcase are YKK, so you’ll never have to worry about stuck or broken zippers.

Another great feature of this luggage is that both compartments are lined with antibacterial and odor-resistant lining. The Mixi yellow suitcase is available in the 20” carry-on size and a larger (24”) checked bag size.

  • TSA approved lock
  • Durable polycarbonate shell
  • Waterproof pocket
  • YKK zippers
  • Wide wheel handle
  • Dimensions: 13.78” x 8.86” x 21.65”
  • Weight: 7.5 lbs
  • Capacity: 39 liters

Ginza Travel Spinner Luggage

GinzaTravel PP material 3-piece luggage-set, expandable, lightweight hard luggage with spinner wheels & TSA lock, stylish luggage set (Yellow Color, 3-piece Set)

The Ginza Travel luggage is the best option for people who are on a tight budget but need multiple suitcases. A set of three yellow suitcases retails for less than $150, which is a little too good to be true. Especially because this luggage is supposed to be made from polycarbonate, which is by far the best material for hardside suitcases.

The set includes a 20” carry-on, a 24” medium checked bag, and a 28” large checked suitcase. The three sizes are enough to cover all your travel needs, ranging from weekend trips to stays of up to a month.

All the Ginza Travel luggage features TSA-friendly locks, double spinner wheels, reinforced corners, and low-profile grab handles. The wheel handle is retractable and quite sturdy, plus it features an ergonomic grip.

The interior of the luggage features an adjustable divider in the top compartment and tie-down straps in the bottom. The divider has two zippered pockets while the bottom compartment has additional zippered pockets, which is pretty good for keeping your belongings organized.

Overall, this set has some really good qualities, especially considering just how affordable it is. If you’re in a pinch and you can’t afford premium luggage, I would definitely recommend the Ginza Travel suitcases.

  • Low-profile grab handles
  • Reinforced corners
  • Very affordable
  • Dimensions: 22.5” x 15.5” x 9.25”
  • Weight: 6.5 lbs

SHOWKOO Luggage Set

SHOWKOO Luggage Sets Expandable PC+ABS Durable Suitcase Sets Double Wheels TSA Lock Yellow 3pcs

The Showkoo luggage set is another good option for all travelers on a tighter budget who can’t afford to think about brands like Rimowa. This luggage set includes three suitcases and it retails for less than $200, which is really good value for money. Especially since the suitcases are made from a mixture of ABS and Polycarbonate, so they’re far from cheap garbage.

All the luggage in this set is equipped with double spinner wheels, a TSA-friendly lock, a telescopic wheel handle, and low-profile grab handles. The two larger suitcases also have an expandable capacity, but the carry-on does not. That’s good in a way since it makes it that much harder for you to overpack your carry-on and go over the airline’s weight limit for cabin bags.

Additionally, the wheel handle is height adjustable and can be locked into multiple stages. This feature isn’t always included in more affordable luggage like this one, so it’s great that the Showokoo cases have it.

The interior of this luggage features two packing compartments with a full-panel zippered divider in one and elastic cross-straps in the other. The top compartment has two zippered pockets on the divider for easy organization, plus it’s worth noting that both compartments are fully lined.

Overall, this luggage set is good value for money, and the features are certainly on par with cases that are two or three times more expensive.

  • Expandable capacity on the checked bags
  • Carry-on luggage is not expandable
  • Not the sturdiest luggage shell
  • Included sizes: 20”, 24”, and 28”
  • Capacities: 33, 63, and 93 liters

What To Look For

Materials can make or break a suitcase, quite literally. The best material for hardside luggage is polycarbonate or polypropylene. Polycarbonate is the most durable option but polypropylene is much lighter, so it’s up to what you are prioritizing. ABS plastic is neither ultralight nor extra durable, but it’s a common choice for budget luggage.

Go with a hardside suitcase if you’re looking specifically for checked baggage, but consider soft-shell luggage if you’re in need of a good carry-on. The materials aren’t quite as important for carry-on luggage because it doesn’t get tortured nearly as much as checked baggage, so it ultimately leads to a longer life.

Also, the organizational features of softside luggage are just great on cabin baggage.

Choosing luggage that is just the right size is important for ensuring you actually use the bag frequently. Carry-on luggage is great for air travel and short trips, but you need to pay close attention to the dimensions of the suitcase. Most airlines won’t let you bring anything taller than 22” inside the cabin, so make sure that you’re getting a bag that’s small enough to be an international carry-on.

Checked luggage up to 24” works great for trips under two weeks, while cases that are 28” and bigger are ideal for travels longer than two weeks, or just for multiple people.

Are there any luggage features that you don’t want to compromise on, except for the yellow color? It could be expandable capacity, TSA locks, internal pockets, or even a height-adjustable wheel handle; just don’t settle for a bag that lacks the features you consider a must. You could end up not using the suitcase that often, which would just make it a waste of money.

Best Yellow Luggage: Our Top Picks

If you’re still not entirely sure which luggage would work best for you, I recommend going with one of my top picks depending on the style and material of luggage you want.

The Samsonite Paradiver duffel bag is an excellent option for people who aren’t in the market for a traditional suitcase. It’s a wheeled duffel so you’ve got multiple carrying options, and it’s a bit more versatile than a regular suitcase thanks to a variety of pockets. The duffel is made from excellent materials, it’s water resistant and available in multiple sizes that can work for both short and long trips.

  • Sustainable 600 x 600 denier polyester with polyurethane coatings
  • Top handle for easy access and lifting

The Monos Carry-On is great if you want a traditional hardside cabin suitcase. It’s international size, meaning that you’ll be able to bring it inside the cabin on most airlines throughout the world. The luggage is made from premium polycarbonate, it has all the features you would expect from a high-end suitcase, plus it’s available in a beautiful pastel shade of yellow.

The Maxlite Air luggage from Travelpro is the top option if you’re looking for checked luggage. The collection includes 25” and 28” with identical features, both of which are very lightweight and extremely durable.

The suitcases are a subtle champagne color that absolutely counts as yellow, and they’ve got all the features necessary for a smooth travel experience – spinner wheels, TSA locks, adjustable wheel handles, etc.

  • Carry-on luggage is sizer bin tested to fit in the overhead bins of most major domestic airlines while allowing for more packing capacity. 8 Spinner wheels rotate 360°, providing superior maneuverability and a smooth glide in every direction.
  • Carry on suitcase has low profile top and side carry handles along with bottom grip provide multiple carrying options. Roomy main compartment expands 2” to maximize packing capacity when needed.

Follow the links in the post to see more images of all the luggage featured here. On the off chance you’re interested in luggage in different colors, you’ll find some excellent options in our related posts!

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3 days in St Petersburg, Russia: a complete city guide and itinerary

3 days in St Petersburg, Russia: itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

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This mammoth 3 days in St Petersburg itinerary (and city guide in general) has taken me ages to write up. But it’s been so worth it to share all of my recommendations on what to do, see and eat in this gorgeous Russian city. Having spent an incredible 2 weeks in Russia this year and absolutely LOVING it, I’m now ready to convince everyone I know that they have to go. 

I actually spent nearly a week in St Petersburg after visiting Moscow , but only had a solid 3 days of full-on itinerary blocked in. The rest of the time, I winged it and found extra things as we went. So although you could cram all of this into 3 days and whiz through the city using it, you could also spread it out over longer. St Petersburg involves a lot of walking and you might want a few ‘rest days’.

I also have a whopping guide to travel in Russia generally , covering everything from how to get a Russian visa, to general food and drink tips, to safety stuff. And I also have a Moscow itinerary and giant guide to Moscow .

Get your glass of vodka and get reading 3 days in St Petersburg itinerary and city guide…

Please note that this travel guide is from 2018. For obvious reasons, I do not want to promote visiting Russia at the current time. I didn’t want to delete the guide as I hope one day Russia’s political situation will have changed and we can return to visiting this beautiful country.

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3 days in St Petersburg itinerary: day 1

Getting your bearings around nevsky prospekt.

So it’s day 1 and you’re up and out and ready to explore. Please note that I’m not including breakfast places in this because if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to sort that in your hotel or buy stuff to eat in your apartment.

The obvious place to start getting your bearings in St Petersburg is the bustling heart of the city, Nevsky Prospekt. It’s the main street, with loads going on and the inevitable accompanying crowds. If you’re not a fan of touristy areas, don’t let the hordes put you off. It’s worth seeing and the rest of the city isn’t as manic at all, so you only have to put up with it for this part. There are so many gorgeous buildings around the centre. One of my favourites was the bright pink Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace at Anichkov Bridge, so keep an eye out for that.

You’ll also notice plenty of shops and department stores around here. Regular readers will know that I adore shopping but I wouldn’t recommend looking in any of them here. It’s all expensive and anything affordable is just what you could get at home or anywhere so is a waste of time, like Zara.

Generally, I’d say to set aside an hour to take in the sights and sounds of the Nevsky Prospekt area on foot. You’ll naturally cover more of it during your time in St Petersburg, too. The best way to really get into the city is to do the following…

Boat tour – a highlight of your 3 days in St Petersburg

Ah, the instant regret of a boat tour in any major city. You’re feeling nice and warm, enjoying wearing a t-shirt and then decide it’s a good idea to go out onto freezing cold open water to experience a gale-force wind that you had no idea existed… But it’s a fact that a boat tour is a really nice way of understanding the layout and main sights of a city, especially one as big as St Petersburg, where you couldn’t easily cover it on foot in a short trip.

I massively recommend the English-language boat tour we found called Anglo Tourismo . Strangely, this was one thing we’d not researched beforehand and ended up picking it then and there based on a quick check online. You can buy tickets at the booth on Anichkov Bridge for about 1,200 rubles. 

It was excellent, and I wasn’t even that cold. Sort of. Definitely a good thing to do on your first day, and if you only have 2 or 3 days in St Petersburg, you’re going to see lots of the city from a beautiful perspective without wasting too much time getting about.

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Lunch: Eliseyev Emporium

After your boat tour, it’ll no doubt be time for lunch. It’s only a short walk to Eliseyev Emporium , the most unique experience I had in St Petersburg.

It’s a sort of café meets food hall within an Art Nouveau building (1902/3) on Nevsky Prospekt, with a very distinctive facade and all sorts of madness going on in the window displays. There are lots of animated characters playing in a band in the window, which means you get people stood outside watching. They’re not usually queuing to get in, so don’t be deterred.

Inside, you’re met with a sort of tsar-ist opulence. There are deli counters selling all sorts of bakery goods, chocolates, meats, cheeses and wines, all set against the usual Russian amount of gold. Everything is dipped in gold! It’s so extra. I love it. Imagine a Russian version of Harrod’s but a million times more exciting. Oh and featuring a giant pineapple-like palm tree as a centrepiece with tables set around it. Of course.

If it’s your first visit to Russia or you just want to fully get into the experience, go for traditional herring and potatoes with vodka. Once you’ve had lunch, it’s also a good place to pick up presents for home because there are lots of small tinned goods and mini vodkas that will fit nicely into your luggage. 

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Summer Garden

Walk off your lunch by heading out of the city via the Summer Palace and Gardens. If you don’t want to walk, get the metro to Gostiny Dvor station, cross Nevsky Prospekt and head up Sadovaya Ulitsa until you get to St. Michael’s Castle. One of the two entrances is just behind the castle, across the canal.

The Summer Garden was especially gorgeous when I was there, featuring lots of amazing floral archways designed for people to pose in front of for photographs. Classic Russia – everyone is always posing for a photo. I never feel daft there getting pictures for the blog!

There are loads of fountains here too, if you’re into them. The actual Summer Palace is pretty modest by Russian standards (wait until you see the normal palaces further down this blog post…). It’s a Dutch-inspired two-storey house really, but pretty nonetheless. It was completed in 1714 and Peter the Great moved in with his fam. It’s now a museum, featuring some of their furniture and clothes and that. We didn’t go in because it was such a hot day that I didn’t want to waste the sunshine by being inside, but I imagine it’d be worth popping in if you wanted.

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Peter and Paul Fortress

After wandering through the gardens, head to the Peter and Paul Fortress . It’s a 20-minute walk over the bridge, or the nearest metro station to the fortress is Gorkovskaya and you can get there from Nevskiy Prospekt on line 2, then walk to the fortress from Gorkovskaya. The whole thing should take about 25 mins.

Inside the fortress, the main spectacle is the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which is made of lovely yellow brickwork and set in a big courtyard. There are plenty of other buildings too and a museum, but the best things are just walking around taking it all in and the view looking across the water to the ‘mainland’. 

If you want to stop for a drink and cake at the fortress, I’d recommend Korushka . It could easily be an awful touristy rip off given its location, but it’s actually lovely.

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Hare today, gone tomorrow

To enter the Peter and Paul Fortress, you walk across Ioannovsky Bridge. You’ll see a log sticking out of the water with a little bronze sculpture of a hare on it. The island that the fortress is on is known as Hare Island, hence this little guy cropping up a lot there.

Before humans came along and plonked a massive fortress on it, the island was mostly a swamp and home to lots of hares minding their own business. Legend has it that during a particularly bad flood, a hare was afraid of drowning and leaped into Peter the Great’s boot (he of Summer Palace fame). The hare was then saved, and the island got its name. But they still destroyed the hares’ home by building all over it because humans. ANYWAY. The hare sculpture in the water has a tradition attached to it. You have to try to throw a coin onto the top of the log the hare stands on. If the coin lands on it and doesn’t roll off, your wish will be granted!

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Evening meal and drinks in New Holland Island

It’s easiest to get a Yandex taxi to New Holland if you’re tired, but the nearest metro is Admiralteyskaya if you’ve got the energy left for a 30-minute walk.

Anyway. Hello, another island. But a lot different and more modern than the Hare Island.

New Holland Island was human-made in the 1700s as a naval port, but it now looks like an image you’d expect to find in the dictionary under ‘hipster redevelopment’. Although it’s obviously meant to be like Holland, it felt just like being in Scandinavia and had a big Copenhagen vibe to it, which I obviously loved as that’s my favourite city ever.

There’s a circular courtyard full of eateries and bars, canals, outdoor seating, a communal herb garden (of course!), a little boating lake, and some gorgeous independent shops. Have I mentioned yet how good the fashion is in Russia? I think I banged on about it quite a lot in my Moscow posts. There’s also lots of stuff going on like theatre productions and gigs on a pavilion, and seasonal things as well. As I’m writing this (months after my summer visit), there’s apparently an ice rink in the gardens there.

By the time you’ve mooched round the shops and grounds of New Holland, you’ll probably be ready for a feed. I really loved Pho N Roll , for Vietnamese street food. If you’re there in summer, take your scran to the outdoor seats for a good people-watching opportunity. Because everyone is so well dressed in Russia, the whole place is just made for a good people-watch. Then after eating, I highly recommend a frolic and photo opportunity in the herb garden…

3 days in St Petersurg, Russia_ a complete city guide and itinerary

3 days in St Petersburg itinerary: day 2

Day trip: tsarskoye selo and the very extra catherine palace.

Day 2 and it’s day trip out time. Brace yourself for this one. It’s a biggie, in every sense.

I think Tsarskoye Selo is probably the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen and definitely the best palace ever. Soz Versailles and Schönbrunn, but you’ve got nothing on this bad boy.

I liked it much better than St Petersburg’s other palace, Peterhof (see further down this post). So if you’re debating between the two, this one gets my vote, for what it’s worth.

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Getting to Tsarskoye Selo 

Take the suburban train from Vitebsk Station to Pushkin Station, which takes about 30 mins. You can then walk (it’s a bit of a trek) or get the bus, either 371 or 382, to the park gates.

At the time of writing (but do check), the interior of the palace is closed on Tuesdays and the last Monday of each month. We went on a Tuesday because I’m not that into interiors (although obviously Catherine’s gaff is bound to be spectacular and features a whole room of amber) and the weather was great so we wanted to be outside. This meant that it was a LOT quieter than it would be on a day when the palace itself is open.

As you can see from the photos, it wasn’t crowded at all and that’s what I’m all about.   

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A bit about the palace

Tsarskoye Selo is actually the name of the town the palace is in but a lot of people seem to call the palace it too. To confuse matters further, the town is also known as Pushkin.

The palace itself is actually called Catherine Palace, after Catherine I of Russia, who obviously had amazing bougie taste in Rococo architecture and an addiction to painting everything gold. I definitely approve.

I don’t know if it was helped by the 28-degree heat and sunshine, but when we entered the palace grounds and saw this beast, I was pure flabbergasted. Just look at it! I knew it was going to be blue (and obvs wore a blue maxi dress to blend in) but not that blue. And all the gold! Incredible scenes.

“Oh hi, come in! Yeah, we’ve had a bit of work done on the porch. Just a lick of paint really.”

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The grounds of the Catherine Palace (and lunch)

Having taken roughly 721 photos of the palace itself, we headed into its huge grounds (1,400 acres). As much as I loved the palace building itself, the grounds are absolutely stunning. There are various buildings in them like a pavilion and a boathouse, all in the matching blue and gold design. Then there’s a gorgeous big lake you can walk around, before entering into pinewoods and meadows with streams flowing through them. 

All the meadowland in the grounds was really the highlight for me. It felt like we’d entered another world, some kind of fairytale idyll. I’m sure it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as good if it had been full of people, which is another thumbs-up for coming on a Tuesday.

We spent hours walking through the grounds, only breaking it up by popping into the on-site café for lunch, which was inside a boathouse on the edge of a lake. It was called the Admiralty Restaurant (linking to TripAdvisor there as it doesn’t seem to have its own website). 

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Viewing Tsarskoye Selo from a rooftop vodka bar

After spending pretty much the entire day walking (30,000 steps!) round the palace grounds, I was crippled by my sandals and in need of a sit.

We stumbled across this bar, which also happened to be hosting a wedding downstairs. Tempting as it was to do a Busted and crash that, we instead went to the rooftop bar. It was in a sort of little tower and you could see for miles from the top. I can’t find the name of it (Google just lists ‘Vodka bar’!) but if you want to find it, it’s here . I highly recommend it for the views, if not the vodka. Soz Russia, I just can’t enjoy it on its own, as much as I tried…

After forcing down some vodka, admiring the view, and completely ruining my hair in the wind up there, it was time to limp back to the train station and head back into the centre.

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Evening meal: back on the brilliant Georgian cuisine

After completely falling in love with Georgian food in Moscow the week before, I’d researched a few Georgian places to have it again in St Petersburg. By far my favourite was Kakha Bar , which was right by where we were staying.

Before I went to Russia, I’d heard loads about the Russian’s deep-rooted love affair with Georgian cuisine. Georgian food involves loads of veggie/vegan options, including delicious dips/hummus and all sorts of creations involving aubergines, so I was very excited about this. It lived up to expectations both in Moscow and in St Petersburg. It’s also some of the most beautiful food ever in terms of presentation, especially at Kakha Bar. 

I was so glad this place was very close to our apartment… with the ridiculous quantity of food and having crippled myself walking 30,000 steps in sandals, I was in no state to venture far afterwards.

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3 days in St Petersburg itinerary: day 3

Grand maket russia: the best model railway in the world.

Even if you think you have zero interest in model railways, this should impress you. 

Grand Maket is Russia’s answer to Germany’s Miniatur Wunderland in Hambur g, all 800 m² of it. Miniatur Wunderland is Germany’s most popular tourist attraction and famous around the world as being the best model railway ever. When we went, I was very impressed with it. But I have to say, St Petersburg outdid it with Grand Maket. The attention to detail was better, the crowd control was better (no hordes of screaming kids pushing in) and it had far more amusing little scenes in it that really appealed to me.

How to visit Grand Maket model railway

Tickets cost 480 rubles, and the ticket office is open from 10.00 to 19.30. It’s out of the way but easy to get to by taking the metro to station Moskovskiye Vorota, then walking. You can easily spend an hour or more there.

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The details

Whereas Miniatur Wunderland focuses on different European cities, Grand Maket covers Russia’s vast and varied terrain. All of Russia’s time zones are included, as well as all the major cities. Like I said further up, it has way more amusing little scenes. I’ve included some of them below.

There was a funeral, a woman kicking her husband out of their apartment and chucking his clothing out of the window, the tourist boat tour as mentioned in this post further up full of people taking pictures, lots of car accidents, a tree surgeon cutting the branch off he’s sitting on (labelled simply ‘idiot’ and comes from a famous Russian proverb ‘do not saw the branch you’re sitting on’!), and best of all, Putin riding a bear naked through the Russian wilderness. These are just a few of them, but there are loads more I didn’t manage to capture on camera.

It’s honestly so so good. There are plenty of buttons you can press as you go round, which set off things like discos in clubs, fire engines squirting water onto blazing buildings, and a steam train pumping out real smoke that you could actually smell!

The light goes from day, to evening, to night, to morning again at around 15-minute intervals, so you get to see different things depending on the ‘time’. I could have spent all day there.

I particularly loved the apartment blocks against the glass so you could see inside them and all the decor and what the people were up to. It reminded me of Jill Barklem’s Brambly Hedge books only with humans instead of mice. I appreciate this is a niche reference that will alienate 99% of my readership. You’re welcome.

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Lunch: a Soviet-style experience in a ‘stolovaya’ – an unmissable thing in your 3 days in St Petersburg itinerary

If you’ve not already done a stolovaya in Russia, now’s your chance. Stolovaya #1 is my stolovaya of choice in St Petersburg. You can get to it from Grand Maket by taking the metro from Tsvetochnaya to Nevsky Prospekt and then a short walk. 

Stolovayas are self-service canteens that are popular with Russians and tourists alike. They’re ridiculously cheap, the food is simple but delicious and I couldn’t believe what a good quality sizeable meal you can get for around £4.

Also, they’re an important part of Soviet history so it’s interesting to still be able to visit them. They started in the 1920s as a new programme of public catering facilities. Today, despite McDonalds and the like being everywhere, locals still flock to stolovayas.

Point at what you want or load it into your own tray as you go around. No botched attempts at Russian required! I highly recommend finding some traditional Russian brioche pies. I became dangerously obsessed with those during our trip, as all my skinny jeans will attest too. If you’re only doing 2 or 3 days in St Petersburg, I recommend at least one of these a day…

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Time for the big daddy: the state Hermitage 

Now, there are two options here:

  • If your trip to St Petersburg includes being there on a Wednesday/Friday , you’re in luck. The Hermitage is open late on those days (or it is at the time of writing – do check!) so you have the option to do it in the evening until 21.00. Evenings are apparently a bit quieter. But also, because it’s all indoors, it’s a good use of an evening when it may be darker and colder outside. So if you can do the late-opening option, I’d save your last afternoon to do some shopping and then do the Hermitage later on. Side note: My shopping centre of choice in St Petersburg is this one : it’s easy to get to and it has a massive branch of Reserved, which I adore and we only have online in the UK. More on shopping in Russia in my Moscow post .
  • If your trip doesn’t include being there on a Wednesday/Friday , 100% use your last afternoon to do the Hermitage and do something else in the evening after it (my suggestion would be drinking craft beer).

For the sake of this being a flexible itinerary, I’m going to carry on writing as if it’s not a Wednesday/Friday. I hope all this makes sense.

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How to visit the Hermitage

Anyway, late-opening options aside, let’s discuss the Hermitage ! If you’re wondering about the name, by the way, obviously it’s not home to a hermit. But it was initially given this name because of its exclusivity. In its early days, only very few people were allowed to visit. Now, it’s full of tourists. But don’t let that put you off. It’s one of the best things I saw in Russia.

It’s quite the spectacle and bloody massive. So you’ll need at least 2 hours to tackle even a portion of it. It’s the second-largest museum in the world (after the Louvre), so get your Converse or similar comfy shoes on for this one.

We bought tickets on the door, but you can book online (which is slightly more expensive at 700 rubles per person).

To get there, take the metro to Admiralteyskaya and walk from there. It’s not far at all, which is a good thing because the Hermitage itself involves a lot of trotting to get around its insane amount of rooms.

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Gold overload

Much like the Catherine Palace, you’re in for a lot of gold in the Hermitage. And a lot of very impressive ceilings, chandeliers and walls. I don’t even know where to begin describing it. You just have to go. You’ll never see everything in one afternoon/evening, so if you’re particularly interested in something then do a bit of research on the official website before you go and pick up a map at the entrance.

Look out for the giant solid gold peacock clock. There’s a sentence I wasn’t ever expecting to type. It’s a mechanical beast that does a display to show the time, although they don’t seem to have it running, probably to preserve it. 

You can do organised tours of the Hermitage, but for once I wouldn’t recommend that. It’s really good to wander it at your own pace. Personally, I can’t stick portraits of old dead kings and whatnot, so whizzed past that kind of stuff to spend more time with the more interesting things like the Malachite room (see photo above with the green thing), the Jordan staircase, and the Pavilion room. The Raphael Loggia (below) was another highlight. There was loads of ancient stuff on the ground floor that we didn’t even contemplate doing. So pick whatever you like and focus on that. It’s all incredibly impressive.

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Evening meal: Mickey & Monkeys 

I found the gorgeous Mickey & Monkeys place through a recommendation from another travel blogger. I can’t for the life of me remember who it was, so if it was you, THANK YOU. We adored this place. After being absolutely overwhelmed and knackered from traipsing round the Hermitage, we were starving.

The nearest metro stop is Spasskaya.

Mickey & Monkeys does burgers, freakshakes (you know those OTT milkshakes made for Instagram), cocktails, and incredible cakes/desserts. It’s not traditional Russian, but at this point in the trip I’d done a lot of that so was interested in where the hipster locals go. And seemingly, they were all in here. I’ve never seen so many beards and jam jars in one restaurant.

The food was glorious, and really reasonably priced. The decor was equally gorgeous. Exposed brick, a golden fake dinosaur skeleton hanging above the bar, chess-board-style tiled floors, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto the street outside. Again, perfect for a people watch. They also did a great Aperol Spritz and an even greater lavender eclair, which I deffo didn’t need after seeing off a giant veggie burger. But when on holiday…

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Evening drinks: craft beer o’clock

I highly recommend sampling St Petersburg’s craft beer scene at some point during your St Petersburg itinerary. Some of my favourite bars around the city included:

  • BeerGeek – nearest metro: Mayakovskaya (This was my favourite. Excellent sours and the staff were great!)
  • TopHops – nearest metro: Dostoyevskaya
  • BeerHERE – nearest metro: Chkalovskaya
  • BottleNeck Beer Authority – nearest metro: Admiralteyskaya.

Russia is  such a craft beer destination and I don’t know why this isn’t more well known here in the UK. I don’t think it’ll stay a secret for much longer. Both Moscow and Saint Petersburg have a massively established scene with lots of cool bars and microbreweries you can’t get elsewhere. Really interesting and great for my personal favourite, sours.

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And if you have an extra day or want to do another day trip from St Petersburg…

Day trip: peterhof summer palace and gardens.

Peterhof is a stunning palace and estate, but have to admit, I much preferred the Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo. The colour was more striking, the grounds were wilder (can’t get enough of those meadows), and the crowds (because of our tactical timing) were a lot thinner.

Peterhof is still hugely impressive though, like Versaille with extra fountains. Seriously, the fountains are something else. Apparently there are over 60 of them. Note that they’re only switched on from early May to early October, so it would be a less exciting fountainy experience in other months.

Like the Catherine Palace, Peterhof can take up most of the day. It’s also on the water, so that’s a really nice added bonus, but be aware it’s absolutely FULL of mosquitoes. 

How to get to Peterhof

There are a few options but the main two are:

  • the train from Baltiskiy Station to Novy Peterhof (45 mins) then walk (about 20 mins) or get a bus (about 10 mins) to the gates
  • the hydrofoil from the Hermitage wharf, across the Gulf of Finland, to the jetty (about 30 mins); this option is only available in summer so do check.

We got the train as it was less busy. All the tourists seemed to opt for the seafaring option. Note that the train was kind of like being in an oven in 30-degree heat, so if you’re there in the height of summer do bear that in mind.

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White Nights: something to add to your 3 days in St Petersburg itinerary if you visit in June

I’ve tried not to make this 3 days in St Petersburg itinerary too time-dependent, but I can’t finish it off without mentioning this.

One of the most surreal things about my visit to St Petersburg in summer was experiencing the White Nights.

This is the period during summer when the city stays light late into the night, with very white skies. It was about 23.30 in this picture below! White Nights usually runs through mid-June to the beginning of July, but do check because specific start/end dates vary each year. During the period, the city is alive 24 hours a day and museums/restaurants/bars all stay open later, while festivals and gigs go on. If you’re only doing 2 or 3 days in St Petersburg, doing it during White Nights is a proper experience.

The city’s drawbridges get raised in the night, taking boat cruises on the Neva River after 1am. This is a big deal and people flock to watch the bridges go up, but if you’re knackered from walking all day then it’s good just to wander the city’s many canals earlier in the night. There’s a proper hyped-up atmosphere and everyone is in a sort of euphoria, having lost all sense of time. 

3 days in St Petersurg, Russia_ a complete city guide and itinerary

3 days in St Petersburg itinerary – useful information for your trip

Where to stay in st petersburg.

I can’t recommend where we stayed enough. Grey House is a gorgeous set of apartments on Rubinshteyna. Ours was the red apartment and it had a traditional Russian stove, a huge bed, big en suite and a huge fitted wardrobe for all our rubbish. It was decorated in a sort of modern take on traditional Russian and I LOVED it.

The location couldn’t have been better because it was in a courtyard of apartments set back off Rubinshteyna street, so really quiet, yet the street had all the best bars and places to eat just outside. It’s on the third floor of the apartment block, but there’s a very old lift in full working order for getting luggage up and down.

We had a superior double room because we were feeling extra (about £75 per night) but you can do a normal double for £57 per night. Breakfast can be included but we opted out.

I very rarely rave about places to stay but this one and where we stayed in Moscow were both great, so I was pretty happy with Russian accommodation overall. 

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How to get around St Petersburg

St Petersburg is famous for its metro system. I wouldn’t say it’s as exciting as Moscow’s if you’ve been there too, but it did the trick and some of the stations are almost as stunning. Each trip is 45 rubles. We got a 5-day pass for our trip, but they do various options, including a 3-day one (which I think was 340 rubles) for if you’re only doing 3 days in St Petersburg.

We also ended up using the trolley buses a bit, which were really handy. A ticket is 40 rubles and you pay as you get on usually.

When to go to St Petersburg

We went in June and it was HOT. I mean, hot. Think 30 degrees in the evening. I actually loved the heat, despite being sick from it one of the days. It wasn’t humid and gross and I got to wear dresses with no tights every day. But if you’re not into fake tanning/shaving your legs every day (it did get a bit much TBH) and would prefer to be slightly less sweaty, I imagine the shoulder seasons would be a nice temperature – May or September maybe.

The biggest draw for going in June is of course White Nights. I wouldn’t have changed a thing about that choice, sweat included.

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Save and share: 3 days in St Petersburg itinerary

If you enjoyed this blog post on 3 days in St Petersburg, Russia and how to do your itinerary, why not hover over one of the images below and pin to your Pinterest board? (Desktop only).

3 days in St Petersurg, Russia_ a complete city guide and itinerary

You might also like my other Russia posts:

  • 45 things to do in Moscow, Russia
  • 4 days in Moscow, Russia: a city guide and itinerary
  • 38 things to do in St Petersburg, Russia
  • Everything you need to know to plan a trip to Russia.

If you’ve used one of my travel guides and enjoyed it, you can also buy me a drink . Cheers. 

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16 comments.

Love this. Have you got a new camera? I’ve also done Miniature Wunderland and have never heard of Grand Makket. All I can say is omg… xx

Hiya, no new camera but I’m using Lightroom now so everything looks a bit more profesh! You have to do Grand Maket. I’m considering sharing this blogpost in model railway groups but not sure I can cope with the inevitable abuse haha x

Whoa! Catherine Palace looks phenomenal! I’ve never really known anything about St Petersburg so this is really insightful. It looks like a fantastic city to explore.

I loved Moscow even more but yes SPB is amazing!

I’ve always wanted to go here. The architecture is stunning, and everything is so colorful and beautiful. A dream trip for sure

Brilliant post. The place is amazing!

St. Petersburg looks like an amazing city with its beautiful gardens, colorful buildings and churches! You convinced me, I would love to visit here one day! 😁

That´s an awesome wright up! And definitely worth it although it took you a while! It looks like I´ll go to Russia next year and this will help to prepare myself for this trip!

Thanks! I take it you mean write up but that did make me laugh! 🙂

The colours of all the buildings are just beautiful! The Hermitage looks so grand, I can see why you said it’s one of the best things you saw in Russia. All the gold and the intricate work on the ceilings is just incredible

This is a really beautiful city guide! As a professional St. Petersburg guide, I am incredibly happy to see such wonderful articles about my city. And I, too, absolutely love the Eliseyef Emporium. Here is a little tip: after 9 p.m. they sell all bakery items, and cakes with 30% discount!!

Thanks Mila! Great little tip there.

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