Road trip from Missouri to California...Where should I go?!

[Courtney Lake]

My husband and I are driving a U-Haul from Missouri to Palm Desert. On the way there we just want to see the Grand Canyon. We will be taking I-44 west to get there. Is it possible be see the Grand Canyon from the interstate or is it best to go to the actual park? We have never been so this is a first for us. Your opinions are greatly appriciated!

Once we get to Palm Desert we will be renting a car. I would like to go to LA, Hollywood, and the beach. Where do you recommend going? We only have a few days in California so we want to make the most out of our time.

Basically I want ideas on where to go in Southern California and the best way to view the Grand Canyon from I-44. Please share any tips you may have. Thanks in advance! :0)

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

It's not possible to view the Grand canyon from the Interstate, not even I40 which is the Interstate number you will be on. To view the Grand canyon I would head North on US 89 from Flagstaff to AZ 64 which takes you through the East entrance of the South rim along Desert View Drive where there are some great viewpoints. This will take you to the Village area and when you exit the park continue on 64 to the South kiosk back to I 40. With time to enjoy a few hours at the canyon I would allow a minimum of 4 days for your journey from Missouri to Palm Desert.

You will find a lot of info on places to visit in California throughout the forums, other than LA and the beach there is San Diego, some smaller coastal towns North of LA, Hearst Castle near San Simeon for example, and some great National parks such as Joshua tree, Sequoia, Yosemite and Death valley.