Welcome to an American classic: Los Angeles and Las Vegas in one energizing week. You’ll start with Pacific Ocean sunsets and movie magic, then cross the Mojave Desert to a glittering skyline and epic day trips. This plan is calibrated for a couple with two teens—plenty of wow-factor, minimal backtracking, and room to relax.

Los Angeles grew from a Spanish pueblo into the world’s film capital, where hillside observatories and beachfront bike paths meet taquerias and food halls. Las Vegas sprung from railroad roots into a modern entertainment hub, a launchpad for bucket-list landscapes like the Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire. Together, they deliver a perfect mix of culture, thrills, and nature.

Practical notes: May brings sunny days and cooler nights—pack layers, sunscreen, and comfy walking shoes. Expect 18–20% tips at restaurants. Book big-ticket experiences (theme parks, Grand Canyon tours, shows) in advance. For flights to the first city and optional flights between cities, compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Los Angeles

LA is a patchwork of beach towns, studio backlots, and hillside trails. Teens love the city’s big-screen landmarks, street art, and the food scene—from old-school burger joints to ramen shops and upscale tacos.

• Top sights: Griffith Observatory (stellar views of the Hollywood Sign), Santa Monica Pier and beach path, the Getty Center’s art and gardens, and the Walk of Fame’s larger-than-life movie history.
• Neighborhood flavor: Venice’s canals and murals, Beverly Hills’ palm-lined shopping streets, and the Original Farmers Market by The Grove for casual bites.
• Where to stay: For easy beach access, Santa Monica; for movie landmarks, Hollywood; for dining/nightlife, West Hollywood. Browse family stays on VRBO Los Angeles or compare hotels on Hotels.com Los Angeles.

Day 1 — Arrival in LA, Santa Monica Sunset

Afternoon: Land in Los Angeles and check in. Shake off the flight at Santa Monica. Stroll the pier for classic arcade games and ocean views, then walk the beachfront path to see street performers and volleyball courts.

Evening: Dinner near the beach. Choices: - Blue Plate Taco (laid-back coastal Mexican; share short rib tacos and guacamole), - Cassia (French-Southeast Asian; craveworthy grilled Singaporean tiger prawns), - HiHo Cheeseburger (100% Wagyu smashburgers; easy for teens). Finish with soft serve at Sweet Rose Creamery on Main Street.

Day 2 — Hollywood Icons, Griffith Observatory & The Grove

Morning: Breakfast at Republique (pastry case is legendary; shakshuka for savory lovers) or Joan’s on Third (great for picky eaters and coffee). Explore the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre handprints, and peek into the Dolby Theatre. Tip: For a great Hollywood Sign photo, swing by Lake Hollywood Park after.

Afternoon: Head to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to see film exhibits and costumes teens will recognize. Late lunch at the Original Farmers Market: try Pampas Grill (Brazilian-by-weight grill), Trejo’s Tacos (cauliflower or steak), or Bennett’s Ice Cream for dessert. Then shop or people-watch at The Grove.

Evening: Drive up to Griffith Observatory for golden-hour city views and free exhibits about the cosmos. Dinner options nearby in Los Feliz: All Time (market-driven plates), Little Dom’s (Italian-American classics), or HomeState (Tex-Mex queso and breakfast tacos).

Day 3 — Universal Studios Hollywood (Theme Park Day)

Spend the day immersed in movies. Arrive before opening to dart to Super Nintendo World and the Studio Tour (backlot plus surprise effects). Teens love Jurassic World–The Ride and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Consider an Express pass on busy May weekends to cut waits.

Eat on-site: at CityWalk, hit Voodoo Doughnut for a quick breakfast; lunch at Three Broomsticks (British pub fare with butterbeer) or Krusty Burger for Simpsons fans; dinner at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana (tacos, fajitas) or Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (over-the-top milkshakes). Head back early for rest—or cap the day with an evening swim.

Day 4 — Beach Bikes, Venice Canals, and The Getty Center

Morning: Start in Santa Monica with coffee and pastries at Huckleberry or Sidecar Doughnuts (seasonal flavors). Rent bikes on the beach path and cruise to Venice. Lock up and wander Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s boutiques and murals.

Afternoon: Explore the Venice Canals footbridges, then drive to the Getty Center (free entry; parking fee). Teens can toggle between art highlights and the sculpture garden with sweeping views. Lunch ideas: Gjusta (Venice—smoked fish platters, sandwiches) or The Butcher’s Daughter (vegetarian-friendly).

Evening: Back toward Santa Monica/Brentwood for dinner: Sugarfish (sushi omakase made easy), Blue Plate Oysterette (seafood), or Father’s Office Santa Monica-adjacent alternative: try R+D Kitchen (famously good burgers and salads; family-friendly). Pack the car for tomorrow’s road trip.

Travel Between Cities

LA to Las Vegas by car is about 270 miles (435 km), typically 4–5 hours via I‑15 with minimal stops. Fuel for a midsize SUV runs roughly $45–65 one-way in May. Prefer to fly? LA–Vegas flights are ~1 hour; compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas dazzles teens as much as adults: soaring observation wheels, immersive art worlds, and easy day trips to world-famous canyons. Think of the Strip as an open-air museum of architecture and spectacle.

• Top highlights: The LINQ Promenade and High Roller, Bellagio Conservatory and Fountains, Fremont Street’s neon history, and AREA15’s futuristic playground.
• Nature nearby: Hoover Dam’s engineering marvels, Grand Canyon West’s Eagle Point, and the fiery red sandstone of Valley of Fire.
• Where to stay: Family-friendly resorts with great pools and easy dining. Browse options on VRBO Las Vegas or compare on Hotels.com Las Vegas.

Day 5 — Road Trip to Vegas, LINQ Promenade & High Roller

Morning: Pick up the rental car and depart LA by 8–9 a.m. Optional pit stop: Calico Ghost Town (family-friendly mining history) or a casual lunch in Barstow (In‑N‑Out Burger never fails).

Afternoon: Arrive and check into your resort. Unwind at the pool. Teens can stretch legs at the LINQ Promenade’s shops and street performers.

Evening: Ride the High Roller at sunset for 360° views—a gentle thrill that’s perfect for first-timers.

Book: High Roller Wheel Admission Ticket at The LINQ

Dinner nearby: Yardbird (Southern comfort; fried chicken), Jaburritos (sushi burritos—fun and fast), or Flour & Barley (brick-oven pizzas). Dessert: Amorino gelato shaped like a flower—Instagram gold.

Day 6 — Grand Canyon West + Hoover Dam (Full-Day Tour)

Let someone else drive today. This award-winning small-group tour includes Hoover Dam viewpoints and the West Rim’s Eagle Point and Guano Point, with optional Skywalk. Expect a very early pickup and return by evening; bring water, sunscreen, and layers for desert winds.

Book: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop, Breakfast, Lunch & Skywalk

Back in Vegas: If you still have energy, watch the Bellagio Fountains and grab a late bite at Eataly (Park MGM) or Din Tai Fung (ARIA; perfect dumplings and noodles).

Day 7 — Pool Time, AREA15’s Omega Mart & Night Lights Tour

Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed brunch—Sadelle’s (Bellagio pastry towers), Peppermill (retro diner portions), or Urth Caffé (Wynn Plaza; great coffee and salads). Pool time for a few hours.

Afternoon: Dive into AREA15’s mind-bending art complex. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is an interactive, story-driven “supermarket” with secret portals—teens love exploring and photographing it. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

Book: Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at AREA15

Evening: See the Strip sparkle from an open-top bus—ideal for first-time visitors and photography.

Book: Big Bus Las Vegas Night Tour

Prefer a high-adrenaline finale? Swap the bus for a helicopter flight above the Strip lights:

Alternative: Las Vegas Strip Highlights by Helicopter at Night

Dinner picks around the Strip: Black Tap (burgers and crazy shakes at The Venetian), Tacos El Gordo (handmade tortillas; lines move fast), or EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine (off-Strip gem for sharable plates).

Optional Add‑Ons (if you have extra time before departure)

• Hoover Dam mini tour (3 hours, great if you skipped the Grand Canyon day):

  

  Book: Hoover Dam Small Group Mini Tour
• Emerald Cave Kayak on the Colorado River (half day; calm waters, gorgeous canyon walls):

  

  Book: Emerald Cave Kayak Tour
• Valley of Fire red-rock landscapes (half day; short hikes, petroglyphs):

  

  Book: Valley of Fire Half-Day Tour

Getting In & Around

• Flights to LA or Vegas: Compare prices and schedules on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Local transit: Rideshares work well; in LA, driving saves time across neighborhoods. In Vegas, walking the Strip plus rideshare/monorail covers most needs.
• Family tips: Carry reusable water bottles, hats, and light layers. Many attractions are cashless—have a credit card ready.

In one week you’ll sample two American legends—LA’s beach-meets-Hollywood magic and Vegas’ neon nights—plus a day at the edge of the Grand Canyon. With teen-friendly food, hands-on art, and sweeping views, this route balances thrills and downtime so everyone goes home smiling (and already plotting a return).