Los Angeles to Las Vegas (USA) | Interstate travel

One of the most memorable family clan trips we had was doing this interstate travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas (and back) by car. Up until now, we (cousins) still remember some of the moments we had (both good and the not-so-good) that we always reminisce from time to time when we get-together. It was a special moment for our other cousins too since one of the main reasons we flew there was to celebrate their special day.

LA to Vegas
Aren't we having so much fun?! lol

For this blog post, I will just share the major stops that we did in our epic journey. And diving right into those details, the special occasion that I was talking about above was the wedding of Michael and Toni. It was an opportunity for the family to attend that special day and of course, get-together again after many years of not seeing each other. Thus, the plan of doing the interstate popped up and later on transformed into a solid itinerary for the family to do while most of us are here.

P.S. This was a 2-week plan but I only arrived in the second week since my employer at that time only granted me a week of leave. It was a favorable response already since I just literally started working with them like weeks short. And the story of my scariest flight yet happened. The full story here.

So, before I arrived, they already have done quite a handful. They already visited SeaWorld theme park in San Diego, Big Bear Mountain/Lake in California, and Venice Beach in the neighborhood of Los Angeles.


water show at SeaWorld
water show at SeaWorld

Zip lining at Big Bear Mountain (Lake)
Ziplining at Big Bear Mountain (Lake)

posing wacky at Venice Beach
posing wacky at Venice Beach


Some of the highlights here as they told me were the unexpected sudden drop roller-coaster ride at SeaWorld and the series of zip lines at Big Bear. They also highlighted how cold it is at Big Bear so make sure to ready your sweaters when going here.

Alas! I arrived somewhere around this timeline and was present at the wedding. Congrats Micro and welcome to the family Toni!

At Michael and Toni wedding
wedding crashers lol


And before we started our long interstate journey, our parents reserved a day for the Universal Studios (Hollywood) experience. Yey! This was my first time visiting here as the second time was when we flew again just to use my older brother's visa.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood

We also availed of the Hollywood studios tour which was the highlight for me, personally. Seeing how big their sets were and how grand they were made was just mind-blowing. All I can imagine was the vast amount of dollars used to create them. Well, if they gain more profit on the shows and movies  produced there then yeah, now I see.

And after all of those happenings, our interstate journey began,

interstate journey by car
3-car convoy

Nikki and I always reminisce this time as we were the usual seatmates then. And even after talking about life and much other stuff, we were still going, and going, and going. We even remember the time that we were so hungry but since there was no available food place to stop at that specific time on the way, we needed to wait it all out. Yes, we remember but we actually did not mind it to be honest since the places we did see along the way were worth it.

First major stop while on the interstate journey was at Arizona Snowbowl at Flagstaff (Mt. Humphreys)

snowbowl lift at Flagstaff
Snowbowl cable lift

We rode this insanely high and open cable ride lift to go to the top of the mountain for the view. With the 11,500 feet of elevation, we all enjoyed the snow-covered summit of Mt. Humphreys (highest point of Arizona) except for Gia who felt sick on top. The cold was too much for her to stand.

Mt. Humphreys
Mt. Humphreys summit


The second major stop was at Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona
Grand Canyon view

It was a treat for everybody to see this wonder of the world in person. I still remember dad saying why are people going gaga over this huge hole (lol). I actually caught myself starring blankly over the horizon since it was a fresh view for me. Well, we had a lot of fun here. The cliffs were exciting to traverse and it was so spacious that we were all running and jumping at some point (haha!)

jump shot at Grand Canyon
jump shot at Grand Canyon


The third and last major stop was at Hoover Dam - Nevada 

Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam


This was the indicator for us that we are already near Vegas since Hoover Dam is already part of Nevada. Aside from its scenic view, this place was made popular by movies like "Transformers" and other movies where some action scenes were done. Besides, we can already hear some helicopters above us where some Vegas air tours include this area.

But before we get to the Vegas strip, we were blessed enough to stay in one of the houses at Royal Highlands (still part of Nevada) to spend a night there. The place was super neat and classy. Literally a Hollywood vibe just like what you and I see on the television (haha!). #90210 #random #haha

home poolside at Royal Highlands
Home poolside at Royal Highlands

Ladies and Gentlemen, after the long drive, we finally are arriving at Las Vegas, Nevada.

VIVA! Las Vegas
Viva! Las Vegas

This was indeed an entertainment city where all you need to do is just walk on the streets of it and be amazed by the shows you'll pass by. There were street performers scattered all around and shows you can freely watch like this water fountain show.

Bellagio water fountain show
Bellagio water fountain show

Well, this is just one of literally so much you can watch just by walking around its strip. There were casinos, entertainment places, and a lot of architectural designs that are pleasing to the eyes here (replicas of famous landmarks), and more. Feel free to watch the video below for more of it.

photo op at slot machine
photo op at a random slot machine (relax

And by the way, just as I said on my Las Vegas business trip post, strolling in the morning VS doing it at night is a totally different thing, you need to experience both.

family groupie at Las Vegas
Fam groupie! lol.

Believe it or not, we then again went back to Los Angeles after this since our flight back home is at LAX. Ang tiyaga lang. And before leaving, we even managed to squeeze in a crazy schedule of visiting some more places. Well, the group was divided, it was team Six Flags VS Hollywood strip with Venice Beach.

Simon, Ate Chinky, and me went to Six Flags Magic Mountain, while all the rest went the more relaxing route. lol!

X2 at six flags magic mountain
X2 at six flags magic mountain


This picture is by Joe Rollerfan on Flickr. We actually don't have any actual picture inside the theme park since we were all hyped for it. I remember us running the minute the gates of the park were opened since Ate Chinky recommended us to do so, so we will be first in line.

Six flags really set the bar for me when it comes to theme parks as we have literally tried different kinds of roller-coasters here: from standing, sitting, hanging, to even a zero-gravity experience at superman ride was done. A really day to remember. 

P.S. We ate here at our all-time favorite Panda Express inside the park (lol).

Anyways, it looks like the other group is having a great time too at Hollywood Boulevard.. Taking pictures at the Hollywood walk of fame and, uhhmmm.. let Ira tell you more about it. Haha!

Hollywood Boulevard
Ira happily being kidnapped (lol)


It was a nice tone down activity for them as they will be ending the trip with a sunset view at Venice Beach before leaving back to the Philippines. It was an epic journey for all of us to remember and we are all grateful for the experience. Thank you, parents, and of course, thank you, Lord! Looking forward to our next memorable visit.

Venice beach sundown
Venice beach sundown


For more of our journey, watch this video below:



If you cannot see the video above, click HERE for it



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Los Angeles to Las Vegas (USA) | Interstate travel Los Angeles to Las Vegas (USA) | Interstate travel Reviewed by Michael on November 01, 2020 Rating: 5

32 comments:

  1. That high and open cable ride lift seems like it's not for the fainthearted - I am afraid of hights :o

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    1. I am pretty sure you can. Even though its more frightening than it looks, it feels safe though. unless you rode with a crazy one haha!

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    2. I totally agree, that cable ride would freak me out. I am not a fan of heights!

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  2. It looks like you all had such an amazing road trip! That pic of Hoover Dam looks stunning, that is on my list of things to see!

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    1. yeah it was a relaxing stopover for us too!

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  3. Las Vegas looks like such an awesome place to visit and explore for yourself! I hope to be able to travel here one day and see it.

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    1. must-see, really. Wonder how it is doing now esp this pandemic..

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  4. You have a great group and you had limitless fun. Liked reading your article with the fun facts and the thrill ones. I have been to Los Angeles but not vegas.

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    1. Thank you. both cities are totally different from each other so you must do Las Vegas if you can.

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  5. This looks like it was such a fun trip! I love that you were able to share so many incredible moments with your family. We've been to Las Vegas a few times, and we are absolutely in love with the area. There are so many exciting things to do and see!

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    1. true! would love to go back again and again and again lol

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  6. Ziplining at the Big Bear Mountain Lake looks soooo exciting! Hopefully I get to travel here soon! Loved reading your blog!

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    1. sadly I was not yet with them that time lol. It makes us two then haha!

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  7. Wow, this sounds like the most amazing trip! I love long trips in the car (probably because I'm not the one actually driving, haha)! Looks like you guys had SO much fun and made some awesome memories too ☺️

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    1. It was. I hope we can do it again anytime in the future lol

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  8. This is one fun roadtrip and you had so many places visited. I miss traveling more reading your post.

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    1. When all is back to normal, its game time again hehe

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  9. What an epic trip! I would love to go to the Grand Canyon and Venice Beach! The snowbowl cable lift looks fun too!

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  10. I've done the Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip a couple of times. Such fun stuff to do at both locations.

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  11. You and your group look like a really fun and energetic bunch! That drive from LA to LV is a pretty good one, too. Glad to see you all having fun.

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    1. Haha! energetic is a good word for this. very nice lol

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  12. Weddings are great for bringing families back together to visit. You look like you had a lot of fun. I like that jump shot at the GC. Even the shadow looks cool.

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    1. I like that one too! If you watch the video, we formed "USA" in one of our jump shots lol

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  13. Looks mighty fun! Haven't been to Las Vegas but would love to visit some day just for the sights. It's lovely to explore the West and its landscape.

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  14. What a fun trip! It's awesome that you decided to take the stops and just take every possible opportunity to have fun and explore. Loved your family. Such a happy bunch. Thank you for sharing your adventure. I would really love to visit the Grand Canyon again. The view always takes my breath away.

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    1. its so grand but relaxing, I bet many people go there to have their short peace of mind lol

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