Start by checking out my Road Trip Planner I posted a while ago. It should be very useful especially if you are not from the US.

I would go to Grand Canyon and possibly Antelope Canyon as well as Horseshoe Bend if you have the time. Once you are in the area (Page, Arizona) you might as well check out the Glen Canyon Dam. I realize that they are not on direct route from Vegas to L.A. but its a relatively small detour and there are lots of things to see. If you chose not to, check out Hover Dam (near Vegas).

On your way to L.A. you will also come through many of the great Deserts.

Here is my Deserts Gallery. 

If you don't mind a little detour, I recommend doing Death Valley first (might be very hot in Summer though) and then head south to Joshua Tree and Anza Borrego Desert. From there you can head west towards San Diego  (my second favorite city).

Near L.A. (when you drive north from San Diego), you can check out some Missions (Photos coming soon). Among all missions on route to L.A. San Juan Capistrano is my favorite. 

Let me know if you need help finding any of the places (I should have GPS coordinates for most of them).

Andre

Travel Photos 

Do you have to go to L.A. or is that still open to debate?

How much time do you have? 

thanks andre, 

Yes i have to go to LA. that is very i need to be for my later part of the trip. LA i am familiar with.

Some of the things I have recommended will actually mean quite a detour.

Depending on how much time you want to spend, you can either skip certain things or even add some more. A trip to Death Valley takes a lot of time, since it is simply huge. It is also beautiful and the sunsets can be spectacular.

I also like the area North of L.A. in case you have a little bit of time once you are there.

Santa Barbara is simply beautiful and not too far from Santa Barbara, I recently discovered Solvang. Thats a Danish style village with windmills, timber-framed buildings and anoter mission (Santa Ines I believe). I love to visit the Californa Missions, they are beautiful and historic. However it might be too far north (I was on route from Santa Barbara home).

Between San Diego and L.A. you can find La Jolla. Its a beautiful relaxed town with nice beaches and good restaurants. You can drive along the coast highway and find a nice place to relax.

From San Diego it is only a few minutes to Mexico. Since I am not particulary interested in that part of Mexico, I have never crossed the border there.

Don't hesitate to send some more questions.

Andre

Travel Photos