Cross‑Country Road Trip: Maryland to California

Day 1: Departure from Laplata, MD – Columbus, OH

Morning: Leave Laplata and head west, making a quick stop at Gettysburg National Military Park to stretch your legs and soak in Civil War history.

Afternoon: Continue toward Columbus, arriving for lunch and a visit to the Columbus Museum of Art, then enjoy a coffee in the Short North district.

Evening: Check into a downtown hotel, relax, and dine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Columbus, OH – Union, MO (1012 Pinehurst Lane)

Morning: Depart Columbus and drive through Indianapolis, stopping at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a brief tour.

Afternoon: Resume the journey across Indiana and Illinois, arriving in Union, MO, where you’ll check in at the address 1012 Pinehurst Lane.

Evening: Explore downtown Union, enjoy dinner at a local eatery, and unwind for the night.

Day 3: Union, MO – Oklahoma City, OK

Morning: Leave Union and head into Kansas, visiting the Nelson‑Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City for a quick cultural stop.

Afternoon: Continue westward across the plains, reaching Oklahoma City where you can explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Evening: Check into a hotel in Oklahoma City, stroll the Bricktown district, and enjoy a southwestern dinner.

Day 4: Oklahoma City, OK – Albuquerque, NM

Morning: Depart Oklahoma City and drive through Amarillo, Texas, stopping at the quirky Cadillac Ranch for photos.

Afternoon: Cross into New Mexico and arrive in Albuquerque, where you’ll wander the historic Old Town Albuquerque.

Evening: Settle into a boutique hotel, sample New Mexican cuisine, and relax.

Day 5: Albuquerque, NM – Citrus Heights, CA (12801 Fair Oaks Blvd)

Morning: Leave Albuquerque and travel through the scenic high desert, stopping briefly at the Route 66 landmark Historic Route 66 Sign in Barstow.

Afternoon: Continue the final stretch into California, arriving at your destination at 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA.

Evening: Check into your accommodation, unwind, and celebrate the completion of the cross‑country adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Gettysburg National Military Park – 2 hrs – $20 entry
• Columbus Museum of Art – 2 hrs – $12 entry
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway – 1.5 hrs – $15 entry
• Nelson‑Atkins Museum of Art – 1.5 hrs – $12 entry
• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – 2 hrs – $15 entry
• Cadillac Ranch – 30 min – Free
• Old Town Albuquerque – 2 hrs – Free (parking $5)
• Historic Route 66 Sign in Barstow – 30 min – Free
• Total Estimated Cost: $79

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Kansas City to explore its vibrant food scene or extending your stay in Albuquerque to experience nearby natural wonders like the Sandia Mountains. To shorten the trip, you could combine Day 3 and Day 4 by driving a longer stretch on Day 3 (≈12 hrs) and skipping the Barstow Route 66 stop, arriving in Citrus Heights on the fourth evening. Adjust daily driving distances to match your comfort level and be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts before each leg.