Road Trip Itinerary: LaPlata, MD → Fair Oaks, CA (via Union, MO)

Day 1: Departure & Arrival in Union, MO

Morning: Depart LaPlata, MD and head west on I-70. Make a brief scenic stop at the Cincinnati Riverfront to stretch your legs and enjoy the Ohio River views.

Afternoon: Continue toward St. Louis, where you can explore the iconic Gateway Arch. Take the tram ride to the top for panoramic Midwest vistas before resuming your drive.

Evening: Arrive at your overnight accommodation at 1012 Pinehurst Lane, Union, MO. Relax with a home‑cooked dinner or a quick walk around the quiet residential neighborhood.

Day 2: Union, MO → Fair Oaks, CA

Morning: Leave Union and head west on I-70. Stop in Kansas City to visit the renowned Nelson‑Atkins Museum of Art, famous for its impressive sculpture garden.

Afternoon: Drive through the Rockies and arrive in Denver. Spend a couple of hours at the Denver Botanic Gardens, a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll among diverse plant collections.

Evening: Continue across Utah, making a quick photo stop at the historic Salt Lake Temple in downtown Salt Lake City. Afterward, head west on I-80 and I-5 to reach your destination at 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA just after sunset.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Cincinnati Riverfront – 30 min – $0 (free)
• Gateway Arch (tram ride) – 1 hr – $15 per adult
• Nelson‑Atkins Museum of Art – 2 hrs – $0 (free)
• Denver Botanic Gardens – 2 hrs – $12 per adult
• Salt Lake Temple (outside view) – 30 min – $0 (free)
• Fuel & Meals (entire trip) – — – $150
• Accommodation (1 night) – — – $90
• Total Estimated Cost – — – $267

Tips

To extend the adventure, consider adding a full day in Denver to explore nearby Rocky Mountain attractions or a night in Salt Lake City to visit nearby Great Salt Lake. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the museum stops and drive straight through Kansas and Colorado, consolidating the journey into a single long day.