Morning: Leave LaPlata, MD and head west on I‑70, stopping briefly in Frederick, MD to admire its historic downtown.
Afternoon: Continue through Pennsylvania, enjoying a quick visit to the scenic South Mountain State Park before crossing into Ohio.
Evening: Arrive near Columbus, OH for dinner and a short stroll around the bustling Short North district, then settle in for the night.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Columbus and drive through the rolling hills of Indiana, with a scenic pause at the Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan.
Afternoon: Travel onward into Illinois, stopping at the historic town of Alton to view the iconic Great River Road along the Mississippi.
Evening: Cross into Missouri and reach 1012 Pinehurst Lane, Union, MO for an overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the charming downtown area.
Find HotelsMorning: Leave Union and head southwest on I‑70, passing the historic Independence, MO and its famous Harry S. Truman Library.
Afternoon: Continue through the plains of Kansas, taking a brief detour to explore the Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark.
Evening: Arrive in Albuquerque, NM, where you can dine in Old Town and admire the desert sunset over the Sandia Mountains.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Albuquerque, heading west on I‑40, with a quick stop at the iconic Petroglyph National Monument for a short hike.
Afternoon: Drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Arizona desert, stopping at the world‑famous Grand Canyon West Rim for breathtaking views.
Evening: Cross into California and arrive at 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd, CA. Unwind after the journey and settle into your accommodation.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider adding a day to explore the vibrant arts scene in Santa Fe, NM or the coastal beauty of Santa Barbara, CA. To shorten the trip, you could skip the Grand Canyon detour and drive directly from Albuquerque to California, which would reduce travel time by roughly 4‑5 hours.