Cross‑Country Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: La Plata, MD → Columbus, OH

Morning: Depart from 6085 Manor Lane and enjoy a quick breakfast at the La Plata Diner. The drive heads west on I‑70, crossing the rolling hills of Maryland and West Virginia.

Afternoon: Continue through the Appalachian foothills, stopping at the Wheeling Rest Area for a stretch and coffee. Pass the scenic Ohio River before reaching the outskirts of Columbus.

Evening: Arrive at a budget-friendly motel near the Columbus East Service Plaza. Have dinner at a local eat‑in and rest up for the next day's mileage.

Day 2: Columbus, OH → Des Moines, IA

Morning: Start with a light breakfast at the motel and hit I‑70 West, soon merging onto I‑74 toward Indianapolis. A quick stop at the Indianapolis Fuel Stop refuels the car.

Afternoon: Cruise across the Indiana flatlands, pausing at the Grain Belt Rest Area for a walk. Cross the Illinois border and enjoy the open prairie views en route to Iowa.

Evening: Pull into a modest inn near the Des Moines West Service Plaza. Dinner is taken at a neighborhood diner, keeping the night low‑key.

Day 3: Des Moines, IA → Salt Lake City, UT

Morning: After a quick motel breakfast, travel west on I‑80, passing the rolling hills of western Iowa. Stop at the Council Bluffs Rest Area for coffee and restroom break.

Afternoon: Continue across Nebraska’s wide plains, with a brief halt at the Kearney Service Plaza for fuel and snacks. The landscape shifts to the Rocky foothills as you enter Wyoming.

Evening: Reach the outskirts of Salt Lake City and stay at a budget hotel near the Salt Lake City East Service Plaza. Grab a simple dinner at a local take‑out spot.

Day 4: Salt Lake City, UT → Citrus Heights, CA

Morning: Depart early, heading west on I‑80 through the Great Salt Lake Desert. Stop at the Wendover Rest Area for a quick stretch.

Afternoon: Drive through the Sierra Nevada foothills, refueling at the Truckee Service Station. Enjoy scenic mountain vistas while keeping to the interstate.

Evening: Arrive at 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd., Citrus Heights, CA. Unwind with a casual dinner at a nearby diner and reflect on the journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• La Plata Diner – 0.5 hr – $15
• Wheeling Rest Area – 0.3 hr – $0
• Columbus East Service Plaza – 0.5 hr – $5 (fuel)
• Indianapolis Fuel Stop – 0.4 hr – $20 (fuel)
• Grain Belt Rest Area – 0.3 hr – $0
• Des Moines West Service Plaza – 0.5 hr – $5 (fuel)
• Council Bluffs Rest Area – 0.3 hr – $0
• Kearney Service Plaza – 0.4 hr – $20 (fuel)
• Salt Lake City East Service Plaza – 0.5 hr – $5 (fuel)
• Wendover Rest Area – 0.2 hr – $0
• Truckee Service Station – 0.5 hr – $20 (fuel)
• Meals (4 days) – 12 hr total – $120
• Accommodations (3 nights) – 3 nights – $270
• Miscellaneous (snacks, tolls) – – $45
• Total Estimated Cost: $815

Tips

If you need more flexibility, consider adding a fifth day to reduce daily driving to 6‑7 hours, allowing extra time for scenic detours or a brief city visit. To shorten the trip, you could push 10‑11 hours per day, but plan for additional fuel stops and be prepared for driver fatigue.