Morning: Depart Santa Clarita and cruise along I‑15, stopping at the Mojave National Preserve for a quick desert vista and sunrise photo op.
Afternoon: Continue on I‑40 east through the striking landscapes of the Arizona Strip, then arrive in Flagstaff for lunch and a stroll around historic downtown.
Evening: Check into your hotel, then explore the Lowell Observatory for a starlit sky tour before a relaxing dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Head east on I‑40, detouring to the Petrified Forest National Park where ancient trees turned stone create surreal scenery.
Afternoon: Pass through Albuquerque; enjoy a quick lunch and a ride on the historic Sandia Peak Tramway for panoramic views.
Evening: Arrive in Amarillo, check in, and visit the iconic Cadillac Ranch to watch sunset paint the buried cars.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive through the Texas Panhandle, stopping at the Caprock Canyons State Park for a short hike among the rugged canyons.
Afternoon: Cross into Oklahoma, explore the revitalized riverfront of Oklahoma City and its Bricktown district before heading toward Memphis.
Evening: Briefly soak in the vibe of Beale Street in Memphis, then continue into Alabama for an overnight stay near Birmingham.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Birmingham and travel through the rolling hills of central Alabama, with a quick stop at the historic Vulcan Park & Museum in Birmingham for city views.
Afternoon: Enter Georgia and stop in Atlanta to experience the bustling Georgia Aquarium and a bite at the nearby Centennial Olympic Park area.
Evening: Arrive in Griffin, check into your accommodation, and unwind with a leisurely walk around the charming downtown square.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, add a day to explore the Grand Canyon National Park from Flagstaff or extend your stay in Atlanta to see the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. To shorten the trip, consider bypassing Albuquerque and Oklahoma City, focusing on the major stops like Flagstaff, Amarillo, and Atlanta, which reduces daily driving by roughly 100 mi per day.