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Epic Western to Eastern Road Trip: 14 Days Across the USA

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: Explore Santa Fe

Santa Fe, NM

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of huevos rancheros at this vibrant, local favorite.
After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through the historic downtown.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Immerse yourself in the stunning works of Georgia O'Keeffe, located just a short walk from the plaza.
Stroll back to the plaza to continue your exploration.
USD 12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Shed

Enjoy traditional New Mexican cuisine; don't miss their award-winning red chile enchiladas.
You'll be just steps away from your next stop.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Canyon Road

Wander through this famous arts district filled with galleries and shops.
Easily accessible through the walking paths in Santa Fe.
USD 0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Palace of the Governors

Discover the history of New Mexico in this adobe structure, the oldest continuously used public building in the U.S.
Located in the heart of Santa Fe's plaza.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Geronimo

Dine in a beautifully restored adobe at this upscale restaurant known for its creative dishes.
A short drive from the plaza.
USD 50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Fe

Day 2: Journey to Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Blue Donkey Coffee

Indulge in a freshly brewed coffee and pastry before hitting the road.
Drive about 6 hours from Santa Fe to Phoenix, taking US-85 S.
USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Departure to Phoenix

Hit the road early; this ride through the desert landscape is picturesque.
Continue on US-85 S to I-10 W.
USD 0, 6 hours

4:00PM

Arrive and Check-in to Hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Phoenix.
Choose a centrally located hotel for convenience.
USD 150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Bianco

Savor incredible Neapolitan-style pizza, a must-visit for food lovers.
Fork over to downtown Phoenix.
USD 30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Phoenix

Day 3: Explore Denver

Denver, CO

8:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy pancake flights and a fun atmosphere to kickstart your day.
Prepare for the drive to Denver.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Denver

Embark on a scenic drive through the Rockies, enjoy your journey.
Take I-70 E from Phoenix.
USD 0, 10 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rioja

Taste Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with exquisite wines in the heart of Denver.
In the bustling Larimer Square area.
USD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Denver

Day 4: Discover Carson City

Carson City, NV

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Fuel up with dreamy biscuit sandwiches before heading to Carson City.
Short drive to pick up your rental car.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Carson City

Set out on the journey, appreciating the changing scenery as you go.
Take I-70 W and US-395 N.
USD 0, 9 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Coyote Grill

Enjoy delicious Southwest-inspired cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
Located conveniently in Carson City.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Carson City

Day 5: Adventures in Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Start your day with some specialty coffee and pastries.
Prepare for the drive to Sacramento.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Sacramento

Enjoy a leisurely drive through California's scenic landscapes.
Take I-80 W for the most direct route.
USD 0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the California State Capitol Museum

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Sacramento's capitol building.
Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Waterboy

Indulge in a farm-to-fork meal at this acclaimed restaurant.
Easily reachable by foot.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Take a step back in time with a stroll through this rich historical area.
Just a short walk from the restaurant.
USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mulvaney's B&L

Try locally sourced dishes paired with exceptional wines in a quaint atmosphere.
A 10-minute drive from Old Sacramento.
USD 40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sacramento

Day 6: Travel to Salem

Salem, OR

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Republic

Dive into a creative breakfast menu in Sacramento before leaving.
Head towards Salem after breakfast.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Salem

Get ready for a beautiful drive through the Pacific Northwest.
Take I-5 N.
USD 0, 9 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Willamette Valley Grill

Enjoy delicious local ingredients at this farm-to-table grill.
Explore charming downtown Salem.
USD 30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Salem

Day 7: Explore Olympia

Olympia, WA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Iron Rabbit Restaurant

Savor a creative breakfast with local touches in Salem.
Prepare for your drive to Olympia.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Olympia

Set off for Olympia, enjoying the sights along the way.
Take I-5 N once again, it's a smooth ride.
USD 0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Washington State Capitol

Explore the remarkable architecture of the state capitol in Olympia.
Located a short drive away in downtown Olympia.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Oyster House

Indulge in fresh local seafood while overlooking the bay.
Just a ten-minute drive from the capitol.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll through Heritage Park

Enjoy this serene park that features beautiful waterfront views and local art.
Easily accessible after lunch.
USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fish Tale Brewpub

Enjoy local craft beer and a laid-back atmosphere for a cozy dinner.
Located in Olympia's downtown area.
USD 35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Olympia

Day 8: Journey to St. Paul

St. Paul, MN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cascadia Restaurant

Enjoy locally sourced breakfast options to energize you for the day ahead.
Pack up and check out after breakfast.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to St. Paul

Enjoy a scenic road trip through the beautiful landscapes of Washington and Idaho.
Follow I-90 E.
USD 0, 14 hours

11:00PM

Overnight in St. Paul

Arrive in St. Paul, get a good night's sleep for tomorrow's adventures.
Check into your hotel, unwind, and relax.
USD 120, 1 hour
Find Hotels in St. Paul

Day 9: Explore Madison

Madison, WI

8:00AM

Breakfast at Al's Breakfast

Savor classic breakfast favorites in a charming diner setting.
Check out of the hotel after breakfast.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Madison

Enjoy the scenic drive through Wisconsin's charming countryside.
Take I-94 E.
USD 0, 5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol

Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant area surrounding the capitol.
Located in downtown Madison.
USD 0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at L’Etoile

Dine on French-inspired dishes made from local ingredients at this celebrated restaurant.
A short drive from the capitol.
USD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Madison

Day 10: Stop in Springfield

Springfield, IL

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lazy Jane's

Enjoy a delicious start with pancakes and fresh coffee.
Head to Springfield after breakfast.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Springfield

A quick drive down the highway brings you to the home of Lincoln.
I-90 E takes you right there.
USD 0, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Walk through the restored home of the 16th President of the United States.
Tour this historic site located downtown.
USD 0, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Nest Cafe

Enjoy farm-to-table options under the beautiful atmosphere of this cafe.
Close to your next stop.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Illinois State Museum

Discover thousands of years of history at this informative site.
Just a quick drive away.
USD 0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Maldaner's

Try innovative dishes with a local twist at this historic restaurant.
Back toward downtown Springfield.
USD 40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Springfield

Day 11: Visit Lansing

Lansing, MI

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Feeding Tree

Feast on hearty breakfast burritos to fuel your day.
Leave Springfield and head toward Lansing.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Lansing

Embark on another beautiful drive through the Midwest.
Follow I-69 N.
USD 0, 4.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Michigan State Capitol

Discover the stunning architecture and vibrant history of the capitol.
Located in the downtown area.
USD 0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Lunch at The Cosmos Restaurant

Enjoy eclectic lunch options in a casual environment.
Just a short walk from the capitol.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The English Inn

Experience upscale dining with exquisite dishes and views of the Grand River.
Easily reachable with a short drive.
USD 50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lansing

Day 12: Head to Harrisburg

Harrisburg, PA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Coffee Company

Start your day with strong coffee and delectable breakfast sandwiches.
Pack up and prepare to leave Lansing.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Harrisburg

Anticipate great views and a fun ride through the heart of Pennsylvania.
Take I-69 S then I-76 E.
USD 0, 10 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Millworks

Try creative dishes featuring local ingredients in a refreshing environment.
Located in the midtown area of Harrisburg.
USD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Harrisburg

Day 13: Explore Albany

Albany, NY

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Fancy Pancake

Enjoy a unique pancake experience to start your day in Harrisburg.
Check out and prepare to drive.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Albany

Breathe in fresh air as you traverse the scenic highways of New York.
Take I-81 N and I-90 E.
USD 0, 4 hours

2:00PM

Visit the New York State Capitol

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this historic building.
Downtown, close to local attractions.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

Savor a delicious meal while enjoying the lively ambiance.
Located a short walk from the capitol.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Jack's Oyster House

Delight in one of Albany's oldest restaurants known for its seafood and charm.
Only a short distance from your lunch spot.
USD 40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Albany

Day 14: Final Destination Montpelier

Montpelier, VT

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Colonie

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the final drive to Montpelier.
Pack and check out after breakfast.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Montpelier

Take in the stunning New England scenery on your way to Montpelier.
Take I-87 N and US-302 E.
USD 0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore State House

Visit the Vermont State House, a beautiful historic building surrounded by vibrant gardens.
Located in downtown Montpelier.
USD 0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Coffee Corner

Relax at this cozy spot while enjoying delicious local sandwiches.
Only a short walk away.
USD 15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll through Hubbard Park

Enjoy this peaceful park that features a beautiful lookout point of the city.
A short drive to the park.
USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Positive Pie

Finish your road trip with a delicious pizza at this beloved local favorite.
Only a few minutes from downtown.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Montpelier
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