How many days do you need in Sanfrancisco from Chicago?

This itinerary covers 10 days in Sanfrancisco from Chicago, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Sanfrancisco from Chicago?

Plan your perfect 10 days trip to Sanfrancisco from Chicago. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Ultimate 10-Day San Francisco Road Trip Experience from Chicago

Day 1: Depart from Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

7:00AM

Breakfast at Lou Mitchell's

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at the iconic Lou Mitchell's, known for its delicious pancakes and diner atmosphere.

USD25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hit the Road

Depart Chicago heading west on I-80, enjoying the scenic drive across Illinois.

0, 8 hours

4:00PM

Arrive in Omaha

Check into your hotel and unwind from the long drive before heading out for dinner.

USD150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Drover

Savor a delicious steak dinner at The Drover, famous for its whiskey-marinated steaks.

USD80, 1 hour

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Day 2: Explore Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska

8:00AM

Breakfast at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Enjoy a light breakfast at the zoo’s café before heading into a day full of adventure.

USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Henry Doorly Zoo

Spend the morning exploring one of the best zoos in the world, famous for its indoor rainforest and desert.

USD50, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Old Market

Grab a bite at a local restaurant in the Old Market area, known for its vibrant atmosphere.

USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Denver

Leave Omaha and enjoy the scenic drive west towards Denver.

0, 7 hours

9:00PM

Dinner and Drinks at Union Station

Enjoy dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in Union Station upon arrival in Denver.

USD70, 2 hours

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Day 3: Adventure in Denver

Denver, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Indulge in a playful breakfast with inventive dishes at Snooze.

USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Red Rocks Park

Explore the stunning landscape and iconic amphitheater of Red Rocks Park, perfect for a nature hike.

0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Capital Grille

Enjoy a refined lunch at The Capital Grille, known for its dry-aged steaks.

USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Downtown Denver

Stroll through the vibrant streets, visit local shops, and check out murals.

0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Avanti F&B

Savor a meal at Avanti, a unique food hall with a variety of culinary offerings.

USD50, 2 hours

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Day 4: Journey to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Start the day with massive biscuit sandwiches at this beloved spot.

USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Salt Lake City

Leave Denver and drive through beautiful mountain landscapes toward Salt Lake City.

0, 8 hours

5:30PM

Arrive in Salt Lake City

Check into your hotel and prepare for a relaxing evening.

USD120, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Copper Onion

Dine at The Copper Onion, celebrated for its modern American cuisine.

USD70, 1.5 hours

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Day 5: Adventure in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggs in the City

Enjoy creative egg dishes in a cozy cafe atmosphere.

USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Antelope Island State Park

Spend the morning hiking and enjoying breathtaking views at this wildlife refuge.

USD15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Pie Pizzeria

Indulge in some of Utah's best pizza at The Pie Pizzeria.

USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Temple Square

Visit the iconic Temple Square and learn about its history and architecture.

0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at High West Distillery

Enjoy dinner at this distillery known for its craft cocktails and rustic atmosphere.

USD60, 1.5 hours

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Day 6: Los Angeles & Arrival in San Francisco

Film & Fun

8:00AM

Breakfast on the Road

Grab some breakfast to go as you drive to San Francisco, utilizing any local bakery.

USD20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to San Francisco

Begin the final leg of your drive to San Francisco, with some breaks along the way.

0, 8 hours

6:00PM

Arrive in San Francisco

Check into your hotel and refresh for an evening in the city.

USD160, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf

Savor clam chowder in a bread bowl and fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf.

USD60, 2 hours

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Day 7: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Treat yourself to delicious French toast and fresh local fare.

USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Today, take a ferry to the historic Alcatraz Island and discover its fascinating history.

USD40, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Enjoy a lunch of sourdough bread and salad at the famous Boudin Bakery.

USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Spend the afternoon walking through the beautiful landscapes of Golden Gate Park.

0, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Indulge in a garlic-infused dining experience at The Stinking Rose.

USD50, 1.5 hours

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Day 8: Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

Napa Valley, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Napa Valley.

0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Wine Tasting at Opus One

Start the day with an exquisite wine tasting at the iconic Opus One winery.

USD75, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Brix

Enjoy lunch with a farm-to-table concept at Brix, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon

Experience a sparkling wine tasting at this renowned winery.

USD30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to San Francisco

Head back to San Francisco for an evening of leisure.

0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Quince

Dine at the upscale Quince, featuring Italian-inspired dishes.

USD150, 2 hours

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Day 9: Marin County Excursion

Marin County, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before a day of adventure in Marin County.

0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike Muir Woods

Begin the day with a scenic hike among the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument.

USD15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Marin Joe's

Enjoy a classic Italian lunch at Marin Joe's, known for its traditional dishes.

USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Point Reyes National Seashore

Spend the afternoon trekking through the diverse ecosystems of Point Reyes with stunning coastal views.

0, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Spinnaker

End your day with a delicious seafood dinner overlooking the bay at The Spinnaker.

USD80, 2 hours

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Day 10: Return to Chicago

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel while reminiscing on your adventure.

0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Farewell to San Francisco

Check out of the hotel and make your way back to your vehicle for the drive back to Chicago.

0, 10 hours

8:00PM

Dinner En Route

Stop for dinner along the way at a diner for a classic American meal.

USD40, 1.5 hours

10:00PM

Arrive in Chicago

Conclude your unforgettable Bachelor Party road trip experience back in Chicago.

0, 0 hours

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Ultimate 10-Day San Francisco Road Trip Experience from Chicago

Day 1: Depart from Chicago

7:00AM

8:30AM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Explore Omaha

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

9:00PM

Day 3: Adventure in Denver

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 4: Journey to Salt Lake City

8:00AM

9:30AM

5:30PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Adventure in Salt Lake City

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Los Angeles & Arrival in San Francisco

8:00AM

10:00AM

6:00PM

7:30PM

Day 7: Explore San Francisco

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 9: Marin County Excursion

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 10: Return to Chicago

8:00AM

9:00AM

8:00PM

10:00PM

Plan Your Sanfrancisco from Chicago Trip