Ultimate Road Trip: London, Ontario to Sacramento, California

Day 1: Departure and Arrival

London, Ontario to Detroit, Michigan

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Early Bird

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Early Bird, known for its fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere.
20 min drive from any central London location to the diner.
CAD20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Border Crossing

Cross the border into the United States at the Ambassador Bridge, enjoying views of the Detroit skyline.
Drive towards the Ambassador Bridge; this will take about 30 minutes.
CAD10 (toll cost), 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Slow's Bar BQ

Taste some renowned Detroit barbecue, with juicy pulled pork and local craft beers.
Drive to Slow's Bar BQ in Corktown, approximately 20 minutes from the bridge.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Detroit

Spend some time exploring Detroit’s vibrant culture, maybe stop at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Walking or a short drive for about 10 minutes to the Detroit Institute of Arts.
USD14, 2 hours

4:30PM

Depart for Chicago

Hit the road towards Chicago, taking the I-94 W, and enjoy a scenic drive through Michigan.
Take I-94 W for about 290 miles.
USD0 (gas not included), 4.5 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Savor the classic Chicago deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, ideal for a long day of travel.
Located in multiple locations in Chicago, choose the nearest (check ahead).
USD30, 1.5 hours

10:30PM

Check-in to Hotel

Rest for the night at a local hotel (e.g., Hyatt Regency Chicago) to recharge for the next day.
Hotels are easily accessible from anywhere in downtown Chicago.
USD200, 1 hour
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Day 2: City Sights

Chicago, Illinois

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Indulge in an array of pancakes and fresh fruit to fuel your adventurous day ahead.
Short walk from the hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Millennium Park

Take a morning stroll through Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture.
Walk only 10 minutes from the breakfast spot.
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Art Institute of Chicago

Explore impressive artworks at one of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S.
A 15-minute walk from Millennium Park.
USD25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Portillo's

Grab a Chicago-style hot dog and Italian beef at Portillo's, a local favorite.
Short drive or 15-minute Uber ride from Art Institute.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Depart for St. Louis

Leave Chicago and head to St. Louis via I-55 S, enjoying the Midwest landscape.
Follow I-55 S for about 296 miles.
USD0 (gas not included), 4.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Pappy's Smokehouse

Enjoy some award-winning Memphis-style barbecue that St. Louis has to offer.
Located in Midtown, about a 15-minute drive from the I-55 exit.
USD25, 1.5 hours

9:30PM

Check-in to Hotel

Rest up at a local inn like the Hyatt Regency St. Louis to prepare for a new day.
Close to popular attractions in the city.
USD150, 1 hour
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Day 3: Historic Exploration

St. Louis, Missouri

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggspectation

Start your day with creatively made egg dishes and strong coffee to energize for sightseeing.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Gateway Arch

Take a ride to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Located 10 minutes from Eggspectation.
USD16, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore City Museum

Unleash your inner child at this quirky, interactive space made from repurposed architectural and industrial objects.
A short 10-minute drive from Gateway Arch.
USD15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Hill

Savor the incredible Italian food options in this iconic St. Louis neighborhood.
Drive 10 minutes from City Museum.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Depart for Oklahoma City

Hit the road heading towards Oklahoma City on the I-44 S and I-40 W.
Take I-44 S and I-40 W for about 600 miles.
USD0 (gas not included), 8 hours

11:00PM

Dinner at The Bomb BBQ

Grab a late-night bite at The Bomb BBQ, known for its smoked meats and vibrant atmosphere.
Located in central Oklahoma City, a straightforward drive from the highway.
USD20, 1 hour

12:30AM

Check-in to Hotel

Catch some rest at a Winchester Lodge or similar, well-positioned for your next day.
Located near the downtown area, allowing for easy access to the highway.
USD100, 1 hour
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Day 4: Local Culture

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 7

Start your day with a delicious breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients.
A quick 5-minute drive from the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Discover the rich history of the American West through art and artifacts.
A 10-minute drive from the café.
USD12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Bricktown District

Stroll along the scenic canals, and check out shops, restaurants, and outdoor art installations.
A 10-minute drive to Bricktown.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bricktown Brewery

Enjoy locally brewed beers and hearty classic pub fare to recharge.
Located within the Bricktown District.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Depart for Amarillo

Start your drive to Amarillo, TX, via I-40 W, embracing the Texas landscape.
Follow I-40 W for about 120 miles.
USD0 (gas not included), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Big Texan

Experience the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch known for its 72-ounce steak challenge!
Located off I-40 in Amarillo.
USD40, 2 hours

7:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Relax at the Holiday Inn Express Amarillo conveniently located near dining options.
Close to I-40 access.
USD120, 1 hour
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Day 5: Iconic American Road Trip

Amarillo, Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Donut Stop

Savor fresh donuts paired with hot coffee for a sweet start to your day.
Short drive from the hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Depart for Santa Fe

Take the scenic drive toward Santa Fe while enjoying the changing landscapes.
Drive via US-87 S for about 210 miles.
USD0 (gas not included), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Shed

Enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine at The Shed, known for its red and green chili dishes.
Located centrally in Santa Fe.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Immerse yourself in the art of Georgia O'Keeffe, a true icon of American modernism.
A quick 5-minute drive from lunch.
USD13, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Santa Fe Plaza

Explore the historic Santa Fe Plaza, a hub of culture and local artisans.
Walking distance from the museum.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Pasqual's

Dine at this vibrant café known for its organic and locally-sourced dishes.
Short walk from the Plaza.
USD30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Rest at La Fonda on the Plaza, an iconic hotel with rich history in Santa Fe.
Easily accessible from anywhere in the Plaza.
USD220, 1 hour
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Day 6: Nature's Beauty

Santa Fe, New Mexico to Sacramento, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery

Start your morning with a unique breakfast in a brewery setting offering local brews.
Short drive from the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Depart for Sacramento

Set out for Sacramento, keeping your camera ready for the breathtaking landscapes along I-40 W and CA-99 N.
Follow I-40 W and CA-99 N for about 800 miles.
USD0 (gas not included), 10 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Bakersfield

Take a break at Chef's Choice Noodle Bar, well-known for its Asian-inspired menu and friendly service.
Located off the CA 99 N, suitable for a quick stop.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00PM

Continuing drive to Sacramento

Finish the drive toward Sacramento, enjoying the last leg of your adventurous journey.
Continue heading north for about 2 more hours to Sacramento.
USD0 (gas not included), 2 hours

11:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Rest at a centrally located hotel in Sacramento to conclude your epic road trip.
Choose a well-rated hotel near downtown.
USD150, 1 hour
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Day 7: Relax & Explore

Sacramento, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Diner

Enjoy a classic diner breakfast, known for its generous portions and authentic atmosphere.
Short walk from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

California State Capitol Museum

Explore the stunning architecture and beautiful grounds of the California State Capitol.
Easily walkable from your breakfast spot.
USD0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Skip's Kitchen

Experience the delicious California cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.
Short drive from the Capitol.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Take some time to relax at this scenic park, perfect for walking or picnicking.
About a 30-minute drive from lunch.
USD0 (possible parking fee), 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Old Sacramento

Explore the historic district, complete with museums, shops, and old-fashioned buildings.
A short drive from Folsom Lake.
USD0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ella Dining Room and Bar

Indulge in upscale dining with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Conveniently located in downtown Sacramento.
USD50, 2 hours
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