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Affordable Scenic Road Trip from Houston to San Francisco and Back

Viewed by 412 travelers

Day 1: Depart to Dallas

Houston, TX on March 6, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Common Bond Cafe

Enjoy artisanal pastries and fresh coffee to fuel your road trip.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Dallas

Hit the road with a scenic drive; expect about a 4-hour journey.
USD0, 4 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Pecan Lodge

Indulge in some of the best BBQ in Texas, famous for its brisket.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Dealey Plaza

Explore this historic landmark, significant for its role in JFK's assassination.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Mi Cocina

Savor delicious Tex-Mex with a family-friendly vibe.
USD40, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Settling in for the night in Dallas.
USD100, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Houston

Day 2: Travel to Amarillo

Dallas, TX on March 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Enjoy a variety of breakfast options with a homestyle vibe.
USD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Amarillo

Traveling to Amarillo with a scenic drive through Texas countryside.
USD0, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Famous for its 72 oz steak challenge, this diner offers Texas-style meals.
USD35, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Photo Op at Cadillac Ranch

An iconic art installation where you can spray paint the cars!
USD0, 30 minutes

4:00 PM

Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Work off some energy exploring the second-largest canyon in the US.
USD10, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Coyote Bluff Cafe

Dine for burgers and salads in this local favorite eatery.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Rest in Amarillo for the night.
USD80, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Albuquerque

Amarillo, TX on March 8, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Polly's Restaurant

Cozy diner known for its hearty breakfasts and friendly service.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Albuquerque

Continue your journey west with lovely views of New Mexico’s landscapes.
USD0, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Range Cafe

A charming cafe serving New Mexican cuisine, perfect for a family meal.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Sandia Peak Tramway

Take a scenic tram ride for breathtaking views of Albuquerque.
USD25, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at El Pinto Restaurant

Experience traditional New Mexican dishes in a beautiful setting.
USD40, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Sleep in Albuquerque for the night.
USD90, 1 hour
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Day 4: Travel to Flagstaff

Albuquerque, NM on March 9, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Daily Grind Coffee House

Start the day with fresh coffee and breakfast options to enjoy.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Flagstaff

Enjoy the beautiful drive through the high desert toward Flagstaff.
USD0, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Dine at this joint known for its creative burgers and local ingredients.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Downtown Flagstaff

Stroll around, visiting shops and local tourist attractions.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Historic Barrel + Bottle

Enjoy a fine meal featuring American cuisine with local twists.
USD35, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Rest and relax in Flagstaff for the night.
USD90, 1 hour
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Day 5: Visit Grand Canyon

Flagstaff, AZ on March 10, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at The Northern Pines Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast with amazing views of the pines and hearty meals.
USD20, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Grand Canyon National Park

A short drive that will put you at one of the natural wonders of the world.
USD0, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Grand Canyon South Rim

Take in the awe-inspiring views and various trails at the South Rim.
USD35, 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Bright Angel Lodge

Grab a meal with stunning canyon views in a rustic setting.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Continue Exploring the Canyon

Hike or walk some of the trails for unforgettable views.
USD0, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room

Fine dining experience within the Grand Canyon National Park.
USD60, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Return to Flagstaff

Head back to your hotel for a good night's sleep.
USD0, 1 hour
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Day 6: Travel to Las Vegas

Flagstaff, AZ on March 11, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Place on the Corner

Enjoy hearty breakfast offerings before hitting the road.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Las Vegas

A scenic drive to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.
USD0, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Peppermill Restaurant

Known for its retro decor and comforting meals; a great pit stop.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore The Strip

Bask in the glow of the famed Las Vegas Strip with its attractions.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at In-N-Out Burger

A must for family dining, known for its fresh ingredients and burgers.
USD20, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your Las Vegas accommodations.
USD100, 1 hour
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Day 7: Travel to Los Angeles

Las Vegas, NV on March 12, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Noir

Enjoy a great selection of breakfast items in a chic atmosphere.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Head towards the sunny coasts of California.
USD0, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Stop by for another round of delicious fast food, loved by many.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Enjoy the panoramic views over Los Angeles and explore the exhibits.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles

Savor a unique and tasty blend of flavors in this famous eatery.
USD30, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Relax after a full day in Los Angeles.
USD100, 1 hour
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Day 8: Travel to San Francisco

Los Angeles, CA on March 13, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Serving Spoon

Start your day with delicious breakfast options and fresh coffee.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to San Francisco

Enjoy the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
USD0, 8 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Boudin Bakery

Experience the famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
USD30, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Settle in for a restful evening in San Francisco.
USD150, 1 hour
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Day 9: Explore Japan Town

San Francisco, CA on March 14, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Delight in their signature French toast and other breakfast favorites.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Japan Town

Experience authentic Japanese culture, shops, and cuisine in this vibrant neighborhood.
USD0, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Koji Sake & Sushi Bar

Enjoy fresh sushi and delicious sake in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Explore the lush park with gardens and trails, ideal for bonding time.
USD0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Famous for its garlic-infused dishes in a quirky eatery setting.
USD50, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Evening Stroll on Pier 39

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and sea lion sightings at this popular location.
USD0, 1 hour
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Day 10: Redwood National Park

San Francisco, CA on March 15, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Mill

Try their delicious breakfast sandwiches and artisanal coffee.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Redwood National Park

Travel through scenic routes to witness the majestic giant redwoods.
USD0, 5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Eatery

Enjoy local flavors in a laid-back, nature-surrounded setting.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore the Redwoods

Wander the trails and marvel at the ancient, towering trees.
USD0, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Prime Rib

Indulge in a hearty meal after your day of adventure.
USD50, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Drive Back to San Francisco

Return to your hotel for a night of rest.
USD0, 5 hours
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Day 11: Return Home

San Francisco, CA on March 16, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Boudin Bakery

Enjoy a light breakfast before beginning the journey back.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive Back to Houston

Begin the journey back home, taking the time to reflect on the fun.
USD0, 12 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at Local Diner

Have a relaxing dinner back in Houston, sharing stories from your adventure.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco
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