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Ultimate Midwest to West Coast Road Trip: Columbus to Chicago, San Francisco, and New York

Viewed by 175 travelers

Day 1: Drive to Chicago

Columbus to Chicago, USA on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Northstar Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring organic, locally-sourced ingredients to fuel your road trip.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Columbus to Chicago

Embark on a 6-7 hour scenic drive heading northwest to Chicago, enjoying changing landscapes of the Midwest.
Fuel and tolls vary, 7h

3:30pm

Check-in at hotel

Settle into your accommodation in downtown Chicago to be close to key attractions.
USD150, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Millennium Park

Visit this iconic park featuring the Cloud Gate sculpture (‘The Bean’) and outdoor art, perfect for a casual evening stroll. Open until 10:00pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Giordano’s

Enjoy Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza in a lively setting, open until 11:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Chicago Highlights

Chicago, USA on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Indulge in creative pancakes and fresh coffee to start your day in Chicago.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago

Explore one of the oldest and largest art museums in the US, housing classics like Grant Wood’s 'American Gothic'. Open 10am-5pm.
USD25, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lou Malnati’s

Savor another take on the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza with a cozy atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Shedd Aquarium Visit

Discover diverse marine life in one of the largest indoor aquariums worldwide. Open 9am-5pm.
USD40, 2h

5:00pm

Walk on the Navy Pier

Enjoy rides, shops, and lake views at this lively waterfront pier. Open until midnight.
Free to enter; $ for rides, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Girl & The Goat

Experience innovative shared plates featuring global flavors in a trendy environment. Reservations recommended.
USD50, 2h
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Day 3: Return to Columbus

Chicago to Columbus, USA on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Bongo Room

Enjoy upscale breakfast options with creative twists before your journey home.
USD18, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Chicago to Columbus

Head back southeast to Columbus, approximately a 6-7 hour drive with potential stops for refreshments.
Fuel and tolls vary, 7h

3:30pm

Check-in at Columbus hotel

Rest and refresh at your accommodation for the next leg of your trip.
USD130, 1h

5:00pm

Visit German Village

Stroll through historic brick streets with quaint shops and charming architecture.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

Taste authentic German sausage and comfort food in an iconic local establishment.
USD25, 1h
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Day 4: Drive to San Francisco

Columbus to San Francisco, USA on June 1, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at Fox in the Snow Café

Grab artisanal pastries and coffee to start a long day of travel.
USD12, 30m

6:30am

Fly from Columbus to San Francisco

Take an early morning flight approximately 5-6 hours with potential layover; flights recommended for this long distance.
USD300-450, 6h

1:00pm

Check-in at San Francisco hotel

Relax and prepare for exploring the city, located centrally for good access.
USD200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Explore lively waterfront with seafood, shops, and sea lions. Open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Cable Car Ride

Experience a historic San Francisco cable car ride with great city views.
USD9, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Scoma’s

Enjoy fresh seafood in a classic setting on the waterfront.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 5: San Francisco Sights

San Francisco, USA on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Relish homemade breakfast specialties in a cozy atmosphere. Opens at 8am.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Golden Gate Bridge Visit

Walk or bike across the iconic bridge for breathtaking views of the bay.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tartine Bakery

Sample artisan sandwiches and pastries from one of the city’s best bakeries.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Alcatraz Island Tour

Take a ferry to the famous former prison with guided audio tours. Book tickets in advance. Tours run 9am-6pm.
USD45, 3h

5:00pm

Explore Chinatown

Walk through colorful shops and markets in the largest Chinatown outside Asia.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Z & Y Restaurant

Enjoy authentic spicy Sichuan dishes well-loved by locals and visitors alike.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Columbus

San Francisco to Columbus, USA on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Blue Bottle Coffee

Start early with excellent coffee and light eats before heading home.
USD15, 30m

8:00am

Fly from San Francisco to Columbus

Fly back east with a flight time of around 5-6 hours, typically with one layover.
USD300-450, 6h

3:00pm

Check-in at Columbus hotel

Settle in and relax after a full travel day.
USD130, 1h

5:00pm

Short visit to Scioto Mile

Enjoy riverside parks and trails for a light walk or bike ride.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pearl

Dine on elegant comfort food in a vibrant neighborhood setting.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Drive to New York

Columbus to New York City, USA on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Katalina’s

Enjoy unique breakfast dishes with a Caribbean flair to energize your trip.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Columbus to New York City

Embark on an approximately 9-hour drive heading east to New York, Breaks recommended along the way.
Fuel and tolls vary, 9h

5:00pm

Check-in at New York hotel

Rest and freshen up at your Midtown Manhattan hotel, close to major attractions.
USD250, 1h

6:30pm

Evening stroll in Times Square

Experience the bright lights and bustling atmosphere of iconic Times Square. Always open.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Family-style Italian meals famous for large portions and classic dishes in Times Square.
USD50, 2h
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Day 8: Explore NYC Icons

New York City, USA on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Taste authentic New York style bagels with a variety of spreads and toppings.
USD10, 30m

9:00am

Visit Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take a morning ferry tour to these historical landmarks and museums. First ferry departs around 8:30am, tours until 5pm.
USD30, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Dine in a colonial-era building with hearty American fare near the Financial District.
USD30, 1h

3:00pm

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Enjoy stunning skyline views while strolling to Brooklyn. Always accessible.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Explore DUMBO neighborhood

Browse art galleries, shops, and waterfront parks in this trendy Brooklyn area.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza

Savor highly-rated New York-style pizza in Brooklyn’s DUMBO area.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Central Park & Museums

New York City, USA on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South

Enjoy refined breakfast classics near Central Park, opens at 8am.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Central Park Exploration

Visit key spots like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and The Mall for scenic walks.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse

Dine lakeside inside Central Park with a peaceful ambiance.
USD40, 1h

1:30pm

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore world-class art collections from ancient to modern times. Open 10am-5:30pm.
USD30, 3h

5:00pm

Relax at Roosevelt Island Tramway

Take a scenic tram ride with views of the East River and Manhattan skyline.
USD3, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Modern

Experience a fine dining setting with innovative American cuisine near MoMA.
USD80, 2h
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