Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Scenic Road Trip from Monee, IL to Los Angeles, CA with Sunrise to Sunset Driving Schedule

Viewed by 82 travelers

Day 1: Start Drive

Monee, IL to St. Louis, MO on June 1, 2025

5:15am

Early Start

Begin your drive just before sunrise to maximize daylight driving. Full tank ensures starting without refueling.
USD0, 0h30m

8:00am

Fuel and Rest Break - Effingham, IL

Stop at Effingham to refuel and grab some breakfast. Recommended: Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee and light breakfast options. Open from 5am to 10pm.
USD15, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in St. Louis, MO

Enjoy lunch at Pappy’s Smokehouse, known for award-winning ribs and barbecue. Open from 11am to 8pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Stretch and Quick Sightseeing

Visit the Gateway Arch riverfront area for a quick scenic break and photo opportunity. Grounds open all day; Arch rides close at 5pm.
USD10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Overnight Stop

Depart St. Louis heading west towards a comfortable overnight stop in Rolla, MO; approximately 1.5 hours driving.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner and Overnight

Dine at the Steel Plant Grill in Rolla, serving hearty American fare. Open until 8pm. Rest and recharge overnight.
USD18, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Monee

Day 2: Midwest to Plains

Rolla, MO to Tulsa, OK on June 2, 2025

5:15am

Early Resume

Depart Rolla shortly after sunrise to continue westward towards Tulsa, OK.
USD0, 0h15m

8:00am

Breakfast and Fuel Stop - Springfield, MO

Grab breakfast at Gaile’s Breakfast Cafe, offering classic American breakfast with open hours from 6:30am to 2pm. Fill up the tank if needed.
USD15, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch in Tulsa, OK

Eat at Burn Co BBQ, known for slow-smoked meats and sauces. Open 11am to 9pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Fuel and Rest Break

Stop at a convenient fuel station in Tulsa or just past city limits to refuel and rest.
USD35, 0h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Overnight

Drive towards your overnight stop in Oklahoma City; approximately 1 hour 45 mins away.
USD0, 1h45m

5:00pm

Dinner and Overnight in Oklahoma City

Dine at Vast for rooftop views and fine dining; open until 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Rolla

Day 3: Crossing Texas

Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX on June 3, 2025

5:15am

Early Departure

Leave Oklahoma City early, heading into the Texas panhandle.
USD0, 0h15m

8:30am

Breakfast and Fuel - Childress, TX

Stop for breakfast at Gill’s Drive Inn, a popular local diner with classic breakfast menu, open from 6am to 2pm.
USD15, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch in Amarillo, TX

Eat at Tyler’s Barbeque, a local favorite. Open from 11am to 8pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Fuel and Rest Stop

Refuel and take a short rest at Amarillo's fuel stations before continuing west.
USD40, 0h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Overnight Stop

Drive a short distance west towards Vega, TX for overnight rest.
USD0, 0h45m

4:00pm

Dinner and Overnight

Dinner at a local Vega restaurant such as Vega Barbecue; open until 8pm.
USD20, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Oklahoma City

Day 4: Into the Southwest

Vega, TX to Albuquerque, NM on June 4, 2025

5:15am

Departure

Early departure from Vega into New Mexico.
USD0, 0h15m

8:30am

Breakfast and Fuel - Tucumcari, NM

Breakfast at Del’s Restaurant, a classic Route 66 diner open from 6am to 2pm, plus refuel before continuing.
USD15, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch in Santa Rosa, NM

Enjoy New Mexican dishes at Kix on 66, open 11am-8pm
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Fuel and Rest - Santa Fe, NM

Refuel and power walk around the city center to stretch legs. Fuel station open 24 hours.
USD40, 0h45m

3:15pm

Drive to Albuquerque

Complete the drive to Albuquerque, approx 1 hour 15 minutes.
USD0, 1h15m

5:00pm

Dinner and Overnight Stop in Albuquerque

Dine at Sadie's of New Mexico for authentic New Mexican cuisine. Open until 9pm.
USD25, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Vega

Day 5: Desert Drive

Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ on June 5, 2025

5:15am

Sunrise Departure

Early start through New Mexico into Arizona.
USD0, 0h15m

8:30am

Breakfast and Fuel - Holbrook, AZ

Stop at Early Bird Caffe for breakfast open 6am-2pm, and refuel your Prius.
USD15, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch in Flagstaff, AZ

Enjoy lunch at Diablo Burger, known for their locally sourced burgers. Open 11am-8pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Rest and Fuel Break

Refuel and rest in Flagstaff before the final leg west.
USD40, 0h30m

3:00pm

Explore Flagstaff Briefly

Take a quick walk downtown or visit Heritage Square, open all day, for fresh air and photos.
USD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Overnight Stop

Drive towards Kingman, AZ for an overnight stay approximately 1.5 hours away.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner and Overnight in Kingman

Dinner at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, open until 9pm for classic American diner food.
USD20, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Albuquerque

Day 6: Final Leg

Kingman, AZ to Los Angeles, CA on June 6, 2025

5:15am

Departure for Last Day

Head out early for the last stretch toward Los Angeles.
USD0, 0h15m

8:30am

Breakfast and Fuel - Barstow, CA

Stop at Peg's Cafe for breakfast, open 6am-2pm. Refuel here to finish trip into LA.
USD15, 0h45m

12:30pm

Arrival in Los Angeles

Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon, meeting your 1pm target comfortably with adjustments for traffic.
USD0, 0h0m
Find Hotels in Kingman
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed