Scenic Drive from San Diego to Laurel: Nature, Views & Local Eats on a Budget

Day 1: Desert to Joshua Tree

San Diego, CA to Joshua Tree National Park, CA on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Cafe

Start your day with an affordable hearty breakfast at this popular spot in San Diego, serving classic American dishes with dog-friendly patio seating.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Joshua Tree National Park via scenic Route

Take the I-8E then CA-79 with a detour through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for stunning desert landscapes and wildflower viewing if in bloom. This adds about 1.5h but is a highlighted spot.
USD30 (Joshua Tree Entry Fee), 4h

3:00pm

Short Hike to Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Enjoy an easy, 1-mile loop hike showcasing Joshua trees, rock formations, and wildlife. Great for dog walking in shaded spots.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Crossroads Cafe

A casual, affordable local eatery with fresh, southwestern inspired meals and pet-friendly outdoor seating.
USD20, 1h
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Day 2: Joshua Tree to Zion

Joshua Tree National Park, CA to Zion National Park, UT on August 11, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Joshua Tree Coffee Company

Grab coffee and light bites before starting your longer drive.
USD10, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive to Zion National Park

Head northeast through scenic I-15 with an optional short detour to Cedar Breaks National Monument (about 1h off route), known for its colorful alpine amphitheater.
USD35 (Zion entry fee), 6h

3:30pm

Riverside Walk at Zion National Park

An easy, dog-friendly paved trail along the Virgin River to the starting point of The Narrows with beautiful views.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner in Springdale at Oscar's Cafe

Affordable hearty southwestern fare with pet-friendly outdoor seating.
USD18, 1h
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Day 3: Zion to Arches

Zion National Park, UT to Arches National Park, UT on August 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Soleil

Enjoy a local favorite in Springdale offering fresh and budget-friendly breakfast options.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Arches National Park

Travel east on scenic US-191 through spectacular red rock scenery before reaching Moab, home to Arches National Park.
USD30 (Arches entry fee), 5h

2:00pm

Delicate Arch Viewpoint Short Hike

Embark on a 3-mile round trip hike to get views of Utah's iconic natural arch. Dogs allowed only on roadways and campgrounds, so plan accordingly.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Moab Brewery

A budget-friendly eatery offering local flavors and dog-friendly outdoor seating with great views of the red rocks.
USD20, 1h
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Day 4: Arches to Rocky Mountains

Arches National Park, UT to Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on August 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Peace Tree Juice Cafe

Fresh, healthy and budget-friendly breakfast in Moab to start the long drive on a good note.
USD12, 1h

8:00am

Drive towards Rocky Mountain National Park

Drive east on I-70 and then north on US-40 through scenic Utah and Colorado landscapes, with a possible detour to Glenwood Canyon for short hikes and river views.
USD30 (Park Entrance Fee), 7h

4:00pm

Bear Lake Trail Hike

Take an easy, popular 0.6-mile loop around Bear Lake with stunning mountain and lake views. Dogs permitted on leash on connecting roadways.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Trailhead Restaurant

A local favorite in Estes Park offering affordable dishes, pet-friendly outdoor seating, close to park entrance.
USD20, 1h
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Day 5: Rocky Mountains Exploration

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on August 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kind Coffee

Enjoy fresh coffee and light bites with dog-friendly seating in Estes Park.
USD10, 0.5h

8:00am

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive

Drive the highest continuous paved road in the US for breathtaking mountain vistas and wildlife viewing. Dogs allowed only in areas such as campgrounds and parking lots.
Free with park entrance, 3h

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Sprague Lake

Enjoy a packed or local deli lunch next to the peaceful lake with flat trails great for your dog and stunning mountain reflections.
USD12 (for packed lunch items), 1h

2:00pm

Hike Alberta Falls

A short 1.6-mile roundtrip hike to a beautiful waterfall, perfect for a refreshing break.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Taphouse

Enjoy affordable hearty BBQ meals with some pet-friendly seating available.
USD20, 1h
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Day 6: Rockies to Cuyahoga Valley

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH on August 15, 2025

7:00am

Early Light Breakfast

Grab coffee and snacks for the road at a local bakery.
USD8, 0.5h

7:30am

Start long cross-country drive towards Ohio

Anticipate about a 17-hour drive broken into two days with overnight stops; enjoy scenic Interstate highways.
Fuel, All day / multi-day (planned overnight stops possible in Nebraska/Kansas regions)
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Day 7: Continue to Cuyahoga Valley

Midway driving stop towards Ohio on August 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local diner en route

Affordable, homestyle breakfast at town stops during your journey.
USD12, 1h

8:00am

Continue drive to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Arrive in the afternoon and rest before exploring the park.
Free, 7h

4:00pm

Evening walk on the Towpath Trail

Enjoy a flat 20+ mile trail perfect for walking with your dog alongside the scenic Cuyahoga River.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Blue Door Cafe & Tavern

Budget-friendly American cuisine with nice ambiance and patio seating open to dogs.
USD18, 1h
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Day 8: Explore Cuyahoga Valley

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH on August 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Parkside Cafe

Convenient cafe with affordable breakfast and dog-friendly outdoor seating nearby.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Brandywine Falls Hike

A short 1.5-mile hike to an impressive 65-foot waterfall, perfect for a nature photo-op and easy with dogs on leash.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Harry Buffalo

Casual spot famous for wings and sandwiches with dog-friendly patio.
USD18, 1h

1:30pm

Ledges Trail

Enjoy a 2.2-mile trail through sandstone formations with spectacular views, dog-friendly on leash.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Dentist's Office Covered Bridge

A scenic historic covered bridge with river views and serene atmosphere.
Free, 0.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rail

Affordable American fare with local flavors and dog-friendly outdoor seating.
USD20, 1h
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Day 9: Final Leg to Laurel

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH to Laurel, MD on August 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast to go from local bakery

Pack breakfast sandwiches and coffee for the road to maximize time.
USD10, 0.5h

8:30am

Drive to Laurel, MD

Complete your trip heading east on I-70/I-270 corridors with minimal traffic morning, arriving in the afternoon.
Fuel, 5h
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