Road trip from San Francisco to Chicago
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ITINERARY
36h 55m2,136 miles14 stops
1
Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
2
Angel Island State Park
The largest island in San Francisco Bay features magnificent views of Marin County and San Francisco, while offering a wide variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
3
Incline Beach
4
Great Salt Lake
This 20,000 square mile lake, the second saltiest in the world, is also a wildlife refuge attracting millions of migratory birds every year to the ten islands within it.
5
The Westerner Dance Hall, Bar, & Grill
The Westerner first opened its doors in 1962 as Salt Lake City’s original country dance hall, bar, and grill. Over the years, our stage has been a home to well-known artists Brad Paisley, George Jones, Rascal Flatts, The Dixie Chicks, Trace Adkins, and many others before their rise to fame. Whether you’re looking for good music, good food, or a good time, you’ll always find it at The Westerner. - LIVE MUSIC Every Weekend - FREE Mechanical Bull Rides - FREE Pool Tables - FREE Line Dance Lessons every Wednesday & Friday - FREE Couples Dance Lessons every Thursday - Karaoke Room - Patio with Fire Pits - Largest Dance Floor in Utah - 21 & Over
6
Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West and, together with the University of Utah, is the state arboretum. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive Natural Area. All just minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. The Garden is renowned for plant collections, themed gardens, over 560,000 springtime blooms, gorgeous private rental spaces, a world-class summer concert series, and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs.
7
Lincoln Highway
8
Curt Gowdy State Park
Curt Gowdy is located just 24 miles west of Cheyenne, WY. 24 miles east of Laramie, WY. Take State Route 210 (Happy Jack Road). Curt Gowdy State Park has seven sections of richly varied landscape, flora and fauna decorate the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. The beautiful attractions within Curt Gowdy State Park are near the crossroads of two major interstates, I-80 and I-25. There are three reservoirs, Granite, Crystal and North Crow. Granite offers excellent rainbow trout fishing as well as space for water sports. Crystal, the smallest of the reservoirs, has shoreline fishing for brown trout and rainbow trout. Also, enjoy boating while at Crystal (15 horsepower limit). North Crow Reservoir is located 5 miles west of the Headquarters Building, no motors allowed. There are no picnic tables, water supply, comfort stations, and is day-use only. All campsites are by reservation only. Aspen Grove campground is next to a free public horse corral for those visitors with horses.
9
Hot Shops Art Center
10
Hollywood Candy
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
11
Brenton Skating Plaza
12
Family Museum of Arts and Science
Exploration is encouraged at this museum.
13
Arista Spa & Salon
Arista Spa & Salon in Naperville, Illinois has been artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. In this special place we bring together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. The Arista Spa & Salon and its services have been crafted to meet the needs of both men and women. You may also enjoy our inspiring couples' room, allowing you to experience complete relaxation with someone special.
14
Anderson's Bookshop
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
San Francisco to Chicago
1
Start:Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(992) review
Powell and Market Streets, San Francisco, CA 94102
2
Start:Angel Island State Park
San Francisco, California·
4.5
(990) review
The largest island in San Francisco Bay features magnificent views of Marin County and San Francisco, while offering a wide variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
3
Start:Incline Beach
Incline Village, Lake Tahoe (Nevada), Nevada·
4.0
(97) review
Lakeshore Blvd, Incline Village, NV
4
Start:Great Salt Lake
Salt Lake City, Utah·
4.0
(987) review
This 20,000 square mile lake, the second saltiest in the world, is also a wildlife refuge attracting millions of migratory birds every year to the ten islands within it.
5
Start:The Westerner Dance Hall, Bar, & Grill
Salt Lake City, Utah·
4.5
(9) review
The Westerner first opened its doors in 1962 as Salt Lake City’s original country dance hall, bar, and grill. Over the years, our stage has been a home to well-known artists Brad Paisley, George Jones, Rascal Flatts, The Dixie Chicks, Trace Adkins, and many others before their rise to fame. Whether you’re looking for good music, good food, or a good time, you’ll always find it at The Westerner. - LIVE MUSIC Every Weekend - FREE Mechanical Bull Rides - FREE Pool Tables - FREE Line Dance Lessons every Wednesday & Friday - FREE Couples Dance Lessons every Thursday - Karaoke Room - Patio with Fire Pits - Largest Dance Floor in Utah - 21 & Over
6
Start:Red Butte Garden
Salt Lake City, Utah·
4.5
(925) review
Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West and, together with the University of Utah, is the state arboretum. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive Natural Area. All just minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. The Garden is renowned for plant collections, themed gardens, over 560,000 springtime blooms, gorgeous private rental spaces, a world-class summer concert series, and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs.
7
Start:Lincoln Highway
Cheyenne, Wyoming·
4.5
(33) review
Route 30, Cheyenne, WY
8
Start:Curt Gowdy State Park
Cheyenne, Wyoming·
4.5
(235) review
Curt Gowdy is located just 24 miles west of Cheyenne, WY. 24 miles east of Laramie, WY. Take State Route 210 (Happy Jack Road). Curt Gowdy State Park has seven sections of richly varied landscape, flora and fauna decorate the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. The beautiful attractions within Curt Gowdy State Park are near the crossroads of two major interstates, I-80 and I-25. There are three reservoirs, Granite, Crystal and North Crow. Granite offers excellent rainbow trout fishing as well as space for water sports. Crystal, the smallest of the reservoirs, has shoreline fishing for brown trout and rainbow trout. Also, enjoy boating while at Crystal (15 horsepower limit). North Crow Reservoir is located 5 miles west of the Headquarters Building, no motors allowed. There are no picnic tables, water supply, comfort stations, and is day-use only. All campsites are by reservation only. Aspen Grove campground is next to a free public horse corral for those visitors with horses.
9
Start:Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(96) review
13th & Nicholas, Omaha, NE 68102
10
Start:Hollywood Candy
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.0
(99) review
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
11
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
12
Start:Family Museum of Arts and Science
Bettendorf, Iowa·
4.5
(95) review
Exploration is encouraged at this museum.
13
Start:Arista Spa & Salon
Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois·
4.0
(9) review
Arista Spa & Salon in Naperville, Illinois has been artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. In this special place we bring together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. The Arista Spa & Salon and its services have been crafted to meet the needs of both men and women. You may also enjoy our inspiring couples' room, allowing you to experience complete relaxation with someone special.
14
Start:Anderson's Bookshop
Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois·
5.0
(9) review
123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540-5310
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
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Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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2,136 miles
36h 55m
14 stops
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between San Francisco and Chicago?
The distance is 2,136 miles
What's the travel time between San Francisco and Chicago?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 36h 55m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between San Francisco and Chicago?
Some popular stops includeSan Francisco, Incline Village, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha, Bettendorf, Des Moines, Naperville
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Chicago?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Chicago
Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
Angel Island State Park
Incline Beach
The Westerner Dance Hall, Bar, & Grill
Great Salt Lake
Red Butte Garden
Curt Gowdy State Park
Lincoln Highway
Hollywood Candy
Hot Shops Art Center
Family Museum of Arts and Science
Brenton Skating Plaza
Anderson's Bookshop
Arista Spa & Salon
What’s the weather like in Chicago?
The weather in Chicago is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Chicago in January
Weather in Chicago in February
Weather in Chicago in March
Weather in Chicago in April
Weather in Chicago in May
Weather in Chicago in June
Weather in Chicago in July
Weather in Chicago in August
Weather in Chicago in September
Weather in Chicago in October
Weather in Chicago in November
Weather in Chicago in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Chicago?
Plan your dream Chicago trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Chicago
A 2-day itinerary in Chicago
A 3-day itinerary in Chicago
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A 6-day itinerary in Chicago
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in San Francisco?
We have a lot of great trip options for San Francisco! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you