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Road trip from San Francisco to El Paso
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Outdoor Activities
Museums
Fun & GamesShow more (3+)
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ITINERARY
21h 20m1,183 miles30 stops
1
St. Patrick Catholic Church
2
Jack London's Cabin
Jack London's Yukon home during the winter of 1897-98.
3
Lake Merritt
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
4
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the FamilySearch Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill Auditorium and most events are free.
5
Oakland Zoo
Oakland Zoo was established in 1922 and is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The Zoo is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. We're recognized for our outstanding animal care, particularly our elephant care program, and for our Leed-certified, 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital—the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California. June 2018 introduced Oakland Zoo guests to an entirely new experience, California Trail, a monumental expansion furthering our commitment to animal care, education, and conservation with a focus on this state’s remarkable native wildlife—both past and present.
6
Wildlife Learning Center
7
Gloria Molina Grand Park
8
Ryan Bonaminio Park
9
The Brickwood Tavern
10
Van Buren Drive-In Theatre
11
Hangar Trampoline Park
12
Whitewater Preserve
13
Stand Up Live
14
Arizona Science Center
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
15
Makutu's Island
Makutu’s [Ma-coo-two’s] [means magic] Island was called Club Disney - is an evergreen lush, exciting indoor “island” with towering trees, climbs, mysterious caves, a "bungee jump", a zip track, an arcade, a café, a special toddler zone and so much more. Our admission price includes ALL DAY fun (and it is not a trampoline park or bounce jungle that you need to pay by the hour). Makutu's Island has no affiliation with Disney. Even though the structure and design were done by Disney, it is now re-themed as Makutu's Island with our cute characters that include the jaguar cub Makutu and his friends. It is a unique tropical jungle themed as a Regional Entertainment. The centerpiece of Makutu’s Island is a magnificent indoor tree. The tree is filled with tunnels, tubes, mole-holes, and slides. Our facility offers hours of fun and adventure.
16
Whirlwind Golf Club
Whirlwind Golf Club is truly a unique southwest golf experience. The courses, clubhouse, and practice facilities are sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Named for the prominent design feature of the hand-woven basketry of the Authum tribe, Whirlwind is the work of golf course architect Gary Panks. His design weaves the spirit and legacy of this ancient land into a marvelous test of golf. The Devil's Claw course features sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. The Cattail course complements the Devil's Claw, but lends a whole new flavor to this 36-hole masterpiece, with its rolling fairways accented by striking water features and deep canyons. Whirlwind promises a dynamic golf experience marked by spectacular landscaping, unrivaled course conditions, and genuine customer service.
17
Escape the Room
Escape The Room Chandler is the premier escape game experience in the Chandler area. With three unique rooms to play and the most technologically advanced puzzles, you will truly be tested to see if you and your friends can put together enough of the clues and escape the room!
18
Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
19
Gates Pass
20
Cactus Forest Trail
21
Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
Whether you are a lifelong Tucson resident or a first-time visitor, the Tucson Presidio Historic Museum is must-see. At this re-creation of a Spanish fort built in 1775, experience a 150-year-old classic Sonoran Row house to see how houses were built before the railroad brought in the new building materials of that age. See archaeological remains of a pit house in the ground, and learn about the lives of early Native Americans. Take a docent-led tour of where you’ll discover how Tucson residents lived before air conditioning and cell phones. Kids of all ages can try out Presidio-era kids games in the box on the Territorial Patio and try on the cuera, the Presidio soldier’s version of chainmail, in the soldiers’ quarters. During our many Living History events, visitors enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, food preparation, and also see historical re-enactments and soldier drills. We also offer more than 15 historic and cultural walking tours, most in the downtown area.
22
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Located on the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium inspires visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science. Take a journey through the solar system and beyond in Flandrau’s state-of-the-art planetarium theater, featuring a fulldome digital projection system that launches you from the Earth to the planets, moons, and asteroids of our galaxy. Flandrau also offers fun interactive science exhibits that will engage the whole family, and dazzling specimens from the UA Mineral Museum. Current exhibit topics include earth science, sharks, astronomy, math puzzles, and gemstones. Open Tuesday through Sunday, see website for hours, showtimes, and admission prices.
23
All Around Trail Horses
Discover the Southwest by Horseback! Tucson’s long running and family owned Pantano Riding Stables caters to people of all ages, sizes, and experience levels. Enjoy a Ride Enjoy a romantic ride or join a group of friends for a combination trail ride and dinner. Have a bale of fun on a wagon hay-ride with an option of dining under the stars by campfire or explore the Saguaro National Park with our special park rides. Photography and Artist rides are also available, or if you are looking for something special — just let us know. Please take a look around our website and if you have any questions please contact our friendly staff.
24
Rio Grande Riverpark Trail
25
Franklin Mountains State Park
America's largest urban park measures more than 24,247 acres, covering 37 square miles.
26
Lloyd's Pub
27
McKelligon Canyon
28
King's X Bar
29
Billy Rogers Arroyo Park
30
El Paso Saddleblanket
The El Paso Saddleblanket Retail Outlet is No Longer Open to the Public. In order to enter our showroom you must present proof of business. El Paso Saddleblanket Company is the World's Largest Southwest Trading Post The wholesale showroom touts one of the widest selections of Southwest and Western crafts in the world, overflowing with Southwest rugs, blankets, turquoise jewelry, Mexico pottery, western purses, Brazilian cowhides, bedspreads, hand-painted artifacts, mounted horns, handwoven baskets, serapes, and much more! Founded by Dusty & Bonnie Henson, they have spent more than 44 years of traveling the globe-trading, buying, manufacturing, wholesaling and designing the best selection of Southwest products available anywhere.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Imagine embarking on an epic adventure from the bustling metropolis of San Francisco to the vibrant border town of El Paso. This cross-country journey will take you through a kaleidoscope of landscapes, from towering mountains and sprawling deserts to quaint towns and bustling cities. Along the way, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and fascinating stories.
Prepare to be captivated by the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks and sparkling lakes. Traverse the vast expanse of the Great Basin, home to ancient salt flats and towering sand dunes. As you approach El Paso, the landscape transforms into a vibrant desert, dotted with cacti and endless skies.
This journey is not just about the destinations, but also about the experiences and connections you'll make along the way. Immerse yourself in the local life of small towns, where the pace slows down and the people are genuinely welcoming. Discover hidden gems and unexpected wonders that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you're an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a change of scenery, this epic road trip will provide memories that will last a lifetime.
1
Start:St. Patrick Catholic Church
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(98) review
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
2
Start:Jack London's Cabin
Oakland, California·
3.5
(90) review
Jack London's Yukon home during the winter of 1897-98.
3
Start:Lake Merritt
Oakland, California·
4.5
(926) review
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
4
Start:Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
Oakland, California·
5.0
(940) review
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the FamilySearch Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill Auditorium and most events are free.
5
Start:Oakland Zoo
Oakland, California·
4.5
(710) review
Oakland Zoo was established in 1922 and is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The Zoo is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. We're recognized for our outstanding animal care, particularly our elephant care program, and for our Leed-certified, 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital—the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California. June 2018 introduced Oakland Zoo guests to an entirely new experience, California Trail, a monumental expansion furthering our commitment to animal care, education, and conservation with a focus on this state’s remarkable native wildlife—both past and present.
6
Start:Wildlife Learning Center
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(88) review
16027 Yarnell St Sylmar, Los Angeles, CA 91342-1011
7
Start:Gloria Molina Grand Park
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(98) review
227 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3201
8
Start:Ryan Bonaminio Park
Riverside, California·
4.5
(8) review
5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
9
Start:The Brickwood Tavern
Riverside, California·
5.0
(9) review
3653 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501-2838
10
Start:Van Buren Drive-In Theatre
Riverside, California·
4.5
(81) review
3035 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92503-5656
11
Start:Hangar Trampoline Park
Riverside, California·
5.0
(8) review
12125 Day St Ste A201 Canyon Springs Plaza North of Hwy 60, Riverside, CA 92557-6703
12
Start:Whitewater Preserve
Riverside, California·
4.5
(66) review
9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd Whitewater, Riverside, CA 92282-2102
13
Start:Stand Up Live
Phoenix, Arizona·
3.5
(91) review
50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003-2321
14
Start:Arizona Science Center
Phoenix, Arizona·
4.0
(967) review
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
15
Start:Makutu's Island
Chandler, Arizona·
3.5
(92) review
Makutu’s [Ma-coo-two’s] [means magic] Island was called Club Disney - is an evergreen lush, exciting indoor “island” with towering trees, climbs, mysterious caves, a "bungee jump", a zip track, an arcade, a café, a special toddler zone and so much more. Our admission price includes ALL DAY fun (and it is not a trampoline park or bounce jungle that you need to pay by the hour). Makutu's Island has no affiliation with Disney. Even though the structure and design were done by Disney, it is now re-themed as Makutu's Island with our cute characters that include the jaguar cub Makutu and his friends. It is a unique tropical jungle themed as a Regional Entertainment. The centerpiece of Makutu’s Island is a magnificent indoor tree. The tree is filled with tunnels, tubes, mole-holes, and slides. Our facility offers hours of fun and adventure.
16
Start:Whirlwind Golf Club
Chandler, Arizona·
4.0
(94) review
Whirlwind Golf Club is truly a unique southwest golf experience. The courses, clubhouse, and practice facilities are sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Named for the prominent design feature of the hand-woven basketry of the Authum tribe, Whirlwind is the work of golf course architect Gary Panks. His design weaves the spirit and legacy of this ancient land into a marvelous test of golf. The Devil's Claw course features sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. The Cattail course complements the Devil's Claw, but lends a whole new flavor to this 36-hole masterpiece, with its rolling fairways accented by striking water features and deep canyons. Whirlwind promises a dynamic golf experience marked by spectacular landscaping, unrivaled course conditions, and genuine customer service.
17
Start:Escape the Room
Chandler, Arizona·
5.0
(92) review
Escape The Room Chandler is the premier escape game experience in the Chandler area. With three unique rooms to play and the most technologically advanced puzzles, you will truly be tested to see if you and your friends can put together enough of the clues and escape the room!
18
Start:Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(95) review
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
19
Start:Gates Pass
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(952) review
Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
20
Start:Cactus Forest Trail
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(9) review
Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ 85743
21
Start:Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(92) review
Whether you are a lifelong Tucson resident or a first-time visitor, the Tucson Presidio Historic Museum is must-see. At this re-creation of a Spanish fort built in 1775, experience a 150-year-old classic Sonoran Row house to see how houses were built before the railroad brought in the new building materials of that age. See archaeological remains of a pit house in the ground, and learn about the lives of early Native Americans. Take a docent-led tour of where you’ll discover how Tucson residents lived before air conditioning and cell phones. Kids of all ages can try out Presidio-era kids games in the box on the Territorial Patio and try on the cuera, the Presidio soldier’s version of chainmail, in the soldiers’ quarters. During our many Living History events, visitors enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, food preparation, and also see historical re-enactments and soldier drills. We also offer more than 15 historic and cultural walking tours, most in the downtown area.
22
Start:Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(93) review
Located on the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium inspires visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science. Take a journey through the solar system and beyond in Flandrau’s state-of-the-art planetarium theater, featuring a fulldome digital projection system that launches you from the Earth to the planets, moons, and asteroids of our galaxy. Flandrau also offers fun interactive science exhibits that will engage the whole family, and dazzling specimens from the UA Mineral Museum. Current exhibit topics include earth science, sharks, astronomy, math puzzles, and gemstones. Open Tuesday through Sunday, see website for hours, showtimes, and admission prices.
23
Start:All Around Trail Horses
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(96) review
Discover the Southwest by Horseback! Tucson’s long running and family owned Pantano Riding Stables caters to people of all ages, sizes, and experience levels. Enjoy a Ride Enjoy a romantic ride or join a group of friends for a combination trail ride and dinner. Have a bale of fun on a wagon hay-ride with an option of dining under the stars by campfire or explore the Saguaro National Park with our special park rides. Photography and Artist rides are also available, or if you are looking for something special — just let us know. Please take a look around our website and if you have any questions please contact our friendly staff.
24
Start:Rio Grande Riverpark Trail
El Paso, Texas·
4.0
(4) review
5240 Hunters Glenn Ct, El Paso, TX 79932-3149
25
Start:Franklin Mountains State Park
El Paso, Texas·
4.5
(425) review
America's largest urban park measures more than 24,247 acres, covering 37 square miles.
26
Start:Lloyd's Pub
El Paso, Texas·
4.0
(5) review
6110 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79912-4567
27
Start:McKelligon Canyon
El Paso, Texas·
4.0
(7) review
1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930-2649
28
Start:King's X Bar
El Paso, Texas·
4.0
(8) review
4119 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902-1504
29
Start:Billy Rogers Arroyo Park
El Paso, Texas·
2.5
(7) review
Corner of Virginia St. and New York St., El Paso, TX
30
Start:El Paso Saddleblanket
El Paso, Texas·
3.5
(74) review
The El Paso Saddleblanket Retail Outlet is No Longer Open to the Public. In order to enter our showroom you must present proof of business. El Paso Saddleblanket Company is the World's Largest Southwest Trading Post The wholesale showroom touts one of the widest selections of Southwest and Western crafts in the world, overflowing with Southwest rugs, blankets, turquoise jewelry, Mexico pottery, western purses, Brazilian cowhides, bedspreads, hand-painted artifacts, mounted horns, handwoven baskets, serapes, and much more! Founded by Dusty & Bonnie Henson, they have spent more than 44 years of traveling the globe-trading, buying, manufacturing, wholesaling and designing the best selection of Southwest products available anywhere.
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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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between San Francisco and El Paso?
The distance is 1,183 miles
What's the travel time between San Francisco and El Paso?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 21h 20m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between San Francisco and El Paso?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to El Paso?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to El Paso
What’s the weather like in El Paso?
The weather in El Paso is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in El Paso in January
Weather in El Paso in February
Weather in El Paso in March
Weather in El Paso in April
Weather in El Paso in May
Weather in El Paso in June
Weather in El Paso in July
Weather in El Paso in August
Weather in El Paso in September
Weather in El Paso in October
Weather in El Paso in November
Weather in El Paso in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in El Paso?
Plan your dream El Paso trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in El Paso
A 2-day itinerary in El Paso
A 3-day itinerary in El Paso
A 4-day itinerary in El Paso
A 5-day itinerary in El Paso
A 6-day itinerary in El Paso
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
