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By Huuk Team

Road trip from San Francisco to Washington

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ITINERARY

49h 41m2,819 miles25 stops
1
St. Patrick Catholic Church
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
2
Lake Merritt
Lakeside Park, Oakland, CA 94612
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
3
Maiden Lane
Between Stockton and Kearny Streets Union Square, San Francisco, CA
4
Sphinx
Golden gate park, San Francisco, CA
5
Funderland Amusement Park
1350 17th Ave William Land Regional Park, Sacramento, CA 95822-1200
Historic Funderland Amusement Park is now open for its 2024 78th Anniversary season! First opened in 1946, Funderland continues to delight generations of Northern California families. Located on two lovely acres in Sacramento's beautiful 100+ year-old William Land Park, Funderland features ten child-sized amusement rides and attractions (nine of which children can also share and ride with their parents and grandparents!), four fun photo ops (perfect for family group shots!), a FunderTreats concession stand featuring delicious food, amusement park treats, and drinks, and plenty of big, mature shade trees! Funderland offers families a delightful day outside in welcoming and comfortable surroundings, and is also the perfect place to have your next birthday party, fundraiser, group, or corporate event! Parking is always free, and Funderland's one-price Gate Admission gives guests of all ages both entry to the park AND unlimited rides for the entire day!
6
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
1200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3247
7
Enchambered: Sacramento Escape Room
2230 Arden Way Suite C, Sacramento, CA 95825-3300
Real Escape games let you live the game. We have real-life escape games where teams of 3-12 people are locked into a custom built, challenging and entertaining environments to solve the many mysteries, puzzles and challenges. You need to unlock the final clues to open the door and escape the room. Escape Rooms are fun for all ages.
8
Ryan's Saloon & Broiler
924 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502-2522
9
Wilbur D. May Center
1595 N Sierra St Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno, NV 89503-1716
MUSEUM/ GIFT SHOP/ ARBORETUM/ EVENT VENUE/ The Wilbur D. May Center is located in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park at 1595 North Sierra, Reno, Nevada. The Wilbur D. May Museum features rotating exhibits for the whole family, smaller art shows, the permanent collection of Wilbur May's travels around the globe, an adjoining botanical garden, and plays home to many events throughout the year such as weddings, executive fundraisers, and educational seminars.
10
The Depot
13 N 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1368
11
Abravanel Hall
123 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1403
Abravanel Hall first opened in September 1979, and was originally known as Symphony Hall, but was renamed in May 1993 for Maurice Abravanel, conductor of the Utah Symphony. The building was designed by FFKR Architects and acoustical design services were provided by Dr. Cyril M. Harris with the outcome of creating an environment of acoustic excellence. The hall is rectangular in shape, similar to some of the world’s finest symphony halls. Suspended from the ceiling are six brass chandeliers with 18,000 hand-cut beads and prisms of Bohemian crystals imported from Austria and Czechoslovakia. The lobby is four stories high with a white oak and brass ceiling and a glass wall covering the East face of the lobby. The lobby itself is an architectural marvel due to its many tiers, the staircase that goes upwards with gold leafing that covers all visible sides of the stairs and balconies, and the 30-foot-high Olympic Tower red blown-glass sculpture by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
12
Sugar House Park
1300 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106-2871
Once the site of Utah Territorial Prison, this park is a lot more pleasant today, with a gently rolling landscape great for running.
13
Red Butte Garden
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108-1214
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.
14
Fitness Sports
8810 Swanson Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50325-6910
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
15
Iowa State Fairgrounds
3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-2494
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
16
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
17
Capitol Building
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
18
German American Heritage Center
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
19
Endless Brews
310 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801-1410
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
20
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
21
Antoine's Le Jour Spa & Salon
500 E Royalton Rd Ste 120, Cleveland, OH 44147-2592
Bring the whole family. This spa has treatments for men and women plus haircuts for children.
22
Lock 3
200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308-1315
23
Regal Interstate Park Stadium 18
1089 Interstate Pkwy, Akron, OH 44312-5289
24
Point State Park
601 Commonwealth Pl Bldg A, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Serving as a key strategic spot during the French and Indian War, this National Historic Landmark and park offer stunning views of the city and a variety of outdoor recreation.
25
Cathedral of Learning
4200 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Customize this Trip

OVERVIEW

Get ready for an epic adventure from the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the historic heart of Washington, D.C.! This cross-country journey is perfect for families and curious minds, packed with awe-inspiring landscapes, captivating cities, and unforgettable experiences.

Along the way, you'll traverse towering mountain ranges, marvel at vast deserts, and witness the endless expanse of the Great Plains. Each state you pass through offers its unique charm and history, from the bustling metropolises to the charming small towns. This road trip is not just a journey from one point to another; it's a chance to create lasting memories, learn about the diversity of our nation, and make connections that will last a lifetime.

As you approach Washington, D.C., the excitement builds. You'll immerse yourself in the nation's capital, where iconic monuments and world-renowned museums await. From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the halls of the Smithsonian, every corner of this historic city holds a story. Prepare to be inspired as you explore the heart of our country and witness the legacy of those who shaped its destiny.

1
Start:St. Patrick Catholic Church
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(98) review
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
2
Lake Merritt
Oakland, California·
4.5
(926) review
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
Lakeside Park, Oakland, CA 94612
3
Maiden Lane
San Francisco, California·
3.5
(27) review
Between Stockton and Kearny Streets Union Square, San Francisco, CA
4
Sphinx
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(2) review
Golden gate park, San Francisco, CA
5
Funderland Amusement Park
Sacramento, California·
4.0
(99) review
Historic Funderland Amusement Park is now open for its 2024 78th Anniversary season! First opened in 1946, Funderland continues to delight generations of Northern California families. Located on two lovely acres in Sacramento's beautiful 100+ year-old William Land Park, Funderland features ten child-sized amusement rides and attractions (nine of which children can also share and ride with their parents and grandparents!), four fun photo ops (perfect for family group shots!), a FunderTreats concession stand featuring delicious food, amusement park treats, and drinks, and plenty of big, mature shade trees! Funderland offers families a delightful day outside in welcoming and comfortable surroundings, and is also the perfect place to have your next birthday party, fundraiser, group, or corporate event! Parking is always free, and Funderland's one-price Gate Admission gives guests of all ages both entry to the park AND unlimited rides for the entire day!
1350 17th Ave William Land Regional Park, Sacramento, CA 95822-1200
6
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Sacramento, California·
4.0
(98) review
1200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3247
7
Enchambered: Sacramento Escape Room
Sacramento, California·
5.0
(98) review
Real Escape games let you live the game. We have real-life escape games where teams of 3-12 people are locked into a custom built, challenging and entertaining environments to solve the many mysteries, puzzles and challenges. You need to unlock the final clues to open the door and escape the room. Escape Rooms are fun for all ages.
2230 Arden Way Suite C, Sacramento, CA 95825-3300
8
Ryan's Saloon & Broiler
Reno, Nevada·
4.5
(9) review
924 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502-2522
9
Wilbur D. May Center
Reno, Nevada·
4.5
(97) review
MUSEUM/ GIFT SHOP/ ARBORETUM/ EVENT VENUE/ The Wilbur D. May Center is located in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park at 1595 North Sierra, Reno, Nevada. The Wilbur D. May Museum features rotating exhibits for the whole family, smaller art shows, the permanent collection of Wilbur May's travels around the globe, an adjoining botanical garden, and plays home to many events throughout the year such as weddings, executive fundraisers, and educational seminars.
1595 N Sierra St Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno, NV 89503-1716
10
The Depot
Salt Lake City, Utah·
2.5
(10) review
13 N 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1368
11
Abravanel Hall
Salt Lake City, Utah·
4.5
(91) review
Abravanel Hall first opened in September 1979, and was originally known as Symphony Hall, but was renamed in May 1993 for Maurice Abravanel, conductor of the Utah Symphony. The building was designed by FFKR Architects and acoustical design services were provided by Dr. Cyril M. Harris with the outcome of creating an environment of acoustic excellence. The hall is rectangular in shape, similar to some of the world’s finest symphony halls. Suspended from the ceiling are six brass chandeliers with 18,000 hand-cut beads and prisms of Bohemian crystals imported from Austria and Czechoslovakia. The lobby is four stories high with a white oak and brass ceiling and a glass wall covering the East face of the lobby. The lobby itself is an architectural marvel due to its many tiers, the staircase that goes upwards with gold leafing that covers all visible sides of the stairs and balconies, and the 30-foot-high Olympic Tower red blown-glass sculpture by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
123 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1403
12
Sugar House Park
Salt Lake City, Utah·
4.5
(99) review
Once the site of Utah Territorial Prison, this park is a lot more pleasant today, with a gently rolling landscape great for running.
1300 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106-2871
13
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.
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108-1214
14
Fitness Sports
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(9) review
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
8810 Swanson Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50325-6910
15
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(882) review
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-2494
16
Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
17
Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
18
German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
19
Endless Brews
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
310 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801-1410
20
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
21
Antoine's Le Jour Spa & Salon
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.0
(9) review
Bring the whole family. This spa has treatments for men and women plus haircuts for children.
500 E Royalton Rd Ste 120, Cleveland, OH 44147-2592
22
Lock 3
Akron, Ohio·
4.5
(98) review
200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308-1315
23
Regal Interstate Park Stadium 18
Akron, Ohio·
3.5
(9) review
1089 Interstate Pkwy, Akron, OH 44312-5289
24
Point State Park
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(951) review
Serving as a key strategic spot during the French and Indian War, this National Historic Landmark and park offer stunning views of the city and a variety of outdoor recreation.
601 Commonwealth Pl Bldg A, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
25
Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(979) review
4200 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between San Francisco and Washington DC?
The distance is 2,819 miles
What's the travel time between San Francisco and Washington DC?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 49h 41m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between San Francisco and Washington DC?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Washington DC?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Washington DC
What’s the weather like in Washington DC?
The weather in Washington DC is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Washington DC in January
Weather in Washington DC in February
Weather in Washington DC in March
Weather in Washington DC in April
Weather in Washington DC in May
Weather in Washington DC in June
Weather in Washington DC in July
Weather in Washington DC in August
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Weather in Washington DC in November
Weather in Washington DC in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Washington DC?
Plan your dream Washington DC trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Washington DC
A 2-day itinerary in Washington DC
A 3-day itinerary in Washington DC
A 4-day itinerary in Washington DC
A 5-day itinerary in Washington DC
A 6-day itinerary in Washington DC
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