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By Huuk Team

Road trip from San Jose to Des Moines

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iconSights & Landmarks
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iconWater & Amusement Parks
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Show more (4+)

ITINERARY

31h 23m1,837 miles11 stops
1
Redwood Regional Park
7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619-2435
2
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!
3
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
1200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3247
4
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.
5
Ryan's Saloon & Broiler
924 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502-2522
6
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.
7
The Depot
13 N 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1368
8
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.
9
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.
10
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.
11
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
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OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable journey across the heartland of America, traversing vast and vibrant landscapes. As you leave the bustling streets of San Jose behind, rolling hills and serene valleys emerge, inviting you to unwind and soak in the beauty of nature's canvas. Along this incredible route, quaint towns and historic landmarks await, each with its captivating tale to tell. Immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of local communities, where friendly smiles and heartfelt stories paint a vivid tapestry of American life.

As you venture deeper into the Midwest, the rhythm of the journey changes. Endless fields of golden wheat sway gently in the breeze, whispering secrets of abundant harvests and boundless possibilities. The horizon stretches infinitely, dotted with towering windmills that harness the raw power of nature. Marvel at majestic rivers that snake their way through verdant meadows, creating a symphony of serenity and natural wonder. In this realm of tranquility, the worries of everyday life seem to melt away, replaced by a sense of calm and wonder.

Continuing eastward, the landscape transforms once more, as rolling hills give way to dramatic bluffs and towering cliffs. Ancient rock formations, sculpted by eons of wind and water, stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. Majestic waterfalls cascade down sheer rock faces, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captures the raw beauty and indomitable spirit of nature. Here, adventure beckons, inviting you to explore hidden trails and discover breathtaking viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of a world waiting to be explored.

1
Start:Redwood Regional Park
Oakland, California·
4.5
(421) review
7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619-2435
2
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
3
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Sacramento, California·
4.0
(98) review
1200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3247
4
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
5
Ryan's Saloon & Broiler
Reno, Nevada·
4.5
(9) review
924 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502-2522
6
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
7
The Depot
Salt Lake City, Utah·
2.5
(10) review
13 N 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1368
8
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
9
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
10
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
11
Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between San Jose and Des Moines?
The distance is 1,837 miles
What's the travel time between San Jose and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 31h 23m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between San Jose and Des Moines?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Des Moines?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Des Moines
What’s the weather like in Des Moines?
The weather in Des Moines is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Des Moines in January
Weather in Des Moines in February
Weather in Des Moines in March
Weather in Des Moines in April
Weather in Des Moines in May
Weather in Des Moines in June
Weather in Des Moines in July
Weather in Des Moines in August
Weather in Des Moines in September
Weather in Des Moines in October
Weather in Des Moines in November
Weather in Des Moines in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Des Moines?
Plan your dream Des Moines trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 2-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 3-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 4-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 5-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 6-day itinerary in Des Moines
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in San Jose?
We have a lot of great trip options for San Jose! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you