Road trip from Santa Cruz to Des Moines
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Sights & Landmarks
Zoos & Aquariums
Nature & Parks
Water & Amusement Parks
Museums
Fun & Games
Shopping
Outdoor Activities
Concerts & Shows
Food & Drink
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ITINERARY
31h 53m1,862 miles24 stops
1
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.
2
Lake Merritt
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
3
St. Patrick Catholic Church
4
Funderland Amusement Park
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!
5
California Museum
Home of the official California Hall of Fame, the California Museum educates and enlightens visitors on California's rich history and unique influence on the world through innovation, the arts and culture. Through engaging exhibits and educational programs, the Museum inspires visitors to make their own mark on history. Long-term signature exhibitions include: • California Hall of Fame • California Indians: The First People • California Missions: A Journey Along the El Camino Real • California's Remarkable Women • Constitution Wall • Health Happens Here • Uprooted! Japanese Americans During WWII In addition, 6-8 temporary exhibitions exploring the state's history, arts and culture are also on display each year.
6
Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
7
Enchambered: Sacramento Escape Room
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
Mountain Top Sports
9
Bruka Theatre
10
Siri's Casino
11
Wilbur D. May Center
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.
12
Rosewood Lakes Golf Course
Championship golf surrounded by the natural beauty of the Nevada desert: players wind through sixty acres of protected wetlands that are home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl.
13
Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
The Sierra Nevada Zoological Society was founded by three men. Jimmie Martin, Dale McDaniel and Dave Dawson. These men translated their passion for animals into a beloved fixture of the Northern Nevada Community as the Sierra Safari Zoo, and now as the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park. Over the years, hundreds of volunteers and sponsors have given their time, effort and money to keep the Zoo thriving. As we look forward to the next thirty years we are dedicated to expanding and enhancing our educational programs and community outreach, as well as, improving and expanding the facility and our animal enrichment programs.
14
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.
15
Sugar House Park
Once the site of Utah Territorial Prison, this park is a lot more pleasant today, with a gently rolling landscape great for running.
16
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.
17
Cache La Poudre River
Colorado's only designated National Wild and Scenic River provides thrilling whitewater and paddling adventures.
18
Rocky Ridge Recreational Facility
Our facility provides opportunities for water skiing, fishing, upland game bird hunting, and waterfowl hunting. We also offer dog training and boarding services. Rocky Ridge Recreational Facility is conveniently located 5 miles north of Fort Collins, Colorado and 4 miles west of Interstate-25, Mountain Vista Exit #271.
19
Farm Fusion In The Kitchen
20
Fun Plex
21
Hot Shops Art Center
22
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.
23
Fitness Sports
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.
24
Brenton Skating Plaza
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OVERVIEW
Santa Cruz to Des Moines
1
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.
2
Start:Lake Merritt
Oakland, California·
4.5
(926) review
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
3
Start:St. Patrick Catholic Church
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(98) review
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
4
Start: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!
5
Start:California Museum
Sacramento, California·
4.0
(90) review
Home of the official California Hall of Fame, the California Museum educates and enlightens visitors on California's rich history and unique influence on the world through innovation, the arts and culture. Through engaging exhibits and educational programs, the Museum inspires visitors to make their own mark on history. Long-term signature exhibitions include: • California Hall of Fame • California Indians: The First People • California Missions: A Journey Along the El Camino Real • California's Remarkable Women • Constitution Wall • Health Happens Here • Uprooted! Japanese Americans During WWII In addition, 6-8 temporary exhibitions exploring the state's history, arts and culture are also on display each year.
6
Start:Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum
Sacramento, California·
4.0
(98) review
1200 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3247
7
Start: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.
8
Start:Mountain Top Sports
Reno, Nevada·
4.0
(7) review
11000 Mount Rose Hwy, Reno, NV 89511-5002
9
Start:Bruka Theatre
Reno, Nevada·
4.5
(9) review
99 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501-1403
10
Start:Siri's Casino
Reno, Nevada·
3.0
(9) review
241 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501-1407
11
Start: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.
12
Start:Rosewood Lakes Golf Course
Reno, Nevada·
3.0
(9) review
Championship golf surrounded by the natural beauty of the Nevada desert: players wind through sixty acres of protected wetlands that are home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl.
13
Start:Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
Reno, Nevada·
3.0
(71) review
The Sierra Nevada Zoological Society was founded by three men. Jimmie Martin, Dale McDaniel and Dave Dawson. These men translated their passion for animals into a beloved fixture of the Northern Nevada Community as the Sierra Safari Zoo, and now as the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park. Over the years, hundreds of volunteers and sponsors have given their time, effort and money to keep the Zoo thriving. As we look forward to the next thirty years we are dedicated to expanding and enhancing our educational programs and community outreach, as well as, improving and expanding the facility and our animal enrichment programs.
14
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.
15
Start: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.
16
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.
17
Start:Cache La Poudre River
Fort Collins, Colorado·
5.0
(427) review
Colorado's only designated National Wild and Scenic River provides thrilling whitewater and paddling adventures.
18
Start:Rocky Ridge Recreational Facility
Fort Collins, Colorado·
(0) review
Our facility provides opportunities for water skiing, fishing, upland game bird hunting, and waterfowl hunting. We also offer dog training and boarding services. Rocky Ridge Recreational Facility is conveniently located 5 miles north of Fort Collins, Colorado and 4 miles west of Interstate-25, Mountain Vista Exit #271.
19
Start:Farm Fusion In The Kitchen
Fort Collins, Colorado·
(0) review
2627 Cattlemans Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2023
20
Start:Fun Plex
Omaha, Nebraska·
3.5
(92) review
7003 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117-1649
21
Start:Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(96) review
13th & Nicholas, Omaha, NE 68102
22
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.
23
Start: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.
24
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
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 Santa Cruz and Des Moines?
The distance is 1,862 miles
What's the travel time between Santa Cruz and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 31h 53m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Santa Cruz 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
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Plan your dream Des Moines trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Santa Cruz?
We have a lot of great trip options for Santa Cruz! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you