Road trip from Washington DC to Los Angeles
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ITINERARY
47h 35m2,685 miles26 stops
1
Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
2
Sideling Hill Overlook & Rest Area
3
The Paramount Theater
4
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
5
Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum
6
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
8
Salem Lake
9
President James K. Polk State Historic Site
This site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. The state historic site commemorates significant events in the Polk administration: the Mexican-American War, settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute, and the annexation of California. Reconstructions of typical homestead buildings—a log house, separate kitchen, and barn—are authentically furnished. The visitor center features a film on Polk's life and exhibits on his family and tumultuous presidency.
10
The Village Shops
11
Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is designed to bring history to life. It includes a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” chronicling the state’s rich history and leading visitors though the Museum’s permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a state-of-the art digital learning center and a two-story Grand Hall. Exhibitions include significant artifacts related to the state’s history, along with displays of art, furniture, textiles, and photographs produced by Tennesseans. The Museum's Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation.There is no admission charge for visitors. Hours are subject to change. Please check our website at tnmuseum.org for the most up to date information on parking, exhibitions and events.
12
Franklin on Foot
Just minutes south of Nashville, Franklin is often cited as one of the most beautiful downtowns in the U.S. and Site of "the most famous battle you've never heard of," according to National Geographic. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides are born storytellers who will make your visit an unforgettable experience. Our tours include the Classic Franklin, Civil War in Franklin, Grave Matters in the Cemetery, and our most popular, the Haunted Franklin Ghost Tour! Most tours are available Monday through Saturday by advance reservation; some tours have minimums. Just call and see how flexible and accommodating we can be!
13
Cooper-Young Historic District
14
Blues Hall Juke Joint
15
Robinson Center
16
Buckstaff Bathhouse
Experience timeless relaxation at the Buckstaff Bathhouse, the crown jewel of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Indulge in traditional mineral-rich thermal bath treatments in the longest continuously run bathhouse in the state.
17
Old Town Museum
18
JD's Hideaway Axe Throwing & Golf Simulator
Great food, 16 beers on tap, Axe throwing, HD Golf Simulator, Pool Tables, 22' Pro Shuffleboard Table, Darts, Air Hockey, and Big Buck Hunter HD Arcade game. Throw in the newest Touchtunes Jukebox with Photo Booth and you are set for a great night out in Altus!
19
The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society. The Mob Museum offers a bold and authentic view of organized crime from vintage Las Vegas to the back alleys of American cities and—increasingly—across the borders and networks of the entire world. Explore the real stories and actual events of Mob history through interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind Mob and law enforcement artifacts found inside our restored 1933 former courthouse and post office building located just minutes from Fremont Street.
20
Robolights
21
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND® California Resort has more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including the new LEGO® Star Wars™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display opening March with a 16-foot long Finalizer model made completely out of LEGO bricks plus six more scenes! Conquer dragons, battle pirates and discover ancient treasures at the Resort, also home to LEGOLAND Water Park, SEA LIFE® Aquarium; and NEW for Summer enjoy Surfers’ Cove – a water park expansion featuring racer-water slides. There’s so much to do, you’ll want to spend the night at LEGOLAND Hotel featuring new LEGO NINJAGO themed rooms.
22
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Open in Spring from March 1st through Mothers Day. For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.
23
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
24
International Surfing Museum
25
LifeRush Adventures- Malibu
LifeRush Adventures was founded by experienced mountain biker Jason Racca. His mission is to provide an exhilarating electric mountain experience for beginners and experienced riders alike. Experience many of Southern California's breathtaking trails or catch a city tour to famous Hollywood landmarks on electric bikes. You will be equipped with electric mountain bikes and all the gear you need.
26
Solstice Canyon
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, this scenic coastal canyon offers up many panoramic hiking opportunities.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Washington DC to Los Angeles
1
Start:Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland·
4.5
(99) review
3100 Swann Dr Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217
2
Start:Sideling Hill Overlook & Rest Area
Cumberland, Maryland·
4.5
(99) review
I-68, Cumberland, MD
3
Start:The Paramount Theater
Charlottesville, Virginia·
4.5
(99) review
215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902-5231
4
Start:Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
Roanoke, Virginia·
4.5
(95) review
9644 Reservoir Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019-7916
5
Start:Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum
Lewisburg, West Virginia·
5.0
(97) review
814 Washington St W, Lewisburg, WV 24901-2029
6
Start:Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Durham, North Carolina·
4.5
(970) review
409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701-3972
7
Start:Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Hillsborough, North Carolina·
4.5
(97) review
Hillsborough, NC
8
Start:Salem Lake
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.5
(97) review
1001 Salem Lake Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27107-1571
9
Start:President James K. Polk State Historic Site
Pineville, North Carolina·
4.0
(99) review
This site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. The state historic site commemorates significant events in the Polk administration: the Mexican-American War, settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute, and the annexation of California. Reconstructions of typical homestead buildings—a log house, separate kitchen, and barn—are authentically furnished. The visitor center features a film on Polk's life and exhibits on his family and tumultuous presidency.
10
Start:The Village Shops
Gatlinburg, Tennessee·
4.5
(998) review
634 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3241
11
Start:Tennessee State Museum
Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee·
4.5
(997) review
The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is designed to bring history to life. It includes a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” chronicling the state’s rich history and leading visitors though the Museum’s permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a state-of-the art digital learning center and a two-story Grand Hall. Exhibitions include significant artifacts related to the state’s history, along with displays of art, furniture, textiles, and photographs produced by Tennesseans. The Museum's Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation.There is no admission charge for visitors. Hours are subject to change. Please check our website at tnmuseum.org for the most up to date information on parking, exhibitions and events.
12
Start:Franklin on Foot
Franklin, Tennessee·
5.0
(995) review
Just minutes south of Nashville, Franklin is often cited as one of the most beautiful downtowns in the U.S. and Site of "the most famous battle you've never heard of," according to National Geographic. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides are born storytellers who will make your visit an unforgettable experience. Our tours include the Classic Franklin, Civil War in Franklin, Grave Matters in the Cemetery, and our most popular, the Haunted Franklin Ghost Tour! Most tours are available Monday through Saturday by advance reservation; some tours have minimums. Just call and see how flexible and accommodating we can be!
13
Start:Cooper-Young Historic District
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.0
(97) review
Cooper and Young Streets, Memphis, TN 38101
14
Start:Blues Hall Juke Joint
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.5
(97) review
174 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3714
15
Start:Robinson Center
Little Rock, Arkansas·
4.5
(99) review
Markham At Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72201
16
Start:Buckstaff Bathhouse
Hot Springs, Arkansas·
4.5
(996) review
Experience timeless relaxation at the Buckstaff Bathhouse, the crown jewel of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Indulge in traditional mineral-rich thermal bath treatments in the longest continuously run bathhouse in the state.
17
Start:Old Town Museum
Elk City, Oklahoma·
4.5
(70) review
2717 W 3rd St, Elk City, OK 73644-4319
18
Start:JD's Hideaway Axe Throwing & Golf Simulator
Altus, Oklahoma·
4.0
(5) review
Great food, 16 beers on tap, Axe throwing, HD Golf Simulator, Pool Tables, 22' Pro Shuffleboard Table, Darts, Air Hockey, and Big Buck Hunter HD Arcade game. Throw in the newest Touchtunes Jukebox with Photo Booth and you are set for a great night out in Altus!
19
Start:The Mob Museum
Las Vegas, Nevada·
4.5
(9996) review
The Mob Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society. The Mob Museum offers a bold and authentic view of organized crime from vintage Las Vegas to the back alleys of American cities and—increasingly—across the borders and networks of the entire world. Explore the real stories and actual events of Mob history through interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind Mob and law enforcement artifacts found inside our restored 1933 former courthouse and post office building located just minutes from Fremont Street.
20
Start:Robolights
Palm Springs, Greater Palm Springs, California·
4.0
(99) review
1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92262-6104
21
Start:LEGOLAND California
Carlsbad, California·
4.0
(9552) review
LEGOLAND® California Resort has more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including the new LEGO® Star Wars™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display opening March with a 16-foot long Finalizer model made completely out of LEGO bricks plus six more scenes! Conquer dragons, battle pirates and discover ancient treasures at the Resort, also home to LEGOLAND Water Park, SEA LIFE® Aquarium; and NEW for Summer enjoy Surfers’ Cove – a water park expansion featuring racer-water slides. There’s so much to do, you’ll want to spend the night at LEGOLAND Hotel featuring new LEGO NINJAGO themed rooms.
22
Start:The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Carlsbad, California·
4.5
(979) review
Open in Spring from March 1st through Mothers Day. For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.
23
Start:Strawberry Farms Golf Club
Irvine, California·
4.0
(99) review
11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612-2300
24
Start:International Surfing Museum
Huntington Beach, California·
4.0
(99) review
411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5142
25
Start:LifeRush Adventures- Malibu
Malibu, California·
5.0
(99) review
LifeRush Adventures was founded by experienced mountain biker Jason Racca. His mission is to provide an exhilarating electric mountain experience for beginners and experienced riders alike. Experience many of Southern California's breathtaking trails or catch a city tour to famous Hollywood landmarks on electric bikes. You will be equipped with electric mountain bikes and all the gear you need.
26
Start:Solstice Canyon
Malibu, California·
4.5
(92) review
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, this scenic coastal canyon offers up many panoramic hiking opportunities.
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
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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Discover Exciting Road Trip Inspirations
Washington to Los Angeles
2,685 miles
47h 44m
35 stops
ToursNature & ParksSights & LandmarksFood & DrinkFun & Games
Washington to Los Angeles
2,685 miles
47h 44m
21 stops
Sights & LandmarksToursConcerts & ShowsTraveler ResourcesZoos & Aquariums
Washington to Los Angeles
2,685 miles
47h 44m
25 stops
Sights & LandmarksFood & DrinkConcerts & ShowsFun & GamesMuseums
Washington DC to Los Angeles
2,685 miles
47h 35m
23 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesMuseumsConcerts & ShowsSights & LandmarksTraveler Resources
Washington DC to Los Angeles
2,685 miles
47h 35m
23 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesMuseumsConcerts & ShowsSights & LandmarksTraveler Resources
Washington DC to Los Angeles
2,685 miles
47h 35m
26 stops
Nature & ParksWater & Amusement ParksOutdoor ActivitiesMuseumsTours
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Washington DC and Los Angeles?
The distance is 2,685 miles
What's the travel time between Washington DC and Los Angeles?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 47h 35m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Washington DC and Los Angeles?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Los Angeles?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Los Angeles
What’s the weather like in Los Angeles?
The weather in Los Angeles is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
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Plan your dream Los Angeles 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 Washington DC?
We have a lot of great trip options for Washington DC! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you