Road trip from New York to San Francisco
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Nature & Parks
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Outdoor Activities
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ITINERARY
51h 30m2,916 miles35 stops
1
The Shops at Riverside
A beautiful and sophisticated retail destination for world-class luxury shopping, dining and entertainment, The Shops at Riverside® is conveniently located only minutes from Manhattan in the affluent suburban area of Bergen County, New Jersey. Spanning two levels, The Shops at Riverside® is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Barnes & Noble, an AMC Dine-in Theatre, and a full-service day spa. Shoppers will experience an unrivaled collection of luxury shops including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo and other top brands as well as “New Jersey’s own Restaurant Row,” with nine full-service restaurants. The mall is closed on Sundays, however the restaurants, spa, AMC Theatres, Life Time, and Barnes & Noble are open for business.
2
Newtown Farmer's Market
3
Sideling Hill Overlook & Rest Area
4
Gorge Metro Park
5
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – Tripadvisor
6
Mohican Adventures
7
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
The Kelsey Museum houses a collection of nearly 100,000 objects from the civilizations of the Mediterranean.
8
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
9
Wrigley Field
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
10
Constitution Trail
11
McLean County Museum of History
The McLean County Museum of History traces its roots back to 1892, the year the McLean County Historical Society was founded. It is a nationally accredited award winning museum with five permanent exhibit galleries and two rotating galleries. The Museum is located in the historic 1903 McLean County Courthouse that includes an architectural tour throughout the building. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, and FREE for children and students with I.D. This educational institution is dedicated to telling the rich story of McLean County through programs which serve people of all ages. The Museum preserves 19,000 objects, makes available more than 11,500 rare and hard to find reference books, manages 1,700 feet of historical papers and images in its archives. It also houses the new Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and the McLean County Genealogical Society. Tuesdays are FREE days.
12
The Pour House
13
Airpower Museum
Wonderful collection of 1920s and 30s airplanes.
14
Downtown Pella District
In the heart of downtown Pella, you will find European charm, influenced heavily by the city’s Dutch Heritage. A foodie lover’s dream featuring bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and tons of shopping.
15
Annelise Winery
16
Brenton Skating Plaza
17
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.
18
Hot Shops Art Center
19
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.
20
Fun Plex
21
Fort Kearny State Historical Park
22
Yanney Heritage Park
This city park is loaded with features which are free to the public including trails, labyrinth, gardens, lake, splash pads (summer only) and playgrounds. There is a Senior Center that has activities and lunch (for a fee). During the summer months, there is a concessions stand and rentals available (for a fee). There are two air-conditioned facilities to rent for gatherings (for a fee). Great place to relax, play, walk, explore, fish, kayak, picnic, meet and much more! For more information about rentals, contact the City Park and Rec office at 308-237-4644. To donate to the park, contact the Yanney Heritage Park Foundation office at 308-237-7095.
23
The Platte Bar
24
The International Church of Cannabis
Immerse yourself in a world of illumination during our world famous guided meditation/laser light show in Denver. Get swept away seven days a week as the vibrant experience is easy to fit into any schedule and perfect for all ages. After the show, be sure to check out the arcade, gallery, theater, art garden, and media room featuring over 10,000 video games on free play.
25
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.
26
South Fork State Recreation Area
27
Galaxy Luxury+
28
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.
29
Incline Beach
30
Regal Cinemas El Dorado Hills 14 & IMAX
31
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!
32
Angel Island State Park
The largest island in San Francisco Bay features magnificent views of Marin County and San Francisco, while offering a wide variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
33
Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
34
To Honor Surfing Monument
35
Montgomery Woods State Reserve
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
New York to San Francisco
1
Start:The Shops at Riverside
Hackensack, New Jersey·
4.0
(99) review
A beautiful and sophisticated retail destination for world-class luxury shopping, dining and entertainment, The Shops at Riverside® is conveniently located only minutes from Manhattan in the affluent suburban area of Bergen County, New Jersey. Spanning two levels, The Shops at Riverside® is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Barnes & Noble, an AMC Dine-in Theatre, and a full-service day spa. Shoppers will experience an unrivaled collection of luxury shops including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo and other top brands as well as “New Jersey’s own Restaurant Row,” with nine full-service restaurants. The mall is closed on Sundays, however the restaurants, spa, AMC Theatres, Life Time, and Barnes & Noble are open for business.
2
Start:Newtown Farmer's Market
Newtown, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(99) review
2150 S Eagle Rd, Newtown, PA 18940-1559
3
Start:Sideling Hill Overlook & Rest Area
Cumberland, Maryland·
4.5
(99) review
I-68, Cumberland, MD
4
Start:Gorge Metro Park
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio·
4.5
(99) review
1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH
5
Start:Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.5
(9964) review
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – Tripadvisor
6
Start:Mohican Adventures
Loudonville, Ohio·
4.0
(98) review
State Route 3 South, Loudonville, OH 44842
7
Start:Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
4.5
(99) review
The Kelsey Museum houses a collection of nearly 100,000 objects from the civilizations of the Mediterranean.
8
Start:Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Fort Wayne, Indiana·
4.0
(99) review
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1414
9
Start:Wrigley Field
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(9954) review
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
10
Start:Constitution Trail
Bloomington, Bloomington-Normal, Illinois·
4.5
(95) review
Bloomington, Bloomington-Normal, IL
11
Start:McLean County Museum of History
Bloomington, Bloomington-Normal, Illinois·
4.5
(95) review
The McLean County Museum of History traces its roots back to 1892, the year the McLean County Historical Society was founded. It is a nationally accredited award winning museum with five permanent exhibit galleries and two rotating galleries. The Museum is located in the historic 1903 McLean County Courthouse that includes an architectural tour throughout the building. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, and FREE for children and students with I.D. This educational institution is dedicated to telling the rich story of McLean County through programs which serve people of all ages. The Museum preserves 19,000 objects, makes available more than 11,500 rare and hard to find reference books, manages 1,700 feet of historical papers and images in its archives. It also houses the new Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and the McLean County Genealogical Society. Tuesdays are FREE days.
12
Start:The Pour House
Waverly, Iowa·
5.0
(9) review
111 E Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA 50677-3433
13
Start:Airpower Museum
Ottumwa, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
Wonderful collection of 1920s and 30s airplanes.
14
Start:Downtown Pella District
Pella, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
In the heart of downtown Pella, you will find European charm, influenced heavily by the city’s Dutch Heritage. A foodie lover’s dream featuring bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and tons of shopping.
15
Start:Annelise Winery
Indianola, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
15110 Highway 92, Indianola, IA 50125-8459
16
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
17
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.
18
Start:Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(96) review
13th & Nicholas, Omaha, NE 68102
19
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.
20
Start:Fun Plex
Omaha, Nebraska·
3.5
(92) review
7003 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117-1649
21
Start:Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Kearney, Nebraska·
4.0
(99) review
1020 V Rd, Kearney, NE 68847-8043
22
Start:Yanney Heritage Park
Kearney, Nebraska·
5.0
(90) review
This city park is loaded with features which are free to the public including trails, labyrinth, gardens, lake, splash pads (summer only) and playgrounds. There is a Senior Center that has activities and lunch (for a fee). During the summer months, there is a concessions stand and rentals available (for a fee). There are two air-conditioned facilities to rent for gatherings (for a fee). Great place to relax, play, walk, explore, fish, kayak, picnic, meet and much more! For more information about rentals, contact the City Park and Rec office at 308-237-4644. To donate to the park, contact the Yanney Heritage Park Foundation office at 308-237-7095.
23
Start:The Platte Bar
North Platte, Nebraska·
5.0
(9) review
119 W 6th St, North Platte, NE 69101-7024
24
Start:The International Church of Cannabis
Denver, Colorado·
5.0
(992) review
Immerse yourself in a world of illumination during our world famous guided meditation/laser light show in Denver. Get swept away seven days a week as the vibrant experience is easy to fit into any schedule and perfect for all ages. After the show, be sure to check out the arcade, gallery, theater, art garden, and media room featuring over 10,000 video games on free play.
25
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.
26
Start:South Fork State Recreation Area
Spring Creek, Nevada·
3.5
(2) review
353 Lower South Frk Suite 8, Spring Creek, NV 89815-9778
27
Start:Galaxy Luxury+
Sparks, Nevada·
4.5
(97) review
1170 Scheels Dr, Sparks, NV 89434-4404
28
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.
29
Start:Incline Beach
Incline Village, Lake Tahoe (Nevada), Nevada·
4.0
(97) review
Lakeshore Blvd, Incline Village, NV
30
Start:Regal Cinemas El Dorado Hills 14 & IMAX
El Dorado Hills, California·
4.5
(94) review
2101 Vine St, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7117
31
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!
32
Start:Angel Island State Park
San Francisco, California·
4.5
(990) review
The largest island in San Francisco Bay features magnificent views of Marin County and San Francisco, while offering a wide variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
33
Start:Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(992) review
Powell and Market Streets, San Francisco, CA 94102
34
Start:To Honor Surfing Monument
Santa Cruz, California·
4.0
(98) review
600 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
35
Start:Montgomery Woods State Reserve
Ukiah, Mendocino County, California·
4.5
(99) review
15825 Orr Springs Rd 13 miles northwest of Ukiah on twisty Orr Springs Road, past Orr's Mineral Hot Springs resort, Ukiah, CA 95482-9020
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between New York and San Francisco?
The distance is 2,916 miles
What's the travel time between New York and San Francisco?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 51h 30m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between New York and San Francisco?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to San Francisco?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to San Francisco
What’s the weather like in San Francisco?
The weather in San Francisco is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in San Francisco in January
Weather in San Francisco in February
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Weather in San Francisco in May
Weather in San Francisco in June
Weather in San Francisco in July
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Plan your dream San Francisco trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
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We have a lot of great trip options for New York! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you