Road trip from San Francisco to Washington DC
All Category
Nature & Parks
Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Shopping
Museums
All Category
Nature & Parks
Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Shopping
Museums
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
49h 42m2,819 miles23 stops
1
Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
2
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.
3
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.
4
Galaxy Luxury+
5
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.
6
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.
7
Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum
8
Pink Brontosaurus
A roadside legend for 23 years, these two dinosaur models have an interesting history.
9
Folsom Field
10
Fort Kearny State Historical Park
11
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.
12
Iowa Wine Tours
Experience a fun-filled, flexible and educational wine tour with the Upper Mississippi Valley Wine Region`s first wine tour company
13
Family Museum of Arts and Science
Exploration is encouraged at this museum.
14
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.
15
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
16
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
The Kelsey Museum houses a collection of nearly 100,000 objects from the civilizations of the Mediterranean.
17
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
18
Gorge Metro Park
19
Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Presque Isle Downs & Casino is your best bet for gaming excitement! With over 1,500 of the hottest slots, you'll find a thrilling new game to spin every time you play. Prefer tables? You're in luck! Come try your hand at any of our over 30 thrilling table games. Like to bet on sports? Get in the game at our TwinSpires Sportsbook! With convenient sports betting kiosks, wagering is quick and easy so you'll never miss a minute of the action. Plus, catch seasonal live thoroughbred horse racing at our track! While you're here be sure to sign up for our Players Club. All new members get up to $2,500 free slot play or $25 in guaranteed match play right out of the gate! It's fast and free to join. Every time you play with your Players Club card you'll earn valuable reward points that qualify you to enjoy members-only promotions, perks, exclusive offers and much more! Presque Isle Downs & Casino is located in Erie, PA, just off of I-90 at Exit 27. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800 GAMBLER.
20
Sideling Hill Overlook & Rest Area
21
The Paramount Theater
22
Escape Room Loudoun
An exciting new escape room establishment in Loudoun County! Escape Room activities are an exciting way to foster collaborative thinking and problem solving. Each group must work together to solve problems; ranging from small and simple, to complex and multi-part problems.
23
Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
San Francisco to Washington DC
1
Start:Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(992) review
Powell and Market Streets, San Francisco, CA 94102
2
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.
3
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.
4
Start:Galaxy Luxury+
Sparks, Nevada·
4.5
(97) review
1170 Scheels Dr, Sparks, NV 89434-4404
5
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.
6
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.
7
Start:Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum
Pocatello, Idaho·
4.0
(9) review
Exit 80 Fort Hall Reservation, Pocatello, ID 83203
8
Start:Pink Brontosaurus
Vernal, Utah·
4.0
(83) review
A roadside legend for 23 years, these two dinosaur models have an interesting history.
9
Start:Folsom Field
Boulder, Colorado·
4.5
(98) review
2400 Colorado Ave University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305
10
Start:Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Kearney, Nebraska·
4.0
(99) review
1020 V Rd, Kearney, NE 68847-8043
11
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.
12
Start:Iowa Wine Tours
Dubuque, Iowa·
4.5
(93) review
Experience a fun-filled, flexible and educational wine tour with the Upper Mississippi Valley Wine Region`s first wine tour company
13
Start:Family Museum of Arts and Science
Bettendorf, Iowa·
4.5
(95) review
Exploration is encouraged at this museum.
14
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.
15
Start:Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Fort Wayne, Indiana·
4.0
(99) review
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1414
16
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.
17
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
18
Start:Gorge Metro Park
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio·
4.5
(99) review
1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH
19
Start:Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Erie, Pennsylvania·
3.5
(981) review
Presque Isle Downs & Casino is your best bet for gaming excitement! With over 1,500 of the hottest slots, you'll find a thrilling new game to spin every time you play. Prefer tables? You're in luck! Come try your hand at any of our over 30 thrilling table games. Like to bet on sports? Get in the game at our TwinSpires Sportsbook! With convenient sports betting kiosks, wagering is quick and easy so you'll never miss a minute of the action. Plus, catch seasonal live thoroughbred horse racing at our track! While you're here be sure to sign up for our Players Club. All new members get up to $2,500 free slot play or $25 in guaranteed match play right out of the gate! It's fast and free to join. Every time you play with your Players Club card you'll earn valuable reward points that qualify you to enjoy members-only promotions, perks, exclusive offers and much more! Presque Isle Downs & Casino is located in Erie, PA, just off of I-90 at Exit 27. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800 GAMBLER.
20
Start:Sideling Hill Overlook & Rest Area
Cumberland, Maryland·
4.5
(99) review
I-68, Cumberland, MD
21
Start:The Paramount Theater
Charlottesville, Virginia·
4.5
(99) review
215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902-5231
22
Start:Escape Room Loudoun
Sterling, Loudoun County, Virginia·
4.5
(99) review
An exciting new escape room establishment in Loudoun County! Escape Room activities are an exciting way to foster collaborative thinking and problem solving. Each group must work together to solve problems; ranging from small and simple, to complex and multi-part problems.
23
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
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
Unlock Effortless Travel Planning
Create your dream trip in minutes by this prompt. Try now!
EXPLORE MORE
Discover Exciting Road Trip Inspirations
San Francisco to Washington DC
2,819 miles
49h 42m
23 stops
Nature & ParksConcerts & ShowsFun & GamesSights & LandmarksShopping
San Francisco to Denver
1,256 miles
21h 41m
31 stops
Sights & LandmarksNature & ParksOutdoor ActivitiesFood & DrinkWater & Amusement Parks
San Francisco to Seattle
807 miles
15h 40m
24 stops
Sights & LandmarksNature & ParksOutdoor ActivitiesFood & DrinkFun & Games
San Francisco to Charlotte
2,719 miles
48h 26m
42 stops
Sights & LandmarksZoos & AquariumsShoppingFun & GamesNightlife
San Francisco to Indianapolis
2,256 miles
39h 24m
40 stops
Sights & LandmarksNature & ParksOutdoor ActivitiesFood & DrinkWater & Amusement Parks
San Francisco to Boston
3,114 miles
55h 20m
60 stops
Sights & LandmarksNature & ParksOutdoor ActivitiesFood & DrinkWater & Amusement Parks
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
Phoenix to Harrisburg
2,279 miles
40h 49m
26 stops
MuseumsOutdoor ActivitiesToursFun & GamesFood & Drink
Huntsville to Kansas City
664 miles
12h 30m
21 stops
Nature & ParksSights & LandmarksShoppingMuseumsFood & Drink
Santa Rosa to Winter Haven
2,884 miles
52h 9m
51 stops
Sights & LandmarksWater & Amusement ParksOutdoor ActivitiesShoppingFun & Games
Denton to Moreno Valley
1,376 miles
23h 43m
29 stops
ShoppingConcerts & ShowsSights & LandmarksOutdoor ActivitiesSpas & Wellness
Orlando to Provo
2,338 miles
41h 44m
30 stops
Sights & LandmarksOtherNature & ParksMuseumsShopping
Colorado Springs to Corona
1,055 miles
18h 29m
29 stops
ShoppingOutdoor ActivitiesFun & GamesTraveler ResourcesNature & Parks
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 42m 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
Weather in Washington DC in September
Weather in Washington DC in October
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