Are you planning a road trip from Washington DC to California? The distance between these two states is quite significant, and the time it takes to drive between them can vary depending on several factors. In this article, we will discuss how long it takes for a road trip from DC to California.
Factors That Affect the Duration of a Road Trip
The duration of a road trip from DC to California depends on several factors, such as:
- The route you choose
- The number of stops you make
- The speed at which you drive
- The traffic conditions on the way
- The time of year you travel
Route Options for a Road Trip from DC to California
There are several routes that you can take when driving from DC to California. The most common routes include:
- Route 66: This route will take you through several states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally California. The total distance is approximately 2,448 miles.
- I-70 West: This route will take you through Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada before finally reaching California. The total distance is approximately 2,714 miles.
- I-80 West: This route will take you through Pennsylvania Ohio Indiana Iowa Nebraska Wyoming Utah Nevada before reaching California. The total distance is approximately 2’800 miles.
Time Required for a Road Trip from DC to California via Route 66 (2’448 Miles)
If you decide to take Route 66 for your road trip from DC to California without any significant stops and driving at an average speed of 65 mph with little to no traffic, the trip would take you approximately 37 hours. However, this is unlikely as there are many exciting stops along the way that you would not want to miss.
Recommended Stops Along Route 66
- Chicago, Illinois: Take a stroll down the Magnificent Mile or visit the famous Willis Tower.
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum or see the American Banjo Museum.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico: See the Santa Fe Opera House or explore the historic Plaza area.
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Take in one of America’s most iconic natural wonders and hike its trails.
Time Required for a Road Trip from DC to California via I-70 West (2’714 Miles)
If you decide to take this route for your road trip from DC to California without any significant stops and driving at an average speed of 65 mph with little to no traffic, it would take you approximately 42 hours.
Recommended Stops Along I-70 West
- Columbus, Ohio: Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens or explore German Village.
- Kansas City, Missouri: Check out Kansas City’s famous barbecue and jazz scenes or visit Worlds of Fun amusement park.
- Vail, Colorado: Ski in winter or hike in summer at this popular mountain town.
- Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California: Enjoy water sports in summer or skiing/snowboarding in winter at one of America’s largest alpine lakes.
Time Required for a Road Trip from DC to California via I-80 West (2’800 Miles)
If you decide to take this route for your road trip from DC to California without any significant stops and driving at an average speed of 65 mph with little to no traffic, it would take you approximately 43 hours.
Recommended Stops Along I-80 West
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Visit the Carnegie Museum of Art or explore the Strip District.
- Des Moines, Iowa: See the State Capitol or visit the Blank Park Zoo.
- Cheyenne, Wyoming: Explore the Cheyenne Depot Museum or visit Terry Bison Ranch.
- Salt Lake City, Utah: See Temple Square or explore Antelope Island State Park.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a road trip from DC to California can take anywhere from 37 to 43 hours depending on the route you choose and the number of stops you make. Use this article as a guide to plan your trip accordingly. Remember that it’s not just about reaching your destination but also enjoying everything that America has to offer along the way!