Cruising Across the US: A Road Trip from California to Maryland

If you're looking for a long-distance road trip, then getting from California to Maryland is an epic journey waiting to happen. America's vast landscape offers a diverse range of routes and paths to choose from. However, driving coast to coast means enduring long hours on the road, so it's essential to select the route that suits your needs and time frame. Here are the top routes for hitting the road from California to Maryland – buckle up, let's go!

1. Trans-American Highway

The Transamerican Highway, also known as Route 50, is the most direct road that connects the Pacific Ocean with Maryland. This 3,200-mile route starts in San Francisco, CA, and passes through Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia before ending in Ocean City, Maryland.

This route's driving time is around 47 hours if you take no stops, so plan and stop a few times. Some must-see landmarks along the way include the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the Rocky Mountains, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, and Cincinnati’s quaint downtown.

2. Pacific Coast & Northern Route

If you prefer jaw-dropping coastal views and nature over cityscapes, then the Pacific Coast and Northern Route is the best option. Instead of following the I-80 and I-70 route through Nevada, Colorado, and Kansas, this path takes you up through Oregon, Washington, Montana, and North Dakota before shifting direction toward Chicago and Maryland.

Approximately 3,500 miles long, this journey is more extended but offers numerous popular landmarks and destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands. This drive takes at least 55 hours. Whether you're hiking, walking, or driving, the Pacific Coast Highway alone provides a budget-friendly adventure with an unbeatable scenery.

3. Southern Route

Another option is to take the Southern Route, which heads from Southern California through the Southwest and towards the East Coast. This route is the shortest distance option, yet it is the longest travel time, with some curves and ups and downs.

Drive through the Mojave Desert, Arizona's Meteor Crater and Grand Canyon, the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, and New Orleans French Quarter are just a few of the memorable stops. This route is approximately 2,500 miles and takes around 41 hours to complete.

Final Thoughts

Taking a road trip is an experience that's worth cherishing with loved ones, family, or as a solo adventure. To embark on a California to Maryland road trip is to explore a country that is seemingly endless. Every traveler will have a unique experience, and sometimes it's the surprising roadside stops that add unforgettable memories to the journey. Whether you have weeks or months for the trip, take the time to research and find the route you'll enjoy most!