Best Things to do on a Road Trip from California and Illinois

Overview of the Trip and Highlights

Planning for a road trip could sometimes be overwhelming, especially if the distance is far off and the excitement of exploring new places is high. A typical plan from California to Illinois would take you up to 29 hours if you decide to embark on the adventure non-stop. Perfecting your itinerary is another vital aspect of the road trip, as it saves time and helps you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Moreover, a road trip to Illinois from California would take you through eight states, covering mainly highways and interstates, a distance of 2,056 miles. The halfway point will be at 755 Silver Valley Rd, Silver Plume, CO 80476, USA. Here are some highlights from the trip.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a 1.7-mile suspension bridge that directly connects San Francisco to Marin County, California. It is ranked as one of the world's most remarkable architectural structures, with its orange-red color being the most striking feature. A visit to the Golden Gate Bridge offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking, rocky landscape located in northern Arizona. It was formed by erosion and is over 275 miles long and 18 miles wide. Visitors come from far and wide to see the colorful, steep canyon walls and the scenic views of the Colorado River. Visiting the Grand Canyon guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, located in Nevada. It is famous for its nightlife, casinos, and entertainment offerings. Las Vegas is a place to relax and have fun, with a wide range of restaurants and shopping malls to explore. A visit to Las Vegas should be on every road-tripper's itinerary as it's a city like no other.

Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument is located in western Colorado near Grand Junction. It is a unique desert landscape with magnificent views of red rock formations. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive along the monument's steep and winding roads while taking in the breathtaking views. An interesting fact about the monument is that it used to be the birthplace of deer and mountain lions.

Chicago

Chicago is a bustling metropolitan city located in Illinois. It is famous for its beautiful architectural designs, deep-dish pizza, and for being the "Windy City." Chicago is a fusion of ancient and modern attractions, with attractions such as Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and Cloud Gate. A visit to Chicago wouldn't be complete without taking a stroll along Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan.

Top Five Things to Do

Visit Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a small island in the San Francisco Bay, home to the infamous Alcatraz Prison. The prison was active between 1934 and 1963, holding some of America's most famous criminals. A visit to Alcatraz offers a fascinating glimpse into America's criminal justice history. The island and its prison are now preserved as a museum, which offers guided tours several times each day.

Interesting Fact: Alcatraz prison has had no verified successful escapes.

Drive Around Route 66

Route 66 is a legendary American highway that runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It is also known as the "Mother Road" and is famous for its iconic landmarks and quirky road stops. Driving around Route 66 offers an immersive experience into America's history and culture.

Interesting Fact: The route 66 was established in 1926 and was one of the primary routes for migrants going west during the Great Depression in the 1930s.

Visit Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is America's oldest national park, located in Wyoming. It is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. Yellowstone provides an ideal location to unwind and explore nature's beauty.

Interesting Fact: Yellowstone is one of the largest volcanic systems globally and has one of the highest concentrations of geysers, boiling hot springs, and mud pots in the world.

Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis

The Gateway Arch is an iconic monument located in St. Louis, Missouri, standing at 630 feet. It symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States, celebrating the pioneers who helped shape America. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the arch and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of St. Louis.

Interesting Fact: The Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made national monument in the United States.

Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is located in Springfield, Illinois. It offers a comprehensive history of Lincoln's life, including his early life, time as a lawyer, and his presidency during the Civil War. Visitors can glimpse into his life and the events during his presidency uniquely.

Interesting Fact: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is the largest library in the United States, with over 50,000 books, photographs, and documents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trip from California to Illinois offers a remarkable experience filled with exciting and breathtaking locations across different terrains. With perfect planning and following a well-detailed itinerary, the road trip presents the most adventurous and serene escape. The road trip covers approximately 2,000 miles, lasting for over 29 hours, and takes travelers through eight states. No matter the location, adventure is waiting to be explored.