San Diego to Washington DC

Hi-

We are starting off in San diego .. we have approx. 5-7 days .. we would like to see the Grand Canyon, Denver, and chicago .. but we have no idea how long this reallly gonna take.. any suggestions on time and days ..... thanks .

San Diego to Washington DC

SD to DC in 5-7 days? Way too ambitious, unless you just plan on driving straight thru (virtually) and skimming a few attractions. You need to tell us exactly the main attractions you want to see and then pick a few, so you can spend at least several hours at each. Chicago would be out of your way. Forget that.

I think you need to pick a drive route and then let us know which way you are going, then we%26#39;d be able to help you a lot more, along with the type of things you are interested in and who is going (2 adults, any kids, etc.).

San Diego to Washington DC

..we are thinking ..

1. San Diego to Denver via 15 then the 70

*(we really wanted to see the grand canyon but realized that is gonna take a lot of time away from really wanting to get to Colorado, so we have decided to X it)

sooo if anyone knows of aprox. how much time it will take that would help. oh and anything along the way.

2. Denver/Boulder ...what to see..suggestions MOUNTAINS !!!

3. Denver to DC .. the best way ...?? 76 to the 80 does anyone have any idea how long this drive is ...

OR ..... just stay on the 70 .. i have no idea what there is to see this way .. It is 2 of us with 2 cats any suggestions on pits stops.. hotels.. that accept animals..especially along the dever to dc way ..

Welcome to the TA forums, roadtriperyeah! You have found a wonderful resource for your upcoming adventure.

Previous poster is so correct! Very ambitious - you will be doing a lot of driving. Two years ago my son and I drove from Pinetop, AZ to DC (then trains to NYC and Boston) and spent 3 1/2 weeks. We did a moe southern route -

Day 1 - 11 hours of driving, overnight in Elk City, Ok

Day 2 - 10 hours, 2 nights in Memphis, Graceland, barbeque, Peabody Hotel, downtown, etc.

Day 3 - 7 hours, overnight in Gatlingburg, TN

Day 4 - Blue Ridge Parkway (gorgeous!), overnight in Meadows of Dan, VA

Day 5 - arrive DC for 4 nights

You need to become very proficient in Google Maps. You can plot different routes, change them around, get distance and time estimations, etc.

Hope this gives you a bit of insight. Good luck on your planning. Once you do figure out your route be sure to post in different forums for some good advice.

In Colorado I would consider stopping in the mountains west of Denver and not spend too much time in the actual city. It is nice, but if your main objective is to see the mountains, then stay in the mountains!

Day 1 Drive San Diego to Grand Junction Colorado (12+hours)

Day 2 Drive Grand Junction to Summit County CO - 3hrs. (Silverthorne, Frisco, Breckenridge). Stay there for the night and enjoy the mountains.

Day 3 Drive down to Denver (1.5 hrs). See the Lodo area and then head east. I76 to I80 or I70 go through the plains states...not that much to see. If you have not seen the St Louis Arch, I would drive I70 to there. Stay in Burlington CO for the night and see the historic carousel or stay in Goodland KS. Both have pet friendly lodging.

Day 4 To St Louis MO. 10 hours.

Day 5 Visit in morning then off to Chicago. 5+ hours. Now you are headed into territory I know nothing about...

Day 6 Chicago in morning then head toward Washington DC. Maybe around Cleveland (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) or Canton OH (home of Football Hall of Fame)

Day 7 Drive on to Washington DC...maybe 7 hours +