10 day itinerary
Santa Monica
Itinerary
A 10-day road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica is an exciting adventure. Here's an ideal itinerary for your trip:
Day 1: Chicago
Start your trip in Chicago, where you can explore the city's famous landmarks, such as the , , and . You can also visit the , one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country.
Day 2: Springfield, Illinois
Drive to Springfield, Illinois, the capital of the state and the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. Visit the , which showcases the life and legacy of the 16th president of the United States.
Day 3: St. Louis, Missouri
Drive to St. Louis, Missouri, and visit the , a 630-foot monument that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. You can also explore the , one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country.
Day 4: Springfield, Missouri
Drive to Springfield, Missouri, and visit the , which features classic cars and memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. You can also explore the , a natural wonder that you can tour by jeep-drawn trams.
Day 5: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Drive to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and visit the , which showcases the history and culture of the American West. You can also explore the , which honors the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
Day 6: Amarillo, Texas
Drive to Amarillo, Texas, and visit the , a public art installation that features ten Cadillac cars buried nose-first in the ground. You can also explore the , a famous restaurant that offers a 72-ounce steak challenge.
Day 7: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and visit the , which showcases the history and culture of the Native American tribes of New Mexico. You can also explore the , which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Day 8: Flagstaff, Arizona
Drive to Flagstaff, Arizona, and visit the , where Pluto was discovered in 1930. You can also explore the , which features ancient cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people.
Day 9:
Drive to the , one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. You can explore the park's hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and visitor centers.
Day 10: Santa Monica, California
Drive to Santa Monica, California, and explore the famous , which features an amusement park, an aquarium, and a historic carousel. You can also visit the , a pedestrian-only shopping and dining district. End your trip with a beautiful sunset at the beach.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!