Points of Interest between Chesapeake, Virginia to Turlock, California

picture of Chesapeake, Virginia

Roadtrip from Chesapeake, VA to Turlock, CA

If you're looking for a cross-country road trip filled with natural beauty and historical landmarks, look no further than the trip from Chesapeake, Virginia to Turlock, California. The journey will take you over 2,700 miles, but with some careful planning, you'll see some of the most breathtaking sights our country has to offer.

Fun fact: Did you know that Route 40, or the National Road, goes through 14 states from Maryland to California, making it the longest road in the United States?

About halfway through your trip, you'll arrive in Sayre, Oklahoma. This small town was once a major hub for travelers heading west during the late 1800s and early 1900s due to its location on the old Route 66. Today it's a peaceful stop with some great local restaurants and antique shops.

The length of this trip will vary depending on how many stops you make and how long you stay at each one. Assuming you make all five of our recommended stops and drive an average of eight hours per day, expect the journey to take about five to six days.

So without further ado, here are the top five places you won't want to miss on your road trip from Chesapeake to Turlock:

  1. Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. With its vast size and stunning scenery, this natural wonder is a must-visit on your road trip. In addition to hiking, camping, and rafting, the Grand Canyon also offers a unique cultural experience with its Native American tribes and their history.

Point of interest: Be sure to catch the sunrise or sunset, which creates spectacular colors on the canyon walls.

  1. Mesa Verde National Park Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the best-preserved ancient Native American cliff dwellings in the world. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people who once called this place home.

Point of interest: Visit Spruce Tree House to see a well-preserved example of cliff dwellings up close.

  1. Zion National Park Zion National Park is a nature lover's paradise with its towering red rock formations, steep canyons, and beautiful waterfalls. It's also a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering.

Point of interest: Drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway for some incredible views and photo opportunities.

  1. Hoover Dam One of America's greatest engineering feats, the Hoover Dam is a must-see when traveling through the Southwest. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and construction of the dam, and be sure to take in the stunning vistas of the Colorado River and Lake Mead.

Point of interest: While at the Hoover Dam, make a stop at the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, where you can walk across the Colorado River for some epic views.

  1. Yosemite National Park No trip to California is complete without a visit to Yosemite National Park. This park is famous for its soaring granite cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and beautiful meadows. Go hiking, rock climbing, camping, or just soak up the natural beauty of the park.

Point of interest: Be sure to check out Yosemite Valley, where you can see many of the park's iconic features, such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

So there you have it, five must-visit destinations on your road trip from Chesapeake to Turlock. Each stop offers unique experiences that will make this journey memorable. Enjoy the adventure!