Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive From Chicago, Illinois to Simi Valley, California

Are you looking for a road trip that takes you across the country and stops at some incredible hidden gems along the way? Look no further than the drive from Chicago, Illinois to Simi Valley, California. This drive takes just over 30 hours, covers over 2,000 miles, and offers breathtaking scenery along the way. Whether you're looking for quirky roadside attractions, delicious food, or stunning natural landscapes, this road trip has it all.

Halfway Point: Georgetown, CO

Before diving into the five unexpected places to stop on this road trip, it's important to mention the halfway point: Georgetown, CO. This charming mountain town is located just 45 minutes west of Denver and is the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Georgetown features a well-preserved Victorian downtown, complete with shops, restaurants, and a vintage train ride that takes visitors through the scenic Clear Creek Valley. Be sure to check out the nearby Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking mountain views and access to numerous hiking trails.

1. Amarillo, TX

Located in the Texas panhandle, Amarillo is home to a surprising number of unique attractions. One of the most famous is the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring a row of spray-painted cars planted nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own spray paint and leave their mark on the cars. For something a little unusual, check out the Ozymandias on the Plains statue, a tribute to Ozymandias, the king of kings from Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem. This bizarre statue features a pair of legs and feet sticking out of the ground, along with a plaque engraved with the poem's final lines. When it comes to food, no trip to Amarillo is complete without a visit to The Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the 72-ounce steak challenge.

2. Sedona, AZ

Located in central Arizona, Sedona is an outdoor lover's paradise. The town is surrounded by stunning red rock formations and offers access to numerous hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. For something truly unique, consider taking a Pink Jeep Tour of the area, which takes visitors on a thrilling off-road adventure through the red rocks. Be sure to stop by the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a striking Catholic chapel built into the side of a red rock cliff. When it comes to food, you can't go wrong with the Sedona Sandwich Company, which is known for its tasty sandwiches and excellent service.

3. San Diego, CA

Located on the southern coast of California, San Diego is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-renowned zoo. For something a little more offbeat, consider visiting the Unconditional Surrender statue, a 25-foot-tall sculpture of a sailor and nurse kissing in Times Square to celebrate the end of World War II. San Diego is also home to the USS Midway Museum, which offers visitors the chance to explore the aircraft carrier that served from 1945 to 1992. And when it comes to food, you can't go wrong with the fish tacos from Oscar's Mexican Seafood.

4. Las Vegas, NV

Located in the middle of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour, and over-the-top attractions. One of the most famous is the Bellagio Fountains, a choreographed water show set to music that takes place in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. For something a little more wacky, check out the Pinball Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to pinball machines from the 1950s to the present day. And when it comes to food, be sure to try the shrimp cocktail from the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, which has been serving the dish since 1959.

5. Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Located in southeastern California, Joshua Tree National Park offers stunning desert landscapes that are unlike anything else in the country. The park is known for its namesake Joshua trees, which are native to the area and can grow up to 40 feet tall. Other highlights include numerous hiking trails, including the popular Ryan Mountain Trail, which offers sweeping views of the park, and the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon. When it comes to food, be sure to stop at Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree, which offers tasty comfort food along with a selection of craft beers.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an adventurous road trip that takes you across the country and stops at some truly unique destinations, look no further than the drive from Chicago, Illinois to Simi Valley, California. From the quirky Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo to the stunning desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, this road trip offers something for every type of traveler. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.