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Why Plan a Cross-Country Drive from San Francisco to New York?
The Perfect 6-Day Road Trip Itinerary (Fully Customizable with TripPilot)
Day 1: San Francisco to Las Vegas.
Day 2: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon to Albuquerque.
Day 3: Albuquerque to Oklahoma City.
Day 4: Oklahoma City to St. Louis to Chicago.
Day 6: Chicago to New York City.
Why Use TripPilot for This Road Trip?
Dreaming of the ultimate American road trip? This 6-day cross-country drive from San Francisco to New York combines jaw-dropping natural beauty, iconic cities, and unforgettable pit stops across the heart of the United States. Whether you're a first-time road tripper or a seasoned traveler looking to create your own adventure, this route is fully customizable using TripPilot’s AI-powered trip planner.
Why Plan a Cross-Country Drive from San Francisco to New York?
Spanning nearly 3,000 miles, this coast-to-coast journey offers more than just mileage—it’s a deep dive into American culture, cuisine, and landscapes.
From the sun-drenched California coastline and neon-lit Las Vegas to the soul of Chicago and the vibrancy of New York City, this trip delivers landmarks, local charm, and legendary roads like Route 66 and I-80.
Whether you're a foodie, photographer, nature lover, or history buff, TripPilot lets you tailor every mile of the journey.
The Perfect 6-Day Road Trip Itinerary (Fully Customizable with TripPilot)
With TripPilot’s dynamic itinerary builder, you're in control of every mile. Whether you're craving more time in the Rockies, want to squeeze in a quirky roadside diner, or simply need a slower pace to soak in the scenery, TripPilot lets you tailor your journey your way.
Adjust travel times, swap out cities, or add spontaneous detours with just a few clicks. Because your ultimate cross-country adventure shouldn’t feel rigid—it should feel like freedom.
Day 1: San Francisco to Las Vegas
Approximate Time: 9 hrs
- Grab sunrise shots at Twin Peaks before leaving SF
- Scenic detour through Yosemite National Park for waterfalls & granite cliffs
- Optional stop at Death Valley National Park for desert views
- Arrive in Las Vegas by evening—hit the Strip or dine at a celebrity-chef restaurant
TripPilot Tip: Add a night in Las Vegas for shows or a detour to the Hoover Dam
Day 2: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon to Albuquerque
Approximate Time: 8 hrs split
- Morning drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim—perfect for rim-side hikes or a helicopter ride
- Lunch in quirky Flagstaff along old Route 66
- Reach Albuquerque by night and explore its adobe charm and mountain backdrop
Day 3: Albuquerque to Oklahoma City
Approximate Time: 7 hrs
- Cross the Texas Panhandle—snap photos at Cadillac Ranch
- Taste Texas BBQ in Amarillo
- Arrive in Oklahoma City and unwind in Bricktown with a canal-side dinner
Discover OKC’s National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum—and customize your trip with museums, diners, or rest stops using TripPilot
Day 4: Oklahoma City to St. Louis to Chicago
Approximate Time: 9 hrs total
- Visit Gateway Arch in St. Louis—ride to the top for river views
- Detour for St. Louis ribs or Forest Park exploration
- Reach Chicago by night—relax with live jazz or a skyline river cruise
Customize your route with an overnight stop in St. Louis-use TripPilot to split the drive or adjust your pacing.
Day 5: Explore Chicago
Approximate Time: Full Day – 8 hrs total
- Start with brunch in the West Loop
- Snap a selfie at The Bean in Millennium Park
- Shop along Magnificent Mile, then catch sunset at Skydeck Chicago
Savor deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s your Chicago day with art, food, or architecture using TripPilot.
Day 6: Chicago to New York City
Approximate Time: 12 hrs or split into 2 days
- Drive east via Cleveland (stop for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
- Break overnight in Philadelphia—visit the Liberty Bell & enjoy a Philly cheesesteak
- Arrive in NYC by evening—walk Times Square, take in skyline views from the Top of the Rock, or relax in Central Park
Stretch your final leg or add more East Coast cities with TripPilot.
Why Use TripPilot for This Road Trip?
TripPilot is more than a travel planner—it’s a smart, AI-powered itinerary builder that puts full control in your hands. Build a custom trip from San Francisco to New York itinerary with TripPilot.
Explore our unforgettable, popular custom itinerary:
