san diego to washington, dc

[Alli7525]

My college age daughter and I are planning on driving from San Diego to DC at the end of July, We'll have about 2 weeks to complete the trip and I'm a member of AAA. We'll probably not want to venture too far from Route 40, but would be willing to drive a couple of hours out of the way to see special attractions. We are interested in more quirky, unusual things to see and do rather than tourist-filled spots as well as music related activities. We've visited many of the national parks out west, but certainly wouldn't mind seeing them again either. I am wondering if: 1- anyone has advice regarding "must see" sites and things to do, 2- advice regarding how long to stay at each major stop, 3- advice about vegetarian dining options along the way, 4-advice about inexpensive lodging including hostels or dorm rooms in universities. Thanks so much for any feedback.

[Lifemagician]

Hi and Welcome to the Great American Roadtrip Forum.

If you have spent any time reading around this forum, you will no doubt have seen that we do not do must sees, rather design road trips to the party's particular interests. Is this two weeks for the round trip?

Since you are already a member of AAA, go there and get a map of all States through which your trip may take you. (Free to members - a shoe box is handy to keep them together.) A good idea to get one of adjoining States as well, as a point of interest may take you into one. AAA also have an excellent detailed map of DC. These maps show a wealth of information. Sit down with your daughter and see just how many attractions there are along your route, and which would interest you most.... natural attractions, historical sites and glitzy touristy ones.

Along the way at road side rest areas and some truckstops or other fuel outlets, you will see hotel and motel discount coupon booklets. These are worth checking out for good deals. Be sure to examine the room before paying. Make sure the smoke detector has not been disabled, the room is clean and can be locked with a chain or similar.

As far as eating goes, I'm not the best person to asnwer that. I'm sure some others will fill in there.

Lifey

[DonnaR57]

If this is a round trip, you won't have a lot of time for sightseeing. It's a good 6 days to get across the US from here in San Diego. However, if this is a one-way trip, 2 weeks will give you plenty of time!

A couple of ideas if you are on a one-way trip: Great Smoky Mountains (which will seem like hills to you, after being in California) National Park, Shenandoah National Park (you'll need about 5-6 hours to drive the length of Skyline Drive and do some stopping at the viewpoints), and you could take all 2 weeks in DC to see everything there (and then some).


Donna