From Florida to California and Back: 6,169 Miles of Adventure in Our Jeep Gladiator
Join us on a 15-day, 6,169-mile cross-country road trip from Florida to California and back in our Jeep Gladiator. From relaxing on Biloxi Beach and visiting the towering cross in Groom to exploring the Grand Canyon National Park, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, California wine …
California Road Trip: Dragoon and El Paso
From Arizona’s Texas Canyon to an Overnight Stop in El Paso Leaving California and continuing east on Interstate 10, one of our favorite scenic stops of the day was the Texas Canyon Rest Area near Dragoon. The rest area is surrounded by enormous granite boulders…
California Road Trip: Funny Jeep Gladiator Road Trip
What’s a cross-country road trip without a little harmless fun? During our hotel stays, our blue Jeep Gladiator had an unusual overnight “driver”—a mannequin made from a pillow in a red hoodie, topped with a white mask featuring reflective foil behind the eyes. The re…
California Road Trip: Blythe, CA
Travel from Campbell through Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, before enjoying scenic views of San Luis Reservoir and the fertile farmlands along Interstate 5. After driving through the Los Angeles region via Pasadena and San Bernardino, the day ends with a comfo…
California Trip: St. Lucy Parish, Campbell, CA
Before beginning the long drive back to Florida, we attended Sunday Mass at St. Lucy Parish in Campbell, California. The welcoming parish, beautiful sanctuary, and reverent celebration of the Eucharist provided a peaceful and meaningful start to our journey home. It was…
California Road Trip: Testarossa Winery
Celebrate a special family occasion at Testarossa Winery, a historic winery nestled in the foothills of Los Gatos, California. Housed in the original 1888 Novitiate Winery built by Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, Testarossa blends California’s rich winemaking heritage with…
California Road Trip: Lighthouse Field State Beach and Santa Cruz
Experience one of Northern California’s most scenic coastal drives as you travel from Shark Fin Cove to Lighthouse Field State Beach. Watch surfers ride the Pacific waves, enjoy panoramic ocean views from the coastal bluffs, and take in the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf stret…
California Road Trip: Shark Fin Cove
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Shark Fin Cove, a scenic coastal gem just a short drive from Campbell and San Jose. Located along California’s iconic Highway 1 near Davenport, this picturesque overlook features dramatic ocean cliffs, a shark fin-shaped sea stack, cr…
California Road Trip: Campbell, CA
Travel from the historic Gold Rush town of Nevada City to the heart of Silicon Valley with an overnight stay at Residence Inn San Jose Campbell. After cleaning off days of road-trip bugs at Alvarado Coin-Op Car Wash, relax with a delicious Veggie Pizza from Mountain Mik…
California Road Trip: Nevada City, CA
Follow a scenic drive across the snow-covered Sierra Nevada Mountains and Donner Pass before arriving in the charming Gold Rush town of Nevada City. Fans of Hallmark’s The Christmas Card will enjoy visiting filming locations including the historic National Exchange Hote…
California Road Trip: Leaving Las Vegas
Leaving Las Vegas for the Open Desert and Snow-Covered Mountains of Nevada Leaving Las Vegas and heading north on US-95 brought an entirely different side of Nevada into view compared to the bright lights and nonstop activity of the Las Vegas Strip. As the city slowly…
California Road Trip: Famous Fulton Places in Las Vegas
Enjoy casual dining and quick bites while exploring the Las Vegas Strip with stops at Fulton Fish Frye inside New York-New York Hotel & Casino and Fulton Street Food Hall inside Harrah’s. From seafood and comfort food favorites to grab-and-go snacks, desserts, pizza…
California Road Trip: Las Vegas Day Stroll
Spend a full day exploring the famous Las Vegas Strip while walking from New York-New York Hotel & Casino past iconic resorts and attractions including Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Luxor Hotel & Casino, and many more. From …
California Road Trip: Las Vegas First Night
Driving from Hoover Dam into the bright lights of Las Vegas made for an unforgettable stop on our cross-country road trip. Staying at New York-New York Hotel & Casino in the remodeled Soho King room offered modern comfort with a New York City feel, while exploring t…
California Road Trip: Hoover Dam
A visit to Hoover Dam offers an unforgettable look at one of America’s greatest engineering marvels, with sweeping views of Lake Mead and the dramatic canyon landscape below. Highlights include the visitor museum, the Two Wings of the Republic memorial, the worker scu…
California Road Trip: Kingman, AZ
Stopping in Kingman during a Florida-to-California road trip offered a relaxing overnight stay at the clean and comfortable Clarion Inn Kingman I-40 Route 66 along historic Route 66. The evening also included trying In-N-Out Burger for the first time before continuing t…
California Road Trip: Grand Canyon, Arizona
Drive from Gallup to Grand Canyon National Park through the scenic mountains of Flagstaff with views of the San Francisco Peaks and Humphreys Peak along Interstate 40. Entering through the East Entrance on Highway 64 offers breathtaking early views of the Grand Canyon, …
California Road Trip: Gallup, New Mexico
Experience a memorable stop on a Florida to California road trip at the historic Hotel El Rancho in Gallup, New Mexico. Famous for hosting Hollywood actors and actresses during the golden age of Western films, this iconic Route 66 hotel features vintage charm, a classic…
California Road Trip: Amarillo, Texas
Buc-ee’s in Amarillo, Texas, is more than just a gas station—it’s a must-stop road trip destination packed with fresh barbecue, famous Beaver Nuggets, Texas souvenirs, spotless restrooms, and some of the cheapest gas prices along Interstate 40. Whether you are fue…
California Road Trip: Groom, Texas
The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Groom, Texas, is a powerful roadside landmark and spiritual destination along Interstate 40 that invites travelers to pause and reflect on faith. Standing 190 feet tall, the towering cross is surrounded by meaningful religious displ…
California Road Trip: Wichita Falls, Texas
Driving from Forney to Wichita Falls became one of the most memorable stretches of our Texas road trip. After leaving Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, we drove through Dallas–Fort Worth before encountering a severe thunderstorm and Tornado W…