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What’s the best route from California to North Carolina?

My friends and I are roadtripping from California to North Carolina, and we want to be sure it’s more than just a long drive. What’s the best route for us to take?

avatar
Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Depending on where you’re leaving from and where you’re headed, you’ve got a few options when it comes to the best route from
California
to
North Carolina
Sometimes, though, easiest is also best—which is why we recommend taking I-40 for 2,649 miles. That’s around 39 hours of driving, but you’ll be breaking it up with stops for sightseeing, rest, and gas.
On your trip from California to North Carolina, you’ll be making your way through the following cities:
With those options, you’ll have plenty of chances for detours and stops to see sights like:
  • The Grand Canyon
  • Old Town Albuquerque
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park
  • Oklahoma City National Memorial
  • The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
That’s not to mention all the beautiful scenery in major cities like
Little Rock
,
Memphis
, and
Nashville
. This route should give you plenty to see and do on your
cross-country road trip
.
Pro tip: It’s a good idea to make sure you plan for at least a week of travel to get there, in order to make the trip both bearable and memorable. 
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