Floridian Road Trip to Cali: How Long Does It Take To Drive From Bradenton to Los Angeles?

Whenever you find yourself daydreaming about a road trip from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast, one of the best options is to drive from Bradenton, Florida, all the way to Los Angeles, California. I mean, what could be better than taking in the stunning views of the American West while cruising on the open road? This trip is sure to bring up some unforgettable memories, but before you hit the highway, let's take a closer look at the different routes and travel times for the journey.

The Fastest Way: The Transcontinental Highway Route

One way to drive from Bradenton to Los Angeles is by traveling on the I-10 W through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally California. Although this route is around 2,293 miles long, it is considered the fastest way as it takes you directly to Los Angeles. However, the distance and time may vary depending on traffic, weather, and any stops along the way.

If you were to drive this route without any stops, it would take roughly 34 hours to reach your destination. The route is quite long, so expect to spend around three to four days on the road. But hey, who's rushing? If you're looking for a more comfortable way to travel this far, we suggest stopping in some of the cities along the way.

Pit Stops: Where to Take a Breather

Since Florida is the starting point, you can begin by renting a car and traveling through some of the numerous beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, such as Panama City Beach and Gulf Shores. After driving through Birmingham, Alabama, and the sprawling cities of Louisiana, Louisiana Purchase Gardens, and Zoo and the French Quarter New Orleans are worth taking a visit.

After driving through Texas, if you're looking for a unique pit stop, visit Roswell, New Mexico, the town is infamous for its instances of alleged UFO sightings. Finally, before you reach LA, stop at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, where the breathtaking views and the unique colorado river are a must-see.

The Scenic Route: The Southern Route

For those who have ample time and love nature, taking the southern route is ideal. A section of the route could be Interstate-20 West. This route allows you to travel through the southern parts of the country, immersing yourself in scenic views and local cultures. Starting from Bradenton, this route takes you through Houston, San Antonio, and Tucson, among other cities before reaching LA.

Though it's impossible to see everything without taking additional time, some places you can't afford to miss driving through are the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida, the Sonoran Desert National Monument in Arizona, and Spyglass Hill in New Orleans. This route is approximately 2,698 miles long, and if you were to drive without any stops, it would take around 42 hours to reach LA. We recommend that you stop in any of the cities you find yourself pass to attend some of the festivals or sports events or visit any sightseeings that might interest you.

The Northern Route: The Great Western Trail

The Northern route, also known as the "Great Western Trail," provides a chance to get lost in Mother Nature's beauty. The route takes you through some western parts of the country, including Utah, Nevada, and California. Starting in Bradenton, you can take I-75 N to I-70 W and I-15 S. This route is around 3121 miles long and takes about 51 hours to complete without any stops.

When driving on this route, make sure you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, Arches National Park in Utah, and Highway 1 in California. You can also visit some of the famous cities along this route, including Denver, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.

Driving is better with friends

The journey from Bradenton to LA is quite a long one, but you can make it an unforgettable experience by tagging along with family or friends. Of course, with friends, you have an opportunity to take turns driving, making the driving experience less cumbersome. It's important to remember that the trip is not about getting to LA quickly, but enjoying yourself and creating memories with those closest to you.

In summary, there are three primary routes to take when driving from Bradenton, Florida, to Los Angeles, California: the Transcontinental Highway, the Southern Route, and the Northern Route. Each route is unique and offers different experiences, from stunning natural beauty to vibrant cityscapes. Whatever route you take, be sure to make stops along the way, take your time to explore local cultures, and make lasting memories. Safe travels, and happy road tripping!