Phoenix to Sacramento
 

In late July, we will be traveling by car from Phoenix to visit relatives in Sacramento. I understand that it's about a 12 hour car trip, so we thought we'd break it up by stopping along the way -- perhaps arriving mid-afternoon, staying overnight, and then continuing on our way the following day at noon. Any suggestions? My husband and I will be traveling with our teenage daughter. Thanks

I recommend you drive to the Valencia/Santa Clarita area the first day. If you leave Phoenix early as you are planning, you will get through most of the LA area before the afternoon/evening rush hour. The next morning it will be a fast drive up I-5 to Sacramento.

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you have restaurant/hotel recommendations in Valencia/Santa Clarita?

Every chain hotel and every chain restaurant you've ever heard of.

You could go on to Bakersfield the first day for a shorter second day. Most chains, Doubletree, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, LaQuinta, etc for hotels there. Also most major restaurant chains. For a couple of non-chain ideas, Valentine is a very nice dinner house, Luigi's downtown has excellen Italian in an out-of the-way spot and Mexacali is OK for Mexican food.