road trips o roadtrips

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

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• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
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Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

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10 of the best road trips in the USA

Jan 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Take to the open road and discover a different side to the USA © monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

While a plane may get you there faster, road-tripping across the US is one of the most iconically American things you can do.

Get up close and personal with the country’s most striking landscapes – dense eastern forests, windswept plains, red rock canyons, dramatic Pacific coastlines – and make pit stops at some of its most famous cities all in one go.

Crisscrossed with an extensive network of pretty well-maintained highway systems, the US is remarkably easy to traverse by car . Some distances may be long, but gas, food and accommodations are largely easy to come by (except in some of the most rural locales), and a set of wheels gives you the freedom to do extra side quests along the way.

Here’s a list of our favorite routes across America’s wide open spaces, along with some tips on how to make the most of your journey.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Best road trip for Pacific views San Diego–Seattle; 1600 miles; 8–12 days

The Pacific Coast Highway delivers one of the US’ most iconic road trip experiences, linking together the West Coast’s most notable metropolises, quirky California beach towns, ancient redwood forests, and the dramatic capes and pools of the Pacific Northwest . The route includes Hwy 1, Hwy 101 and I-5, starting in San Diego ; it winds up the coast through LA , Big Sur , San Francisco and Redwood National & State Parks , eventually terminating in Seattle .

Planning tip: Always check for road closures, particularly in the Big Sur area, where rockslides are common along the sea cliffs.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

Best Appalachian road trip Cherokee, NC–Waynesboro, VA; 469 miles; 2–5 days

This spectacular route takes you through the heart of the US’ oldest mountain range, delivering view after view of rolling green mountains chock full of enchanting hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, ancient rock formations and prolific wildlife. The Parkway – part of the NPS system – begins adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and passes through the spectacular Pisgah National Forest, a number of state parks and recreation areas, and Roanoke, VA, before ending at the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park .

Detour: In addition to state and national parks , many one-off hikes originate along the parkway. Consult trail maps to avoid missing some of Appalachia’s top routes.

3. Route 66

Best road trip for American kitsch Chicago–Los Angeles; 2250 miles; 1–2 weeks

Nicknamed the Mother Road, Route 66 has permanently ingrained itself in the international psyche as the original US road trip. Starting in Chicago , it crosses eight different states and connects travelers to national parks, weird-but-wonderful roadside attractions and tons of vintage Americana.

Planning tip:  The route can be driven in pieces or all at once, but we suggest allotting plenty of time to explore – distances are long, and the activities are numerous.

4. Natchez Trace

Best road trip for Southern history Pasquo, TN–Natchez, MS; 444 miles; 2–3 days

The path for the Natchez Trace was originally carved not by humans, but by buffalo that wandered the region from middle Tennessee to Natchez, MS. Indigenous hunters and traders soon followed, and later the route became a full-fledged thoroughfare for European colonists, soldiers and dignitaries. Today, a trip down the Trace yields gorgeous scenery, historic towns and the experience of traveling one of the most storied roads in the country.

5. Florida Highway 1

Best road trip for Gulf Coast culture Amelia Island–Key West; 475 miles; 6 days

Florida’s Hwy 1 runs the length of the state’s Atlantic Coast before banking east at Miami  and ending in stunning Key West . This sublime multi-day journey takes you through tons of Florida ’s most iconic stops: historic St Augustine , windswept Canaveral National Seashore , Nascar-fueled Daytona, laid-back Fort Lauderdale and the glam and glitter of Miami and South Beach.

Planning tip: Hurricane season lasts from June through October – with the most active months being August and September – and has the potential to significantly affect Florida. If you’re visiting during this window, keep your eyes on the forecast.

6. Badlands – Black Hills Loop

Best road trip to experience the Great Plains Badlands National Park–Badlands National Park; 330 miles; 2 days

If you want to get a taste of how expansive the Great Plains really are, head to South Dakota for this fascinating road trip through a state of huge ecological and cultural importance. Start your trip at the mind-bendingly beautiful Badlands National Park before looping over to the Black Hills, home to the Crazy Horse Memorial , Mt Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park . Along the way, take in views of thriving buffalo herds, fascinating rock formations and plenty of rolling hills.

7. San Juan Skyway

Best road trip for Rocky Mountain peaks Durango–Durango; 236 miles; 1–3 days

The San Juan Skyway delivers some of the Rockies ’ biggest views in high definition. This route – which includes the renowned Million Dollar Highway – leapfrogs across central Colorado’s mountainous core connecting Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Mesa Verde National Park , known for the cliff dwellings left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans.

Whether you’re a history buff, ski bum, landscape photographer or simply someone who enjoys a thrilling drive, San Juan Skyway has something for you.

Planning tip: A fact that can be deduced by its name, the San Juan Skyway runs through high-altitude terrain, and that makes road conditions somewhat unpredictable, particularly during shoulder season. Always check for closures or local warnings before heading out.

8. Richardson Highway

Best road trip for Alaska outdoors Fairbanks–Valdez; 364 miles; 2–4 days

No road trip list would be complete without a journey through the country’s largest, northernmost state. The Richardson Highway, Alaska’s oldest highway, connects Fairbanks with Valdez, winding past dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers and giving travelers a front seat to some of the country’s most jaw-dropping natural attractions. Be sure to make pit stops for hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting.

9. Scenic Byway 12

Best road trip through red rock country Bryce Canyon National Park–Capitol Reef National Park; 122 miles; 1 day

Southern Utah feels like an entirely different planet, and this backroads route takes you through the best scenery this geologically diverse state has to offer. Start your journey in the town of Panguitch – right outside of Bryce Canyon – and follow the road through red rock canyons, historic towns and pine forests until you finish your journey in Torrey, gateway to Capitol Reef National Park , one of the west’s best-kept secrets.

Detour: From Torrey, it’s an easy 2.5-hour drive to Moab , Canyonlands and Arches , making these routes the best way to see Utah’s Big 5 . And the road itself takes you through some amazing lunar-like scenery that contrasts sharply with the red rocks – wild.

10. Coastal New England

Best road trip for Atlantic maritime vibes New York City–Portland, ME; 430 miles; 3–5 days

Prep yourself for seafood chowder, picturesque oceanside towns and all the lobster you can handle – this coastal New England trip will definitely help you find your sea legs. Start in New York City and make your way north along the coast, stopping to enjoy the lovely beaches in Rhode Island , Massachusetts’  wealth of historical heavy hitters and New Hampshire’ s lighthouses before arriving in culinary-minded Portland, ME .

This article was first published May 22, 2019 and updated Jan 5, 2024.

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Best Road Trips for Every Decade of Your Life

Plan your next great American road trip.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

There's nothing quite like being out on the open road . And as travel slowly returns, planning a truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime road trip may be the perfect reintroduction. As we grow as travelers, our tastes continue to evolve — meaning the road trip that spoke to you as a 20-something might not be right for you in your 40s. So, to get you started on your next great American adventure, we've outlined where to road trip (and what to see along the way) during each decade of your life

The truth is, you'll never outgrow the liberating feeling of packing up the car and taking on the role of the pilot, stopping on a whim or making a detour when something catches your eye. A transcontinental or multi-day road trip isn't just for college grads or retirees, there's a route for travelers in every decade of their life.

Of course, these routes are only meant to get the ball rolling. Like any good road trip pilot, feel free to add in stops and side trips that suit you to create your own personalized version of these epic road trips.

In your 20s: Pacific Coast Highway

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Technically, you can make the coastal drive from northern California to San Diego in around 10 hours, but this is not the sort of road trip you'll want to rush. The Pacific Coast Highway (also known as Highway 1) is one of the most scenic drives in the world, so roll down the windows, enjoy the views, and keep on top of your Instagram story.

The route leads travelers right along the continental United States' westernmost coast, where "pull over the car, we need a photo" sunsets are the norm and castles, sea lions, and pebbly beaches are waiting to be discovered.

For a leisurely road trip, we recommend starting your adventure in Olympia, Washington and ending in San Diego, California , crossing three coastal states along the way. In Olympia, stock up on road trip essentials before heading west until you hit Highway 101 (which eventually leads to California's Highway 1).

Before you reach the Oregon border, swing by Washington's Cape Disappointment State Park . It's a great place to camp (or rent a yurt for the night), but you can also get out and stretch your legs on the 1.2-mile Cape Disappointment Trail or the 0.45-mile Benson Beach Trail. If you're lucky, you may spot an orca in the distance.

In Oregon, swing by the Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area . During low tide, you can explore the tide pools and pack along a picnic, but you'll want to get to higher ground as the tide comes in and the ocean starts slamming and swirling into the natural carved-out bowl. For great photo ops, head to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area or take a hike and catch the sunset at the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor .

When you cross the border into California, it doesn't take long to link up with Highway 1, the official start of the Pacific Coast Highway (or the PCG, for those in the know). Drive through Redwood National and State Parks — home of the tallest trees on Earth — and post up on the black-sand beach in King Range National Conservation Area's Shelter Cove. Further down the road, visit the historic lighthouse in Point Reyes National Seashore before hitting San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge .

Once you've passed through the city, it won't take long before you hit Big Sur , a 90-mile stretch of dreamy coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful bridges along winding roads. You'll want to take your time here; highlights include Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and Pebble Beach. After you've passed Big Sur, stop by the stunning Hearst Castle (which has experienced some pandemic-related closures, so check the website before planning your visit) and Piedras Blancas , where you'll find elephant seals lounging. Make time for a hike in San Luis Obispo or a wine tasting just outside Pismo Beach in Paso Robles before swinging through Santa Barbara for shopping and a visit to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden .

When you hit Los Angeles, soak up some culture at The Getty or people-watch at Venice Beach before making your way to the road trip's final stop: San Diego. Here, enjoy one final drive to La Jolla Cove Beach or Mission Beach and toast to your completion of the extended Pacific Coast Highway.

In your 30s: The Loneliest Road

Traversing the continental United States — literally from sea to shining sea — is U.S. Route 50, also known as The Loneliest Road . Your trip starts in Sacramento, California and ends in Ocean City, Maryland around 3,200-miles later. Named "The Loneliest Road in America" by Life magazine in 1986, this route takes travelers through tiny towns and sparse, open spaces, providing a peek at what some consider to be the "real America."

Embrace the "lonely" theme and make it a solo mission, or grab a friend and make the trip anything but lonesome. Either way, you're in for a treat. The route passes through a dozen states and landscapes that include the Sierra Nevada, Appalachian, and Rocky Mountains; the Great Plains' open farmlands; and the dry, high deserts of Utah.

From Sacramento, follow the old Pony Express route up into the Sierra Nevadas, where you'll hit the shores of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy a swim, or just take in the view, before hopping back in the car and making your way toward Nevada, on the portion of the road that gave the route its name. After miles and miles of little more than mountains and sagebrush, you'll climb over Utah's Wasatch Front and into red-rock country, home of Moab's Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park .

Continuing east, head through the Rocky Mountains, crossing over the Continental Divide. Grab a hearty lunch and more road trip provisions in Salida, Colorado before heading into eastern Colorado and the start of the Great Plains, where you'll get a healthy dose of Americana landscapes — small towns, railroad tracks, and water towers.

From here, U.S. Route 50 crosses from Kansas City to St. Louis and traverses the Mississippi River before heading into the agricultural heartlands of Illinois, Indiana, and finally, Ohio. Swing through Hoosier National Forest in Indiana and the college town of Athens, Ohio . In West Virginia, make a point to enjoy the scenic vistas of Monongahela National Forest before hitting Virginia and the bustle of downtown Washington, D.C. After the mayhem of the city, you'll pass through a few fishing and farming communities in rural Maryland, and then arrive in your destination: Ocean City, Maryland.

Once you reach Ocean City, take some time to walk the boardwalk, put your feet in the sand, and reflect — you made it.

In your 40s: Grand Canyon to Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore

This 1,290-mile route takes around 20 hours and includes stops at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Mount Rushmore. Providing the perfect blend of outdoor activity, family car time, and American history, it makes for the ultimate week-long family road trip .

Your journey kicks off in Flagstaff, Arizona, just over an hour from Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, which is open year-round. In the park, cruise along Desert View Drive and burn off some energy while climbing the 85 steps to the top of the Desert View Watchtower, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the canyon.

From here, continue north toward Salt Lake City, Utah. Take a small detour through Park City — for biking, rafting, hiking, and plenty of mountain town charm — before stocking up in Salt Lake City and preparing for the next stretch. If you have time (or need a break from the car), check out the beaches and trails on Antelope Island or visit the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge north of Ogden, Utah.

From northern Utah, make the long haul through Idaho until you hit the Montana border, where you'll be able to drop into Yellowstone National Park's west entrance near the city of West Yellowstone, Montana — assuming you're visiting between early April and early November, when the road is open to the public . From the west entrance , you can access the Old Faithful geyser in just over an hour, and it's another 40 minutes to Grant Village on beautiful Yellowstone Lake .

When you're back in the town of West Yellowstone, head north toward Bozeman, Montana, a great place to get out, stretch your legs, and do some exploring. From Bozeman, head east toward Billings. Pass through the Crow Reservation before hitting Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest , one of the oldest government-protected forest areas. From here, you'll pass into North Dakota, home of the Black Hills National Forest and Mount Rushmore — your final stop.

In your 50s: The Oregon Trail

Entering your 50s marks a transition — perhaps you have kids who are leaving the nest, or are looking ahead to retirement. It's a shift that warrants plenty of time to reflect and enjoy the beauty of the U.S. And what better way to achieve that than a transcontinental road trip? The Oregon Trail is a beautiful, roughly 2,000-mile route that connects Missouri to Oregon.

Just like the pioneers in the mid-1800s, you can start your expedition in Independence, Missouri, making your way west — although at a much faster pace — toward Oregon. You'll pass through the beautiful, expansive Great Plains before stopping in Sioux City, Iowa to get a dose of culture at the Sioux City Art Center . In Nebraska, make a stop at the Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park , a protected area full of fossils.

Once you pass into Wyoming, you'll slowly head west toward the mountains, home of Grand Teton National Park and the iconic Yellowstone National Park . Depending on the season, you can pick your national park of choice and make the appropriate turn at Shoshoni, Wyoming, heading north toward Yellowstone or south toward the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, Wyoming . The two routes link up again in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where you continue west.

In Idaho, don't miss Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve , a vast wonderland of solidified lava, and make sure to stock up on road trip essentials and explore Boise, Idaho before crossing into Oregon. Here, you'll pass through the Blue Mountains and Cascade Range before dropping into Portland, and finally, Oregon City. Continue on to Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park if you're ready for some fresh sea air and a taste of the rugged Oregon coastline.

In your 60s: Route 66

The romance of Route 66 is only amplified by driving the aptly named road in your 60s — even better if you happen to be 66. The route runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through the heart of the U.S. and some notorious roadside stops . Jam "Route 66" by the Nat King Cole Trio as you zoom by the best of Americana — from giant neon signs to tiny towns and vacant truck stops.

Before it became the Route 66 we know today, there was the transcontinental National Old Trails Road , and years later, around World War II, it was a main thoroughfare through small towns across the Midwest and Southwest. During the Great Depression, farmers displaced by the Dust Bowl traveled to California along the route. Today, you'll get a taste of Route 66's long history as you pass old-timey diners and motels and plenty of roadside attractions that provide a healthy dose of nostalgia.

Starting in Chicago, head toward Springfield, Illinois, where you can visit the Lincoln Tomb . From here, continue south to Missouri and pick up a refreshing frozen custard at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis. Cruise through the open plains and hills of Oklahoma, making pit stops in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

As you pass through the northern tip of Texas, drop by Cadillac Ranch , a 1974 public art installation that consists of 10 Cadillacs tilted nose-first in the ground. In New Mexico, make sure to spend some time in Santa Fe , a rich cultural city full of museums, shopping, and amazing food (make sure to try something smothered in green chiles). And if you have time, make a detour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park as you pass through Flagstaff, Arizona.

Continue on Route 66 to Los Angeles, where you can get your fill of old Hollywood before ending your trip – drink in hand — looking out over the Pacific Ocean.

In your 70s and Beyond: The Atlantic Coast

Your 70s are the perfect decade to hit the road and see the sights. The Atlantic Coast road trip starts in New York City and ends with a tranquil drive across the Overseas Highway to Key West in the Florida Keys — with plenty of coastal wilderness, beautiful beach resorts, and old fishing villages along the way. The trip is just under 2,000 miles and much of it runs along — or near — the Atlantic Ocean.

Start in New York City, where you'll want to spend a day or two checking out the sights — most notably, the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, and Times Square. From New York, head south toward Atlantic City, where you can cruise along the boardwalk, grab some food, or try your hand at gambling. Continue south toward Cape May and enjoy the city's Victorian charm before taking a ferry (car included!) to Lewes, Delaware . From Lewes Beach, you'll head into Maryland, swinging through the protected Assateague Island National Seashore. Cruising through states, make a quick stop on Virginia Beach before dipping down to Roanoke Island, North Carolina , where North America's first English-speaking colony mysteriously disappeared in 1587.

While in North Carolina, stop to stretch your legs in downtown Wilmington. For a taste of nostalgia, visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which is home to a boardwalk that's lined with rides and saltwater taffy shops. If you're up for a round of golf, or some more beach time, head to Hilton Head Island , then drop down to Savannah, Georgia.

Once you cross the border into Florida, make time to visit the beautiful Cocoa Beach and grab a Cuban sandwich in Miami before heading farther south into the Florida Keys.

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The Complete Guide to Road Trips

By Meredith Carey

As travelers look to ease back into exploring after months at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, road trips are among the first ways to get back out there. A generally low-risk, socially distant method of transportation, road trips give travelers almost complete control over who they're with, where they're stopping, how clean the space is, and more. And now, as more destinations, national and state parks, and beaches reopen, we're looking to the roads to take us there.

But while previous road trips were driven by the spontaneity of detours, this year it's all about planning. You'll need to take more precautions with your route to ensure you're not running into state-specific quarantines ( AAA has a map for that). Picking the right car or perfect RV to match your passengers' needs is a must to make sure you're all comfortable on long rides with fewer stops. And you'll want to have all of the essentials on hand , like cooler bags, phone mounts, and even cleaning supplies for the inevitable back seat mess.

Here, we run through how to take our favorite road trips and all of the tools—from the insurance and the car rental to the road trip-friendly credit cards and packing essentials—you need, no matter where you choose to drive.

Road trip inspiration

If you're unsure where to even start when it comes to planning a road trip, we have some iconic American options to choose from, whether the classic Pacific Coast Highway or the southwest's national parks (and Vegas) are calling your name. You can read more about our 14 favorite road trip routes in the U.S. (and some pointers on where to start planning) here .

Looking to start planning a 2021 adventure outside the U.S.? We've got picks for you on that front too, with day-by-day excursions in Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe , New Zealand's North Island , Namibia's Mad Max -esque desert , or Scotland's northern coast , among others. Discover more of our favorite road trip itineraries —and be sure to read up on whether or not you need an international driver's license .

This year, you'll need to do a little extra work to map out a road trip.

Planning tips and tricks

Once you've mapped out your general route, it's time to start dropping pins on a map app so you know exactly where to go and stop along the way. Condé Nast Traveler contributor Ashlea Halpern suggests using the Google Map's My Maps feature to customize your itinerary, since using the app without the feature means you're capped at 500 interest points and 10 directional stops.

If you're looking for what stops to add along your route, you can find more than 100 important civil rights landmarks to visit on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail's interactive mapping tool , use apps like All Trails to find hiking paths, and look to groups like Refuge Restrooms , an online database that helps transgender and gender-nonconforming people find safe bathrooms on their route, to round out your itinerary. You can read up on some of our best tips for planning a stress-free road trip here , and check out this list of road trip apps that can help you get the most out of your drive.

If you're making your way in an RV, whether it's for the first or 50th time, you'll also need to do a bit more legwork this year, since rental company RVShare reports that bookings have doubled compared to this time last year. That means more demand for already highly competitive campsites and RV hookups. Look to Campendium and Kampgrounds of America for insight on what spots are still available. And if it is your very first time in an RV, check out our guide to make sure you avoid the most common rookie mistakes.

How to prep your car for a road trip

If you're taking a rental on this adventure, you'll want to make sure you're choosing the right car, whether you need a backseat that will fit leggy teens, plenty of cargo space for a cross-country drive's worth of luggage, or a strong roof capable of supporting a tent. Luckily, you don't have to do too much hunting for the right vehicle, since Traveler contributor Kym Allison Backer broke down the best types of rentals for all of the concerns above. Just read up on what car rental insurance you need—and what your credit card might already cover. Speaking of credit cards, we've also compiled a list of the best credit cards for road trips, whether they bring in extra points at gas stations or offer additional roadside assistance.

Whether you're renting or driving in your trusty vehicle, you're going to want to pack some essentials to get you through the trip— starting with snacks . (We're fans of sour candy.) Plus, you may need items like an audio splitter for the kids in the backseat, a towel for roadside picnics or beach stops, and a collapsible dog bowl. We've got a full list of the essentials you might be forgetting to add to your pre-trip checklist. Among them? Cleaning supplies , especially important now not only to mitigate messes and spills but to keep your car sanitized. We've built a kit you can keep in your car at all times, not just on road trips. (Rental car companies are doing additional, thorough cleanings, too, and you can read more about their new sanitization measures here .)

With that, you're ready to hit the road.

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

This article was last published in May 2019. It has been updated with new information.

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29 Amazing Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You’ll Love

Posted on Published: March 1, 2023  - Last updated: January 17, 2024

The US is filled with amazing sights, hikes and adventures from coast to coast. The absolute best way to experience everything it has to offer is by taking an amazing road trip! Here’s an epic list of the best road trips USA to find your next adventure.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

One of the best perks about US road trips is you can take your time, admire the views, stop at fun road-side attractions and design the route exactly how you like! Whether you have a long weekend, a week, or even longer, these road trips across the US are full of a variety of cities, wide open spaces and some underrated spots you’re going to love.

From coast to coast and even a few bonus routes, this guide will help you get started in planning the greatest American roadtrip that’s just perfect for you!

Must-see video: road trips USA

Best road trips in USA map

Whether you’re hoping to explore close to home or take a bucket list cross-country road trip, this USA road trips list has something for everyone! Check out the map below to find which one works best for you.

By the way, I haven’t been everywhere (yet), so I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help with this list of the best American road trips.

Essentials to pack on the greatest road trips in America

Before we dive into the list of USA road trip routes, make sure you’ve packed the right gear to help make your road trip go smoothly. Here are some top recommendations…

• Food and water. Regardless of how long of an adventure you choose, you’ll want some food or at the very least some snacks to keep that energy up! Here are 101 road trip food ideas . Don’t forget to bring reusable water bottles to fill up at hotels, restaurants and national parks so you can avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.
• Collapsible cooler. Store your food and drinks in a handy cooler, then fold it down when it’s empty for storage or to easily pack it up.
• Layers for weather. Depending on which epic US road trip you choose and the time of year you take it, be prepared for anything! From a light jacket or medium coat for hiking, an umbrella , sun hat or even the perfect merino wool layers for any season, you’ll want to be prepared.

• Good hiking gear. If you’re stepping foot in a national park on this list, or any other outdoor space with trails, you’ll want the right hiking gear. That means hiking shoes , socks, trekking poles and hiking backpack . As someone who’s hiked with and without the proper gear, I can say with confidence hiking is a lot easier and more comfortable with the right gear.
• Emergency preparedness items like satellite communicator and first aid kit . Whether you’re in your vehicle or are renting a car , be prepared for anything. This satellite communicator allows for 2-way communication anywhere it can see the sky – regardless of if you have cell phone service or not. Call for help on a hiking trail or road out in the middle of nowhere.
• GoPro. This awesome camera is perfect for recording epic road trips! Hang this GoPro out the window or sunroof while another person is driving, go underwater with it or use it to capture amazing landscapes. Maybe not an ‘essential,’ but certainly fun if it’s in your budget! 🙂

By the way, if you need to rent a car for these epic road trips, try using Discover Cars . It’s a search engine for the major car carriers that finds the lowest price, and it’s free to use. I typically save 10-30% on car rentals with Discover Cars .

Best road trips USA

YAY! You’re ready to start planning your bucket list road trip! You’re going to love this amazing list of the best road trips in America!

1. Utah national parks road trip (one of the absolute best road trips in America)

Distance: 878 miles Recommended time: 6-10 days Best time of year: spring, summer or fall

For out-of-this world landscapes, you’ll love an Utah national parks road trip through the Mighty 5! From crazy rock spires known as hoodoos in Bryce Canyon to the vast, wide open spaces in Canyonlands National Park, there’s so much to see and do on this road trip!

For the most efficient use of your time, fly into Salt Lake City and start your adventure in Moab. Home to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, you’ll want to spend at least 2 days exploring this area – more if you have time!

Spend one day in Arches by hiking to Delicate Arch – the most famous rock arch in the world! See Landscape Arch and The Windows areas of the park, too. With the popularity of this park over the last 5 years, you’ll need a timed entry reservation , so be sure to plan in advance!

Discover the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. From the short, 0.5 mile trail to Mesa Arch, to the breathtaking Grand View Point trail. Don’t forget to stop at the scenic overlooks – Green River and Grand View Point.

From there, head west to Capitol Reef National Park. Visit the Fruita orchards and do the Hickman Bridge Trail hike. Allow at least an hour for the scenic drive as well. It’s easy enough to see the park highlights in day, or take more time to explore more hiking trails.

Next is Bryce Canyon National Park. Home to the funky hoodoo rock formations, these views are incredible any time of year. Be sure to check out the views at Inspiration Point, and if you’re up for a hike, do the Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop combination. So cool!

Lastly, head to Zion. One of the most visited national parks in the country, and for good reason! This massive canyon is so incredible from almost anywhere in the park. Popular hikes like The Narrows and Angels Landing (permit required) and Canyon Overlook Trail don’t disappoint !

The final part of this trip is just heading to Las Vegas to fly back home. This trip can be done year round, but some of the roads and hikes in the national parks will be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice, so it’s recommended during spring, summer and fall.

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes

2. Ozark Mountains

Distance: 200 miles Recommended tim e: 2-3 days Best time of year: April-June or September-November

One of the best road trips in USA is a trip through the Ozark mountains in northern Arkansas. There is so much to see and do on this road trip and it’s perfect for a 2-3 day weekend.

This exciting road trip will start in Little Rock and end in Eureka Springs. The total mileage of this trip is 200 miles and driving straight through takes 3 hours and 25 minutes.

One of the best stops along the way is at the Natural Bridge just outside of Clinton . It spans 100 ft and was actually used as a bridge in the past. The next best stop on this road trip is at the Buffalo National River. You can go on an awesome  Buffalo River float trip , and stay in one of the adorable VRBO cabins the area has to offer.

After spending a day floating down the river, head to excursion train , one of Arkansas’ best towns. You can spend days checking out this charming town. Make sure that you check out the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway while you’re there! You can go on an excursion train, a lunch train, and a dinner train and see some of the gorgeous scenery in the area.

One of the best places to stay in Eureka Springs is at this incredible unique Hobbit Cave Hotel where you can actually stay in a cave for the night. The best time of the year to do this road trip is either in the spring or fall when the weather isn’t too hot and the Buffalo River is great for floating. 

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

3. Beartooth Highway (one of the greatest road trips in America)

Distance: 68.7 miles Recommended time: 1+ day Best time of year: June-September

Charles Kuralt called the Beartooth Highway “the most beautiful drive in America.” This scenic USA road trip route begins in Red Lodge, Montana, and ends in Cooke City and the northeastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. At 68.7 miles, it’s a short drive, but you’ll want to allow several hours to take advantage of as many scenic views as possible.

While  Beartooth Highway  is a route where the drive is the destination, there are some must-stop places. A stop at Beartooth’s scenic overlook will give you a glimpse of the peak for which the mountain range and the highway is named after. During this US road trip, you should also stop at Rock Creek Vista Point where you’ll be met with majestic views at 9,190 feet . Don’t be surprised to see marmot and scampering chipmunks while you admire the views.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Top of the World Resort has vacation rentals. They also have camping for tents and RVs, and you can rent UTVs and Snowmobiles. Skiers will love Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area.

Because Beartooth Highway is the highest elevation road in the Northern Rockies, it’s closed most months of the year . It typically opens in late May or early June and closes around October. Summer squalls have been known to happen, so it’s always best to find out ahead of time if the road is open.

Recommended by Theresa of The Local Tourist

Looking for adventure a little further north? This guide will help you plan an amazing Canadian road trip !

4. Florida Springs

Distance: 165 miles Recommended time: 3-5 days Best time of year: November-February

Without a doubt, a Florida Springs road trip is one of the best US road trips of them all. In fact, Florida is actually home to more freshwater springs than any other state in the nation . So, make the most of this fact and enjoy a fantastic road trip to some of the best natural springs in Florida . 

Now, if you’re starting near Tampa then this road trip will take between three and five days to complete. After all, many of these spots are secluded in the wilderness and require that you have an RV or do a bit of camping. 

So, while this USA road trip really only covers a distance of 165 miles, each spot is truly awesome and could easily keep you busy for a day.

Once in Tampa go a bit north to see the Weeki Wachee Springs. Sure, this natural spring is amazing but the real highlight of your visit will be the mermaid show. In fact, it is held in an underwater theater and is one of the coolest things you will ever see. 

Continue to Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River Natural Wildlife Refuge. Rent a kayak and enjoying all that Manatee Springs has to offer. 

Just know that while this is a great place to see Manatees, there are typically only found in the water here during the winter months. Plan your visit for this time of year so that you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. 

Whatever you do though, don’t forget to visit Ginnie Springs. There are some great camping spots here. It’s an epic place to relax, take in the scenery, and do a bit of tubing. 

Finally, head to Ichetucknee Springs and end your road trip here. Check out the famous blue hole which is a great place to go cave diving, snorkeling, tubing, hiking, swimming, and more. There’s also tons of cool fish in the water so be on the look out for them as they swim by.

Recommended by Victoria of Florida Trippers

5. Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada (out of this world USA Road Trip!)

Distance: 98 miles Recommended time: 1 day Best time of year: October-April

If you’re looking for a quirky USA road trip you won’t soon forget, consider  driving Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway !

This road trip spans 98 miles on State Route 375 between the towns of Crystal Springs and Warm Springs. Along the way, you are treated to arid desert landscapes, mostly desolate roads, and plenty of alien-themed attractions. 

There are lots of unique stops along this route. You have ET Fresh Jerky where you can buy alien-themed snacks. There’s the iconic Extraterrestrial Highway sign plastered in stickers left behind by pilgrims who’ve made the trek from far and wide. And don’t pass up the Alien Research Center where you can buy souvenirs and hear some UFO lore.

As you continue driving along the ET Highway you’ll see the Black Mailbox, where believers come to leave mail and other trinkets for otherworldly creatures. And lastly, there’s the Little A’le’inn, which is a motel, bar and restaurant which is hard to miss thanks to the UFO-towing pick-up truck out front!

This is a road trip that can be easily done in one day . However, you can tack it onto a bigger Nevada itinerary.

Also, while the Extraterrestrial Highway can be driven any time of year, it’s probably best to avoid the summer months when the desert temperatures are a scorcher. This road trip would be much more enjoyable if done in spring or autumn.

As far as accommodations go, you can stay in Las Vegas which is only 1 hour 37 minutes from the starting point of Crystal Springs. 

As a final tip, fuel up before you begin driving the ET Highway; this area is fairly remote with very little traffic, so you wouldn’t want to get stranded!

Recommended by Audrey of That Backpacker

6. Washington DC to Boston

Distance: 440 miles Recommended time: 2+ days Best time of year: September – October

A road trip from Washington DC to Boston is the perfect way to take in the changing colors of fall. The journey will take at least 2 days and cover a total of 440 miles with stops in New York, Philadelphia and Providence.

Starting out from Washington DC, you’ll have a chance to explore the nation’s capital. It’s home to famous monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, The White House and the Smithsonian Museum .

If you’re taking a longer route towards New York City, you can even stop off at Gettysburg National Military Park along the way.

Once in New York, there’s plenty to keep travelers entertained! From iconic landmarks like Central Park, Times Square and Rockefeller Center to exciting attractions like Broadway shows, shopping boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

From there it’s just a short drive up to Philadelphia. Visit historic sites such as Independence Hall or experience some of its world class cultural institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Liberty Bell Center. You may also want to make sure that your itinerary includes stops at local favorites like Reading Terminal Market and South Street for an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich! 

Continuing northward towards Providence, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural scenery as you pass through Connecticut and Rhode Island. On this leg of your journey, you should make time for some outdoor activities. Think whale watching on Narragansett Bay, biking along Newport’s Cliff Walk or hiking in Lincoln Woods State Park.

Finally reaching Boston will be worth all 7 hours and 30 minutes of total drive time it takes to get there! Take some time to explore picturesque spots such as Harvard Yard or Fenway Park before enjoying a classic lobster roll dinner at one of the city’s seafood restaurant s. Don’t forget about all the shopping opportunities in downtown either – including everything from vintage bookstores to designer apparel stores.

If you’re looking for family-friendly adventures even further north, consider expanding your trip into Ontario, Canada. Silent Lake Provincial Park is outside of Bancroft, Ontario and offers excellent recreation, including some of the best campgrounds in Ontario .

Recommended by Victoria of Guide your Travel

7. Seward to Denali, Alaska (one of the best US road trips for wildlife)

Distance: 767 miles (from Anchorage airport) Recommended time: 7 days Best time of year: June-September

For adventurers looking to add to their road trips USA bucket lists, a 7 day Alaska road trip itinerary from Seward to Denali should be at the top of your list. 

Fly into Anchorage and rent a car before making the 2.5 hour drive on the Seward Highway to the start of your trip in Seward. Stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to break up the drive and stretch your legs while you check out the bears, moose, reindeer and more that they care for in their sanctuary.

Seward is a perfect base for a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park. Spend 2 days here doing an iceberg kayaking excursion at Bear Glacier lagoon . Or take a whale watching cruise where you’ll see tons of aquatic wildlife in addition to a glacier calving. The Exit Glacier hike is another interesting thing to do.

Then it’s time for a 2 hour drive north to the popular Alyeska Resort . They have plenty of summer activities including terrific hikes and stunning views from the top of the Gondola ride. Stay overnight.

Next stop is Talkeetna – the small town made famous for being the inspiration for TV show Northern Exposure. It’s also the starting point for climbers planning a Denali summit.

You can get a bird’s eye view by taking a flightseeing tour of Denali with a glacier landing before spending your last 2 days at Denali National Park exploring wildlife and nature. 

The total distance from Seward to Denali is 397 miles . Doing the trip in a loop from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 767 miles. Not too bad for 7 days of non-stop fun!

The best time for this road trip is summertime but if you can brave cold autumn weather you’ll also have the chance to be rewarded with spectacular Northern Lights! Make sure to plan your trip well in advance to get the best rates.

Even though it’s not in the continental US, it’s still one of the very best road trips in America!

Recommended by Jenifer of The Evolista

8. Newfound Gap Road, Smoky Mountains USA road trip

Distance: 30 miles Recommended time: 1 day Best time of year: September-Early November

Smoky Mountains is one of the most visited national parks of the USA! It covers South Carolina and Tennessee in the southeastern region of the US. Many  scenic drives on the Smoky mountains road trip  are worth doing, but the most famous is Newfound Gap Road (US-441). 

This American roadtrip starts from Sugarlands Visitor Center and ends at the Mountain Farm Museum in North Carolina. It connects Cherokee and Gatlinburg and is an approximately 30 Mile one-way trip.

Many scenic stopovers are on Newfound gap road in Smoky Mountain National Park and can be done in one day trip. Chimney Tops, Campbell Overlook, Newfound Gap, Rockefeller Memorial, Morton’s Gap Overlook, Oconaluftee Valley Overlook, and Mingus Mill are the most famous stopovers. 

The whole road trip is scenic, passing through a forest of Smoky Mountains with a view of foggy, misty peaks overlooking valleys and tunnels. The best time to make this road trip is during fall. You can see a fantastic riot of fall colors throughout this drive. 

Book your stay in the mountainous town of Gatlinburg for this road trip in the Smoky mountains. There are many cozy cabins with amazing views to choose from.

It’s important to note that the whole area is foggy and misty throughout the year, so it’s worth it to check the fog conditions before driving as sometimes it can be very foggy, and driving becomes very difficult. 

This is one of the best USA road trip routes, and can be done in conjunction with a larger trip to the Smokies.

Recommended by Yukti of Travel with me 24 x 7 Blog

More of the best road trips USA

With so many good options all over the country, how do you ever choose? Let’s keep exploring more options before you choose your perfect adventure…

9. Route 66 (one of the classic US road trips!)

Distance: 2,448 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: September-Early November

Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is one of the most iconic road trip routes in the USA. Starting in Chicago, IL, and ending in Santa Monica, CA, the route goes through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. 

Covering a total of 2,448 miles, the route offers tons to see and do . Set aside a week to do justice to the trip, more if you can afford it!

Take in the many sights along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, from Lincoln Park to Soldier Field, before heading out. Admire the State Capitol in Springfield and visit the Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site before crossing the Mississippi River.

In Missouri, admire Gateway Arch in St. Louis . Then snap a photo of Red’s Giant Hamburg, the world’s first known drive-through! Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch in downtown St. Louis. 

In Texas, possibly the most famous attraction along the route is Cadillac Ranch, in Amarillo, but Shamrock makes for a nice stop as well.

In New Mexico, the route passes through the major cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, both of which offer tons to do. Adventure-loving travelers should try hot air ballooning in Albuquerque!

Spend a night in Tucumcari, where you will find some iconic Route 66 motels such as the Blue Swallow Motel. 

In Arizona, the stretch between Kingman and Seligman is considered historic. Also be sure to check out the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. In Seligman, stay at the Supai Motel , a vintage Route 66 motel. 

Route 66 in California  passes through the Mojave Desert and a string of small ghost towns and roadside attractions. Elmer’s Bottle Ranch is one of the more popular stops. 

Pasadena is home to several Route 66 sights, and also to The Huntington, a complex of beautiful Southern California gardens.

Although not where the original road ended, today you will find the End of the Trail sign on the Santa Monica Pier. Pose for a photo under the sign to celebrate the completion of your road trip!

Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California

10. Coastal Carolinas road trip

Distance: 600 miles Recommended time: 7 days Best time of year: June-October

If you’re a foodie, history buff, or family, you’re going to love a  Coastal Carolinas Road Trip . This approximately 600-mile route (one way) takes you from the Deep South starting in Charleston, SC, up the entire Carolinas’ coast, and ends in the small naval city of Norfolk, VA.

Budget about a week of travel to immerse yourself in this land of pirates, beaches, and the North Carolina marshes you might know from  Where the Crawdads Sing .

Plan to spend at least one full day in Charleston’s historic downtown. As you make your way north, consider a night or two in either Myrtle Beach, SC or checking out the Wilmington beaches in North Carolina.

Don’t miss a stop in New Bern to visit the birthplace of Pepsi Cola. Devote at least 2 days to exploring the beaches and lighthouses of the Outer Banks . Be sure to check out the hidden gem – Pea Island , particularly the wildlife refuge!

The Wrights Brother National Monument is another Outer Banks must-see. Also, if you’re not eating your weight in seafood on this road trip, you’re not doing it right! 

You can do this road trip any time of year, but you’ll find the most crowds over school vacations, especially summer vacation and spring break. Autumn is an ideal time to do a Coastal Carolinas road trip. Just keep in mind that many Outer Banks businesses – especially restaurants – operate seasonally, so plan accordingly.

It’s most convenient to do this road trip with a multi-city plane ticket and one-way car rental . Fly into Charleston, drive north in your rental car, and fly out of Norfolk.

For a cheaper, but more time-consuming option, fly in and out of either Charleston or Norfolk. If you opt for a round-trip plane ticket, you’ll need to make a 7-hour drive on Interstate 95 at either the start or end of your adventure.

Recommended by Ada of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road

11. LA to Joshua Tree National Park – (a desert oasis road trip in the USA)

Distance: 130 miles Recommended time: 3+ days Best time of year: April-May or September-November

One of the best USA road trip routes is driving from LA to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a relaxing way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and in only a few hours, you’ll be in a desert oasis. While it’s only 130 miles one way, traffic can take up more of your time than you want. That’s why I recommend taking 3 days to go from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree and back so you can fully enjoy all the different sites there.

On the first day, start off by checking out the Cabazon Dinosaurs. They’re giant roadside dinosaurs you’ve probably seen on Instagram, and there’s even a museum to learn more about them. From there, continue until you get to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve for gorgeous views and hiking trails.

Finally, crash in Twentynine Palms for the night – they have affordable lodging and fun places to see, like the Twentynine Palms Historical Society and Adobe Museum.

On the second day, head out to explore  Joshua Tree National Park ! You could spend days exploring! If you’re short on time, Jumbo Rocks is a great spot to watch rock climbers in action, and Barker Dam offers a chance to find water in the desert and see some historic ruins. Lost Horse Mine is an abandoned gold mine you can explore, and the Cholla Cactus Garden is a great place to catch the sunrise.

For your last day, check out the Palm Springs area. Downtown has many options for amazing food, drinks, museums, and shopping. Who knows, you might even bump into a celeb!

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a fun ride with epic views of the desert landscape and access to Mount San Jacinto State Park’s hiking trails. Grab dinner up there and catch the last tram of the night for a memorable end one of the greatest road trips in America.

Recommended by Marissa of Postcards to Seattle

12. Talimena Scenic National Byway (a completely underrated route on this road trips USA list)

Distance: 54 miles Recommended time: 1-3 days Best time of year: October-November

The  Talimena Scenic National Byway  is a 54-mile scenic route that winds its way through the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. It’s one of the best US road trips in the south!

Stretching between Talihina, Oklahoma, and Mena, Arkansas, the route’s name is a portmanteau of these two terminal cities. You can drive the route one way or as an out-and-back, depending on the remainder of your trip itinerary . For example, those on a cross-country road trip will typically do the route one-way. But those enjoying a vacation in nearby Broken Bow or Hochatown will do the route as an extension of their trip and usually drive both ways.

While you can accomplish the trip in one day, it’s best to spend a weekend of 2 to 3 days exploring. This way you can spend time in Talihina and Mena as well as explore the state parks and hiking trails along the route.

Talimena State Park in Oklahoma and Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas both offer camping sites and hiking trails . The US Forest Service maintains them.

Whether you choose to camp along the way or stay in one of the towns on either end of the route, you need to make your bookings in advance. This is a more rural part of the country. There are many times of the year when there won’t be any rooms available at the last minute.

The best time of year is to take the trip in the last week of October or the first 2 weeks of November when the fall foliage is peaking. However, the viewpoints and vistas along this national scenic byway are beautiful any time of year.

Recommended by Stephanie of History Fangirl

13. Pacific Coast Highway (a favorite on this list of road trips USA)

Distance: 615 miles Recommended time: 2 – 7 days Best time of year: anytime

Undoubtedly, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the greatest road trips in America. Incredible coastal views greet you from a mix of big cities and untouched land. This San Francisco to San Diego road trip is one you absolutely must do in your lifetime!

While you could *technically* do this road trip in 2 days, you’ll see and experience a lot more of this incredible drive if you give yourself more time. Fly into San Francisco and rent a car and head south towards San Diego!

While there are so many amazing stops along the way, you absolutely must stay for a moment in Carmel-by-the-Sea. A charming beach town with beautiful architecture, this is one of the last stops to eat and fuel up before heading deep into Big Sur.

Along the way, there are so many cool and amazing things to do in Big Sur . Highlights include the Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and Sand Dollar Beach.

As you head further south in California, you’ll get to quaint beach towns than large Southern California cities. Go surfing or hiking near San Luis Obispo. Wine tastings in Lompoc, hang out on the beach in Malibu and visit the Santa Monica Pier.

The end this epic American roadtrip in a city that’s easy to love – San Diego. Visit the birthplace of California in Old Town San Diego and indulge in one of the many Mexican restaurants there. Check out the nightlife in the Gaslamp district or watch the sunset on the sparkling Coronado Beach.

This road trip can be done at any point in the year. The weather along Big Sur can be a bit moody with marine fog in the late spring/ early summer and wildfire season during early fall. Just pack layers for comfort and bring your camera for amazing landscapes!

14. Athens to Macon, Georgia

Distance: 93 miles Recommended time: 3-4 days Best time of year: anytime

Even though about 93 miles (less than two hours) separate Athens and Macon, Ga., the destinations share something in common besides just being college towns : both have played (and continue to play) a role in shaping American music culture. 

A three- or four-day getaway is suitable throughout the year, even in the winter, since the weather in Georgia tends to be mild-ish. Still, it is weather and can change ~ always have an umbrella available and except for summer, dress in layers.

It can be crowded in Athens during University of Georgia home football games in the fall. The best thing to do is to check the calendars and watch the weather reports. Accommodations in both places include vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, chain hotels and boutique hotels. Something suitable for all needs and budgets.

Begin this American roadtrip in Macon. It’s a little over an hour from Atlanta (for those who may be flying into Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson Airport) and a straight drive down I-75 South. 

Macon’s music history ranges from soul with Otis Redding, funk with Little Richard, Southern Rock with Allman Brothers and much more. Download Macon’s Macon Music Trail app for stories and locations of attractions like the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House and The Little Richard House .

For true fans, a guided walking tour with Rock Candy Tours provides a detailed look at Macon’s music heritage. Finally, grab lunch at H&H Soul Food for the fried chicken and the connection to the Allman Brothers and end the evening at a music venue.

The drive from Macon to Athens is on highways. If you’re on good on time, take a break in Madison (about 35 minutes from Athens) to enjoy its quaint historic downtown.

Athens was at the forefront of the indie and rock alternative rock movement, introducing America and the world to R.E.M and B-52s, among others. A self-guided Athens Music History Tour highlights the many sites that played a role during these times . And don’t miss the Athens Music Walk of Fame, a two-square-block area downtown showcasing the people and places of the city’s rich music scene. 

Live music venues are plentiful in Athens, and festivals like Athfest, a three-day music event. This will surely be one of the best road trips in America for music-lovers!

Recommended by Apryl from   Southern Hospitality Magazine  

15. Road to Hana, Maui (a quintessential route on your road trips USA list)

Distance: 52 miles Recommended time: 1- 2 days Best time of year: any time of year

The  Road to Hana  is a scenic 52-mile highway on Maui’s northern coast. A bucket list road trip, it provides one of the most iconic experiences in Hawaii, and for a good reason. It’s truly one of the greatest road trips in America!

On the narrow road, you will encounter 620 curves and 59 bridges, with many sections only accommodating one vehicle.

Whether staying in Maui or visiting for the day by cruise ship, pick up a car rental at the Kahului Airport to begin your journey . Expect to spend at least 2-1/2 hours making the drive or longer if you intend to go beyond Hana to Haleakala National Park.

You can make the trip any time of year (thanks to Hawaii’s great weather). You’ll need to purchase a visitor’s pass to visit the national park.

What makes this drive so spectacular is the plethora of scenery you can observe along the way. Imagine roadside cascading waterfalls, rainbow eucalyptus trees, a lava tube, and colored beaches begging for exploration.

For one of the best opportunities to view Hawaiian sea turtles, stop at Ho’okipa Beach, where they often bask in the sun . Keanae Landing, another can’t-miss stop, allows you to taste Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread, rated highly worldwide.

If you want to spend more than a day exploring the Hana area, the Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence , offers a luxury stay with a restaurant and spa.

USA road trip tip : If you aren’t visiting Maui by cruise ship, plan to drive the Road to Hana when there are no ships in port. Then you’ll share the highway with fewer tourists.

Recommended by Karen of Forever Karen

16. Blue Ridge Parkway (vibrant fall colors American roadtrip)

Distance: 469 miles Recommended time: 3+ days Best time of year: October

Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most iconic scenic drives in America. It passes through Virginia and North Carolina where the endpoints are two national parks – Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It spans 469 miles so it’s recommended to spend 3 days driving Blue Ridge Parkway so you have plenty of time to stop at overlooks, go hiking to waterfalls and explore local museums along the way.

If driving from north to south, on day one, be sure to stop at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center to learn about mountain pioneers. Then head to Yankee Horse Ridge for an easy to get to multi-tiered waterfall, Kanawha Canal Lock to learn about this historic innovation, and Mabry Mill, one of the most beautiful and iconic stops along the parkway.

Stay at the Grassy Creek Cabooses your first night for a unique experience sleeping in a converted train car.

On your second day, visit Puckett Cabin, where a mountain midwife helped deliver over 1000 babies! Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center where you can catch bluegrass concerts, and Linn Cove Viaduct, arguably the most iconic curve of the parkway that’s a photography hotspot.

You’ll end day two in Asheville where there are a number of places to stay, especially downtown!

On the final day of this US road trip, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park where the highlights include Laurel Falls , Cades Cove, and Clingman’s Dome.

If hoping to catch the most spectacular views, try to visit during autumn when the fall foliage is out in full swing – it’s one of the best fall drives in the country!

Important Note: When traveling on Blue Ridge Parkway, be sure to check the official notices by the National Park Service as some parts of the road may be closed due to construction or weather damage.

Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures

17. Oregon Coast (one of the absolute greatest road trips in America)

Distance: 730 miles Recommended time: 2-7 days Best time of year: June-August

If you’re looking for one of the most dramatic road trips in the United States, consider driving along the Oregon Coast. This awesome American roadtrip offers rugged beaches, jaw dropping seascapes, and dozens of charming towns to explore. 

Start the drive in Portland and head an hour and a half west to Cannon Beach, one of the most adorable towns along the coastline and known for its iconic sea stack, Haystack Rock. Here, you can peruse its quaint downtown, explore the beach’s tidepools, and hit any of the incredible hikes near Cannon Beach . For example, head to Ecola State Park for the Crescent Beach trail, where you’ll hike to a secluded beach.

Continue further south to the town of Newport. Here, you stop by the town’s docks to see dozens and dozens of sea lions. They happily bark the day away and stop at Seal Rock State Park, known for its wildlife sighting opportunities and unique sea stacks.

Finally, head further south to the southern section of the Oregon coast, Brookings. This is home to the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, with some of the most stunning views in the state.

There’s a variety of things to do in the park, from stopping at scenic overlooks to exploring its hidden beaches. Once you’re done taking in the breathtaking sights, head back to Portland, completing a 730 mile loop around the western portion of the state. 

While you could drive the coastline in a day or two, the small towns along the way are best savored slowly. If you can build in about a week to mosey your way down the coastline, that would be best.

If you can swing it, visiting in the summertime is the best . The temperature is warm, the skies are clear, and you’ll have the best chance of spotting wildlife, like gray whales and puffins.

Although, the Oregon Coast is also dreamy December – February when there’s far less people too. The Oregon Coast is also one of the best winter road trips , too!

Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

18. Savannah to Charleston

Distance: 107 miles Recommended time: 4 – 7 days Best time of year: April – June, September – November

If you’re interested in a coastal getaway and are a fan of majestic old oaks, Southern-style dining, and incredible architecture, then a road trip from Savannah to Charleston might be just the ticket! A week is an ideal amount of time to get a taste of these two pretty cities and the stunningly beautiful  South Carolina Lowcountry  that lies between them.

Begin your journey in Savannah, where you might feel as if you’ve stepped back in time a couple hundred years! The Historic District is filled with architecture from the mid-1800s . Cobblestone streets line the waterfront, and each square is shaded by old oaks covered in Spanish moss.

Stay in a historic property like  The Marshall House  or  Hamilton-Turner Inn .

While in Savannah, be sure to take a stroll down Jones Street, view the interior of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and dine at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants. (Common Thread, The Grey, and Brochu’s Family Tradition are three excellent options!)  

Savannah and Charleston are 107 miles apart, and the drive between them takes about 2 hours. HWY 17 to I-95 back to HWY 17 is the fastest route, but Okatie HWY is the most scenic way to go. Don’t miss a brief stop in Yemassee to see the Old Sheldon Church Ruins.

Beaufort is an ideal halfway stopping point along the route. It’s such a small city that you only need to stay one night to get a good overview (try the Cuthbert House Inn). Be sure to take a sunset stroll along the waterfront park and go on   a walking tour to see the beautiful historic homes in The Old Point area.

As you head into Charleston, the Angel Oak is a must-see on the outskirts of the city. It’s approximately 400 years old, with twisted branches that are a sight to behold!

Stay at  The Spectator Hotel , which is within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, and landmarks. Charleston is known for award-winning restaurants like Husk, so a Charleston food tour  is always a good idea!

Spring is the best time of year to take this road trip, with fall running a close second. 

Recommended by Erin of Savannah First Timer’s Guide

Best road trips in USA – continued

Can you believe this list?! With some of the best American road trips yet to come, one of my favorites is up next!

19. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

Distance: 50 miles Recommended time: 1 -3 days Best time of year: July – September

If you’re looking for one of the very best USA road trip routes, this is it! The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking experiences you’ll have.

In just 50 short miles, this road trip really packs a punch! The Going-to-the-Sun Road can obviously be done in one day, but taking 3 (or more) days to explore is ideal.

Located in northern Montana and at over 6600 feet in elevation, the Going-to-the-Sun road experiences heavy snowfall and isn’t cleared of snow until July. And because it typically starts snowing again by October, the season to do this incredible road trip is short.

Note: due to the high volume of visitors, a vehicle reservation is required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (and most of the rest of the park as well).

These can be a pain to get, with strict deadlines and they go super fast. However, you can enter the park before 6am or after 3pm without a reservation and drive the road and explore all that it has to offer.

It truly is a stunning drive! Along the way, you’ll pass Lake McDonald, which hold’s nature’s skittles – brightly colored rocks that line the shores of the lake.

If you’re up for hiking, you’ll love Avalanche Lake Trail , Hidden Lake Trail, and Virginia Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park.

Pro tip: vehicle passes don’t ensure you’ll find a parking spot. Arrive at the park early and have a plan B if parking is full. Use this Glacier National Park itinerary to set up your plan for this incredible park!

20. Phoenix to Page Arizona (one of the BEST southwest US road trips)

Distance: 600 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: March – May, September – November

The Phoenix to Page Arizona road trip itinerary  is one of the best road trips in America that offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The journey starts and ends in Phoenix, covering approximately 600 miles in total, making it a perfect loop trip for travelers who want to explore the best of Arizona .

To fully appreciate the journey, it is recommended to take at least 7 days to complete the route.

Phoenix is the starting point of this road trip, and it is a city worth exploring. Visitors can experience fun hikes, mouthwatering restaurants, interesting museums, and beautiful shopping areas. The neighboring city of Scottsdale is also worth a visit. Known for its luxurious spas, resorts, and golf courses, there’s so many things to do in Scottsdale .

After exploring Phoenix, head to Sedona, famous for its red rock formations and stunning natural beaut y. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring their vortexes, or visiting wineries.

Next up is Flagstaff, which is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and historic downtown. Here, visitors can explore the famous Route 66 and visit the Lowell Observatory, which was where Pluto was discovered .

From Flagstaff, the journey continues to Page, which is home to the famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

After Page, you’ll head to the majestic Grand Canyon, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon offers stunning views, and visitors can explore the park on foot or helicopter tour .

The best time to take this road trip is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable . During the summer, the temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees, making outdoor activities challenging.

It’s also important to note that some parts of the road trip itinerary may be closed during the winter due to snowfall.

Recommended by Destiny of Guided by Destiny

21. New England during the fall (one of the best road trips in USA)

Distance: 830 miles Recommended time: 5+ days Best time of year: October

For a true bucket list experience, you have to do a road trip in New England during the fall. It’s truly one of the best road trips in America! Enjoy the stunning array of colorful foliage and classic, charming small towns in the region. 

If you’re flying in, plan to start and end at Boston Logan International Airport with a rental car . Otherwise, adapt this loop to your own starting point.

This road trip is a loop spanning about 830 miles. You can certainly add more destinations if you have more time! You can do this trip in 5 days but a week or more would be ideal to add even more stops into the mix.

Start in Boston and head just north of the city to the iconic fall town of Salem, Mass. Whether you’re into Hocus Pocus or history, visitors love Salem for its Halloween vibes and fun fall events. Just be sure to book accommodations early during this very busy season!

From Salem, head north to Bar Harbor, Maine. En route, stop in Portland for a foodie adventure. This is the longest drive at just over 200 miles, but there is ample opportunity to stop along the way for coastal views and foliage photo ops.

You could spend a week in Bar Harbor alone, but from there, your road trip will backtrack a bit before cutting west into New Hampshire. Spend the night in Conway so you can start your drive through the White Mountains early the next morning . This is a truly idyllic destination in the fall! 

From Conway, take a 15-minute detour up to Bartlett for a quick, easy morning hike to the very pretty Diana’s Baths. Then you’ll drive across NH along the incredibly scenic Kancamagus Highway; plan to stop several times for photo ops! After crossing the state, you’ll basically follow the border between NH and VT before cutting across Vermont to the pretty town of Manchester.

From Manchester, you can skirt Green Mountain National Forest and head southeast back toward Boston. If you do have more time, add more stops for a more robust 1-week New England fall road trip to maximize your adventure.

Recommended by Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA

22. Texas Hill Country (an underrated American roadtrip)

Distance: 300 miles Recommended time: 2 – 7 days Best time of year: March – April

A road trip through Texas Hill Country is one of the best road trips in the US due to the amazing things to do and sights to see along the way. This drive starts in Austin, ends in San Antonio, and has dozens of charming small towns along the way.

At just under 300 miles long, this road trip can be completed in one day. However, travelers can easily fill 7 days with all there is to experience.

There is plenty to explore year round. Beware of the Texas heat in summer months and plan plenty of swimming hole stops. Spring is the best time of year for this road trip. Hill country comes alive with  Texas bluebonnets  and other wildflowers making for a gorgeous scenic drive.

Starting in Austin, consider checking out the Capitol building, live music in the Red River District, and the beautiful metropolitan park, Zilker Park. If you happen to be doing this road trip during October, be sure to check out the best haunted houses in Austin , too.

Then, head out west toward the sweet towns of Burnet and Marble Falls. Explore Longhorn Caverns, discover Devil’s Watering Hole at Inks Lake, and pick up a slice of pie at the Bluebonnet Café.

Fredericksburg is the next highlight on your road trip and also a great spot for staying overnight.

The numerous wineries, beautiful German heritage woven throughout the town, and the beauty of a hike at Enchanted Rock can keep you busy for several days. In spring, head to Jenschke Orchards to pick strawberries or for fresh peaches in the summer. An overnight stay at the Behr House is sure to please!  

As you start heading south, check out the historic post office in Luckenbach, lavender fields in Blanco, cowboy boots tour and Blue Hole in Wimberley, and the Comal River in New Braunfels . Don’t miss brisket from Salt Lick in Driftwood.

End your road trip in historic San Antonio by visiting Riverwalk and the Alamo. Dinner at The Pearl Historic District and pastries from Mia Tienda will end your Hill Country road trip with delicious local fare.

Such a fun adventure, and one of the best USA road trip routes!

Recommended by Sierra from Very Truly Texas

23. Southern Colorado

Distance: 800 miles Recommended time: 7 – 14 days Best time of year: June – September

Colorado has some of the most beautiful places in the country, and nothing makes that more clear than a road trip around southern Colorado . While most people visit to explore the Rockies, there is so much more to Colorado than just the Rockies. This road trip will show you why southern Colorado is really where you want to be.

Assuming you start and end in Colorado Springs, the road trip will cover about 800 miles through some of the most scenic places in the country. If you’re flying into Denver International Airport, add about 180 miles total.

Start your trip off with a scenic drive through Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs before ascending up to Pikes Peak. It’s the second highest paved road in the United States, just outside of the city.

From the peak head straight across Highway 50 to southwest Colorado, stopping by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. While far less known than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Black Canyon is impressive in its own right with its sheer 2700 foot drop to the river below.

From Black Canyon, head south through the San Juan Mountains, stopping by Silverton to do one of the best hikes in Colorado, the Ice Lake Hike . When your legs are sufficiently exhausted, continue to Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde protects the most impressive and well-preserved ancient Puebloan cliff cities in the US.

You’ll then head across southern Colorado on highway 160, a simply stunning drive with breathtaking scenery around every turn. Be sure to stop in for a craft beer in Durango before making your way to Great Sand Dunes National Park. There, you’ll find the tallest and most impressive sand dunes in North America. Do some dune hiking before heading back to Colorado Springs.

The best time of year to complete this road trip is summertime between June and September. It’s possible to visit all the places on the route year-round (except the Ice Lake hike). Summer will have the most pleasant weather and best hiking opportunities. 

This is certainly one of the best road trips in America, and one full of unexpected adventures.

Recommended by Chris of Around The World With Me

24. Florida Keys from Miami to Key West (another favorite on this list of road trips USA)

Distance: 165 miles Recommended time: 1- 3 days Best time of year: December – June

One of the very best road trips in America is driving the Florida Keys on Highway 1. From big party cities on either end to tropical vibes along the way, this is one fun road trip you’ll want to drive!

The Miami to Key West road trip can technically be done in a day, but it’s best done over 3 days, at minimum. That would give you one day in Miami, one day in Key West and one day to explore the islands between.

Although if you have a week or more, that’s even better! Just after leaving Miami, make a stop in Everglades National Park . From birdwatching to the short Anhinga Trail hike, you’ll love seeing nature in this park.

Another stop along the way is Key Largo. From a glass-bottom boat tour to snorkeling , this island offers a lot of water activities. Robbie’s in Islamorada is a popular spot to stop and feed the tarpons   – so fun!

The famous 7-mile bridge is an engineering feat as you drive down Highway 1. Finally making it to Key West, you’ll find shops, restaurants and historic hotels greet you with open arms. It’s quite the busy little island, welcoming passengers from cruise ships by the day and a live party scene at night.

Stay in the Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalows in the historic district, or on Smather’s Beach at Margaritaville Beach House Key West . You can fly back out of Key West, although it may just be more affordable to drive back to Miami.

This fun route from Miami to Key West down Highway 1 is truly one of the greatest road trips in America, and holds a deserving spot on this list!

Recommended by Nikki of She Saves She Travels

25. Oahu Circle Island Tour (a tropical USA road trip route)

Distance: 60 miles Recommended time: 1-3 days Best time of year: year-round!

Dive into the depths of Hawaiian culture and explore the sights, sounds, scents, and flavors of Oahu on a classic circle island tour. It’s absolutely one of the best road trips in USA, even though it’s on an island thousands of miles offshore. 🙂

This route is an ideal way to get a better sense of all Oahu offers. From world-famous beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities to small towns with uniquely local flair.

Start and end the trip in Honolulu, driving 60 miles around the island’s perimeter. You can spend from 6 hours to 2-3 days on this route, based on where you want to stop and how much time you want to spend there.

No trip around Oahu is complete without a stop at the iconic Waikiki Beach. You can take in the crystal-clear waters and picturesque sunset views.

Other highlights include…

• Byodo-In Temple, located on the Windward Coast
• Chinaman’s Hat, a small islet off the shore of Kualoa Ranch
• Banzai Pipeline, a world-famous surfing spot on the North Shore
• Dole Plantation for its famous pineapple fields and ice cream
• Laie Point or Makapu’u Point Lookout for some of the most beautiful views in all of Hawaii

Be sure to also marvel at Waimanalo Waterfall, tucked away in the Ko’olau Mountains, and the breathtaking Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve.

Embarking on this journey during the summertime is ideal due to the longer days, yet it can still be a memorable experience year-round . Just keep in mind that you may encounter crowds at beaches on weekends and holidays and when the waves are high.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, there are many tours you can book to do the circle island tour of Oahu. If you’d rather have an adventure of your own, renting a car is the perfect option! With apps like Shaka and Gypsy to assist with planning and managing your itinerary, you can guarantee yourself an extraordinary experience.

Recommended by Melodie of Travel Must Do’s

26. Badlands to the Black Hills (an unexpected one on this list of best road trips in USA)

Distance: 60 miles Recommended time: 1 – 3 days Best time of year: May – September

In western South Dakota, visitors find a land of great contrasts and great beauty. The Black Hills got their name because the dense, dark pine trees make the hills appear almost black. The landscape is so starkly bare in Badlands National Park that it appears almost otherworldly.

Luckily for visitors, you can visit both within just a few hours–although you could easily spend weeks exploring all the beauty and fun in western South Dakota. This is one of the best, unexpected US road trips!

For the ultimate western South Dakota road trip, visitors can start at Badlands National Park in Interior, South Dakota.

Inside the park, visitors drive the 31-mile Badlands Scenic Loop Road to the Ben Reifel Visitors Center . There are so many things to do in Badlands National Park like hike the park’s beautiful trails and stop at scenic overlooks for spectacular views of the park’s colorful rock formations. Be sure to watch for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs!

After exiting to Wall, South Dakota many visitors stop at Wall Drug for free ice water (and snacks and souvenirs.)

Then, it’s a short jaunt on interstate 90 to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. This free aerospace museum on Ellsworth AFB is home to more than 30 aircraft and tons of other artifacts and exhibits.

A few minutes further and you’re in Rapid City and can check out all the town has to offer. Check out Storybook Island, Dinosaur park, Presidential statues downtown, and fossils at the Museum of Geology on the Campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. 

Then, it’s less than a half hour from downtown Rapid City to the Black Hills. Take the Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway to see attractions like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.

The beauty of the rock formations in the Black Hills, the trees, the wildlife, and the view are absolutely breathtaking.

Recommend by Lindsay of Siouxland Families

27. Washington DC to Asheville

Distance: 471 miles Recommended time: 5 days Best time of year: March – May, September – October

A road trip from Washington, DC to Asheville, North Carolina can be driven in just eight hours but you’ll miss a lot of historic southern towns. Plan on a long five-day vacation and make frequent stops.

Your first stop on this American road trip is Front Royal via Route 66. This charming town offers the best apple donuts to pack for your all-day hiking in Shenandoah National Park . Rent an Airbnb or book a campsite inside the national park.

Wake up bright and early the next day to enjoy a big flapjack breakfast then head out on 1-81 South via I-66 W. Select a detour to Luray Caverns or antique shopping in Strasburg.

Plan to reach the 215-foot-tall Natural Bridge by noon . Carved out by Cedar Creek, the limestone bridge offers vistas of the forests and rolling meadows. Explore seven miles of hiking trails and the beautiful Lace Falls, a 30-foot waterfall cascade.

Then, spend time touring the Monacan Indian Village or participate in seasonal living history programs. Book your second night at Wyndham’s Natural Bridge Hotel surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains.

On your next morning head into the hills of east Tennessee to explore Johnson City. Choose between hiking at Buffalo Mountain Park or boating at Winged Deer Park.

In the afternoon, explore Sycamore Shoals Historic Park, which is a former Cherokee site. Alternatively, visit Gray Fossil Site and Museum to see mastodon fossils. Schedule the hour drive to  Asheville  before nightfall where you can pplurge and book a room at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn .

On your last morning, book a morning walking tour to learn about the city’s Art Deco architecture. Then head to the Arts District to explore working artists’ studios. Leave time for a two-hour drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to admire the stunning scenery at road stops . Extend your USA road trip (if time permits) to tour the Biltmore Estate.

Recommended by Terri of Female Solo Trek

28. Southwest USA (one of the BEST road trips USA)

Distance: 950 miles Recommended time: 6 days Best time of year: March – May, September – November

Going from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is only the beginning of an epic southwest USA road trip. It starts and ends in the City of Lights – Las Vegas. To complete the itinerary in a moderate way, you will need 6 days (not counting the days in Las Vegas ). The distance of the whole itinerary is around 950 miles. Along the way, you will get your ‘kicks on Route 66’, visit 3 US States, and the most Instagram-worthy national parks. From Grand Canyon to Page with Horseshoe Bend you’ll surely be in awe of America’s natural wonders.

In Page you will also visit the famous Antelope Canyon, but before that, make a stop at the the famous spot where Forrest Gump stopped running, Monument Valley.

The best place to stay in the Monument Valley in Goulding’s Lodge , where you get stunning sunset and sunrise views of Table Mountains and Monolites.

On your way back to visit Zion National park, and add Bryce Canyon as an optional stop. The last stop before returning to Vegas should be Valley of Fire, a popular wedding photoshoot location with amazing hikes. The great part about this road trip is that it can also be done in reverse. You can do this road trip at any time of the year, but winter would be the least favorable.

The best time would be spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate and there is no snow on the roads. Summer, also a great time to follow this southwest itinerary, can be crowded and extremely hot.

Whichever time of year you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Just be careful if driving at night as the roads are full of wildlife that will be extremely hard to spot. This may just be one of the very best US road trips you will take! Recommended by Anja of Anja On Adventure

29. Milwaukee to Minneapolis

Distance: 336 miles Recommended time: 5-8 days Best time of year: June-October

If you’re looking for a great northern Midwest road trip, plan a road trip from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. You’ll be able to see some of the best of the upper Midwest, including important US cities and charming small towns.

Start with two days in Milwaukee. Explore the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum, eat a fabulous lunch at the Milwaukee Public Market, and spend time strolling through the historic Third Ward.

Leaving Milwaukee, you can spend a few days enjoying Wisconsin’s smaller but still important cities and towns. Three stops worthy of spending a night or two include Madison, Wisconsin Dells, and Eau Claire. If you make your road trip during the fall, look to see if there are any football or basketball games happening in Madison during your trip. This is truly one of the greatest college towns in America!

Continue on to Minneapolis. Devote 3 days to enjoying the best of the Twin Cities. There are tons of  great free things to do in Minneapolis  and St. Paul. See the Stone Arch Bridge from the Guthrie Theater, wander through the Minneapolis Institute of Art and tour the Cathedral of St. Paul. 

Other can’t-miss sites along this USA road trip include the Mall of America, the Museum of Russian Art, and Fort Snelling State Park.

Road trips USA

There you have it! 29 of the very best US road trips you’ll find . From driving through vibrant fall colors, to marveling at the sparkling blue water in Hawaii, to hopping in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, the adventures are truly endless.

Let’s recap this amazing list one more time (in a slightly quicker fashion…)

Best US road trips

• Utah national parks
• Ozark Mountains
• Beartooth Highway
• Florida Springs
• Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada
• Washington DC to Boston
• Seward to Denali, Alaska
• Newfound Gap Road, Smoky Mountains National Park
• Coastal Carolinas
• LA to Joshua Tree National Park
• Talimena Scenic National Byway
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Athens to Macon, Georgia
• Road To Hana, Maui
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Oregon Coast
• Savannah to Charleston
• Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
• Phoenix to Page, Arizona
• New England
• Texas Hill Country
• Southern Colorado
• Florida Keys from Miami to Key West
• Oahu Circle Island Tour
• Badlands to the Black Hills, South Dakota
• Washington DC to Asheville
• Southwest USA
• Milwaukee to Minneapolis

Related posts to read next: 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe 26 Absolute Best (and Underrated) Fall Drives in the US You’ve Gotta See to Believe 17 Exciting Winter Road Trips USA: Scenic and Unexpected Routes You’ll Love 12 Epic Scenic Drives Colorado (Map + Tips + Photos)

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Saturday 4th of March 2023

We love road trips! I definitely need to take the Utah road trip and I would also love to drive Beartooth! We did a little bit of the ET Highway last spring and it was fun! Great post. Lots of exciting options!

Friday 10th of March 2023

Yess Yvonne! Sounds like you've got some good options coming up. So much to discover via a USA road trip ❤️

25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)

If there’s one travel bucket list experience that our home country of the United States is best for, it’s road trips.

From small towns to big cities, from mountain ranges to deserts, from forests to plains, and from sea to shining sea, there is no shortage of epic destinations for road trips in the USA.

We’ve taken USA road trips in about 30 of the 50 states ourselves (and hope to finish them all off one day!).

To help fill in the gaps, we asked fellow travel bloggers to share some of their favorites for this Great American road trips blog post.

They delivered an enormous variety of USA road trip itinerary ideas, from weekend trip options to weeks-long excursions!

Dreaming of taking a road trip in the United States and not sure where you want to go?

This list of exciting USA road trip itinerary ideas will help you decide where to hit the open road next! 

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your USA Road Trip

Cross-country usa road trip ideas, southern road trips in the usa, united states road trip ideas in the west, east coast road trips in the usa, central usa road trip routes, non-continental usa road trips.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before we dive into exploring the best USA road trips, there are a few tips to be aware of–especially if you’re visiting as an international tourist and haven’t explored the United States before!

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your United States road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits.

Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars for your American road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

On the off chance that you’re planning on continuing your road trip into Canada or Mexico , be sure to check any requirements for crossing the border as well.

Book travel insurance.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen on the road, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Check prices and inclusions with Safety Wing for road trips in the USA!

Don’t underestimate how sparsely populated parts of the USA are.

If this is your first time visiting the USA, you may be surprised to see just how long you can drive in the United States without coming across a town or even a gas station–especially out west.

Be sure to keep an eye on your directions, and fill up your gas tank before heading into any particularly unpopulated areas!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a big USA road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, diving into van life , or somewhere in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions in our road trip packing list before you go!

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

It’s not right for everyone, but there’s a reason that using an RV or campervan is such a classic American road trip experience!

And, you don’t need to dive into the RV lifestyle and buy one for your next trip in order to try it out: you can try out the experience by renting RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy .

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy today!

If possible, stop in at least one national park!

Our home country is filled with an enormous number of interesting and beautiful places, but perhaps none shine quite as brightly as our national park system.

Want to climb sand dunes? We have that.

Marvel at glaciers? Check.

Hike across mountains? Take your pick.

Go scuba diving? Definitely.

Admire the power of incredible geysers? Got that, too.

Whatever kind of outdoor wonder you have in mind, you can find it at one of the most beautiful national parks in America !

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip, inspiring songs, movies, and novels.

Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, Route 66 passes through nine states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California.

Some of the best things to do on the route are enjoying the kitschy 1950s motels, gas stations, and restaurants that harken back to the days of the Great American Road Trip.

You’ll also find tons of quirky roadside attractions like the Catoosa Whale, Cadillac Ranch , and the Twin Arrows that are must-sees.

If you want to enjoy some nature along the way, you can visit the Grand Canyon or Petrified Forrest National Park.

The most typical way to explore Route 66 is to start in Chicago and drive all the way to Santa Monica, but there are many who drive smaller portions of it or go from west-to-east instead of east-to-west.

There’s no single “right” way to make the drive. Just make sure you enjoy yourself as you go!

Recommended Road Trip Length

Because the route is so long and there’s so much to see, it’s recommended you spend two weeks exploring it one way.

New York to Los Angeles

Driving across the United States from New York to Los Angeles is one of those classic American road trip routes that, quite honestly, is not suited to most USA vacations–you’ll be looking at a lot  of cornfields and open plains along the way and spend many days on the road.

… But that being said, the legend and myth of this USA road trip route endure because it does make for quite the adventure!

With nearly 3,000 miles of driving to do between NYC and LA, you have extreme flexibility to create your own USA road trip itinerary!

However, the most direct route (a mere 44 hours of drive time, not including stops and traffic!) will take you to Chicago, across the open fields of Iowa and Nebraska, through some stunning nature in Colorado and Utah, and right through Las Vegas before delivering you to the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re open to detours, plenty of national parks will be within your reach on this USA road trip, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, and even the Grand Canyon!

If you’d like to enjoy a coast-to-coast road trip in the USA, we recommend setting aside at least two weeks to ensure you have enough time to experience the route along the way (and avoid spending too many days at a time looking at nothing but highways)!

Blue Ridge Parkway

From Carl of NC Tripping

If you’re exploring the western parts of North Carolina or Virginia , the Blue Ridge Parkway is always lingering somewhere nearby.

It’s the most popular road trip between the two states and connects two of the United States’ most-visited national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park.

At 469 miles in length, this road will take some time to explore !

Narrowing things down to a few places you must visit is tough, but here are some “musts.” 

Moving north to south, highlights on the Virginia side include Humpback Rocks (Milepost 5), Mabry Mill (MP 176), Peaks of Otter (MP 85), and the Blue Ridge Music Center (MP 213).

Across the border in North Carolina, you at least need to see Linville Falls (316), Craggy Gardens (MP 364), Graveyard Fields (418), and Oconoluftee (MP 469) at the end of the line.

Of course, there are more spots scattered throughout that are within a short drive of the Parkway , such as the ever-popular Asheville, NC , the Biltmore Estate , and more charming mountain towns than you can count.

That, along with its length, is why this is one USA road trip that will take some time, if ever, for you to complete. 

Please note that some areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway close during winter through parts of spring. The NPS is pretty good about keeping information up to date on their website .

While you can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in less time, ideally, if you want to hike and explore along the route, a week is a great starting point for this USA road trip route.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

From Katie-Beth of Her Life in Ruins

Who doesn’t love a nice glass of bourbon?

On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you tour 18 different distilleries, try multiple bourbons (and other treats) at each, and take in tons of bottled-up history throughout the gorgeous Bluegrass State. 

While there is no official route for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, stay in either Lexington or Louisville as a “home base” for the experience, as all of the distilleries are within a few hours’ drive of these cities (some are mere minutes!).

Each day, pick 4-5 distilleries to visit, starting when they open in the morning and touring until they close.

Try to do the distilleries that are closest together on the same days (less driving and easier to get from one place to another).

If you’re a serious drinker, there are some bus tours that will chauffeur you throughout the Trail!

You’re never given more than about 2 ounces of alcohol at each distillery, but you may want a designated driver just in case.

On the drive between distilleries, you’ll see the rolling hills of Kentucky, some of our famous horse farms, and, of course, rick houses holding millions of gallons of the delicious spirit. 

In order to visit all of the distilleries, I recommend spending 4-6 days on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Southeast Coastal Road Trip

The stretch of coastline running from St. Augustine, Florida to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is packed with beautiful sights, historic cities, and laid-back beach towns.

We consider this area one of our personal favorites for road trips in the USA, and we’ve taken dozens of road trips in the region!

Start in St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers and one of the most historic cities in the USA.

Explore its beautiful Castillo de San Marcos, check out the Fountain of Youth, relax on the beach, and explore the Colonial Quarter.

From there, head north to Savannah , where you can enjoy its incredible architecture and town squares, and then move on to Charleston , where you’ll find compelling American history and the lovely Folley Beach.

As you move up the coast, consider detouring for brief stops in Beaufort, South Carolina and/or Hilton Head Island, before heading into North Carolina.

Historic Wilmington and New Bern are always worth a look as you pass by, and while you’ll need to head all the way up to Kitty Hawk and Nag’s Head to experience the classic Outer Banks destinations, the Crystal Coast ( Emerald Isle , Morehead City, Beaufort , Atlantic Beach , etc.) has been my family’s haunt for generations and is also well worth experiencing.

And, the Crystal Coast also happens to be closer geographically to the rest of the stops on this United States road trip itinerary!

Want to continue north to the Outer Banks?

Ocracoke Island, Nags Head, Duck, Kitty Hawk (famously home to the Wright Brothers’ first-ever flight!) and more are all ready to welcome you.

We recommend spending about 10 days enjoying this USA road trip route.

Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

From Christine of Live Love Run Travel

Driving from Orlando to New Orleans  gives you plenty of options for stops along the way as well as enough to fill up an entire vacation at the starting point and ending point of the road trip.

From natural springs to beaches to caverns, there is plenty to see along this route to break up the trip.

Orlando is of course known for its iconic theme parks including Disney and Universal Studios.

However, Orlando and Florida also offer plenty of natural highlights including the natural springs.

On the way from Orlando to New Orleans , stop at Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, or Ginnie Springs along I-75.

Once you get onto I-10, make sure to stop at Florida Caverns State Park for a unique Florida experience.

Plus, if you are taking this trip in the summer, you’ll appreciate the cooler air in the caverns!

Along I-10, there are also plenty of opportunities to stop for some time at the beach.

Consider Pensacola, Florida, or the Gulf Shores, Alabama, or any of Mississippi’s beaches to avoid a long drive off the main road.

From there you are in New Orleans where you can enjoy the bayou, lots of amazing food and live music, and plenty of history and beautiful architecture in the various districts within the city.

The length of this road trip depends on a few factors including how long you want to spend in Orlando and New Orleans.

The drive itself only takes about 9 hours, but if you want to spend time at the springs, beaches, and caverns, stretch it out to a 2 or 3 day drive, with a few days on either end to explore Orlando and New Orleans.

Washington State

From Katie of Two Wandering Soles

With rugged driftwood-strewn beaches, snowcapped peaks, small towns, and major cities, Washington State is a true gem.

Home to incredibly diverse landscapes and endless adventures to be had, this Pacific Northwest destination is one of the best places to take a road trip in the United States. 

Start by  exploring Seattle (if you have the time) because there is plenty to do in this PNW hub. But when you’re ready to get out of the city, head straight to the Olympic Peninsula .

With temperate rainforests, waterfalls, remote beaches, and a towering mountain range, Olympic National Park is arguably the most diverse swath of land in the state, if not one of the most unique places in the country, and is the perfect place to try out some hikes in Washington .

Another drive well worth your while is to head northeast toward the iconic Mount Baker.

If you have the time, continue north to Highway 20 which brings you into the breathtaking North Cascades National Park.

Make photo stops along the way (like at the spectacularly beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Diablo), set off on epic hikes, and refuel at the small towns along the way.

Eventually, you’ll reach Lake Chelan , which is a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.

From Lake Chelan, you have a stunning drive on Highway 2 back to Seattle with many more opportunities for exploring small towns and hiking along the way, if time allows. 

If you want to cover this whole route, you should allow 1.5 – 2 weeks. If you have less time, shorten your USA road trip itinerary accordingly.

Southwest Colorado Road Trip

From Tanya of Rad Family Travel

Exploring Southwest Colorado on a memorable summer road trip through the mountains offers adventure in every direction.

Sand-sled through Great Sand Dunes National Park, drive breath-taking mountain passes, soak and swim in hot springs, and climb ladders to ancient Puebloan dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

From there, imagine taking a jeep ride to old mining towns, biking along scenic trails, and hiking among wildflowers.

Arrive in Telluride in style via a free gondola, go whitewater rafting or alpine sliding, sleep under the stars, and top it all off with local burgers and cold brews.

In other words: whatever kind of outdoor adventure you’re looking for, southwest Colorado has you covered.

A Southwest Colorado road trip highlights diverse outdoor fun in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista.

Choose from tent camping, cabins, or hotels, or a mixture thereof, for lodging along the way.

Allow at least nine to ten days for this epic southwest Colorado Road Trip , starting from Colorado Springs.

If you prefer slower travel and lots of outdoor adventure, consider making it a fourteen-day loop by staying longer in Ouray, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista — and really delve into these sweet mountain towns . 

Utah’s Mighty Five

From Ali of Travel Made Simple

Utah is home to five amazing national parks, all close enough to each other to visit on one iconic national parks road trip .

These national parks are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Since they’re all in the southern half of the state, you can drive in a loop to get to them all.

This also works well as part of a bigger  southwestern US road trip .

If you’re short on time or not in great shape, you can see a lot by driving or taking park shuttles, where available.

Hop out at designated parking lots, lookout points, or shuttle stops, take pictures, and go for a short walk.

For more activity, each park has hiking trails for beginners to expert-level hikers.

You can see the highlights of each park in about a day, but allow more time at any park where you want to experience more hiking.

Start and end in Las Vegas and drive counterclockwise.

Since driving from Las Vegas to Moab , where Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are located, is quite long, consider stopping in Page, AZ (home of the famous Horseshoe Bend ), or Monument Valley on the AZ/UT border. Or both!

From Moab, drive to Capitol Reef National Park, then Bryce Canyon National Park , and lastly Zion National Park before heading back to Vegas.

If you prefer, you can also do this route in reverse!

Give yourself at least a week to do this road trip, or longer if you’re stopping in Page and/or Monument Valley.

South Dakota

If you’re craving wide open spaces, plenty of buffalo and prairie dog sightings, gorgeous caves, and a quirky roadside stop or two, then South Dakota is the American road trip for you!

Driving from east to west (though you can easily reverse it), pay a quick visit to Sioux Falls and then The World’s Only Corn Palace (their words, not mine) before diving into Badlands National Park.

Drive the Badlands National Park scenic loop, do some hiking (the Notch Trail is not to be missed), and when you’re ready for a break, detour to Wall Drug for a heavy dose of kitsch.

Head north to visit the Wild West town of Deadwood, and if you’re up for it, detour into Wyoming for a quick visit to Devil’s Tower, the first US national monument!

Back in South Dakota, base yourself in or around Keystone to explore Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and–if you have time–Spearfish Canyon.

Going inside Wind Cave National Park requires a guided tour, so be sure to book in advance!

Determined road-trippers can do justice to this South Dakota road trip route in about 5 days, though 7 allows for a bit more hiking and a chance to add on places like Rapid City.

South Dakota is also perfectly located for combining with road trips in Wyoming and beyond, so you can easily use this route as a building block for a bigger US road trip itinerary!

Scenic I-90 from Portland to Yellowstone

From Catherine of Passports and Adventures

Visiting Yellowstone National Park from Portland, Oregon is easy and there is no better route to take than the scenic I-90.

This 812-mile trip starts from Portland and takes the I-84 along the very beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

As you get started, stop at Multnomah Falls to photograph the famous waterfall!

Continue to Richland where you could rest overnight before jumping onto the I-90, the longest interstate in the United States.

This interstate highway passes Spokane before trailing alongside the lake of Coeur d’Alene, a beautiful part of the country, and then snakes through the Nez Pearce-Clearwater National Forests.

Imagine a highway surrounded by forests on either side, and you have an idea of what this part of I-90 is like.

A great town to stop along the I-90 is Missoula, which sits along the Clark Fork River and has plenty on offer including a great park, Caras Park where families and visitors can unwind.

After Missoula, continue along the I-90 and join Highway 287 which will take you to West Yellowstone to start your visit to the first national park.

This route from Portland to Yellowstone is 812 miles via these interstates and highways and could be done in two days but is best enjoyed over a few days before your  Yellowstone vacation .

As you get close to the national park, you can also find some great camping near Yellowstone along this route.

Northern New Mexico

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Northern New Mexico is one of the most beautiful places in the United States to have a road trip.

The weather is gorgeous and sunny at almost any time of year, and many of the state’s most interesting places are just an hour’s drive away from each other!

Start the road trip in the state’s largest city, Albuquerque. Almost all people arriving in New Mexico start here because this is where the major airport is located.

Tourism in Albuquerque has really taken off since the show  Breaking Bad  was filmed here, but those who are not  Breaking Bad  fans will still love seeing Albuquerque’s charming Old Town.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to plan your trip around the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , you won’t be sorry you did!

After a couple of days in Albuquerque, drive an hour up to Santa Fe and spend a couple of days here. This is New Mexico’s capital and its most beautiful city.

You can stop for a bath in the hot springs at Ten Thousand Waves and see the historic Spanish Colonial Palace of the Governors. 

Finally, check out some smaller towns like Los Alamos, where the atomic bomb was developed, Chimayo, which is a popular pilgrimage site, and Taos, where you can visit a Native American pueblo that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll be amazed at how much Northern New Mexico has to offer!

I recommend spending about a week on this USA road trip route.

Denver to Yellowstone Loop

Starting from Denver, you can easily craft a fantastic road trip plan.

USA national parks are in abundance in the west, but from Denver, you can hit three of the most legendary in short order: Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park.

For your first stop, base yourself in the beautiful mountain town of Estes Park , where you can access some of the best hikes in RMNP while also enjoying this idyllic mountain town.

From there, head up to Yellowstone to enjoy a few days of geysers, geothermal pools, wildlife spotting, and utterly unique views.

On your way back to Denver, head to Grand Teton National Park to visit highlights like Jenny Lake, enjoy some hiking, and soak in iconic views like those along Mormon Row.

Don’t miss the chance to spend a bit of time in Jackson Hole, one of the USA’s most iconic mountain towns, while you’re there!

We recommend setting aside at least a week for this all-American road trip–if you’d like to spend some time in Denver, a full two weeks is best.

San Francisco to Yosemite Loop

From Julie of More Than Main Street

Typically, you think of the Pacific Coast Highway when you think of the best California road trips, right? Well…consider something a little different!

This 10 day California road trip , forming a loop from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park and back, is one of the best road trips in the USA.

You’ll get the best of big-city excitement, some time by the ocean, beautiful scenic vistas, and outdoor fun galore!

After spending a few days in San Francisco , hit up Monterey, Carmel, and part of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Can’t-miss destinations include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz, Big Sur, and the world-class Monterey Aquarium.

Next head east over to Yosemite National Park for some incredible hiking, followed by a little wine tasting in Sonoma or Napa Valley, a stop in Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods, then finally back to San Francisco.

This road trip is perfect for families, couples, or even solo travelers and is guaranteed to be one you won’t forget!

You’ll need at least 10 days to do justice to this epic California road trip.

The American Southwest from Las Vegas

Thanks to inexpensive flights, a convenient location in southern Nevada, and its widespread appeal, Las Vegas is a fantastic place to kick off a road trip through the southwest!

With Las Vegas as a starting point, head off to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada before making your way to the ultimate USA road trip destination: the Grand Canyon.

From there, loop up to Moab to explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, head west to visit Bryce Canyon National Park , and then move onto Zion before circling back to Vegas.

With extra time, you can add on more exciting stops in Arizona and Utah like Monument Valley, Page (home of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend ), Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and more.

Ten days is a good starting place for this American road trip, but you can do an abridged version in one week, and the sky is the limit as far as how long you can take to explore every nook, cranny, and slot canyon in the region!

New York State Road Trip

From Melissa of Navigation Junkie

The route from Buffalo, NY to New York City is full of great attractions and small towns to explore, and the variety of stops along the way will be sure to entertain every member of the family!

To begin the journey, start at Niagara Falls in Buffalo, NY.

See the roaring power of the American and Canadian falls, and if you are up for it, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist to get up close and personal with the falls.

After visiting the falls continue on to Letchworth State Park, the Grand Canyon of the East, for a day of hiking and enjoying nature.

Continue on to   Rochester, NY , where you will find a variety of fun attractions, history, and nature experiences.

The next stop along the route is the Finger Lakes region, where you can enjoy the lakes, waterfalls, and some wine tasting.

From there, head to Saratoga Springs, known for horse racing and mineral baths.

After visiting Saratoga Springs, continue on to the Catskills Region, where you will find plenty of scenic views and hiking trails for hikers of all abilities.

Finish up your road trip in New York City, where you can visit the Statue of Liberty, The World Trade Center Memorial, Central Park, and Times Square, among many other iconic attractions!

We recommend taking a minimum of one week to fully experience all stops along this USA road trip route.

Miami to Key West Road Trip

From Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of Getting Stamped

If you’re looking for a tropical road trip, consider making the drive from Miami to Key West .

On this US road trip, you’ll travel through the islands that make up the Florida Keys on the “Overseas Highway.”

It’s said to be one of the best road trips in the country!

While the drive to Key West isn’t too far (165 miles), the stops and the scenic beauty along the way are what make it worthwhile. The road trip is full of fun and quirky things to do and see!

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Spiegel Grove Shipwreck are two great spots for exploring under the surface, where you’ll find coral reefs, sea life, and a sunken Navy ship.

For above the water, consider taking a cruise on The Africa Queen through the canals of Key Largo. 

There are great restaurants and bars along the way too.

Some popular stops include Plantation Key’s Mile Marker 88 Beach & Bar for all the tiki vibes, Islamorada Beer Company, and Robbie’s Restaurant, where you can feed tarpons from the dock. 

This road trip is best for a weekend (2-3 days).

New England

Made up of some of the USA’s smallest states, the northeast region of New England is one of the best places for a road trip in the USA.

Featuring historic cities (hello Boston !), adorable small towns, a rugged coastline, gorgeous harbors, and plenty of lighthouses, New England spots a charm and culture all its own.

Consider starting and ending your New England road trip in Boston, the region’s largest city and airport hub, where you can walk the Freedom Trail, stroll cobblestone lanes, and visit some of the most impressive universities and museums in the country.

From there, make your way to beautiful Acadia National Park in Maine, stopping at charming coastal villages like Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kennebunkport, Maine along the way–plus of course, a stop in the charming city of Portland.

On your way back south, drop by the White Mountain National Forest, and beautiful towns like Stowe, Vermont (legendary for its fall foliage) and Woodstock.

If you have time, head south of Massachusetts before heading back to Boston, visiting the Gilded Age mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, and the idyllic small town of Mystic, Connecticut.

To take a USA road trip through all six New England states, two weeks or more is best. 

However, with less time you can easily pick and choose a couple of states to visit and still have an amazing road trip experience!

Texas Hill Country

Tucked into the central part of the Lone Star State, west of both Austin and San Antonio, lies an oasis of beauty.

Visit the Texas Hill Country for sparkling rivers, charming small towns, incredible hiking, beautiful waterfalls, excellent Texas barbecue , magnificent wildflowers, and more wineries and distilleries than you can count.

Some of the best things to do in the Texas Hill Country include visiting the town of Fredericksburg, which is known for its German heritage, enjoying a wine tasting, exploring beautiful Wimberley, climbing Enchanted Rock, exploring dramatic limestone caves, sampling barbecue, and visiting some of the best swimming holes near Austin , including the legendary Hamilton Pool and Jacob’s Well.

Be sure to save time for a couple of state parks, as well!

In addition to Enchanted Rock, popular state parks in the Hill Country include Garner State Park, Guadalupe River State Park, and Colorado Bend State Park (home to 70-foot Gorman Falls).

The lakes are also unforgettable: don’t miss a chance to admire the beauty of Canyon Lake or Lake Travis during this incredible US road trip!

Even if you only have one day, it’s worth taking a quick Texas Hill Country road trip–but ideally, we recommend setting aside a week to explore.

While you can visit year-round, bluebonnet season (roughly late March-April) is undoubtedly the most scenic time to visit!

Northwest Arkansas

Packed with beautiful forests, idyllic hot springs, historic towns, and a lesser-known but beautiful national park, Northwest Arkansas is the perfect option for travelers looking for an interesting but off-the-beaten path US road trip destination.

Start your road trip at Hot Springs National Park, one of the only US national parks to be set in an urban (really, more like small-town) setting.

Nine historic bathhouses in the national park line Bathhouse Row, where visitors flocked to enjoy the local hot springs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

You can still soak in two of them today!

From there, head north all the way to Eureka Springs, which is known for its historic architecture, beautiful setting in the Ozark Mountains, and even more hot springs.

Along the way, consider detouring slightly to visit Hawksbill Crag (pictured below), one of the best viewpoints in Arkansas.

Whether you want to hike, soak, shop, or simply relax and enjoy the views, Northwest Arkansas is a delightful getaway.

This trip can be completed over a long weekend, but 5 days would be ideal.

From Carole of Travels With Carole

For one of the best road trips in Texas , begin in El Paso and head southeast. 

West Texas is filled with art, much of it BIG Texas art.

Before reaching the iconic West Texas art hub of Marfa , you’ll encounter some roadside art stops that include the “Giant” movie set installation featuring huge cutouts of stars Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson.

This is followed by stops at the Prada Marfa store that never opens, and at the railroad-side World’s Smallest Target Store that is complete with a shopping cart. 

The tiny town of Marfa itself is home to the Chinati Foundation’s series of huge indoor and outdoor installations located on a former military base, as well as a plethora of art galleries–one of which displays Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper.” 

In addition to art, Marfa has a viewing center where locals and visitors alike congregate at night hoping to see the area’s legendary and unexplained bouncing light orbs.

And if that’s not enough, you can also dine at the Stripes convenience store where Anthony Bourdain ate a fried burrito while filming what turned out to be his last episode of “Parts Unknown.” 

This is just the tip of the iceberg of a fascinating visit to this area. 

Allow 3 nights to visit this area and another night or two for an excursion to Big Bend National Park.

Northern Michigan

When considering the best road trips in America, the Great Lakes are often overlooked in favor of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts–but for a magnificent summer road trip through one of the USA’s hidden gems, head to northern Michigan.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior are located a mere five hours or so apart if you drive directly.

And, if you’ve never set eyes on the Great Lakes, this road trip will defy your expectations of what lakeshores look like!

Between them, be sure to take a step back in time at Mackinac Island, one of the best places to visit in Michigan.

Here’s the twist, though: no cars are allowed on the island, so you’ll need to leave yours on the mainland during your island escape!

Plan for about a week to make the most of this USA itinerary.

From Zach & Julie of Ruhls of the Road

Kauai is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations on earth.

However, when most people visit, they experience the inside of their resort and maybe a few beautiful places on day trips.

In truth, the best way to experience this incredible island is on a road trip to all of the best places on the island!

To start your Kauai road trip, go to the number one destination on the island: the Na Pali Coast.

The Na Pali Coast defies description, it is a place you have to see to believe.

The best way to see the area is on the Awa’awapuhi Trail, but make sure you hike the trail on a clear day for the best views!

From here, check out the Alakai Swamp, a boardwalk that also boasts incredible views.

As you leave the Na Pali Coast area, head down towards Waimea and see the Waimea Black Sand Beach.

Moving along the coast, stop at the Poipu area and see one of Kauai’s famous Hula shows.

Continue this coastal route and head into Wailua State Park. In this beautiful area, you’ll want to see Wailua Falls, Opaeka’a Falls, and hike the Kuilau Ridge.

The Kuilau Ridge Hike offers a 360-degree view of the Kauai landscape that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Finish your road trip by heading up to the Princeville area and checking out Queen’s Bath.

This is a beautiful tide pool that will make for the perfect ending to your Kauai road trip.

Make sure to check tides and go at low tide, as this area isn’t safe at high tide.

We recommend completing this Kauai road trip in 3 days.

Road to Hana, Maui

From Jess of I’m Jess Traveling

When you think of Hawaii you may not think of a road trip but prepare to have your mind altered.

When traveling on the island of Maui driving the Road to Hana is a must!

The scenic drive takes you from Kahului to the east side of the island to the town of Hana. 

The Road to Hana is 52 miles of one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and curves.

This drive will take up an entire day so make sure you pack lots of snacks and fill up for gas beforehand.

The winding road takes you past jaw-dropping seascape views, roaring waterfalls, and exotic flora.

Some highlights of this drive include Ho’okipa, Twin Falls, the Painted Forest, Honomanu Bay, Wailua Falls, and the awe-inspiring Wai’anapanapa State Park.

Don’t forget to wear your bathing suit and pack a towel because pulling off the side of the road to take a dip in the ocean or swim under a waterfall is the name of the game.

Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and prepare for a trip of a lifetime.

You can drive the Road to Hana in a day, but if you’d like to savor the experience, consider camping or staying in Hana town for a few days to make sure you see all the best sights along this road trip in the USA.

Alaska Road Trip (Anchorage to Valdez)

From Wendy of Adventurous Retirement

Alaska is filled with excellent American road trip opportunities, especially in the summer.  

Start in Anchorage, when the museums are open.

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the indigenous people of the ‘last frontier’, and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center to learn about the history and culture of Alaska for free.

Take the Trolley tour for a fun overview of Anchorage, its history, and the earthquake of ‘64.

Ride the free shuttle to the Ulu factory, and check out the salmon runs at Ship Creek.

On day 2, head to Palmer and visit the Iditarod Museum before driving to Hatcher Pass.

Go to the high point for incredible views, hike the trails, and admire blue mountain lakes. 

Continue on this road to loop back to town.

From there, head to Matanuska Glacier, located one hour from Palmer. Spend day 4 hiking to and on the glacier. 

After that, drive toward Valdez Alaska on the Scenic Richardson Highway. It’s about 3 hours to Valdez.

Stop at Worthington Glacier Recreation Area to see the glacier or hike it. Stop at the various pullouts to view the waterfalls along Thompson Pass and the Highway.

If the salmon are spawning, visit Crooked Creek and see if you can spot a bear fishing for dinner.

While in and around Valdez, also consider taking an all-day wildlife glacier cruise, visiting the Valdez Museum and Annex, and visiting the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum.

This is a 5-day, 6-night road trip that keeps visitors busy every day. 

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)”

Love all these ideas and inspiration for my next trip!

Thanks Jess! So hard to choose.

So many fantastic ideas – I can vouch for the awesomeness of WA, my home state! I am itching to get driving!

We are too! Hopefully we’ll all be able to soon. 🙂 We’d love to get back out west this year!

Everybody skips over Arkansas and Missouri when they suggest road trips, big mistake. Some of the best driving roads and scenery are located in the Ozarks and Quachita National Forests. Start in Springfield, Mo to the north. Stops could include Branson, Mo, Buffalo National River, Little Rock, Ar, Hot Springs, Ar, Talimena Scenic Drive from Mena, Ar then back north through the river valley of Fort Smith, Ar,, up Hwy 23 (Pig Trail) to Historic Victorian Eureka Springs, Ar. Then back to Springfield, Mo. You could easily spend 10-14 days on this road trip and see very diverse entertainment, scenery, hiking and waterfalls, mineral and hot springs, mountain and valley vistas. Best time to travel would be spring and/or fall. Scenery rivals anywhere in the country.

It is a beautiful part of the country! We actually visited Eureka Springs the weekend we got engaged, stayed at the Crescent. 🙂 We had someone signed up to contribute the Ozarks to this post but we haven’t heard back from them yet–maybe we’ll add it ourselves during a post update!

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The 25 best road trips in the usa.

 If you’re looking for the best road trips in the USA, look no further! These great road trips will have you driving for the rest of your life.

This post was written in partnership and paid for by Hum by Verizon . All opinions are my own.

There’s probably nothing more American than packing up your car and hitting the open road with family or friends, some good snacks, and great tunes… and for good reason. With more than 3.7 million square miles to discover and 4,071,000 miles of road , the United States has so many hidden gems accessible by car.

Although I’ve got about 194 countries on my bucket list right now, I’m grateful to live in the great US of A and think it’s one of the most amazing countries to explore from the road. There are so many fun road trips that you can take all over the country!

Here's a Short Cut

The Best USA Road Trip Safety Tips

Get ready for the best road trips in the usa, 1. pacific coast highway, 2. park loop acadia national park, 3. washington-oregon coast, 4. great river road, 5. big island loop road, 6. musical road usa trip, 7. northern national parks road trip, 8. southwest national parks road trip, 9. hana highway road trip, 10. new york city to finger lakes, 11. williamsburg, va to charlottesville, va to washington d.c., 12. miami to the overseas highway to key west, fl: 160 miles from miami, 13. the grand canyon to las vegas, 14. black hills of south dakota, 15. maine lobster trail, 16. blue ridge parkway, 17. grand teton national park to glacier national park, 18. outer banks scenic byway, 19. olympic peninsula, 20. route 66, 21. alaska highway, 22. ultimate florida road trip, 23. the great american road trip – cross country on the i-90, 24. anchorage to seward, 25. canada to mexico.

If you’re planning to take a road trip this year, I’ve compiled the best American road trip routes in the country.  These are 25 of the best road trips in the USA that everyone should take in their lifetime. We’ve been lucky enough to drive almost every inch of this country and there is some beautiful land to see out there.

Before you leave on any road trip, be sure your car is road trip ready.  If you’re traveling the US by car, it’s important to know how to prepare.

Prepare Your Car for the Best Road Trips in the USA

Before heading out on your USA road trip, be sure your car has been serviced, and everything is working properly. When you road trip around the US, anything could go wrong! It’s best to be prepared.

Use Hum by Verizon  to Prepare for Road Trip Vacations I’ve talked about my love of Hum by Verizon before, but it’s because I love my HumX and think anyone taking a road trip should have one!

Hum by Verizon is campaigning to make the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day the “100 Safer Days of Summer.” During these 100 Days, you can find helpful tips for safer driving on their Facebook page.

According to a study from Hum by Verizon and Wakefield Research that surveyed 1,000 U.S. adult drivers ages 20 and older, 80% of participants think that drivers are more likely to speed during the summer months. The survey also found that 61% of millennial drivers struggle to focus while driving during the summer, and one in five drivers have received at least one speeding ticket within the past five years.

Hum by Verizon wants to change that, by helping us practice important road safety with “100 Safer Days of Summer.”

With so many great summer road trip destinations around the country, and so many more Americans traveling these days, safety has never been more important! The best summer trips are safe summer trips!

We use HumX in our car. HumX is a little device that is easily installed in your car and takes the guesswork out of driving by using connected car technology. It allows you to have quick access to emergency services and loved ones while on a road trip, or any time on the road.

If you have an accident or emergency, HumX can send assistance to help you get back on the road.

Hum X car also runs diagnostics on your vehicle to make sure that things are running smoothly so you can take these cool road trips worry-free.

I love that HumX helps you keep track of general maintenance like oil changes and tire rotation, and you can set up alerts to remind you when it’s time for service.

All the Hum by Verizon services can be accessed on your smartphone from the Hum App which you can find in the App Store or Google Play . HumX also comes with a Bluetooth speaker that clips to your visor. This will give you access to roadside assistance with the touch of a button and can also be used as a speaker for your phone and be connected to your contacts.

I’m also really excited to have this service when my kids start driving, which is only in 3 more years (HELP)! It provides a safety score, boundary alerts, and records speed, so you can monitor your teen’s driving.

You can also track your fuel and mileage using HumX, which is great if you’re taking road trips that are for work and need to track mileage for expenses or tax purposes.

To prepare for your American road trip of choice, be sure to follow these tips that I’ve shared in How to Plan a Road Trip . If you don’t know what to do on a road trip, these tips will help you prepare and also help you have the best time! Learn a lot and have fun along the way while you road trip USA style!

25 Best Road Trips in the USA

● Begin: San Francisco, California ● End: San Diego, California ● Distance: 655 miles ● Drive Time: 12 Hours

California is one of the best places to road trip in the USA! Its size and diversity provide so many options and the Pacific Coast Highway is just one. This iconic highway along the California coast covers 655 miles of awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, stretching from San Francisco to San Diego. See classic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Bixby Creek Bridge along the way. The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best summer road trips in the world!

Read more about our detailed West Coast Road Trip.

● Begin: Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Acadia National Park, Maine ● End: Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Acadia National Park, Maine ● Distance: 27 miles ● Drive Time: 2 hours This is one of the best east coast road trips I’ve ever taken. This is a quick road trip but packed full of stunning views as you drive along the Park Loop in Acadia National Park. Forests, mountains, and rocky shores greet you on your drive along with plenty of wildlife. Be sure to spend some time in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine , the town where you can base your Acadia trip from. All good road trips include some amazing scenery, and this one is no exception!

If you’re looking for a great guide to the park, check out this Acadia National Park Guide.

● Start: San Juan Islands ● End: Brookings, Oregon ● Distance: 600 miles ● Drive Time: 15 hours

The Pacific Northwest is one of the best places to go on a road trip due to its geographical diversity and stunning scenery. One of the most dramatic coastlines in the world, the Pacific Northwest offers rocky beaches, turbulent waters, thick forests, and great food. Begin in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington and continue down to the southern tip of Oregon for one of the best road trips in the USA.

● Starting point: Minnesota ● Ending point: Louisiana ● Distance: 3,000 miles ● Drive Time: 20 hours Follow along the mighty Mississippi River from its beginning in Minnesota, all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. This route is called the Great River Road and it cuts 3,000 miles down the center of our great nation, passing through 10 states, where you’ll see St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, and everything in between. This United States road trip is one of my all-time favorites as it explores some lesser-known destinations in the “fly over” states!

● Starting point: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii ● Ending point: Mauna Kea, Hawaii ● Distance: 300 miles ● Drive Time: 7 hours The Island Loop Road of the Big Island of Hawaii offers scenic views of beaches, mountains, lava fields, active volcanos, black sand beaches, and heated swimming pools. This may be the most diversity in landscape you’ll ever see in one day.

● Begin: Nashville, Tennessee ● End: New Orleans, Louisiana ● Distance: 600 miles ● Drive Time: 9 hours If you’re a music fan, then Route 61 (also known as the Blues Highway) will be a perfect road trip for you, giving you the chance to hear live music, visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, and see famous recording studios. Finish in New Orleans, where you’ll hear live jazz on the streets nightly!

If you want to continue on farther, you can do this amazing gulf coast road trip !

● Begin: Jackson, Wyoming ● End: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming ● Distance: 70 miles ● Drive Time: 1.5 hours National Parks make for the best road trip destinations. Explore both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park with this road trip full of stunning mountainous scenery! It’s the perfect summer road trip.

● Begin: Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim), Arizona ● End: Moab, Utah (one of the most amazing things to do in Utah !) ● Distance: 600 miles ● Drive Time: 11 hours This nature-packed road trip will allow you to see five stunning Utah national parks including the Grand Canyon, Zions’, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Arches. This is a great Utah road trip itinerary if you’re interested in exploring even more of this beautiful state.

Check out this Utah Road Trip Itinerary

● Begin: Kahului, Hawaii ● End: Hana, Hawaii ● Distance: 52 miles ● Drive Time: 2.5 hours This is possibly the most popular road trip in all of the Hawaiian Islands. The 60-mile Road to Hana takes you along the eastern coast of Maui where you will be sandwiched by beautiful ocean views and jungles filled with waterfalls. The Hana highway will wind you around approximately 600 curves, crossing 59 bridges, but the ride is worth it!

● Begin: New York, New York ● End: Corning, New York ● Distance: 250 miles ● Drive Time: 4.5 hours I love this New York road trip! After enjoying the busy city life, escape into the Fingerlakes region of upper state New York. Enjoy culture, scenery, great food and wineries along the way. New York City with kids is so much fun, but it’s great to mix it with a more relaxing and nature-filled vacation.

• Begin: Williamsburg, Virginia
• End: Washington, D.C
• Distance: 240 miles
• Drive Time: 4.5 hours

Brush up on your colonial history and visit the homes of some of our founding fathers while reliving the past. Begin your journey in southern Virginia where you can visit Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement, where you’ll witness historical reenactments and join in on living history.

Next, head to Charlottesville and visit the homes of former presidents Thomas Jefferson (Monticello) and James Monroe (Highland). Head to Mount Vernon, just outside Washington DC to visit George Washington’s home (Mount Vernon) and finish off your trip in our nation’s capital. The distance from Williamsburg VA to Washington DC isn’t much, but the history that can be found on the side of the road is amazing!

You can also do this trip in reverse. It’s one of the best road trips from DC I’ve ever taken.

Begin: Miami, Florida End: Key West, Florida Distance: 170 miles Drive Time: 3.5 hours Take the 150-mile drive on Route 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, from Miami to the Florida Keys, crossing 42 bridges. These sandy islands are full of history, sun, and relaxation. This southern USA Florida road trip is sure to be one of the most sun-filled, fun-filled drives ever!

Begin: Grand Canyon National Park End: Las Vegas, Nevada Distance: 250 miles Drive Time: 4.5 hours Start out with nature, and end in Sin City. This desert drive will take you through the majestic Grand Canyon, with a stop in St. George, Utah and end with some fun in Las Vegas.

Check out this awesome Utah road trip.

Begin: Deadwood, South Dakota End: Hot Springs, South Dakota Distance: 100 miles Drive Time: 2.5 hours The Black Hills of South Dakota offer more than just Mount Rushmore. Drive along the Badlands Scenic Byway, making stops at Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park and the infamous Wall Drug. National parks are some of the places to stop on a road trip. Stunning sunsets and sunrises in the Badlands will take your breath away. Keep an eye out for bison on the road. Check out this South Dakota road trip planner for more information.

Begin: Milbridge, Maine End: Eastport, Maine Distance: 125 miles Drive Time: 6 hours Explore the southeastern corner of Maine, also known as “Downeast Maine” as you drive along the Lobster Trail on Coastal Route 1. This colorful and delicious journey will take you through beautiful coastlines and forests while providing tasty and adventurous stops where you can find lobster and all kinds of local seafood. Try your hand at some local activities like clam digging or goat milking. There are so many more incredible east coast road trips .

Begin: Shenandoah National Park End: Asheville, North Carolina Distance: 469 miles Drive Time: 6 hours The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular road trips in the US. Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, this 469-mile stretch of scenic road is the most visited road controlled by the U.S. National Parks system. Stops along the way include Skyline Drive (particularly beautiful in the fall), Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge, and Asheville.

Begin: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming End: Glacier National Park, Montana Distance: 500 miles Drive Time: 9 hours Explore two national parks in one road trip by driving from Grand Teton National Park to Glacier National Park . The drive along the way will provide some of the most diverse landscapes in the U.S.

Begin: Carova, North Carolina End: Ocracoke, North Carolina Distance: 138 miles Drive Time: 5 hours North Carolina’s Route 12, otherwise known as the Outer Banks Scenic Byway spans 21 coastal villages and 138 miles of paved road and 25 ferry-traveling miles along the coast of North Carolina. Dotted with lighthouses, museums, houses and hotels, the Outer Banks is a great beach road trip.

Begin: Seattle, Washington End: Seattle, Washington Distance: 300 miles Drive Time: 10 hours Explore Washington’s Olympic Peninsula on this scenic road trip which takes you through the Olympic National Park and Forest and the lush Hoh Rainforest. There are great spots along the way for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.

Begin: Santa Monica Pier, California End: Chicago, Illinois Distance: 2,500 miles Drive Time: Several days Follow in the path of your grandparents by taking a quintessential cross-country road trip along one of the original highways in the U.S., Route 66. This road is not traveled very often now that the Interstate Highway system is established, but you can still visit many old towns that once thrived in the middle of the last century along The Mother Road. Route 66 crosses 8 states and dozens of historic sites along the way. It’s the ultimate US road trip, but with so many good road trip places around the country, this classic can be overlooked for bigger cities and National Parks. Don’t skip Route 66!

Begin: Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada End: Anchorage, Alaska Distance: 2,500 miles Drive Time: 27 hours Stretching nearly 1,500 miles between Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada and ending in Anchorage, Alaska, the historic Alaska Highway (also known as the ALCAN) is not for the faint of heart. Though most of the road is paved, many sections are constantly under construction and parts of the road are only gravel.

It’s a road that should only be attempted in the best of weather, usually during the summer months, but the views and wildlife along the way are worth the adventure. An Alaska highway road trip should be well planned out in advance, with stops and accommodations mapped out at least six months in advance!  But it is worth the planning. Alaska is one of the most amazing places to take a road trip! Learn more about planning a trip to Alaska.

Begin: St. Augustine, Florida End: Destin, Florida Distance: 1,400 miles Drive Time: 24 hours See the majority of Florida by circling the entire state, starting in St. Augustine(America’s oldest town) then bring out your inner-child in Orlando, eat your way through Miami, and relax on the beach in Clearwater, then explore the panhandle in Destin. This route is long, but the stops and scenery are breathtaking. Learn more about the best things to do in Destin, Florida .

Begin : Boston, Massachusetts End : Seattle, Washington Distance : 3,000 miles Drive Time: 45 hours This is the best cross country road trip! We’ve done this road trip across America many times out of necessity. It’s more exciting to do it when it’s just for fun. The I-90 spans 3,000 miles across the entire country from Boston to Seattle or vice versa, running along the northern part of the U.S. This route makes some incredible stops like Niagara Falls, Chicago, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Yellowstone. This is one of the best American road trips you will ever take! A US cross country road trip can seem a little daunting. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time and map out your stops ahead of time, breaking up the long drive.

Begin: Anchorage, Alaska End: Seward, Alaska Distance: 125 miles Drive Time: 2.5 hours This quick 125-mile drive along the Seward Highway takes you from Anchorage to Seward. While small, this strikingly beautiful route offers incredible stops like seeing the Bore Tide at the Turnagain Arm, glacier hiking, berry picking, fishing, rafting, kayaking and more. Once in Seward you can finish off your trip with a fishing excursion or a wildlife cruise in the Kenai Fjords National Park where you’ll sail among whales, puffins, seals and more.

Begin: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada End: Tijuana, Mexico Distance: 2,300 miles Drive Time: 24 hours Hit three countries in one epic road trip by starting in British Columbia, Canada and using this itinerary all the way down to the border of U.S. and Mexico into Tijuana.

Whatever road trip you choose this summer, be sure to prepare your car for an epic road trip and install a HumX in your vehicle to take the worry out of your journey and to get you on the road!

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Wanderlust Crew

6 thoughts on “ the 25 best road trips in the usa ”.

thanks for all the info and pictures! would love to do some of these one day I’ve done a lot of road trips in Europe but none in the US yet! route 66 and the grand canyon is definitely on the bucket list!

America certainly has some awesome road trips! I’ve done a lot in Europe, but would definitely love to do more!!

I love that some of these road trip destinations are kid friendly. The kids and us could really use some time off from the house after all that’s happening. But we ‘d like to go once things get better. or rather, safer.

Cross country trips and most of the iconic rides like Route 66 are the best! Gotta love having the countries (and even the continents) so close to us that we can travel by land all we want.

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The 15 Best American Road Trips, Ranked

Take the wheel and step on the gas.

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

It’s basically written in the Constitution that you must, at some point, hit the open road and explore this beautiful country by car. After all, America was built for it. Road trips are something of a rite of passage: two-lane highways, cornfields that stretch for miles, red rocks towering in the distance. (Not included: Fixing a flat tire on the side of said highway or pushing your car to the next gas station.) If you’re envisioning a laid-back vacation à la Cars , look no further. Here, we’ve rounded up 15 of America’s best road trips. That includes the iconic Route 66 ( Chicago to L.A ., baby), a tour of Utah’s best national parks , and a quick jaunt through Cape Cod . No matter your interests, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime, whether you’re cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway or driving through the Badlands.

Here’s Everything I Pack for a Family of 4 in a Single Carry-On & Backpack (Without Losing My Mind)

1. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)

• Distance: 2,400 miles
• Where to Stay: Wigwam Village Motel (inquire for rates); Hotel Albuquerque (from $289/night); The Ambrose Hotel (from $356/night)
• Things to Do: Lake Michigan , Ozarks , Mojave Desert

It doesn’t get much more Steinbeck than this 2,400-mile interstate stretching from Illinois to California. It’ll probably take you two weeks to get all the way across, but before you embark, be sure to spend at least a day on the shores of Lake Michigan before heading west. Along the route, you’ll want to explore the Ozarks in Missouri and the Mojave Desert once you cross into the Golden State. One of my favorite unexpected stops was the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The landscape is incredibly varied, with some spots reminiscent of South Dakota’s Badlands. There’s also the pull-out where you can take a photo with the rusting, dilapidated shell of the iconic 1932 Studebaker station wagon. As for lodging and food along the route, a stop at Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, offers the chance try the original corn dog, while the Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook, Arizona lets travelers spend the night in a freestanding tepee.

2. Big Sky Country (Montana and Wyoming)

• Distance: 559 miles
• Where to Stay: Under Canvas Glacier (from $299/night); Old Faithful Inn (from $655/night); Colter Bay Village (from $287/night)
• Things to Do: Yellowstone National Park ; Glacier National Park ; Grand Teton National Park

Give yourself about ten days to drive from Montana to Wyoming while you visit Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton national parks. Honestly, if you’re a scenery person but less athletic (me), you’d be content to simply drive the winding roads and make intermittent stops at the pull-outs to take pictures. Although, when I went to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, there were plenty of easy hikes and I’m glad I did them. The areas are so lush and vibrant and it’s the cleanest air I’ve ever breathed. Lakes here sparkle. The most iconic part of Glacier is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which cuts through the park and leads to a summit at Logan Pass.

3. California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)

• Distance: 656 miles
• Where to Stay: Madonna Inn (from $309/night); Simpson House Inn (from $589/night); Beverly Hills Hotel (from $1,859/night)
• Things to Do: Carmel-by-the-Sea , Big Sur , Malibu

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping part of this 147-mile drive from Monterey to Morro Bay is the 90-mile stretch through Big Sur. “The PCH road trip has forever been on my bucket list because it’s such an amazing way to see California,” says PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay . “There are a few ways you can do it, but I loved starting in SF and ending in L.A., with stops at Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Anaheim (Disneyland), L.A. and a few beach towns in Orange County. Big Sur is stunning, so give yourself plenty of time to pull over to take in the views. Some of my favorite spots were Santa Barbara and Carmel-by-the-Sea. I also took a last-minute detour up north to Muir Woods with zero regrets. Word to the wise, Route 1 can at times be a long and windy two-lane highway that gets very dark once the sun goes down (and half the time you can’t even see the ocean). If you’re in a rush to get from point A to point B, hop over to US-101 which is a faster, more direct (and better lit) route.”

4. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia And North Carolina)

• Distance: 469 miles
• Where to Stay: Craddock Terry Hotel ($269/night) ; The Hotel Roanoke (from $191/night); 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House (inquire for rates)
• Things to Do: Lynchburg, Virginia ; Blowing Rock ; Claw of the Dragon

Extending from Virginia to North Carolina, this 469-mile parkway connects the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks. Visiting in October allows you to catch the dazzling fall foliage. My friend and I only drove a sliver of the road, but it was so peaceful to watch the countryside roll by on a two-lane highway, landscape dotted with cottages and farmhouses, sky stretching for miles. We ended up antiquing in a nearby town before heading home, but I would have loved to go all the way to Asheville, known for its art and architecture.

5. Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive, Washington

• Distance: 454 miles
• Where to Stay: Silver Cloud Inn (from $279/night); Super 8 Port Angeles (from $309/night); Moonstone Beach Hotel (from $279/night)
• Things to Do: Hoh Rainforest , Ruby Beach , Cape Flattery

This 450-mile loop around Olympic Mountain Range swoops past rainforests, snow-capped mountains, cobalt-blue lakes, sprawling beaches---all contained in Olympic National Park. The almost supernatural Hoh Rainforest (think: Twilight saga) and stunning Ruby Beach are just a couple of the places that warrant a daytrip. And don’t forget Cape Flattery, a quiet little cove with sapphire waters and steep cliffs that will dazzle you with their majesty.

6. Las Vegas to Dallas

• Distance: 1,222 miles
• Where to Stay: High Country Motor Lodge (from $229/night); Inn on the Alameda (from $399/night); The Statler Dallas (from $286/night)
• Things to Do: Hoover Dam , Grand Canyon , Cadillac Ranch

I did Las Vegas to Dallas a couple years ago and the Southwest totally blew me away. The Grand Canyon is an easy detour, but we went a little farther up into Zion National Park . Both are great choices and a respite from barreling down a 12-lane interstate. You exchange that for winding, two lane-roads on treacherous cliffs with (maybe literally) killer views of endless canyons. The whole landscape of this area of the country is so unique, with red rocks and mountains at every turn. Once you get into Texas, you think the fun’s over, but then you’re surprised on I-40 when you see everyone trying to exit to take a picture at Cadillac Ranch. It’s exactly how it sounds: A row of Cadillacs buried nose-first in the dirt, surrounded by a cornfield, covered in graffiti. Maybe one of my most favorite pieces of contemporary art.

7. Dallas to Los Angeles

• Distance: 1,436 miles
• Where to Stay: The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park (from $209/night); Royal Palms Resort and Spa (from $229/night); The Hollywood Roosevelt (from $339/night)
• Things to Do: Joshua Tree National Park , Saguaro National Park , El Paso Mission Trail

On the flip side, trek back out West and do a Dallas to Los Angeles road trip. This is an opportunity to hit a different route than I-40’s Las Vegas to Dallas leg. I’ve done this route, and Joshua Tree and Saguaro national parks are a total must. For scheduling reasons, I couldn’t stop in these two places and those are huge regrets. Both locales will offer you the arid desert landscape and cacti for miles. Once you hit Texas, the El Paso Mission Trail, a nine-mile stretch of historical missions on a solitary road. It’s an interesting window into the state’s history and Spanish influence.

8. Natchez Trace Parkway (Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee)

• Distance: 444 miles
• Where to Stay: The Graduate Hotel (from $249/night); The Westin Jackson (from $251/night); Hotel Tupelo (from $199/night)
• Things to Do: Mount Locust ; Elvis Presley’s house ; Country Music Hall of Fame

A Southern odyssey starts in Natchez, Mississippi and ends in Nashville. The 444-mile stretch will take you through the whole of the Magnolia State, with stops at the archeological site Mount Locust and Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo. I drove on a tiny sliver in Tennessee near Nashville , and got to walk across the bridge, peering at the valley below. Once you arrive in the city, there are a handful of non-negotiables. The Honky Tonk Highway, where country music blares so loudly from the bars your whole being shakes, for starters. Right across from that is the Assembly Food Hall, an emporium of Southern delights, from the hot chicken sandwich to fried pickles. And did I mention the Loveless Café ? Best biscuits of my life. It’s also not a visit to the city unless you pop into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry .

9. Palm Springs to San Diego

• Distance: 139 miles
• Where to Stay: Pantai Inn (from $549/night); Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa (from $399/night); The Saguaro Palm Springs (from $107/night)
• Things to Do: Palm Springs Aeriel Tramway ; Balboa Park ; Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Hit two iconic southern California hotspots in a single road trip from Palm Springs to San Diego. Of course, you’ll want to take a couple days to explore all the mid-century modern architecture of the former (my preferred activity) and ride the aerial tram for sweeping views of the Coachella Valley. In San Diego , the eternally beautiful and varied Balboa Park (one of my favorite spots) offers lush gardens, the San Diego Zoo and plenty of museums. When you need to see the ocean, Torrey Pines is a good spot, known as one of the state’s wildest stretches of beach.

10. Houston to Amarillo

• Distance: 635 miles
• Where to Stay: Hotel 1928 (inquire for rates); Embassy Suites (from $347/night); Big Texan Motel (from $146/night)
• Things to Do: Space Center Houston ; Magnolia Silos ; American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

Amarillo is *kind of* iconic. After all, it’s one of the destinations sung about in the legendary song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” covered innumerable times by everyone from Nat King Cole to John Mayer. It makes sense that several of America’s best road trips will take you through this Texas town. The proposed route here starts in Houston, where you should take the opportunity to see the Space Center before zooming up to Waco, home to Joanna Gaines’s Magnolia Silos empire. Rock ‘n roll fans will want to pull over at Lubbock, which is the birthplace of Buddy Holly, known for pioneering the genre. When you arrive in Amarillo, there’s plenty to see, from the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum to Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon State Park .

11. Seattle to New York

• Distance: 2,840 miles
• Where to Stay: The Dominick (from $625/night); The Sapphire Motel (from $312/night); Canyon Lake Resort (from $175/night)
• Things to Do: Yellowstone National Park ; Mount Rushmore ; Harley-Davidson Museum

Craving a true cross-country adventure? Try Seattle to New York, which will take you across the Midwest. Because the drive will take you through Bozeman, you might as well bake in some extra days to explore Yellowstone. Then, take a detour to see Mount Rushmore once you hit South Dakota. Motorcycle fanatics will want to pull over in Milwaukee, home to the Harley-Davidson Museum. (They even have one of Elvis Presley’s on display.) The last leg of the trip will motor you straight through the entire state of Pennsylvania and the historical Dutch Country.

12. Utah National Parks

• Distance: 691 miles
• Where to Stay: Hoodoo Moab (from $229/night); Cougar Ridge Lodge (from $404/night); Zion Mountain Ranch (from $309/night)
• Things to Do: Arches National Park ; Bryce Canyon National Park ; Dark Canyon Wilderness

Those whose dream is to tour all the country’s national parks should start with Utah. The state is rife with them, and they’re all in a convenient loop. Moab is your starting place, and from there, you can make the circle, starting with Arches National Park and Canyonlands. As you continue counter-clockwise, you’ll hit Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Dark Canyon (which is also part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest). Before you know it, you’re rolling back into Moab, dusty and filled with awe for Mother Nature.

13. Smoky Mountains (Charlotte to Asheville, North Carolina)

• Distance: 430 miles
• Where to Stay: Albemarle Inn (from $300/night); Twin Mountain Inn & Suites (from $224/night); The Ballantyne (from $316/night)
• Things to Do: Dollyworld; Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Biltmore Estate

Yep, you took this road trip to see the legendary Smoky Mountains, so take a pit stop to see Cades Cove, along with the myriad historic buildings and waterfalls. Then, shock yourself back into the man-made with a day at Dollyworld. (Because how could you not?!) The 430-mile loop will take you back into North Carolina and end with Asheville, where a stay at the Biltmore Estate. You’ll feel like literal royalty after having spent a week cruising in your car.

14. Southern Arizona (Sonoran Desert)

• Distance: 97 miles
• Where to Stay: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (from $179/night); The Tuxon (from $126/night); Arizona Biltmore ($209/night)
• Things to Do: McFarland State Historic Park ; Catalina State Park ; Oracle State Park

At less than 100 miles, this itinerary is one of America’s best road trips for those pressed for time. Start in either Phoenix or Tucson and then you’re in closer proximity to several state parks in the famous Sonoran Desert. For maximum fuel efficiency (and to maximize your time outside), start at McFarland State Historic Park if Phoenix if your home base, and at Oracle State Park if Tucson is. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be met with saguaros and sunsets. Seems pretty dreamy, isn’t it?

15. Cape Cod

• Distance: 90 miles
• Where to Stay: Edgar Hotel (from $630/night); Earl of Sandwich Motel (from $219/night); The Old Harbor Inn (from $514/night)
• Things to Do: Martha’s Vineyard Museum ; John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum ; Godfrey Windmill

Do you summer on the Cape? Well, you can now. This easy road trip takes you through a handful of quintessential seaside towns. Start in Martha’s Vineyard and then continue with: Falmouth, Sandwich, Mashpee, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Harwich and end with Chatham. Because everything is close to each other, you have the luxury to linger. We recommending stacking a few days on the Vineyard, and also slotting the JFK museum in Hyannis into the itinerary. Chatham is a charming town to end your road trip, with a windmill, lighthouse and delightful downtown perfect for stretching your legs.

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The Complete Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (50 Stops & 4 Unique Routes!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary According To A PNW Local

Oregon. That magical spot in the corner of the United States where roaring waterfalls, epic coastlines, and mysteries in the forest all thrive next to each other. 

It’s an incredible place that requires the guidance of PNW experts (that’s us!) to divulge all the best stops in the state. We’ve been exploring Oregon for years , so you can count on us to provide well-rounded tips to give you the best experience!

In this post, we’re sharing the most epic Oregon road trip route , including our favorite stops and custom trips of 2-weeks, 10-days, and 1-week to cater to your specific needs. Scroll all the way to the bottom to find a free Oregon road trip itinerary download , too!

Okay, enough talking, let’s get exploring!

The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (Exactly Where To Find The Best Spots!)

First of all, where is oregon.

Oregon is located in a region called the Pacific Northwest , which is located in the northwest corner of the contiguous United States.

Fixed between its northern neighbor, Washington , and its southern neighbor, Northern California , Oregon is a unique mix of giant redwood trees, raging waterfalls, high desert, and beautiful coastal wilderness.

It’s got a little bit of everything , which is why taking an Oregon road trip will probably be the most incredible thing you will do this year!

Here’s a little bit about Oregon to start…

Oregon is broken down into seven distinct regions, each with its own unique spin on Oregon culture and iconic destinations . Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect from each:

• The Oregon Coast: 363 miles of accessible beaches, historic lighthouses, sea stacks, and gorgeous little Oregon beach towns . 
• Central Oregon: A High Desert escape including popular spots like Sisters, Bend, and Smith Rock State Park . 
• Eastern Oregon : Lonely vast desert with incredible geological features scattered across the area. Known for the Alvord Desert, Pendleton, and the Painted Hills. 
• Portland Region: The urban center for creatives, makers, and foodies. Known for its epic food culture, bridges, and accessibility to nature.
• Mt. Hood & The Columbia River Gorge: Home to the highest mountain in Oregon (Mt Hood), and some of the most famous Oregon waterfalls like Multnomah Falls. 
• Southern Oregon: Home to Crater Lake National Park, this region also boasts adventurous caves, gorgeous forests, and hidden hot springs (Umpqua Hot Springs). 
• The Willamette Valley: Known for its amazing wine, tulips, and orchards, this farming community is a hub for a perfect weekend getaway.

Great…So Where Do I Start My Oregon Road Trip?

The easiest place to start your Oregon road trip is in Portland . This is the biggest city, where you will find the most options for car rentals, flights into the state ( Portland International Airport – PDX ), and stores to pick up any last-minute supplies.

Our Oregon road trip itinerary has you starting in Portland and heading east, but you can always fit the route to suit your own needs and desires! Keep scrolling to see all the stops so you can make your decision.

How Do I Get Around On My Oregon Road Trip?

The easiest way to get around on an Oregon trip is to drive in a car . It’s unreasonable to believe that you can fly from place to place. The biggest major airport is in Portland (PDX) and the rest are smaller local airports.

It’s easiest to get around Oregon in a car , and we highly suggest this mode of transportation! If you are hoping to do some camping along the way, we recommend checking out the company Outdoorsy to rent a campervan . It’s like having your transportation AND accommodations all in one place.

Outdoorsy does local recreational vehicle rentals (kind of like Airbnb but for cars!) so you can travel around Oregon in style with a cool vintage VW bus or cute teardrop trailer!

Where Do I Stay During My Oregon Road Trip?

The good thing about Oregon road trips is that they are completely customizable! You can stay at some of the coolest lodges and hotels in Oregon, explore backcountry roads for camping, or do a little mix of both!

Finding Epic Campsites in Oregon: There are so many amazing campsites in Oregon that the topic requires its own blog post! However, one of our most coveted tools for finding the best camping spots is through The Dyrt . The Dyrt is a campground finding app , and one of the best ones we’ve used! It’s got great reviews with photos, offline maps, road trip routing tools, and more! Our readers get to try it free for 30-days by using our code Mandagies !

Our favorite lodges & resorts in Oregon: Some amazing accommodations stand out among the others, and we think that some of these places deserve their own recognition! Here are some of our favorite lodges in Oregon that we recommend checking out!

FivePine Lodge – Sisters, OR (Central) Bay Point Landing – Coos Bay, OR (Southern Coast) Headlands Lodge – Pacific City, OR (Northern Coast) The Independence Hotel – Willamette Valley (Northwest/Central ORegon)

The Mega Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (All The Best Stop In Oregon)

This two week Oregon road trip will bring you to all the best spots!

Stop 1: Portland, Oregon

Before departing the city, spend some time visiting Portland’s coolest locations! Some of the most popular outdoor places to visit in the city include the Portland Rose Garden, Washington Park, the Pittock Mansion (with its view of the city!), and Forest Park.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the several food truck communities around town. Click here to locate all the food truck pods around Portland!

From here, make sure to stock up with snacks at your favorite grocery store, fill up with gas, and hit the road!

Stop 2: Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway

Begin your Oregon road trip in Portland and head to Interstate 84 East to start your Columbia River Gorge Scenic Drive . This is a great start to any Oregon road trip itinerary for its iconic stops like Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

If you want to go hiking in this area, consider Wahclella Falls Trail (only 1.9-miles long) or Munra Point Trail for incredible panoramic views.

To spend more time checking out cool waterfalls in Oregon , consider taking the Historic Columbia River Highway (that parallels I-84), which provides easy access to many of them. Don’t forget to drive a little farther than Hood River to check out Rowena Crest , that famous hairpin road!

Note: The Eagle Creek Fire of 2017 devastated much of this area, and hikes/waterfall trails are slowly opening after restoration efforts. Click here to be updated on real-time trail openings in the Columbia River Gorge . 

Extra Stops Between Portland and Hood River:

• Vista House – A museum, observatory, and rest stop
• Bridge of the Gods – Many of the Pacific Crest Trail Hikers cross here!
• Beacon Rock State Park (on the Washington side)
• More than 25 Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to see!

Stop 3: Hood River, Oregon

Hood River, Oregon is the perfect place to stay after a day of planning fun things to do in the Columbia River Gorge ! Placed conveniently on the river’s edge, there is easy access to Mount Hood directly south, water activities like windsurfing , and Washington waterfalls right across the river in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest to the north.

If you want a little more adventure, consider crossing the toll bridge ($2) to Washington and venturing on nearby trails to Falls Creek Falls , Panther Creek Falls, or Lower Lewis Falls.

Cool Places To Stay in Hood River, Oregon

Modern Townhome in White Salmon, WA (just across the river) MtAdamsView in Hood River (TONS of gorge and mountain views, sleeps 6) Best Western Plus in Hood River (great value, free breakfast)

Stop 4: Mount Hood

Route your Oregon road trip from the river’s edge to the mountains, more specifically to all the cool things to do in Mount Hood !

Watch a sunrise at  Trillium Lake – one of the easiest lakes to reach on Mount Hood. On a clear day, you will be able to see the reflection of the picturesque Mount Hood beautifully framed in the distance! Other Mount Hood lakes include Frog Lake,  Lost Lake,  and  Mirror Lake –  each with their own unique reflection of the mountain. 

If you are interested in discovering some cool hiking trails around Mout Hood, consider  Ramona Falls trail. This gorgeous horsetail falls is hidden deep in the forest, but the payoff is huge once you see it with your own eyes. Care for a short waterfall hike for your Portland day trip? Consider  Tamanawas Falls , an easy 3.3-mile trail with a gorgeous view!

Want to challenge yourself? Here are some other longer hikes in the Mount Hood area.

• Tom Dick and Harry  (9 miles out and back)
• Bald Mountain  (6 miles out and back)
• McNeil Point Trail  (9.6 miles out and back)

Stop 5: The Painted Hills

After stopping at Mount Hood (overnight or just for a day trip) take the 3.5-hour drive from Mount Hood to the Painted Hills to catch a gorgeous sunset in the Oregon desert. 

The Painted Hills gets its name from the exposed layers of colorful soil that are revealed in the rolling hills of the John Day Fossil Beds . Make sure to stay on the boardwalks as you explore the Painted Hills. The hills are extremely fragile!

In the morning, return to the John Day Fossil Bed units and see the Painted Hills as the sun rises! This is a gorgeous time of day in the hills, and you’ll likely get it all to yourself in the early hours of the morning. 

Need a place to sleep? Consider these nearby campgrounds (or click here to discover FREE campsites nearby too! )

Stop 6: Smith Rock State Park

From the Painted Hills through the Ochoco National Forest , take the 1.5-hour drive to Smith Rock State Park . Smith Rock is a hub for climbers , but there are several other things to do here, including hiking, biking, and taking photos!

To stretch your legs on this Oregon road trip, take the short but *very* steep Misery Ridge Trail . This 0.68-mile trail climbs 600 feet giving even the most experienced hiker a run for their money! The views at the top are worth it though, especially during sunrise or sunset!

Stop 7: Bend, Oregon

The city of Bend is an excellent stop on any good Oregon road trip! It’s an outdoor-loving town that connects Western Oregon and Eastern Oregon, making it a great pit stop to pick up last-minute gear, groceries, and maybe even tune ups for your car.

For a little relaxation from the road, grab a beer in town at any of the iconic stops on the Bend Ale Trail . If you are visiting in the summertime, floating the Deschutes River is a popular activity on a hot day. Make sure to bring your PFDs, water sandals, and a garbage bag!

In the morning, grab breakfast in Bend at The Sparrow Bakery, (their ocean rolls are famous!), and some to-go coffee at Spoken Moto and make some fun stops around Bend on your way south. Lava Island Falls and Lava River Cave are both easy and accessible places to see along your Oregon road trip route going out of town.

More adventures near Bend, Oregon

• Hiking to Tumalo Falls (6.5 miles out-and-back)
• Go backpacking in the Three Sisters Wilderness
• Take a road trip detour on the Cascades Lake Highway

Read More: How to Spend 4 Days In Bend, Oregon

Oregon Road Trip Bonus Route – Eastern Oregon!

Psst…want to spend a lot more time in Eastern Oregon? Check out our Eastern Oregon Road Trip route right here !

From Bend, you have the option of extending your Oregon Road trip going east , or continue south and west towards the coast! Either option is great, it really just depends on how much time you have.

Stop 8: Oregon Waterfalls

The drive from Bend to Crater Lake National Park is pretty short, about 1.5 hours. This gives you plenty of time to make some fun stops along the way , most notably, to waterfalls in Oregon !

For longer Oregon waterfall hikes, make your way west on Highway 58 for a fun hike at Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls . Continue your drive south and divert north on Highway 138 for a stop at Watson Falls before making your way to the Crater Lake North Entrance. 

More Oregon Waterfalls Near The Area:

• Proxy Falls (Highway 242 – North of Bend)
• Chush Falls (Near Sisters, Oregon)
• Dillon Falls
• Benham Falls

Stop 9: Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most iconic stops on an Oregon road trip, and the ONLY national park stop in the state. Spend sunset capturing the iconic Wizard Island on Crater Lake, and top it off by spending the night at the historic Crater Lake Lodge .

In the morning, spend an entire day hiking around Crater Lake on Watchman Peak Trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, or Cloudcap Overlook.

At Crater Lake , you can spend the morning driving the Rim Drive , which takes about 2 hours to go all the way around. Hike to Plaikni Falls in the afternoon and in the evening watch the sunset at Garfield Peak or Sinnott Memorial Observation Station.

Bonus Oregon Road Trip Stop: Oregon Hot Springs

Now, this is the part of your road trip route in Oregon where you can choose where you’d like to spend your time! You can opt to continue driving east to explore some of the famous Eastern Oregon hot springs . 

If you decided to check out some hot springs in Oregon , we highly suggest booking an overnight stay (Summer Lakes Hot Springs and Crystal Crane have lodging available!) or bringing your camping gear to find some free camping nearby . 

Here are some Oregon hot springs you should be checking out on this leg of your Oregon road trip itinerary:

• Crystal Crane Hot Springs – Hot spring pond and private soaking tubs
• Summer Lakes Hot Springs – Communal bathhouse
• Hart Mountain Hot Springs – Structured underground pool and open springs, both natural
• Have an extra day? Drive farther east and check out Alvord Hot Springs , and Willow Creek Hot Springs !

Stop 10: Umpqua National Forest

Another iconic destination on your Oregon road trip is an adventure in Umpqua National Forest . You’ve probably seen pictures of those cliffside hot springs pools, or the rushing waterfall flanked by towering basalt cliffs. Well, these places are Umpqua Hot Springs and Toketee Falls !

Both places are easy to reach, each with a short hike to the final destination. Come with a national forest pass to hang in your car’s rearview mirror. You can pick one up at the Diamond Lake Ranger Station nearby if you need one. See the difference between Pacific Northwest forest passes here to find the correct one.

Leave No Trace Notes: Umpqua Hot Springs is notorious for garbage . Please pack out your trash, and consider taking other garbage with you, too. Hiking to the base of Toketee Falls is prohibited , no matter how many pictures you see of people doing so. It is possible to get cited for climbing down to the bottom, so don’t risk it!

Stop 11: Southern Oregon Coast

Finally, the first ocean stop on your Oregon road trip!

The Southern Oregon Coast is arguably the most beautiful area of an Oregon road trip. If you love seaside cliffs, hidden coves, and gorgeous beaches, this is the place for you!

Spend some time exploring the 12 miles of protected coastline at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor . This part of your road trip in Oregon will take an entire day, between stops, viewpoints, and even a hike to a place called Secret Beach .

Finally, end your day in Gold Beach for the evening. Here, you can find tons of amenities, hotels, and beach rentals for a quiet and relaxing evening. Make sure to stop at our favorite beach, Myers Creek Beach to enjoy a beautiful Oregon coast picnic to end the day!

Read More: The 25 best beaches in Oregon (From North to South!)

Stop 12: Central Oregon Coast

Central Oregon is full of adventurous destinations and unique curiosities. If you like thrills, try renting an ATV to ride across the Oregon Dunes, stretching 40 miles across the coastline.

You can also check out incredible places like Cape Perpetua , which is filled with churning coves, sea spouts, and lots of tide pools along the Oregon Coast .

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is another great place to explore, with a giant sea cave and surfing opportunities!

In the evening, splurge to go glamping and one of Coos Bay’s coolest spots – Bay Point Landing ! This luxury camping resort has plenty of pull-in sites for RVs and trailers. You can also rent a standalone cabin , airstream , or renovated RV of your own to enjoy upscale camping. The grounds have amenities like a pool, lounge room, upscale bathrooms, and a cute camp store.

Stop 13: Eugene, Oregon

If you wanted to go inland to explore the Cascade Mountains, this is the part of your Oregon road trip to make that decision! Drive away from the Oregon coast to go inland to Eugene, Oregon, and explore this upbeat college town.

But before leaving the coast, consider stopping by Heceta Head Lighthouse and Cape Perpetua for one last adventure by the water. The lighthouse can be seen up close with a short hike, which is incredible at sunrise and sunset!

Cape Perpetua is best explored during low tide, where you can access the many tide pools and curiosities that dot the shore. If you do come during high tide, don’t fret! You can see the waves push up through Thor’s Well for a dramatic display, and the Devil’s Churn to watch the waves crash around this small cove. 

Stop 14: Willamette National Forest

Heading inland from Eugene, there are a ton of beautiful places to see in the Willamette National Forest . The first stop is Terwilliger Hot Springs (often called Cougar Hot Springs) for a lovely natural soak. Keep driving to choose a waterfall adventure – Proxy Falls , Sahalie and Koosah Falls , The Blue Pool , and Tamolitch Falls .

You’ll want to spend at least a full day in this area (or even go camping overnight!) because the trails here are packed with adventure! Keep driving on Highway 126 as it continues on Highway 22 north to Silver Falls State Park and Salem, Oregon to continue on your epic Oregon road trip.

Stop 15: Salem and The Willamette Valley

If you like good food, you’re going to love this stop on your Oregon road trip. The Willamette Valley is full of wineries, farms, and beautiful vineyards! There are lots of options to enjoy farm-to-table dinners, wine tastings, and all-day experiences. Consider staying nearby at the Independence Hotel .

For a little adventure, head to Silver Falls State Park where you can hike the Trail of Ten Falls . This Oregon hike is exactly what its name entails – ten beautiful falls in an 8.7-mile trail. Come enjoy this condensed version of many iconic Oregon waterfalls all in one place!

Stop 16: Northern Oregon Coast

Refueling in Salem, it’s time to get back to the coast! The final stops on your Oregon road trip include classic North Oregon Coast stops and beautiful Oregon beach towns , hikes, and plenty of dreamy overlooks.

Beginning in Cape Kiwanda , spend the day hiking up the sand dunes to watch the dory boats dock onshore and paragliders sail down to the beach. Make sure to stop and eat lunch at Pelican Brewing . They have incredible beer and pub food, with an outdoor patio overlooking Pacific City’s own Haystack Rock.

Continuing north to another iconic “Haystack Rock” (arguably the most popular one too) Cannon Beach is the best place to grab a coffee and take a walk along the beach. During low tide, you can get close to the rock and spot puffins in their natural habitat!

If you want a little more adventure in your day, drive up to Ecola State Park to hike Crescent Beach Trail , the trail to Indian Sands, or Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Viewpoint. These lush Oregon Coast hikes are sure to leave you breathless!

Stay either at the Headlands Lodge in Pacific City , Oregon Coast Modern Cabin in Manzanita , or affordable hotels in Cannon Beach !

Stop 17: Finish Your Oregon Road Trip Back to Portland, Oregon 

On your way back to Portland to finish your Oregon road trip, you can take the short way on Highway 26, or the long way through Astoria, Oregon, and heading back to the city on Highway 30.

The detour through Astoria won’t disappoint! Filled with great restaurants, antique and vintage shops, and lots of history, it’s a perfect final stop on the Oregon coast road trip section of your drive.

For outdoorsy activities, stop by Fort Steven’s State Park to check out the historic military installation, as well as the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck . For hiking, stay close to town and check out the Cathedral Tree Trail and the Astoria Column .

And you’ve done it! You’ve completed the coolest Oregon road trip to see all the best highlights, hikes, and iconic locations in the state.

Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Below, we’re sharing some Oregon road trip itinerary examples to help you customize it exactly to fit your needs. For even more resources, we created this road trip itinerary in Oregon to print out and take on your journey!

(We’re running some email maintenance – this download will be back soon!)

Two Week Oregon Road Trip

See the detailed breakdown of our two-week Oregon road trip itinerary above!

10 Day Oregon Road Trip

You can see a lot with 10 days in Oregon! This route is a compressed version of our two-week road trip, with just a little less time in each spot but plenty of stops for an epic and interesting route!

• Day 1: Portland to Hood River
• Day 2: Hood River to Bend, Oregon
• Day 3: Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park
• Day 4: Crater Lake to Umpqua National Forest
• Day 5: Umpqua National Forest to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 6: Samuel H. Boardman to Coos Bay
• Day 7: Coos Bay to Eugene, Oregon
• Day 8: Eugene, Oregon to Salem, Oregon
• Day 9: Salem, Oregon to Cannon Beach
• Day 10: Cannon Beach to Portland, Oregon

One Week Oregon Road Trip

One week for an Oregon road trip will introduce you to Oregon’s vast and diverse landscape! From Crater Lake to Bend, Coos Bay to Cannon Beach, this route will bring you to some of the best of Oregon photography locations. 

• Day 1: Portland to Hood River
• Day 2: Hood River to Bend, Oregon
• Day 3: Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park
• Day 4: Crater Lake to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 5: Samuel H. Boardman to Coos Bay
• Day 6: Coos Bay to Cannon Beach
• Day 7: Cannon Beach to Portland, OR

5 Day Oregon Road Trip

With 5 days in Oregon, you can see the highlights! This quick trip averages about 3-4 hours of driving per day, and takes you through mountains, by waterfalls, and meets up with some of the most scenic views along the Oregon Coast.

• Day 1: Portland to Bend
• Day 2: Bend to Eugene
• Day 3: Eugene to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 4: Samuel H. Boardman to Yachats
• Day 5: Yachats to Portland

Have you ever experienced an Oregon road trip? What Oregon itinerary is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

I’m really glad you liked our Oregon road trip route! I hope you et a change to travel across this beautiful state!

25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on May 26, 2023
• Published on July 7, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

You’re finally ready to embark on that epic road trip that will take you across the country from sea to shining sea. The gas tank is full, you’ve checked off every item on the packing list, and you’re ready to hit the road. But are you actually ready for a long road trip?

The longer a road trip, the more complicated it can get. I didn’t say would get, but it certainly can get complicated. Have you packed enough clothing for the entire trip, or will you need to do laundry along the way? Are you ready for chilly nights, rain, and unexpected adventures? Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions many people don’t consider until the road trip is underway – and it’s too late to make many changes.

These 25 practical tips for long road trips will help you get prepared long before you leave home, save money along the way, and help you spend more time enjoying the road trip and less time dealing with those pesky complications.

Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations

Road trip snacks are almost as necessary as gasoline for the car – they even perform similar functions. But one of the worst things a person can do on a road trip is to buy the snacks spontaneously at random gas stations along the way.

Save money and time with those snacks at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores. Stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and coffee at a fraction of the price of buying it along the way. The more you save, the longer you can drive.

Get your car inspected

Before leaving home, get your car inspected. Most national chain auto repair shops offer free inspections because they want your business when they find something wrong with the car.

But it’s an excellent way to get all the fluids topped off, tires rotated and balanced, and the hundreds of moving parts of a car inspected before you leave. Spur of the moment auto repairs during a road trip can be prohibitively expensive – not to mention you might have to shack up at a roadside motel for a few days while the work is done.

Keep your car maintained

Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips.

Consider a 5,000-mile road trip in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon. This would require 167 gallons of gas to complete the trip. However, if all four tires are underinflated by an average of 4 PSI, that means the vehicle is only achieving 27.6 miles per gallon. This would require 182 gallons to complete the trip – an increase of 15 gallons.

Beyond tire pressure, be sure to maintain fluids for the radiator, brakes, and engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. Replaced burned out headlights and taillights immediately. Keep up with oil changes and tire rotations for trips longer than 5,000 miles.

20 Essential Travel Apps for Awesome Road Trips

Set a reasonable daily mileage goal

The point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Driving 500 miles per day on the interstate highways doesn’t make for a very enjoyable road trip adventure. Driving that far on two-lane roads is incredibly tedious and exhausting.

By the time you stop at a couple roadside attractions, go for a hike in a state park, sit down for lunch, and take a short detour, the number of miles you’ll be able to cover in a single day will be limited at best. But that’s the point of the road trip! Set a limited number of miles to drive each day, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything you’ll discover along the way.

Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times

Sitting in congested traffic and waiting for food are two of the biggest examples of losing time on a long road trip. In fact, those are the biggest time wasters for just about any kind of travel. But there is a simple way to avoid losing time: avoid rush hour and peak dinner times.

Eat breakfast after 9 a.m., get lunch around 2 p.m., and consider dinner either early at 4 p.m. or wait until 7 p.m. During those time frames, you’ll get seated faster, and food served quicker. Also, when driving around town or between destinations, avoid the rush hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

As an added bonus, use a navigation app or dedicated GPS device in your car that includes traffic information – this information will help you spot potential traffic jams from congestion, construction, or accidents and usually includes optional detours. Using an app like OpenTable ( iOs | Android ) will allow you to make reservations at many restaurants – cutting down the time spent waiting for a table to open.

Road Trip to the 8 Presidential Sites Throughout Northern Ohio

A void Small Town Travel on Sundays and Mondays

Roll into almost any small town with a population of less than 20,000 on a Sunday or Monday, and you’re likely to find every restaurant, museum, and attraction closed. It’s not from the owners’ lack of business sense but rather because the owners often work in their businesses, and they want a couple of days off each week.

Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most common days these local businesses are closed. However, it may also include mid-weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of visiting the small towns, consider spending the night in state or national parks, driving scenic routes, or just taking a couple of days to relax.

Pack everything – including the kitchen sink

I own six rain jackets, four sets of trekking poles, and two pairs of Crocs Swiftwater shoes . It’s not because I want a particular color combination for each day of the week, but instead because I kept leaving the items behind, thinking I wouldn’t need them.

Pack everything you can possibly fit into your vehicle for a long road trip. Go beyond your tentative itinerary and think about things you enjoy doing that you might want to do along the way. Take those golf clubs or stunt kites, pack the fleece hoodie, and bring more than two pairs of shoes. Although it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, every little bit helps save money in the budget.

Fill the gas tank on Monday

GasBuddy ( iOS | Android ) conducted a survey a few years ago to determine the best and worst times for gas prices. Interestingly, Mondays were the cheapest day of the week to get gas on average, with the best time coming around 10 a.m.

Also, interesting – though not surprising – was that the worst day to get gas was Friday or the day before a major holiday. During those days, gas prices tended to spike first thing in the morning.

18 Essential Items That Belong on Every Road Trip Packing List

Don’t rely on cellular service

One universal constant of any long road trip is the eventuality of running into a cellular dead zone. Rural areas in the Midwest, rugged terrain in the Rockies, and sporadically throughout the Southeastern United States are areas in between cellular towers that will leave your cellphone or tablet as useful as screen doors for submarines.

Be prepared to eventually lose cellular service during your long road trip. Download Google Maps ( iOS | Android ) for offline use, make sure all your apps are up to date, and download movies for entertainment. Doing as much of this as possible while connected to WIFI will prevent you from breaching a monthly data limit.

Plan to do laundry on the road

Depending on the length of the road trip, the activities you plan to enjoy along the way, and your fashion style, it just might not be possible to pack a new outfit for every single day. So rather than pack five suitcases stuffed with every stitch of clothing you own, consider doing laundry somewhere along the way.

As a rule of thumb, pack at least five of each type of clothing. Shorts, pants, tees, polos or blouses, underwear, and socks. On top of that, pack something for chilly nights and rain. This will give you about a week of clothing – but you’ll need to get used to wearing those shorts and that shirt more than once in between washing.

Buy a laundry bag and take it with you on the road trip. However, do not buy laundry detergent ahead of time. The heat and humidity will ruin most detergents and leave your car with an overwhelming smell. When you finally decide to do laundry, be sure to take enough quarters to complete your load, never leave your laundry unattended, and always use a laundromat during daylight hours.

Get organized

Organizing all your clothing, gear, food, and accessories is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any long road trip. But, after two, three, or four weeks of restacking bags, hunting for that small item, and shifting cargo around every curve of the road, you’ll be on the edge of losing it.

Buy stuff sacks or use gallon-sized Ziplock bags to organize smaller items. Buy midsized duffel bags or plastic totes for organizing smaller bags. Stackable totes that can lock together are best for keeping the totes from sliding around in the vehicle. Label everything and always leave the most frequently used items on top.

Get plenty of sleep

The first few days of a long road trip, you’ll likely feel energized by the excitement and tempted to stay up 18 hours a day. I can typically keep that level of stamina going for about the first three weeks of constant travel – but eventually, everyone slows down.

Getting plenty of sleep is important to maintaining your mental and physical health, not to mention keeping morale high. Spending too much time traveling and not enough sleeping will eventually lead to exhaustion, depression, and moodiness.

On a long road trip, plan to take one or two days a week off from travel. Find a nice roadside motel, splurge on a super nice hotel with a free hot breakfast, or settle into a campground for two nights. Avoid the temptation to go out and explore the area – just focus on rest and relaxation.

Road Trip Along the Scenic Route from Gatlinburg to Asheville

Keep the car clean (inside and out)

The day before any road trip begins, I always find one of those really nice car washes with the conveyor belt that pulls the vehicle through a wash cycle. Then, after getting the exterior cleaned – included RainX and a tire shine – I visit the vacuum cleaners. There is no greater feeling than starting a long road trip with a squeaky-clean vehicle.

On long road trips, it will probably be necessary to do a little cleaning along the way. Car washes are easy enough. Instead of relying on their vacuum cleaners – or paying for them – consider buying the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner . It uses 12v power with a removable collection bin and comes with a nice travel bag.

For an added touch, the Little Trees Vent Wrap Car Air Freshner’s “new car smell” will make your vehicle smell brand new after getting it clean.

Join a roadside rescue plan

Most auto insurance companies and cellular providers offer some sort of roadside assistance rescue plan. If you don’t have the option for either of those, consider buying a AAA membership to access their roadside rescue plan.

At the very least, roadside rescue plans will unlock a vehicle, tow your vehicle to safety, and provide gas in case you run out. Better plans will include longer towing distances and more gas. It’s the one thing you never think about until you need it – so this time, plan ahead.

Road Trip on the Scenic North Carolina Waterfall Byway

Keep up with monthly bills

Only about 40% of Americans use auto pay for monthly bills like utilities and credit card payments – I’m not one of them. One of the biggest mistakes with long road trips that last more than a month is forgetting to take care of those bills before you hit the road or somewhere during the trip.

It’s easy to pay those bills with the home computer with your login information saved, but could you pay those bills on the road with a cellphone or tablet? Be sure to take your login information with you and keep it in a safe location like a locked glovebox or portable security case. Add the due date for any bills to your travel itinerary – and remember that cellular service is not a guarantee everywhere.

Life Pro Trip: Many credit card companies and certain utilities allow you to choose a due date for your monthly bill. Aligning all these bills for the same due date makes it easier to keep up with – especially while you’re traveling.  

Leave room for souvenirs

I know I said “pack everything – including the kitchen sink” earlier, but don’t go overboard and fill the entire vehicle before you hit the road. More than likely, you will want to buy some souvenirs along the way.

Smaller souvenirs like clothing, décor, and Christmas ornaments – my favorite type of souvenir to buy – are easy enough to pack into a bag or tote in the vehicle. But if you buy more oversized items like artwork, glassware, or large gift items, ask the retailer if they can ship them to your home or a relative’s home for safekeeping. Often, the shipping is included, especially in areas of high tourism where they expect the buyers to be non-locals.

Insider Tip: An easy way to keep up with souvenirs on a long road trip is to mail them to a friend or relative. The Flat Rate boxes at the United States Postal Service come in several sizes and are indeed a single flat rate – ranging from about $5-$15 per box – no matter where you ship it in the continental U.S.

Bring your favorite ___________

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Slippers? Or what about a television series you love to watch? Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those with you.

Bringing your favorite items with you on a long road trip can help you feel more at home and relaxed. Instead of missing that perfect coffee mug or comfortable slippers, you’ll feel much better having them with you.

Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity

It’s always good to have a travel itinerary. It’s essential to know the business hours of museums, restaurants, and attractions, so you don’t arrive too late or on a day when they are typically closed. Building an itinerary can help you avoid those frustrations.

However, leave room for spontaneous detours that will inevitably come along during a long road trip. Be prepared for entire destinations to change as your route progresses. Take advice from locals and be willing to give something new a try!

Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Fill all prescriptions and bring extra

For three years, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS/Pharmacy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During the hectic – sometimes chaotic – summer months, we would sometimes fill thousands of prescriptions in a single day. The most common type of prescription was for someone who had left the medication at home.

If you have any kind of regular medication, be sure to pack that for your trip. But for long road trips that last more than 30 days, you might run out while on the road. Make sure your prescription has refills on file with your pharmacy or take a new prescription with you – as long as it is not a controlled substance. If your insurance allows, consider getting two or three months’ worth filled at one time for your long road trip.

Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car

On sunny days during the summer months, vehicles’ internal temperatures can rise 30-40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. When I was a kid, I remember going for a walk to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during a family vacation. When we returned, my mom opened the back of the car to make snacks – only to discover the Cheese Whiz had exploded all over the car!

The high internal temperatures of vehicles can ruin more than just pressurized cans of food. Contact lenses, prescriptions, electronics, and coolers are all susceptible to damage from temperatures over 100 degrees.

You can reduce those internal temperatures by using a windshield sunshade. Close the sunshade on the moonroof. You may even consider buying curtains for the side windows – it’s not as silly as you might think.

Set a daily and final budget

My first road trip adventure of 2021 was a spontaneous, itinerary-free adventure along the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama, across Florida to Vero Beach. After a week exploring that area of Florida, I was considering heading south to Key West for what would have been my first visit. But when I looked at my bank account, my heart hit the floor when I realized my travel budget was at an end.

I’ve never been good at creating or keeping to a travel budget, and that resulted in a road trip cut short. So the better method is to create a daily budget and stick to it. But also give yourself leeway for those rare opportunities to do something awesome and set a final budget for the entire trip.

The advantage of a long road trip is that if you’re on the road long enough, you might just get an extra paycheck while you’re traveling. So how many vacation days do you have saved up for your long road trip?

Only travel by day

Some people only travel at night to avoid any traffic congestion at all – and that’s a good idea. But driving on unfamiliar roads at night poses some safety issues – not to mention what would happen if your vehicle broke down at 3 a.m.

The safest and surest way is to only travel by day. It will be much easier to keep aware of the unfamiliar road ahead, and you’re certain to get roadside assistance faster during normal business hours.

The Ultimate Road Trip on the Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park

Choose the best road trip route

My #1 Rule for Road Trips is no interstate highways. There is just no reason to take a road trip route onto the interstate – you’ll miss everything along the way.

But what is the best road trip route? National scenic byways are a good start – there are dozens across the country. But sometimes, the most scenic or exciting road trip route is just a simple country road connecting interesting destinations. The best way to find those is to ask the locals – they always know the best route.

Document the trip

After returning home from an epic long road trip, it might be difficult to remember precisely where you found that amazing cheeseburger or savory salted caramel ice cream cone or watched that stunning sunset. It can be downright frustrating when you realize you don’t have a single photo to share or any clue where to find the name of that restaurant.

But what exactly does it mean to document the trip? I am not advocating for ten thousand photos plus an additional five thousand selfies from your long road trip. Don’t become one of those people who jump out of the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway just long enough for a selfie and then leave just as quickly.

It starts with the photos. Capture an exterior photo of every restaurant, museum, and attraction you visit – and be sure to include the name of the business. Capture an interior photo and then one or two photos of every meal or activity.

Take a journal. Jot down notes of the places you visit. Feelings. Smells. Sights. Take note of the business name, details of the food you eat, and reaction to museums. Draw pictures and maps, create word maps, put any word to paper that comes to mind. It will all be wonderful to see all the photos and notes again when your long road trip is finished.

Keep in touch with regular updates

One of the most important safety measures you can take during a long road trip is to let someone know where you are and where you are going by the end of the day. Particularly in places where cellular reception could be spotty, it’s good to tell someone that by nightfall, you should be at a particular destination and able to call them again.

That way, if your vehicle breaks down while in a cellular dead zone with little traffic, at least someone knows the route you were driving to send rescue your direction.

5 Responses

Great tips. Do you have a good app that we can use to track how our car is doing. So like we put in the mileage and it does the calculations for us of how many miles to gallon and stuff like that?

The best app I know about is called Mile IQ. It’s meant for contractors who have to keep up with their mileage for bookkeeping, but it works for road trippers as well. Give that a look and let me know if it works~!

Wrote down some of the tips that I want to remember before the trip. Changed the idea of minimizing clothing to being sure to cover (see what I did there) all bases. Like having a warm hoodie even though I am planning a trip, late June, to the South. Having something & not needing it is so much more logical that getting something I already have but not bringing it. Thank you for your tips.

Thank you very much for taking the time to put these tips together! Very helpful!

Great tips, thank you! My son is traveling the month of May on a solo road trip for the first time so wanted to pass these tips on to him!

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32 of the Best Ohio Road Trips to Take this Year! (2024)

By: Author Julie Miller

Posted on Published: September 21, 2023

If you let it, Ohio will surprise you! Ohio road trips will take you to the hills of the Appalachian Mountains, the shores of Lake Erie and the Ohio River. You’ll find caves and caverns, waterfalls and even the world’s largest cuckoo clock!

Every day is an adventure if you choose to explore the world, even if it’s just your own backyard! I fully believe that! There are so many great things to see and do in Ohio and we’ve been spending a lot of years doing just that!

Our home base is the capital city of Columbus, Ohio so we’ve taken many easy day trips from Columbus that require just a short drive. We’ve also traveled further than that, to the corners of the state including small towns in Ohio and the largest cities in the state!

We love to take family vacations to Lake Erie , find waterfalls in Ohio and build sandcastles on Ohio beaches ! There are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Ohio and many hidden gems in Ohio if you take the time to seek them out!

This list of Ohio road trip ideas includes Ohio’s only National Park, several state parks, a donut trail, art museums, theatre, a Little Italy, and so much more! Ohio truly is the Heart of it All !

If you live in Ohio or are planning a visit to Ohio, this list will be a great jumping off point for inspiration for your next trip! Pick one of these Ohio road trips off the list to plan your next adventure!

32 of the Best Ohio Road Trips

Ohio has so much to see and do! What I love about Ohio is that you can really find a variety of scenery from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the shores of one of the largest lakes in the United States!

Ohio has skyscrapers in cities, cornfields in Amish Country and 316 miles of Lake Erie shoreline!

This list of Ohio Road Trip ideas is a great starting point to explore the great state of Ohio!

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio is home to one National Park: Cuyahoga Valley National Park and it's definitely worth visiting! If you're planning a trip to the Cleveland/Akron area, make sure to stop by CVNP!

This blog post features Brandywine Falls which is the tallest waterfall in Ohio and is a popular destination inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Click the link to find out the easiest way to visit Brandywine Falls!

Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills region in Ohio encompasses Hocking County and surrounding towns. It's a gorgeous destination in southeastern Ohio to visit no matter the season!

If you're planning a trip to Hocking Hills, this post will help you discover unique things to do, the best hiking trails in Hocking Hills and where to see breathtaking scenery at every turn!

Hocking Hills is a mecca for outdoor activities, but there are other things to do in Hocking Hills besides hiking, so read on to find out what, where and how to explore this beautiful region in southeast Ohio!

Click the link to plan your road trip to Hocking Hills!

3. Lancaster Ohio

Lancaster, Ohio has a population of around 40,000, a cute, walkable downtown area, nice parks, its own collection of local restaurants and a decent sized mall. So, something for everyone! 

If you like to get outdoors, make sure to hike Mt. Pleasant in Rising Park or check out Wahkeena Nature Preserve!

Click the link to plan a family-friendly trip to Lancaster!

4. Toledo, Ohio

Toledo, Ohio was shaped by it’s proximity to Lake Erie and is home to the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which is definitely worth a visit! There are several sites along Lake Erie that are beautiful to see and nearby Magee Marsh is a hot spot for birdwatching during the spring migration!

There are a lot of fun things to do with kids in Toledo and we’ve just scratched the surface!

Click the link to find out how to plan a family-friendly trip to Toledo, Ohio!

5. Maumee Bay State Park

Maumee Bay State Park is a beautiful Ohio State Park right on Lake Erie! A large beach, great lodge and tons of fun indoor and outdoor activities make this the perfect location for a memorable family-friendly road trip in Ohio!

Maumee Bay State Park is located about 10 miles east of Toledo and about 45 miles from Sandusky. The park has a beach, playground, hiking trails and a great Nature Center!

Click the link to plan your road trip to Maumee Bay State Park!

6. Sandusky, Ohio

Ohio’s Vacationland features roller coasters, beaches, lighthouses and more! Take a road trip to the Sandusky area of Ohio for your perfect Lake Erie vacation!

Sandusky is famous for Cedar Point, one of the largest amusement parks in the world! But there are lots of other fun things to do in Sandusky, too! Beaches, indoor water parks, a Merry Go Round Museum and more!

Click the link to plan your road trip to Sandusky, Ohio!

7. Kelleys Island, Ohio

Our family fell in love with Kelleys Island! Kelleys Island is an island on Lake Erie with a laid-back vibe, beautiful scenery and fun activities for all ages!

Discover a beautiful island with incredible views of Lake Erie, historic homes and natural shorelines full of unique things to do and places to eat! Don't miss the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve, he most famous glacial groves in the world!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Kelleys Island, Ohio!

8. Vermilion, Ohio

With an adorable downtown, a clean beach and tasty treats it’s easy to spend the perfect day on Lake Erie in Vermilion, Ohio! Vermilion is home to one of our favorite  Ohio beaches  and we return again and again when we visit Lake Erie as a family (as I’m sure you will be able to tell from the growth of my children in between some of these photos!)

Why do we love Vermilion? It’s such a quaint, well kept town. Parking is easy. The beach is free. The lagoons are unique. There’s ice cream. And Woodstock Cafe.

Click the link to see how we have spent a day at Main Street Beach in Vermilion, Ohio – year after year!

9. Lake County, Ohio

Lake County, Ohio is about 30 minutes east of Cleveland and borders Lake Erie. It’s home to some of Northeast Ohio’s most beautiful views and Lake Erie’s most popular beaches! Mentor is the largest city in Lake County and makes for a good “home base” for visiting all of the attractions listed in this blog post!

Highlights include The Holden Arboretum, Lake Erie Bluffs, and Headlands Beach, just to name a few!

Click the link to plan a road trip to beautiful Lake County, Ohio!

10. Cleveland, Ohio

There are so many fun things to do in Cleveland, Ohio and it makes for a great Ohio road trip for families looking to explore this great city on Lake Erie!

This blog post includes some of the best things to do in Cleveland, like the Rock Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. It also includes some of the hidden gems that might be easily overlooked if you don’t know where to find them!

We are always visiting our favorites and also seeking out new things to do in Cleveland each time we visit!

Click the link to plan your Ohio road trip to Cleveland!

11. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio is home to over 800,000 people and the greater metropolitan area is over 2 million people! With a vibrant arts scene, sports teams, theatre, a huge foodie scene and The Ohio State University, you can always find SOMETHING fun to do in Columbus!

Browse this list of museums, restaurants, parks, outdoor activities and more to plan your road trip to Columbus, Ohio!

12. Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio

A visit to family friendly Geneva-on-the-Lake makes for a great family vacation in Ohio, especially during the summer!

Plan a stay at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, take a canopy tour, walk The Strip to find donuts, arcades, restaurants and more!

Click the link to plan your trip to Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio!

13. Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Put-in-Bay is on South Bass Island on Lake Erie and our family loves to visit almost every summer! Put-in-Bay is an Ohio road trip that will require a ferry trip! And that's just part of the fun!

Put-in-Bay gets a bad rap as a party island and while there is that element (mostly on weekends) there are a ton of fun things for families and non-partying individuals to do!

Check out this list of fun things to do on Put-in-Bay including state parks, a cool wildlife center, fishing and more!

14. Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio is home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and they also have some great parks and arboretums! The Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens is a must-visit destination with kids!

Other highlights include the Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum and exploring the Oregon District!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Dayton, Ohio!

15. Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs, Ohio is a fun and funky destination that includes unique shopping and dining, Young's Jersey Dairy and Glen Helen Nature Preserve!

Yellow Springs is Ohio’s own “hippy town” – I don’t know if that’s official or if I’m just making up that designation, but you’ll find a lot of alternative and off-the-beaten path shopping and dining in this cute downtown area that is easy to explore on foot!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Yellow Springs, Ohio!

16. Bellefontaine, Ohio

Bellefontaine, Ohio has a cute downtown with mini golf, a highly rated pizza shop, and, of course, coffee!

Plus, it's home to one of the most adorable and inspiring toy stores I have ever been in! While you're in the area, make sure to stop in Marie's Candies, another area shop that has made their mark on Ohio!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Bellefontaine, Ohio!

17. Springfield, Ohio

There is a lot to do in Springfield, Ohio, including the largest of all the caves in Ohio! Springfield is also home to the Hartman Rock Garden, an outdoor art display you just have to see to believe!

Downtown Springfield is home to shopping, restaurants and a weekly farmers market!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Springfield, Ohio!

18. Newark, Ohio

Newark is the county seat of Licking County and the city has a population of just under 50,000 people.

Newark, Ohio offers several attractions for families to enjoy! It would be easy to do several of these things in one day! Highlights include The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology and The Dawes Arboretum!

Click the link to plan your Newark, Ohio itinerary!

19. Lakeside, Ohio

If you’re looking for a slow-paced and peaceful family vacation on the lake, make plans to visit Lakeside, Ohio, a perfectly picturesque town on Lake Erie where there is a little something for everyone in the family!

Lakeside is home to "Ohio's Most Beautiful Mile" and I can't argue with them there!

Lakeside is located on the north side of the Marblehead Peninsula, not far from the Marblehead Lighthouse and the ferry to Put-In-Bay. It is a gated community meaning there is an entrance fee to enter the community but the fee does include many of the activities and events provided at Lakeside.

Click the link to plan a trip to Lakeside, Ohio!

20. Butler County, Ohio

Butler County, just north of Cincinnati is home to a ton of fun things to do like EnterTRAINment Junction, Jungle Jim's International Market and Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Also, Butler County has gained a claim to fame with their Butler County Donut Trail so you must make plans to stop at at least a couple of donut shops on your trip!

Click the link to plan a fun road trip to Butler County, Ohio!

21. Bellevue, Ohio

Bellevue, Ohio is a fun town to explore in the Lake Erie Region! With a great indoor play area, railroad museum and proximity to Lake Erie, there are a lot of fun things to do in Bellevue!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Bellevue, Ohio!

22. Guernsey County, Ohio

Ohio is full of surprises! A family-friendly road trip to Guernsey County, Ohio includes zebras, walks on the beach, glass blowing, donuts and so much more!

Guernsey County is the birthplace of John Glenn and William Boyd (aka Hopalong Cassidy), the location of over 36 sightings of Bigfoot, and home to the largest wildlife conservation center in North America AND the world’s most extensive glass collection! 

If you're planning a trip to The Wilds, make sure to check out what else there is to do on your road trip to Guernsey County, Ohio!

23. Mohican State Park

Mohican State Park is a popular destination in Ohio! Let me start by saying that Mohican State Park is absolutely stunning in the fall. It’s just drop dead gorgeous at every turn! If you can visit in the fall, I highly recommend!

But, you should also know that Mohican is full of summer adventures! I grew up 30 minutes from Mohican State Park and it was the go-to destination for canoeing every summer when I was a teenager! As a kid, we spent summer days boating on Pleasant Hill Lake and as far as I was concerned, Mohican was “the beach”!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Mohican State Park!

24. Dublin, Ohio

There is something in Dublin, Ohio for the whole family! From public art installations, to fun playgrounds to some of the biggest festivals in Central Ohio (and the world!), there is always something fun to do in Dublin, Ohio!

My family has had a lot of fun exploring Dublin! There are a lot of activities on this list that bring back some fun memories: The 12 Elves of Dublin in December, the Fairy Door Trail in the Spring, the kids dipping candy into Chocolate at Kilwins, walking across the Dublin Link for the first time.

Click the link to find some of the top things to do in Dublin, Ohio and plan your own fun road trip!

25. Greene County, Ohio

Greene County is where the Wright Brothers developed aviation and took the first circular flight! It’s also home to several historical landmarks related to the birth of aviation!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Greene County using our itinerary here as a guideline and introduce your family to the incredible role that Ohio played in the development of flight and airplanes!

26. Highland County, Ohio

Highland County is around 65 miles from Columbus and is an easy trip from Central Ohio, Dayton or Cincinnati! It is a scenic county with sprawling cornfields, Amish farms and surprising hills! We even came across a waterfall!

If you’re looking for a rural spot to get away from the fast pace of the city, take a drive to peaceful Highland County and enjoy some of these fun activities, outdoor adventures and tasty treats!

Click the link to plan your own road trip to Highland County, Ohio!

27. Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Tuscarawas County, Ohio is part Amish Country, part Appalachia and full of unique destinations for families to explore!

A trip to this area will transport you to the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, into Amish Country and to the home of some of Ohio’s earliest history.

Spend your time exploring some of Ohio’s oldest religious settlements, learning about the role that railroads and the Ohio & Erie Canal have played in this area of the state, play mini golf and see the world's largest cuckoo clock!

Click the link to plan your trip to Tuscarawas County, Ohio!

28. Marysville, Ohio

Marysville, Ohio is around 35 minutes from downtown Columbus and offers a quaint downtown, apple picking and a super fun playground for kids!

Whether or not it's apple picking season, there are still plenty of fun things to do on a trip to Marysville!

Click the link to plan your Ohio road trip to Marysville!

29. Mount Vernon, Ohio

Mount Vernon, Ohio is just around 1 hour from Columbus has a super cute downtown, a really unique park and the coolest Dog Fountain around!

If you’re looking for a super fun day trip from Columbus, Ohio, look no further than Mt. Vernon, Ohio! The downtown area is so cute and easy to walk around! There lots of things to do in downtown Mount Vernon that will appeal to travelers of all ages!

Click the link to plan your road trip to Mt. Vernon, Ohio!

30. Mansfield, Ohio

Downtown Mansfield makes for a fun day trip in Ohio! There's a carousel, an amazing children's museum and restaurants to enjoy! The Little Buckeye Children's Museum is a GEM and definitely worth a visit if you have kids!

Click the link to plan a road trip to downtown Mansfield, Ohio!

31. Wooster, Ohio

Exciting things can be found in Wooster, Ohio! Uncover hidden gems & must-see spots for an unforgettable visit to Wooster like the super tall slide at Secrest Arboretum, flavored milk at Hartzler's Family Dairy and more!

Click the link to plan an Ohio road trip to Wooster!

32. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is a great destination for a weekend getaway, anniversary celebrations and even day trips with the kids! The Queen City is a great place to explore with the whole family!

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, across from Northern Kentucky, the city is full of fun things to do including amazing playgrounds, The Cincinnati Museum Center, Findlay Market and more!

​Click the link to discover some of the best things to do in Cincinnati!

There are so many Ohio road trip ideas and we are just getting started! I’ll continue to update this list as we explore to make sure to bookmark it so that you can check back when you need a little inspiration for exploring Ohio!

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5 Children's Museums in Ohio Your Kids Will Love

Monday 25th of March 2024

[…] Our family has personally visited each of the children’s museums on this list! Check out these ideas and plan your next Ohio road trip! […]

The Wayward Home

17 Road Trips with Incredible Natural Beauty in the U.S.

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 2, 2024

Ready for an adventure that unveils the breathtaking natural beauty of the United States? The perfect road trip can transform your worldview, taking you through majestic mountains, pristine coastlines, and stunning landscapes. Here are 17 road trips highlighting the best natural wonders across America, ideal for your next journey into the wild.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

If you’re traveling from North Carolina to Virginia or vice versa, the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway spans several mountains. You drive along the mountain ridge, which spins from one national park, Virginia’s Shenandoah, to another, the Great Smoky Mountains. 

If you love nature, this is a road trip worth trying. You can camp at night for a rest stop or check into lodges like Mount Pisgah Lodge or the Craggy Pinnacle. 

2. US Route 1

U.S. Route 1 is the perfect road trip for beachgoers in Florida. The road stretches 545 miles and directly leads toward the ocean. You’ll enjoy scenic views of the sea and pass idyllic towns. You can also stop by dainty restaurants and unique destinations like the Biscayne National Park and St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum. 

3. Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway stretches 655 miles from San Francisco to San Diego, California. Expect to drive for approximately 12 hours and enjoy iconic sites, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Carmel by the Sea, and the Bixby Creek Bridge. Ocean lovers can enjoy the breathtaking sites of the beaches along the way. 

4. Olympic Peninsula Loop

The Olympic Peninsula Loop covers 329 miles in Washington and showcases several types of ecosystems. You can check out Olympic National Park, where you’ll enjoy rainforests, mountains, and waterfalls in one location. This makes this road trip enticing for amateur ecologists. 

5. The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail stretches across several states, including Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. History buffs will love this 2,170-mile road trip because it follows the east-west wagon route immigrant trail. You can visit historic sites and hiking trains and examine displayed prehistoric fossils. 

6. Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass is a gem for budding geologists, especially the mountain pass that goes through the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is 64 miles long and has a 9,945-foot elevation, making it the highest highway in California. From the pass, you can see picturesque views of Mount Dana and Gaylor Peak.

7. Bluebonnet Trail

The Bluebonnet Trail is a 40-mile Texas road trip with Ennis Garden Club’s mapped driving trail for beginners . Bluebonnets are the state’s national flower, and they cover the rolling hills every springtime. If you’re fond of wildflowers, this stunning trail is worth checking out. 

8. Going-to-the-Sun Road

The road trip stretches for 50 miles in Montana and fits perfectly for dedicated hikers. It is filled with towering mountains, gorgeous glaciers, and stunning valleys. The trail boasts classic sites like Montana’s Glacier National Park, the Continental Divide, and the Hidden Lake Overlook. 

9. Big Island Loop Road

The Big Island Loop Road in Hawaii stretches from Kailua-Kona to Mauna Kea and takes around 7 hours to complete. The 300-mile adventure lets you choose your own fun: hike across volcanic craters, cool off at black sand beaches, or spy a fiery peek into Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

10. Lake Superior Drive

If you love water, Lake Superior Drive is perfect for you. You will cross three states, including Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. For the entirety of the 1,300-mile trip, you’ll come across one of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. Besides the serene waters, you will also see the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Split Rock Lighthouse. 

11. Grand Circle Route

If you like national parks, the Grand Circle Route is a good choice. It runs for 1,000 miles, mostly in Utah and a little of Arizona. It features five great national parks: the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Arches National Parks. 

Visit each park and dedicate at least two days to exploring them fully. You won’t regret spending time on the desert landscapes and hiking trails . 

12. Avenue of the Giants

The Avenue of the Giants stretches 31 miles in Northern California and fits tree aficionados well. The state is home to imposing redwoods and the well-known Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Start early when exploring the forest since it tends to get crowded fast. 

13. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

If you want a relaxing road trip , the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is for you. The Ohio-based trail is 26 miles long and filled with stunning natural visuals, especially during autumn, when the gorgeous foliage is formed. 

It’s not a long drive, so stop at Conkle’s Hollow Upper Rim Trail. You can also stay in the cave, which has been transformed into a cabin. 

14. Route 66

Route 66 is one of the longest road trips, stretching 2,448 miles and passing through several states including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. 

The road trip is iconic, as it’s one of the first highways built in the country.

15. Kancamagus Highway

Exploring the 36-mile Kancamagus Highway, which runs from New Hampshire to New England, is the perfect autumn activity . On the road trip, you’ll see picturesque scenes dominated by yellow, gold, orange, and red foliage. To complete this experience, stop by the White Mountains and follow the Lincoln Woods Trail. 

16. Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska

The Alaskan road trip stretches 300 miles from Anchorage to Valdez. The trail is great for those who want to get to know the state uniquely. You can visit several sites, including waterfalls and some historical locations. You can also view Alaska’s unique wildlife, such as the Musk Ox and Dali Sheep. 

17. Hana Highway Road Trip

This road trip covers 52 miles of Maui’s eastern coast from Kahului to Hana, Hawaii. It will take you 2 and a half hours to traverse this popular Hawaiian highway fully. The road has many curves and bridges, along with the rainforests and cascading waterfalls you’ll fully enjoy. 

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The 46 Best Podcasts for Your Next Road Trip or Long Flight

The podcasts to listen to on your next long drive or plane ride, whether you’re a history nerd, traveling with kids, or just in need of a true-crime fix..

• Copy Link copied

What takes a road trip from good to great? Hours and hours of top-notch podcasts.

Design by Elizabeth See

Summer is made for long leisurely travels: road trips, week-long beach sojourns, multi-country hops. It’s also made for binge-listening some of the most creative, funniest, and thought-provoking podcasts being produced right now.

But there are a lot of podcasts out there. And the big podcast players only surface a handful, based on algorithms and newsworthiness, not necessarily what best suits you, your friends, or your family.

So we’ve done the work for you. Now that you’ve planned your adventure (or maybe not!), here are some of the best podcasts out there, all perfect for your next extended road trip or plane ride, whether you love a good murder mystery, need a family-friendly listen, or want to laugh for miles.

If you like going to unexpected places

Explore curiosities of the world, download the AFAR podcast, and more.

Images courtesy National Park After Dark and AFAR

1. The Atlas Obscura Podcast

• Listen Now : Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Did you know you can visit Hitler’s toilet in a New Jersey car repair shop? Or that there’s a 7-Eleven convenience store in Baltimore, Maryland, marking where the Ouija board was invented? These are the strange facts you’ll glean from the 15-minute-or-less episodes of the daily Atlas Obscura podcast, which also ties classic episodes to current events and does the occasional deep dive into travel’s obscurities.

2. Travel Tales by AFAR

• Listen Now : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In season five of Travel Tales by AFAR , we hit the road again. Travel to northern Canada with a polar bear expert, learn what it was like to cycle across the United States with no money or food, and explore the world of rewilding in Argentina. Our podcast is your ticket to the world—no passport required.

3. Unpacked

In Unpacked by AFAR —our second podcast —we explore life’s big questions. In season three, we unpack eclipse travel, budgeting, building confidence around foreign languages, and much more. Watch for our new series, “Unpacking,” where we dive into cities around the world, including Toronto, Albuquerque, and Madison, Wisconsin. Through a mix of interviews and personal stories, we delve into your deepest travel dilemmas. Because the world is complicated. We’re here to help you unpack it .

4. Outside Podcast

• Listen Now : Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Adventurers yearning to learn about epic rescues, endurance athletes, and what it’s really like to be on Naked and Afraid should tune into this weekly podcast from the team at Outside magazine. In the most recent season, the podcast asks if whales are really gentle giants, why cats are taking over New York City, and if golf can be an endurance sport, among many other fascinating topics.

5. Jump With Traveling Jackie

Jackie is the vivacious host of this long-running podcast, on which she discusses her own travel and brings in guests for tips and conversation. Some of Jackie’s most powerful episodes feature unpolished narration from outside the studio in which she explores her own feelings and experiences on the road, whether walking through Jordan or exploring the truck camper life. Dedicating an hour to each topic allows for a deep and expansive dive.

6. National Park After Dark

If Lore was only about stories that had taken place in U.S. national parks , it would sound like this. Hosts Danielle and Cassie are friends who tell each other true tales set in the parks, such as the horrific medical care given at the Battle of Gettysburg, a runner who mysteriously disappeared in Shoshone National Forest, and Diana of the Dunes, a woman who left society to live off the land in what is now Indiana Dunes National Park.

7. Wander Your Way

A classic weekly podcast with a host (Lynne Nieman) who seems to have been everywhere across the pond. She shares excellent travel tips, but her specialty is pointing listeners to the off-the-beaten-path destinations. With Lynn, you’ll visit the Scottish stone circle site Killmartin Glen instead of Stonehenge, and Umbria instead of Tuscany in Italy. A particularly great listen for those who’ve already been to the tourist traps.

If you like fiction

Dive into fictional worlds, from a world where sleep kills to a desert town where every conspiracy theory is true.

Images courtesy Welcome to Night Vale and the Edge of Sleep

8. Welcome to Night Vale

One of the best-known fiction podcasts, about a desert town where every conspiracy theory is true , Welcome to Night Vale has been described as “Lake Woebegone as told by Stephen King.” Twelve years in, the series—which has spawned several books and a fervent fan base—is still going strong at almost 250 episodes! Two drop each month.

9. Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books

Zibby Owens is a publishing powerhouse who posts author interviews five times a week. She focuses on books that will appeal to the mom demographic but she casts a wide net, showcasing historical fiction, general interest nonfiction, and self-help as well as the big events in publishing. Each episode introduces listeners to an author and their process, sparking interest in books widely available, making that next to trip to the library or bookstore even more fun.

10. LeVar Burton Reads

• Listen Now : Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Lovers of short fiction should check out LeVar Burton Reads. Yes, THE LeVar Burton, of Reading Rainbow, Roots, Jeopardy! , and Star Trek fame, whose velvety warm voice encouraged youngster millennials and Gen Z-ers to embrace their love of reading. For each of his 150-plus episodes, he selects a short story he loves and reads it, in episodes that last up to an hour, with immersive audio effects: the snaps of twigs in the woods, the snarl of traffic on a New York City street.

11. Birds of Empire

From Qcode Media comes a fictional podcast set in New Dakota in 15,000 C.E., thousands of years after the fall of human civilization. Four heroes arise, from the tribes of what was once South Dakota, one each from the Wolves, the Bears, the Rams, and the Birds, powered by the myths of the world as it was, seeking what it could come to be. As that description implies, this podcast, now entering its second season, is perfect for fantasy lovers.

If it’s all about the comedy (and culture)

12. don’t ask tig.

Beloved comedian Tig Notaro offers a kind of anti-advice show: She constantly reminds listeners not to ask her for advice and yet they continue to do so, asking questions that range from the silly (Help! I don’t like tea—how do I turn it down?) to the more profound (Help! My mother wants to move in with us. What do I do?). Then she and her celebrity guests give answering them their best shot, anyway.

13. Las Culturistas

Powered by a recent viral Tina Fey appearance, Las Culturistas is hipper than ever. Since 2016, comedians Matt Rogers and SNL ’s Bowen Yang have hosted hundreds of episodes, mixing deep dives into pop culture, fun bickering, celebrity guests, and plenty of criticism (such as the recurring minute-long game “I Don’t Think So, Honey!” about frustrating social and cultural phenomena).

14. Pop Culture Happy Hour

When you need a quick hit of cultural insight, whether it’s an overview of a new movie or TV show, or a read on the newest Taylor Swift re-recording, NPR’s weekday review show will help. A rotating array of hosts with unexpected opinions keeps it fresh, and they shake up the round-table format often enough to keep it an engaging daily listen. Episodes never top 30 minutes.

15. You Are Good

Hosts Sarah Marshall (of You’re Wrong About fame) and Alex Steed discuss popular movies of the last 50 years from a fan’s perspective, leading to thoughtful (and funny) discussions of topics that are cultural, personal, and metaphysical. Marshall and Steed are joined by a writer or fellow podcaster who chooses a favorite film to discuss—topics have included Everything Everywhere All at Once , Newsies , and Jesus Christ Superstar.

16. How Did This Get Made?

In this Earwolf podcast, three popular comedians (Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas) ask the titular question about recent films. Their famous, funny friends, like Nicole Byer, Cameron Esposito, and Joel Kim Booster, stop by to help analyze “classics” like Road House and Fifty Shades of Grey. Let’s just say that these folks don’t talk like they want to keep working in Hollywood.

17. Talk Art

British actor Russell Tovey and gallerist Robert Diament talk to artists, art fans, and other folks connected to visual art, including big names like Ryan Murphy and Judy Chicago, in hour-long episodes. The unique combination of Tovey’s appreciation for artists of another genre and Diament’s art world experience makes for a winning and educational show.

18. Go Fact Yourself

This hilarious podcast is also a game show that’s recorded live twice a month. Hosts J. Keith Van Strataan and Helen Hong quiz a visiting celebrity (such as Drew Carey) on their self-proclaimed area of expertise (in Carey’s case, the conversation drills down on game shows). In about an hour, you’ll be charmed by the quick wit and erudition. There are some 150 episodes to keep you entertained.

19. If Books Could Kill

Ever wonder if those airport pop-psychology bestsellers are worth your time? Hosts Michael Hobbes ( Maintenance Phase) and Peter Shamshiri ( 5-4 Podcast) are here to tell you that those books are most definitely not. Each episode is a witheringly smart and funny read of such tomes as Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In. While their obvious hatred for these books drives the show, Hobbes and Shamshiri’s hilarious, discursive, and digressive banter is what makes the trip fun.

If you like interviews

Listen to conversations about earworms from the 1990s and navigating the world as women of color.

Images courtesy Latina to Latina and 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s

20. Ologies

Tune in to science journalist Alie Ward’s fascinating conversations with various researchers who specialize in the “-ology” of each episode. Lately, they’ve delved into ancient Rome, black holes, and capybaras! She also includes “Smologies” in the feed, which are 15 to 30–minute bite-size shows (compared to the hour-plus full episodes) and a good way for new listeners to dig in.

21. Latina to Latina

Journalist and host Alicia Menendez welcomes Latinas like activist Paula Ávila-Guillén, actor Gina Rodriguez, and former U.N. General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces to talk about life, challenges, and successes while navigating the world as women of color. Latina to Latina ’ s weekly half-hour episodes have been running since April 2018 so there are plenty to choose from.

22. WTF with Marc Maron

Launched all the way back in 2009, this OG podcast remains vital. Comedian Maron’s in-depth interviews with famous guests are funny, compelling, and revealing. The guest list is more diverse these days: Hong Chau, Michelle Yeoh, Lily Gladstone, and Radhika Jones have appeared on the show in recent seasons.

23. 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s

The Ringer staff writer Rob Harvilla wrapped up his exploration into the music that made the 1990s earlier this year. Each episode focused on a classic, like “Whoop! There It Is!” or “Semi-Charmed Life.” (Sorry for the earworms!) Harvilla always included an interview with someone connected to the song, from super-fans who love the artist to music producers who explained why a song is particularly compelling. But the real appeal remains Harvilla’s own heartfelt memories of how these songs shaped him.

Host Cameron Esposito is a comedian and queer activist. In each episode of this now-concluded podcast, they sit down with a fascinating guest to discuss LGBTQ+ issues. From figure skater Adam Rippon to actor/comedian Mae Martin, the guest list is wide-ranging and touches on most aspects of queer identity. Stand-out episodes include a visit from astrologer Chani Nicholas (who discusses Esposito’s birth chart) and drag queen Trixie Mattel (who talks about Provincetown and peeing while dressed in drag). Because the show has finished its run, it feels like a completed body of work.

25. Normal Gossip

Host Kelsey McKinney welcomes a guest to share, discuss, debate, and laugh at a story of utterly banal (and yet somehow deeply juicy) reader-submitted gossip, such as a years-long family contretemps over . . . what to call Grandma? Each episode is equal parts hilarious and confounding and truly leaves no aspect of the gossip undiscussed.

If You’re Traveling With Kids

Among the top podcast for kids are two that place girls firmly at the center, including Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and the Story Seeds Podcast .

Images courtesy Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and Story Seeds

26. WOW in the World

From Tinkercast, and supported by NPR, WOW in the World is an educational kids show cohosted by Guy Raz and author Mindy Thomas. Learn about black holes, supergerms, AI, and more in every episode, which hits the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of the day’s theme in a tone best suited for elementary grades.

27. The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

This very long-running series—it launched in 2004 and now has 800 episodes—is like an old-timey radio program crossed with Mystery Science Theater 3000 , then given an educational spin. In every episode, Dr. Floyd tries to foil the villain Dr. Steve . . . and laughs (and learning) happen along the way. The evocation of radio sound effects from another era is particularly delightful. And it’s fun for all ages!

28. Who, When, Wow!

An engaging look at obscure historical stories, hosted by “aspiring time travel detective” Carly Q. Recent episodes dug deep into the mysterious disappearance of bank robber D. B. Cooper and why the pineapple is a symbol of welcome. Episodes run about a half-hour and are perfect for kids ages eight and up. The podcast website provides additional activities, too.

29. A Way with Words

Slang, new words, dialects, grammar, and word games are a few of the topics that journalist Martha Barnette and lexicographer Grant Barrett discuss on their long-running podcast. They answer callers’ questions about words, discuss vocabulary that’s appeared in the news, and ponder linguistic curiosities from around the world. While not specifically designed for children, the pair have created a fun, educational, and family-friendly show.

30. Ear Snacks

Roughly once a month, Andrew and Polly pick a topic (fruit! space!) and write a 30-minute episode around it, including original songs. A recent episode exploring colors, rainbows, and the Holi holiday is a true standout . The New York Times says this is one of the best podcasts for kids, and it’s hard to argue with the guaranteed happy ear worms the duo produces—there’s a reason why they’ve been nominated for Grammys.

31. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

These 20-minute-ish episodes featuring narration about the lives of inspiring women are a good listen for kids ages six and up and for grown-ups, too. It’s a self-described “fairy-tale podcast” that explores famous figures like Frida Kahlo , Harriet Tubman, and Celia Cruz. A recent miniseries called “Growing Up Powerful” teaches wellness through several lenses.

32. Brains On!

American Public Media’s science podcast is for curious kids (and adults). Each episode poses an intriguing question—Do plants sleep? How do hearing aids work? Why do we have friends?—and spends a half-hour or so answering it. The series does a good job of publishing in tune with current events, such as a solar eclipse episode this past April.

If you like true crime

33. think twice.

This 10-episode podcast exploring Michael Jackson’s complicated life and myriad controversies is hosted by journalist Leon Neyfakh and hip-hop commentator Jay Smooth, who work through their own complex feelings about the artist and accused child molester. Managing to be both compassionate and hard-hitting, the series will shake your convictions about Jackson, whatever they may be.

34. Last Seen

After spending their first season exploring the famous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist in Boston, the hosts of Last Seen (all Boston Globe or WBUR journalists) have turned their attention to other mysterious local cases. Each episode takes a deep dive into a particular event or person, from a murder in Haitian Boston to the “Jesse James of New England Community Theatre.” No prior knowledge of Boston is required. Just listen.

As concepts for podcasts go, a show in which a hairstylist and an autopsy technician poke around crime and its many related topics is already a winner. Hosts Ash and Alaina are relatives and friends, both obsessed with the, well, morbid. Each episode is a spellbinding mix of goofy humor, genuine creepiness, and assertive knowledge. Check out the recent episode about the death of Steven Robards for proof. Turns out, his teenage daughter killed him. But was it an accident—or murder?

36. Stuff the British Stole

This popular Australian podcast from the CBC has the tagline: “Throughout its reign, the British Empire stole a lot of stuff.” From that winning premise, the completed series explains why so many treasures from so many other countries ended up in the British Museum and other sites throughout the United Kingdom. Journalist Marc Fennell digs into stories as varied as the real life of Pocahontas (who was infamously stolen by the British, in a sense, from the then-American colonies) and that of an Ethiopian prince—buried on the grounds of Windsor Castle, after he was kidnapped from his home country—with a delightfully cheeky tone.

37. The Murder in My Family

For a different perspective on true crime, try this powerful show, which focuses on the families of murder victims. In each episode, a family member shares the story of how their loved one’s death has affected them. Their ongoing attempts to understand and accept what has happened makes for riveting listening, and the hour-long episodes allow for a more nuanced view.

38. Ridiculous Crime

For those who prefer true crime without all that murder business, we have a podcast for you. Hosts Zaron Burnett and Elizabeth Dutton share hour-long episodes of, yes, ridiculous crimes. Con artists, jewelry thieves, and bank robbers all get their hilarious due. Recent episodes unpacked the weird reasons musicians get arrested and the tiger king of Harlem, who raised a tiger (and a few other wild animals) in his fifth-floor New York City apartment.

If you like stories about famous people

39. comments by celebs.

Specializing in people who are famous (and famous for being famous), this podcast thrives on of-the-moment celebrity gossip, with a heavy emphasis on the Kardashians and any breaking news in the world of Taylor Swift. Hosts Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer are experts on these celebs and provide context and even nuance around the doings of the Vanderpumps, Paris Hilton, Megan Fox, and many other people whose names you know even if you don’t quite know why.

40. Super Soul

Still miss Oprah on your TV? Well, great news: she’s got a podcast, and it feels pretty perfect to listen to her soulful explorations in audio form. The show is meant to help listeners connect with their inner lives and the world around them. Oprah personally selects episodes from her collection of interviews with celebrities, authors, wellness experts, and world leaders—such as Deepak Chopra and Shirley MacLaine—to help you access your best self.

41. Office Ladies

Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer (who played Angela and Pam, respectively, on the sitcom The Office ) are also real-life BFFs. On this warm, cozy show, they discuss each episode of the series—they’re now on Season 9!—sharing both behind-the-scenes details and thoughtful analysis. Their banter is warm and delightful, making this a fun choice even for folks who never got into the show, and the occasional guest star from the series dials up the fun.

If you’re a history buff

Dive into the archives of the Smithsonian, dig into juicy scandals, and explore historical events with comedians.

Images courtesy Crash Course Black American History and Sidedoor

42. You’re Wrong About

Hindsight is 20/20—and it’s particularly interesting to revisit the events and public figures of the past with a modern perspective. That’s how host Sarah Marshall approaches her podcast , which reconsiders topics like the Terry Schiavo case, Yoko Ono and the Beatles, and an ongoing, discursive exploration of the O.J. Simpson case. Adventurer Blair Braverman is their “survival correspondent,” and in a recent episode, they took a close look at the Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed into the Andes—it’s spellbinding listening.

43. Sidedoor

The Smithsonian has more than 157 million artifacts in its collection, and its Sidedoor podcast offers the best possible insider access. Host Lizzie Peabody invites listeners in, speaking with scientists, artists, historians, and others to explore topics like the world’s oldest winery, the life of hip-hop artist J Dilla, and an ingenious machine that harvests algae and converts it to biomass—which could one day power your iPhone. Another plus? It’s family friendly.

44. Slow Burn

Slate’s astoundingly well-researched long-form narrative series has looked at Watergate, the Clinton impeachment, the Biggie-Tupac beef, and the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court hearings. Each season, a different host builds a fascinating, multi-layered look at the topic, bringing in key voices through interviews. No matter what you think you already know about the subject, you’re sure to learn more. Next up? The Briggs Initiative (season nine, launching in May) and the rise of Fox News (season 10, out in late 2024).

45. Crash Course Black American History

Writer Clint Smith hosts this 50-episode podcast, which wrapped at the end of 2022. It provides a nuanced and comprehensive history class on Black America in relatively short (15 minutes long) episodes. Smith starts with the arrival of the first enslaved people to what would become the United States and concludes with the Black Lives Matter movement.

46. The British History Podcast

Setting out on a lengthy road trip? Start at the beginning of this 430-plus-episode (and growing) podcast. Host and writer Jamie Jeffers continues to make his stately, and fascinating, way through British history. He began with the end of the last ice age and recently arrived at Prince Robert’s rebellion against his father, William the Conqueror, in the 11th century. In other words: There are miles to go before the sun sets on the British Empire.

This story originally published in 2018. It was most recently on May 1, 2024, to include current information.

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20 of the best road trips in Europe

Europe is a continent best known for amazing public transportation. Seriously, the rail network and bus connections over there put the US to shame. However, this limits your trip, as not every site or adorable town or viewpoint is located conveniently on the train line or near a bus stop. So, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best road trips around Europe.

Romantic Road, Germany

This route weaves through two southern provinces, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg,  and follows an old Roman road. You’ll enjoy stunning views in the Bavarian Alps, storybook castles like Neuschwanstein, and medieval towns like Rothenburg de Tauber.

Alsace Wine Route, France

One of the original wine routes in France, Alsace is ideal throughout the year. You’ll stop at numerous wineries between Mulhouse and Strasbourg. Additionally, many other fairytale villages, such as Colmar and Riquewihr, are included.

Istria Peninsula, Croatia

Istria is one of the few parts of Croatia that can still be considered a true hidden gem, as the masses have yet to descend. The beaches, wineries, hilltop towns, and olive oil producers are best visited via car. Base yourself in Pula or Rovinj and take day trips!

The Northwest Coast, France

Brittany and Normandy are some of the most underrated coastal regions in Europe. White sand beaches and turquoise waters await, with none of the crowds of the south. Start in Rennes and head west to Dinan, Saint-Malo, and Dinard. Then head north to Cancale and before stopping at the straight-from-Disney Mont St Michel. End your trip at the D-Day beaches.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

This 1,600-mile route would be ambitious to complete on a single trip. It stretches from Kinsale in the south along the west coast all the way to Malin Head. Most people complete one or two sections at a time.

Southern Albania

Thanks to electric blue waters and stunning cliffs, Albania has blown up on social media in recent years. And all those stunning beaches you see on Instagram? They’re located in the southern part of the country. So rent a car in Tirana and head to Vlorë, then continue south with stops in Dhërmi, Himarë, Sarandë, and Ksamil.

Dalmatia Coast & Montenegrin Coast, Croatia/Montenegro

Travelers flock to southern Croatia for a reason: it’s amazing. Rent a car in Split or Dubrovnik, take a ferry to an island, check out Zadar and Cavat, and then head to Montenegro. Must-sees in this country include Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Budva.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

It would be almost criminal to leave Italy’s most iconic stretch of coast off this list. And it’s best explored by car if you can stomach the narrow roads and occasional street cliffside drop-offs. Start in Salerno and head to the town of Amalfi before heading to Ravello, Positano, and Sorrento.

Villages de Caractère Drôme/Ardèche, France

These two neighboring regions in central-southern France are home to many “Villages de Caractère” (basically an official title designating them as cute), castles, wineries, and hikes. Rent a car in Valence or Montélimar, then head west to Aubenas, the entry point for the Regional Ardche Park. Return to the Drôme via Vallon Pont d’Arc and make sure to hike among the natural arches. Then check out Alba (Roman ruins), Grignan, and Nyons.

Benelux, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

These three small Western European countries are best covered in a vehicle. Fly into Amsterdam and pick up a car. Explore the Netherlands before continuing south to Belgium and ending in Luxembourg.

Northern Lakes, Italy

Start in Milan and hit up all the major lakes in northern Italy, from glamorous Lake Como to less pretentious but still lovely Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, plus plenty of other small ones. You’ll delight in the Italian mountain scenery!

West Coast, Sweden

Sweden’s west coast is a beautiful part of the country, with amazing cities such as Malmo and Gothenburg. However, plenty of smaller towns, beaches, and lakes await you in this epic part of the country.

Cotswold, UK

This storybook part of the United Kingdom is full of adorable thatched cottages, scenic walking routes, and villages plucked from a Miss Marple episode. The towns are best explored with a car but can also be walked between if you’re keen on some hiking!

Ring Road, Iceland

The Ring Road is a well-trodden (or, in this case, driven) tourist route for a reason. You’ll hit up all the best sites in the country: cascading waterfalls, glacier beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Just be prepared to share the roads with lots of other tourists!

Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

This mountain route through the Carpathian Mountains is breathtaking at every turn. Just be mindful of the speed limit, as you’ll need to go slow at many points due to curves and landscape preservation.

Basque Country, Spain and France

This unique part of both countries is perfect for those looking for something different. Begin in Bilbao and drive north with stops in San Sebastian, the Pyrenees Mountains, and Bordeaux. As a bonus, plenty of amazing wine is available to sample along the way (once you’ve finished driving for the day, of course.)

Atlantic Road, Norway

This beautiful drive along the Atlantic Ocean in Norway is great if you’re not looking for a major road trip. It’s only a few miles long but crosses bridges with the ocean on either side and has amazing views of fjords and mountains.

The Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

Greece is often thought of as a sea-oriented trip, thanks to the ease of island-hopping via ferry. However, if you want to explore the mainland, a car is the easiest way to get around, especially the historic Peloponnese Peninsula. Home to Nafplio, Sparta, and numerous ancient sites, it’s the ideal place for a road trip.

European Alps, Austria, Switzerland, and France

This route is ideal for mountain lovers, whether you want to complete it in the winter and ski along the way or wait until summer to hike your way through it. Start in Vienna and grab a rental car, then head west to Salzburg, Austria’s gateway to the Alps. Continue to Innsbruck before crossing into Switzerland and, finally, France.

Wine Country to the Med, Slovenia

Slovenia is a great country for a road trip as it is compact but diverse in its small area. Start in Maribor in the east before heading west to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Spend a few days hiking in Triglav Nation Park before turning south to Piran on the coast. Then return to the capital, Ljubljana, to end your trip!

Sydney is a writer and language nerd from Seattle. She’s lived in Sydney, Montreal, and Luxembourg and is always on the lookout for her next adventure. When she isn’t downing another cup of coffee or conjugating verbs, you can find her in the mountains or near the water. She writes about travel, lifestyle, and language all over the internet. 

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Dream 4-Car Garages And Nightmare Road Trips In This Week's QOTD Round Up

Dream 4-car garages and nightmare road trips in this week's qotd round up, a collection of our best posts of the week in qotd.

These Are Your Picks For The Most Influential Car Design Of All Time

Discussing car design is difficult. How do you define the most influential car? You’re trying to rank art , which is kind of topic that get you disinvited from future dinner parties at your snobby coworker’s loft . Still, Andy asked you to try last week , and today we’re parsing through your responses. Some of you have very interesting ideas of influence. - Amber DaSilva Read More

These Are The Worst Car Maintenance Tasks You’ve Ever Attempted

It’s always fun learning something new, whether that’s mastering a few chords on the guitar (why yes, I am teaching myself guitar thanks for asking) or attempting to fix something fiddly on your car . But some tasks are harder than others, so we wanted to find out what the worst wrenching you could attempt might be. - Owen Bellwood Read More

What’s Your Dream Four-Car Garage?

Everyone has a dream garage, the set of vehicles you’d pick out if money were no object. But if you start to place budget restrictions , size limits , or both on a dream garage, you start to see what a person truly values. This week, we’re placing a very broad limit on your dream garage. You can have any vehicles, for any price, but you can only pick four to keep for the rest of your life. What’s your dream four-car garage? - Amber DaSilva Read More

These Are Your Dream Four Car Garages

I love a good daydream . Everyday life can just be so boring and constricting . It’s good to let the ol’ noggin run wild for a little bit, fantasizing about the things we want if we lived in a different world . That’s sort of what led us to our question from Monday. - Andy Kalmowitz Read More

These Are The Worst Things That Ever Happened To You On A Road Trip

We all love road trips . We’ve all been on some incredible road trips. And if you live in the U.S. and haven’t yet driven coast-to-coast , you’re really missing out. You truly can’t understand just how big the U.S. is until you’ve driven from one ocean to the other, nor can you truly understand how empty some parts of this country are until you’ve driven through them. - Collin Woodard Read More

What Lame Car Did You Love When You Were A Kid?

Growing up as a car enthusiast means you usually go through phases of different cars or car segments that you like. Like styles of clothes, usually you end up looking back on some of the cars and thinking “What the hell was I thinking?” - Lawrence Hodge Read More

These Are The Irrational Driving Fears That Haunt Jalopnik Readers

If you really think about it, the act of driving is terrifying: Our frail bags of human flesh control massively heavy and complex pieces of machinery alongside other frail bags of human flesh doing the exact same thing. Any number of things could go wrong at any time. Throw in the very human issue of irrational fears , and you’ve got a heady cocktail of anxiety every time you hit the road. This week, we asked the fine readers of Jalopnik about their irrational driving fears , and y’all provided some exceptional answers. - Elizabeth Blackstock Read More

What’s The Worst Thing That’s Happened To You On A Road Trip?

When road trips go right, you can make some incredible memories. Just you and a buddy or 14 (we rented a 15-passenger van for that one) driving down the open road, loaded up on junk food, stopping at roadside attractions, and taking in sights and landmarks you never would have seen otherwise — what could possibly be better than that? - Collin Woodard Read More

What’s Your Most Irrational Driving Fear?

When I was a kid, my family took me to a drive-through “ safari ” somewhere up in Canada as part of our family vacation. During that safari, a big-ass monkey jumped on top of our car; as someone in the under-five age demographic, that was the most terrifying thing to ever happen to me. From that day on, I’ve carried an irrational fear that something will leap up onto the roof of my car while I’m driving. But that’s just me; what are your irrational driving fears ? - Elizabeth Blackstock Read More

What’s The Most Essential Part Of Your Spring Car Care Routine?

Well folks, we made it! The time seems to have finally come where the weather starts warming up and we shed our winter coats for our spring finest. It’s been an intense winter for many of us, and many of our cars have been locked away to spare them from the harsh salty conditions of winter. Now though, it’s time to wake the convertible or the classic in your garage from its hibernation and get it ready for sunny drives through lush green backdrops that were snowy and bare in days not long past. - Logan Carter Read More

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Moscow to Ryazan via Elektrostal

Moscow to ryazan road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moscow to Ryazan. If you're planning a road trip to Ryazan, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Moscow drive for about 1 hour

12:07 pm   Elektrostal stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:07 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

3:47 pm  arrive in Ryazan

driving ≈ 4 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Elektrostal

What are some things to do in Ryazan?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Ryazan.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Ryazan to Moscow drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Moscow to Ryazan . Or get a full Moscow to Ryazan flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Moscow well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Moscow!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Moscow to Ryazan

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

A retired Microsoft exec and his wife fell in love with RVing during the pandemic. Now he's using AI to help you plan your next road trip.

• Scott Lengel, a former Microsoft CTO, launched an AI-powered RV road trip planner, AdventureGenie.
• He said when he got into RVing during the pandemic, he couldn't find a great planning tool.
•  AdventureGenie recommends custom routes, campsites, and activities based on user preferences.

Scott Lengel and his wife, Lisa, were Marriott people.

After spending 23 years as a CTO at Microsoft , Lengel retired in 2017, at which point he and his wife knew they wanted to travel the world. They visited places like Cambodia, Vietnam, and India, typically traveling by plane and staying in hotels — often Marriotts.

Then the pandemic hit.

Suddenly, they were stuck at home in South Carolina. That's when the couple realized, "We really haven't seen the good old US of A."

Up until that point, they'd never even been camping .

"We figured if ever there was a time to go RVing, to go camping, this would be it," Lengel told Business Insider.

So they rented an RV and set off for Nashville with a couple of good friends. "We just had a blast," Lengel said. "Hanging around the campsite and the campfire and eating and beverages, and just the camaraderie. We just fell in love with the lifestyle of camping in one week."

Within six months, they purchased an RV of their own and started taking it all over. But when the couple tried to plan a six-week, multi-stop road trip to the national parks of the Southwest, they realized it was actually pretty challenging and that the existing resources were not great.

"There has to be a better way," they thought.

A couple of years later, in May 2023, Lengel launched AdventureGenie — an AI-powered RV trip planner. Lengel, who serves as chairman and CEO, said that in less than a year, AdventureGenie has attracted more than 10,000 users, and not just RVers, but also people traveling in cars on all kinds of road trips.

AI can customize trip planning

AdventureGenie is one of many AI-powered trip-planning tools that have popped up over the past couple of years. It's been featured on lists of the best RV- and road-trip planning AI tools.

Related stories

AdventureGenie is set up to help people plan their trips in three phases, which Lengel said was based on talking to thousands of people about how they plan their trips.

First, you can shape your trip. You can tell AdventureGenie things like where you want to start, where you want to end, how many miles you want to drive in a day, and any places you know you want to stop along the way. AdventureGenie will create a custom route based on your preferences and what the program knows about you, either from what you've told it or from past trips you've planned.

Second, you can select your campsites. AdventureGenie uses AI to compile information about campsites and make recommendations based on your preferences. In addition to generating an overall score on a campsite, AdventureGenie also generates a score that is unique to you, indicating how likely a specific campground is to meet your personal needs.

Third, is finding things to do. For instance, if it knows you like eating at local restaurants, hiking, and biking, as Lengel and his wife do, it can point out those attractions.

The biggest thing AI brings to AdventureGenie's trip planning is the customization, Lengel said. Instead of looking up a generic road trip planner that is the first hit served to everyone on Google, AdventureGenie can create itineraries that are unique to you.

"It feels as if you have a copilot or a travel planner sitting by your side and knows what you're looking for and customizes it for you," Lengel said.

He said that when RVers first use AdventureGenie the "jaw-dropping" moment for them is when it fills in the blanks on a trip with stops along the way.

In the past, if you wanted to road trip from South Carolina to Yellowstone, you'd have to look at a map and try to plot out stops based on how many miles a day you want to drive. But you'd also have to manually figure out whether those stops have campsites that suit your needs, or if they have any other attractions that make them worth passing through, or how far off the highway they are.

Lengel said new AdventureGenie users often say it saves them so much time planning their trip just by filling in their route.

"That's pretty darn rewarding for us," he said.

From Microsoft to tech startup

Lengel, who came out of retirement to launch AdventureGenie, said working on this startup has been a major change of pace from his days at Microsoft, which he also loved.

"We're a startup at our core, and it's a lot different than when I was working for an organization that had 150,000 employees and an incredible budget," he said. "We all wear lots of hats, which has been exciting, thrilling, and even challenging from time to time."

These days, he and his wife are on the road three out of four weeks a month, though now it's usually for work, visiting trade shows and meeting with RV user groups.

However, they do still make a point to do some fun things, too.

When Lengel spoke to BI, he was sitting in his RV in the Florida Keys, with a view of the ocean right out his window .

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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