driving tour of all 50 states

The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: December 28, 2022
• Post category: Travel inspiration / Trip itineraries & destination discoveries
• Post comments: 23 Comments

Do you like roadtrips? They happen to be a very American tradition and we found the perfect itinerary to visit every state in the continental USA during 1 epic roadtrip. A great trip idea for those who have a lot of time but want to stay closer to home .

Personally, I love roadtrips and I hit the road as much as I can, despite also being an aviation geek: you can like both, right? What matters is traveling and seeing new places , no matter how.

So here are the maps and details of the 2 itineraries that allow you to see all the lower 48 states at once, depending on your travel preference.

Basics of the 2 epic USA roadtrip itineraries

The USA is a huge country, almost as big as Europe (it’s even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).

So the USA has a lot of variety in terms of landscapes, but even in terms of culture too (even if many who aren’t from the country don’t realize that).

If you aim to eventually visit every state, any 1 of these 2 itineraries is a great way to almost all of them at once. The only 2 states you’ll have left to visit after this roadtrip will be Hawaii and Alaska.

There’s a version for national parks and points of interest and a version for cities.

I’m on the quest to visit all 50 states myself (in addition to also visiting every country obviously), and I’m not doing too bad with 47 already.

But let’s just say it would’ve been much quicker to get to 48 at once with this roadtrip instead of having to do it over dozens of trips.

Here are the details.

48-state roadtrip – national parks/points of interest version

Here’s a map of the 1st itinerary.

It was conceived by American Ph.D. student Randy Olson, on  his blog , and it was done scientifically to optimize the routing: each stop represents a national park or a point of interest.

So you’re not just seeing every state, you’re seeing cool parts of every state (which sadly wasn’t our case in North Dakota during our very random 1200-miles-nonstop-in-2-days Flytrippers roadtrip across the Midwest just for fun).

Good times. Roadtrips always make for great stories.

Anyway, the itinerary has also been optimized to be as efficient a route as possible to see all 48 states, so you can rest assured you won’t be wasting any time.

If you only stop to sleep, you can complete this roadtrip in only 9 days, but we recommend taking at least a couple of weeks to explore all these places obviously.

And gas is significantly cheaper in the US in case you were wondering. You can start anywhere, it’s a continuous loop, and it passes through many spots near the Canadian border.

You can even take a shortcut from Michigan to Vermont through Canada, as the stop in Cleveland is only to keep Americans without a passport from crossing into the Great White North.

Here is the complete list of all 50 landmarks (48 states + Washington, DC + a bonus stop in California):

1. Grand Canyon, AZ 2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 3. Craters of the Moon, ID 4. Yellowstone National Park, WY 5. Pikes Peak, CO 6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 7. The Alamo, TX 8. The Platt Historic District, OK 9. Toltec Mounds, AR 10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN 11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS 12. French Quarter, LA 13. USS Alabama, AL 14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL 15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA 16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC 17. Lost World Caverns, WV 18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC 19. Mount Vernon, VA 20. White House, Washington, D.C. 21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD 22. New Castle Historic District, DE 23. Cape May Historic District, NJ 24. Liberty Bell, PA 25. Statue of Liberty, NY 26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT 27. The Breakers, RI 28. USS Constitution, MA 29. Acadia National Park, ME 30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH 31. Shelburne Farms, VT 32. Fox Theater, MI 33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH 34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN 36. Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL 37. Gateway Arch, MO 38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS 39. Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA 40. Taliesin, WI 41. Fort Snelling, MN 42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE 43. Mount Rushmore, SD 44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND 45. Glacier National Park, MT 46. Hanford Site, WA 47. Columbia River Highway, OR 48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA 49. San Andreas Fault, CA 50. Hoover Dam, NV

These are all very enticing attractions, for the most part. It seems I’ve only seen 14 of those, so maybe I should hit the road again after all.

How about you? Tempted?

48-state roadtrip – city version

Here’s a map of the 2nd itinerary.

If you’re more of a city slicker, the map’s author has created a 2nd version that routes you through amazing cities instead.

It is slightly shorter but quite as impressive: it makes you go through the “Best City to Visit” in each state, according to TripAdvisor .

But you won’t have all the lower 48 states, unlike the other itinerary. That’s because no city in Vermont, West Virginia, or North Dakota made the top 400 cities to visit ranking, unfortunately. So plan on making a few extra detours if you want to hit all states at once with this version of the itinerary.

Here is the complete list of all cities:

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Wichita, Kansas
• Denver, Colorado
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Francisco, California
• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Boise, Idaho
• Park City, Utah
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Billings, Montana
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Chicago, Illinois
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Columbus, Ohio
• Detroit, Michigan
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Manchester, New Hampshire
• Portland, Maine
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Providence, Rhode Island
• New Haven, Connecticut
• New York City, New York
• Ocean City, New Jersey
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Wilmington, Delaware
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Orlando, Florida
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Jackson, Mississippi
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Houston, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Branson, Missouri

I do a little better on this list, with 31 already visited. You can see I love cities. How about you?

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If you were looking for an excuse to go on a roadtrip, this is it. And since we always enjoy giving you more for your money, we think 48 states instead of only 1 or 2 is something you’ll enjoy!

What’s the coolest roadtrip you’ve ever been on? Tell us in the comments below.

See the deals we spot: Cheap flights

Explore awesome destinations : Travel inspiration

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Discover free travel: Travel rewards

Featured image: The itinerary (image credit: Randy Olson)

Original publication date: May 29, 2018

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Andrew D'Amours

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This post has 23 comments.

Hello Andrew, the PHD student suggests in the 1st Itinnerary that the one stop to make in Washington State is the Hanford Nuclear Reservation?! Flat out, that is a terrible idea. It is in the middle of nowhere, I am just shocked it’s mentioned. Out of all the beautiful and amazing places to see in such a diverse state as Washington, a Nuclear Site was chosen? Surely this student could have done so much better. Thank you for allowing comments.

Having been all around the Olympic Peninsula, I agree that’s there are better stops. But my understanding is that he really optimized for the quickest way to do all 48 and had to choose a point of interest that wasn’t too far off that optimal path, hence that choice (I think).

thanks for sharing this information with us.

I have taken a road trip from California to the the most northeastern part of theUS. west Quaby light house. it was my 1st trip across the us. .I seen so many amazing places.

Quite the drive for sure! Must have been epic.

Why do Americans always think the Statue of Liberty is in NY? it is in NJ. I’ve done road trips now that have taken in 39 states. Here’s a quiz to see how well you know the USA: Which state has only one syllable? Only one city has been name-checked on the moon. In which state is it? Which is the most Northerly of the contiguous states? In which state were Tennessee Williams and Elvis Presley born? Which was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted into the USA? Which four states all share a border with each other? Which state has the lowest population? Twelve cities are name-checked in “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” but only three states. Which? Which state has the longest name? Which two states have the most borders with other states? In which state is the geographical centre of the USA – and which one if you exclude Hawaii and Alaska? Which of the states of the USA has respectively the most Northerly, Southerly, Easterly and Westerly points?

The official Statue of Liberty address is Liberty Island, New York, NY, 10004.

Wow, these comments are very rude for no reason. Thanks for the article, maybe when I graduate from college I’ll consider hitting part of one of these itineraries.

“it’s a huge country (even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).”

Canada – 3.855 million mi² USA – 3.532 million mi² Where does this math fail you?

Where did reading fail you :P? It explicitly says “ when considering LAND area alone ” The quote you copied literally has a link provided under “even larger than Canada” and if you read that, it explains how Canada is only larger than the US due to water area being counted 🙂

There is no stop in North Dakota on the city version. You should stop in Fargo after Billings and before Sioux Falls

I’m 46 years old .. I have been to all 50 states and I’m 17 away from all 50 twice .. I have driven to 47 .. flown to Alaska, Hawaii and Washington..

Wow! That’s impressive :O

This is awesome

This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

“this roadtrip in only 9 days“ is extremely false statement. It is only 9 days if you are driving non stop, no breaks to even get out of your car, get gas, or actually see these places. From start to finish drive time it is 225 hours, 16 minutes = 9 days. Wow. Take some time to enjoy the view.

Yes, that’s what we said too 😛

Thanks for the tip 😊

Do you know the total distance of this itinerary? At what moment of the year doing this trip would be the best? Thanks!

Hi! It is 13,699 miles (22,046 km) for the landmarks itinerary and 12,290 miles (19,780 km) for the city version. You can even have the Google Maps links on the creator’s original post (I’ve reposted the link below). As for the timing, I guess it depends on your preferences, but I’d want to avoid that top half of the country (so half the itinerary) in the winter for sure! http://www.randalolson.com/2015/03/08/computing-the-optimal-road-trip-across-the-u-s/

Crappy itinerary! Does not even include Zion National Park… and so many stops in the North Eastern states?? Nobody cares about those places except maybe a couple of places.

As explained, the PhD student who built the itinerary wanted to have one stop per state, and there are many states in the North-East so that’s why there are many stops there. I agree that Zion is an iconic spot, but his goal was also to optimize a routing that was as short as possible so that’s why it’s billed as an itinerary to see all lower 48 states at once and not an itinerary to see *the best spots*. But those interested in doing this can definitely adapt it and add many interesting stops for sure 🙂

Curtis, you are crappy. Obviously this is meant as a guide that can be adapted to add spots. I think it’s awesome.

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How to Visit All 50 States in 12 Trips: Epic US Road Trip

If it’s been your dream to tour the entire US, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’ll provide an overview of how to visit all 50 states in 12 trips.

I tried to keep these trips to a few days to two weeks at the most. If you take two trips in a year, you can visit all 50 states in 6 years!

How To Visit All 50 States in 12 Trips

My approach is to separate the 2 non-contiguous states (Hawaii and Alaska) into their own trips and then divided the 48 contiguous states into 10 regional trips.

These are listed from west to east and north to south, but the actual order you take these trips is completely up to you.

Trip 1: Hawaii

Kick off your journey to 50 states in the latest state to join the US.

Hawaii is a tropical paradise with plenty of beaches for different types of travelers, as well as history and culture that needs to be preserved and respected.

This trip takes you to beaches, volcanoes, historic villages, and a memorial to a war that changed the course of world history.

Google Maps Itinerary

Fly In: Daniel Inouye International Airport, Honolulu (HNL)

Days 1 to 2: Honolulu

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Iolani Palace

Waikiki Beach

Honolulu Zoo

Diamond Head

Days 3 to 4: North Shore, Oahu

Waimea Bay Beach

Haleiwa Town

Kaʻena Point State Park

Days 5 to 6: Kona, Big Island

Honokohau Beach (swim with manta rays)

Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)

Keauhou Bay (swim with the dolphins)

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Mauna Kea Observatory

Fly Out: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)

Alternative Day 7: Back to Honolulu

Fly Out: Daniel Inouye International Airport, Honolulu (HNL)

Other Information

Best time to visit: April to May, September to October

How many days to allot (minimum): At least 7 days

Related Articles:

• 20 Best Places To Visit In Hawaii
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• How to Swim with Dolphins in Kona
• Best Way to See Hawaii’s Manta Rays

Trip 2: Alaska

The 49th state is worlds away from the continental US, with its vast glaciers, dramatic snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and northern lights.

Fly In: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Day 1: Anchorage

Anchorage Museum

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Days 2 and 3: Seward

Kenai Fjords National Park (spend one whole day here for whale-watching and exploring)

Alaska SeaLife Center

Lowell Creek Waterfall

Waterfront Park

Seward Mariner’s Memorial

Day 4: Denali National Park and Preserve

Stay overnight for a chance to see the northern lights

Days 5 and 6: Fairbanks

Running Reindeer Ranch

Museum of the North

Pioneer Park

Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Aurora Ice Museum

Chena Hot Springs (spend a night or two here for a chance to see the northern lights)

Day 7: Back to Anchorage

Fly Out: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Best time to visit: September to March if you’re after the northern lights; May to September is whale-watching season

• West Coast National Parks
• Best Places to See Northern Lights

Trip 3: Pacific Coast States

The Pacific Coast States feature mountains, waterfalls, forests, and of course, neverending beaches, all against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

I’ve included an eastward drive to Las Vegas because it’s close enough to Los Angeles to make it worthwhile. Its glamor amid the desert is also a nice break from all the beach cities.

Washington Oregon California Nevada

Fly In: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Days 1 to 2: Seattle, Washington

Space Needle

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Museum of Pop Culture

Pike Place Market

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Great Wheel

Days 3 to 4: Portland, Oregon

International Rose Test Garden

Powell’s City of Books

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Oregon Maritime Museum

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Optional Side Trip: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls

Add one more day to your Portland stay if you plan to see the waterfalls along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area.

Days 5 to 6: San Francisco, California

Golden Gate Bridge

Fisherman’s Wharf

Lombard Street

Day 7: Pacific Coast Highway, California

Half Moon Bay

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Santa Barbara

Days 8 to 9: Los Angeles, California

Santa Monica Pier

Venice Beach

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Griffith Observatory

Days 10 to 11: Las Vegas, Nevada

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Las Vegas Strip

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Bellagio Fountain

High Roller

Fly Out: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Best time to visit: September to October means great weather in Seattle, Portland, and Las Vegas, as well as fewer people; San Francisco and Los Angeles have great weather all year round

How many days to allot (minimum): At least 12 days to comfortably explore each city, but you can make this trip in 8 days if you stay in each city for only a day and drive the PCH without stopping or take the I-5 instead.

• Portland, Oregon Waterfalls
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• Pacific Coast Highway
• Sightseeing In Los Angeles
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Trip 4: Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on earth, featuring rugged landscapes surrounded by lakes, rivers, forests, and desert scenery.

This trip will take you around the national parks that preserve this magnificent geography and to the cities that thrive in this gorgeous backdrop.

Colorado Utah Idaho Montana Wyoming

Fly In: Denver International Airport (DEN)

Days 1 to 2: Denver, Colorado

Denver Art Museum

Larimer Square

Union Station

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Days 3 to 4: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel (if you’re a big fan of haunted places or movie sets, this is a great place to stay a night).

Trail Ridge Road

Days 5 to 6: Salt Lake City, Utah

Temple Square

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Natural History Museum of Utah

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Liberty Park

Days 7 to 8: Boise, Idaho

Old Idaho Penitentiary Site

Boise Whitewater Park

Freak Alley Gallery

Basque Block

Camel’s Back Park

Days 9 to 11: Glacier National Park, Montana

The drive here from Boise and from here to Yellowstone takes around 12 hours, so plan accordingly.

Lake McDonald

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Days 12 to 13: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Grand Prismatic Spring

Old Faithful

Fly Out: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Optional Side Trip: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Add 2 more days to your trip if you plan to explore Grand Teton National Park

Fly Out: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

Best time to visit: September to October are the best months to go on this trip; fewer tourists in the cities, plus emerging fall colors and wildlife in the national parks

How many days to allot (minimum): At least 14 days, plus 2 days if you want to explore Grand Teton National Park

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• Best Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park

Trip 5: Southwest

The American Southwest is home to several natural wonders and historic cities. This trip takes you to the most visited national park in the country and to extraordinary cities.

Arizona New Mexico Oklahoma Texas

Fly In: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Day 1: Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona

Papago Park

Hole In The Rock

Desert Botanical Garden

Old Town Scottsdale

Days 2 to 3: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Days 4 to 5: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Petroglyph National Monument

ABQ BioPark

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Sandia Peak Tramway

Day 6: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe Plaza

Palace of the Governors

La Fonda on the Plaza

Canyon Road

Days 7 to 8: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Skydance Bridge

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Oklahoma City Zoo

Stars and Stripes Park

Days 9 to 10: Austin, Texas

University of Texas Tower

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Lady Bird Lake

Greetings From Austin Mural

Fly Out: Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Best time to visit: March to May are the ideal months to take this trip; great weather, fewer crowds (especially in the Grand Canyon).

How many days to allot (minimum): At least 10 days

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Trip 6: The Great Plains

The Great Plains is literally a wide expanse of flatlands covered in prairie and grassland in the middle of the US. This trip takes you through the states comprised almost entirely of The Plains.

North Dakota South Dakota Nebraska Kansas

Fly In: Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)

Days 1 to 2: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Painted Canyon

Days 3 to 5: The Great 8 , South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial

Custer State Park

Jewel Cave National Monument

Wind Cave National Park

Badlands National Park

Missouri River

Days 6 to 8: Omaha, Nebraska

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (Bonus State! Cross this bridge and you can be in both Nebraska and Iowa at the same time.)

The Old Market

The Durham Museum

Lauritzen Gardens

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Days 9 to 10: Wichita, Kansas

Great Plains Nature Center

O J Watson Park

Douglas Design District

The Keeper of the Plains Statue

Mid-America All-Indian Museum

Fly Out: Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)

Best time to visit: Early fall (September to October) has the best weather, fewer tourists in the city, and wildlife are active in the national parks

How many days to allot (minimum): 10 days minimum

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Trip 7: Great River Road States

The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi River and encompasses 10 states. To keep this trip to less than two weeks, this trip will cover five out of the 10 states.

Minnesota Iowa Missouri Arkansas Louisiana

Fly In: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

Days 1 to 2: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minnehaha Park

Matt’s Bar and Grill – Home of the Original Jucy Lucys

Mill City Museum

Stone Arch Bridge

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Days 3 to 4: Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa State Capitol

East Village

Rotary Riverwalk Park

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Des Moines Art Center

Days 5 to 6: St. Louis, Missouri

Gateway Arch National Park

The St. Louis Wheel

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

Forest Park

Days 7 to 8: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Buckstaff Bathhouse

Gangster Museum of America

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Mid-America Science Museum

Days 9 to 11: New Orleans, Louisiana

French Quarter

Jackson Square

New Orleans Jazz Museum

New Orleans City Park

The National WWII Museum

Fly Out: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Best time to visit: April to May and September to October (shoulder seasons) are the best time to go on this trip.

How many days to allot (minimum): At least 11 days

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• Best Things To Do In Louisiana

Trip 8: The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—stretches across eight US states. The region features miles and miles of shoreline, thick forests, and pristine waters.

This trip takes you to five of the eight states of the Great Lakes region and two of the Great Lakes (Lakes Michigan and Erie).

Wisconsin Illinois Indiana Michigan Ohio

Fly In: General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Days 1 to 2: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mitchell Gallery of Flight

Harley-Davidson Museum

Milwaukee Riverwalk District

Veterans Park

Historic Third Ward

Days 3 to 4: Chicago, Illinois

Millennium Park

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Lakefront Trail

The Art Institute of Chicago

Willis Tower

Days 5 to 6: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

Days 7 to 8: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Heritage Hill

Riveredge Trail

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Ah-Nab-Awen Park

Days 9 to 10: Cleveland, Ohio

Edgewater Park

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland Public Square

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse

Fly Out: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Best time to visit: April to May and September to October are the best months to visit this region (summer means mosquitoes and winter means road closures and unforgiving weather).

• Best Things To Do In Chicago, Illinois
• Ohio Showdown: Cleveland vs Columbus

Trip 9: Southeast A: Mountains, Music, and Culture

The Southeast states are known for their diverse experiences, making this region a memorable road trip destination.

This trip takes you through five of the Southeastern states, from the Appalachian Mountains, bluegrass country, Music City, the center of the civil rights struggle, and down to the former Seafood Capital of the World.

West Virginia Kentucky Tennessee Alabama Mississippi

Fly In: West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW)

Days 1 to 2: New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Days 3 to 4: Louisville, Kentucky

West Main Street ( Whiskey Row )

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Old Louisville Neighborhood

Kentucky Derby Museum

Days 5 to 6: Nashville, Tennessee

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Honky Tonk Highway

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

The Gulch Neighborhood

Grand Ole Opry

Days 7 to 8: Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham Civil Rights District

Railroad Park

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Days 9 to 10: Biloxi, Mississippi

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art

Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Shrimping Trip

Ship Island

Fly Out: Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport (GPT)

Best time to visit: April to May are the best month for all the cities on this trip; best weather, Kentucky Derby season, and fewer crowds. But there are more events in Nashville in the summer, plus Biloxi Beach is the perfect escape in winter from the colder weather up north.

• Best Things To Do In West Virginia
• Best Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee
• Best Things To Do In Alabama

Trip 10: New England

Beaches, lighthouses, chowder, lobster: yup, you’re in New England.

This trip takes you to cities, towns, and a national park rich with history, culture, and cuisine, all set against breathtaking natural scenery.

Maine Vermont New Hampshire Massachusetts Rhode Island Connecticut

Fly In: Bangor International Airport (BGR)

Days 1 to 2: Acadia National Park, Maine

Days 3 to 4: Burlington, Vermont

Church Street Marketplace

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum

World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet

Days 5 to 6: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Market Square

Black Heritage Trail

Strawbery Banke Museum

Prescott Park

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

Days 7 to 8: Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Common

Freedom Trail

Fenway Park

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Spectacle Island

Days 9 to 10: Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island Mansions Tour (the starting point is at Newport Mansions Welcome Center at The Breakers)

Days 11 to 12: New Haven, Connecticut

Yale University

Beinecke Rare Book Library

New Haven Green

Lighthouse Point Park

East Rock Park

Fly Out: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Best time to visit: New England weather is generally comfortable all year round (except Maine winters), but the spring months (April to June) mean fewer tourists (and maple syrup season in Vermont!), summer months (July to August) mean more events but also more crowds (baseball fever in Boston!), and fall months (September to October) present beautiful fall foliage.

How many days to allot (minimum): At least 12 days to thoroughly explore, but you can probably shorten it to 10 days

New England Wineries

Trip 11: Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic states are surrounded by mountains to the north, lakes to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Within is a mix of hundreds of years of history, bustling industrial towns, and sprawling metropolitan areas.

This trip takes you through modern cities, serene beach towns, and historic neighborhoods.

New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Washington, DC

Fly In: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Days 1 to 2: New York City, New York

Central Park

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Empire State Building

The National September 11 Memorial Museum

Statue of Liberty

Day 3: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Washington Square

Independence National Historical Park

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Penn’s Landing

Day 4: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City Beach

Tropicana Atlantic City (said to be the luckiest casino)

Day 5: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Cape May–Lewes Ferry (cross Delaware Bay)

Lewes Beach

Rehoboth Beach

Days 6 to 7: Baltimore, Maryland

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse

National Aquarium

9/11 Memorial of Maryland

Top of the World Observation Level

Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum

Fly Out: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Optional Side Trip: Washington, DC

Add up to 2 more days to your trip if you plan to explore Washington, DC

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Best time to visit: Spring months (late March to May) are the perfect time to go on this trip; best weather, fewer crowds, especially for the beach towns.

How many days to allot (minimum): At least 7 days (up to 2 extra days if visiting Washington, DC)

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Trip 12: Southeast B: The Atlantic Coast States

This second set of southeast states borders the Atlantic Ocean, which means this is a beach road trip!

Along the way, you’ll get to experience each one’s unique charms. From urban beaches to rural, quiet ones, you’ll get to appreciate them all.

Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida

Fly In: Norfolk International Airport (ORF)

Day 1: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Neptune’s Park

Day 2: Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Emerald Isle Beach

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

Salty Pirate Waterpark

Days 3 to 4: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach

Broadway at the Beach

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

Day 5: Tybee Island, Georgia

North Beach

Tybee Island Light Station & Museum

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Mid Beach, Tybee Island

Tybee Beach Pier

Days 6 to 7: Savannah, Georgia

Forsyth Park

Chippewa Square

Savannah City Hall

River Street Boardwalk

Leopold’s Ice Cream

Days 8 to 9: Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Jacksonville Beach Pier

Jacksonville Beach

Beaches Museum

Cradle Creek Preserve

South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground

Fly Out: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

Optional Side Trip: Miami, Florida and Miami Beach, Florida

Add at least 1 day to explore Downtown Miami, and 2 more days to explore Miami Beach (see our detailed 3-day Miami itinerary )

Optional Side Trip: Florida Keys

Add at least 5 days to drive through the Florida Keys and back north to Miami (see our detailed Florida Keys road trip guide )

Fly Out: Miami International Airport (MIA)

Best time to visit: Beach road trips are best driven during the summer months. But if you prefer to have the beaches all to yourself, early spring (avoid the spring breakers) and fall would be ideal.

How many days to allot (minimum): At least 9 days if your last stop is Jacksonville Beach, and at least 17 days if you plan to travel all the way through the Florida Keys.

• Best North Carolina Beaches
• Best South Carolina Beaches
• Best Georgia Beaches
• Best Things To Do In Savannah, Georgia

Which of These Trips Will You Take First?

It’s incredible that you can break down 50 states into 12 trips, and what’s even more amazing is that you can take them at your own pace!

Go on one or two trips a year, combine adjacent trips into a bigger trip, or take a few months off and go on a 50-state pilgrimage!

Go Out and Explore

10 Best Free Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Diamond Digging in Arkansas: What You Need to Know

10 Best Babymoon Destinations In The US

15 Gorgeous Arizona Waterfalls Waiting For You

10 Best Hikes in Zion that You’ll Never Forget

6 Cool Ghost Towns in North Carolina to Visit

North to South

Quit Your Job and Travel the World: How we did it and you can too!

One Epic U.S. Road Trip: 50 States by Plane, Train and (mostly) Automobile

One year. One couple. One small car… Fifty states.

We hadn’t originally set out to explore our entire home country, but location independence is a beautiful thing. See how our 6-state plan turned into a 50-state quest on our 2015 road trip in the U.S.!

Our Trip at a Glance

*Includes cost of gasoline ($1.4K) throughout our road trip, 3 oil changes ($200) for our Yaris, plus car rental ($600) in Hawaii (1 week) and Alaska (2 weeks).

An Evolving U.S. Road Trip Itinerary

How, exactly, does one decide to embark on a 50-state quest?

In the beginning, our destination was just St. Louis. Coming from California, we set out early to see some places on the way, but my friend’s wedding was the end of the planned itinerary.

And then I wanted to visit my twin brother in Chicago.

I’d seen too little of my twin since graduating high school — Yes, I have a twin. No, we’re not identical. — so it was high time we caught up. After some quality twin time in the Windy City Ian and I took a short trip around the northern U.S. to go camping with friends over in Yellowstone National Park. It was some time around then that I got the crazy idea we should visit all fifty states. I really wanted to see the East Coast. And visit New York City. And get totally soaked at Niagara Falls.  And we didn’t have any upcoming travel plans to stop us. As we made our way back to Chicago, we let the idea settle in.

We then came up with a general route plan and made it our official mission to continue on and visit all fifty states in one year’s time.

Before we knew it, we were eating chocolate in Hershey, Pennsylvania, visiting family in Virginia and Florida, airboating in the Everglades, and booking flights to both Hawaii and Alaska.

We reached each of the 50 states in the following order:

In that year, we reached the easternmost point of the U.S. at West Quoddy Head  (photo), the southernmost point of the contiguous 48 in the Florida Keys, and the southernmost point of the entire U.S. on Hawaii’s Big Island, where  I jumped off a cliff into the ocean (which was f***ing crazy, in hindsight). We didn’t make it to Point Barrow in Alaska (the northernmost point), but Alaska’s absolutely amazing, so I don’t doubt we’ll return to do that soon.

Trip Highlights

I’ve written posts about some of these — more to come soon!

• airboating in the Everglades
• Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls (post)
• camping in rural Missouri in the middle of a storm
• sleeping in a renovated barn for two nights in West Virginia
• this Airbnb cat (photo)
• New York City (post)
• staying at an awesome summer camp in the Adirondacks (post)
• prairie dogs (photo)  at Badlands and Teddy Roosevelt national parks
• barely missing a tornado (video) in South Dakota
• my ever-evolving road trip playlist
• taking Amtrak’s  Coast Starlight train (website)  from Los Angeles to Seattle
• hiking and sand boarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park (photo)
• eating our way around New Orleans (post)
• seeing a real Saguaro cactus on week 2 (post)  of our trip
• wilderness camping at White Sands National Monument (photo post)
• Washington D.C. (post)
• spotting a gila monster (photo)  in Nevada
• seeing the Northern Lights in both Yellowstone (post)  and Alaska (post)
• scuba diving (post)  and cliff jumping (post)  in Hawaii
• visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios (post)

We took so many photos on this trip — way too many to squeeze in here.  Luckily I was organized and created a hashtag for this trip, so you can view our favorite road trip moments on Instagram.

Major U.S. Road Trip Destinations by State

We found a battleship!!! This park is probably one of the coolest things to see in Mobile, Alabama. We found out about it on TripAdvisor and then later discovered we had a view of it from our hotel room at the Holiday Inn! #NTSroadtrip2015 #alabama A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Oct 9, 2015 at 11:41am PDT

• Hatcher Pass
• Matanuska Glacier

Shot of the Week: The Grandest of Canyons — About this photo: northtosouth.us/grandest-of-canyons #grandcanyon #NTSroadtrip2015 #roadtrip #usa #arizona #landscape #beautiful #scenery #sunset #desert #thegreatoutdoors #wanderlust #worldtravelbook #worldtravelpics #NTSshotoftheweek A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on May 22, 2015 at 2:35pm PDT

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Saguaro National Park
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

This morning’s sunrise from the tent was breathtaking. Yesterday we departed Colorado, made it to Mexican Hat, UT just before sunset, and camped in Monument Valley last night. Luckily we oriented our tent perfectly for this morning view! Don’t you wish you could start every day with a view like this? Now we’re California bound, just eight hours to go! #NTSroadtrip2015 #arizona A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Oct 15, 2015 at 10:55am PDT

• Little Rock
• Los Angeles
• Mojave National Preserve
• San Francisco
• Trona Pinnacles
• Colorado Springs
• Great Sand Dune National Park

Who can guess which state we’re in? HINT: Look for the wildlife! #NTSroadtrip2015 A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Oct 5, 2015 at 11:23am PDT

• Universal Studios
• Universal Islands of Adventure
• Celebration
• Sanibel Island
• Everglades National Park
• Volcanoes National Park
• South Point

Greetings from under water on the Big Island! We just got back from our week in Hawaii, which I’ll be posting about this week on the blog. But for now, check out my post from our favorite snorkeling destination this trip — complete with photos and video using my Sony RX100 III with the Iklelite underwater housing! northtosouth.us/snorkeling-two-steps-honaunau-bay-big-island-hawaii #NTSroadtrip2015 #hawaii A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Jan 22, 2016 at 10:26pm PST

• West Yellowstone

Exploring Downtown Chicago today on #NTSroadtrip2015 — This is the biggest, most sprawling downtown I’ve ever seen! A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Jun 2, 2015 at 1:43pm PDT

• Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark
• Daniel Boone National Forest
• New Orleans
• Acadia National Park
• West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
• Campobello Island (Canada)
• St. Croix Island International Historic Site

Today was a long, foggy day. After some nice, hot, two-dollar showers at the camper supply store near Seawall Campground, we spent about an hour at Seawall Beach tiptoeing around the barnacles (and spiders!) just taking in the peace and quiet with the fog in our eyes and the ocean in our ears. From there we hit up Thurston’s, a local lobster restaurant with a harbor view and then set out for Bar Harbor and the Acadia National Park loop drive, which would take us the rest of the day to complete. We just picked up some camp dinner fixin’s (where we had our first celebrity moment — one of our blog followers, Tim, recognized us from social media — cool, huh?) and we’re now headed back to camp for the night. Tomorrow I think we’ll head east to the eastern-most point of the United States, but we’ll see what we feel like doing in the morning… #NTSroadtrip2015 #maine #acadianationalpark #seawall #yoga #treepose #beach #eastcoast #roadtrip #usa #ocean #thegreatoutdoors #calm #quiet #serenity #peace #nomadlife #lovemylife #happiness #stylishtravelgirl A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Aug 20, 2015 at 5:10pm PDT

• Chesapeake Bay

MASSACHUSETTS

• Mystic Seaport
• Cape Cod National Seashore

Summer dreamin’ in Cape Cod at Wellfleet’s Pleasant Point #NTSroadtrip2015 #massachusetts #worldphotographyday #WorldTravelPics A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Aug 19, 2015 at 1:42pm PDT

• Minneapolis

MISSISSIPPI

A common sight throughout the American South, you could swear there are more churches than homes in some places! Here’s a nice, semi-historic looking one in Jackson, Mississippi. It’s a cloudy day, but the weather’s just fine for the State Fair. (We drove by, but didn’t go in.) Next stop: Little Rock, Arkansas! #NTSroadtrip2015 #mississippi A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Oct 10, 2015 at 11:46am PDT

• Johnson Shut-Ins State Park
• Glacier National Park
• Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada)

Hoover Dam, y’all! #damthatscool #nevada #arizona #NTSroadtrip2015 #hooverdam #dam #keepoff #travel #landmarks #river #coloradoriver #bridge #danger @worldtravelpics #worldtravelbook A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on May 13, 2015 at 3:32pm PDT

• Valley of Fire State Park
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area

From L.A. to Nevada to the Grand Canyon (and lots of cool places in between), week one of our U.S. road trip kicked ass! Photo: the open road at Valley of Fire State Park (my favorite week one destination) — Recap here: northtosouth.us/us-road-trip-week-one #parks #NTSroadtrip2015 #roadlesstraveled #openroad #valleyoffire #nevada #roadtrip #usa #wanderlust #desert #clouds #travel #explore #thegreatoutdoors #worldtravelbook A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on May 21, 2015 at 7:01am PDT

• Franconia Notch State Park
• White Sands National Monument

Wanderlust and White Sands: Roaring wind. Rippling sand. Rolling dunes. All were present on the night we backpacked out to our backcountry campsite at White Sands National Monument. As luck would have it, we’d gotten the last available site. And we were grateful. Otherwise we’d’ve had to backtrack 30 miles toward Las Cruces and the nearest campground. More about this photo: northtosouth.us/sunset-hike-white-sands-national-monument/ #wanderlust #whitesands #NTSroadtrip2015 #backpacking #hike #sunset #dunes #worldtravelbook #worldtravelpics #NTSshotoftheweek #travel #getoutside #thegreatoutdoors #newmexico #usa #clouds #landscape #backcountry #camping #nature #beauty #worldtraveler A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on May 28, 2015 at 7:22am PDT

• New York City
• Adirondacks
• Niagara Falls

NORTH CAROLINA

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park

First time I’d busted out my poofy jacket since the Grand Canyon. It was pretty chilly at the top of the Great Smoky Mountains. And not a bad view either! || Photo by @inorman || #NTSroadtrip2015 A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Sep 27, 2015 at 8:40am PDT

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Oklahoma City

“Oooooo-klahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain…” What comes next??? #NTSroadtrip2015 #oklahoma A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Oct 11, 2015 at 5:24pm PDT

• Hershey’s Chocolate World

SOUTH CAROLINA

• Myrtle Beach

SOUTH DAKOTA

• Badlands National Park

I think I’ll just hang out here for awhile… #NTSroadtrip2015 #southdakota A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Jun 19, 2015 at 4:21pm PDT

• Big Bend National Park
• Mexican Hat
• Washington D.C.

A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Sep 12, 2015 at 3:20pm PDT

• Crystal Mountain

WEST VIRGINIA

• Seneca Rocks

Thar she blows! Old Faithful, in all her geyser glory #NTSroadtrip2015 #AroundTheWorldPix A photo posted by Diana Southern + Ian Norman ? (@northtosouthtravel) on Jun 23, 2015 at 2:04pm PDT

• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park

While we didn’t make any major stops in 10 states on this trip (Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont), we drove through and experienced each and every one!

Weekly Recaps and Posts from the Road

One day I will finish these. I promise. But until then, you can view a portion of our weekly U.S. road trip re-caps  or view  all of my posts from our U.S. road trip.

• Week One: California, Nevada, Arizona
• Week Two: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
• Week Three: Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri
• Week Four – Six: Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota
• Week Seven: Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Alberta (Canada)
• Week Eight: North Dakota back to Chicago
• Week Nine – Twelve: Chicago & Oshkosh
• Week Thirteen: Chicago to Pittsburgh
• Week Fourteen: Hershey to New York City — Halfway to 50 States!
• Week Fifteen: Exploring the Northeastern Coast
• Week Sixteen & Seventeen: Maine to the Adirondacks
• Week Eighteen: Niagara Falls to Washington D.C.
• Week Nineteen: Maryland, West Virginia, and Kentucky
• Week Twenty: Tennessee and the Carolinas
• Week Twenty-One: Georgia and Florida
• Week Twenty-Two: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas

How many U.S. states have you visited? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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5 Replies to “One Epic U.S. Road Trip: 50 States by Plane, Train and (mostly) Automobile”

Wow, what an incredible trip, and I love the way this post is set up, linking to all of your articles about different highlights. We have taken two similar trips, but never for a whole year! I can’t wait to read more about your trip – where are you off to next?

Thanks, Tara! Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂

We’re in Australia now and will be heading to Fiji in a couple days. I’m excited!

The most burning question I have is this; did you guys do all of your continuous US travel in the Yaris? I drive a Honda Fit and the thought of pushing that thing up the Rockies scares me. It struggled in the FL panhandle this summer.

Please let me know your tips! I want to go to Yellowstone but felt it was a no go due to car.

We sure did! Every state except Alaska and Hawaii were all in the little Yaris. On steeper hills, turning off the AC for a short period definitely helped when it seemed we weren’t getting enough power, but we really didn’t have any trouble. And it’s definitely not a low-mileage car, either. Of course not weighing down the car with heavy stuff is helpful too.

Driving the Yaris was essential to keeping the road trip affordable because we saved so much on gas.

Of course I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not comfortable with it, but we drove through the Rockies and all over Yellowstone in the tiny car. 🙂

Thanks for your reply! I’ve got 50,000 American Airline miles so we’re going to fly to Yellowstone. But, knowing you did it in a Yaris gives me confidence to do it in a Fit. Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Yosemite, here I come. 🙂

Congrats on your nuptials!

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Epic USA Road Trip: Guide to Traveling All 50 States in 50 Days

Going on an incredibly ambitious journey, I set out to travel all 50 states of the United States in just 50 days after having traveled the world for free two years early (actually from Germany to Antarctica without money).

This new challenge would take me from the northeastern corner of the country in Portland, Maine, to the picturesque islands of Hawaii in the Pacific. As I started this adventure, my goal was to visit each state and face one unique challenge that embraced the spirit and essence of that particular state. 

I planned my route to ensure a smooth and efficient journey, considering the shortest path across the country. The route resembled the shape of a “W,” starting from the northeast and heading southeast, then south, traversing the Midwest to the north, and journeying south again across the majestic Rocky Mountains. 

Finally, I would head north along the breathtaking West Coast until I reached Seattle. From there, I would board a plane to Alaska and continue my journey to the magnificent state of Hawaii, where I would conclude my incredible adventure.

To make this audacious feat possible, I had to consider several vital aspects that would contribute to the success of my adventure. Let’s dive into the seven factors that made my travel work:

1. The Right Vehicle

Traveling all 14,000 miles within the 48 mainland states required careful planning and preparation. I acquired a well-equipped van that became my trusty companion throughout the journey.

The van was equipped with a mini kitchen, allowing me to prepare meals on the go and saving valuable time that would have otherwise been spent searching for restaurants or diners.

For example, in Montana, I enjoyed cooking a meal in my van using food from a supermarket, relishing the region’s flavors. Unfortunately, there was no time for a campfire or a farmer’s market to improve this.

Advice for you: Plan Your Route

Carefully plan your route, considering the most efficient path across the country. Consider visiting iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Arizona Grand Canyon , or the California Golden Gate Bridge—research lesser-known gems such as the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee or the stunning coastline of Oregon.

By planning your route strategically, you can include these must-see attractions. 

The shortest route across all 50 US states here

2. Choose Parking Options

I frequently parked and slept in Walmart parking lots for safety, convenience, and easy access to amenities.

These locations provided a secure place to spend the night, and they were situated next to their grocery stores, allowing me to stock up on supplies and use clean restroom facilities quickly. This strategy ensured a comfortable and hassle-free experience as I traveled from state to state.

In Ohio, I parked at a Walmart, took advantage of their free Wi-Fi to plan my next day’s challenges, and conveniently restocked my supplies before heading to the next destination. 

Advice for you: Overnight Accommodations

Consider a variety of overnight accommodations to suit your preferences and budget. While hotels and motels provide comfort and amenities, camping in national parks or RV parks can provide unique experiences and bring you closer to nature.

For example, you might find yourself camping under the stars in Yellowstone National Park or waking up to the sound of crashing waves at a beachfront campsite in Florida .

RV park guide for North America

3. Research and Plan

To execute my challenges efficiently, I meticulously pre-planned all 50 of them before setting off on my adventure.

Each challenge was carefully tailored to reflect the unique characteristics and offerings of the respective state.

For instance, in Tennessee, I decided to immerse myself in the rich musical heritage of Nashville by attempting to write and perform a country song within 24 hours. With the help of local musicians, I tried to compose a heartfelt ballad that captured the essence of the state’s vibrant music scene. The result was called “great entertainment” by the locals, not sure if I’ll make it one to become a country singer.

Advice for you: Start your Research Early

Before your trip, take the time to research each state and its unique characteristics thoroughly. Identify the key attractions, landmarks, and cultural aspects that define the shape.

This will help you tailor your challenges to reflect the essence of each location. Consider engaging with locals , browsing travel blogs, or consulting guidebooks to gather insights and ideas.

Seek Local Expertise and Support

Engage with locals who can provide valuable insights and guidance. Connect with musicians, artists, or experts related to your challenge. They can offer advice, share their experiences, and even collaborate with you to enhance your challenge.

In Tennessee, the assistance of local musicians helped create an authentic and memorable country song experience.

Ideas for planning your trip here

4. Set Necessary Boundaries

While there were numerous opportunities along the way, such as friendly invitations to people’s homes or exciting prospects to extend my stay in a particular state, I set firm boundaries to ensure I stayed on the quickest route.

It was essential to resist the allure of these detours and remain focused on my goal. In Utah, despite being tempted by invitation to experience the stunning beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, I reminded myself of my time constraints.

I continued along the planned route, appreciating the park’s wonders from afar.

Advice for you:  Set Boundaries

While spontaneous invitations and opportunities may arise, setting boundaries is essential to stay on track. Consider prioritizing attractions and activities that align with your interests and goals.

For example, if you’re passionate about history, you might decline an invitation for a night out to ensure you have enough time to explore historical sites like Independence Hall in Philadelphia or the Alamo in Texas.

Let’s pause for a moment to enjoy Michael’s video trailer of this epic trip:

5. Time Management

To maximize my time and cover as much ground as possible, I devised a strategy to drive through at least two states daily, particularly in the smaller northeastern states. This approach allowed me to allocate more time to the vast and expansive states like Texas and California, where countless miles of driving awaited me. 

Advice for you: Time Management

Plan your time wisely to make the most of each state’s offerings. You can allocate a shorter amount of time in smaller states, allowing you to spend more days in larger states with extensive attractions.

For instance, you could spend an hour or two exploring Rhode Island’s charming coastal towns and then allocate two days or more to fully immerse yourself in California’s vibrant culture and natural beauty . 

6. Recover from the Pace of Traveling

The intense pace of the journey started to take a toll on my energy levels after reaching the 30th state, usually sleeping at most six hours and driving at least 500 miles a day. 

To combat extreme tiredness and maintain my stamina, I developed a routine. Along with the much-needed fuel from copious amounts of coffee, I made it a daily practice to jump out of the van for a 45-minute run.

Even in the scorching heat of Death Valley, I would lace up my running shoes at 7 am , embracing the solitude and tranquility of the early morning hours while marveling at the breathtaking desert landscape.

Advice for you: Combat Fatigue

Long journeys can be physically and mentally exhausting.

Take care of yourself by incorporating rejuvenating activities into your routine.

For example, enjoy a scenic morning jog along the beach in Florida or practice yoga in a serene park in Oregon.

Additionally, consider incorporating relaxation hours into your itinerary, where you can indulge in a (quick) spa treatment or enjoy a leisurely day exploring a quaint town.

Read also: Travel while you can (and not a second later!)

 7. Challenges

The adventure wouldn’t have been complete without embracing thrilling and exciting challenges. 

In New Orleans, known as the birthplace of jazz, I took on the task of learning to play the trumpet within a mere 60 minutes. With the guidance of a local marching band, I immersed myself in the city’s vibrant musical culture, creating harmonious melodies that resonated with the soul of New Orleans. 

Another remarkable feat was sprinting into the depths of the Grand Canyon within 60 minutes, conquering its 6,000-foot vertical descent and embracing the sheer grandeur of nature’s masterpiece. 

Additionally, I seized the opportunity to throw a memorable party in the quaint town of Boring, Oregon, infusing the city with life and joy through a festive celebration that brought the community together. About ten people may have joined my spontaneous party.

Furthermore, I sought to experience unique encounters in each state. I visited an Amish farmer in Pennsylvania, immersing myself in their traditional way of life and engaging in conversations in old German, connecting with a rich cultural heritage that still thrived in this modern age.

Ideas for your 50 States Challenges:

• Conquer a Hiking Trail : Challenge yourself to tackle a marked hiking trail in each state. Each trail offers breathtaking scenery and physical challenges, from the Appalachian Trail in Maine to the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington.
• Sample Local Delicacies : Indulge in the culinary delights of each state by trying a signature dish or local specialty. From clam chowder in Massachusetts to beignets in Louisiana or deep-dish pizza in Illinois, immerse yourself in the flavors that define each region.

• Take on a Water Adventure : Engage in water-based activities that showcase the unique waterways of each state. Try white-water rafting in Colorado, snorkeling in Florida’s vibrant coral reefs, or kayaking in Alaska’s pristine fjords .
• Attend a Local Festival : Time your trip to coincide with a traditional or cultural festival in each state. Whether it’s Mardi Gras in Louisiana, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, or the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, these events offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and celebrations.

• Challenge Yourself in Outdoor Sports : Engage in exhilarating outdoor sports and activities . Go surfing in California, skiing in Colorado, zip-lining in Georgia, or rock climbing in Utah. Each state offers its adrenaline-pumping adventures.

• Explore National Parks : Visit iconic national parks and challenge yourself to explore their unique features. Hike the rugged terrain of Zion National Park in Utah, witness the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, or marvel at the towering sequoias in California’s Sequoia National Park.

• Engage in Historical Immersion : Learn about each state’s history by visiting significant landmarks and museums. Explore the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, or the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota.

Additional Challenges for Visiting US Cities: 

• Explore Street Art : Discover various cities’ vibrant street art scenes nationwide. Challenge yourself to find and photograph unique and captivating street art pieces in cities like Miami , New York City, or San Francisco. Capture the creativity and cultural expressions found in these urban landscapes.
• Attend a Live Sporting Event : Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of a live sporting event in different cities. Whether it’s catching a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, experiencing the energy of an NFL game in Dallas, or cheering on a basketball match in the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City , join the local fans and embrace the excitement of American sports. Looking for more thrilling experiences? Consider these captivating day trips from Boston to complement your sports-filled itinerary.
• Engage in Music History : Dive into the rich music history of cities known for their musical legacies. Challenge yourself to explore iconic music landmarks, such as visiting Graceland in Memphis, the former home of Elvis Presley, or walking the historic streets of Nashville, known as the “Music City,” and soaking up the sounds of country music. Explore the birthplace of jazz in New Orleans or visit Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit for a deeper appreciation of America’s musical heritage.

Remember, the key is to personalize the challenges to your interests and preferences. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture lover, these challenges offer a fantastic way to create unforgettable memories and fully experience the diverse offerings of each state.

Embrace the spirit of adventure, and let the obstacles enhance your journey through all 50 states.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, my adventure to travel through all 50 US states in 50 days was an extraordinary journey that tested my endurance, planning skills, and ability to adapt to new challenges .

I completed this incredible feat by meticulously considering various aspects, such as traveling in a well-equipped van, utilizing Walmart parking lots, pre-planning challenges, setting boundaries, maximizing time, combatting fatigue, and embracing exciting experiences.

From the stunning landscapes and diverse cultures to the unique challenges and encounters, this adventure allowed me to explore the rich tapestry of the United States, eat lots of road trip snacks , and create memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Award-winning motivational speaker, Michael Wigge, specializes in documenting incredible stories about achieving victory over challenges. ‘How to Travel the World for Free’, ‘How to Barter for Paradise’ (where he turned an apple into a Hawaiian dream home through his skills in bartering for bigger, better things), and ‘How to Travel Europe Blindfolded’ are just three of his seven travel shows. He shared his amazing success stories on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (alongside co-guest Katy Perry) and the Today Show. His TV programs and books have been broadcast and published internationally.

Based on his incredible experiences overcoming challenges, Wigge began performing motivational speaking engagements and started CMW Coaching & Speaking. His most successful corporate keynotes are Challenge-4-Change Leadership Success and Challenge-4-Change Sales Success. He currently delivers presentations in the corporate arena, on college campuses, and for private clients in the US and as a speaker in Germany .

Keep reading about epic journeys:

• Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean
• Bike crossing the States
• Tru-hiking the Appalachian trail

Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Itinerary » The Perfect 48 State Road Trip Itinerary & Route

The Perfect 48 State Road Trip Itinerary & Route

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Have you ever wanted to take a 48 state road trip and drive through every one of the contiguous US states in one go? It might sound like a daunting undertaking, with so many things to see in each state and so many different possible routes. But what if I told you there was a scientifically perfect road trip that would take you on an optimized route that hits a top tourist spot in every locale?

It was American PhD student Randy Olson (now Dr. Randal S. Olson) who conceived this perfect road trip itinerary. The goal was to come up with the most efficient route while adhering to these three rules:

• The trip must make at least one stop in all 48 states in the contiguous U.S.
• The trip would only make stops at National Natural Landmarks, National Historic Sites, National Parks, or National Monuments.
• The trip must be taken by car and never leave the U.S.

You can see his maps and learn all about his process, tools, and machine-learning algorithms on his blog post, “ Computing the optimal road trip across the U.S. “

If you’ve always wanted to travel to 48 states at once, this road trip is for you. It would take about 224 hours of driving (9.33 days) to complete the whole thing. So you could probably do this entire drive in around three weeks…but you should probably take more time to enjoy the drive (and make a few extra detours). There are 50 stops on this 48 state road trip, one in each contiguous state, with the exception of California, that has two, plus a stop in Washington DC.

Of course, our 48 state road trip would probably look a little different. Here at Silly America we love one big thing: roadside attractions. So I’ve compiled his itinerary of 50 road trip stops and added our own below it. Of course, we didn’t use data to plan an optimal road trip route between our roadside attractions, so you’re on your own there.

Ready to hit the road and explore 48 states at once? Let’s explore what you would see on this perfect road trip itinerary.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Bryce canyon national park, utah, craters of the moon national monument, idaho, yellowstone national park, wyoming, pikes peak, colorado, carlsbad caverns national park, new mexico, the alamo, texas, the platt historic district (chickasaw national recreation area), oklahoma, toltec mounds (plum bayou mounds archeological state park), arkansas.

• Elvis Presley's Graceland, Tennessee

Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi

French quarter, new orleans, louisiana, uss alabama, alabama, cape canaveral air force station, florida, okefenokee swamp park, georgia, fort sumter national monument, south carolina, lost world caverns, west virginia, wright brothers national memorial visitor center, north carolina, mount vernon, virginia, white house, washington dc, colonial annapolis historic district, maryland, new castle historic district, delaware, cape may historic district, new jersey, liberty bell, pennsylvania, statue of liberty, new york, the mark twain house & museum, connecticut, the breakers, rhode island, uss constitution, massachusetts, acadia national park, maine, mount washington hotel, new hampshire, shelburne farms, vermont, fox theater, detroit, michigan, spring grove cemetery, ohio, mammoth cave national park, kentucky, west baden springs hotel, indiana.

• Abraham Lincoln's Home, Illinois

Gateway Arch, Missouri

C. w. parker carousel museum, kansas.

• Terrace Hill Governor's Mansion, Iowa

Taliesin, Wisconsin

Fort snelling, minnesota, ashfall fossil bed, nebraska, mount rushmore, south dakota, fort union trading post, north dakota, glacier national park, montana, hanford site, washington, columbia river highway, oregon, san francisco cable cars, california, san andreas fault, california, hoover dam, nevada, 48 state road trip to major cities, 48 state road trip.

President Theodore Roosevelt called the Grand Canyon, “the one great sight every American should see.” And who are we to argue? Declared a national monument in 1908, this natural landform is a popular destination for day trippers wanting to take in the glorious expanse or adventurers wanting to hike, ride a mule, or go whitewater rafting.

Where we’d go in Arizona

The Grand Canyon is certainly the must-see attraction in Arizona. Conveniently, it is also a short detour from Route 66, where you’ll find such roadside attractions as Giganticus Headicus, the Rainbow Rock Shop Dinosaurs, Standin’ on the Corner, and Wigwam Village Motel No. 6.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Arizona.

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its red, orange, and pink hoodoos: irregular shire-shaped columns of rock that jut out from the landscape. It has the largest concentration of these landforms anywhere on Earth. Take in the glorious Bryce Amphitheater and enjoy the prime overlooks at sunset and sunrise.

Where we’d go in Utah

Utah is also home to two more of the best national parks in America: Zion National Park and Arches National Park. But you’ll probably find us at Hole N” The Rock, a unique, 5,000 square-foot home carved out of a huge rock in Utah’s Canyonlands Country.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Utah.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve  is a U.S. national monument and national preserve in central Idaho. Walk (and drive) among desolate lava fields that date back millions of years ago. The lava field spans for over 750,000 acres (1,100 square miles) and 53,500 acres are preserved within the monument. Among the bleak backdrop you’ll find volcanic rifts, lava rivers, lava tube caves, cinder cones, tree molds, spatter cones, shield volcanoes, and lava beds.

Where we’d go in Idaho

For us, Idaho is about one thing: the potato. Catch us at the Idaho Potato Museum (taking photos with the world’s largest styrofoam potato, learning about the history of the potato, and exploring the unique displays), staying at the Big Idaho Potato Hotel , and chowing down on an ice cream potato (and probably a big bowl of mashed potatoes too).

See more of the best roadside attractions in Idaho.

Yellowstone National Park, America’s first National Park, features 3,500 square miles of wilderness: hundreds of animal species, dramatic canyons, scenic hiking trails, flowing rivers, lush forests, hot springs, and more than half the world’s geysers. The most popular and recognizable of Yellowstone’s features is Old Faithful, a geyser that shoots water 100 feet in the air.

Where we’d go in Wyoming

Sure Yellowstone is great, but we’re heading to Douglas to see some wildlife you probably won’t see in Yellowstone: the Jackalope, a mystical creature that has the body of a jack rabbit with the horns of an antelope. Here you’ll find the World’s Largest Jackalope, the Former World’s Largest Jackalope, and a Jackalope Hilltop Silhouette.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Wyoming.

Purple Mountains Majesty: Pikes Peak is such a glorious site that it came to inspire the song “America the Beautiful.” Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountsins at the top of the 14,115 foot summit and all the way there.

Where we’d go in Colorado

Pikes Peak is located just west of Colorado Springs, which also happens to be home to Herkimer, the World’s Largest Beetle.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Colorado.

Hidden beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico are the more than 100 caves that make up Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The natural wonders were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind caverns of all sizes. Look for Lechuguilla Cave: at 1,567 feet it is the nation’s deepest and fourth longest limestone cave.

Where we’d go in New Mexico

After exploring what is happening beneath the surface of New Mexico, explore what is happening above in Roswell. Roswell, New Mexico, is known for being the site of an alleged 1947 UFO crash and the town embraces their extraterrestrial ties. Everywhere you turn in Roswell you’ll find alien murals, alien streetlamps, and alien and flying saucer statues. Even the chain restaurants, like KFC, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts, get in on the theme with alien-centered decor. And don’t forget to stop at the Area 51 Museum, the International UFO Museum, and the space-age Roswell Welcome Sign.

See more of the best roadside attractions in New Mexico.

Remember the Alamo. This Texas landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site was originally known as Misión San Antonio de Valero Alamo and served as a way station between East Texas and Mexico. But it is probably best known as being the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where American folk heroes James Bowie and Davy Crockett died. Today you can take an interactive tour, explore exhibits, and experience frontier life in a Living History encampment.

Where we’d go in Texas

They everything is bigger in Texas, and they are right! There are so many weird roadside attractions to choose from. But if you are in San Antonio visiting the Alamo, make a detour to see the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Texas.

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area in the Platt Historic District (formerly Platt National Park) provides scenic hikes with waterfalls, wildlife viewing, creeks, ponds, lakes, camping, and the historic Sulphur Springs. It is located in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma, near the town of Sulphur. Platt National Park was combined with the Arbuckle Recreation Area in 1976 and became Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Where we’d go in Oklahoma

Oklahoma contains the largest stretch of Route 66, so you can find us there, exploring the larger than life roadside attractions like the Blue Whale of Catoosa , Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park , Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios , and Pops 66 Soda Ranch .

See more of the best roadside attractions in Oklahoma.

Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park (formerly Toltec Mounds) is an archaeological site from the Late Woodland period. the park protects and preserves an 18-mound complex with Arkansas’s tallest remaining, prehistoric Native American mounds. Both a state park and an archeological research station, visitors can explore a visitor center with exhibits, an audiovisual theater, and an educational pavilion that overlooks the mounds. Self-guided and guided tours are offered along two trails.

Where we’d go in Arkansas

We’re probably heading to Fouke, Arkansas, which is home of the Fouke Monster Mart , which is home of the legendary Boggy Creek Monster. The Boggy Creek Monster is Fouke’s answer to bigfoot. The 8-foot-tall, 300-pound, hairy monster has been stalking the area since at least 1834 and had even inspired a series of horror films. Stop in to learn more about this local legend, pick up some souvenirs, and snap your picture with a Boggy Creek Monster photo op.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Arkansas.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Tennessee

Elvis Presley might just be the most famous resident of Memphis, if not all of Tennessee. There is no Elvis tourist attraction as popular as  Graceland : Elvis’s breathtaking mansion. Take a tour of the grounds, walk the gardens where he found peace, view the aircraft that took him from show to show, and experience Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex to see costumes, artifacts, and mementos.

Where we’d go in Tennessee

Honestly, Graceland is at the top of our list too. But we’d also probably take a trip to celebrate another famous recording artist: Dolly Parton. Visit the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge and the bronze Dolly Parton statue in Sevierville.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Tennessee.

Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg during the Civil War. Today you can visit the battlefield to see 1,400 historical monuments, tablets, and markers; 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks; a 16 mile tour road, emplaced cannons, the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery.

Where we’d go in Mississippi

If we’re in Mississippi, we’re visiting the remains of an entirely different historic relic. At Smitty’s Super Service in Sandy Hook you can experience a full 3-stage The Rock-afire Explosion band from the now defunct ShowBiz Pizza Place restaurant and arcade.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Mississippi.

The French Quarter is the heart and “Crown Jewel” of New Orleans. Lined with colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies, you’ll find history, nightlife, and gourmet food at every turn. From the jazz blasting through Bourbon Street to authentic Cajun eats at small restaurants to the gourmet food and crafts of the French Market to the beautiful and historic St. Louis Cathedral, there is something for everyone.

Where we’d go in Louisiana

We’re visiting the French Quarter too, and, while we’re there, we’ve visiting Mari Gras World to explore the workshop where Mardi Gras floats are made. Blaine Kern Studios has created parade floats for events across the country since 1947, but they are most famous for creating 80% of the giant moving sculptures you see at Mardi Gras. Take a tour of  Mardi Gras World  to get a glimpse into what it takes to make the annual parade a success. You’ll learn the history, see costumes, explore floats in progress, and get Instagram worthy photos of some of the most elaborate parade floats in the world.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Louisiana.

Find the WWII battleship USS ALABAMA at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Visit the ship, which is a National Historic Landmark, along with more than 25 historic planes and military vehicles.

Where we’d go in Alabama

Our 48 state road trip to Alabama would take us to a different attraction on water: Lady in the Lake & Bamahenge at Barber Marina in Elberta. George W. Barber’s marina is located on 800 acres on a peninsula between Wolf Bay and Ingram Bayou and it is covered in kooky, weird, and giant works of art. Two of the best finds here are Lady in the Lake (a fiberglass 50-foot woman whose head and knees can be seen floating in the bay) and Bamahenge (a 21-foot tall by 104-foot wide fiberglass Stonehenge replica). Sadly, in 2020, Lady in the Lake was damaged by Hurricane Sally, but it sounds like she’ll be returning to the water soon.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Alabama.

Florida’s Cape Canaveral is a site home to several launchpads and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. See where the US space program began and explore historic spacecrafts and memorabilia.

Where we’d go in Florida

The Kennedy Space Center is right up our alley, but, when in Florida, we’re more interested in things that come from the ocean over space.That’s why we’re visiting Big Betsy (the giant lobster in Islamorada), Swampy (the World’s Largest Alligator in Christmas), or the Weeki Wachee Mermaids in Spring Hill.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Florida.

Located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the Okefenokee Swamp Park is a natural wonderland and swamp ecosystem. Spread over nearly half a million acres, you’ll experience islands, lakes, jungles, forest, prairies, and all the foliage and animals that come with them.

Where we’d go in Georgia

Nature makes me work up an appetite so we’re heading to KFC. But not just any KFC. We’re going to The Big Chicken in Marietta. The 56-foot tall chicken on Cobb Parkway in Marietta was originally built for Johnny Reb’s Chick-Chuck-‘N’-Shake in 1963. Known as “The Big Chicken,” this giant red bird-shaped building had rolling eyes and a moving yellow beak. In 1974, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) took over the spot and still occupies the (since renovated) spot today. Inside you can get a friend chicken dinner and peruse historical displays.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Georgia.

Located on an artificial island off Charleston, South Carolina (take a ferry to get there), Fort Sumter is a sea fort built to protect the city. It is recognized for being the site of the first battle of the American Civil War.

Where we’d go in South Carolina

When your 48 state road trip takes you through South Carolina, you just have to go South of the Border. Just south of the border between North Carolina and South Carolina you’ll find South of the Border: a campy village worth of shops, restaurants, motel rooms, and amusement rides. It’s hard to miss the over-the-top grounds decorated with a fiesta of flashing lights and fiberglass mascots.

See more of the best roadside attractions in South Carolina.

Discovered in 1942, Lost World Caverns is a series of underground natural caverns 120 feet below the Earth’s surface. See a vast display of stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations, including The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton compound stalactite — one of the largest in the nation!

Where we’d go in West Virginia

Trade in going underground for something you might see flying through the air. There is no greater monument in West Virginia that the Mothman Statue in Point Pleasant. The legend of Mothman has been popular in the Point Pleasant area since 1966 when locals started reporting sightings of a strange flying humanoid monster with red eyes, a 10-foot wingspan, and the face of an insect. A 12-foot tall polished steel Mothman statue was erected to celebrate its legacy.

See more of the best roadside attractions in West Virginia.

Visit the place where Wilbur and Orville Wright worked on and took their first flight. See the flight boulder & flight line (the spot of their first flight and landings), reconstructed 1903 camp buildings (to see a glimpse of what their life at the time was like), interactive exhibits at the Visitor Center, and monuments and sculptures devoted to the pair.

Where we’d go in North Carolina

The miracle of flight is one thing, but have you ever seen a 38-foot tall dresser? The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point was first built in the 1920s by the High Point Chamber of Commerce to pay homage to the town’s status as the “Home Furnishing Capital of the World.” The huge cartoon-like structure, complete with oversized drawers, golden pulls and a pair of mismatched socks, towers over tourists, the traffic lights, and the nearby buildings.

See more of the best roadside attractions in North Carolina.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the first president’s former estate where he lived before and after his time as a Revolutionary War General. Visit the preserved grounds, take a tour of the Mansion, stroll through the gardens, take in views of the Potomac River from the East Porch and Grounds, and learn more about American history.

Where we’d go in Virginia

When in Virginia, we’re visiting another historic site. Or, at least, a site that is based on a historic site. Foamhenge in Centreville is Virginia’s Stonehenge made of foam.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Virginia.

You can’t take a 48 state road trip and not also visit Washington DC. And, when in Washington DC, you have to see the White House. The White House serves as the home and workplace of the President of the United States and his or her family, and as a living museum of American history.

Where we’d go in Washington DC

We’re definitely taking in all the sites in DC, White House included. But the National Mall is full of monuments (like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument) that we’d be occupied for a while. We’re also looking for weird things at the Smithsonian, like a giant squid, a presidential hair collection, and a folding bathtub.

The Colonial Annapolis Historic District is a historic district in the City of Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland. Designed in a European fashion and designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1965, the historic district feels like a blast from the past. Visit 18th-century buildings like St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and the Maryland State House (the oldest capital building in continuous use).

Where we’d go in Maryland

In Maryland we might head to a different sort of historical building. The Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore features a giant 18-foot-tall statue of Nipper the Dog (a terrier tilting his head and staring into a phonograph, used to promote record company RCA) on its roof.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Maryland.

The riverside community of New Castle was founded by Dutch settlers in the 1650s and its Colonial-era historic district was designated as a National Landmark in 1967. Walk the cobblestone streets and visit historical properties and homes like the Old New Castle Courthouse, the Delaware Historical Society’s Read House and Gardens, the Dutch House ,and the Amstel House.

Where we’d go in Delaware

For a more modern architecture experience, were going to the Dover International Speedway to see Miles the Monster. Miles the Monster has served as the mascot for the Dover International Speedway since 2000. In 2008, a giant, 46-foot tall, 20-ton Miles the Monster was erected outside the complex, bursting from the roof.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Delaware.

“The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort,” Cape May is located at the southern tip of New Jersey. The Cape May Historical District is designated a National Historic Landmark and is home to the second-largest collection of Victorian houses in the US. Visit beautiful preserved buildings from the 1800s like the Christopher Gallagher House, The Colonial, and The Southern Mansion. Also make a stop at the Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park, the country’s second oldest continually operating lighthouse.

Where we’d go in New Jersey

In New Jersey, we’re staying close to the water but heading about an hour north to see a different : LuNational Historic Landmark: Lucy the Elephant in Margate City. Standing at six-stories tall and weighing over 90 tons, Lucy the Elephant is the world’s largest elephant. Lucy was built in 1881 by real estate developer James V. Lafferty.

See more of the best roadside attractions in New Jersey.

The Liberty Bell is best known for being one of the most iconic symbols on American independence and for its wide crack. It rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (now, Independence Hall) and is believed to be one of the bells rung when the Declaration of Independence was signed. See the Liberty Bell in person at the Liberty Bell Visitor center in Philadelphia and learn more about its historic journey.

Where we’d go in Pennsylvania

Driving through 48 states is probably pretty exhausting. So at this point in the journey we think it’s time for some caffeine. The Coffee Pot in Bedford is one of the best roadside attractions in Pennsylvania. David Berton Koontz built the big, 18-foot tall by 22-foot wide coffee pot in 1927 to attract customers to his adjacent service station.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Pennsylvania.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from France to the United States. Dedicated on October 28, 1886 and designated as a National Monument in 1924, it has become to be recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The giant neoclassical copper sculpture resides on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York City. Admire from afar or take a ferry to see Lady Liberty up close.

Where we’d go in New York

The Statue of Liberty might be one of the most recognizable monuments in New York…but dod you know that there is a giant duck just a couple hours away? The Big Duck is a classic Long Island New York roadside attraction. The giant fowl was originally built in 1931 to serve as a duck-shaped poultry store. The 10-ton, 20-foot tall, 30-foot long, 18-foot wide bird is made of concrete and has the headlights of a Model T Ford for eyes.

See more of the best roadside attractions in New York.

Tour The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, a 25-room Victorian mansion where Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) lived and wrote from 1874 to1891. It was here where the author wrote some of his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , The Adventures of Tom Sawyer , and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court .

Where we’d go in Connecticut

Mark Twain is a celebrated American author. And PEZ is a celebrated American candy. On our 48-state road trip we are heading to the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange. We all know PEZ, the delicious mini-candies that are best eaten from a cartoon-headed dispenser. At the PEZ Visitor Center you can learn the history of the popular candy, explore a huge selection of memorabilia and new, vintage, and rare dispensers, and watch the packing factory in action.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Connecticut.

The Breakers is a Gilded Age mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island. The opulent home was built between 1893 and 1895, and served as a summer “cottage” and status symbol for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family.

Where we’d go in Rhode Island

We probably wouldn’t see any bugs in the well-maintained The Breakers, so let’s go check out the Big Blue Bug in Providence. The 58-foot long giant termite lives on top of Big Blue Bug Solutions in Providence. The business was originally called New England Pest Control but they renamed themselves in 2012 to honor their ever-popular mascot.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Rhode Island.

USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy. Still manned, it operates to promote the Navy and America’s naval heritage through educational outreach, public access (you can take a free tour!), and historic demonstrations. Across the pier from the ship you can also visit the USS Constitution Museum full of hands-on experiences that educate on how the shop was built, sailed, and preserved.

Where we’d go in Massachusetts

You’ll find us just a couple miles away at grabbing some ice cream at the Hood Milk Bottle Building. The giant milk bottle was one of the first examples of novelty architecture in the United States. Built in 1930, ice cream maker Arthur Gagner had it built next to his shop to entice customers in to buy a sweet treat.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Massachusetts.

Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Open year round, the 47,000-acre park features stunning landscapes, rocky beaches, woodland hiking trails, and diverse wildlife (including moose, bear, whales and seabirds) on the coast of Maine. Nearby Bar Harbor is a quaint stop for restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Where we’d go in Maine

It’s hard to pick just one spot we’d go to in Maine. We’d probably do a road trip to eat lobster rolls everywhere and check out Wild Blueberry Land, Eartha (The World’s Largest Rotating Globe), and the Bangor Paul Bunyan.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Maine.

It’s good that there’s a hotel on this list because after all that driving on this 48 state road trip, it’s time for a good night’s sleep. The glorious Mount Washington Hotel opened in 1902. The white Renaissance Revival hotel features a distinctive red roof and a grand colonnaded veranda. Built by local industrialist Joseph Stickney it was immediately successful and considered the most luxurious hotel of its day. Today the hotel operates as a our-diamond resort with opportunities for skiing, golfing, or taking a spa day.

Where we’d go in New Hampshire

As lovely as that sounds, it might be a little out of our road trip budget here. Luckily, Chutters World’s Largest Candy Counter is only half an hour away. Let’s go spend our money on sweets!

See more of the best roadside attractions in New Hampshire.

Shelburne Farms is a working non-profit working with waling trails, produce, farm-to-table dining, local products (like farmstead cheddar and maple syrup), and educational workshops on everything from historic preservation to cheesemaking.

Where we’d go in Vermont

If you’re heading to Shelburne, Vermont stop at the Shelburne Museum to see the Landlocked Ship. The Shelburne Museum celebrates founder and eccentric spender Electra Havemeyer Webb who, after coming into an inheritance at 18, spent the rest of her life purchasing stuff. Stuff that is now on display for museum visitors. The Shelburne Museum features her 80,000 items (and more) spread across 39 buildings across 45 acres. One of the highlights to see is the Ticonderoga: a vertical beam sidewheel steamship that is 220-feet long and weighs 892 tons.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Vermont.

When Detroit’s Fox Theatre opened in 1928 it was the largest of the original Fox Theatres built by film pioneer William Fox. Today, it is the largest surviving movie palace of the 1920s. The theatre currently serves as a 5,000+ seat performing arts center that presents a variety of live performances.

Where we’d go in Michigan

We might take in a show, but we’re also going to go in search of the World’s Largest Cherry Pie(s). Two towns in Michigan claim to have the world’s largest cherry pie: Charlevoix and Traverse City. Charlevoix’s was built 1976, when the town baked the World’s Largest Cherry Pie as part of the their annual cherry festival. In 1987, Traverse City stepped up to the pie plate to outdo their neighbor. At their local cherry festival they made a 28,350 pound cherry pie. Both towns display oversized pie pans in rememberence.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Michigan.

Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio is the third largest cemetery in the United States (behind Calverton National Cemetery and Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery). The US National Historic Landmark was established in 1845 the 700-acre plot features lakes, island, footbridges, and wooded areas. Spend a peaceful day and visit the graves of historical figures buried there.

Where we’d go in Ohio

If we’re looking for stones buried in the ground in Ohio, it’s probably going to be in the shape of corn. A Field of Giant Corn Cobs can be found off the highway in Dublin, where stand 109 human-sized ears of corn each standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.9 m) tall and each weighing in at a whopping 1500 pounds (680 kg.).

See more of the best roadside attractions in Ohio.

With more that 400 miles of explored caves, Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the world’s longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave was officially dedicated as a national park by 194, became a World Heritage Site in 1981, and was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990. 10 miles of the cave is available for tours along with other opportunities for hiking, camping, kayaking, horseback riding, and fishing.

Where we’d go in Kentucky

Mammoth Cave is accessible through Cave City, Kentucky. And Cave City, Kentucky is home to a plethora is weird and wonderful stops. Here you can visit Big Mike’s Mystery House , Crystal Onyx Cave, Dinosaur World , Guntown Mountain, Treasure Trove Park, and Wigwam Village Motel No. 2 .

See more of the best roadside attractions in Kentucky.

West Baden Springs Hotel is the most historic and luxurious hotel in Indiana. Considered by some to be the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the luxury hotel hosts special events, entertainment, and historic tours (even non guests can take part). The turn-of-the-century National Historic Landmark features 243 guest rooms and suites over six circular stories plus numerous other amenities. The focal point of the property is the glorious 200-foot atrium.

Where we’d go in Indiana

West Baden Springs Hotel has a fireplace so big it takes 14-logs to burn. We know another place that could cause a whole lot of fire. We’re heading to the Warm Glow Candle Outlet in Centerville, Indiana to see the World’s Largest Candle !

See more of the best roadside attractions in Indiana.

Abraham Lincoln’s Home, Illinois

Before becoming the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln lived in his home in Springfield, Illinois from 1844 to 1861. Lincoln Home National Historic Site has restored and preserved this house and the surrounding areas to what they would have been in 1860.

Where we’d go in Illinois

There are other Abraham Lincoln roadside attractions to see in or near Springfield, like Abraham Lincoln’s Lucky Nose , the Abraham Lincoln The Railsplitter Statue , and the Giant Lincoln on the World’s Largest Covered Wagon . But if I’m going to see the best of the best roadside attractions in all of Illinois (regarless of presidential status), I’m heading to Big Things in a Small Town Casey, Illinois , home to 12 world’s largest things and a whole slew of other larger than life objects!

See more of the best roadside attractions in Illinois.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is the tallest monument in the US and the world’s tallest arch. The 630-foot-tall stainless-steel monument is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s and St. Louis’s role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century.

Where we’d go in Missouri

We love the Gateway Arch too, but would probably also set our sights on another tall, silver object: the (former) world’s largest fork. Located in a Springfield parking lot, this 35-foot tall, 11-ton utensil was once the biggest fork in the world (but it is still impressive even since losing the title)!

See more of the best roadside attractions in Missouri.

Through the years, Charles Wallace Parker and his company produced around 1,000 carousels. Only 16 of those are known to to still be in operation and two of them can be found at the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth, Kansas. See those and more carousels (like the oldest primitive carousel in the United States and a 1950s aluminum Paul Parker Carousel) and learn about C.W. Parker at this fun museum.

Where we’d go in Kansas

This Carousel museum would be at the top of our list too. But, when in Kansas, there’s, “no place like home.” and so we’d just have to visit Dorothy Gale, the character who wanted nothing more than to return to her farm there in the book and film  The Wizard of Oz . In 1981 the town of Liberal declared itself to be the home of Dorothy and imported a house from a nearby town that resembled the one in the movie. You can visit Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz and follow the yellow brick road to the house, take a tour through an animate retelling of the story.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Kansas.

Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, Iowa

Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion (also known as Hubbell Mansion, Benjamin F. Allen House or the Iowa Governor’s Mansion), is the official residence of the governor of Iowa. The 18,000 square foot home was built in a Second Empire architecture style in 1869.

Where we’d go in Iowa

Terrace Hill might be the governor’s home, but another place in Iowa is home to someone even more well known. Or, at least, someone who will be even more well known. We’re heading to Riverside, Iowa: the Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk .

See more of the best roadside attractions in Iowa.

Taliesin was the 37,000-square-foot home, studio, school, and estate of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site features buildings that span Wright’s career from the 1890s to the 1950s. Guests can enjoy tours, special programming, a gift shop, and a cafe.

Where we’d go in Wisconsin

While Taliesin is an impressive home, it is certainly not the most eccentric house in WIsconsin. That’s while you’d find us at House on the Rock. Alex Jordan built a house on a 60-foot chimney of rock in Wisconsin in the 1940s. Today, House on the Rock is perhaps the most well-known tourist attraction in Wisconsin. Filled to the brim with collections of lanterns, musical instruments, lights, dollhouses, and more, the 14-room house will take you hours to explore. Be sure to visit the world’s largest indoor carousel and its 269 carousel animals, a highlight of the kooky attraction.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Wisconsin.

Fort Snelling is a former military fortification in Minnesota. Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, this National Historic Landmark features fort tours and reenactments. The fort doesn’t shy away from its painful history of the Native people original to the lade, trade, soldiers, immigrants, and enslaved people.

Where we’d go in Minnesota

There’s one site every roadside attraction love should see on this 48 state road trip: the Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues in Bemidji. Minnesota legend says that its 10,000 lakes were formed when Paul Bunyan’s footprints were filled with water. So it’s not wonder that at least two of Minnesota’ best roadside attractions revolve around this folklore giant.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Minnesota.

This unique Nebraska park is situated on 360 acres of land that was once covered from a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Left behind were the fossil skeletons of animals of the time. The fossil bed is being excavated and fossil skeletons are left in place for public viewing

Where we’d go in Nebraska

There is one place you can’t miss in Nebraska: Carhenge. Carhenge  is a replica of England’s Stonehenge… but made from cars. Standing at 96 feet in diameter and made up of thirty eight gray-painted cars, the roadside attraction was created in 1987 by experimental artist Jim Reinders.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Nebraska.

Find four presidential busts carved into the side of a mountain in Keystone, South Dakota. The 60-foot-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln and represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country.

Where we’d go in South Dakota

No road trip to Mount Rushmore would be complete without a stop at Wall Drug . Trust me, you can’t miss the barrage of road signs leading the way. The Western-themed shopping mall features a drug store, gift shop, restaurants, travelers church, taxidermy, a giant Jackalope, an 80-foot brontosaurus, and free ice water for all.

See more of the best roadside attractions in South Dakota.

Fort Union served as an important fur trading post between 1829 and 1867. Here, Assiniboine, Crow, Cree, Ojibway, Blackfeet, Hidatsa, and other tribes exchanged buffalo robes and small furs for goods from around the world. Today, the site has been partially reconstructed and operates as a National Historic Site.

Where we’d go in North Dakota

We’d go see a buffalo that would have produced one mighty large robe to trade: The World’s Largest Buffalo Monument in Jamestown. The World’s Largest Buffalo Monument (nicknamed Dakota Thunder) is a must-see road trip stop for any roadside attraction lover! At 26 feet tall, 46 feet long, and weighing in at 60 tons, this big bison is certainly a site to behold!

See more of the best roadside attractions in North Dakota.

Glacier National Park is a 1,583 square mile wilderness area in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. Established as a National Park in 1910, you can explore a range of majestic landforms: alpine meadows, waterfalls, deep forests, carved valleys, spectacular lakes, and about 25 glistening glaciers. With over 700 miles of trails, there is a wonderment of beauty to take in.

Where we’d go in Montana

There is plenty of wildlife to see at Glacier National Park (like grizzly bears, mountain goats, and beavers), but, above all else, you have to look for this penguin. Near Glacier National Park, Cut Bank, Montana claims to be the “Coldest Spot in the Nation” (or at least in the lower 48). The town celebrates their moniker with 27-foot tall, 10,000 pound giant penguin statue (Penguin Colossus). The friendly penguin was constructed by Ron Gustafson in 1989 and (at least in theory) talks!

See more of the best roadside attractions in Montana.

The Hanford Site is a decommissioned nuclear production complex operated by the United States federal government. For nearly 30 years at this site, The U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Energy produced plutonium for the atomic weapon program. In doing so, they produced large quantities of waste containing hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials, some of which leaked into the land and water. The site is now open for tours.

Where we’d go in Washington

If exploring a former nuclear testing site is a little too dystopian for you, head to Seattle’s most quirky neighborhood instead: Fremont. There are plenty of weird, wacky, and peculiar things to see in Fremont , a weird wacky and peculiar neighborhood in Seattle, Washington. Look for the Fremont Troll , the Fremont Rocket , and a statue of Lenin , among others.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Washington.

The historic Columbia River Highway is a 75-mile long scenic highway that stretches between Troutdale and The Dalles in Oregon. It was the first scenic highway in America to be named a National Historic Landmark. The drive isn’t long, but it is picturesque, with plenty of things to see along the way. Visit majestic waterfalls (including Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural site in Oregon), temperate rainforests, and 900-foot cliffs.

Where we’d go in Oregon

We love a good scenic highway, but we want to explore a different type of forest in Oregon, an Enchanted Forest. Oregon’s Enchanted Forest is a fairy-tale-themed theme park that’s been open since 1971. You can ride bumper cars or walk through a haunted house, but the real star of this attraction is Storybook Lane, where you can explore Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole, visit Humpty Dumpty, and slide down a giant witch’s hair.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Oregon.

When you 48 state road trip takes you through San Francisco, you have to ride a cable car. The San Francisco cable car system is the world’s last manually operated cable car system. Take in scenic views of the city as the iconic cars take you up and down the hills.

The San Andreas Fault forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. It spans around 745 miles through California and is more accessible than any other fault in the world. Though some viewing spots require a hike, others are accessible by car. Look for fault sites near Palm Springs, Frazier Park, Pinnacles National Park, and San Francisco.

Where we’d go in California

This 48-state road trip chose two locations in California, so we’re going to choose two California roadside attractions as well! First is Trees Of Mystery in Klamath. Trees of Mystery opened in 1931 and is one of California’s oldest roadside attractions. The mountainside park offers panoramic scenic views of California redwoods with a side of kitsch. But we are here for the 49-foot tall Paul Bunyan statue and 35-foot companion Babe the Blue Ox.

Next is the Cabazon Dinosaurs in Cabazon. The Cabazon Dinosaurs feature two giant dinosaurs (a 150-foot-long Brontosaurus and a 65-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex) that are visible from Interstate 10. They were constructed in 1964 to bring in business to the adjacent, now closed, Wheel Inn.

See more of the best roadside attractions in California.

The Hoover Dam spans over the Colorado River between the border of Nevada and Arizona. The concrete arch-gravity dam was constructed during the Great Depression, from 1931 to 1936, and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Nearly seven million visitors a year come to see and walk across this great engineering marvel.

Where we’d go in Nevada

We’re going to end this 48 state road trip with a good night’s sleep in Nevada. Or, maybe not. A night at Tonopah’s Clown Motel might be too much for anyone with even a bit of coulrophobia. It isn’t just the iconic sign out front that features a clown: clowns are everywhere in this motel! There are shelves full of figurines in the lobby and paintings in the rooms. If that isn’t creepy enough, this motel was built right next to a closed cemetery.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Nevada.

If cities are more your thing, Olson also developed another route that stops at the TripAdvisor-rated Best City to Visit in every contiguous US state. It contains an extra stop in Ohio to force the route around Canada and omits stops in North Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia, which contain no top-rated cities. View his route here and see the list of stops below.

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Wichita, Kansas
• Denver, Colorado
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Francisco, California
• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Boise, Idaho
• Park City, Utah
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Billings, Montana
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Chicago, Illinois
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Columbus, Ohio
• Detroit, Michigan
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Manchester, New Hampshire
• Portland, Maine
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Providence, Rhode Island
• New Haven, Connecticut
• New York City, New York
• Ocean City, New Jersey
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Wilmington, Delaware
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Orlando, Florida
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Jackson, Mississippi
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Houston, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Branson, Missouri

Pin this Perfect 48 State Road Trip

Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

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25 Best Road Trip Games for Two

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The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything you need to have and record an epic road trip, by valerie bromann.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

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Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

Ashley Corbin-Teich/Getty Images 

What if you took a list of 50 must-see American attractions and plotted a road trip to hit all of them? Your route would likely look like this, says  Discovery News , which partnered with a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University and used an algorithm to come up with what they say is the perfect cross-country American road trip .

You may disagree. Though the idea of a best-of-the-best itinerary is fun (if gimmicky), the attractions on this route are subjective. Discovery News may rate the Terrace Hill Governor's Mansion in Des Moines as a must-see, yet you might give it a disinterested shrug. There are quite a few places on this list that some experts might consider second- or even third-tier sites (such as the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, Fox Theater, Hanford Site, and others).

The itinerary is contrived to fit Discovery News ' criteria of:

• Remaining solely in the United States
• Including designated national landmarks, historic sites, and national parks and monuments
• Including only one attraction in each one of the lower 48 states (except for California, which got two).

The White House in Washington, D.C., rounded out the 50 picks. The issue is that some states are overflowing with road trip-worthy national landmarks and others are, well, not so much. This explains why a governor's mansion makes the cut while Zion National Park and Niagara Falls do not.

Methodology aside, this is a pretty comprehensive itinerary that does hit many iconic American landmarks. And if hitting all the states in the contiguous United States is one of your goals, this route accomplishes that. The researchers used an algorithm to come up with a loop that allows you to start this road trip in any state and follow it until you’re back at your starting point.

Grand Canyon, AZ

No question—of course , you need to see the Grand Canyon when you're driving through Arizona. Whether you go to the South Rim or North Rim (open May through October) depends on what time of year you're visiting. There are lookout points where you can get some nice photos if you don't have a lot of time, but a longer trip will allow you to dive deeper into this natural wonder.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Utah is overflowing in natural beauty with five show-stopping national parks , but it's Bryce Canyon National Park that made the top of this list. Consisting of large gravity-defying rock formations known as hoodoos, geology-lovers should give themselves plenty of time to enjoy this park.

Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID

Want wilderness? The Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho is an official Wilderness Study Area. This ancient lava-shaped landscape's nature remains "substantially uninfluenced by humans," which is hard to come by these days. A looping road takes you through a big part of the park and there are lots of places where you'll be able to park and explore the caves and craters on foot.

Yellowstone National Park, WY

Another bucket list place for multitudes of Americans is Yellowstone National Park , known for its geysers, amazing vistas, hot mud, and the way the ecosystem has rebalanced with the reintroduction of wolves. There are also entrances to the park in Montana and Idaho.

Pikes Peak, CO

Attracting more than half a million visitors every year, Pikes Peak is one of the most popular mountains in Colorado due to its proximity to the town of Colorado Springs . In this part of the state, you'll also find the Garden of the Gods nearby, an area filled with dramatic rock formations that jut out of the ground.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Caves, cacti, desert, and fossil reefs are all at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Spelunkers can even arrange for permits to travel off-trail on self-guided or ranger-guided trips underground. Non-spelunkers can explore the caves on foot or sign up for a guided tour, which will allow you to walk through more physically challenging parts of the cave.

The Alamo: San Antonio, TX

The Alamo as a fort was significant in the creation of San Antonio and its designation as "Military City, U.S.A." Just in case you don't remember, this is the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo (before Texas officially became a state) between Mexican and Texan soldiers including the famous raccoon hat-wearing Davy Crockett.

Platt Historic District: Sulfur, OK

Thirty miles of trails in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in the Platt Historic District (formerly Platt National Park) are available for a variety of skill levels of hikers and have varying scenery among them, such as waterfalls, wildlife, Travertine Creek, ponds, and lakes.

Toltec Mounds: Scott, AR

Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park contains ancient mounds—what remains from a "ceremonial and governmental complex"—from A.D. 650 to 1050 when the area was inhabited by prehistoric Native Americans. It's a short drive away from the Arkansas capital of Little Rock.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland: Memphis, TN

Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion is like a time capsule and the home captures all the King's favorite 1977 kitsch. The best time to visit is in August during Elvis Week when mega-fans come together to celebrate his life and music.

Vicksburg National Military Park: Vicksburg, MS

A key city in the opinion of both sides fighting the Civil War, Vicksburg, Mississippi , was the site of a 47-day long battle. Here, you can see an ironclad ship used on the Mississippi River during the war, visit 1,400 monuments and memorials, and watch battle reenactments.

French Quarter: New Orleans, LA

There's always something to see, hear, do, and eat in the New Orleans'  French Quarter . You'll find many revelers enjoying the neighborhood's open container laws on Bourbon Street at night, but there is also plenty of history to explore during the day in this charming district.

USS Alabama: Mobile, AL

At home in the Mobile Bay, the USS Alabama is a World War II battleship that saw action in the South Pacific. You can buy a ticket to walk around the ship and learn about the United States' military history from the inside.

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station: Cape Canaveral, FL

Kids and adults alike can imagine their space-explorer dreams at Cape Canaveral , a historic site and home to three rocket launch pads. Here, you can see where the U.S. space program began and tour the Kennedy Space Center and Visitor Complex .

Okefenokee Swamp Park: Waycross, GA

The Okefenokee Swamp Park is nature like you've likely never seen it before. The Natural Wildlife Refuge covers nearly half a million acres. Surrounded by the sounds of animals, it's a peaceful place to enjoy nature and learn about swamp ecosystems.

Fort Sumter National Monument: Charleston, SC

Located in the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is the site where the American Civil War began. You'll have to catch a ferry to get to this island, but when you get there you'll find a small museum that tells the story of the first battle.

Lost World Caverns: Lewisburg, WV

About five hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains , West Virginia's Lost World Caverns inspire awe. Here, you can travel on a simple self-guided cave tour on trails 120 feet down, or you can go all in, deeper, on a four-hour guided excursion, where few humans have traveled.

Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center: Kill Devil Hills, NC

The Wright Brothers weren't the only ones trying to fly, but their few moments sustained in the air in 1903 were historic. At the National Memorial Visitor Center , you can see the spot where the first successful flight first took off. It's located in North Carolina's Outer Banks, which also happens to be a great beach destination .

Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon, VA

Mount Vernon is the historic home of George Washington, who was not only the United States' first president but was also a hero of the Revolutionary War. Visiting the place he lived is one way to get a peek into the home life of the historical figure.

White House: Washington, D.C.

It's easy to see the White House from the street when you're exploring Washington D.C., but if you want to take a tour of the inside, you will have to submit your application directly to your congressional representative way ahead of your visit. The process is a little complicated, but at the end of the day, there's no charge for a tour. If you're not a U.S. citizen, applications must be submitted to your home country's embassy in Washington, D.C.

Colonial Annapolis Historic District: Annapolis, MD

Annapolis has more 18th century structures standing than any other city in the United States. Sometimes called the "Athens of America," the downtown area draws more than two million visitors per year. It's also home to the U.S. Naval Academy , which is open for tours.

New Castle Historic District: New Castle, Delaware

If you can't get enough of colonial buildings, set your GPS for New Castle, Delaware. Founded in the 17th century, this charming colonial city beset with cobblestone streets has many historic homes you can visit, such as the Dutch House and the Amstel House. You can learn more in the museums and at and the Old New Castle Courthouse, which was the location of the colonial and state government until 1777.

Cape May Historic District: Cape May, NJ

Down the shore, you can check out the famous Cape May lighthouse at New Jersey's southernmost point. There are also many historic homes and businesses in this area, some that date back to the mid-1800s. Not far from Cape May, you can also visit the beaches and boardwalk in Wildwood , one of the beach towns in New Jersey.

Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, PA

When you're in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell is a must-see. At the Liberty Bell Visitor center, you can see the bell in person and learn all about its long journey from practical noise-maker to a symbol of freedom. Many historians believe this was one of the bells rung when the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall .

Statue of Liberty: New York, NY

When visiting New York City, you can take a ferry from Battery Park out to Liberty Island to see the iconic Statue of Liberty . However, tickets need to be purchased in advance if you want to climb to the top and the National Park Service only allows 240 visitors per day to do so. If you don't have a ticket, you can still walk along the grounds and tour the National Museum of Immigration. 

Mark Twain House & Museum: Hartford, CT

In Hartford, Connecticut, you can visit the home of one of America's most famous authors. You won't see rivers and riverboats at Mark Twain's house in Connecticut, but you will see the place where he wrote his most famous novels from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Prince and the Pauper."

The Breakers Mansion: Newport, RI

In Rhode Island, you can see the Newport mansion of the Vanderbilts, one of America's richest families. Referred to as their "summer cottage," The Breakers is a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo and open for tours. Visiting is a fun way to take a fun peek into the lush lives of the wealthy at the turn of the century.

USS Constitution: Boston, MA

In Boston, you can climb aboard and tour the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard. And if this visit inspires you to seek out more of Boston's military history, you're just a short walk of the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum.

Acadia National Park, ME

Maine's pristine Acadia National Park is one of the east coast's hidden gems. The best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves change color and light up the whole landscape in shades of red and gold.

Omni Mount Washington Hotel: Bretton Woods, NH

New Hampshire's Mount Washington was first explored by colonists in 1642, but three centuries later in 1900, construction began on the Omni Mount Washington. The century-old resort in a popular ski area is now a luxury hotel that has attracted elite guests from presidents like JFK and authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Shelburne Farms: Shelburne, VT

At Shelburne Farms in Vermont, you can learn about sustainable agriculture and indulge at their farm-to-table restaurant. The farm holds programs about historic preservation, natural resources, and farming practices. It's located just seven miles south of the Vermont capital of Burlington.

Fox Theater: Detroit, MI

The Fox Theater isn't your run-of-the-mill cinema chain. When it opened in 1928 it had the second-largest seating capacity in the world with more than 5,000 seats. It's one of the largest surviving movie palaces of its era and has since been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Spring Grove Cemetery: Cincinnati, OH

Not just historic and beautiful, Cincinnati's Spring Grove Cemetery is enormous, spanning over 700 acres. You could spend a whole day enjoying the peaceful grounds and exploring the lakes, islands, footbridges, and protected wooded areas. Historic figures laid to rest here include Civil War-era Major General Joseph Hooker and Salmon P. Chase , the founder of Cincinnati Law School.

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

Not far from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is the world's longest cave system with more than 400 miles of underground caverns. Much of the cave was first mapped out in the late 19th century by Stephen Bishop, a slave who was the first person to cross what was known as the "Bottomless Pit" and discover the sections beyond it.

West Baden Springs Hotel: West Baden Springs, IN

The most historic and luxurious hotel in Indiana, the West Baden Springs Hotel hosts special events, entertainment, and historic tours, for those staying or not. It's worth visiting just to take a gander at the humungous atrium that spans 200-feet across and has a fireplace so big that it can burn 14-foot logs.

Abraham Lincoln’s Home: Springfield, IL

In Springfield Illinois, you can tour the home of President Abraham Lincoln. The museum is filled with personal artifacts of the Lincoln family and the tour explores his rise as a lawyer and politician leading up to his presidential campaign.

Gateway Arch: St. Louis, MO

You don't just have to look at the arch, you can go to the top of it! In St. Louis, the Gateway Arch's tram will take you to the top for some incredible 360-degree views of the Twin Cities. The arch was completed in 1965 and is one of the city's most popular attractions.

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum: Leavenworth, KS

In Leavenworth, Kansas, you can take a spin through the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum . Here you'll find restored carousels that date back to the mid-1800s like the Liberty Carousel and a Primitive Carousel and can learn about the history of C.W. Parker's carousel factory, which produced about 1,000 carousels during its time.

Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion: Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines, you can tour the governor's mansion at Terrace Hill . The governor's mansion hosts special events such as the "Tea & Talk" series and the annual garden party and the ​piano competition. While you're in Des Moines, the State Capitol is also a beautiful building worth seeing.

Taliesin: Green Spring, WI

In Wisconsin, you can visit one of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wight's creations at Taliesin Wisconsin. You'll be able to walk around Wright's home, which is also a designated National Historic Landmark, and studio, where he lived during the beginning of his career.

Fort Snelling: Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN

Originally built as a frontier post in the 19th century, Fort Snelling is located near the Mississippi River. The fort tells the tense history of the region's new arrivals and the Native Americans who already lived here and in visiting you can learn the story of the Dakota War of 1862 and how the fort was used as an internment camp. On the river outside of the fort, you'll find a memorial for those that did not survive.

Ashfall Fossil Beds: Royal, NE

A must-visit for dinosaur lovers of all ages, more than 200 fossils have been recovered from the Ashfall Fossil Beds in Royal, Nebraska. Here, you'll find remnants of North America's prehistoric rhinoceroses and horses that roamed the land millions of years ago.

Mount Rushmore: Keystone, SD

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

It was a massive project, that extended over decades, to carve the presidents' heads into a granite bluff at Mount Rushmore . Just down the road is Crazy Horse Memorial , which is even bigger—although still under construction

Fort Union Trading Post: Williston, ND

Located right on the North Dakota-Montana border, Fort Union was one of the region's most important fur trading posts between the years of 1829 and 1867. It was here that Northern Plains Indian Tribes peacefully traded furs for goods until the smallpox epidemic decimated the area.

Glacier National Park, MT

One of Montana's many natural gems, Glacier National Park is full of turquoise lakes, snowy meadows, precipitous mountains, and 25 active glaciers. The park is a part of the Rocky Mountains and shares a border with Canada's neighboring province of Alberta .

Hanford Site: Benton County, WA

If you've got a taste for dark tourism and are curious about what it would be like to walk around a decommissioned nuclear testing location, Washington's Hanford Site is open for visitors. It was here where the U.S. government conducted its plutonium research as a part of the infamous Manhattan Project, which would lead to the development of nuclear weapons.

Columbia River Highway, OR

Not just a scenic road, this highway is historic and has been well cared for over the years. Driving along this stretch of road, you'll be able to see the Pacific Northwest's temperate rainforests, which offer great opportunities for hiking and biking. There are also dozens of waterfalls to see when you get to the Columbia River Gorge, including the popular Multnomah Falls .

San Francisco Cable Cars: San Francisco, CA

When you're in San Francisco, you have to ride one of the city's iconic streetcars in the place they were invented. Of course, after you've had your fun riding up the city's steep hills, there is plenty more to enjoy in the city from the food scene to the Golden Gate Bridge views.

San Andreas Fault, CA

You've probably heard plenty about the San Andreas Fault , an area of high tectonic activity where the Pacific plate meets the Atlantic plate, but did you know there are spots where you can see it for yourself? Many sections of the fault are easy to visit throughout California and you can find fault sites near Palm Springs , Frazier Park, Pinnacles National Park , and even San Francisco .

Hoover Dam: Boulder City, NV

TripSavvy / Deanna Mazzola

On the border of Nevada and Arizona, you can see one of the country's greatest feats of engineering. The Hoover Dam draws approximately seven million visitors a year and while you're there, you can walk across it, crossing state lines and even a time zone border, and take a tour of the plant to learn more about how it works. 

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This Map Shows the Quickest (and Ultimate) Road Trip Across America

Planning holidays in USA? This map has got you covered for a great American road trip this year. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before. A few years back a savvy University of Michigan researcher figured out the fastest route to drive across the US, hitting all the country’s major landmarks before coming full circle.

Using a carefully calculated algorithm, it would take about nine days of driving – or 224 total hours – to complete the 13,699-mile (22,046-kilometre) journey across the United States, according to Randy Olson ‘s calculations.

If you’ve got the time to complete the full circuit, you’ll encounter some of the United States’ most famous sights, including Arizona’s Grand Canyon, Washington DC’s White House, New York’s Statue of Liberty and Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park. And if you were curious, Randy calculated the whole thing in less than a minute. Genius.

Here’s a full list (in order) of everything you’ll encounter on your holidays in USA for an epic road trip:

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Pikes Peak, Colorado

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

The Alamo, Texas

The Platt Historic District, Oklahoma

Toltec Mounds, Arkansas

Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Tennessee

Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi

French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana

USS Alabama , Alabama

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

Okefenokee Swamp Park, Georgia

Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina

Lost World Caverns, West Virginia

Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, North Carolina

Mount Vernon, Virginia

White House, Washington DC

Colonial Annapolis Historic District, Maryland

New Castle Historic District, Delaware

Cape May Historic District, New Jersey

Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania

Statue of Liberty, New York

The Mark Twain House and Museum, Connecticut

The Breakers, Rhode Island

USS Constitution , Massachusetts

Acadia National Park, Maine

Mount Washington Hotel, New Hampshire

Shelburne Farms, Vermont

Fox Theater, Michigan

Spring Grove Cemetery, Ohio

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

West Baden Springs Hotel, Indiana

Abraham Lincoln’s Home, Illinois

Gateway Arch, Missouri

C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, Kansas

Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, Iowa

Taliesin, Wisconsin

Fort Snelling, Minnesota

Ashfall Fossil Bed, Nebraska

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Fort Union Trading Post, North Dakota

Glacier National Park, Montana

Hanford Site, Washington

Columbia River Highway, Oregon

San Francisco Cable Cars, California

San Andreas Fault, California

Hoover Dam, Nevada

Love maps? Check out this handy map that shows you every single airport’s Wi-Fi codes across the world !

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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If you’re considering a seriously crazy summer road trip, check out the route data-blogger Stephen Von Worley created that starts in South Berwick, Maine, and ends in Taft, Mont.

The Fifty, Swiftly route he created a few years ago outlines the fastest way to see all 50 states and Washington, D.C. — not that he’s ever done it or knows anyone who has.

“Average 55 mph with stops, swap in fresh drivers as necessary, and you’ll traverse every member of the contiguous U.S. in just under 124 hours,” Von Worley writes on his Data Pointed blog . His Google map marked with driving legs that you can view on your smartphone covers 6,813 miles.

For those pushing for the grand sweep, fly from Spokane, Wash., to make a “three-legged loop to Honolulu, Anchorage, and back” to bag Alaska and Hawaii, adding 36 hours to the journey. The grand total: 160 hours to tag every state in the union.

How much time is that? Well, there are 168 hours in a week.

But don’t expect to go souvenir shopping on this journey. On the Lower 48 ride, you’ll average 2.6 hours per state during this drive-a-thon. With Alaska and Hawaii added in, you’ll spend “anywhere from a few seconds to eight hours in each state,” Von Worley says in an email.

The recommended vehicle for the trip isn’t a cushy SUV but a box truck, preferably used, outfitted with a bed and a fridge for your team of drivers. Yes, a team of drivers and cheerleaders is what you’ll need to do the Fifty, Swiftly.

Other road-trip ideas to check out: MotorcycleRoads.US challenges two-wheelers with a Nifty Fifty list that points to the most scenic rides to conquer in each state. (Mulholland Highway is the entry for California).

It’s also worth consulting 2014’s Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips from WalletHub, which provides insight into which states you want to be road-tripping in and why.

Info: Google map with directions of Fifty, Swiftly driving route

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50 state race

By Jonathan Thompson

This feature first appeared in Condé Nast Traveller USA Special September 2014

Huntsville, we have a problem. Experiencing the zero-gravity simulator at the US Space & Rocket Center’s Space Academy. At this point, I was worried that my breakfast might attempt re-entry.

The descent towards Juneau. Alaska is the largest US state, but its little-known capital is inaccessible by road – a notable oddity in the spiritual home of the automobile.

The Hoover Dam, as seen from a helicopter on the approach to the Grand Canyon. It’s a cliché that getting there is half the fun, but that 45-minute trip is truly stunning.

Entering by road in stormy conditions. I stopped in pretty Blytheville and warmed up in a rocking chair by the hot stove in the famous old Bookstore.

Venice Beach is like London’s Soho in the sun: the streets are packed with boutique-style bars and restaurants. In the evening, the area comes alive with skateboarders, musicians, artists and young couples enjoying the Californian twilight.

The Four Corners Monument is the only place in the USA where four states touch. Here, my right leg is in Colorado, while my other limbs are in (clockwise) New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

Connecticut

This gentleman has worked in The Owl Shop, New Haven – a cigar lounge on the edge of Yale University campus – for decades. Across the street is Louis’ Lunch, the tiny luncheonette that invented the hamburger in 1900. Still delicious.

I visited the oldest state in the Union on my first Friday evening. Delaware has a vibrant live blues scene: this was taken during a gig at Wilmington’s Blue Parrot Bar & Grille.

Connor Sturges

Sarah James

Sarah Rodrigues

Olivia Morelli

An airboat tour of the Everglades with alligator whisperer Johnny Tigertail of the Miccosukee tribe. The conversation sounded somewhere between a good seal impression and bad hiccups.

A grocery store on the outskirts of Atlanta. The peach is the official state fruit of Georgia, and they’re mad for them here.

The pretty town of Haleiwa on Oahu’s famous North Shore. This is surfing’s mecca: the waves hammer the coast here like heavy artillery.

They call Montana ‘Big Sky Country’, but it was this stretch of road – just outside Victor, Idaho – that gave me my truest sense of America’s vastness. An inspiring panorama.

Taken from the top of Chicago’s John Hancock Center. The views here are spectacular: Lake Michigan surges away to drown the horizon, lending Chicago the feel of a city standing vigil at the edge of the world.

Nicknamed ‘The Crossroads of America’, Indiana is dissected by a mind-boggling 12,000 miles of highway. Its industrial hinterland has a stark, angular beauty.

The endless farms, fields and silos of Iowa mean the distances between towns are huge. This tyre statue at a gas station seemed a fitting tribute to a state where a car is a day-to-day necessity.

Riverside High School in Elwood. I stopped to ask directions and ended up being invited to a homecoming pageant. An unexpected slice of pure Americana.

The Kentucky Derby, the US equivalent of the Grand National, takes place each May. I booked horse-riding lessons at Murray State University’s renowned Equine Center. OK, and I ate fried chicken, too.

A whirling medley of different styles, cultures and music, New Orleans is a city with a real whiff of old magic. This shot was taken during a big night out in the Big Easy. I’m surprised it’s in focus...

Maine is the spiritual home of the earmuff. This is a frozen salmon river near Bethel. The weather didn’t stop the local fishermen, who were out with meaty two-handed ice augers –and earmuffs, naturally.

I met musician and professional Sting impersonator Wayne Werner at Price’s crab shack in Havre De Grace. He taught me how to eat crabs and, for afters, how to play the harmonica.

Massachusetts

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, where the events of 16 December 1773 are recreated on a daily basis by a company of actors, both human and hologram.

Zooming down the luge run at the Winter Sports Complex in Muskegon, the only publicly accessible bobsled track in the USA. About 10 seconds later, I was a pile of limbs in a snowdrift.

The Wayside Chapel on the outskirts of Luverne is one of the tiniest churches in the world. Drivers come here to ‘Pause, Rest, Worship’. But only six at a time, because that’s the maximum number that can squeeze inside.

Mississippi

This roadside graffiti reads ‘Keep Out, Will Be Shot’. Funny, considering the people I encountered in Mississippi were among the friendliest I met on the entire trip.

Behind the curtain in Kansas City are some of the world’s finest jazz wizards. Confusingly, the town has ‘done a Dorothy’ and isn’t in Kansas any more. Most of it, including the Jazz District, is now in Missouri.

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. The guide described how wolf-pack authority is determined by parentage: ‘When an alpha pair have pups, they’re pushed up the rankings – just like the royal family in England.’

In the best possible taste, they love a car wreck here. This was en route to the town of Alliance, home to ‘Carhenge’: a Stonehenge replica constructed entirely from old cars.

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is where old signs come to retire. It’s home to 150 colossal, shining examples of this offbeat art form.

New Hampshire

Arriving in the chocolate-box town of North Conway, I noticed this Mustang, which appeared to have been frozen into an enormous novelty ice cube.

Red Bank, NJ: Jon Bon Jovi’s home town. I visited his new community project, the Soul Kitchen, for a delicious lunch. Sadly, my request to interview JBJ himself went down in a Blaze of Glory.

I stopped for lunch at this roadside café in north-western New Mexico, which is Navajo Indian country. The pancakes served with black beans and hot sauce were delicious.

Grand Central Station celebrated its centenary last year, and it’s still every bit as grand as it ever was. The Oyster Bar oozes Prohibition cool.

North Carolina

This is me in the kitchen of The Pit, a world-famous barbecue restaurant in Raleigh. The ‘birthplace of barbecue’ is a controversial title squabbled over by various Deep South states, but I think it’s North Carolina by a prairie mile.

North Dakota

Sunset, just before landing in Fargo, famed for the Coen Brothers movie of the same name. It’s a lively town with some great Scandinavian-influenced restaurants. Sadly the visit was cut disappointingly short – rather like Steve Buscemi’s torso in the film.

By this late stage in the trip, I’d entered the 51st state: broke. This is the carpet of Toledo airport. I had a criminally short amount of time to spend in the home of the ‘Three Cs’: Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinatti.

No plains, but the wind came whistling down the Tulsa Riverwalk as I cycled along it, past the huge animal sculptures. You could lose an entire summer weekend here.

‘Keep Portland Weird’ shouts a massive piece of graffiti opposite the Voodoo Doughnut café. The owners have taken that sentiment to heart: here, I’m sampling bacon and maple flavour.

Pennysylvania

Overnight at an Amish guesthouse in Lancaster County. In this sheltered corner of Pennsylvania, some 35,000 members of agricultural religious communities (who are collectively known as the ‘Pennsylvania Dutch’) live the Plain Life.

Rhode Island

The contents of a bedside drawer in Providence. Rhode Island’s capital is home to the USA’s oldest diner, Haven Brothers, founded in 1888 as a horse- drawn lunch cart and still going strong.

South Carolina

The pretty town of Greenville was infamous for manufacturing and shipping moonshine during Prohibition in the USA in the 1920s. Now it’s home to Dark Corner, the state’s first legal distillery.

South Dakota

South Dakota is celebrated for Mount Rushmore, but to sum up an entire state with just a mention of four famous heads would be an injustice akin to judging Liverpool solely on The Beatles. Sioux Falls, where this was taken, is a major Midwestern art hub.

People flock to the National Ornamental Metal Museum, where they pay to join the professional blacksmiths, creating everything from jewellery to furniture.

This was taken inside a bar: Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. The biggest honky tonk in the world, it covers an enormous three acres of floor space, including this live bull-riding arena.

Utah’s famous Hole N” The Rock applies an entirely new filter to ‘weird’. A cluster of bizarre boutiques, statues, art installations and a zoo forming a ragtag trading post around a fully decorated cave, it’s road-trip gold.

Ben & Jerry’s headquarters, Waterbury. So important is the company to the local town that they use pints of ice cream as unofficial currency, exchangeable for everything from beer and pizza to haircuts and massages.

Sunset approaching in America’s oldest English colony. This was taken just outside Washington DC. The light is special here – a photographer’s dream.

With more than 750 wineries, Washington State is second only to California in terms of US wine production. The Space Needle guided me back into rainy Seattle after a day of wine tasting in Woodinville.

West Virginia

The Civil War is never far from mind in battle-scarred West Virginia. But the state is also a big food and beer destination. The local Miner’s Daughter Oatmeal Stout is a particular winner.

‘The Cheese State’ produces more than two billion pounds of the stuff every year. This was a local at Frank’s Diner in Kenosha, where ‘The Garbage Plate’ comes with five melted cheeses on top.

The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole is packed with cowboy memorabilia, including Billy the Kid’s silver revolver. Celebrities including Timberlake and Tarantino regularly perch on the studded leather saddles that double as bar stools.

Free guide: Learn how to travel full-time with your family!

The perfect road trip map to drive across the United States

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip, and spring is the perfect time to plan one! With the weather warming up, we tend to get itchy for travel. Today I’ll share our perfect road trip map to see any part (or all) of the United States. Let’s hit the road and take that great American road trip!

When we started our family gap year , two and a half years ago, we planned to travel from the Pacific Northwest, down the coast of California, through Texas to Florida, and then up the east coast.

We did just that, but then we continued to travel and have now circled the United States four times — and we’re preparing for our fifth cross-country road trip!

Each route has been a little different, which has helped us hit new regions, see diverse landscapes, and visit unique attractions.

The perfect United States road trip map

So where do you want to go? From coast to coast, there is SO much to see and do in the United States. It’s one of the biggest countries in the world, and your experience can be just about anything you’d like — from a tropical adventure in south Florida, to the snowy mountains of Colorado, to the misty Pacific Northwest.

You can try to visit all of the national parks and national monuments. You can head to New York and experience that big city life or escape to the quiet plains of the midwest.

There are two different kinds of road trips: those that are focused on the destination and those that are focused on the journey. Maybe you’re driving on a road well-known for its beauty, like the Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, or maybe you’re driving just to get from city to city and visit the hot spots.

But ideally, you can combine both of those goals and see gorgeous landscapes on your way to fun activities!

Don’t miss: Our Family Gap Year Itinerary

The best route to visit all 50 states at once

Unless you’re a very extreme or long-term traveler, I’m guessing you don’t plan to hit every single state — but if you are, I can point you in the right direction!

Check out Randy Olson’s  optimal US road trip maps , or visit TripSavvy’s list of  must-see American attractions  in an ordered loop you can begin at any point. These are two great resources if you are trying to go everywhere!

Our biggest tip for traveling the whole country: go south in the winter and north in the summer! Yes, being snowbirds is basically our life goal.

The best road trips by region in the United States

I’d love to share our favorite road trip routes in each region of the US. This will help you plan the perfect road trip in your own neck of the woods, or anywhere you plan to visit across the country!

For more details on fun things to do in each region of the US, check out my guest post on The Art of Travel: Visiting all 50 US States

Getting misty in the Pacific Northwest

We’ll always have a soft spot for the northwestern corner of the country, as that was our very first stop on our full-time family travels. We had never visited before, so the giant trees and almost-perpetual rainbows had us captivated.

Head to Seattle for a wide range of activities : go up to the top of the Space Needle, ride a wooden boat on Lake Washington, wander through Pike Place Market, and visit Amazon HQ .

If you’ve got plenty of time to spend in Washington, consider driving the Cascade Loop, visit Mount Rainer National Park or Olympic National Park, or look for orcas in the San Juan Islands.

Then go south to Portland and browse the shelves at Powell’s Books and eat a Voodoo Doughnut. Head just to the east to visit gorgeous Multnomah Falls, then drive to the west coast to visit Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.

Your Pacific Northwest road trip map

Cruise down the coast of California

I couldn’t write a blog post on great road trips without including the Pacific Coast Highway ! We got to drive highway 1 down the coast of California near the end of 2018, and we’ll never forget it!

Start in San Francisco — visit the redwood trees, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and be sure to take a ride on one of the San Francisco cable cars!

From there, follow highway 1 and drive through Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur. Stop in San Simeon and see the elephant seals.

Then cruise through the southern California beach towns of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Malibu, and end your journey at the Santa Monica Pier (or continue on to San Diego).

Your Pacific Coast Highway road trip map

Get your kicks on Route 66

Having lived in Arizona for many years, we’ve driven along Route 66 more than once. Yes, it extends all the way “from Chicago to LA”, but there are some great iconic landmarks you can still visit along the Mother Road in Arizona, so it’s our pick for the southwestern region of the US.

Top stops along the way include the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, “standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona”, the Meteor Crater, Twin Arrows, Seligman, and Kingman. Visit soon — some landmarks are sadly wasting away.

All 50 States Tip: Once you get to Kingman, it’s just about 90 minutes to get to Las Vegas, if you need to check Nevada off your 50 state bucket list!

Your Route 66 road trip map

Complete the Texas Triangle

Texas boasts a number of major cities, living up to the saying that everything is bigger in Texas! And you can visit each of these metro areas when you take a triangle-shaped road trip in the middle of the state.

Start in San Antonio: walk the Riverwalk and tour the Alamo. Drive up to Austin for some great live music and nightlife. At the peak of the triangle you’ll find Dallas: smell the flowers at the Dallas Arboretum, play around at the National Videogame Museum, and eat a steak…because you’re in Dallas and living that cowboy life.

Head southeast to Houston and visit the Houston Space Center, and then drive to the coast to ride the rides at the Pleasure Pier in Galveston.

All 50 States Tip: If you’re coming to Texas from Arizona, you might try to time your trip so you hit the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico on your way. It happens in October and is well-worth the stop!

Your Texas Triangle road trip map

Glide along the Gulf Coast

You’ll find small beach town charm and pristine white sugar sand along the Gulf Coast of the United States. It’s one of our favorite spots in the country!

Start in New Orleans, Louisiana and soak up all the French Quarter has to offer, including muffalettas, beignets, and really great jazz. Then drive east, across the bottom of Mississippi and Alabama. Leave I-10 to drive south to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and then stick to the roads closest to the beach as you drive along the Florida panhandle, stopping at any beach towns that take your fancy.

If you’ve got the time and the budget, continue heading into central Florida for some fun at the theme parks, and then drive south to our next road trip recommendation…

Your Gulf Coast road trip map

Road trip through the tropics

In Southern Florida, you can get a real taste of the tropics without having to leave the continental US! Miami is just a 3-hour drive from Orlando, and about another 3-hour drive will take you through the Keys all the way into Key West.

In Miami, visit the colorful Wynwood neighborhood, and make sure to grab some Taiyaki ice cream! Then head over to South Beach and check out the nightlife.

In Key West, walk down Duval Street and say hi to all the chickens that roam free. Make sure to have a slice of key lime pie and watch the sunset in Mallory Square.

Your southern Florida road trip map

Adventures in Appalachia

Discover the delights of the southeast in what you might call the “Appalachia” region. You can make a bit of a circle traveling through Savannah and Atlanta in Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Charleston, South Carolina — or the other way around!

See the Spanish Moss in Savannah, taste every Coke product in the World of Coke tasting room in Atlanta, experience Music City in Nashville, stroll the botanical gardens at UNC Charlotte, and take a carriage ride through Charleston’s cobblestone streets.

This route will also take you through Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Asheville — other great cities to explore, so be sure to stop if you have time!

And if you have to make the pilgrimage to Graceland, just extend your route to include Memphis, thank you very much!

Your Appalachia road trip map

Explore US history in the mid-Atlantic

Heading north, the mid-Atlantic states are a great place to learn about our country’s history and visit some of the biggest, busiest cities in the world.

In Virginia, you can experience colonial life at Historic Jamestowne. In Washington DC, you could spend hours and hours exploring all the free museums and memorials (and don’t forget to visit the pandas at the National Zoo). Our big kids even had the chance to tour the White House!

All 50 States Tip: Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia is just one hour west of DC, and there you can hike part of the Appalachian Trail!

In Pennsylvania, you can visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Then drive up to New York City and experience the Big Apple! If you’re visiting after Broadway has reopened, definitely take in a show. Take the requisite visits to Times Square and Rockefeller Center, and stroll through Central Park.

Ride the Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park and tour the Statue of Liberty. Then, take the Q train to Coney Island and eat some hot dogs and deep-fried Oreos.

That’s right — historic sites AND deep-fried Oreos. You’re welcome.

All 50 States Tip: This is where you should check off Delaware and New Jersey, too. Visit Rehoboth Beach and Atlantic City and enjoy the beaches and boardwalks!

Your mid-Atlantic road trip map

Take a pilgrimage to New England

Get it…pilgrimage?

All 50 States Tip: As you head north, stop in at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut and stroll the cliff walk in Newport, Rhode Island.

Get your dose of history by walking the Freedom Trail in Boston, and have some fun on a Duck Tour. Then drive north for a trip through the most quaint, picture-perfect New England port towns. Walk around Portsmouth, New Hampshire, then make your way into Maine.

I was born and raised in Maine, so yes my New England road trip is a little Maine-heavy!

Visit Dock Square in Kennebunkport for some primo shopping and a summertime treat, like a fresh-squeezed lemonade or ice cream from Aunt Marie’s.

Then, head to Old Orchard Beach for a day of fun at the beachside amusement park, Palace Playland. Do NOT leave without getting an order of pier fries — and eat them like the locals, doused in vinegar and caked with salt.

Portland is a much-loved Maine “big city” so take a stroll through the Old Port and check out the unique shops and bars. Then, if you’ve got the time, drive to Acadia National Park and catch the earliest sunrise in the United States.

All 50 States Tip: If you’re headed to the midwest from New England, drive through Vermont and tour the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, then stop at Niagara Falls in New York!

Your New England road trip map

Meander through the Midwest

Things get a little tricky in the Midwest and central US just because there are so many options for where to go and in what order. So I’ll detail the two routes I would take, but you can mix-and-match the cities in this section and the next, and curate your own perfect road trip map through the middle of the country!

If you’re coming from the Northeast, stop in Cleveland, Ohio to tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then head to Detroit, Michigan to visit the Motown Museum and take the Coney Dog Challenge .

If you’d like, stop to explore Cincinnati on your way to Louisville, Kentucky. In Louisville, see how they make baseball bats at the Louisville Slugger Factory and learn all about horse racing at Churchill Downs (or hey, time your road trip to attend the Kentucky Derby!).

Check out the Indy 500 track in Indianapolis, or try your hand at some duckpin bowling. Then drive west to Chicago. See The Bean, eat a Chicago dog and some deep-dish pizza, and admire the artwork at the Art Institute of Chicago. If you must have the full Ferris Beuller experience, go to the top of Willis Tower and put your forehead against the glass.

Head north and cross into Wisconsin. Visit the Milwaukee Public Market and get your fill of local cheese! From there, go to Minneapolis and get lost in the Mall of America or go downtown and toss your hat in the air a la Mary Tyler Moore.

All 50 States Tip: You can drive about 3.5 hours from Minneapolis to Fargo, North Dakota, where you can join the Best for Last Club (IF North Dakota is your 50th and final state visited)!

As your last midwestern stop, head south to Iowa and explore Des Moines. Walk through the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and visit the famous bridges of Madison County.

All 50 States Tip: You can fit Nebraska in here by heading to Omaha — enjoy a leisurely walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and then have a nice sit-down dinner in Omaha’s Old Market. Or, if you prefer, you can visit the other side of Nebraska on our next route.

Your Midwest road trip map

Go through the Gateway to the West

Start your exploration of the central US in St. Louis and go up in the Gateway Arch. Then, on your way to Oklahoma City, stop in Bentonville, Arkansas to tour the Walmart Museum and the Crystal Lakes Museum (both free and worth the visit!).

In Oklahoma City, visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial (the site of the 1995 bombing) and the Land Run Monument. Then head north to Kansas and stop in Hutchinson to go 650 feet underground into the Strataca Salt Mine.

From there, drive west to Denver. There’s lots to do here! Stand a mile high on the Capitol steps, relax in one of the many parks, climb Pikes Peak, and take in the majestic view of the Rocky Mountains.

After you’ve gotten your fill of Denver, it’s time to visit the Dakotas. On the way, you can take a quick detour into Nebraska to stop by Chimney Rock, of Oregon Trail fame.

In the southwest corner of South Dakota you’ll definitely want to stop and see Mount Rushmore. Then drive north to Medora, North Dakota and visit the prairie dogs at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. From here, you’re in a great place to take our final road trip route!

Your Gateway to the West road trip map

Tour the western national parks

Last summer, we took an epic road trip across the US and the final third was comprised mostly of national parks on the western side of the country. We had a blast and saw some incredibly diverse, beautiful terrain.

Start in Glacier National Park and spend a day driving the Going-To-The-Sun Road. Then head to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and be sure to see Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.

After Yellowstone, stop in at Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone. We missed this one but hear it’s a must-see.

From there, go south to Zion National Park in Utah and drive through the breathtaking red rocks. Then drive into Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon. You’ll see so many wonders on this trip that you’ll never forget it!

Your western national parks road trip map

Our top road trip tips

As expert US travelers (we’ve been to 49 of the 50 states — just gotta make it to Alaska!), here are some of our top tips to consider while you plan your road trip:

1. Make a plan but stay flexible

It’s good to know where you plan to be and when, how long it will take to get there, where you plan to stay, and what you want to do while you’re there. Especially in this post-Covid world, a lot of activities require planning ahead.

That being said, leave room for flexibility wherever possible. If we know we’ll be spending the night somewhere on the way to a destination, we won’t book a hotel until we’re almost ready to stop. Sometimes we are able to drive further than planned, and sometimes things come up and we get delayed — like the time it took 7 hours to drive 20 miles in New Mexico!

2. Prep your car

Fill your tires, check the oil, top up the fluids. Give yourself every reason to believe your car will get you from point A to B to C…and home again!

Also, consider getting your car detailed or deep-cleaned ahead of time, and be prepared with paper towels and wet wipes to keep things clean.

3. Stay comfy and entertained in the car

You’ll be seeing some incredible things…but also spending a lot of time just driving down the highway. A pillow and a blanket per person goes a long way, as does trivia games, books, podcasts, and (when all else fails) well-charged devices!

4. Pack light

You need some clothes and your phone. Not much else! Your phone (assuming it’s smart) is your map, your entertainment, and your way out in an emergency. Like I mentioned, toss in a blanket and pillow, maybe some non-screen books and games, and you’re good to go! Oh and snacks. Because is it really a road trip if you don’t have snacks? (No.)

Visit our sister site for some truly incredible road trip car hacks !

5. Combine touristy attractions with local hidden gems

A Google search can easily tell you the must-do activities in every city you visit, but also visit Atlas Obscura for some more, well, obscure things to see and do!

I sure hope this has given you some great information on where to road trip in each region of the US. Combine two or three routes (or all of them!) to create your own perfect road trip map to really see and experience this beautiful country, by car!

Thinking of heading out on a full-time family travel journey? Learn absolutely everything you need to know in our Family Gap Year Academy !

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Family Travel Expert

Megan Tenney traveled full-time for four years with her husband and four children. She's visited 49 of the United States, backpacked across Europe, and spent some time in Canada, Mexico, Asia, and the Caribbean. Megan is the owner and author of Family Gap Year Guide , where she shares stories and tips from her family travel adventures and teaches other families how they can take life on the road!

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Top 100 Bucket List Road Trip Ideas For 50 States

With COVID, family vacations are being redefined. No longer is it easy to hop on a plane and go to your dream destination and more people are looking into the best road trip ideas for their vacation. More than half (54%) of American drivers surveyed say that they prefer a road trip to a plane ride when getting away this summer.

The new normal means taking road trips to state parks or scenic drives to your favorite destinations. Here are our top bucket list picks for the best road trip ideas for all 50 states in the US and more importantly the best US road trips that are near you. We put each state in alphabetical order so you can find that state’s road trip ideas with ease and plan the best road trips vacation.

My hope is you can use this article as a resource for many years to come as you travel our beloved United States. Enjoy and let us know the best road trip near you in the US! **As long as COVID is around please check to make sure certain sites are open and accepting visitors.

 Alabama

Alabama’s best road trips offer mountains or beaches and something in between! There is plenty to do in Alabama, especially if you are in the civil war and civil rights history buff. Be sure to look into Montgomery , where you will find plenty of history here.

• National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
• Dexter Parsonage Museum – Dr. Martin Luther King’s home.
• Civil Rights Memorial Center.
• Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.
• First White House of the Confederacy.

Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway

Who doesn’t love the beach? One of the best sites along the 17 miles of AL Highway  182 is Gulf State Park. The 3.5 miles of sugary sands separate Gulf Shores and Orange   Beach .

When you go to Alabama’s Gulf State Park you will have 2 miles of sandy white beaches and 25 miles of biking trails. The parks offer fishing pole rentals so you do not have to bring your gear unless you want to. You can fish right from the Gulf State Fishing and Education Pier which is the largest pier on the Gulf of Mexico.

Huntsville Mountaintop Road and U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Florida is not the only state with a rockin’ space program. You will want to check out the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville and see their museum. Saturn V Hall, Moon Crater, Military Park, Rocket Park, Shuttle Park, Rocket Shop, and Mining Sluice. Visit the Saturn V Hall, Moon Crater, Military Park, Rocket Park, Shuttle Park, Rocket Shop, and Mining Sluice. Huntsville is a city in the Appalachian Region of Northern Alabama so you can see mountains too. Head over the Huntsville Mountaintop Road .

 Alaska

Anchorage is the perfect spot to venture from when looking for great Alaskan road trips. Alaska is definitely offering the best national and state parks in the US. If you love wildlife Alaska is a must-see state.

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive is about 3 hours from Anchorage, round trip. It is located in the Talkeetna Mountains between the towns of Willow and Palmer. Hatcher Pass is a favorite for locals who love recreation or a scenic drive. Hike in alpine tundra dotted with wildflowers and ptarmigan, ski fresh, deep powder, or visit Independence Mine Historical State Park.

Denali Park and Preserve

Denali National Park is the third largest park in the United States and is 6 million acres. It’s 92 miles and about 5 hours from the park entrance to Kantishna, the end of the park road.

After the first 15 miles, your vehicle will not be allowed and you will have to take a tour or use the park hop on hop off shuttle bus.

The summer bus tours begin as early as May 20th. There is a 7-hour half-day tour that will take you for the first 53 miles of the road or a full-day 13-hour bus tour covering the entire 92 miles that begins June 8th.

 Arizona

Starting out from Phoenix , there are a couple of great stops on the way to your destinations like Flagstaff and Sedona . Route 66 is also in Arizona for those that love anything retro.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands . The park is home to much of the immense Grand Canyon; a mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide. You will see layered bands of colorful rock that reveal millions of years of geologic history. It is often considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World .

Antelope Canyon

The best months to visit Antelope Canyon  are between the end of March and early October. You must have a Navajo guide to be able to enter the park at Antelope Canyon .

During this time, from spring to fall, you will see light beams that enter the Upper Antelope Canyon  which creates a unique phenomenon. If you visit Antelope Canyon  during winter, you will miss the colors of the light beams.

 Arkansas

Arkansas is highly underrated for tourism but it is a beautiful state for road trips . I know this because I used to live there and road trips were one of our favorite things to do. Whether you head north or south from Little Rock there is so much to see. There is a reason why it is called the Natural State !

Hot Springs Park

Hot Springs National Park is the smallest and oldest of the parks in the National Park System. It dates back to 1832 when Congress established, 40 years ahead of Yellowstone, so Hot Springs is the first federally protected area in the nation’s history.

Hot Springs Reservation, which was renamed Hot Springs National Park in 1921, was created to protect the 47 naturally flowing thermal springs on the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain . Visiting the park is free.

Ozark Mountains

If kayaking, fishing and hiking are in your wheelhouse then the Ozarks in Arkansas are for you. There is a variety of lakes, rivers and streams in the Ozarks. The drive is absolutely beautiful from Little Rock .

 California

California, the third-largest state, covers a lot of lands that will give you a variety of topography to choose from when planning your road trip. It runs a little under 800 miles from top to bottom.

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is considered one of the most scenic highways in the US. The highway stretches from California’s northern border to San Diego . Your drive will take you about 12 hours with no stops. But who does not want to explore at least a couple of places?

There is one great reason to start your road trip in the North and head South! You will be driving on the lane that is closest to the ocean!

Redwood Forest

Everyone knows that Redwood Park is the home to the tallest trees on Earth. The parks also protect vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild river-ways, and nearly 40-miles of rugged coastline so there is definitely more to see than the trees.

Golden Gate Park

If you want to fly into a major city in California then we suggest starting in San Francisco ! You will want to see the Golden Gate Park and Bridge in San Francisco. There are more than 1000 acres to explore and ten lakes. They just celebrated their 150 year anniversary.

The offer segway, scooter and bicycle tours. There is a museum, a carousel for the kids and my all-time favorite, the Japanese Tea Garden.

Stops In Between San Francisco and Los Angeles

Monterey, California  – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival.

San Simeon, California  – The Hearst Castle is one of the truly unique attractions to see on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

San Luis Obispo, California  – Offering a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, a popular hang out for celebrities in the 1950s is a unique place to spend a night.

Los Angeles

Most folks complain there is not much to see on the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles due to obstructed views but that does not mean that you can not see some cool stuff in Los Angeles , like, Malibu , Hollywood , Dodger Stadium and other cool sites.

San Diego is known for is cool eateries and even cooler surfer culture. You can visit their many beaches as well as The USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo , and La Jolla Park. There is lots of wildlife from the seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the beach and rocks in San Diego .

 Colorado

Colorado offers amazing views right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains . This is a great state to see 14,000-foot peaks, Hot Springs and historic towns.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Starting from Denver, Taking a tour through the Rocky Mountain National Park will take you through many gateway towns that are fantastic points of interest, like Lyons, Grand Lake, Kremmling, Hot Sulfur Springs and Winter Park.

Great Sand Dunes

Another unique road trip in Colorado is to the tallest dunes in North America, The Great Sand Dunes National Park . At  Great Sand Dunes , you can hike, sand-board, sled, splash in Medano Creek, or wander anywhere in the wilderness of dunes and mountains.

 Connecticut

From a beautiful seashore in Eastern Connecticut to the iconic towns of Northwest Connecticut there is much to do here.

Coastal Connecticut

Hop on Route 1 and tour the coastal sea towns of Connecticut. You will find 120 miles of shoreline to explore from Greenwich to Stonington. On this trip, you will find lighthouses, vineyards and historical homes.

Drive The Connecticut River

The Connecticut River spans 4 states and cuts Connecticut in half from north to south. You will see sights like Covered Bridges, the Gillette Castle State Park and the Mark Twain House . The castle resembles a medieval fortress.

 Delaware

Delaware is one of our smallest states and because of that, you can usually do a road trip on one tank of gas! It is a great opportunity to explore the beaches of Delaware from the top to the bottom. Here are the must-stop beaches on your road trip to Delaware.

Cape Henlopen State Park

There is plenty to do at Cape Henlopen State Park like hiking and swimming and it is one of Delaware’s most popular beaches . There you will find the WWII observation tower and military bunker . You will get amazing views if you climb the tower. If a clam bake is on your bucket list then you can dig for clams near the fishing pier. The Nature Center offers free bike rentals for visitors!

Seashore State Park Campground, Rehobeth Beach

Delaware’s Seashore State Park is one of the state’s most popular destinations and a great choice for your road trip. The park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Rehoboth and Indian River Bays to the west. Be sure to stop by the park when they are having their famous Sandcastle contest in July.

 Florida

Florida, like California, offers a diverse number of regions that make it great for road tripping! The East Coast of Florida is vastly different from the West Coast and Northern Florida is completely different from South Florida . Then you have Central Florida right in the middle and the Panhandle in the Northwest corner.

In addition, each region in Florida has different names to help identify who they are. As an example, I live on the Treasure Coast , due to its unique history with pirate ships crashing on to our reefs. There is the Gold Coast – Fort Lauderdale and the Historic Coast – St. Augustine, etc.

On the East Coast of Florida , you can use A1A and travel up the coast to see the unique towns and beautiful beaches from Miami to Jacksonville. There will be areas where it will cross over to the mainland.

South Florida Road Trip

There are three primary areas to see on a South Florida road trip so we will start in Miami which is central to all of them. Leaving Miami you can go south to the Southernmost Point in the United States in Key West or head north to the Coastal Cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach . If you are heading west from Miami you can get to the West Coast on the Tamiami Trail .

We also can not leave out the Everglades, west of Miami, which offers really cool eco-tourism options for those that are looking to get close to the swamps of Florida. You can include the Everglades if you are going south to the Keys or west to the Gulf.

North of Miami

North of Miami you can take a scenic drive up A1A and see all of the beach towns like Miami’s South Beach and Miami Beach . You could spend a whole vacation here but be sure to keep going and visit Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach too.

Another great town to see is Palm Beach where you can see some of the most famous mansions like Mar a Lago and the Kennedy Compound .

South and West of Miami

South and west of Miami, you are heading right into the Everglades and the famous Florida Keys .

You can start your road trip with a tour in the Everglades National Park where you will see Airboat tours and promises of seeing our unique ecosystem and wildlife in Florida .

The Keys offer world-class fishing and snorkeling while you are there. You can also stop at Robbie’s to feed the Tarpon in Islamorada . It is a Florida tradition.

We love the Keys and have been many times. There is nothing better than driving on their two-lane road, US 1, as you enter Key Largo and ending up in Key West for those beautiful sunsets at the Southernmost Point of the US. On your way, you will pass through towns like Islamorada, Marathon and Duck Key .

The Gulf Coast

From Miami, you will head out on US Route 41, also knows as the Tamiami Trail . This road also parallels I-75 for much of the way. The Tamiami Trail runs west straight to Naples and will continue up the West Coast of Florida to Tennessee.

You will be to access the northern section of the Everglades National Park and be able to stop in and see the Big Cypress National Preserve on the way to Naples.

You may not want to go that far but will take you up the Gulf Coast to see great little towns like Naples and Sanibel Island , famous for its seashells. Sarasota is another great stop if you are interested in the history of the infamous Ringling Brother’s Circus.

You can end your trip in Tampa where you can the historic neighborhood of Ybor City or head over to see some more beaches in Clearwater.

North Florida

St. Augustine is America’s oldest city and offers bed and breakfast accommodations and is a must-stop for any foodie. There is a ton of history and cool museums to visit in St. Augustine.

One of my favorite road trips to take in North Florida is to the Historic Coast and visit St. Augustine . St. Augustine is an easy trip from Georgia and Orlando. Points to hit from either direction are the famous Daytona Beach where you will find the Daytona Speedway and beaches that you can drive on. To the north of St. Augustine you will find Jacksonville Beach and Amelia Island .

 Georgia

Georgia is a favorite here at Born to be Boomers! You have the coastal areas in the Southeast corner of Georgia and the top third of the state is mountains.

The Islands of Coastal Georgia

The islands off the Georgia coast are called barrier islands because they form a barrier, or wall, blocking ocean waves and wind from directly hitting the mainland.

Georgia has fourteen primary barrier islands – from north to south they are Tybee Island , Little Tybee Island, Wassaw Island, Ossabaw Island, St. Catherine’s Island, Blackbeard Island, Sapelo Island, Wolf Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island , Jekyll Island, and Cumberland Island , the largest of Georgia’s barrier Islands. 

Not all of these island are accessible by car but there are still many that you can visit.

Starting in Savannah you will first be able to see Tybee Island . This is Savannah’s beach but is about 25 minutes from Savannah due to all of the wetlands. From there you can island-hop to Jekyll Island, St. Simon’s Island and then Cumberland Island .

Cumberland Island is only accessible by Ferry. There is camping and one hotel on Cumberland Island. You will need a bike and good walking shoes.

North Georgia Mountains Road Trip

If you have not been to the North Georgia Mountains then you are in for a treat. The Northeast Georgia Mountains is an area that starts in the northeast corner of Georgia, United States, and spreads in a westerly direction. The mountains in this region are in the Blue Ridge mountain chain that ends in Georgia . 

Starting from Atlanta, you can get there from several interstate options that will end up being a loop to get you back to Atlanta. You can take I-85 or I-75 to North Georgia and come back down to Atlanta.

Whichever way you head up the town of Helen needs to be on your list. Other great areas to visit are Blairsville, Dahlonega and Brasstown Bald . You could also do the Winery Trail and Apple picking on Apple Alley (GA Hwy 52). You can see our last road trip to Georgia .

 Hawaii

North shore of kauai .

Kauai’s  dramatic  North Shore is full of rugged mountains, lush taro fields, heavenly beaches and spectacular sea cliffs. There is a 17-mile stretch of coastline with multiple north shore beaches that are lined with cliffs up to 3,000-foot tall.

You will see lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and sea caves. This shorter trip on our list is for a more relaxed day of driving. If you start in the morning you will have lots of time for hiking, nature watching, eating, and learning the history of this singularly beautiful coast.

Molokai: East Molokai via Kamehameha V Highway

One of the loveliest sea-level coastal drives in the Islands takes road trippers from Molokai’s main town Kaunakakai past several centuries-old loko ia (Hawaiian fishponds), and at times right beside tranquil or tempestuous shoreline on its way to breathtaking end-of-the-road Halawa Valley and Beach.

Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, Molokai is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point and is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world and the longest continuous fringing reef. Molokai remains true to its island roots, with a high percentage of its population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry who continue to preserve their rural lifestyle thanks to their love of the land. 

Follow Highway 470 to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kalaupapa Peninsula lookout and  Pala’au State Park  on Molokai’s north shore . It is also known as Kalae Highway .

 Idaho

Idaho is known for its outdoor lifestyle, fly fishing, lakes, rivers and beautiful views making it a great road tripping state. Idaho is one of our more beautiful states so there is plenty to see on a road trip. More than two-thirds of the state is protected land. The best way to take in Idaho’s high mountains, crystal-blue rivers, and rolling golden fields is by driving its scenic byways . There are actually 30! We will show you are two top picks.

Leaving Boise for Sun Valley is about a 6-hour drive on Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway . Road-trippers pass old mining towns and inviting hot springs in central Idaho. Drive on the windy forest access roads that funnel into remote sections of wilderness on Sun Valley.

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

From Ashton, Idaho on Idaho 47, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway heads northeast into the lush landscape of the Targhee National Forest . It’s a loop that runs for nearly thirty impressive miles all the way to the Island Park area on Route

The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway includes the popular Warm River Campground and two of the most spectacular waterfalls in the West — lower and upper Mesa Falls . At the upper falls, you can stop at the historic Big Falls Interpretive Center to learn about the geology and history of the area.

 Illinois

Illinois boasts some pretty cool state parks and scenic road trips in very quaint small towns.

Illinois Route 66

Looking for the past? Route 66 stretches over 300 miles. The famous Route 66 symbolically begins at Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain and continues for 300 miles southwest through Illinois (or about 435 miles if you take all the original side roads). It crosses the Mississippi outside St. Louis and heads west to Santa Monica, California.

Of you are looking for iconic statues, vintage neon signs, motels and restaurants this is the road trip for you! Joliet Area Historical Museum’s Route 66 Welcome Center is where your trip will begin.

Great River Road – Illinois National Scenic Byway.

Follow along the Mississippi River on the Great River Road for 550 miles of wineries, bed and breakfasts and beautiful small towns. Catch a ride on a Mississippi River Boat or rent a kayak to see the views.

Be sure to tour the home of Ulysses S Grant in Galena , Illinois where your road trip can start.

 Indiana

Indiana is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and is just a quick trip away from Chicago . Indiana has some unique road trips that are a must for your road trip bucket list.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Just 30 minutes outside of Chicago, just beyond the border in Indiana , you will find the Indiana Dunes National Park with expansive views of Lake Michigan’s shoreline. The Dunes are almost 200 feet in some spots offering amazing views to those who climb them. In addition, you will find a water park, cool wineries and brewery trails along the shores of Lake Michigan .

Heritage Trail – Indiana Amish Country

The Heritage Trail is a 90-mile loop that has been called the most scenic drive in America by Life Magazine. This area of Indiana is known for its rolling hills and beautiful scenery from the roadways. If you love Amish home-cooked meals and crafts this is the perfect road trip for you!

Iowa is not just cornfields and flat lands. There is much to do in this great mid-western state.

Iowa Great Lakes

The main attractions of the Okoboji area are the glacier-carved lakes. This beautiful chain of lakes extends from the Minnesota border southwest several miles and covers approximately 15,000 acres in Northwest Iowa.

The Iowa Great Lakes include Iowa’s largest natural lake, Spirit Lake and five interconnect lakes: West Okoboji, East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Lower Gar, and Minnewashta. Spring-fed West Lake Okoboji is a beautiful shade of blue and 134 feet deep.

It is the centerpiece of the five chain lakes, and the surrounding communities provide the backdrop for Okoboji’s year-round playground. Pikes Point State Park is located within the city limits.

Great River Road Scenic Byway

You can follow along the Mississippi River for over 300 miles in Iowa too! Visit iconic Mississippi river towns and Limestone Bluffs in Iowa . There are 18 Interpretative Centers along the river for learning more about this historic river that helped to build the US.

 Kansas

Follow the Yellow Brick Road all the way to Kansas ! There is plenty to do in this not so flat state. I thought it was flat! After researching where the cool places are I have found out it is not just miles of flat land.

Land and Sky Scenic Byway

Traveling along the Land and Sky Scenic Byway gives you the opportunity to experience the Wallace Branch of the Great Western Cattle Trail . The Great Western Cattle Trail is currently under National Park Service consideration as a National Historic Trail .

Mount Sunflower

You can scale the highest point in Kansas at Mount Sunflower and explore the deep canyons and rugged landscape of the Arikaree Breaks . At 4,039 feet, it is 3,300 feet above the state’s topographic low point, which lies on the opposite side of the state.

The byway focuses on agriculture and features thousands of acres of rotating crops, livestock and wildlife along the route.

 Kentucky

Kentucky has it all. Mountains, bourbon and horses are a few of my favorite things.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

There are 4 ways to do a Kentucky Bourbon Trail . There is a Northern, Western, Southern and Bluegrass Bourbon Tour. My favorite is to go on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® in Northern Kentucky. Visitors can explore their booming craft distillery scene. I love trying new foods and drinks so a Craft Tour is right up my alley. I love anything that is a little more creative than the other guy.

In Kentucky , whichever Bourbon Trail you choose you can purchase a passport for your travels. Once you have completed all 4 Bourbon Trails in your passport then you will receive an Official Bourbon Trail Tasting Glass!

Kentucky Horse Farms

Lexington Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World . It is also Kentucky’s second-largest city. You will start at Thoroughbred Park in Lexington and work your way to the country and drive by some of the most famous Thoroughbred Barns in the US.

After driving by the beautiful farms of Kentucky , you’ll arrive at Keeneland Racecourse , a Thoroughbred racing facility that is also a National Historic Landmark. Keeneland is a smaller track but takes pride in maintaining its longstanding racing traditions. They hosted the Breeder’s Cup for the first time in 2015 where American Pharoah was the first horse to take the Grand Slam of horse racing, winning all for high stakes races.

 Louisiana

Louisiana is a southeastern state that’s a true “melting pot” of many cultures and people. The French, African and French-Canadian make up some of Louisiana’s ethnicities. It’s famous for its unique  Creole and Cajun culture, food, jazz music, and Mardi Gras festival. There is plenty of nature there too so you can also find fishing, wildlife, state parks, and historical sites.

Cajun Country Road Trip

US-90, the main route through Cajun Country , follows the route of the Old Spanish Trail, the historic cross-country highway that, in the early days of the automobile, linked San Diego, California and St. Augustine, Florida. You can go deep into the bayou to see the gators and old cypress trees growing in the swamp.

You will definitely want to stop and tour the  Tabasco Factory  on Avery Island , just south of New Iberia. Learn about the area’s unique geology. Avery Island is a salt dome.

Make sure to visit  Jungle Gardens , a 170-acre botanical gardens featuring all kinds of birds, flowers, trees, and, of course, alligators.

Louisiana Plantations and River Road

Hop on Louisiana’s famous River Road to see all of the grand estates and former plantations along the Mississippi River . Learn the history behind these majestic homes and see historic museums and tours of America’s past.

Mark Twain once said, while he was touring down the Mississippi, that the waterway looked like a street with all of the homes and estates on either side.

Here are some notable plantations in the New Orleans area:

• Oak Alley Plantation
• Bocage Plantation
• Houmas House
• Laura Plantation
• St. Joseph Plantation
• Destrehan Plantation
• Whitney Plantation
• San Francisco Plantation
• Ormond Plantation
• Nottoway Plantation

 Maine

From skiing the mountains in the west to the coastal shores on the east, Maine has a lot to offer someone who is heading out on a road trip.

Coastal Maine

You can start your adventure on Route 1 which will take you up the coast of Maine. And with 5000 miles of coastline, there is plenty to see and do. The museums, lighthouses and food are amazing. Can anyone say Lobstah Lobstah Lobstah?

You will be able to visit historic, iconic towns like Rockland, Rockport Portland, Camden and Kennebunkport on your Maine Road Trip .

Acadia National Park

Located on the seaboard of Eastern Maine, Acadia National Park provides an awesome road trip with a loop road that will take you around the park.

Acadia Park is a photographer’s dream with some of the most rugged coastline you will ever see. Easily accessible by car there is the main park loop that you can follow and stop to get the scenic Acadia Mountain photos you came for.

 Maryland

Maryland offers some of the best historical sights in the nation being one of the original states.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad and African-American Heritage Travel

If you really want to make this a great African American Heritage Travel Tour then we suggest that you start this road trip from Washington, DC at the   Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture .

Once you have left DC you will travel to Maryland to visit the spots where both free and enslaved African Americans helped to shape our nation and Maryland. You will be able to visit the Underground Railroad and learn about Dorchester, Maryland’s history and see how Harriet Tubman’s life unfolded.

Chesapeake Bay Loop

When you drive around the Chesapeake Bay , Maryland’s most famous estuary, you will find classic bay towns to explore. You will encounter a diverse ecosystem including marshes, wetlands, sandy beaches, rivers and creeks, as well as open water.

Be sure to stop in Annapolis Maryland, America’s Sailing Capital , and the capital of Maryland . It is also the home of the US Naval Academy. The other towns to explore on the Chesapeake Loop are:

• Baltimore, Maryland
• Cambridge, Maryland
• Chesapeake City, Maryland
• Easton, Maryland
• Havre de Grace, Maryland
• Rock Hall, Maryland
• St. Michaels, Maryland

 Massachusetts

Massachusetts has much to offer when it comes to great road trips. Just like the other New England Coastal States, you have the best of both worlds.

Coastal Lighthouses Road Trip

The Massachusetts Coast is dotted with lighthouses all along its eastern seaboard. There are 47 active towers. Some of them even come with some cool ghost stories! Some of Massachusett’s best towns to visit are Martha’s Vinyard and Nantucket , which are located on the coast.

You will be able to climb the lighthouses of Massachusetts and see the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the historical towns that have cared for them over the years. Massachusetts has some of the oldest lighthouses in the US.

Revolutionary War Road Trip

If you are in Boston this is a great time to follow the Revolutionary War in Massachusetts .

You will start your trip in Boston and visit the Freedom Trail which is a 2.5 walking trail. This is a 90-minute walking tour that takes you to some of the best historical sights in Boston. Once you are on the road leaving Boston, you can visit the famous towns of Concord and Lexington . You will find historical sights like the home of Henry David Thoreau and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery .

 Michigan

With Michigan being surrounded by lakes makes it the perfect road trip state. On either side of Michigan, you will find the pristine waters of the Great Lakes where you are able to follow along the shoreline.

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail

Starting at New Buffalo at the southern state line, you can follow the shores of Lake Michigan to hit the Michigan Wine Trail. You can hit several towns on your way. The Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area is a 173-acre tract of magnificent dunes along the Lake Michigan shore. One other notable town to stop in is Holland, Michigan where you can also visit the Tulip Time Festival in April. The tulips can bloom until May.

Sunrise Coast

Before heading to Lake Huron , I would suggest starting in the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, MI where there are nearly 3 million visitors a year. Dubbed Michigan’s Little Bavaria you will enjoy the German architecture, water parks, horse-drawn carriages and covered bridges. It is also Christmas there all year long!

Once you leave Frankenmuth, head over north to Eastern Michigan. Now called the Sunrise Coast , it has the historic Heritage Route along US-23 and features Lake Huron , with its shipwrecks, beautiful lighthouses, and miles of beaches.

Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 35 mile stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail winds through forests and the Port Oneida area with its 19th-century farmsteads.

 Minnesota

Minnesota borders Lake Superior and Canada . It is loaded with lakes which is why it is called the Land Of 10,000 Lakes ! The Mississippi flows from its source, Lake Itasca .

North Shore Scenic Drive – Lake Superior

You will start your road trip in Duluth, one of Minnesota’s largest cities and the world’s largest freshwater inland port. The North Shore Scenic Road is designated as an All-American Road . You can drive this 145-mile scenic byway to see the cliffs and ruggedness of the shoreline on Lake Superior .

There are plenty of hiking opportunities where you can see waterfalls and streams along the way. You can also check out the Superior National Forest which is more inland but provides millions of acres of land to explore.

Beer and Wine Trails

There is nothing better than visiting the places that make our favorite adult beverages. And Minnesota does not disappoint when it comes to this. Head down to Southern Minnesota for the Minnesota Beer Trail where you will find more than 20 Microbreweries to visit and do taste tests. Please drive responsibly!

If wine is more your speed then you will want to check out The Great River Road Wine Trail where you will find 4 of the 10 wineries on the Minnesota side of the Mississipi River.

 Mississippi

Located deep in the South, Mississippi offers some of the coolest back road scenic trails loaded with historical sites.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway spans 3 states and there is plenty to see and do on the 300 miles located in Mississippi. You can experience both Native American History and Civil War History on the trail. Choose a theme for your road trip or do both! Either way, you will be driving through 10,000 years of history.

The Trail follows the “Old Natchez Trace” a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. There is also hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping along the trail.

Mississippi Music Trail

There are actually 2 trails to choose form in Mississippi . One for Country Music Lovers and the other for Blues Lovers.

The Mississippi Country Music Trail has 34 markers that you can visit. Country Music greats like Conway Twitty, Elvis Presley and Tammy Wynette all have a marker on the trail.

Ride down Highway 61 on the Mississippi Blues Trail in the Mississippi Delta . Check out the charming small towns along the way. Your travels will show you some of the most famous Mississippi artists who lived near Highway 61 included: B. B. King, Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Son House, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Ike Turner, Robert Nighthawk, Sunnyland Slim, Honeyboy Edwards, Sam Cooke, James Cotton and Jimmy Reed.

The markers on both tours will tell you the history of the person represented and how they impacted the State of Mississippi. Check out the Gateway Blues Museum in Tunica that also doubles as a visitor’s center.

 Missouri

Missouri offers many things for the serious road trip. There seems to be a rivalry between St. Louis and Kansas City when it comes to BBQ and Music. You will want to make sure to see both perspectives while traveling through Missouri ! And don’t forget the largest beer producer in the world, Anheuser-Busch is located here too.

Missouri’s Route 66

Here are a few things that Missouri’s Route 66 has to offer while you are leisurely traveling down memory lane. Route 66 is well preserved in Missouri and for good reason.

Your trip starts in St. Louis, where you will see the St. Louis Gateway Arch and walk across the  Chain of Rocks Bridge . Cross another signature bridge in Devils Elbow, visit landmarks from the  Trail of Tears  in Waynesville. Cool off in the Meramec Caverns where Jesse James allegedly hid out! Make sure you plan to spend a day in Springfield, the official birthplace of Route 66.

Missouri Historic Water Mills Trip

Fall is a great time to get in the car and visit Missouri’s picturesque water mills but they are a sight to see all year long. There are literally dozens of mills that are both private and public in the state of Missouri .

Many of the Mills are in state park systems so you will have the best access to those. You can start at the northern spot near the Mark Twain Forest , where the Dillard Mill sits, and work your way south through the Ozarks . The Alley Mill is the most popular with tours available for visitors.

 Montana

Montana has miles of open roads that makes it perfect for road trips. The first thing people love to do here is Yellowstone National Park Gateway and Glacier National Park . The  Beartooth Highway  is a 68-mile route through the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains that is often heralded as the most beautiful road in America. And while these road trips will not disappoint by any means there are so many things to do it may be worth it to book some extra time here.

Lewis and Clarke Trail

Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery had a rough time in Montana and you can follow along their path. Starting with the Missouri River and meeting at the Yellowstone River . Heading east they followed the waterway all the way to its headwaters in the east.

You will find many museums and markers showing you the way. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is overlooking the Missouri River .

Indian Country Road Trip

Drive along the clear waters of Flathead Lake as you head down to Phillipsburg. Spend time at the  National Bison Range  in  Moiese . Look for bison, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and black bears.

Mine for Montana sapphires as you loop back around to head north. End your trip to Columbia Falls which is the gateway to Glacier National Park .

 Nebraska

Located in the Great Plains of the United States, Nebraska is more than just cornfields and flatlands. From lakes and lazy rivers to unusual rock formations like Chimney Rock or fossil hunting at the Ashfall and Agate Fossil Beds , there is something for everyone in Nebraska!

Scenic Byways Road Trip

There are plenty of scenic byways that you can explore in Nebraska .

• Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway – South Sioux City to Valentine offers some of Nebraska’s top outdoor playgrounds.
• Bridges to Buttes Byway. Wyoming border to Valentine’s high bridges of Valentine to the high plains near the Wyoming border. Check out the Toadstool Geologic Park and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.
• Gold Rush Byway. Chadron to Sidney US 385 is considered one of the most scenic and historic roads in the nation.
• Western Trails Byway . Wyoming border to Ogallala see towering formations and pine-shaded bluffs just like the folks did in covered wagons.
• Lincoln Highway. US 30 across the state offers pioneers, cowboys and Pony Express riders with cultural and natural treasures.
• Heritage Highway. Edison to Brownville explore the Missouri, America’s longest river.
• Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as the follow the Missouri River and make their way through Nebraska.
• Sandhills Journey. Grand Island to Alliance see world-class natural wonders, sand dunes, Sandhill Cranes and the Nebraska National Forest rise from the plains.
• Loup Rivers Scenic Byway. Dunning to Wood River and see farmlands, red barns and silos, and views of the Sandhills area and Calamus River.

Lazy River Road Trip

Have you ever heard of Tanking? Neither had I until I did some research on fun things to do in Nebraska . Water tanks are not just used to get water to their livestock, they also use the water tanks to go down the lazy rivers and waterways of Nebraska! Cold weather does not stop the fun either!

• Tank Down the Elkhorn, Waterloo
• Crazy Rayz Tanking, Spalding
• Dusty Trails, North Platte
• Get Tanked, Ericson

 Nevada

Did you know Nevada is the second-largest gold producer in the world? Me neither! Even though Nevada is the gambling and entertainment capital of the work this state has so much more to offer than just casinos! There is much to see while traveling the back roads of this western state!

Great Basin Highway

From sandstone canyons to alpine lakes there is a lot of history to learn on the Great Basin Highway , which follows Nevada’s U.S. 93.

It will take you through eight Nevada state parks. You will end up at Great Basin National Park , so you can see Wheeler Peak and the Lehman Caves system.

Reno to Lake Tahoe Loop

Starting in Reno you will work your way southwest to Lake Tahoe . See the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe which are surrounded by towering peaks.

You can make stops around Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, the capital town of Carson City, historic Virginia City where Mark Twain got his start.

 New Hampshire

If you like mining and gemstones then New Hampshire is the state for you! You can experience the White Mountains and their lakes and rivers along the way. There is ample opportunity for hiking, SUP, kayaking and whitewater rafting on level IV rapids!

New Hampshire even offers 18 miles of seashore on the Atlantic. There are literally 100s of options since New Hampshire roads often crisscross giving you many different paths.

Great North Woods

See wildlife including moose, black bear and deer in this less populated section of New Hampshire . It is a must-see for nature lovers.  Visit the Mahoosuc region, which will bring you to the White Mountain National Forest and Nash Stream State Forest in eastern New Hampshire.

Seacoast Byway

Yes, it is only 18 miles but it is packed with history and beautiful seaside towns so plan on spending more than a day here. The Byway connects ten units of the State Park system as well as numerous local and private parks and recreational attractions. 

Take an excursion to visit the islands of New Hampshire . White Island is off the coast and owned by the Coast Guard and can be seen on an excursion. It is an active lighthouse used today, fog horn and all.

 New Jersey

NJ is the most densely populated state so taking a road trip may seem a little daunting with traffic. Just getting down the shore brings memories of packed roadways of everyone trying to enjoy their summer homes and rentals. But New Jersey may surprise you. Southern NJ and the far north of the state offers more of a country feel. The state has many small towns that have a history to tell.

The Jersey Shore

I have fond memories of spending my summers at the Jersey Shore with my mother and my father coming over for the weekends. We had a house on the bayside and there was nothing better than approaching the bridges going over the marsh to make our way to Avalon , where I could swim right from our dock.

Starting in Historic Cape May you can make your way up the Jersey Shore visiting the small towns that line the coast. Visit the boardwalks and find Ocean Drive in your favorite towns. Make sure to hit stops like  Absecon Lighthouse  in Atlantic City or  Barnegat Lighthouse . There are 18 lighthouses in total and 11 are open to the public.

Historic Delaware Valley Road Trip

If you love history and a scenic drive you can leave Cape May travel through the famous New Jersey Pine Barrens while headed to the western side of NJ. The Delaware Scenic Byway officially starts in Historic Frenchtown and ends in Trenton at the Washington Crossing Historic State Park.

On December 25th, 1776, George Washington crossed the icy Delaware River at Johnson’s Ferry at night. This act would forever change the Revolutionary War when they marched towards Trenton and defeated their enemy.

 New Mexico

New Mexico has 3 main sites you will want to visit. They have more UNESCO World Heritage Sights that any other state in the US, which shows why New Mexico is The Land Of Enchantment .

• Chaco Culture National Historical Site – The center of ancestral Pueblo culture between 800 and 1250.
• Carlsbad Caverns National State Park – 300-limestone caves notorious for their size, mode of origin, and abundance
• Taos Pueblo – the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States

You will find a variety of Natural Wonders on the 25 Scenic Byways on your road trip to New Mexico!

Route 66 cuts right through the center of New Mexico starting at the Blue Swallow Motel . If neon signs, classic cars and retro motels are something you love then Route 66 is a great choice. Be sure to stop at the Route 66 auto museum.

The best part about starting your road trip on this iconic route is about halfway through, you can go north or south to see some other interesting points of interest in New Mexico.

Enchanted 8 Road Trips

If you are looking to explore the whole state, NewMexico.org has put together the best one I have seen called The Enchanted 8 Road Trips. 1100+ miles and 17 stops will not cover everything there is to see in New Mexico but it certainly covers most of it.

You will start in Carlsbad to visit the caverns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , then off to Roswel l for all of the creepy alien stuff! Continue through the state visiting Native American towns, White Sands National Park and meet Smokey Bear!

The trip covers many of New Mexico’s other national and state parks but more importantly you get to see Pie Town. The perfect stop for all pie lovers! You will end up in the northern part of the state where you can experience the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad .

 New York

New York state has so much to offer the road tripper. Being one of the 13 original colonies there is plenty of history in every corner of the state. Some of the top places to visit?

• New York City
• Niagara Falls
• Adirondacks
• The Catskills
• Long Island – including their barrier islands like Fire Island and Shelter Island
• 1000 Island s

Albany to Niagara

Start your trip on Route 20. This iconic back road has been nicknamed America’s Main Street. Head west and make your way to The Great Lakes Seaway Trail and drive along Lake Ontario where it meets with Niagra Falls .

One of the first roads in America to be designated as a National Scenic Byway , the Great Lakes Seaway Trail includes unique historical locations and cultural heritage sites you definitely do not want to miss. The trail connects popular sites like Presque Isle, Niagara Falls, and the Thousand Islands.

Adirondacks Road Trip

With 14 Scenic Byways, there is a good reason to choose the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states. There are over 100 communities waiting to welcome you to this diverse area of mountains, lakes and waterfalls that offer world-class rafting, hiking and kayaking. There are 12 regional destinations to choose from.

Here are a few of our favorites!

• Adirondack Coast. Lake Champlain
• Adirondack Seaway. Five Ponds Region – Star Lake, Cranberry Lake and Wanakena Lake.
• Lake George Region. Queen of the American Lakes,” with 109 miles of shoreline and 300+ islands .
• Lake Placid Region. From the coast of Lake Champlain where American Revolution battles were waged to Schroon Lake where a pristine wilderness hugs the lakeside village.

 North Carolina

North Carolina is one of my favorite east coast states. You have the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the west and miles of gorgeous beaches in the east. What’s not to love where friendly people and good food are in abundance?

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs all the way from Cherokee to the North Carolina State Line. You will be able to stop in scenic areas like Asheville and Blowing Rock .

Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain peak in the Eastern United States with an elevation of 6,684 ft. It is only accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway . Linville Falls is the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon and hosts 350,000 visitors annually.

Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

The  Outer Banks National Scenic Byway  begins in the north at Whalebone Junction , the joining of US 64-264, US 158, and NC 12, in Nags Head, Dare County. Byway travelers following the  Byways NC 12 south are in between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Pamlico Sound on the west. See 137 miles of North Carolina’s famous Outer Banks coastline where you will take a couple of ferries to make your way to the beaches.

Here are a few of our favorite sights!

• Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge.
• Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head, NC.
• Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
• Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station.
• Canadian Hole.
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.
• Ocracoke Island Lighthouse.

 North Dakota

North Dakota is the nineteenth largest state in area, the fourth smallest by population so the roads are not crowded at all. They are known for their parks, The Badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the International Peace Garden . The Great Plains give way to the rugged Badlands near the border with Montana, where the Theodore Roosevelt National Park spans the Little Missouri River .

Theodore Roosevelt National Park South and North Unit

The South Unit 36-mile Loop Drive will take you to several points of interest like Sunset at Wind Canyon, Painted Canyon Visitor Center Overlook, Ridgeline Nature Trail, Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Ranch Cabin, Boicourt Trail, Buck Hill Trail, Oxbow Overlook, River Bend Overlook, Cannonball Concretions Pullout. Continue about 70 miles away on the much less traveled 14-mile North Unit Scenic Byway to extend your drive.

In addition, you will most likely see animals who call the Theodore Roosevelt National Park home. For the best viewing hit the park early in the morning to view bison, elk, pronghorns, longhorn cattle, horses, mule deer, prairie dogs, and hundreds of bird species.

Standing Rock Native American Byway

The  Standing Rock National Native American Scenic Byway  spans 35 miles of the beautiful landscape while you drive alongside the Missouri River.

Catch glimpses of buffalo and explore the deep historical roots of the great Lakota spiritual leader Sitting Bull, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and visit the final resting place of Sakakawea.

Regardless of the time of year, you can find interesting and fun experiences in  Ohio .

• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
• National Museum of the US Air Force.
• Cedar Point Amusement Park.
• Hocking Hills State Park.
• Amish Country.
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Coastal Ohio Lighthouse Road Trip

Ohio is home to several lighthouses along the coast of Lake Erie. There are 8 lighthouses located on the mainland. Your trip will start at Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse which is 100 years old. You will continue for 162 miles following along Lake Erie and ending at the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society .

You will take I-90 most of the way but there are some opportunities to stay close to the lake on some of the back roads.

Hocking Hills State Park- Logan, OH

If you enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors, hocking hills is the perfect Ohio park to visit on your road trip. The southernmost point of Hocking Hills is Ash Cave is the most spectacular feature of the entire park. Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in the state.

Southern Ohio has some beautiful scenery. Spend time hiking at Old Man’s Cave , and explore all of the beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls the park has to offer.

 Oklahoma

In Oklahoma , Cimarron County is the only county in the U.S. that touches four states: Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Kansas. Oklahoma has parts of four mountain ranges: Ouachitas, Arbuckles, Wichitas and the Ozarks .

Oklahoma Waterfalls Road Trip

There are 5 waterfalls located in some of the most magical places in Oklahoma. You can discover them in this 300+ mile loop road trip that starts in Oklahoma City and ends in Davis, Oklahoma at Turner Falls . And don’t worry, if 5 waterfalls are not enough there is, even more, to add to your itinerary.

Here are our top 5:

• Bricktown Falls
• Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
• Medicine Park
• Chickasaw National Recreation Area
• Turner Falls

Southeast Oklahoma Mountain Gateway Byway

Head to Southeast Oklahoma and check out the Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway . You will follow Hwy 59/270 for 22 miles between Heavener and the Arkansas state line.

The byway winds through the valleys of the Ouachita Mountains and the 26,445-acre Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation area. There are several side roads and other scenic byways that you can take explore these heavily forested mountains in Oklahoma . 

 Oregon

Oregon is one of the most unique and geographically diverse states. It offers volcanoes, mountains, rivers, waterfalls. ocean, forests and even a high desert. With its mild climate and impressive scenery, it makes it the perfect place to road trip! Oregon has more scenic byways and tour routes than any other state.

Pacific Coast Highway – Oregon Coast

Oregon’s coast stretches for over 360 miles and makes for the perfect road trip. If you have the time. plan to take this slow because there are many stops along the way. There are plenty of public lands so you can experience the Oregon Coast . You will start out in Astoria and make your way to your final destination of Brookings , which is located in the famous Banana Belt known for its mild temperatures.

Here are some must stop towns and sights along the way:

• Astoria –  Visit Fort Stevens State Park, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.
• Cannon Beach – National Geographic listed Cannon Beach one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world in 2013.
• Garibaldi – A quaint fishing village and ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad to Rockaway Beach.
• Depoe Bay – Gray Whales love it here and you will see the smallest navigable harbor in the world.
• Newport – Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Oregon’s last remaining wooden lighthouse.
• Yachats – Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
• Florence – Cross the Siuslaw River bridge and see miles of high dunes and sandy beaches heading to Coos Bay. Visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area,
• Coos Bay – Charleston to Bandon Tour Route hugs the coast. US-101 in Bandon is at the mouth of the Coquille River.
• Brookings – Drive the byway that hugs along cliffs and rocky shores dotted with tide pools. Beyond Pistol River, a famous windsurfing spot, 12 miles of coastline are designated as the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, with overlooks, hiking trails and beach access. Just south of Brookings, the banana belt, you can see the largest area of coastal redwoods in the state.

Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway

Hell’s Canyon is America’s deepest river gorge. You will start in La Grande and make a horseshoe drive for over 200 miles through the scenic Wallowa Mountains and Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area and finalize your road trip near Baker City and I-84 .

• Le Grande – The stopping point for many pioneers who headed west on the Oregon Trail in the 1800s.
• Elgin –  Eagle Cap Excursion Train, will take you through the deep canyons of the Grande Ronde and Wallowa rivers.
• Minam – Minam and Wallowa rivers flow through canyons and just beyond you will see the snowcapped Wallowas. The Minam State Recreation Area has riverside camping for fishing and rafting. The byway descends into the Wallowa Valley, known as the “beautiful valley of winding waters.”
• Enterprise – See the scenic farms and ranches with an Old West feel with its 19th-century architecture.
• Joseph –  Wallowa Lake is a deep-blue alpine lake formed by glaciers and wedged between high peaks of the Wallowa Mountains. Wallowa Lake State Park offers a recreational area. The Wallowa Lake Tramway whisks passengers toward the summit of 8,200-foot Mt. Howard for easy access to high-altitude hikes.

 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is my birth state and home to many historical sites from the Revolutionary War . They also have an abundance of mountains and lakes that offer beautiful views for an epic road trip!

PA Route 6 Heritage Trail

The Route 6 Trail is over 400 miles and takes you through Crawford, Erie, Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Wyoming,  Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties . Integral to America’s early history, US Route 6 was designated as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway through the 14 states it crosses. You will find historical sites, small quaint towns, museums and an art community boasting over 400 artisans, crafters, galleries, and artist studios.

Some notable stops on Route 6:

• PA Grand Canyon  – Hike Pine Creek Rail Trail and train rides on the Tioga Central Railroad.
• Kinzua Bridge State Park and Skywalk – The Kinzua Viaduct, constructed in May 1882, is the highest and longest viaduct in the world, measuring 301 feet high and 2,053 feet long.
• Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton – S teamtown National Historic Site is a railroad museum and heritage railroad located on 62.48 acres.
• Grey Towers National Historic Site – The ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot, first director of the United States Forest Service. 
• Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Galeton – The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum documents the history and technology of the lumber industry of Pennsylvania and is located near the Allegheny Forest.
• Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville – The Drake Well Museum and Park is a museum that interprets the birth of the American oil industry in 1859.

PA 7 Wonders Road Trip

There are seven natural wonders to explore in Pennsylvania . With over 500 miles you will visit the most scenic areas of Pennsylvania .

• Pine Creek Gorge – Located in the PA Grand Canyon
• Coudersport Ice Mine – Ice in the summer that melts in the winter?
• Cherry Springs State Park – Perfect for star gazing!
• Archbald Pothole State Park – See the 38-foot glacial pothole.
• Ringing Rocks County Park – See a field of 10-foot high rock piles that make ringing sounds when struck.
• The Glen Natural Area at Ricketts Glen State Park – The highest concentration of waterfalls in PA. 22 Waterfalls in all.
• Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park – America’s only all-water cavern & farm-nature-wildlife park.

 Rhode Island

This small but mighty state offers coastal views and historical sights in its seaside colonial towns. It is known as the Ocean State for a reason!

Coastal Rhode Island Road Trip

For our coastal trip, we will be starting in Providence and ending up in Westerly, Rhode Island . A Rhode Island coastal trip follows U.S. 1 and 1A, otherwise known as Coastal Rhode Island where you will see ritzy homes, lighthouses, islands, bays and inlets.

Some notable stops:

• Slater Mill Historic Site
• Saunderstown
• Point Judith and Block Island
• East Beach and Misquamicut State Beach
• Watch HillWatch Hill

Natural Wonders Road Trip

Rhode Island has some of the most beautiful spots to visit that are a part of the natural landscape.

Here are some spots to see:

• Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich –  Arcadia Management Area
• Misquamicut Beach, Westerly – Amazing sunsets and the most popular beach in RI!
• Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown – The refuge is situated along Ninigret Pond.
• Kettle Pond, Charlestown – Great swimming and fishing. also known as Watchaug Pond.
• Marsh Meadows Wildlife Preserve, Jamestown – Conanicut Island with their beautiful marshland and wildlife.
• Beavertail State Park, Jamestown – Conanicut Island offers ocean and rocky cliffs to explore and a historic lighthouse.
• Cliff Walk, Newport – 3.5-mile scenic walk in Newport.
• Sakonnet Point, Little Compton – Beach and harbor views with a historic lighthouse!

 South Carolina

Take a trip to the Palmetto State to discover all the rich Civil War history, sandy beaches and beautiful scenery a  South Carolina road trip has to offer! While in the Low Country you will want to check out the fresh seafood and natural wonders on the marsh islands.

Lighthouse Coastal Road Trip

Check out 8 historic lighthouses that follow along the South Carolina Coast . You will see many of the sights in the Low Country of South Carolina . Coastal Charleston is a historic city, and along the way see southern plantations. Fort Sumter is where the Civil War’s opening shots were fired. To the north is the Grand Strand , a roughly 60-mile stretch of beachfront known for golf courses and the vacation town Myrtle Beach .

• Georgetown Light or North Island – South Carolina’s oldest light
• Cape Romain’s 1827 Lighthouse – via boat tour Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
• Cape Romain’s 1857 Lighthouse – via boat tour Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
• Charleston Lighthouse  – Sullivan Island
• Morris Island Lighthouse – Folly Island
• Hunting Island Lighthouse – Hunting Island State Park
• Harbour Town Light House – Hilton Head Island
• Leamington Lighthouse – Hilton Head Island. Located in a gated community, but you may be able to get in when you let them know you want to photograph the lighthouse.

South Carolina Plantation Road Trip

In the antebellum period, it is estimated that there were over 2,000 plantations in  South Carolina , with most of them in the historic Low Country area. Today you will find several plantations open for tours. We recommend staying close to Charleston for a Plantation Road Trip as many folks spend a couple of hours at each plantation.

There are 6 Plantations you can visit within 45 minutes of the Charleston area.

• Magnolia Plantation
• Boone Hall Plantation
• McLeod Plantation Historic Site
• Drayton Hall
• Middleton Place Plantation
• Charleston Tea Plantation

 South Dakota

The state of South Dakota is expansive and located in the mid-west. Rolling prairies lead to twisting mountain roads and the dramatic Black Hills National Forest.

The Black Hills is home to 2 historical monuments carved right into towering granite peaks. You will want to see Mt. Rushmore , the iconic depiction of 4 revered U.S. presidents, and Crazy Horse Memorial , a tribute to the storied Native American tribal leader.

The only traffic jams you will experience in South Dakota may be the wild Buffalo who decided to get on the road with you!

Badlands and Black Hills

You will leave Rapid City head towards Wall . Just south of Wall you will find the Badlands National Park where you can hop on the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway .

You will want to stop at the Scenic Overlooks to admire the views and take photos. Explore the expansive, awe-inspiring cave system on a specialized tour or try your hand at gemstone panning.  

Here are some points of interest:

• Rapid City – Bear Country, USA is a drive-through wildlife park.
• Wall – Visit the famous and funky Wall Drugs and the National Grasslands Visitor Center
• Badlands National Park  – Drive along the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway
• Deadwood – No rules. No regrets. That is the Deadwood Motto. See where the Goldrush of the 1800s was.
• Hill City – Second oldest city in SD.
• Keystone – Mount Rushmore.
• Wind Cave National Park – One of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
• Hot Springs – Six major thermal springs.
• Custer Park – Drive the 18-mile loop to see the wildlife.

Native American Scenic Byway

Breathtaking views of the  Missouri River, diverse landscapes, and tribal history and culture are showcased on the Native American Scenic Byway running north and south through central South Dakota .

You will see the following Indian Tribe Reservations:

• Yankton – Lewis & Clark Lake and the Meridian Bridge.
• Crow Creek – The Crow Creek Indian Reservation is located on the east bank of the Missouri River.
• Lower Brule – Drive the beautiful country on the western side of the Missouri Valley.
• Cheyenne River – Indian Reservation located on the tributary.
• Standing Rock Sioux Tribes – Sitting Bull Monument

 Tennessee

Tennessee offers so much when it comes to road trips! Its capital, Nashville , is centrally located and is the heart of the country-music scene. Visit sights like the long-running Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum . Check out the legendary stretch of honky-tonks and country music dance halls. The Northeast portion of Tennesse offers the Appalachian Highlands with beautiful mountain views and pristine mountain lakes and streams. Memphis is deep in the southwest corner and is the home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Sun Studio and the blues clubs of Beale Street .

East to West Road Trip

Depending on how much time you have, the Ultimate Tennessee Road Trip would be a drive across the state from the northeast corner at The Tri-City area of Bristol , Kingsport and Johnson City, through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Knoxville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. I-40 continues with stops in Nashville all the way down to Memphis in the Southwest corner. Much of Interstate 40 follows along Rt. 66! Interstate 40 is the third-longest interstate highway in the US. 

This is really two road trips in one. If you are not interested in driving the entire state of Tennessee , you can break this up into sections. I would recommend either choosing East Tennessee and sticking to the Appalachian Highlands and mountains going from Bristol to Chattanooga or opt for doing the drive from Nashville to Memphis .

Here are some notable stops, in addition to the ones mentioned above, along the way:

Eastern Tennessee

• Bristol, Tennessee – The birthplace of Country Music. Home to Bristol Motor Speedway.
• Carvers Gap – Hike to Roan High Knob on the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap
• Jonesborough, Tennessee – Tennessee’s Oldest Town
• Knoxville – Scenic Newfound Gap Road through Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
• Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg – The Tail of the Dragon scenic road offers more than 300 curves on this 11-mile stretch of beautiful mountain views.

Nashville to Memphis

• Nashville – Check out the Natchez Trail and get off the Interstate
• The Elephant Sanctuary – After leaving Nashville, take a detour from I-40 to visit these magnificent animals.
• Jackson, Tennessee  – the largest town in between Memphis and Nashville. Jackson is home to the Casey Jones Home and Railway Museum.
• Loretta Lynn’s Ranch  – Located 65 miles west of Nashville.
• Music Highway  – refers to the section of I-40 between Memphis and Nashville.

 Texas

Texas is the second largest state in both area and population. There are 4 regions to explore while in the state of Texas, Central, East, West and the Gulf Coast.

Gulf Coast Texas Road Trip

With over 300 miles of coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, museums, aquariums and lighthouses. And don’t forget about the water activities! If putting your toes in the sand is your jam then the Texas Coastline is sure to please.

You will start your trip at Galveston and make your way from Galveston to Padre Island . Unlike other coastal areas, there is not just one road that hugs the coastline. You will have to do some zigzagging to get back to the coastal areas.

Here are some notable stops on the Texas Gulf Coast:

• Galveston Island – A historical town where the Hurricane of 1900 hit. Stop at the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge after leaving town.
• Rockport – A quaint laid back town full of art galleries and festivals.
• Port Aransas – If you are looking for a quieter area Port A is the place to visit.
• Corpus Christi – On the island side of Corpus Christi, the Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of uninhabited beach in Texas. See the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium.
• South Padre Island – Just a few miles from the border, you will love its clear water and white sand beaches.
• Port Isabel – Charming and historic Port Isabel offers a historic lighthouse and is one of Texas’ oldest towns.

South Texas Loop Road Trip

Start in the capital city of Austin , the Live Music Capital of the World , where you will find amazing restaurants, as well as many parks and lakes that are popular for hiking, biking, swimming and boating.

You will leave Austin and head west to the Big Bend National Park . There are 100 miles of paved roads in the park. Dagger Flat Auto-Trail is an improved dirt road that will take you from khaki-colored desert to a forest of giant yuccas.

• Santa Elena Canyon – Carved out by the Rio Grande you will see beautiful natural rock formation as well as a great hiking area.
• Hot Springs – Rest those aching muscles in a hot spring!
• Search for Ruins – Search out these ruins and historic buildings to look for the Mariscal Mine, Dorgan House

After Big Bend , you will head back east to San Antonio where you will find the historic Riverwalk Area among other historical neighborhoods there.

Some notable spots in San Antonio are:

• Alamo Heights – See the Blue Hole and the starting point of the San Antonio River.
• Downtown Riverwalk – See the banks of the San Antonio River.
• King William Historic District – Do a half-day walking tour in this historic art district.

As you head back to Austin from San Antonio , on your final leg of the loop, be sure to stop by Blue Hole Regional Park , a swimming hole with rope swings in the lush forest.

Utah is known for having some of the best skiing in the country, and the mountains near  Salt Lake City  receive an average of 500 inches of snow per year. They also have 27 state and national scenic byways for you to be able to view those inspiring landscapes Utah is famous for.

All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12  

Highway 12 from Panguitch to Torrey passes through twisting canyons, red rock towers, pine forests and pioneer towns. Scenic Byway 12 is considered one of these nation’s most beautiful drives. You will find incredible landscapes, national parks and monuments, recreation areas and state parks.

There are many points of interest on Scenic Byway 12:

• Panguitch – Visit the Bryce and Red Canyons
• Henrieville – Located in Bryce Valley and is an original Pioneer town.
• Kodachrome Basin State Park – 5,800 feet above sea level, offering 2200 Acres of Canyon Country.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls – Grand Staircase Escalante hike leading to a 126-foot-high waterfall and refreshing swimming hole.
• Burr Trail Road – Originally a cattle driving road, you will see Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
• Boulder – See yellow domes of ancient sandstone across deep green fields.
• Escalante – Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument  is partly named for the Escalante River, which flows from Boulder Mountain to the Colorado River. 
• Spooky Gulch – Hiking through the slot canyons.
• Torrey – The gateway community for Capitol Reef National Park.

Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway

You can travel from Monticello to Monument Valley, Blanding to Mexican Hat via Natural Bridges or Bluff to Hovenweep . These routes can take you on a wide swing east into Colorado and south into Arizona . There is more than one way to view the sites on this scenic byway.

A tour of the Utah portion of the Trail of the Ancients has some of these points of interest:

• Four Corners Monument – Ancestral Puebloan history and it is the only place where four states meet, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
• Edge of the Cedars State Park and Museum – largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery on display in the Four Corners Region
• Natural Bridges National Monument – See the stunning natural bridges carved by water over thousands of years.
• Hovenweep National Monument – The Monument contains six separate prehistoric ruined villages dating from the Pueblo period.
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – See a red-sand desert region on the Arizona-Utah border, is known for the towering sandstone buttes.
• Moki Dugway – This is a narrow two-lane gravel road. Containing several tight switchbacks and sheer drop-offs. It’s not for the faint of heart and considered one of the most dangerous roads in Utah.

 Vermont

Vermont. also known as the Green Mountain State , is well-known for its natural landscapes, which are primarily forested. In the New England region, it’s also known for being home to more than 100 19th-century covered wooden bridges, and as a major producer of maple syrup. Thousands of acres of mountain terrain are crossed by hiking trails and skiing slopes.

Vermont Lighthouse Road Trip

Heard to Northern Vermont and the shores of Lake Champlain to see the lighthouses of Vermont . Hop on to the Spirit of Ethan Allen to see the Lighthouses that can only be seen from the lake.

• Windmill Point Lighthouse in Alburgh – located on a private property, you can still see the lighthouse from the road.
• Isle La Motte Lighthouse on Isle La Motte
• Juniper Island Light, Juniper Island in South Burlington – Oldest Cast Iron Lighthouse in the US.
• Burlington Breakwater Lights – South and North Tower in Burlington – 2 Lighthouses in one town. They are not open to the public but can be seen from the shore or a sightseeing cruise.
• Colchester Reef Lighthouse and Museum in Shelburne

Covered Bridge Road Trip

It is a New England tradition to see the more than the 100 covered bridges in Vermont . There are more covered bridges in Vermont than any other area in the US. Most were built in the 1800s and Vermont holds claim to the longest covered bridge in the US. See a Covered Bridge replica in Bennington’s Covered Bridge Museum and explore how covered bridges were made.

Here are the top Covered Bridges in Vermont:

• Kissing Bridge
• Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge
• Pulp Mill Covered Bridge
• West Dummerston Covered Bridge
• Brown Covered Bridge

Montgomery, Vermont has the most Covered Bridges:

• Comstock Covered Bridge
• Fuller Covered Bridge
• Hopkins Covered Bridge
• Hutchins Covered Bridge
• Longley Covered Bridge
• West Hill Covered Bridge

 Virginia

If you are thinking about Old Dominion for a road trip, you will not be disappointed. Virginia has a diverse landscape with the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Shenandoah Valley to the Atlantic Seashore .

There are eight Natural Wonders in the State of Virginia . Starting from Washington, DC you will head west and south to see all of these sites. Spend some time in the Shenandoah Valley after you leave Washington to extend your trip.

• Great Falls Park – Great Falls is located on the Potomac River just 15 miles outside of DC. A unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the park’s origins date back to 10,500 BC.
• Luray Caverns – Founded in 1878, the Registered Natural Landmark reaches peaks up to 10 stories high.
• Crabtree Falls – Located in Lexington, Crabtree Falls is the tallest cascading, picturesque waterfall, east of the Mississippi.
• Virginia Natural Bridge – This bridge was once counted as one of the Natural Wonders of the World. George Washington surveyed the Natural Bridge site for Lord Fairfax.
• Burkes Garden – Described as God’s Thumbprint due to its bowl-shaped valley, Burkes Garden is the Commonwealth’s highest valley and largest rural historic district.
• Breaks Interstate Park – This park is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South” and is located just on the border of Virginia and Kentucky.
• Natural Tunnel – This tunnel was once described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” 
• Jefferson Pools – The natural hot springs of Jefferson Pools spa structures were visited by Thomas Jefferson himself and are known for their healing properties. The Gentlemen’s Pool House is the oldest spa structure in the entire country.

Eastern Shore Road Trip

Virginia’s Eastern Shore is among the most isolated regions of the country, and you can see dozens of small towns and villages that have stayed the same since the start of the original colonies in the US.

Here are the points of interest:

• Assateague Island – Okay, I know this is in Maryland but sometimes you have to break the rules to see the cool things. Although popularly known as Chincoteague ponies, the feral ponies actually live on Assateague Island, MD.
• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – The Refuge faces the Atlantic Coast and offers the only ocean beaches in this part of the state.
• Eastern Shore Peninsula – Here you will have access to the Chesapeake Bay waterfront. 
• Accomac, Onancock  and  Eastville – Three small towns, none of which has changed much since Revolutionary times.
• Norfolk – Cross the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay via a 23-mile-long bridge and tunnel that brings you to the maritime jewel.
• Virginia Beach – Virginia’s most southern point, before the route, turns inland and south into North Carolina.

 Washington

Washington State is full of many types of geological wonders where the mountains are also volcanoes. It has some of the best landscapes in the country, including beaches. With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, be sure to take advantage of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean : the beaches, the tidal pools and whale watching are out of this world.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

Starting in Olympia , this 350-mile byway is what the Evergreen State is all about. The byway goes around the entire Olympic Peninsula. You will see the national park and rain forests, along ocean beaches, then extends south to the border with Oregon.

Some points of interest on this scenic byway:

• Olympia – Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is at the southern end of Puget Sound.
• Squaxin Island Museum Library and Research Center  – The Museum Library Research Center shows how nature and the Squaxin Island Tribal culture relate.
• Port Townsend – The town was supposed to be the New York of the west and is one of only three Victorian Seaports in the United States.
• Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge – The refuge is a sanctuary for over 250 species of birds, 41 species of land mammals and eight species of water mammals. 
• Hurricane Ridge and Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center – Located in the Olympic National Park, it is the most easily accessed mountain.
• Marymere Falls – One of the most popular waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula. 
• Hoh Rain Forest – During the winter season, rain falls so frequently in the Hoh Rain Forest that it contributes to the yearly total of 140 to 170 inches (12 to 14 feet) of precipitation each year. 
• Ruby Beach -This is one of the most visited areas of Olympic National Park. There are thousands of marine species where the coastal waters are a safe haven for them.
• Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center – The center stands high on the cliffs of Cape Disappointment.
• Long Beach, Washington – This century-old North Head Lighthouse was completed in 1898. Long Beach is located on the 28-mile Long Beach Peninsula.

Cascade Loop

This is a 440-mile road trip that includes several road trips in one. But if you are going to go … GO BIG!

If you really want to see everything Washington State has to offer this is the only way to do it. You will start out from the waterfront city of Everett, head east over Stevens Pass, into the alpine villages and snowy capped mountains.

Here are the points of interest on this road trip:

•   Everett – Explore this waterfront community and the downtown area before heading to the mountains.
• Snohomish – Located right in between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, it is also known as the ‘Antique Capital of the Northwest’.
• Monroe – If you love agriculture then Monroe is for you.
• Skykomish – Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Steven’s Pass
• Leavenworth – Their architecture is right out of Bavaria and you will feel like you are in the Swiss Alps. 
• Wenatchee – Located on two rivers, the Columbia and Wenatchee, sitting right at the foothills of the Cascades. Also known as the “Apple Capital of the World”.
• Entiat – Visit the Ribbon Cliff landslide along the shoreline of the Columbia River. For the best views visit Daroga State Park.
• Lake Chelan Valley – Wineries and outdoor recreation.
• Pateros – Visit where the Columbia and Methow Rivers meet.
• Twisp  – Check out the North Cascades Highway and the Loup Loup Pass crossing to the Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway.
• Winthrop – A western town right by the Okanogan National Forest.
• Washington Pass Overlook – Liberty Bell Mountain, North Cascades Highway Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
• Diablo Lake – At glacier-fed Diablo Lake you will see the wildlife habitat and snow-topped mountain peaks, islands, and waterfalls and the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.
• Sedro-Woolley – Visit their historic downtown with a colorful past.
• Deception Pass Bridge & State Park – Cross over Deception Pass to get to Whidbey Island for this great photo opp!

 West Virginia

West Virginia is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountains . This gives it its nickname, The Mountain State . There are several regions that are uniquely special and visiting them is its own unique road trip.

• New River – Greenbrier Valley -Coming from its mountain sources, the Greenbrier River meets the ancient New River.
• Eastern Panhandle – This area is full of history, scenery and small-town charm and located just a short drive from Baltimore and DC.
• Hatfield-McCoy Mountains – These mountains have true stories of Native American leaders, feuding families and coal mining history.
• Metro Valley – Charleston, the state’s capital, and Huntington, home of Marshall University.
• Mid-Ohio Valley – A gentle landscape of peaceful farmsteads, and historical sites.
• Mountaineer Country – Visit Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg and Bridgeport 
• Northern Panhandle – Lies along the Ohio River and has a more mid-western feel.
• Mountain Lakes – Visit the shores of five big lakes located in the region.
• Potomac Highlands – Outdoor activities and historical sites are located between West Virginia’s highest mountain peaks and dramatic scenery.

Byways and Scenic Trails are always our favorite choice when visiting. You can see several regions from one Byway in West Virginia .

The Staunton – Parkersburg Turnpike National Scenic Byway  

From Parkersburg to Elkins you will see mountain vistas, dense forests and quaint small historic towns. You will visit 5 distinct areas when following The Staunton – Parkersburg Turnpike which is a historic highway from Staunton, Virginia across West Virginia to the Ohio River. 

• Parkersburg Area
• Weston Area
• Beverly Area
• Durbin Area
• Staunton Area

Mountain Parkway Byway  and  Mountain Parkway Backway  

There are two routes in northern  Webster County, West Virginia . The Mountain Parkway Byway is a scenic byway that follows West Virginia Route 20 for 9.8 miles, traversing the headwaters of several mountain streams including the  Right Fork Little Kanawha River, Jerry Run, and the Left and Laurel Forks of Holly River.  

The Mountain Parkway Backway explores the backroads in the same area, is 32 miles long, and follows stretches of the Right Fork Little Kanawha River and Left Fork Holly River for portions of its route. Some of the Backway roads are gravel.

Here are some points of interest for the Byway:

• Jerry Run Summer Theater
• Hacker Valley
• Holly River State Park

Here are some points of interest for the Backway:

• Boggs Mill Stone
• Johnson Home
• Mollohan Mill
• Hanging Rock

 Wisconsin

Wisconsin has coastlines on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior . Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin. It is known for the Milwaukee Public Museum, where there are re-created international villages. There is also a Harley-Davidson Museum, displaying classic motorcycles. There are several beer companies headquartered in Milwaukee where you will find many brewery tours.

Lower Wisconsin River Road and Wisconsin Dells Road Trip

Located on the Wisconsin River, a tributary of the  Mississippi River , the Wisconsin Dells offers scenic beauty for miles. The  Wisconsin River  is described as the hardest working river in the world. You will want to look for its unique Cambrian sandstone rock formations and tributary canyons.

The  Wisconsin River  originates in the forests of the North Woods Lake District of northern  Wisconsin , in Lac Vieux Desert near the border of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It flows south across the glacial plain of central  Wisconsin , passing through Wausau, Stevens Point, and  Wisconsin   Rapids .

The Lower Wisconsin River Road  is a designated Wisconsin scenic byway that travels 100 miles along WIS 60 following the Wisconsin River  from Lodi to Bridgeport/Prairie du Chien . From Prairie du Chien, it is about a 30-minute trip north to Wisconsin Dells .

Here are the many activities you will find along the Lower Wisconsin River and Wisconsin Dells:

• Outdoor Activities: Hiking Canoeing, Kayaking
• Street music and festivals
• Winery Tours
• Trolley Tours

Highway 33 Scenic Drive

Highway 33 is one of Wisconsin’s “Coast to Coast” routes, reaching both Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River . It is 200 miles across the state from Port Washington to La Crosse . It is also apart of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive . You can also continue your trip along the Mississippi River or Lake Michigan.

Some points of interest:

• Wildcat Mountain State Park
• Grandad Bluff
• West Bend 
• Baraboo 
• Port Washington

 Wyoming

Wyoming is broken into four regions. Wyoming is home to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The regions are meant to guide you through parts of the state that shouldn’t be missed, including national forests, state parks, mountain ranges, historical sites and more.

The most popular road trips in Wyoming are Yellowstone and Grand Teton and for good reason. We are going to combine two of them because of their popularity. But if you do not have this kind of time then you can certainly break them up.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone Road Trip

There are several scenic routes to explore on your way to arriving at  Yellowstone National Park  and  Grand Teton National Park , many of which are accessible from Rock Springs and Green River , Wyoming.

All of this will however depend on where you fly into. Many folks opt for Salt Lake City due to affordable flights and make the 8-hour trek into Wyoming .

Here are some Scenic Byways to consider using to get to Yellowstone and Grand Teton:

• Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway
• Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
• Bridger Valley Historic Byway
• The Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway

I would love to hear about your bucket list road trip ideas in the comments!

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50 state road trip: Bucket-list destinations in the USA

If you really want to explore the USA, you'll need a stop in each state. GoBankingRates.com has chosen one can't-miss stop in each state as their  bucket-list destinations in the USA . Looking to make your budget last through all 50 states? They've also put together a list of fun things to do in each state  ranging from free to just under $20 :

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)

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

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)

This Map Shows the Ultimate U.S. Road Trip

By caitlin schneider | apr 10, 2023, 12:50 pm edt.

The concept of a road trip is as American as apple pie, and yet, devising the “best” U.S. driving route is a bit of a head scratcher. Much depends on time parameters, personal preference, and frankly, how long you want to spend behind the wheel.

In 2015, Tracy Staedter at Discovery News decided to take on that challenge, enlisting Randy Olson —the data scientist behind the famed (and super helpful) Where’s Waldo algorithm —to devise what you might call the platonic ideal of the United States road trip. The parameters were: It had to hit all of the 48 continental states; every stop had to be a National Natural Landmark, a National Historic Site, a National Park, or a National Monument; and of course, had to be confined to car travel and within U.S. borders.

With a stop in Washington, D.C. and two in California, the result is 50 points of all American awesomeness. Here are the destinations:

• Grand Canyon, Arizona 
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Craters of the Moon, Idaho 
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 
• Pikes Peak, Colorado 
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
• The Alamo, Texas
• The Platt Historic District, Oklahoma 
• Toltec Mounds, Arkansas 
• Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Tennessee 
• Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi 
• French Quarter, Louisiana 
• USS Alabama, Alabama 
• Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida 
• Okefenokee Swamp Park, Georgia 
• Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina 
• Lost World Caverns, West Virginia 
• Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, North Carolina 
• Mount Vernon, Virginia 
• White House, Washington, D.C. 
• Colonial Annapolis Historic District, Maryland 
• New Castle Historic District, Delaware 
• Cape May Historic District, New Jersey 
• Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania 
• Statue of Liberty, New York 
• The Mark Twain House & Museum, Connecticut 
• The Breakers, Rhode Island
• USS Constitution , Massachusetts 
• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Mount Washington Hotel, New Hampshire 
• Shelburne Farms, Vermont 
• Fox Theater, Michigan 
• Spring Grove Cemetery, Ohio 
• Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky 
• West Baden Springs Hotel, Indiana 
• Abraham Lincoln’s Home, Illinois 
• Gateway Arch, Missouri 
• C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, Kansas 
• Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, Iowa 
• Taliesin, Wisconcin 
• Fort Snelling, Minnesota 
• Ashfall Fossil Bed, Nebraska 
• Mount Rushmore, South Dakota 
• Fort Union Trading Post, North Dakota 
• Glacier National Park, Montana 
• Hanford Site, Washington 
• Columbia River Highway, Oregon 
• San Francisco Cable Cars, California 
• San Andreas Fault, California 
• Hoover Dam, Nevada

That list starts with the Grand Canyon , but you could theoretically begin anywhere as long as you drive in sequence after that. Staedter guessed it would take a little over nine days of driving straight through, but more realistically is a two- or three-month trip.

Want to drive across the U.S. & see all major landmarks? #MSU 's @randal_olson made a map. http://t.co/KbFjQGXBXM pic.twitter.com/jDs1EsP1xS — MSU (@michiganstateu) March 9, 2015

For the details on how he came up with the route, check out Olson’s blog . After determining the stops, the main goal of the algorithm was to find the shortest distance between points.

Olson wrote to Staedter: “Instead of exhaustively looking at every possible solution, genetic algorithms start with a handful of random solutions and continually tinker with these solutions—always trying something slightly different from the current solution and keeping the best one—until they can’t find a better solution any more.”

And whether or not you understand the specifics of how it was created, the map is truly a marvel and the kind of itinerary you'll probably spend all winter dreaming about. See the map here , and for additional travel goals, check out Olson’s road trip maps for South America and Europe .

A version of this story ran in 2015; it has been updated for 2023.

21 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car. Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

From scenic drives along wildflower-dotted coasts to routes that help you learn more about America’s history, the following U.S. road trips allow you to enjoy the detours as much as the final destination. No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Cross-country road trips in the U.S.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

2. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. And to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime—whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside attractions, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

Shorter road trips throughout the U.S.

Not all of us have the time to drive cross-country. Fortunately there are plenty of amazing, shorter road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay relatively close to home.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park.

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but we recommend staying at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and Sabinal. Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 56-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s storied, jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit, with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains , and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach. Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddle boarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Additional road trip planning resources

Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 19, 2023, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

A Guide To Traveling To All 50 States

Table of Contents

Hello The Abroad Blog readers! Today’s post is such an exciting one as it’s my official announcement of my journey to traveling to all 50 states, and the place where I’m going to document all my US travel guides! Feel free to follow along @nicole.rosania to read travel guides for every state in the form of in-feed posts. I’m also saving all of the in-feed posts to an IG guide called “50 States” and creating stories to document the highlights of every state.

As for my blog, I already have city and state guides published for most of the states I’ve been to, such as my recent Things To Do In Minneapolis guide for Minnesota. Because of this, I will not be writing brand new guides for all 50 states, as this will just be a repeat of information. Instead, I will be updating this post often with links to these guides as I write them so that all of my USA state guides are easily discoverable in one place. This will eventually be HAS BECOME one giant guide to traveling to all 50 states!

You can keep track of where I’ve been with this map:

Disclaimer: Since first publishing this post, I’ve completed my goal of visiting all 50 states (June 25, 2023)! And I did it before I turned 25! Navigate to each state below for a quick overview.

50 State Challenge: The Idea

As you can tell from this blog post and some of my more recent Instagram posts, I kicked off my 50 state challenge in May 2021. In theory, I should’ve done this back in January at the start of the new year, but 1) I didn’t think of it then and 2) COVID cases were peaking. The ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic has continuously improved in the past few months here in the US thanks to mass vaccinations, so I feel more comfortable traveling now than I did in January.

To back track even more, I thought of this idea because of COVID. If it weren’t for the international pandemic, I’d probably be typing this post from a cafe overseas somewhere. In typical Nicole fashion , I would’ve found a way to scrape together some money and make that work. However, this past year has kept me at home. At first I was upset about it (we all were), but changed my mindset and decided to use this year to explore more of my home. This began in 2020 with more frequent day trips around my home state of Massachusetts and New England , and eventually turned into this challenge: Traveling to all 50 states!

(Written May 2021:) No International Travel For Me Anytime Soon…

With international travel still on hold for the foreseeable future and domestic travel on the rise, I’m more excited than ever to explore more of the US this year. I always told myself I would travel to all 50 states by 50, but as I continue to set my focus on traveling internationally, establishing my career, and one day a family, this goal may not have been feasible. I mean… when would I ever visit Kansas? A quick PTO weekday trip? Probably not.

So, here we are. I’m only 22, with a completely remote job (in the travel industry may I add), and with an itch to explore more of the US. So, I’m taking advantage of it and seeing as much of the US as I can now! I originally told myself I would complete this challenge by the end of the year, but that’s a bit ambitious, so instead I’m just going to try and complete it before international travel makes a full recovery.

Other Travel Accounts Doing The #50StateChallenge

Lastly, I want to acknowledge some other awesome travel accounts who inspired me to turn this crazy idea into action. Some of my fav travel bloggers, Kate and Maggie at Two Sisters Abroad , are doing a similar challenge except Kate is trying to visit ALL 50 states before the end of 2021. Plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico! Crazy! My favorite YouTubers, Kara and Nate , are currently traveling the US in a van and are also trying to knock off their remaining 20 states this year.

Now you know how this crazy idea came about. Let’s hop into my guidelines.

50 State Challenge: The Guidelines

I need to preface this challenge by saying I am NOT going to be traveling to ALL 50 states this year. Or even next. Props to Kate for doing this, but that’s too much for me. I’ve also been to states like Florida and New Hampshire dozens of times and am not interested in returning at the moment. Instead, I’m going to focus on visiting all the new states I have yet to explore. As of early May 2021, I’ve been to 28/50. Thus, my challenge is to visit the 22 states I have left ASAP. No hard deadline here.

Of course I will naturally be revisiting some states throughout the course of the next year because of road trips and what not, but I’m prioritizing visiting what I have left. This way, I can successfully say that I’ve been to all 50 states and have the rest of my life to revisit those I loved the most.

I count day trips as visits, even internationally, as long as I spend a good chunk of time there. I usually do some sightseeing to ensure I cross off any major attractions, along with sampling some local food, shopping for a souvenir or two, and chatting with a local. I’m always on the move and am a firm believer that you can get to know a place in just one day.

As mentioned above, I will be documenting this journey both through travel guides on here and on Instagram, and plan on having my camera with me at all times. I also like to purchase post cards wherever I go, but other than this, I’m not setting any other “rules” for myself. I just want to feel like I made the most of my time in the destination!

50 State Challenge: The Plan

So now you know how this crazy idea came about and what the “50 state challenge” entails. At this point you may be asking yourself…  Nicole, how in the heck are you going to find the time to do this? Pay for this? Even plan for this?

Let’s break it down…

I’m Working With Partners

First, I am beyond grateful (and very excited) to share that I’ve grown my blog’s readership to a place where I can work with partners. This means I’ve been working with hotels, tour companies, tourism boards, and more to produce sponsored content (both on here and Instagram) in exchange for a comped stay, meal, tour, or wait for it… money!

This has always been a dream of mine and I’m so happy it’s finally coming to fruition. I’ve worked really hard this year to boost my blog’s SEO, Pinterest strategy , and even Instagram content to grow my following organically, and it’s working!

So, I’m thrilled to share that I will be working with several hotels and tourism boards in the next few months as I work my way across the US. There’s a mutual benefit to doing this as I get to fund my trip and further develop my Media Kit, and smaller companies in the travel industry get promotion! Obviously flights, rental cars, gas, etc. are funded on my own, but these partnerships make my constant travel sustainable.

My Job Is Entirely Remote

In terms of time, as I mentioned previously, my job is entirely remote. Even without the pandemic…there’s no office. This allows me to be a full-time digital nomad and work from wherever! I will definitely be taking full advantage of this in the coming weeks as I work remotely from national parks out west-  without having to take PTO or squeeze trips into the weekends.

Planning Regional Trips

Lastly, logistically, this challenge is a bit hard to complete without road tripping or #vanlife. I’m going to instead accomplish this goal by planning a handful of region-focused trips. For example, a s outhwest road trip , a midwest road trip covering 6 states from Michigan to Minnesota, etc. This way I won’t be on the road 24/7 when traveling to all 50 states.

50 State Challenge: The States

Now that you have some background on the challenge, here’s a list of every state in the US that I’ve been to so far with links to all my guides! I’ve updated this as I’ve visited all 50 states.

PS. These are listed in the order I visited them, although most of them happen to be in geographical order. I’ve been featuring the states in this order on Instagram as well, not alphabetically.

1. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is my home state and therefore the first state I ever visited! From summers in Cape Cod to Octobers spent in Salem to guiding tours around Boston, I’ve seen it all. Here are my travel guides for the Bay State…

• How To Spend A Weekend In Boston
• 5 Places To Visit During The Holidays In New England
• Introducing The Freedom Trail History & Photo Tour
• How To Spend A Spooky Day In Salem, MA
• Walking The Freedom Trail In Boston
• Ultimate 11 Day USA Road Trip Itinerary
• The Ultimate New England Bucket List
• 15 Most Instagrammable Places In Boston
• 25 Things To Do In Boston (and Beyond!) During The Summer

2. New Hampshire

Known for its mountain ranges, leaf peeping and downhill skiing, here are some highlights for the Granite State…

• 10 Ski Resorts In New England You Need To Visit
• Why You Need To Stay In A Getaway House
• Best Places To Leaf Peep In New England & Beyond

This state is more than just maple syrup, wooden bridges, and ski resorts. Add these VT classics to your Green Mountain State bucket list…

• How To Spend A Winter Weekend In Stowe, Vermont

Maine, also known as the Pine Tree State, is the most northeastern state in the US. It’s also the largest in New England – taking up more than 1/2 the area! Famous for its rocky coastline, lobster, lighthouses, blueberries, and the end of the Appalachian Trail, here are my guides for Maine…

• How To Spend A Weekend In Acadia National Park

5. Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US, but don’t miss it! From its lively capital city to its college towns and beautiful New England coastline, there’s a ton to do in the Ocean State…

• What To See In Washington DC, NYC, & More

6. Connecticut

The last state I visited in New England quickly turned into my second home when I chose to attend Fairfield University for college! Connecticut is home to quaint coastal towns, the Long Island Sound, & my alma mater! Here’s what you should check out in the Constitution State…

• The Ultimate 11 Day USA Road Trip Itinerary
• Ultimate New England Bucket List
• The Ultimate Fairfield, CT Restaurant Guide

7. New York

New York is so much more than just NYC! Be sure to check out the Hamptons, Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, and Niagara Falls when visiting the Empire State. Here are some more ideas for your next trip…

• 15 Best Things To Do In NYC Year-Round
• The Ultimate New York City Holiday Guide

8. New Jersey

Located right across the Hudson, the Garden State is home to the world’s largest boardwalk, well-known beaches on the infamous Jersey Shore, the Miss America pageant, and so much more…

9. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the most historical states in the USA as this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. More importantly, it’s also home to the Philly cheesesteak! The Keystone State is one of the largest states in the northeast, so there’s a lot to see including Philadelphia, Lancaster, Gettysburg, and Pittsburgh…

• How To Spend 12 Hours In Philadelphia, PA & Wilmington, DE

10. Delaware

Welcome to the first state in the USA! I’ve crossed through Delaware a few times on road trips and really only visited for the first time this spring. This small state is often overlooked, but here are some fun highlights for the First State…

11. Maryland (& Washington D.C.)

The Old Line State, also nicknamed the Free State, is known for its fresh crab and major cities – including the capital Annapolis, Baltimore, and nearby Washington D.C…

12. Virginia

I first visited Virginia on a day trip from DC years ago, and have since been back multiple times. At this point, I’ve covered most of the state! Aside from the Arlington/Alexandria area, I recommend exploring Richmond, Norfolk, Appalachia, and the Historic Triangle when visiting the Old Dominion State…

• Things To Do In Williamsburg, Virginia (Plus Yorktown and Jamestown)

13. North Carolina

The Old North State was my first state visited in the southeast. NC has it all – foliage and mountains in the west, beautiful beaches along the eastern coast (where my Outer Banks fans at?!), major cities, and ideal weather year-round. My recommendations for your next visit include: Outer Banks, Raleigh / Durham, Charlotte, Asheville, and Wilmington! Here’s your go-to weekend guide for Charlotte…

• One Weekend In Charlotte
• Visiting The Biltmore Estate

14. South Carolina

My new home! South Carolina is known for its coastal charm, tropical climate, and of course – Charleston! Here are some highlights of the Palmetto State for your next trip…

• The Perfect 3 Day Charleston Itinerary
• Things To Do Around Hilton Head Beach
• Best Places To Eat In Charleston, SC
• Best Rooftop Bars In Charleston
• Best Coffee Shops + Cafes In Charleston, SC

15. Georgia

Welcome to state #15/50 aka the Peach State! Georgia is known for its metropolitan capital city, golden isles on the coast, SEC football, and of course – its peaches (you probably already knew this thanks to Justin Bieber!). I’ve been to Georgia a handful of times now to visit family and explore…

• How To Spend 2 Days In Savannah, Georgia
• How To Spend A Weekend In Georgia: Atlanta & Mystic Falls
• What To See In Saint Simon’s Island, Georgia
• The Ultimate Guide To A Girls Weekend in Savannah, GA

16. Florida

The last state I visited on the east coast was the Sunshine State! Florida is known as the “Beast of the Southeast”, meaning that there’s SO much to do here. Check out my guides below to read about some major highlights from past trips…

• Ultimate Guide To A 5 Day Florida Keys Road Trip
• Highway 30A Florida Road Trip
• Weekend In Sarasota

17. Washington

Welcome to Washington, the only state ever named after a president! Washington or the Evergreen State, is the gem of the Pacific Northwest, packed with beautiful coastline, national parks, skiing, and rainy cities. I first visited WA in 2008, before I knew anything about travel blogging, and was grateful to visit again last September. Here’s your WA bucket list…

• The Perfect Itinerary For A Week In The PNW

Welcome to the Beaver State! The *other* gem of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon is known for its Columbia River, the deepest lake in the US, cheesy vampire movies, and the eclectic city of Portland…

The 19th state I visited in the US was Alaska in August 2013 on a Royal Caribbean family cruise! A cruise is the BEST way to explore the Last Frontier State. Recommended ports include: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park! You can read a complete guide here:

• Alaska Cruising Guide

20.  Wyoming

Ah, the Wild Wild West! A visit to the least populated state in the US needs to be on EVERYONE’S bucket list. This trip was one of my favorite family vacations EVER! Here’s some ideas for the Equality State: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Tetons National Park.

• A Week In Wyoming: Yellowstone 3 Day Itinerary

The 21st state I visited was an absolute dream — Hawaii! My family and I visited the island of Kauai and the Big Island in June 2016, and embraced the ~aloha lifestyle~ by diving, swimming in waterfalls, dancing at a luau, & more. I hope to go back and visit Maui and Oahu, but I have great memories of the Aloha State from our trip!

• Kauai, Hawaii Itinerary

22. California

The most populous state in the US is home to iconic cities plus 9 national parks. A road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway has been on my list for YEARS, but I’ve been lucky to visit Cali a few times already. I even lived in the Golden State for a summer in college working for EF Education First! This allowed me (+50 international teens) to travel around daily. Hop off the plane at LAX and follow these guides…

• The Best 3 Day Los Angeles City Guide
• Why You Need To Do A Malibu Wine Safari

23.  Colorado

I’ve only been to Colorado once and hope to go back a dozen more times to ski & hike. My Dad and I flew into Denver and skied at Vail during my spring break in 2017. My bucket list for the Centennial State still includes Breckenridge, Aspen, Denver, and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can read all about skiing in Colorado in this blog post:

• A Beginner’s Guide To Skiing Vail, Colorado

24. Tennessee

Tennessee, or the Volunteer State, is known for its country music, Elvis, whiskey, and hot chicken!!! I’ve explored this state 3x now and already can’t wait to go back. My recs…

• How To Spend A Long Weekend In Nashville
• Unique Things To Do In Nashville

25. West Virginia

Country roads take me home! Unless you go to school here or live near Pittsburgh, it’s easy to skip over this one. However, my day trip here in August 2020 blew me away! Here’s my recommendations for the Mountain State: Harpers Ferry, Charleston, and New River Gorge National Park.

26. Kentucky

Known for the Bourbon Trail, its fried chicken, and one of the most famous horse races in the world, Kentucky has so much to offer! I visited for the first time during a road trip in summer 2020 and loved Louisville. Here are my recs for the Bluegrass State:

27. Indiana

I’ve driven through the Hoosier State 2x now on road trips! This quintessential Midwest state is home to one of the US’s newest (and smallest) national parks, the Indy 500, big time colleges, and more…

• Indiana Dunes Beaches You Should Visit

Known for its corn, amusement parks, football, and its 3 major cities, the Buckeye State shouldn’t be overlooked when visiting all 50 states. I crossed through the entire state on a road trip during summer 2020. Here are some highlights for YOU!

29. Michigan

This time last year I kicked off my #50stateschallenge and did a big Midwest road trip to cross a few new states off my list! My first stop was Michigan — I flew into Grand Rapids and stopped in Holland for the famous Tulip Time festival before continuing on through Indiana to Chicago. Here are a few recs for the Great Lakes state…

• Complete Guide To Visiting Grand Rapids & Holland, Michigan

30. Illinois

Welcome to Illinois! My 30th state and the Prairie State, named after all of its prairie grass. I visited Illinois for the first time last May and can’t wait to explore more of it. Highlights include the capital Springfield and of course, Chicago — the crown jewel of Illinois! Known as the Windy City, this city lies right on the edge of Lake Michigan and is super fun in the summer months.

• How To Spend 3 Days In Chicago

31. Wisconsin

I was in Wiscooooo aka the Badger State last May and was able to visit both Milwaukee and Madison. Aside from its cheese, Wisconsin is also known for its craft beer scene and sports. Keep reading for YOUR tips:

• What To Do In Milwaukee & Madison, Wisconsin

IO-WOW!!! The Hawkeye State was the 32nd state I visited & I was so pleasantly surprised. I drove through the northeast corner of the state on the way from Madison, WI to the Twin Cities and loved the scenery. I’m not sure what will ever bring me back here, or what would bring you, but to stay consistent with my guides for #all50states , here’s Iowa for ya.

• Fun Things To Do In Decorah, Iowa

33. Minnesota

Welcome to Minnesota, also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. This was the last state I visited on my Midwest road trip last summer and has sooo much to offer! Here you’ll find the Twin Cities, which are actually 2 separate cities located 15 minutes from each other. Here’s your tips:

• Things To Do In Minneapolis and St. Paul

34. Montana

The Treasure State, also known as Big Sky Country after this state’s famous mountain is one of my favs of all 50 states. It’s HUGE (look at a map) & has so much to do year-round. I crashed my friend’s cross country road trip last June and LOVED my time here! Keep reading for tips for a few cities and Montana’s crown jewel, Glacier National Park:

• Bozeman, Montana Travel Guide

Idaho is known as the Gem State after the abundance of gems found here, along with its potatoes. I visited here on a road trip from Montana to WA & only had a day. Idaho is big — it’s larger than all of New England combined, so there’s a ton to see / do. I’d love to come back here to ski one day!

• Things To Do In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho For A Day

Last summer, my sister and I road-tripped for 12 days across Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. We started in Vegas & ended in Phoenix — full itinerary linked down below. Nevada blew me away. The state was named after the mountain range “Sierra Nevada” and is known as the Silver State, although it’s actually the largest gold-producing state in the US. Here’s my recs for you:

• The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to the Beehive State! I visited Utah last summer on a southwest road trip & spent multiple days exploring all the beauty this state has to offer. Utah is known for its epic skiing in the north and red rock national parks in the south. Here’s what you need to know before you go…

38. Arizona

AZ was the final state visited on my southwest road trip and is one I hope to go back to several more times! The Grand Canyon State is known for well… the Grand Canyon, along with its hot & dry desert climate, red rocks, saguaro cacti, and Navajo land. Here’s your guide:

39. Louisiana

This past January I crossed a major item off my bucket list of visiting all 50 states and did a weekend girls trip to New Orleans! Although there’s so much to see in the Pelican State, I mainly spent my time in LA exploring the Big Easy. Here’s my recs for your upcoming trip + a few Louisiana state highlights…

• Top Things To Do In New Orleans

40. Mississippi

We’ve made it to the 40s!!!! The Mississippi River is well known for its river cruises, Civil War history, and iconic city stops. Mississippi’s Gulf Coast shouldn’t be overlooked and is easily drivable from New Orleans! I visited a few cities in the Magnolia State earlier this year on a southeast road trip, including Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport. Other popular cities include Jackson, Vicksburg, and Oxford, where Ole Miss is located.

• Fun Things To Do In Biloxi, Mississippi

41. Alabama

Sweeeeet home Alabamaaa! I crossed over the AL border earlier this year on a southeast weekend trip and loved what I saw! The Yellowhammer State is known for its Southern hospitality, Civil Rights movement, SEC football, & is called the “Heart of Dixie”. Be sure to visit Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham, or Huntsville during your time here.

• 10+ Things To Do In Mobile, Alabama

42. Oklahoma

During my time in the Sooner State, I partnered with Visit OKC to visit the arts district, Bricktown, and the Myriad botanical gardens. Also be sure to see Tulsa and the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo along historic Route 66 in Claremore, OK. Click the blog post below to read all about my journey through Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

• Oklahoma Travel Guide

43. Arkansas

Over Memorial Day weekend of last year I drove from Oklahoma through Arkansas to check off some more of all 50 states. Arkansas is famous for its natural scenic beauty, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, and is known as the Natural State. Arkansas has lots of hot springs and hikes, but I just saw the northwest corner when I visited. Here are some suggestions for your road trip: Bentonville, Fayetteville, Little Rock, and exploring the Ozarks.

• Best Things To Do In Bentonville, Arkansas

Incoming: A guide for a state I never thought I’d visit… Kansas! Kansas is one of the classic “fly over states” in the middle of the US, but also is a common drive through state on cross-country road trips. Here’s some info for the Sunflower State, if you ever find yourself here: Topeka is the capital of Kansas, Wichita is the largest city, and Kansas City splits the states of Kansas and Missouri, although the best BBQ can be found on the Kansas side. You can read more about this state here:

• Road Tripping From Kansas City To Saint Louis

45. Missouri

Missouri was final state I drove through last May on my Quad State road trip. The Show Me State is known for its BBQ, iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, strong agricultural industry, & the Ozarks. There are a few stories that explain how Missouri got its nickname, with the most popular dating back to 1897 when a train conductor demanded “you’ve got to show me” to passengers who claimed to have free passes. This slogan is now on most Missouri license plates!

We’re getting really close to covering all 50 states! The Lone Star State is the 2nd largest state in the US and has several major cities. I’ve been to a few of them this past year as part of my journey to all 50 states. Major cities include: Austin, the capital of Texas known for its SOCO (South Congress) neighborhood, Lady Bird / Lake Travis area, and Rainey Street. Dallas has the paved Katy Trail and Dallas Cowboys. Did you know Fort Worth is a separate city from Dallas? Fort Worth is smaller & is more traditional “Texas”. See Sundance Square and head to the Stockyards for some quintessential Texas fun.

• Best Itinerary For A Weekend Trip To Austin, Texas

47. New Mexico

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment State and after a full week of exploring Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos, I now know why. This area is famous for Taos ski resort and the Taos Pueblo, White Sands national park, its native culture, and arts scene in downtown Santa Fe, especially along the galleries of Canyon Road. Check out this state guide:

• 6 Day New Mexico Itinerary: Albuquerque, Sante Fe, & Taos

48. South Dakota

I just road-tripped through South Dakota to cross off state #48 and was seriously BLOWN AWAY by how much there is to do around Rapid City. I don’t know anywhere else in the US that has national parks, hiking, wildlife, family activities, a city, AND history! Here’s my recs for your future trip to the Mount Rushmore state:

• 20 Things To Do In Rapid City, South Dakota

49. Nebraska

While I was in the Dakotas last week with my Dad, we drove 1.5 hours south from Rapid City to cross Nebraska off the list. We only spent the day here, but it was a nice way to see #49 ! If you’re trying to visit #all50states , you need to be strategic about trips and plan to cross a few states off by region. If you still need to see the Cornhusker State, hit up Chadron and follow this itinerary:

• Visiting Northwest Nebraska

50. North Dakota

After 2 years of traveling to all 50 states (plus DC + Puerto Rico!), and sharing a detailed guide to them all on socials / my blog, we’ve made it to #50 /50 — the Flickertail State! A few years ago I read about the Best For Last Club online and knew when I finished all 50 states, I’d save ND for last. Fast forward a few years and here we are… in Fargo, ND — not only becoming a member of the club, but partnering with the tourism board during my visit. Here’s my recs for Fargo & beyond:

• Places To Go In North Dakota: Fargo, Bismarck, & More

And that brings us to the very end! I first published this post when I kicked off this challenge in May 2021 and am thrilled to be wrapping it up, a little over 2 years later — in July 2023 after visiting all 50 states. I hope this post directs you to any travel guide you need for visiting the US and inspires you to visit as many as you can. As for my next adventure? Stay tuned!

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The perfect study abroad packing list, everything to know about interning abroad with global experiences, craft ideas and gifts for travel lovers, how i managed to budget travel to 30+ countries during college, 24 comments.

Wow! This is so awesome and so ambitious! Looking forward to your adventures as you travel to all 50 U.S. states. Good luck and safe travels!

Such an awesome challenge! I would love to do this as well but can’t wait to read up on your experience! My dad has traveled to all 50 states but he cheated — he’s a pilot xD

So fun! Have a great time. We have been doing the same but over the years 🙂

What an exciting challenge! I’d love to visit all 50 states! Although living in the UK, this one might take me quite some time to complete! I can’t wait to follow your journey! Thanks for sharing it with us!

I have always wanted to do this! We’re from MI so it’s hard to road trip east coast/west coast. So we typically have to fly. Good luck and have all the fun on your trip!

I love this! We have always focused on international travel but are sticking to The States for a few months this summer and all when we get back from Costa Rica. This is so helpful for some ideas for where we are going. I am definitely taking notes and will bookmark this for reference. Thanks for putting this together! What an amazing adventure!

What a helpful guide! It is actually my mission to see all 50 states at some point. I don’t think I will complete them all this year, but I’m at 33 right now and hope to see all 50 within the next 2-3 years. 🙂

What an incredible idea. I really would love to do something like this too. I’ve made it to 10 so far, which considering I’m not American I think is pretty good. But there are so many great states out there to visit. Looking forward to following your journey and getting some good ideas for what to do when visiting some of these beautiful states

What a fun idea! Good luck with your challenge!

This is so great! I am so happy that you’re living the life you always wanted and can now support your travels with some kickass partnerships. Wish you all the best for your challenge 🙂

Thank you so much! It is a bit crazy, but I’m super excited about it!

Thanks for following along! Good for your dad!

That’s so cool! How many do you have left?

Thanks for following along Hannah! I hope you complete your goal one day!!!

Thanks Chelsea! Michigan is a bit isolated, but I did a great midwest road trip that started in Michigan in May. I worked my way down to Indiana Dunes, to Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, through Iowa, and up to MSP!

Thank you so much for your kind note! I also have always been focused on international travel but am so excited to explore more of the US this year! I hope my posts help you to plan some trips of your own 🙂

That sounds like a wonderful goal! No need to rush it! You’ll definitely get there sooner than later with less than 20 left.

For not being American, this is amazing Emma! I’m assuming some of your 10 include NY and CA? These are always the most popular for tourists! Thanks so much for following along!

Thanks Denise!

Aw this is so sweet, thank you so much for your kind words!

Thanks a ton for sharing these amazing and quality safety tips! Your post is guiding us through the must-knows for a safe adventure. I love how you make things simple, highlighting the prep and being aware of our surroundings – things we might forget in the excitement!

such a challenging and full adventure guide, Have covered 35 states hoping for 50 in the next few years.

You got this!!! Not too many left 🙂

So glad you enjoyed my guide to all 50 states! Thanks for reading 🙂

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Where I’ve Been In The World

Where I’ve Been In The USA

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How Much Does It Cost to Visit All 50 States?

This is a guest post by fellow Intentional Travelers, Alyssa and Heath Padgett . This young couple embarked on an epic U.S. road trip in 2014 to film their documentary, Hourly America . If you’re curious about how to visit all 50 states in America, this post will start you out with a 48 state road trip cost and give you travel tips to make it happen.

This post covers: – 48 State road trip budget breakdown – Total cost of driving 48 States – 50 State budget (including flights to Hawaii & Alaska) – Road trip budget travel tips – How to save money on food, lodging, gas, and more

You might also like: Top Resources for Traveling Full-Time in the U.S.

A few months before our wedding day, Heath and I found ourselves dreaming of a 48-state road trip, wondering how we could afford such a lifestyle. We wanted to live each day freely, able to travel, write, and live an adventure. No cubicles, no bosses, no 9 to 5 grind.

Unfortunately, we were two engaged kids who just quit their jobs and could in no way afford the lifestyle we imagined for ourselves.

But then Heath sent an email , found us a sponsor, and two weeks later found the perfect RV for our first home. We created a GoFundMe  campaign to raise enough money to get us started on the road and suddenly, we were counting down the days to the grand adventure instead of the wedding day!

Four days after the rainy wedding, my newlywed husband and I started driving west and didn’t stop our tour of the country for the next 200 days.

When we eventually returned home to Texas, we asked our close friends and family if they expected us to finish. Most of them said no . They expected us to quit or stop somewhere along the way and come home. After all, seven months on the road isn’t exactly all glamorous, easy travel–especially for your honeymoon!

But despite our doubts and everyone else’s, we’ve now visited all lower 48 states exploring national parks, big cities, and every small town in between for total of 18,280 miles of America. And yes, we also flew to Alaska and Hawaii the following winter thanks to our sponsor company, Snagajob.

Now without further ado, I’d like to share you with you the cost of travel. Our finalized financial records for  200 days on the road. How much do you think it costs to pay for 18K miles of gasoline?

How Much Does It Cost To Visit All 50 States?

Gas: $6,593.57

This is my favorite stat of our travel. It cost us approximately 36 cents per mile of travel across the country.

We’ve seen gas prices soar over $4 in California and duck under $2 back in Texas, but no one we’ve asked expected our gas expenses to be this low. Estimating that our average speed of travel is 55 mph, which let’s be honest is a little generous for our 1994 engine, we drove approximately 333 hours over our 200 days on the road.

Lodging: $2,710.84

Using Passport America , Good Sam , and friendly driveways across the country, we spent less than 3K on lodging for 7 months. That means on average we spent $13.55 per night ‘s stay and less than $400 per month .

Groceries: $2,053.05

Since we travel with our kitchen, we try to always eat in to save money. Our meals for two people cost an average of $10.26 a day , and includes 3 square meals a day plus our daily bowl of popcorn .

Gym Membership: $344.84

Oh, Planet Fitness. More than giving us a chance to exercise, Pfit always gave us a warm, luxurious shower on the road. The membership to the nationwide gym costs us $43 a month and boasts spacious showers and massages chairs. (This number also includes the yearly membership fee).

Phone Bill: $1,311.22

This number makes me want to cry! Since our phone plan began days before our wedding, this number includes all of those ridiculous startup fees that come with any new phone plan.

Losing my phone back in Colorado helped lower our bill by over $75 a month, making us consider why smartphones are so necessary.

Eating Out: $512.88

Oh the sweet taste of Starbucks’ lattes and fresh chips and queso! Heath and I largely avoid eating out, but sometimes you just need to take a night off.

Most of these expenses are from our first month on the road where we undoubtedly spent the most money overall and from our time in New York City, where we stayed in a hotel (courtesy of Snagajob) and ate out every meal.

Maintenance: $1,955.72

A new fuel pump, new brake pads, new rotors, oil changes, capping a gas leak, replacing a melted battery–you never know what will happen on the road. Considering we purchased a 1994 Coachman Leprechaun off of Craigslist, I think paying less than $2000 on maintenance for 18K miles while visiting all 50 States is pretty reasonable.

Giving: $210.00

We don’t have much to give, but Heath and I do give $30 monthly to a nonprofit. Despite our lack of wealth, we firmly believe it is important to give to others as much as you can.

Other costs:

Wedding costs, Christmas gifts, Spotify, insurance, tickets, and one overdraft fee–we didn’t have any other big ticket expenses, but lots of small purchases along the way.

Things like buying a National Parks pass for $80 or spending $35 to ride the the boat into Niagara Falls. We did go shopping for clothes once, while in NYC, where I bought the cutest dresses and spent $40.

Total Spent: $18,748.85

That’s an average of spending $2600 a month , or more importantly, roughly $1.00 per mile of travel.   

Outdoorsy is like Airbnb for RVs. It’s where RV owners rent out their RVs when they’re not using them.

If you’ve always wanted to try out a motorhome, or want to upgrade your 50 States road trip with a cute Airstream, consider renting through Outdoorsy. Their customer service and reviews have outranked the other top RV rental companies. You can search listings by vehicle type and location. Some owners will even deliver the motorhome to your door! *Take $50 off your Outdoorsy rental with coupon code: intentional

Browse and book RVs, motorhomes, trailers, and campervans on Outdoorsy here

Income: $15,503.23

Between our sponsorship, writing gigs, and freelance work, Heath and I made over $11,000 ourselves.

Our GoFundMe and wedding gifts raised $4,175 total.

We also made money on the road from various tips Heath made on his jobs and through the kindness of business owners on the road.

This means we paid only $3245.62 out of pocket,  for our seven month honeymoon, traveling all 50 States. The average cost of a honeymoon is between $4000-$5000 for just one destination. I’d say that’s pretty good.

By our final two months, we were breaking even financially and getting close to making more money than we spent.

Those are our final costs for 200 days, 48 states, and a lifetime of memories all in one honeymoon.

Now, we hope to pay off all 27K of student loan debt in the next as soon as possible by continuing to live in an RV.

For more road trip tips, check out: Top Resources for Traveling Full-Time in the U.S. The Essential Packing List for Your Epic Camping Road Trip

To truly visit every state in America, we flew to Hawaii and drove/flew to Alaska for a grand total of $4,602.38. The line by line deets are below:

How to Travel Full-Time Without Busting Your Budget

Let’s take another look at travel budgets in an RV. The following was originally written in December 2014.

During the month of October, we spent exactly $2,731.42 on 31 days of travel covering 1,000 miles of the East Coast.

Every night we slept in our tempurpedic bed, woke up with coffee, and witnessed some of America’s most beautiful sights. We haven’t been exactly “roughing it.”

These are a few of the things we did during the month of October:

• Apple picking in Vermont
• Scenic drives through the Green & White Mountain Ranges
• Dipping our toes in the Atlantic Ocean in Maine
• Watching the sunset at Prospect Hill in Massachusetts
• Visiting New York City (and shopping at Macy’s of course!)
• Spent a day at Six Flags America
• Toured the National Mall in Washington DC
• Toured Hagley Museum, the 1800s era estate of E.I. DuPont
• Bought Christmas decorations on Halloween and covered our RV in twinkling lights
• Followed the changing leaves down from Vermont to Virginia

Would you pay $3,000 in order to see all of that? I would do it again in a heart beat.

In comparison to the typical American Vacation:

Last year for Christmas we took a vacation to New York City. It was an incredible week, but for the entire week we spent $3k and only experienced one city. And $3k for a week long vacation in NYC at Christmas time was a bargain! We bought our tickets months ahead of time and reserved our hotel room through Groupon. The average week long vacation for two people can easily run you $5,000.

Now we’re able to see America, all of America, and our dollar is being stretched four times what we spent during one week on vacation.

If you’re thinking about doing some long-term traveling, this will be a great introduction while planning your trip.

Saving Money on: Food while traveling

Total spent on food during month of October:   $403.61

Eating out: $41.40

Groceries: $362.21

The first area we really cut back on is eating out, this is one of the largest expenses for most people while traveling. During the month of October, we limited meals out to 41 bucks. Most of those costs are quick cups of coffee or a shared meal. Because my wife is gluten-free, we have an extra incentive to stay at home and cook instead of going out.

Always eating “in” looks like this:

• Eggs, sausage, and toast
• Eggs, bacon, hash browns, and tortillas for breakfast tacos
• Gluten free homemade pancakes
• Quesadillas
• Dinner leftovers
• Sometimes I splurge and eat the $1 Totinos Pizzas while Alyssa makes stir fry out of leftover rice and veggies
• Chicken, broccoli, and baked potato
• Salmon, asparagus, and rice
• Burgers, french fries
• Popcorn – Here’s how to make popcorn on your stove
• Homemade granola or chex mix

Most meals you can cook in a home you can cook in an RV. The point is, we don’t skimp on eating well and we spend very little for our meals.

Takeaways: 

• Don’t eat out if possible. Eggs, bacon, milk, and a loaf of bread that last a week cost the same as one dinner plate at a cheap restaurant.
• Use Pinterest to make homemade versions of your favorite meals.
• Keep snacks handy when driving! Little snack stops add up fast.

Saving Money on: Lodging

Total spent on lodging for month of October: $453.23

Average nightly spend: 14.62

Our monthly goal is to also stay five nights per month with friends or family along the trip. This saves us around $150/month and keeps our average nightly spend low. During the month of October, we stayed several nights free by parking our RV in driveways and staying with strangers/family.

When we stay in RV parks we always use Good Sam or Passport America. Both are discount programs for campers. Good Sam offers a 10% discount and is available at about 80% of campsites across the entire country (based on our six months of travel). Passport America sites are a little more difficult to find, but they offer a 50% off rate for a yearly fee of on $50. Purchasing Passport America paid for itself in two nights of camping.

The most we’ve ever paid for a single night of camping was during the month of October, spending $50 to stay at a KOA outside of Philadelphia (using our 10% Good Sam discount). We try to completely avoid KOAs and other chain campgrounds due to higher prices and a “corporate” camping feeling.

We spent several nights in state parks where the average price is around $20/night or less. State parks offer more privacy than RV parks and it feels more like nature camping. We find it’s easier to talk and meet people in a park-like atmosphere. The downside is there is no guarantee of showers, electricity, or other amenities offered by an RV park. When we need to wash our laundry, empty our holding tank, and get some work done over Wifi we go to RV parks. When we’re tired of the city, we escape to state parks.

Saving money on: Fitness and Entertainment

Gym membership total for two people: 43.40 a month

Buying a membership to Planet Fitness was one of the smartest investments we made before leaving Austin. At $20/month/person it’s dirt cheap to hold onto. Plus, Planet Fitness has more than 800 locations across the United States.

Why is all of this important?

Well, one luxury you miss out on while traveling in an RV is a great shower. If for no other reason, our membership to “P-Fit” allows us to have an awesome shower. We also can get a decent work out in on a semi-regular basis, which is often a struggle during travel, and they have free access to massage chairs and this heavenly device called a Hydro-Bed. For us, Planet Fitness is more than a gym, it’s a familiar place when you’re in a new city where you’re guaranteed a hot shower, a massage chair, and free tootsie rolls.

Note: We are not paid to endorse Planet Fitness—their massage chairs are just that life changing.

National Park Pass : $80.00, one year membership

I’d visited some national parks before our trip, but now I’ve visited the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and a score of national parks across the country with our national park pass. Most parks charge an entrance fee that can range from $2-$30. We invested in a park pass early in June which quickly paid for itself.

Seeing national parks, in my opinion, is a better way to travel than simply going from city to city. Once you pay your way into the park you can do a lot of activities for free. Hiking, swimming, and sight seeing are some of our favorite parts of traveling. Plus, the beauty you find is stunning.

Saving money on: Gas

Total spent on fuel during month of October: $574.06

This is by far going to be your largest expense while traveling across America, hands down. There isn’t much way around spending a lot of money on gas. However, there are some things you can do.

• Travel in the off seasons! Gas in October cost over a dollar less than July. (This could also be the difference between east and west coast prices)
• Download an app like Gasbuddy that tells you where cheap gas is near your location
• Get a membership card to a place like Kroger or Randalls and receive discounts on your gas
• Fill up primarily at grocery stores (so much cheaper)
• When exiting the highway, drive a mile down the road instead of filling up at the pump nearing highway and save up to ten cents per gallon

Like I said before, our total expenditures for the month of October totaled $2,731.42. I won’t bore with the details of how much we spent on toll roads (that number would appall you), parking, donating to a non-profit, and a Spotify membership. But I will tell you a big ticket items for the month:

• Our Verizon bill for one “family” iPhone and a Jetpack: $184.64
• Three-years of web hosting with Blue Host: $143.28
• A new refrigerator after ours broke: $262.70
• RV Maintenance: $160.50

These are a few of the areas where we save the most money while traveling. I hope they were helpful and you can work them into your travel life whether you’re another full time RV’er or someone dreaming of roadtripping across the country!

Tell us what you think! Were you surprised by any of these numbers for travel to all 50 states? Share your thoughts and questions in comments below.

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I love it! Thanks for sharing such detailed cost info. It makes a long road trip (well, a properly planned and executed one), seem quite reasonable.

We’re glad you think so! It is often surprising (and reassuring) to find out how affordable long-term travel can be. We’re super grateful Alyssa was willing to share all this info with us.

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How to visit all 50 states

This land is your land, this land is my land…

By Mary Kearl | Published Feb 21, 2020 7:36 PM EST

When I was a teenager, I stumbled across a Xerox copy of a blank U.S. map. There, my parents had written down the years I first visited each state, and I realized I was well on my way to spending time in all 50 of them.

I visited the remaining 10 before I turned 22, checking that item off my bucket list, and now, I’m reliving the experience as my husband and toddler cross states off their lists. They’re at 35 and 15, respectively.

What does it mean to “visit” all 50 states?

That’s up to you to decide, but you’ll definitely run into a lot of people with lots of opinions about it. The debate always centers around questions such as whether or not it counts if you don’t spend the night, if you only drive through a state, or if you just have a long layover.

Googling the topic will lead you down a deep rabbit hole, but my family’s rule of thumb has always been simple: Visiting a state means at least getting out of the car (or leaving the airport) and buying something, even if it’s just a snack from a gas station. Sure, that’s a pretty low bar—but it’s the one I grew up with and I’ve stuck to.

I later discovered there’s a membership organization called the All 50 Club , which helps travelers achieve and celebrate the goal of visiting all 50 states. They have their own official definition of what it means to actually visit a state, and as it turns out, my parents’ rule is quite close to that.

According to the All 50 Club, you’ve only visited a state after having “set foot on the ground of that state and breathed the air.” They’re also adamant that neither layovers nor flying over a state counts as visiting.

Depending on how hard you want to make things for yourself, you can either stick to this definition (or any other you find out there), or come up with your own. As long as a rule makes sense to you and whoever is accompanying you on your adventure, it works.

Planning and budgeting

For $5 in the off-season and $10 during peak season, you can pay to visit (or stand in four states at once) at the Four Corners Monument .

So how much does it cost to visit all 50 states? That will depend on how many you can fit into one trip, your method of transportation, and whether you opt for budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations and travel options.

According to Budget Your Trip , the average budget traveler spends $82 per day in the U.S., not including airfare. This jumps up quite considerably to $224 for mid-range, and $663 for luxury travelers.

In 2016, my husband and I spent slightly less than $5,000 on a 44-day road-trip across the U.S. by bike , where he crossed seven new-to-him states off his list. This is well around the average 30-day budget U.S. trip for a couple, according to Budget Your Trip. If you’re looking to drive, Investopedia says you can go from New York City to Los Angeles in seven days for about $1,100. That’s not only cheaper, but also way faster. (Just remember to buy a piece of gum or something every time you hit a gas station in a new state.)

For those living in the contiguous U.S., the big-ticket items will be Alaska and Hawaii, so you’ll probably have to plan dedicated trips to both these destinations. A 7-day Alaska vacation can cost around $3,000 per person , while a 7-day Hawaiian vacation costs about $5,300 for two . To check these items off your list, putting some money on the side and planning ahead is the best alternative.

Keep track and exercise your bragging rights

Bullet holes are apparently commonly found among state border-crossing signs

While my parents’ map was a great analog method of keeping track of our state visits, there are now many other options that range from physical to digital. My sister gifted us with a scratch-off state map for our baby, but we use Google Docs for logging states on the go. Doing so gives us both (and eventually our little one) editing privileges.

There are other more specialized apps, like Polarsteps , that help you take a closer look at the exact trajectory of your trips. Polarsteps is good for tracking any trip on your mobile device, but if you use it for keeping tabs on the states you’ve visited, you’ll know exactly which ones you set foot in during a particular trip. The All 50 State Club also recommends their own Travel Goal Getter app , plus other physical options for keeping track.

For even more bragging rights, you can pick up a souvenir at each location. I collect bells, my husband collects patches, and our baby gets magnets. We also try, where possible, to take a picture in front of the state sign when crossing the border.

Embark on further adventure

If you’ve already visited all 50 states or the idea sounds too easy or bland, there’s more you can do. If you’re feeling creative and ambitious, here are more elaborate options you can challenge yourself with:

• Visiting a national park in every state.
• Running a marathon in every state—there’s a club with specific guidelines for this one. It includes almost 5,000 members who’ve run more than 318,000 marathons.
• Visiting all 50 by motorcycle , like Guinness World Record holder Danell Lynn.
• Paddling in all 50, like Eric Straw did in his Canoe 50 Campaign.
• Biking in all 50 , like 71-year-old retired school teacher Dianne Franz.
• Doing a speed tour of all 50 . These are dubbed “cannonball runs” and have been accomplished by a select few All 50 Club members. They’ve visited all states in as little as 6 days, 17 hours, and 31 minutes.
• Accomplishing the task with babies. Two of the youngest known travelers to see (or nap through?) all 50 states did so at 42 days old and six months old .

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Is it cheaper to refuel your EV battery or gas tank? We did the math in all 50 states.

Gasoline cars are cheaper to refuel than electric vehicles.

I’ve heard this claim pop up everywhere from Massachusetts to Fox News over the past two years. My neighbor even refuses to plug in his hybrid Toyota RAV4 Prime over what he calls ruinous electricity rates.

What gives?

The basic argument is that electricity prices are so high it has erased the advantage of recharging over refilling. This cuts to the heart of why many people buy EVs, according to the Pew Research Center : 70 percent of potential EV buyers report “saving money on gas” as among their top reasons.

So how much does it really cost to refuel an EV?

The answer is less straightforward than it seems. Just calculating the cost of gasoline vs. electricity is misleading. Prices vary by charger (and state). Everyone charges differently. Road taxes, rebates and battery efficiency all affect the final calculation.

So I asked researchers at the nonpartisan Energy Innovation, a policy think tank aimed at decarbonizing the energy sector, to help me nail down the true cost of refueling in all 50 states by drawing on data sets from federal agencies, AAA and others.

I used the data to embark on two hypothetical road trips across America, delivering a verdict on whether it costs more to refill or recharge during the summer of 2023.

The results surprised me (and they might really surprise my neighbor).

The cost of a fill-up

If you’re like 4 in 10 Americans , you’re considering buying an electric vehicle . And if you’re like me, you’re sweating the cost.

The average EV sells for $4,600 more than the median gasoline car , but by most calculations, I’ll save money over the long run. It costs less to refuel and maintain the vehicle — hundreds of dollars less per year , by some estimates. That’s before government incentives, and any consideration of never visiting a gas station again.

Yet nailing down a precise number is tricky. The average price of a gallon of gasoline is easy to calculate. Since 2010, the price, in inflation-adjusted terms, is virtually unchanged, according to data from the Federal Reserve .

The same applies to a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. But the cost of recharging, by contrast, is far more opaque.

Electricity rates not only vary by state, but by the time of day and even the outlet. EV owners may plug in at home or work and then pay a premium to fast-charge on the road.

That makes comparing the cost of a “fill-up” for a gasoline Ford F-150, America’s best-selling vehicle since the 1980s , and its electric counterpart’s 98-kWh battery challenging. It requires assumptions about geography, charging behavior and standardizing how the energy in batteries and gas tanks convert into miles. Such calculations must then be applied to different vehicle classes , such as sedans, SUVs and trucks.

No wonder almost no one does it. But we saved you the time. The results reveal just how much you can save — and the few instances where you won’t.

The bottom line? In all 50 states, it’s cheaper for the everyday American to fill up with electrons — and much cheaper in some regions such as the Pacific Northwest, with low electricity rates and high gas prices.

In Washington state, with prices around $4.98 per gallon of gas, it costs about $115 to fill up an F-150 which delivers 483 miles of range.

By contrast, recharging the electric F-150 Lightning (or Rivian R1T) to cover an equivalent distance costs about $34 — an $80 savings. This assumes, as the Energy Department estimates, drivers recharge at home 80 percent of the time, along with other methodological assumptions at the end of this article.

But what about the other extreme? In the Southeast, which has low gas prices and electricity rates, savings are lower but still significant. In Mississippi, for example, a conventional pickup costs about $30 more to refuel than its electric counterpart. For smaller, more efficient SUVs and sedans, EVs save roughly $20 to $25 per fill-up to cover the same number of miles.

An American driving the average 14,000 miles per year would see annual savings of roughly $700 for an electric SUV or sedan up to $1,000 for a pickup, according to Energy Innovation.

But daily driving is one thing. To put the model to the test, I took these estimates on two all-American summer road trips.

Tale of two road trips

You’ll encounter two main kinds of chargers on the open road. Level 2 chargers add about 30 miles of range every hour . Prices range from about 20 cents per kWh to free at many businesses such as hotels and grocery stores hoping to attract customers (Energy Innovation assumes just over 10 cents per kWh in the estimates below).

Fast chargers known as Level 3 — nearly 20 times faster — can top off an EV battery to about 80 percent in as little as 20 minutes . But that typically costs 30 to 48 cents per kWh — a price equivalent to gasoline in some places, as I later found out.

To test how this plays out, I embarked on a hypothetical 408-mile road trip from San Francisco to Disneyland, just south of Los Angeles. For the journey, I selected the F-150 and its electric counterpart, the Lightning, part of the wildly popular series that sold 653,957 units last year . There’s a strong climate case against building electric versions of America’s gas guzzlers, but these estimates are meant to reflect the actual vehicle preferences of Americans.

The winner? The EV — barely. The savings were modest because of the substantial premium for using fast chargers, typically three to four times more expensive than charging at home. In a Lightning, I arrived at the park with $14 more in my pocket than if I had driven its gasoline counterpart.

If I decided to make a longer stop at Level 2 chargers at hotels or restaurants, my savings would have been $57. This trend held for smaller vehicles, too: Tesla’s Model Y crossover saved me $18 and $44 for the 408-mile journey at Level 3 and Level 2 chargers, respectively, compared to refueling with gasoline.

On the emissions front, EVs pulled well ahead. EVs emit less than a third of the emissions per mile than their gasoline counterparts — and they’re getting cleaner every year. America’s electricity mix emits just under a pound of carbon emissions for every kWh generated, according to the Energy Information Administration. By 2035, the White House hopes to drive that closer to zero . This meant the conventional F-150 spewed five times more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere than the Lightning. The Tesla Model Y represented 63 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions on the trip compared to more than 300 pounds from all the conventional vehicles.

Driving where few EVs go

The true test, however, would be a journey from Detroit to Miami. Driving from Motown across the Midwest is not an EV dream. This region has some of the lowest EV ownership rates in the United States. Chargers are not as plentiful . Gasoline prices are low. Electricity is dirtier .

To make it even more lopsided, I chose to compare the Toyota Camry with the electric Chevrolet Bolt — relatively efficient vehicles that narrow the difference in fueling costs. To reflect each state’s mix of prices, I measured the distance along the 1,401-mile journey in all six states, and their respective energy costs and emissions.

Did the EV hold its edge? Sometimes. But not always.

If I was refueling at homes or cheap Level 2 commercial stations along the way (an unlikely scenario), the Bolt EV was cheaper to refuel: $41 compared to $142 for the Camry.

But fast charging tipped the balance in favor of the Camry. At Level 3 chargers, the retail cost of electricity added up to $169 to complete the trip on batteries, $27 more than the gasoline-powered journey.

On greenhouse gas emissions, however, the Bolt was the clear leader, indirectly accounting for just 20 percent of the emissions coming from its counterpart.

Do EV detractors have a point?

I wanted to see why those arguing against the economics of EVs came to such a different conclusion. For this, I contacted Patrick Anderson, whose Michigan-based consulting firm works with the auto industry and assesses the cost of EVs each year. It has consistently found most EVs to be more expensive to refuel.

Anderson told me that many economists leave out costs that should be part of any calculation of recharging costs: state EV taxes replacing gas taxes, costs of home chargers, transmission losses while recharging ( about 10 percent ), and the cost of driving to sometimes distant public fueling stations. These are small but real costs, he says. Together, they tip the balance toward gasoline cars.

Mid-priced gasoline vehicles, by his calculations , cost less to refuel — approximately $11 to drive 100 miles compared to $13 to $16 for comparable EVs. The exceptions were luxury vehicles since they tend to be less efficient and burn premium fuel. “This segment is where EVs makes a lot of sense for the median buyer,” says Anderson. “It’s not surprising that’s where we’re seeing the most sales.”

But critics say Anderson’s assessment overestimates or omits key assumptions: his firm’s analysis assumes EV owners use expensive public stations about 40 percent of the time (the Energy Department estimates about 20 percent), overstates battery efficiency losses, adds the “cost” of free public chargers in the form of “property taxes, tuition, consumer prices or investor burdens” and ignores government and manufacturing incentives.

The true cost of a fill-up

Ultimately, we may never agree on what it costs to refuel an electric vehicle. That may not matter. For the everyday driver in the United States, it’s already cheaper to refuel an EV most of the time, and it’s expected to get cheaper as renewable capacity expands and vehicle efficiency improves.

The sticker price for some EVs is expected to fall below comparable gasoline cars as soon as this year , and estimates of the total cost of ownership — maintenance, fuel and other costs over a vehicle’s lifetime — suggest EVs are already cheaper.

After that there’s one last number I felt was missing: the social cost of carbon . It’s a rough dollar estimate of the damage from adding another ton of carbon to the atmosphere — a tally of heat deaths, flooding, wildfires, crop failures and other costs tied to global warming.

Every gallon of gas adds about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, equivalent to about 50 cents in climate damage per gallon, researchers estimate. Accounting for external factors such as congestion, accidents and air pollution, according to one 2007 estimate by Resources for the Future, the damage bill is closer to $3 per gallon .

You’re not required to pay this, of course. And EVs also don’t solve this problem on their own. For that, we’ll need more cities and neighborhoods where you don’t need a car to visit friends or buy groceries.

But electric mobility is essential to helping keep temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius. The alternative is a price that has become impossible to ignore.

About this story

The costs to fill up an EV vs. a gasoline vehicle were calculated for three vehicle classes: sedans, SUVs and trucks. All vehicle selections are 2023 base models. The average miles traveled by a driver per year was assumed to be 14,263 , based on 2019 Federal Highway Administration data. For all vehicles, assumptions for range, mileage and emissions were drawn from the Environmental Protection Agency’s fueleconomy.gov . Gas prices are based on July 2023 data from AAA . For EVs, the average number of kilowatt-hours required for a full charge was calculated based on the battery size. Charging location was based on Energy Department research indicating that 80 percent of charging is at home . Residential electricity rates were provided by the Energy Information Administration from 2022. The remaining 20 percent of charging was at public charging stations, with electricity rates based on Electrify America’s published rates by state.

These calculations do not incorporate any assumptions for total cost of ownership, EV tax credits, registration fees, or operation and maintenance expenses. We also do not assume any EV-related rate designs, EV charging discounts or free charging, or electric time-of-use pricing.