perfect road trip map usa

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.

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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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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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How to Take the Best Road Trip Across the U.S. and Have Perfect 70-Degree Weather All the Time

Climate scientist Brian Brettschneider shared an all-new map for 2023.

Brian originally created a perfect weather road trip map back in 2015. That map was based on the 1981-2010 temperature information released by the National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI). "That map was a hypothetical trip through the U.S. with the route tracking where the normal daily high temperature was approximately 70°F (21°C). I have been contacted numerous times over the years since from people who want to bike or drive the trip. It has resonated with people in a way I never imagined," Brian says on his blog .

Now, he has released a new map with the 1991-2020 averages from the NCEI. His original map had just one route, but his updated version includes three options: A coastal route, an interior U.S. route, and a third option that includes the U.S. and Canada, with a stop in Alaska.

Brian's blog gives step-by-step directions for the year-long trip. The coastal and interior routes are both over 7,000 miles. The coastal version begins in Tampa, Florida, and travels all the way to San Diego, California. The interior map takes road trippers from Corpus Christi, Texas, to San Diego.

Brian's U.S. and Canada version comes in at almost 14,000 miles and includes a stop in Fairbanks, Alaska, still keeping the temperature at 70 degrees at every stop along the way.

Now, the only thing left to do is gas up the car and hit the road! You'll want to roll down the windows and blast your favorite road trip playlist .

Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue 

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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.

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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Every state’s best attraction for the perfect road trip map.

If one thing is certain, it's that the pandemic brought back the Great American Road Trip, especially as international travel continued to be difficult for a variety of reasons. But the question remains: Where would the ultimate road trip take you?

Because a cross-country road trip is one of the top American pastimes, there are dozens of different routes to get you from ocean to ocean. To make planning easier for you, Far & Wide rounded up the best landmarks in all 50 states to help you create the perfect road trip map. In this comprehensive list, you'll find the top attractions as well as the best times to visit each and where to stay nearby.

The only thing you'll have to do is get in the car and start driving. So, start exploring the country on four wheels with this guide to the best attractions in all 50 states.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

Alabama: USS Alabama

Location: Mobile, Alabama

Best time to visit: Year-round

Where to stay: The Admiral, a Wyndham Hotel

What to do at USS Alabama: The USS Alabama battleship entered service in 1943 when she sailed across the North Atlantic to Europe to play her role in World War II. From Europe, the ship traveled down to the South Pacific. Today, she is docked in Mobile and is a member of the National Historic Landmarks in the U.S.

More than 15 million visitors have crossed her deck since the ship opened as a tourist attraction. In fact, it happens to be one of the most iconic symbols of the state of Alabama and is open for tours, exhibitions and events.

Alaska: Denali National Park

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Best time to visit: Summer

Where to stay: The Hotel Captain Cook

What to do in Denali National Park: Denali National Park spreads over a vast 16 million acres of wilderness. It is one of the largest national parks in the U.S., which means you will likely never run out of things to do there. Start by getting the lay of the land with a bus tour, or visit the Denali National Park Sled Dog Kennel to learn more about sled dog racing and Alaska’s Iditarod.

Denali has ample opportunity for rafting exhibitions, hiking, helicopter tours, ATV excursions, ziplining and even cabin dinner theater.

Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Flagstaff, Arizona

Best time to visit: April to June

Where to stay: Yavapai Lodge

What to do in Grand Canyon National Park: Visiting the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list item for thousands of people — and an absolute must on a road trip. It is one of the most popular landmarks in the world, let alone Arizona.

Whether you're embarking on a scenic drive or hitting the dirt on the many miles of hiking trails — some of which even take you to the bottom of the canyon — you will be awestruck by the sheer size, span and natural beauty of one of the largest canyons in the world.

Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park

Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Best time to visit: August to October

Where to stay: The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

What to do in Hot Springs National Park: Nearly 200 years old, Hot Springs National Park is, technically, the first federal reserve in the nation, predating Yellowstone National Park. This natural gem, found in the lush forests of Arkansas, is likely one of the main reasons to drive through Arkansas in the first place. The town of Hot Springs itself was built right into the park.

Plunge into the warm, bubbling pools along Bathhouse Row, including Buckstaff Baths, which has been open since 1912, or marvel at the architecture at Ozark Bathhouse. You can also scale the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains.

California: Yosemite National Park

Location: Mariposa County, California

Best time to visit: May and September

Where to stay: Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

What to do in Yosemite National Park: California has many bucket-list attractions, but none quite like Yosemite National Park. It has served as a point of inspiration for outdoor lovers, expert climbers and artists for more than 100 years. If you can only go to one location within the park, make it Yosemite Valley, known for Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.

Of course, you can always drive Glacier and Tioga roads in season. And don’t forget your hiking boots, so you can hit some of the best trails in the world.

Colorado: Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Location: Estes Park, Colorado

Best time to visit: Summer and Fall

Where to stay: StoneBrook Resort

What to do on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Colorado is webbed with Scenic and Historic Byways — 26 of them, to be exact. But none may be as important as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway in Estes Park. One of the most spectacular drives in the state, this is an ideal route to take when driving across the country.

It was established in 1918, making it one of the first Scenic Byways in Colorado. It starts as Highway 7 in Estes Park and travels down Highway 72 to Allenspark and into Nederland. It also travels through Blackhawk and Clear Creek Canyon for a 55-mile journey and has one of the best views of Colorado’s Front Range.

Connecticut: Mystic Seaport Museum

Location: Mystic, Connecticut

Where to stay: The Whaler’s Inn

What to do at the Mystic Seaport Museum: Mystic is about as charming as a New England coastal community gets. Located on the banks of the Mystic River, the town was historically known for its shipbuilding industry. Today, it is one of the most visited places in Connecticut, as people come from all over New England and the tri-state area to visit the historic seaport.

While in town, be sure to stop at the Mystic Seaport Museum or the Mystic Aquarium. The historic downtown, with its bustling Main Street, shops and restaurants, is also worth a visit.

Delaware: Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

Location: Winterthur, Delaware

Where to stay: Fairville Inn Bed & Breakfast

What to do at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library: Located in Winterthur, this estate and museum have one of the best collections of Americana in the country. Road trips are all about discovering those slices of American history, and this is definitely the place on the East Coast to do so.

The home was originally the residence of Henry Francis du Pont, who was an antiques collector. It has a collection of rotating and permanent exhibits as well as a research building, galleries and The Cottage, which became du Pont's home after the museum opened.

Florida: Walt Disney World

Location: Orlando, Florida

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

What to do at Walt Disney World: Florida has enough to keep you occupied on a road trip all on its own, but if you only have a few days in Florida, you must visit its most famous landmark — Walt Disney World. It also happens to be the most famous theme park in the world.

Explore the many different parks within Walt Disney World, like the Magic Kingdom and Epcot or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World commits to the theme beyond its attractions, with character-inspired dining, hotels, transportation and more. Everyone knows Disney World, and if you have not been, a road trip through Florida is the perfect time to change that.

Georgia: Georgia Aquarium

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Where to stay: The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton

What to do at the Georgia Aquarium: Georgia has a lot to offer travelers, from the nature of the Appalachian Trail to the thriving energy of Atlanta. But for the best attraction in Georgia, it would have to be the Georgia Aquarium .

This scientific institution is one of the largest in the world, with more than 11 million gallons of water. Catch a glimpse of beluga whales, whale sharks, alligators and more. There is even a 4D theater as well as a calendar of events, from Yoga by the Water to Sips Under the Sea.

Hawaii: Volcanoes National Park

Location: Big Island, Hawaii

Best time to visit: Spring

Where to stay: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

What to do at Volcanoes National Park: It may be tough to take your road trip all the way to Hawaii, but if you happen to find yourself in Hawaii, then you must rent a car and drive the Big Island to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park sits on the southeast side of the island and covers 21 square miles.

Start with the 11-mile Crater Rim Road, which goes around Kilauea Caldera and hits the major sites, like Devastation Trail and the Thurston Lava Tube. You can also visit the still active Halema'uma'u crater, which is supposedly inhabited by the Hawaiian goddess of fire, Pele. 

Idaho: Craters of the Moon National Monument

Location: Arco, Idaho

Where to stay: The Silver Creek Hotel

What to do at the Craters of the Moon National Monument: A cross-country road trip will take you through a lot of unbelievable, other-worldly landscapes. But none is more "other-worldly" than the Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. It's like being on another planet, right here on Earth.

The monument was formed from lava flows that created islands of sagebrush and singer cones. The result? Something that looks like you're actually on the moon. Drive the 7-mile Loop Road to see caves or hike the trails. If you have time, walk the Devil's Orchard Trail. For those with even more time, the Broken Top Loop trail is particularly special, as is the 8-mile Wilderness Trail.

Illinois: The Art Institute of Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Best time to visit: Spring to Fall

Where to stay: The Langham, Chicago

What to do at the Art Institute of Chicago: Ferris Bueller took us all on a journey to the Art Institute of Chicago on his infamous Day Off, but you may be curious to see the world-famous paintings in the flesh. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most famous museums in the world and is certainly one of the best landmarks in the state of Illinois.

It was founded in 1879 and, today, has almost 300,000 works of art in its permanent collection. 

Indiana: Indiana Dunes National Park

Location: Chesterton, Indiana

Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Valparaiso

What to do at Indiana Dunes National Park: With 15 miles of Lake Michigan shorefront, Indiana Dunes National Park creates a unique landscape that you’d never envision being in the heart of the Midwest. The park's 15,000 acres have 50 miles of trails over undulating sand dunes and through wetlands and meadows.

No matter the time of year, the national park has something active to do, from swimming in the lake to cross-country skiing. In the fall, hit the Calumet and Porter Brickyard bike trails, or spend the night at the Dunewood Campground.

Iowa: Effigy Mounds National Monument

Location: Harpers Ferry, Iowa

Where to stay: River District Hotel

What to do at Effigy Mounds National Monument: Effigy Mounds National Monument is a collection of more than 200 preserved mounds of earth that were constructed by Native Americans. They take the shape of many different animals, including mammals, birds and reptiles.

Today, the mounds are part of the National Park Service, and tourists can enjoy the many hiking trails nearby as well as the formal museum exhibit that displays the many Native American artifacts that were found at the site. 

Kansas: Sedgwick County Zoo

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Best time to visit: Spring and Summer

Where to stay: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita

What to do at Sedgwick County Zoo: Home to more than 3,000 animals, the Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the best attractions in Kansas. The animals are grouped geographically in exhibits that range from Africa and Asia to the Tropics, Downing Gorilla Forest, South America/Australia and the Slawson Family Tiger Trek, among others.

Visitors can participate in some of the zoo's special Wild Encounters, too. Go behind the scenes at the Cessna Penguin Cove to learn about Humboldt penguins, or head to the horse exhibit to learn about the horses and donkeys. In the spring and summer months, guests can experience the Elephant Encounter as well, which involves meeting an elephant and learning about how the zookeepers care for them.

Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park

Location: Brownsville, Kentucky

Best time to visit: November to February

Where to stay: Serenity Hill Bed and Breakfast

What to do at Mammoth Cave National Park: Did you know that Kentucky is home to one of the longest natural cave systems in the world? Mammoth Cave National Park is home to a cave system that spans 412 miles and is home to more than 100 animal species — and millennia of human history, to boot. Visitors of the park can take a cave tour to get up close and personal with the monumental stalactites and stalagmites.

Pro tip: The extended tour is more than two hours and covers about 2 miles of walking. You can also explore above ground on the Cedar Sink Trail, which is a 1-mile loop, 300 feet above the bottom of the cave. Fishing, paddling and camping are also popular within the park.

Louisiana: Jackson Square

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Best time to visit: February to May

Where to stay: Bourbon Orleans Hotel

What to do at Jackson Square: Driving through the Big Easy means that you'll have many notable sites and experiences on the checklist. But it all should begin at Jackson Square, the gateway to the French Quarter of this centuries-old southern city. The square is anchored by the St. Louis Cathedral.

The energy in the square is palpable year-round, from brass bands and street artists to quirky tourists and locals. On either end of the square are the Pontalba Buildings, which were built in the mid-19th century. Stop by the Cabildo as well, which was once the seat of local government and is today part of the state museum of Louisiana. 

Maine: Acadia National Park

Location: Bar Harbor, Maine

Best time to visit: Fall

Where to stay: Glen Cove Inn & Suites

What to do at Acadia National Park: Acadia National Park holds the title as the first national park on the East Coast. So, when you're covering the New England portion of your road trip, a stop here is a must. The 46,000-acre park features the tallest mountain on the East Coast as well as lakes, ponds, beaches, forests and miles of coastline.

Start with Park Loop Road, which is the main scenic drive through the park, and is peppered with pull-offs, and then scale Cadillac Mountain, which sits at 1,530 feet. Other scenic highlights include the Bass Harbor Head and the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

Maryland: Baltimore Museum of Art

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Where to stay: Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

What to do at Baltimore Museum of Art: What started as a museum with a single painting has flourished into one of the great collections of art in the world, home to 95,000 works that run the gamut from the art of ancient Egypt to the masterpieces of today.

Opened in 1914, the museum has the largest holding of Henri Matisse's work as well as paintings and jewelry from Africa, more than 1,000 objects from Asia, 28 mosaic pavements from Antioch, a collection of Medieval and Renaissance paintings and so much more.

Massachusetts: Fenway Park

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Where to stay: The Verb Hotel

What to do at Fenway Park: If there is one thing Bay Staters can agree on, it's the Red Sox. So when you're passing through Massachusetts, and Boston in particular, it's only proper to pay homage at the state's house of worship — Fenway Park.

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park opened in 1912 and welcomes nearly 40,000 fans each year. Obviously, if it's baseball season, catching a game at the park is a must. But if you're visiting in the off-season, you can still visit for a stadium tour.

Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Location: Empire, Michigan

Where to stay: Empire Lakeshore Inn

What to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Lake Michigan is simply beautiful, no matter which angle you look at it from. But if you happen to be visiting from Michigan proper, you'll want to make a stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes, a National Lakeshore that features miles of sand beach, towering cliffs, forests, lakes and wildlife.

Some of the best things to do include fishing in one of the many lakes, visiting the nearby Manitou Islands, hiking more than 100 miles of trails or driving the scenic shore route that rewards with some of the park's most impressive views.

Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive

Location: Duluth, Minnesota

Where to stay: Fitger’s Inn

What to do on the North Shore Scenic Drive: Lake Superior's North Shore is among one of the most beautiful coastal scenes in the nation. Located along the stretch of northern Minnesota, the North Shore features eight state parks, and the scenic route has been dubbed an All-American Road. All along the route are stunning views of Lake Superior as well as a handful of small towns that serve up a slice of local Minnesota living.

Of course, you can hop out of your car to experience the Superior Hiking Trail, which is peppered with waterfalls, including the largest waterfalls in the state, which can be found at Grand Portage and Tettegouche state parks.

Mississippi: Gulf Islands National Seashore

Location: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Best time to visit: June

Where to stay: Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort

What to do at Gulf Islands National Seashore: Exploring the Mississippi coast of the Gulf of Mexico is one of the best ways to soak up this beautiful maritime area that spans 160 miles between Mississippi and Florida. Within the park are barrier islands, historic forts, bayous and sea forests.

Soak up the warm, tropical weather on a bike ride through the Gulf Islands, or grab your binoculars to catch a glimpse of the nearly 300 species of birds that call the area home. If you want to save on accommodations, why not spend a night camping on the beach? 

Missouri: The Gateway Arch

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Where to stay: Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

What to do at The Gateway Arch: Passing through Missouris means you will certainly be stopping in St. Louis, especially if you like food and live music. But a visit to The Gateway to the West is not complete without a stop at the gate itself.

The Gateway Arch is the icon of St. Louis, and it's the world's tallest arch. While visiting, you must take a ride to the top of the arch to drink in the bird's eye views over the city. A museum lives underneath the arch, which takes you through two centuries of history.

Montana: Glacier National Park

Location: Whitefish, Montana

Where to stay: Garden Wall Inn

What to do at Glacier National Park: For more than 1,500 square miles, northwestern Montana's wilderness is home to Glacier National Park. Ringed around the Rocky Mountains, touching Canada, and pocketed with glacier peaks and valleys, this is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.

While visiting, explore the more than 700 miles of hiking trails, bike paths and campgrounds. If visiting in the warm months, a drive along the Going to the Sun Road is an absolute must. This scenic drive takes you through the highlights of the park as well as to many of its trailheads. Get there early — it's one of the most popular parks in the country.

Nebraska: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Best time to visit: Spring, Summer, Fall

Where to stay: Omaha Marriott Downtown Capitol District

What to do at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: One of the best zoos in the country, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a perfect way to spend a day when cruising through the state of Nebraska. It has more than 130 acres and is home to more than 900 species of animals.

Start at the Desert Dome, which will likely be the first landmark you see as you enter the zoo. It has the world's largest indoor desert and has plants and wildlife from Africa, Australia and the U.S. You can go the opposite direction and visit Glacier Bay Landing for Alaskan-themed wilderness, or visit the sea lions in their 275,000-gallon pool. Other exhibits include the Lied Jungle, Kingdoms of the Night and Scott Aquarium.

Nevada: Bellagio Fountains

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Best time to visit: Spring and Fall

Where to stay: Bellagio Las Vegas

What to do at the Bellagio Fountains: If you're passing through Nevada, you'll likely be hitting Las Vegas — especially if you want to catch one of the best landmarks in the state: the Fountains at Bellagio. The Bellagio Las Vegas is one of the most highly regarded casinos/resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, and its nightly fountain show brings tourists from all over the world.

Each performance is set to music and is different every time, so even if you've seen the fountains before, you will be in for something new.

New Hampshire: Mount Washington

Location: Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Best time to visit: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall

Where to stay: Omni Mount Washington Resort

What to do at Mount Washington: Standing at more than 6,000 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest peak east of the Mississippi and one of the icons of the state of New Hampshire. Located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, the summit is also a state park, and on a clear day, you can see New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.

Be sure to visit the Mount Washington Museum as well as cruise the Mount Washington Auto Road for the ultimate in scenic views.

New Jersey: Cape May Lighthouse

Location: Cape May, New Jersey

Where to stay: ICONA Cape May

What to do at the Cape May Lighthouse: The Jersey Shore is so much more than fist pumps and hair gel. Sure, there is some of that. But 141-miles of coastline that runs from Perth Amboy to Cape May has so much more to offer. Speaking of Cape May, the eponymous lighthouse that sits at the tip of the state is one of the state's top icons. It was built in 1859 and continues to operate today.

While you're in Cape May, be sure to explore the historic district, which is the country's best-preserved 19th-century seashore community. Of course, if it's summer, you'll want to spend some time at the beach as well. The beaches in New Jersey are some of the best on the East Coast — no matter what anyone else says!

New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Location: Carlsbad, New Mexico

Best time to visit: Winter, Spring, Fall

Where to stay: Fiddler’s Inn

What to do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Tucked in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park opened in the 1930s. This mysterious network of more than 100 underground caves is ridged with stalactites, while the Big Room underground chamber is 4,000-feet long, 625-feet wide and 255-feet high at its highest point. It is the largest chamber in North America.

Tack on a King's Palace Tour for an additional 1.5-hour, ranger-led exploration of the four other underground chambers as well as cave formations and the deepest point of the cave, which sits more than 800 feet below the surface.

New York: Central Park

Location: New York, New York

Where to stay: Hotel Beacon

What to do at Central Park: It's every New Yorker's personal backyard — and what a backyard it is! Smack in the center of Manhattan, Central Park is the most important park in the city, spanning 843 acres. The park was created in 1858 and is completely man-made, meaning entirely landscaped.

Today, it is the beloved recreation epicenter of New York City, from its many fields and meadows to the reservoir, zoo, restaurants, running and biking paths, and year-round events.

North Carolina: The Biltmore Estate

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Where to stay: Princess Anne Hotel

What to do at The Biltmore Estate: North Carolina's funky mountain town of Asheville is home to the famous Biltmore Estate. It was built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 and is one of the best examples of Gilded Age mansions. The opulent and extravagant mansion is open year-round for tours, whether you're strolling the gardens in the summer or marveling at the stunning Christmas decorations. The grounds are woven with nature trails, as well as horseback riding paths.

Of course, the town of Asheville itself is also certainly worth an exploration for its bohemian, artsy vibes, great restaurants and galleries.

North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Location: Medora, North Dakota

Where to stay: AmericInn by Wyndham Medora

What to do at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota is known for its vast expanses of prairie land as far as the eye can see. But that doesn't mean you need to completely bypass the state. One of the country's most intriguing national parks calls this state home. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, in western North Dakota, features Badlands-style topography and is a home for wildlife like bison and elk.

Visit the Painted Canyon as well as the Maltese Cross Cabin, which was a former home for Theodore Roosevelt. If you want to stay in the car, the Scenic Loop Drive allows you to drink in all the beauty as you cruise along to your next destination.

Ohio: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Where to stay: The Blackwell Inn

What to do at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Columbus is known for quite a few famous landmarks, but none is as beloved as the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. With more than 400 plant species across several different global climates (think the Himalayas, the tropics, desert and Pacific Islands), you're taking a trip around the world with a visit to this beautiful conservatory.

You'll also find rotating exhibitions within the conservatory, like Chihuly glass artwork, Harvest Blooms, a Gingerbread Display and more.

Oklahoma: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Where to stay: The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City

What to do at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: If you love American history and tales of the Wild West, then you must make a stop at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The museum has more than 28,000 artifacts that date back to the days of the Old West.

It also has one of the world's biggest collections of rodeo photographs, saddlery and rodeo trophies. The museum has rotating exhibits as well, like the history behind Native American tattooing, traditional cowboy arts, paintings and much more.

Oregon: Crater Lake National Park

Location: Prospect, Oregon

Best time to visit: July, August, September

Where to stay: The Cabins at Mazama Village

What to do at Crater Lake National Park: Oregon is one of the most dramatically beautiful states in the country. You have the rugged sea on one side and lush mountains and forests on the other. In between is beautiful pinot noir wine country as well. But the southern edge of Oregon is also home to Crater Lake National Park, centered around a massive lake that formed in the middle of a dormant volcano.

The best way to see the crater is to take the scenic loop around the entire edge, which opens up to dramatic vistas all the way across to the other side. This is one of the deepest lakes in the world as well, with a maximum depth of nearly 2,000 feet.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Museum of Art

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Where to stay: Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

What to do at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Opened in 1876 for the Centennial Exposition, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the top art museums in the country and one of the main reasons to visit Philadelphia.

If you're on a road trip, you'll likely be on a time schedule, so you can make the most of your time at the museum with a visit to the New European Galleries for the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, followed by the galleries of arms and armor or the American art collection. You can also see architecture from around the world, like a Japanese teahouse or a Gilded Age drawing room.

Rhode Island: Historic Federal Hill

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Best time to visit: June to November

Where to stay: Hotel Providence

What to do at Historic Federal Hill: Federal Hill is one of the more historic neighborhoods in the city of Providence. It was known for its high concentration of Italian immigrants and is still a great place to explore the Italian markets and bakeries.

Stop by DePasquale Square to hear live music, or visit the many parks along Atwells Avenue. Historic Federal Hill is a fantastic spot for shopping, dining and browsing the art galleries as well as one of the best spots to get in touch with Providence's history.

South Carolina: Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Where to stay: Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel

What to do at the Joe Riley Waterfront Park: Charleston is packed with Southern charm and history. It is known for its restaurant scene, architecture and waterfront location. So, when you're passing through South Carolina, it is absolutely a must to stop at the Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

This 8-acre park is one of the most beloved landmarks in the state. It features a 1,250 pier that extends into Charleston Harbor. The park is marked by its two fountains, but it is also known for its epic views. It is also perfectly located so that you can walk to other noteworthy attractions in Charleston. 

South Dakota: Badlands National Park

Location: Wall, South Dakota

Where to stay: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites, BW Premier Collection

What to do at Badlands National Park: If you're heading west from Minnesota or east from Montana, you have a lot of grasslands to cover. South Dakota is a very large state, with not a ton of attractions. But that doesn't mean it's any less worthy of a visit, especially if you have Badlands National Park on your bucket list.

The dramatic landscape of Badlands National Park is made this way thanks to its layered rock formations and deep canyons. It's home to bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs, and is one of the most visually impressive sights in the country. Drive the Badlands Loop Road, which opens up to several lookout points and is the best way to see the park in its entirety.

Tennessee: Graceland

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Where to stay: ARRIVE Memphis

What to do at Graceland: Located just outside of Memphis is the former residence of the one and only Elvis Presley. The home sits on nearly 14 acres and was the home of Elvis, his wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie. Today, it is the No. 1 destination for Elvis fans who come to pay tribute to the life and legend of the world-famous singer and actor.

While visiting the estate, you can tour the property and see the rooms of the home, which have been left as they were when Elvis lived there, including the iconic Jungle Room. See memorabilia, leave Elvis a "love letter" on the awl in front of Graceland or snap a picture in front of the musical gates at the property entrance.

Texas: The Alamo

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Best time to visit: March to April

Where to stay: Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk

What to do at The Alamo: When driving through Texas, you'll have plenty to see and do, but one thing is for certain — you must remember the Alamo. The Alamo Mission is an 18th-century mission and fortress that was constructed in what is now San Antonio. It was also the site of the Battle for Texas in 1836 during the Texas Revolution.

Today, you can step back in time on a guided battlefield tour as well as visit the gardens, a gift shop and a very comprehensive collection of artifacts that were donated by, believe it or not, musician Phil Collins.

Utah: Zion National Park

Location: Springdale, Utah

Where to stay: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

What to do at Zion National Park: Utah is known for its abundance of national parks — there are five of them, to be exact. But if you only have time for one, it must be Zion National Park, which is considered to be one of the most scenic and dramatic.

If you are on a time restriction, the main attractions are Zion Canyon Scenic Drive as well as Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. You'll be able to see the famous Zion Canyon or access the Canyon Overlook Trail. 

Vermont: Church Street Marketplace

Location: Burlington, Vermont

Best time to visit: May to September

Where to stay: Hotel Vermont

What to do at the Church Street Marketplace: Burlington is the gateway to New England's Great Outdoors, and it's a city that is steeped with history and charm. Soak up the vibes at the Church Street Marketplace, one of the most beloved institutions in town. The uncovered pedestrian shopping and dining mall spans four blocks.

More than 130 shops are available for patrons, and the marketplace often puts on events and festivals throughout the year. It is also situated near the beautiful Burlington waterfront, so you'll get many different scenes in one location.

Virginia: Shenandoah National Park

Location: Waynesboro, Virginia

Best time to visit: June to October

Where to stay: Residence Inn Waynesboro

What to do at Shenandoah National Park: A drive through Virginia is incomplete without a stop at Shenandoah National Park. The stunning national park runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a lengthy network of trails for hiking and biking. You can even find a slice of the Appalachian Trail running through the park.

For road trippers, though, the choice is clear — a drive along Skyline Drive is a must. This scenic route runs the entire length of the park and has parking spots at many of the popular trailheads. But even if you don't get out of your car, Skyline Drive is the best way to soak up all the beauty of the park and the rolling blue hills of Virginia.

Washington: Hurricane Ridge

Location: Port Angeles, Washington

Best time to visit: May to October

Where to stay: Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor

What to do at Hurricane Ridge: Washington State is peppered with landmarks, from Mount Rainier to Mount St. Helens. But if you have time for only one landmark in Washington, let it be Hurricane Ridge within Olympic National Park.

The ridge has peaks that reach an elevation of 5,242 feet and is a year-round destination, whether for hiking in summer or skiing in winter. A scenic road is open during the summer months and has gorgeous views of the ridge. 

West Virginia: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Where to stay: Clarion Inn Harpers Ferry - Charles Town

What to do in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Harpers Ferry is the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet in West Virginia. It holds an important place in American history, which is why it's the most notable landmark in the state.

In the 19th century, Harpers Ferry was the scene of a failed abolitionist uprising started by John Brown. Today, John Brown's fort is the most visited historic site in the state. In addition to historic sites, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has hiking trails and a Civil War Living History Museum.

Wisconsin: State Capitol Building

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Best time to visit: May to November

Where to stay: Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club

What to do at the Wisconsin State Capitol building: Visiting Wisconsin? You'll have to put Madison on your list to visit the Wisconsin State Capitol building. It happens to be the tallest building in the city and sits majestically overlooking Capitol Square.

Its dome reaches more than 200 feet and is topped by a bronze statue called, "Wisconsin." The Roman Renaissance-style building has Italian marble, murals and paintings, making it one of the most beautiful structures in the country. The building has free 45-minute guided tours daily. 

Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park

Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Best time to visit: September

Where to stay: Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole

What to do at Grand Teton National Park: Nothing takes your breath away quite like your first glimpse of the Tetons, the famous mountain range in Wyoming. The range is most known for Grand Teton, which towers at 13,775 feet.

Grand Teton National Park is the top landmark in the state, anchored by the ski town of Jackson Hole. The park is known for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountaineering and camping. In the town of Jackson Hole, you'll find some of the country's best hotels, restaurants, galleries and shopping, all at the base of one of the most majestic mountain ranges in the world.

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Map Of The Most Perfect US Road Trip, According To Science.

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Have you ever had the hankering to take an epic road trip? Well, Get your friends and family together. Discovery News partnered with Randy Olson, a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University, to plan the perfect American road trip. This route takes you across the continental US and lets you stop at all the famous landmarks in each and every state.

If you actually plan to execute the trip, you should budget 13,699 miles of driving – or about 224 hours. Attempting to do the trip in one go would take about 9.33 days, although it would actually take 2—3 months to finish in reality. Here it is, in all it’s open road glory.

Boredom Therapy

Don’t even think about shortcutting or not following the map. Olson used a genetic algorithm that found the best routes with little backtracking. The result is a map using “true distance,”which is the “shortest route by road between every landmark.”You should probably take Olson’s word over anyone else’s, considering he’s a fourth-year graduate research assistant at Michigan State University. Here’s the list of destinations in it’s entirety.

1. Grand Canyon, AZ

2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

3. Craters of the Moon National Monument, 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, New Orleans, 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, DC

21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD

22. New Castle Historic District, Delaware

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, Detroit, 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

Let’s get on the open road!  Share to start an adventure.

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This Is the Best USA Roadtrip Plan According to Science

Discovery News partnered with Randy Olson, a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University, to plan the perfect American road trip. The idea behind this trip map is that you can essentially hop on at any point on the line and start your trip. This map plans to hit most of the major US landmarks so you won’t miss anything important and worth seeing while you’re on your epic adventure.

Here is the list of the landmarks you’d stop at in each state on this road trip:

• Grand Canyon, AZ
• Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
• Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
• Yellowstone National Park, WY
• Pikes Peak, CO
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM
• The Alamo, TX
• The Platt Historic District, OK
• Toltec Mounds, AR
• Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN
• Vicksburg National Military Park, MS
• French Quarter, New Orleans, LA
• USS Alabama, AL
• Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL
• Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA
• Fort Sumter National Monument, SC
• Lost World Caverns, WV
• Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC
• Mount Vernon, VA
• White House, Washington, DC
• Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD
• New Castle Historic District, Delaware
• Cape May Historic District, NJ
• Liberty Bell, PA
• Statue of Liberty, NY
• The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT
• The Breakers, RI
• USS Constitution, MA
• Acadia National Park, ME
• Mount Washington Hotel, NH
• Shelburne Farms, VT
• Fox Theater, Detroit, MI
• Spring Grove Cemetery, OH
• Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
• West Baden Springs Hotel, IN
• Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL
• Gateway Arch, MO
• C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS
• Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA
• Taliesin, WI
• Fort Snelling, MN
• Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE
• Mount Rushmore, SD
• Fort Union Trading Post, ND
• Glacier National Park, MT
• Hanford Site, WA
• Columbia River Highway, OR
• San Francisco Cable Cars, CA
•  San Andreas Fault, CA
• Hoover Dam, NV

SHARE this road trip with your friends. It’s never too late for an adventure!

Source: Discovery

Written by Ryan Lum

Ryan is an avid bucket lister. Travel, photography, blogging and adventure are some of his hobbies. He once went on a trip to Spain and was robbed of all his stuff except his clothes. No money, no insurance, no identification and no way to contact family and friends from back home. Did he end his trip? No way! He ended up running with the bulls in Pamplona the very next day.

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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.

Outdoor Fact

This Ultimate Map Shows the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

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 Theatre, Hanford Site, and others).

The itinerary is contrived to fit Discovery News’ criteria of (a) remaining solely in the United States; (b) including designated national landmarks, historic sites, and national parks and monuments; and (c) 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 problem, of course, is that some states are filthy rich when it comes to road trip – worthy national landmarks and other 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.

Which American landmarks would be stops on your family’s perfect road trip? You can create your own customized map using a number of online tools, including  Rand McNally’s TripMaker ,  MapQuest’s Route Planner , and  Google Maps .

Let’s take a look at the 50 must-see American attractions below:

1. Grand Canyon, AZ

No question—of  course , you need to see the Grand Canyon. Whether you go to the South Rim or North Rim (open May through October) depends on what time of year you’re driving through.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Going for the Astronomy Festival, Geology Festival, or just beautiful scenery or a hike? Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah has it for you.

3. Craters of the Moon, ID

Want wilderness? The Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho is an official Wilderness Study Area—it’s got amazing dark sky and some nature that remains “substantially uninfluenced by humans.” These days, that’s got to be hard to come by.

4. Yellowstone National Park, WY

Another “bucket list” place for multitudes of Americans is Yellowstone, known for its geysers, amazing vistas, hot mud, and the way the ecosystem has rebalanced with the reintroduction of wolves.

5. Pikes Peak, CO

Visit the second-most popular mountain on the planet, Pikes Peak. A shuttle will even take the work out of getting to the summit. And there are donuts when you get there.

Read more:  Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Reviews

6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Caves, cacti, desert, and fossil reefs are all at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Spelunkers can even arrange for permits to travel off-trail on self-guided or ranger-guided trips underground.

7. 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.” Visitors to the fort and shrine are sure to remember it.

8. Platt Historic District: Sulfur, OK

Twenty 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.

9. Toltec Mounds: Scott, AR

Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park contains ancient mounds—what remain from a “ceremonial and governmental complex”—from A.D. 650 to 1050, when the area was inhabited by American Indians.

10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland: Memphis, TN

In this day of McMansions, the size of Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion might surprise you. The time capsule–ness of the home captures all the King’s favorite 1977 kitsch. If you can’t there for his birthday during Elvis week in August, the candlelight vigil is broadcast.

Last Updated on February 8, 2019

Related Posts

Carlos Perry

Carlos Perry’s passion for outdoor activities can be traced back to 5 years ago when he spent a significant time to conquer beautiful pristine lands and experience different cultures with his best friends. Currently working as a blogger, he takes pride in providing comprehensive contents about camping knowledge, survival skills based on his own experience. A lot of his work was published on well-known travel magazines like: Travel+Leisure, Thrillist

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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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The Perfect Road Trip to See Every U.S. National Park

by US Park Pass | Mar 9, 2020

A data scientist has put together a series of the ultimate road trips of the United States so that travellers can see as many sights as possible while clocking up the least amount of mileage.

Randy Olson created six separate routes for car manufacturer Chevrolet designed to maximise sight-seeing while cutting down on gas bills. One of his maps takes road trippers through all 48 of the contiguous states, with a specific monument, landmark, or theme park in each.

This  perfect road trip  can begin in any state, whether east or west coast, or somewhere in between. Were somebody to complete it in its entirety, it would take 214.56 driving hours (around nine days) and would clock up 13,389 miles on the odometer. Randy Olson told Lonely Planet: “Every major journey begins with a plan: where you’re going, where you’re stopping along the way, and how you’re getting there. “When planning a road trip and creating a map, I always start with deciding where to stop along the way. Then, the next step is to find the ‘true’ distance between all of the chosen destinations by car. Lastly, I input the routes into a genetic algorithm to reach a near-perfect solution for the best possible road trip .”

Mr Olson has also created five other  mini  road trips, designed around specific regions or states. There’s one for  the Midwest  that takes in stops in the region’s biggest attractions, including Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Museum, and perhaps fittingly the Indianapolis Speedway and Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson Museum. He’s also mapped the perfect road trip for  the Northeast  with stop-offs at the famous mansions of Newport in Rhode Island, and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. There’s a  West Coast  trip that takes travellers along the coast – taking in the Big Sur highway – on a route stretching from Pike Place Market in Seattle to Balboa Park in San Diego.

Two separate road trips are also available for  Texas  and  Florida  to take in all that the Lone Star and Sunshine States have to offer.

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

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

Historic Route 66

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Appalachian Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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