50 state tour route

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: 24 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 1 st 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 2 nd itinerary.

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

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

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

Here is the complete list of all cities:

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

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

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

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

See the deals we spot: Cheap flights

Explore awesome destinations : Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks : Travel tips

Discover free travel: Travel rewards

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

Original publication date: May 29, 2018

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Andrew D'Amours

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This post has 24 comments.

Very informative and well-articulated, It’s always refreshing to see such useful content. Thank you and keep up the excellent work!

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

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

thanks for sharing this information with us.

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

Quite the drive for sure! Must have been epic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow! That’s impressive :O

This is awesome

This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

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

Yes, that’s what we said too 😛

Thanks for the tip 😊

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Visit All 50 States in 12 Trips

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

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

Trip 1: Hawaii

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

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

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

Google Maps Itinerary

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

Days 1 to 2: Honolulu

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Iolani Palace

Waikiki Beach

Honolulu Zoo

Diamond Head

Days 3 to 4: North Shore, Oahu

Waimea Bay Beach

Haleiwa Town

Kaʻena Point State Park

Days 5 to 6: Kona, Big Island

Honokohau Beach (swim with manta rays)

Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)

Keauhou Bay (swim with the dolphins)

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Mauna Kea Observatory

Fly Out: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)

Alternative Day 7: Back to Honolulu

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

Other Information

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

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

Related Articles:

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Trip 2: Alaska

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

Fly In: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Day 1: Anchorage

Anchorage Museum

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Days 2 and 3: Seward

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

Alaska SeaLife Center

Lowell Creek Waterfall

Waterfront Park

Seward Mariner’s Memorial

Day 4: Denali National Park and Preserve

Stay overnight for a chance to see the northern lights

Days 5 and 6: Fairbanks

Running Reindeer Ranch

Museum of the North

Pioneer Park

Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Aurora Ice Museum

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

Day 7: Back to Anchorage

Fly Out: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

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

• West Coast National Parks
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Trip 3: Pacific Coast States

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

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

Washington Oregon California Nevada

Fly In: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Days 1 to 2: Seattle, Washington

Space Needle

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Museum of Pop Culture

Pike Place Market

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Great Wheel

Days 3 to 4: Portland, Oregon

International Rose Test Garden

Powell’s City of Books

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Oregon Maritime Museum

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Optional Side Trip: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls

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

Days 5 to 6: San Francisco, California

Golden Gate Bridge

Fisherman’s Wharf

Lombard Street

Day 7: Pacific Coast Highway, California

Half Moon Bay

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Santa Barbara

Days 8 to 9: Los Angeles, California

Santa Monica Pier

Venice Beach

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Griffith Observatory

Days 10 to 11: Las Vegas, Nevada

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Las Vegas Strip

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Bellagio Fountain

High Roller

Fly Out: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

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

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

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Trip 4: Rocky Mountains

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

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

Colorado Utah Idaho Montana Wyoming

Fly In: Denver International Airport (DEN)

Days 1 to 2: Denver, Colorado

Denver Art Museum

Larimer Square

Union Station

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Days 3 to 4: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

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

Trail Ridge Road

Days 5 to 6: Salt Lake City, Utah

Temple Square

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Natural History Museum of Utah

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Liberty Park

Days 7 to 8: Boise, Idaho

Old Idaho Penitentiary Site

Boise Whitewater Park

Freak Alley Gallery

Basque Block

Camel’s Back Park

Days 9 to 11: Glacier National Park, Montana

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

Lake McDonald

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Days 12 to 13: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Grand Prismatic Spring

Old Faithful

Fly Out: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Optional Side Trip: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

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

Fly Out: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

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

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

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Trip 5: Southwest

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

Arizona New Mexico Oklahoma Texas

Fly In: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Day 1: Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona

Papago Park

Hole In The Rock

Desert Botanical Garden

Old Town Scottsdale

Days 2 to 3: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Days 4 to 5: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Petroglyph National Monument

ABQ BioPark

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Sandia Peak Tramway

Day 6: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe Plaza

Palace of the Governors

La Fonda on the Plaza

Canyon Road

Days 7 to 8: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Skydance Bridge

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Oklahoma City Zoo

Stars and Stripes Park

Days 9 to 10: Austin, Texas

University of Texas Tower

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Lady Bird Lake

Greetings From Austin Mural

Fly Out: Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

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

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

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Trip 6: The Great Plains

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

North Dakota South Dakota Nebraska Kansas

Fly In: Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)

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

Painted Canyon

Days 3 to 5: The Great 8 , South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial

Custer State Park

Jewel Cave National Monument

Wind Cave National Park

Badlands National Park

Missouri River

Days 6 to 8: Omaha, Nebraska

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

The Old Market

The Durham Museum

Lauritzen Gardens

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Days 9 to 10: Wichita, Kansas

Great Plains Nature Center

O J Watson Park

Douglas Design District

The Keeper of the Plains Statue

Mid-America All-Indian Museum

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

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

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

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Trip 7: Great River Road States

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

Minnesota Iowa Missouri Arkansas Louisiana

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

Days 1 to 2: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minnehaha Park

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

Mill City Museum

Stone Arch Bridge

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Days 3 to 4: Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa State Capitol

East Village

Rotary Riverwalk Park

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Des Moines Art Center

Days 5 to 6: St. Louis, Missouri

Gateway Arch National Park

The St. Louis Wheel

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

Forest Park

Days 7 to 8: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Buckstaff Bathhouse

Gangster Museum of America

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Mid-America Science Museum

Days 9 to 11: New Orleans, Louisiana

French Quarter

Jackson Square

New Orleans Jazz Museum

New Orleans City Park

The National WWII Museum

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

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

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

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Trip 8: The Great Lakes

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

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

Wisconsin Illinois Indiana Michigan Ohio

Fly In: General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

Days 1 to 2: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mitchell Gallery of Flight

Harley-Davidson Museum

Milwaukee Riverwalk District

Veterans Park

Historic Third Ward

Days 3 to 4: Chicago, Illinois

Millennium Park

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Lakefront Trail

The Art Institute of Chicago

Willis Tower

Days 5 to 6: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

Days 7 to 8: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Heritage Hill

Riveredge Trail

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Ah-Nab-Awen Park

Days 9 to 10: Cleveland, Ohio

Edgewater Park

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland Public Square

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse

Fly Out: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

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

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

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

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

West Virginia Kentucky Tennessee Alabama Mississippi

Fly In: West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW)

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

Days 3 to 4: Louisville, Kentucky

West Main Street ( Whiskey Row )

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Old Louisville Neighborhood

Kentucky Derby Museum

Days 5 to 6: Nashville, Tennessee

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Honky Tonk Highway

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

The Gulch Neighborhood

Grand Ole Opry

Days 7 to 8: Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham Civil Rights District

Railroad Park

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Days 9 to 10: Biloxi, Mississippi

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art

Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Shrimping Trip

Ship Island

Fly Out: Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport (GPT)

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

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Trip 10: New England

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

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

Maine Vermont New Hampshire Massachusetts Rhode Island Connecticut

Fly In: Bangor International Airport (BGR)

Days 1 to 2: Acadia National Park, Maine

Days 3 to 4: Burlington, Vermont

Church Street Marketplace

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum

World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet

Days 5 to 6: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Market Square

Black Heritage Trail

Strawbery Banke Museum

Prescott Park

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

Days 7 to 8: Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Common

Freedom Trail

Fenway Park

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Spectacle Island

Days 9 to 10: Newport, Rhode Island

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

Days 11 to 12: New Haven, Connecticut

Yale University

Beinecke Rare Book Library

New Haven Green

Lighthouse Point Park

East Rock Park

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

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

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

New England Wineries

Trip 11: Mid-Atlantic

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

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

New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Washington, DC

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

Days 1 to 2: New York City, New York

Central Park

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Empire State Building

The National September 11 Memorial Museum

Statue of Liberty

Day 3: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Washington Square

Independence National Historical Park

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Penn’s Landing

Day 4: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City Beach

Tropicana Atlantic City (said to be the luckiest casino)

Day 5: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Cape May–Lewes Ferry (cross Delaware Bay)

Lewes Beach

Rehoboth Beach

Days 6 to 7: Baltimore, Maryland

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse

National Aquarium

9/11 Memorial of Maryland

Top of the World Observation Level

Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum

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

Optional Side Trip: Washington, DC

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

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

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

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Trip 12: Southeast B: The Atlantic Coast States

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

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

Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida

Fly In: Norfolk International Airport (ORF)

Day 1: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Neptune’s Park

Day 2: Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Emerald Isle Beach

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

Salty Pirate Waterpark

Days 3 to 4: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach

Broadway at the Beach

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

Day 5: Tybee Island, Georgia

North Beach

Tybee Island Light Station & Museum

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Mid Beach, Tybee Island

Tybee Beach Pier

Days 6 to 7: Savannah, Georgia

Forsyth Park

Chippewa Square

Savannah City Hall

River Street Boardwalk

Leopold’s Ice Cream

Days 8 to 9: Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Jacksonville Beach Pier

Jacksonville Beach

Beaches Museum

Cradle Creek Preserve

South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground

Fly Out: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

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

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

Optional Side Trip: Florida Keys

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

Fly Out: Miami International Airport (MIA)

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

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

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

Which of These Trips Will You Take First?

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

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

Go Out and Explore

15 Best Beaches in San Diego for Everybody

9 Best Water Parks in Maryland to Splash In

7 East Coast National Parks You Must Visit

10 Unique Caves in Maryland to Explore

20 Awesome Attractions and Things to do in Indiana

Sightseeing In Los Angeles – 2 Perfect Days And A Celebrity Sighting

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. The Right Vehicle

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

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

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

Advice for you: Plan Your Route

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

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

The shortest route across all 50 US states here

2. Choose Parking Options

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

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

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

Advice for you: Overnight Accommodations

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

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

RV park guide for North America

3. Research and Plan

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

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

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

Advice for you: Start your Research Early

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

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

Seek Local Expertise and Support

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

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

Ideas for planning your trip here

4. Set Necessary Boundaries

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

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

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

Advice for you:  Set Boundaries

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

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

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

5. Time Management

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

Advice for you: Time Management

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

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

6. Recover from the Pace of Traveling

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

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

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

Advice for you: Combat Fatigue

Long journeys can be physically and mentally exhausting.

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

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

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

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

 7. Challenges

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

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

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

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

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

Ideas for your 50 States Challenges:

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Challenges for Visiting US Cities: 

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

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

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

Wrapping up

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

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

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

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

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

Keep reading about epic journeys:

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

North to South

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

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

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

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

Our Trip at a Glance

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

An Evolving U.S. Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trip Highlights

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

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

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

Major U.S. Road Trip Destinations by State

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

• Hatcher Pass
• Matanuska Glacier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• West Yellowstone

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

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

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

• Chesapeake Bay

MASSACHUSETTS

• Mystic Seaport
• Cape Cod National Seashore

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

• Minneapolis

MISSISSIPPI

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

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

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

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

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

• Franconia Notch State Park
• White Sands National Monument

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

• New York City
• Adirondacks
• Niagara Falls

NORTH CAROLINA

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Oklahoma City

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

• Hershey’s Chocolate World

SOUTH CAROLINA

• Myrtle Beach

SOUTH DAKOTA

• Badlands National Park

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

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

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

• Crystal Mountain

WEST VIRGINIA

• Seneca Rocks

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

• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park

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

Weekly Recaps and Posts from the Road

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Tara! Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congrats on your nuptials!

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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

Home / The Loneliest Road

Running coast-to-coast through the heart of America on an odyssey of more than 3,000 miles from sea to shining sea, US-50 passes through a dozen different states and four state capitals, as well as the nation’s capital, Washington DC. Along the route are some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes: the Sierra Nevada and the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, the endless farmlands of the Great Plains, and the desiccated deserts of Utah and Nevada. It follows the footsteps of pioneers and gives a reverse timeline of national development. Heading west to east, you can travel back in history from the cutting-edge high tech of contemporary Silicon Valley, across the Wild West frontier of the mid-1800s, and through lands the likes of Daniel Boone and countless others pioneered in the 1700s, before arriving at the Atlantic Ocean near some of the oldest and best-preserved colonial-era landscapes in the United States.

All the way across the country, US-50 passes through literally hundreds of timeworn small towns, the great majority of which have survived despite the modern onslaught of Walmarts and fast-food franchises. Blue Highways author William Least Heat-Moon writes about US-50, “for the unhurried, this little-known highway is the best national road across the middle of the United States.” The route offers such a compelling cross-section of the nation that Time magazine once devoted an entire issue to telling the story of the road it called the “Backbone of America.”

From its start at San Francisco, the route cuts across California’s midsection, passing the state capital of Sacramento before following the route of the old Pony Express up into the Sierra Nevada to the shores of Lake Tahoe and into Nevada. The Nevada portion of the route, dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America” by travel writers and tourist boards, is one of the most compelling long-distance drives in the country—provided you find miles and miles of little more than mountains, sagebrush, and blue sky compelling. The Great Basin desert continues across half of Utah, but then the route climbs over the Wasatch Front and onto the national park-packed red-rock country of the Colorado Plateau.

Continuing east, you cross the Continental Divide atop the Rockies, then follow the Arkansas River along the historic Santa Fe Trail. For fans of vanishing Americana, the route comes into its own here across the Great Plains, with its hypnotically repetitive landscape of water towers, windmills, railroad tracks, and one small town after another.

After bisecting Missouri from Kansas City to St. Louis, US-50 crosses the Mississippi River into a much older and more settled landscape, through the agricultural heartlands of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. After climbing into the Appalachian backwoods of West Virginia, US-50 emerges suddenly into the wealth and power of downtown Washington DC before passing through the still perfectly picturesque fishing and farming communities of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Notable Sights Along the Loneliest Road

• South Lake Tahoe, CA – Visit one of the biggest and deepest lakes in the country
• Carson City, NV – Named in honor of explorer Kit Carson, Nevada’s capital city is rich with Wild West history.
• Great Basin National Park, NV – Find solitude amid alpine forests, ancient bristlecone pines, wildflowers, and glacial lakes.
• Canyonlands & Arches National Parks, UT – Explore arid wilderness, high plateaus, deep canyons, and sandstone arches in these two must-visit parks.
• Million Dollar Highway, CO – Take a scenic drive along a classic stretch of two-lane blacktop that forms a swirling ribbon through the San Juan Mountains, the wildest and ruggedest peaks in the Colorado Rockies.
• Garden of Eden in Lucas, KS – Experience one of the country’s oldest and oddest folk-art environments, the sort of place that puts the Gothic back in American Gothic.
• Kansas City, MO – Museum lovers will have plenty of options to choose from in this history-infused city.
• Serpent Mound, OH – See two fascinating remnants of the Mound Builder people who once lived in this part of what is now Ohio.
• Manassas and Arlington, VA – Visit the site of the first major land battle of the Civil War and the final resting place of over 400,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, and public servants.
• Washington D.C. – Walk through the monuments that embody nearly two centuries of American political history, then take your pick of museums showing off everything from ancient art to the first flying machines.
• Ocean City, MD – Enjoy a fun-filled day or long weekend with the best array of old-time funfair attractions in the Mid-Atlantic.

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

Ashley Corbin-Teich/Getty Images 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Canyon, AZ

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

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

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

Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID

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

Yellowstone National Park, WY

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

Pikes Peak, CO

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

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

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

The Alamo: San Antonio, TX

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

Platt Historic District: Sulfur, OK

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

Toltec Mounds: Scott, AR

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

Elvis Presley’s Graceland: Memphis, TN

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

Vicksburg National Military Park: Vicksburg, MS

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

French Quarter: New Orleans, LA

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

USS Alabama: Mobile, AL

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

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station: Cape Canaveral, FL

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

Okefenokee Swamp Park: Waycross, GA

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

Fort Sumter National Monument: Charleston, SC

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

Lost World Caverns: Lewisburg, WV

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

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

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

Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon, VA

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

White House: Washington, D.C.

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

Colonial Annapolis Historic District: Annapolis, MD

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

New Castle Historic District: New Castle, Delaware

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

Cape May Historic District: Cape May, NJ

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

Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, PA

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

Statue of Liberty: New York, NY

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

Mark Twain House & Museum: Hartford, CT

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

The Breakers Mansion: Newport, RI

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

USS Constitution: Boston, MA

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

Acadia National Park, ME

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

Omni Mount Washington Hotel: Bretton Woods, NH

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

Shelburne Farms: Shelburne, VT

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

Fox Theater: Detroit, MI

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

Spring Grove Cemetery: Cincinnati, OH

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

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

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

West Baden Springs Hotel: West Baden Springs, IN

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

Abraham Lincoln’s Home: Springfield, IL

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

Gateway Arch: St. Louis, MO

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

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum: Leavenworth, KS

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

Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion: Des Moines, IA

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

Taliesin: Green Spring, WI

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

Fort Snelling: Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN

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

Ashfall Fossil Beds: Royal, NE

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

Mount Rushmore: Keystone, SD

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

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

Fort Union Trading Post: Williston, ND

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

Glacier National Park, MT

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

Hanford Site: Benton County, WA

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

Columbia River Highway, OR

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

San Francisco Cable Cars: San Francisco, CA

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

San Andreas Fault, CA

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

Hoover Dam: Boulder City, NV

TripSavvy / Deanna Mazzola

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

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This Map Shows the 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.

See all 50 states in 160 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Route 50 Road Trip Map: The Ultimate Guide to an Epic Adventure

Embark on the ultimate cross-country adventure with our route 50 road trip map guide! Discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks along the “Loneliest Road in America.

Are you up for an epic road trip adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime? Look no further than Route 50, a legendary cross-country highway that stretches over 3,000 miles from coast to coast. This ultimate road trip map takes you through 12 states, from the Pacific Ocean in California to the Atlantic Ocean in Maryland.

Route 50, known as the “Loneliest Road in America,” has a rich history that dates back to 1926. It winds its way through the heart of the United States, showcasing diverse landscapes that range from the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains to the rugged deserts of Nevada, the rolling hills of the Midwest, and the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains.

Unlike other popular roads, Route 50 offers a unique experience with its lack of big cities and tourist traps. Instead, you’ll discover charming small towns, historic landmarks, and hidden natural wonders that are off the beaten path. This road trip map is perfect for those seeking an escape from the crowds and a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of America’s heartland.

But Route 50 is not just about breathtaking views and picturesque landscapes. It also holds a significant place in American history as a major route for settlers and explorers during the westward expansion of the country. You can explore historic sites like the Pony Express Trail, which once carried mail from Missouri to California in the mid-1800s, or visit the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States.

Whether you’re a history aficionado, a nature lover, or simply in search of a unique adventure, Route 50 has something for everyone. So, grab your map, pack your bags, and get ready for an epic road trip across America’s heartland.

Planning Your Route 50 Road Trip

Before embarking on your Route 50 road trip, it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Consider the following factors when planning your trip:

• Timeframe : Route 50 is a long highway, so decide how much time you want to spend on the road. Will you complete the entire route in one go or break it up into smaller segments?
• Season : The weather conditions along Route 50 can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Check the forecast and plan accordingly.
• Budget : Road trips can be costly, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Consider expenses such as gas, food, lodging, and attractions when planning your trip.
• Mode of Transportation : Will you be driving your own car, renting one, or using public transportation? Ensure your vehicle is reliable and well-maintained before hitting the road.

Fortunately, there are numerous tools and resources available to help you plan your Route 50 road trip. Online mapping tools can assist in creating a route, finding hotels, and locating attractions. Additionally, travel apps like Roadtrippers provide valuable information on road conditions, gas prices, and local events. Remember to keep your itinerary flexible, as unexpected adventures and detours often make road trips even more memorable.

Must-See Attractions Along Route 50

Route 50 is teeming with must-see attractions and landmarks that are worth a stop on your road trip. Here are some of the top attractions along the way:

• Great Basin National Park : Located in Nevada, this national park showcases stunning mountain vistas, underground caves, and unique wildlife.
• Gateway Arch : A St. Louis landmark, the Gateway Arch is a 630-foot stainless steel structure that offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline.
• Shenandoah National Park : Located in Virginia, this park boasts breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking trails, and the opportunity to spot wildlife like black bears and white-tailed deer.
• Blackwater Falls State Park : Situated in West Virginia, this park features a magnificent 62-foot waterfall, hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
• Antietam National Battlefield : This Maryland battlefield was the site of the bloodiest one-day battle in American history. Visitors can embark on guided tours, explore historic landmarks, and delve into the depths of Civil War history.

In addition to these top attractions, Route 50 caters to outdoor enthusiasts with activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking. Along the way, explore charming small towns and savor the local cuisine at delightful restaurants to truly immerse yourself in the culture of each place. Don’t forget to plan your food and lodging stops to make the most of your road trip experience.

Tips for a Thrilling Route 50 Road Trip

Before embarking on your Route 50 road trip, keep a few things in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Safety Precautions to Take

Safety should always be your top priority when driving on Route 50. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always wear your seat belt and ensure that all passengers do the same.
• Obey traffic laws and adhere to speed limits.
• Stay vigilant for wildlife on the road, especially at night.
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, particularly large trucks.
• Have your car thoroughly checked and serviced before the trip.

Weather Considerations

Weather conditions along Route 50 can vary significantly, so it’s crucial to be prepared. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Check the weather forecast before you depart and plan accordingly.
• Pack clothing suitable for various weather conditions, including rain gear and warm layers.
• Stay informed about severe weather alerts and adjust your plans if necessary.
• If traveling during winter, equip your vehicle with snow tires or chains and carry essential items like a shovel and ice scraper.

Packing Essentials for the Trip

Packing for a road trip can be a challenge, but here are some essentials to consider for your Route 50 adventure:

• Maps and a GPS device to help navigate the route.
• Snacks and water to keep you fueled during the journey.
• A well-stocked first aid kit and any necessary medications.
• Blankets, pillows, and other comfort items for long drives.
• A camera and binoculars to capture the stunning scenery along the way.

Embarking on a Route 50 road trip is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. The beauty and history of this iconic highway make it a must-visit for any travel enthusiast. However, like any adventure, proper planning and preparation are crucial. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey across America’s heartland.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your map, and hit the road on your very own Route 50 adventure. The team at TooLacks wishes you a safe and unforgettable journey!

To learn more about TooLacks and discover other exciting adventures, visit TooLacks .

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50 state road trip: Bucket-list destinations in the USA

If you really want to explore the USA, you'll need a stop in each state. GoBankingRates.com has chosen one can't-miss stop in each state as their  bucket-list destinations in the USA . Looking to make your budget last through all 50 states? They've also put together a list of fun things to do in each state  ranging from free to just under $20 :

Top 100 Bucket List Road Trip Ideas For 50 States

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

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

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

 Alabama

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

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

Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway

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

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

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

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

 Alaska

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

Hatcher Pass

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

Denali Park and Preserve

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

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

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

 Arizona

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

Grand Canyon National Park

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

Antelope Canyon

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

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

 Arkansas

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

Hot Springs Park

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

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

Ozark Mountains

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

 California

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

Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

Redwood Forest

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

Golden Gate Park

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

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

Stops In Between San Francisco and Los Angeles

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

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

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

Los Angeles

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

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

 Colorado

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

Rocky Mountain National Park

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

Great Sand Dunes

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

 Connecticut

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

Coastal Connecticut

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

Drive The Connecticut River

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

 Delaware

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

Cape Henlopen State Park

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

Seashore State Park Campground, Rehobeth Beach

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

 Florida

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

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

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

South Florida Road Trip

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

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

North of Miami

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

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

South and West of Miami

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

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

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

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

The Gulf Coast

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

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

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

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

North Florida

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

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

 Georgia

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

The Islands of Coastal Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

North Georgia Mountains Road Trip

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

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

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

 Hawaii

North shore of kauai .

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

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

Molokai: East Molokai via Kamehameha V Highway

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

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

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

 Idaho

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

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

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

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

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

 Illinois

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

Illinois Route 66

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

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

Great River Road – Illinois National Scenic Byway.

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

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

 Indiana

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

Indiana Dunes National Park

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

Heritage Trail – Indiana Amish Country

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

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

Iowa Great Lakes

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

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

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

Great River Road Scenic Byway

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

 Kansas

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

Land and Sky Scenic Byway

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

Mount Sunflower

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

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

 Kentucky

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

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

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

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

Kentucky Horse Farms

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

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

 Louisiana

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

Cajun Country Road Trip

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

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

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

Louisiana Plantations and River Road

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

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

Here are some notable plantations in the New Orleans area:

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

 Maine

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

Coastal Maine

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

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

Acadia National Park

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

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

 Maryland

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

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad and African-American Heritage Travel

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

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

Chesapeake Bay Loop

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

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

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

 Massachusetts

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

Coastal Lighthouses Road Trip

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

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

Revolutionary War Road Trip

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

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

 Michigan

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

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail

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

Sunrise Coast

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

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

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

 Minnesota

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

North Shore Scenic Drive – Lake Superior

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

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

Beer and Wine Trails

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

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

 Mississippi

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

Natchez Trace Parkway

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

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

Mississippi Music Trail

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

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

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

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

 Missouri

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

Missouri’s Route 66

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

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

Missouri Historic Water Mills Trip

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

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

 Montana

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

Lewis and Clarke Trail

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

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

Indian Country Road Trip

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

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

 Nebraska

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

Scenic Byways Road Trip

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

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

Lazy River Road Trip

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

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

 Nevada

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

Great Basin Highway

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

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

Reno to Lake Tahoe Loop

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

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

 New Hampshire

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

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

Great North Woods

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

Seacoast Byway

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

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

 New Jersey

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

The Jersey Shore

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

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

Historic Delaware Valley Road Trip

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

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

 New Mexico

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

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

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

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

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

Enchanted 8 Road Trips

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

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

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

 New York

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

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

Albany to Niagara

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

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

Adirondacks Road Trip

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

Here are a few of our favorites!

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

 North Carolina

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

Blue Ridge Parkway

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

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

Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

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

Here are a few of our favorite sights!

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

 North Dakota

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

Theodore Roosevelt National Park South and North Unit

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

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

Standing Rock Native American Byway

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

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

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

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

Coastal Ohio Lighthouse Road Trip

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

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

Hocking Hills State Park- Logan, OH

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

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

 Oklahoma

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

Oklahoma Waterfalls Road Trip

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

Here are our top 5:

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

Southeast Oklahoma Mountain Gateway Byway

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

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

 Oregon

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

Pacific Coast Highway – Oregon Coast

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

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

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

Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway

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

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

 Pennsylvania

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

PA Route 6 Heritage Trail

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

Some notable stops on Route 6:

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

PA 7 Wonders Road Trip

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

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

 Rhode Island

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

Coastal Rhode Island Road Trip

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

Some notable stops:

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

Natural Wonders Road Trip

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

Here are some spots to see:

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

 South Carolina

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

Lighthouse Coastal Road Trip

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

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

South Carolina Plantation Road Trip

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

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

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

 South Dakota

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

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

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

Badlands and Black Hills

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

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

Here are some points of interest:

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

Native American Scenic Byway

Breathtaking views of the  Missouri River, diverse landscapes, and tribal history and culture are showcased on the Native American Scenic Byway running north and south through central South Dakota .

You will see the following Indian Tribe Reservations:

• Yankton – Lewis & Clark Lake and the Meridian Bridge.
• Crow Creek – The Crow Creek Indian Reservation is located on the east bank of the Missouri River.
• Lower Brule – Drive the beautiful country on the western side of the Missouri Valley.
• Cheyenne River – Indian Reservation located on the tributary.
• Standing Rock Sioux Tribes – Sitting Bull Monument

 Tennessee

Tennessee offers so much when it comes to road trips! Its capital, Nashville , is centrally located and is the heart of the country-music scene. Visit sights like the long-running Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum . Check out the legendary stretch of honky-tonks and country music dance halls. The Northeast portion of Tennesse offers the Appalachian Highlands with beautiful mountain views and pristine mountain lakes and streams. Memphis is deep in the southwest corner and is the home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Sun Studio and the blues clubs of Beale Street .

East to West Road Trip

Depending on how much time you have, the Ultimate Tennessee Road Trip would be a drive across the state from the northeast corner at The Tri-City area of Bristol , Kingsport and Johnson City, through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Knoxville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. I-40 continues with stops in Nashville all the way down to Memphis in the Southwest corner. Much of Interstate 40 follows along Rt. 66! Interstate 40 is the third-longest interstate highway in the US. 

This is really two road trips in one. If you are not interested in driving the entire state of Tennessee , you can break this up into sections. I would recommend either choosing East Tennessee and sticking to the Appalachian Highlands and mountains going from Bristol to Chattanooga or opt for doing the drive from Nashville to Memphis .

Here are some notable stops, in addition to the ones mentioned above, along the way:

Eastern Tennessee

• Bristol, Tennessee – The birthplace of Country Music. Home to Bristol Motor Speedway.
• Carvers Gap – Hike to Roan High Knob on the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap
• Jonesborough, Tennessee – Tennessee’s Oldest Town
• Knoxville – Scenic Newfound Gap Road through Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
• Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg – The Tail of the Dragon scenic road offers more than 300 curves on this 11-mile stretch of beautiful mountain views.

Nashville to Memphis

• Nashville – Check out the Natchez Trail and get off the Interstate
• The Elephant Sanctuary – After leaving Nashville, take a detour from I-40 to visit these magnificent animals.
• Jackson, Tennessee  – the largest town in between Memphis and Nashville. Jackson is home to the Casey Jones Home and Railway Museum.
• Loretta Lynn’s Ranch  – Located 65 miles west of Nashville.
• Music Highway  – refers to the section of I-40 between Memphis and Nashville.

 Texas

Texas is the second largest state in both area and population. There are 4 regions to explore while in the state of Texas, Central, East, West and the Gulf Coast.

Gulf Coast Texas Road Trip

With over 300 miles of coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, museums, aquariums and lighthouses. And don’t forget about the water activities! If putting your toes in the sand is your jam then the Texas Coastline is sure to please.

You will start your trip at Galveston and make your way from Galveston to Padre Island . Unlike other coastal areas, there is not just one road that hugs the coastline. You will have to do some zigzagging to get back to the coastal areas.

Here are some notable stops on the Texas Gulf Coast:

• Galveston Island – A historical town where the Hurricane of 1900 hit. Stop at the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge after leaving town.
• Rockport – A quaint laid back town full of art galleries and festivals.
• Port Aransas – If you are looking for a quieter area Port A is the place to visit.
• Corpus Christi – On the island side of Corpus Christi, the Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of uninhabited beach in Texas. See the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium.
• South Padre Island – Just a few miles from the border, you will love its clear water and white sand beaches.
• Port Isabel – Charming and historic Port Isabel offers a historic lighthouse and is one of Texas’ oldest towns.

South Texas Loop Road Trip

Start in the capital city of Austin , the Live Music Capital of the World , where you will find amazing restaurants, as well as many parks and lakes that are popular for hiking, biking, swimming and boating.

You will leave Austin and head west to the Big Bend National Park . There are 100 miles of paved roads in the park. Dagger Flat Auto-Trail is an improved dirt road that will take you from khaki-colored desert to a forest of giant yuccas.

• Santa Elena Canyon – Carved out by the Rio Grande you will see beautiful natural rock formation as well as a great hiking area.
• Hot Springs – Rest those aching muscles in a hot spring!
• Search for Ruins – Search out these ruins and historic buildings to look for the Mariscal Mine, Dorgan House

After Big Bend , you will head back east to San Antonio where you will find the historic Riverwalk Area among other historical neighborhoods there.

Some notable spots in San Antonio are:

• Alamo Heights – See the Blue Hole and the starting point of the San Antonio River.
• Downtown Riverwalk – See the banks of the San Antonio River.
• King William Historic District – Do a half-day walking tour in this historic art district.

As you head back to Austin from San Antonio , on your final leg of the loop, be sure to stop by Blue Hole Regional Park , a swimming hole with rope swings in the lush forest.

Utah is known for having some of the best skiing in the country, and the mountains near  Salt Lake City  receive an average of 500 inches of snow per year. They also have 27 state and national scenic byways for you to be able to view those inspiring landscapes Utah is famous for.

All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12  

Highway 12 from Panguitch to Torrey passes through twisting canyons, red rock towers, pine forests and pioneer towns. Scenic Byway 12 is considered one of these nation’s most beautiful drives. You will find incredible landscapes, national parks and monuments, recreation areas and state parks.

There are many points of interest on Scenic Byway 12:

• Panguitch – Visit the Bryce and Red Canyons
• Henrieville – Located in Bryce Valley and is an original Pioneer town.
• Kodachrome Basin State Park – 5,800 feet above sea level, offering 2200 Acres of Canyon Country.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls – Grand Staircase Escalante hike leading to a 126-foot-high waterfall and refreshing swimming hole.
• Burr Trail Road – Originally a cattle driving road, you will see Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
• Boulder – See yellow domes of ancient sandstone across deep green fields.
• Escalante – Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument  is partly named for the Escalante River, which flows from Boulder Mountain to the Colorado River. 
• Spooky Gulch – Hiking through the slot canyons.
• Torrey – The gateway community for Capitol Reef National Park.

Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway

You can travel from Monticello to Monument Valley, Blanding to Mexican Hat via Natural Bridges or Bluff to Hovenweep . These routes can take you on a wide swing east into Colorado and south into Arizona . There is more than one way to view the sites on this scenic byway.

A tour of the Utah portion of the Trail of the Ancients has some of these points of interest:

• Four Corners Monument – Ancestral Puebloan history and it is the only place where four states meet, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
• Edge of the Cedars State Park and Museum – largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery on display in the Four Corners Region
• Natural Bridges National Monument – See the stunning natural bridges carved by water over thousands of years.
• Hovenweep National Monument – The Monument contains six separate prehistoric ruined villages dating from the Pueblo period.
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – See a red-sand desert region on the Arizona-Utah border, is known for the towering sandstone buttes.
• Moki Dugway – This is a narrow two-lane gravel road. Containing several tight switchbacks and sheer drop-offs. It’s not for the faint of heart and considered one of the most dangerous roads in Utah.

 Vermont

Vermont. also known as the Green Mountain State , is well-known for its natural landscapes, which are primarily forested. In the New England region, it’s also known for being home to more than 100 19th-century covered wooden bridges, and as a major producer of maple syrup. Thousands of acres of mountain terrain are crossed by hiking trails and skiing slopes.

Vermont Lighthouse Road Trip

Heard to Northern Vermont and the shores of Lake Champlain to see the lighthouses of Vermont . Hop on to the Spirit of Ethan Allen to see the Lighthouses that can only be seen from the lake.

• Windmill Point Lighthouse in Alburgh – located on a private property, you can still see the lighthouse from the road.
• Isle La Motte Lighthouse on Isle La Motte
• Juniper Island Light, Juniper Island in South Burlington – Oldest Cast Iron Lighthouse in the US.
• Burlington Breakwater Lights – South and North Tower in Burlington – 2 Lighthouses in one town. They are not open to the public but can be seen from the shore or a sightseeing cruise.
• Colchester Reef Lighthouse and Museum in Shelburne

Covered Bridge Road Trip

It is a New England tradition to see the more than the 100 covered bridges in Vermont . There are more covered bridges in Vermont than any other area in the US. Most were built in the 1800s and Vermont holds claim to the longest covered bridge in the US. See a Covered Bridge replica in Bennington’s Covered Bridge Museum and explore how covered bridges were made.

Here are the top Covered Bridges in Vermont:

• Kissing Bridge
• Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge
• Pulp Mill Covered Bridge
• West Dummerston Covered Bridge
• Brown Covered Bridge

Montgomery, Vermont has the most Covered Bridges:

• Comstock Covered Bridge
• Fuller Covered Bridge
• Hopkins Covered Bridge
• Hutchins Covered Bridge
• Longley Covered Bridge
• West Hill Covered Bridge

 Virginia

If you are thinking about Old Dominion for a road trip, you will not be disappointed. Virginia has a diverse landscape with the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Shenandoah Valley to the Atlantic Seashore .

There are eight Natural Wonders in the State of Virginia . Starting from Washington, DC you will head west and south to see all of these sites. Spend some time in the Shenandoah Valley after you leave Washington to extend your trip.

• Great Falls Park – Great Falls is located on the Potomac River just 15 miles outside of DC. A unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the park’s origins date back to 10,500 BC.
• Luray Caverns – Founded in 1878, the Registered Natural Landmark reaches peaks up to 10 stories high.
• Crabtree Falls – Located in Lexington, Crabtree Falls is the tallest cascading, picturesque waterfall, east of the Mississippi.
• Virginia Natural Bridge – This bridge was once counted as one of the Natural Wonders of the World. George Washington surveyed the Natural Bridge site for Lord Fairfax.
• Burkes Garden – Described as God’s Thumbprint due to its bowl-shaped valley, Burkes Garden is the Commonwealth’s highest valley and largest rural historic district.
• Breaks Interstate Park – This park is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South” and is located just on the border of Virginia and Kentucky.
• Natural Tunnel – This tunnel was once described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” 
• Jefferson Pools – The natural hot springs of Jefferson Pools spa structures were visited by Thomas Jefferson himself and are known for their healing properties. The Gentlemen’s Pool House is the oldest spa structure in the entire country.

Eastern Shore Road Trip

Virginia’s Eastern Shore is among the most isolated regions of the country, and you can see dozens of small towns and villages that have stayed the same since the start of the original colonies in the US.

Here are the points of interest:

• Assateague Island – Okay, I know this is in Maryland but sometimes you have to break the rules to see the cool things. Although popularly known as Chincoteague ponies, the feral ponies actually live on Assateague Island, MD.
• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – The Refuge faces the Atlantic Coast and offers the only ocean beaches in this part of the state.
• Eastern Shore Peninsula – Here you will have access to the Chesapeake Bay waterfront. 
• Accomac, Onancock  and  Eastville – Three small towns, none of which has changed much since Revolutionary times.
• Norfolk – Cross the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay via a 23-mile-long bridge and tunnel that brings you to the maritime jewel.
• Virginia Beach – Virginia’s most southern point, before the route, turns inland and south into North Carolina.

 Washington

Washington State is full of many types of geological wonders where the mountains are also volcanoes. It has some of the best landscapes in the country, including beaches. With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, be sure to take advantage of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean : the beaches, the tidal pools and whale watching are out of this world.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

Starting in Olympia , this 350-mile byway is what the Evergreen State is all about. The byway goes around the entire Olympic Peninsula. You will see the national park and rain forests, along ocean beaches, then extends south to the border with Oregon.

Some points of interest on this scenic byway:

• Olympia – Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is at the southern end of Puget Sound.
• Squaxin Island Museum Library and Research Center  – The Museum Library Research Center shows how nature and the Squaxin Island Tribal culture relate.
• Port Townsend – The town was supposed to be the New York of the west and is one of only three Victorian Seaports in the United States.
• Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge – The refuge is a sanctuary for over 250 species of birds, 41 species of land mammals and eight species of water mammals. 
• Hurricane Ridge and Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center – Located in the Olympic National Park, it is the most easily accessed mountain.
• Marymere Falls – One of the most popular waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula. 
• Hoh Rain Forest – During the winter season, rain falls so frequently in the Hoh Rain Forest that it contributes to the yearly total of 140 to 170 inches (12 to 14 feet) of precipitation each year. 
• Ruby Beach -This is one of the most visited areas of Olympic National Park. There are thousands of marine species where the coastal waters are a safe haven for them.
• Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center – The center stands high on the cliffs of Cape Disappointment.
• Long Beach, Washington – This century-old North Head Lighthouse was completed in 1898. Long Beach is located on the 28-mile Long Beach Peninsula.

Cascade Loop

This is a 440-mile road trip that includes several road trips in one. But if you are going to go … GO BIG!

If you really want to see everything Washington State has to offer this is the only way to do it. You will start out from the waterfront city of Everett, head east over Stevens Pass, into the alpine villages and snowy capped mountains.

Here are the points of interest on this road trip:

•   Everett – Explore this waterfront community and the downtown area before heading to the mountains.
• Snohomish – Located right in between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, it is also known as the ‘Antique Capital of the Northwest’.
• Monroe – If you love agriculture then Monroe is for you.
• Skykomish – Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Steven’s Pass
• Leavenworth – Their architecture is right out of Bavaria and you will feel like you are in the Swiss Alps. 
• Wenatchee – Located on two rivers, the Columbia and Wenatchee, sitting right at the foothills of the Cascades. Also known as the “Apple Capital of the World”.
• Entiat – Visit the Ribbon Cliff landslide along the shoreline of the Columbia River. For the best views visit Daroga State Park.
• Lake Chelan Valley – Wineries and outdoor recreation.
• Pateros – Visit where the Columbia and Methow Rivers meet.
• Twisp  – Check out the North Cascades Highway and the Loup Loup Pass crossing to the Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway.
• Winthrop – A western town right by the Okanogan National Forest.
• Washington Pass Overlook – Liberty Bell Mountain, North Cascades Highway Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
• Diablo Lake – At glacier-fed Diablo Lake you will see the wildlife habitat and snow-topped mountain peaks, islands, and waterfalls and the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.
• Sedro-Woolley – Visit their historic downtown with a colorful past.
• Deception Pass Bridge & State Park – Cross over Deception Pass to get to Whidbey Island for this great photo opp!

 West Virginia

West Virginia is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountains . This gives it its nickname, The Mountain State . There are several regions that are uniquely special and visiting them is its own unique road trip.

• New River – Greenbrier Valley -Coming from its mountain sources, the Greenbrier River meets the ancient New River.
• Eastern Panhandle – This area is full of history, scenery and small-town charm and located just a short drive from Baltimore and DC.
• Hatfield-McCoy Mountains – These mountains have true stories of Native American leaders, feuding families and coal mining history.
• Metro Valley – Charleston, the state’s capital, and Huntington, home of Marshall University.
• Mid-Ohio Valley – A gentle landscape of peaceful farmsteads, and historical sites.
• Mountaineer Country – Visit Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg and Bridgeport 
• Northern Panhandle – Lies along the Ohio River and has a more mid-western feel.
• Mountain Lakes – Visit the shores of five big lakes located in the region.
• Potomac Highlands – Outdoor activities and historical sites are located between West Virginia’s highest mountain peaks and dramatic scenery.

Byways and Scenic Trails are always our favorite choice when visiting. You can see several regions from one Byway in West Virginia .

The Staunton – Parkersburg Turnpike National Scenic Byway  

From Parkersburg to Elkins you will see mountain vistas, dense forests and quaint small historic towns. You will visit 5 distinct areas when following The Staunton – Parkersburg Turnpike which is a historic highway from Staunton, Virginia across West Virginia to the Ohio River. 

• Parkersburg Area
• Weston Area
• Beverly Area
• Durbin Area
• Staunton Area

Mountain Parkway Byway  and  Mountain Parkway Backway  

There are two routes in northern  Webster County, West Virginia . The Mountain Parkway Byway is a scenic byway that follows West Virginia Route 20 for 9.8 miles, traversing the headwaters of several mountain streams including the  Right Fork Little Kanawha River, Jerry Run, and the Left and Laurel Forks of Holly River.  

The Mountain Parkway Backway explores the backroads in the same area, is 32 miles long, and follows stretches of the Right Fork Little Kanawha River and Left Fork Holly River for portions of its route. Some of the Backway roads are gravel.

Here are some points of interest for the Byway:

• Jerry Run Summer Theater
• Hacker Valley
• Holly River State Park

Here are some points of interest for the Backway:

• Boggs Mill Stone
• Johnson Home
• Mollohan Mill
• Hanging Rock

 Wisconsin

Wisconsin has coastlines on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior . Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin. It is known for the Milwaukee Public Museum, where there are re-created international villages. There is also a Harley-Davidson Museum, displaying classic motorcycles. There are several beer companies headquartered in Milwaukee where you will find many brewery tours.

Lower Wisconsin River Road and Wisconsin Dells Road Trip

Located on the Wisconsin River, a tributary of the  Mississippi River , the Wisconsin Dells offers scenic beauty for miles. The  Wisconsin River  is described as the hardest working river in the world. You will want to look for its unique Cambrian sandstone rock formations and tributary canyons.

The  Wisconsin River  originates in the forests of the North Woods Lake District of northern  Wisconsin , in Lac Vieux Desert near the border of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It flows south across the glacial plain of central  Wisconsin , passing through Wausau, Stevens Point, and  Wisconsin   Rapids .

The Lower Wisconsin River Road  is a designated Wisconsin scenic byway that travels 100 miles along WIS 60 following the Wisconsin River  from Lodi to Bridgeport/Prairie du Chien . From Prairie du Chien, it is about a 30-minute trip north to Wisconsin Dells .

Here are the many activities you will find along the Lower Wisconsin River and Wisconsin Dells:

• Outdoor Activities: Hiking Canoeing, Kayaking
• Street music and festivals
• Winery Tours
• Trolley Tours

Highway 33 Scenic Drive

Highway 33 is one of Wisconsin’s “Coast to Coast” routes, reaching both Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River . It is 200 miles across the state from Port Washington to La Crosse . It is also apart of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive . You can also continue your trip along the Mississippi River or Lake Michigan.

Some points of interest:

• Wildcat Mountain State Park
• Grandad Bluff
• West Bend 
• Baraboo 
• Port Washington

 Wyoming

Wyoming is broken into four regions. Wyoming is home to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The regions are meant to guide you through parts of the state that shouldn’t be missed, including national forests, state parks, mountain ranges, historical sites and more.

The most popular road trips in Wyoming are Yellowstone and Grand Teton and for good reason. We are going to combine two of them because of their popularity. But if you do not have this kind of time then you can certainly break them up.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone Road Trip

There are several scenic routes to explore on your way to arriving at  Yellowstone National Park  and  Grand Teton National Park , many of which are accessible from Rock Springs and Green River , Wyoming.

All of this will however depend on where you fly into. Many folks opt for Salt Lake City due to affordable flights and make the 8-hour trek into Wyoming .

Here are some Scenic Byways to consider using to get to Yellowstone and Grand Teton:

• Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway
• Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
• Bridger Valley Historic Byway
• The Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway

I would love to hear about your bucket list road trip ideas in the comments!

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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

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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

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Tips for Visiting all 50 US States – Travel Inspiration by Nicole Rosania

You could almost say visiting all 50 US states was destined for me. I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts into a family who always valued travel and adventure. Since a young age, my family and I have traveled a few times a year – both domestically within the US and internationally.

We went on our first overseas trip to the Caribbean before my sister and I were 10 and have continued to explore 15+ countries together since. Growing up in New England allowed me to visit 6 states at a young age. I eventually was able to cover the entire northeast fairly early on, plus visit family in other states such as Oregon, Washington, Georgia and Florida.

By the time I had reached adulthood, I had already been to more than half of the US states. When COVID hit, international travel was put on hold for the foreseeable future. This inspired me to pivot my travel plans and blog strategy to cover more of the US and it’s national parks, which eventually led to my 50 states challenge. At this point, I have visited 41/50 states!

I have done both coasts extensively, leaving me with landlocked states in the middle of the country like Arkansas, Kansas and Nebraska. A few weeks ago I visited New Orleans with some friends and day-tripped to Biloxi, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama – bringing me up to state number 41.

I don’t have any set plans right now for another state trip, but have mapped out my last two trips. One is a Route 66 road trip and my last trip would cover the Dakotas. I hope to visit all 50 states by the end of this summer!

Favorite States: Wyoming, New Hampshire & Vermont

One of the reasons why the US is one of my favorite countries in the world to travel through is because of how diverse it is. Hawaii couldn’t be more different from Montana and Montana couldn’t be more different from Alaska . Although I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing them all, I especially loved my time in the Tetons in Wyoming and exploring states like New Hampshire and Vermont during peak foliage season in Autumn.

The most underrated state I have visited has definitely been Wyoming. It has the smallest population in the US, but it offers so much. I recommend flying into Jackson Hole and spending a day or two exploring the ski town before heading out to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park . Yellowstone was the first national park in the US and it’s a real gem!

Most Difficult State to Explore – Iowa

The most difficult state to explore so far has been Iowa. I visited Iowa on a midwest road trip and drove through on my way from Madison, Wisconsin to the Twin Cities. It was hard to find a substantial town on my route to visit and cover for my following, but after research I landed on Decorah – a small Norwegian town in northeast Iowa. Iowa is also so large and barren. It’s hard to explore, especially if you don’t have a car! Lots and lots of corn.

Best Experience While Visiting all 50 US States

One of my favorite memories from my US travels was the sunrise hot air balloon ride I took with my mom in Jackson, Wyoming. We had always wanted to experience this adventure and so we booked a slot our first morning in Wyoming while the rest of our family slept in from jetlag.

Rising above the clouds over plains and plains of wild cattle and horses, as the golden sun was just beginning to peak over the Teton Range and warm the cool air, was a feeling I will never forget. We ended our hot air balloon ride with some mimosas – I couldn’t think of a better way to start the day!

How to Travel Around the United States

Traveling around the US is interesting. There are a few budget airlines like Spirit or Breeze that I will fly with into major cities to save money, although my favorite is JetBlue . I have been able to cover most of the US through road trips. Having a car enables you to see places you would normally never visit, and has made the “fly over states” much more accessible.

I have taken trains up and down the northeast before, such as the Amtrak from Boston to DC, but if I can I prefer to rent a car and drive through multiple states on a trip. I’m lucky to live in a country that offers so much!

Budgeting Strategies for Visiting all 50 US States

Since college, I have funded 99% of my travels myself. I always worked through school, especially during the summer months when I could work 2+ jobs full-time. I also love finding a good deal (who doesn’t!) and have had a lot of luck with budget airlines and flight search sites like Skyscanner.

I keep my eyes peeled for Amtrak sales and also use websites like Priceline and my AAA discount for rental cars. Most of my work is freelance digital marketing which allows me to work from wherever, which can help to top up my savings. I have appreciated working from the road and being able to fund my travels this way without having to dip into my savings.

What’s Next on the Bucket List, After Visiting all 50 US States

I hope to finish visiting all 50 US states by the end of 2022, and ideally this summer if I can. I will also graduate with my MBA this summer, so there is a lot to look forward to! I still have dozens of national parks and new cities on my bucket list that will motivate me to continue to explore the US for a longtime, but I really have my heart set on Europe right now.

I haven’t traveled internationally since March 2020, which is so strange for me considering I was visiting close to 10 countries a year for the 3 years prior. I can’t wait to visit Europe again and backpack through some new cities. I think I’m up to 38 countries now and would love to get to 50 soon!

Visiting every country in the world (all 196) is out of the question for me due to safety reasons and lack of desire to explore certain areas, but I would love to get to 100! And all 7 continents too! The last one is Antarctica .

Tips for Visiting all 50 US States

Visiting all 50 states is definitely achievable! My original goal was to do all 50 by the age of 50, and now I’m on track to see all 50 by the time I’m 24. I recommend bulking state visits into regional trips – for example, a southwest road trip that would cover Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

Or you could do a week in the beautiful Pacific Northwest covering states like Oregon and Washington. Or a fall leaf peeping trip that begins in Boston, Massachusetts and covers places like New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island and maybe even New York! By doing this, you will be able to see all 50 US states in no time.

One piece of advice I would share to anyone looking to do this is to invest in an America the Beautiful Parks pass and do research on nearby national parks in the states you visit. This pass is only $80 and is good for one year at any park in the US (an unlimited amount of times). It pays for itself almost instantly and allows you to explore the very best of the US on a budget!

BY NICOLE ROSANIA IG: @NICOLE.ROSANIA WWW.THEABROADBLOG.COM

Author:  Nicole Rosania

Nicole Rosania is a traveler and blogger who is en route to visit all 50 US states by the end of summer 2022! You can read all about her travels, both domestic and international, on her blog: www.theabroadblog.com.

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This road trip map will take you to landmarks in all 48 contiguous states

Here's the most efficient way to see America!

• Will Schuerman
• January 4, 2022

Who doesn’t love a good road trip?

One of the many great things about our country is that you can experience so many unique and amazing things by just jumping in a car.

The challenge is that with so many cool spots to visit, where do you even start?

Thankfully, writer Tracy Staedter  took on the challenge . She enlisted data expert  Randal Olson to create the ideal and most efficient road trip route across the United States. If you’re considering a road trip, don’t leave home without reading this.

The parameters were a) the trip must stop in each of the 48 contiguous states, and b) every stop must be a national landmark, historic site, national park or national monument.

Staedter came up with a list of 50 major landmarks in nearly every state. Then, Olson set to work planning the route.

“The result was an epic itinerary with a mix of inner-city exploration, must-see historical sites, and beautiful natural landscapes,” Olson wrote on his website . “All that was left was to figure out the path that would minimize our time spent driving and maximize our time spent enjoying the landmarks.”

He found the shortest route by road between every landmark, a total of 2,450 possibilities. He used some expert coding to get the job done in no time.

Next, Olson had to solve what’s known in mathematics as “the traveling salesman problem,” which describes the dilemma a fictitious salesman faces when trying to visit a certain number of cities in the shortest amount of time and for the least amount of money.

He used an algorithm to help him solve the puzzle.

“After less than a minute, the genetic algorithm reached a near-perfect solution that makes a complete trip around the U.S. in only 13,699 miles (22,046 km) of driving,” Olson wrote.

RELATED: This Map Shows The Most Popular Food In Every State

Ready to get packing? Here’s the full list of landmarks in order:

• 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 & Museum, Connecticut
• The Breakers, Rhode Island
• USS Constitution, Massachusetts
• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Mount Washington Hotel, New Hampshire
• Shelburne Farms, Vermont
• Fox Theater, Detroit, Michigan
• Spring Grove Cemetery, Ohio
• Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
• West Baden Springs Hotel, Indiana
• Abraham Lincoln’s Home, Illinois
• Gateway Arch, Missouri
• C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, Kansas
• Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, Iowa
• Taliesin, Wisconsin
• Fort Snelling, Minnesota
• Ashfall Fossil Bed, Nebraska
• Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
• Fort Union Trading Post, North Dakota
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Columbia River Highway, Oregon
• San Francisco Cable Cars, California
• San Andreas Fault, California
• Hoover Dam, Nevada

This route is a total of 13,699 miles and would take over nine days of actual drive time. Here is a full explanation of how they came up with the trip along with official Google Maps links.

We’re curious: Would you consider hitting the open road for a well-planned trip like this?

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A Guide To Traveling To All 50 States

Table of Contents

Hello The Abroad Blog readers! Today’s post is such an exciting one as it’s my official announcement of my journey to traveling to all 50 states, and the place where I’m going to document all my US travel guides! Feel free to follow along @nicole.rosania to read travel guides for every state in the form of in-feed posts. I’m also saving all of the in-feed posts to an IG guide called “50 States” and creating stories to document the highlights of every state.

As for my blog, I already have city and state guides published for most of the states I’ve been to, such as my recent Things To Do In Minneapolis guide for Minnesota. Because of this, I will not be writing brand new guides for all 50 states, as this will just be a repeat of information. Instead, I will be updating this post often with links to these guides as I write them so that all of my USA state guides are easily discoverable in one place. This will eventually be HAS BECOME one giant guide to traveling to all 50 states!

You can keep track of where I’ve been with this map:

Disclaimer: Since first publishing this post, I’ve completed my goal of visiting all 50 states (June 25, 2023)! And I did it before I turned 25! Navigate to each state below for a quick overview.

50 State Challenge: The Idea

As you can tell from this blog post and some of my more recent Instagram posts, I kicked off my 50 state challenge in May 2021. In theory, I should’ve done this back in January at the start of the new year, but 1) I didn’t think of it then and 2) COVID cases were peaking. The ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic has continuously improved in the past few months here in the US thanks to mass vaccinations, so I feel more comfortable traveling now than I did in January.

To back track even more, I thought of this idea because of COVID. If it weren’t for the international pandemic, I’d probably be typing this post from a cafe overseas somewhere. In typical Nicole fashion , I would’ve found a way to scrape together some money and make that work. However, this past year has kept me at home. At first I was upset about it (we all were), but changed my mindset and decided to use this year to explore more of my home. This began in 2020 with more frequent day trips around my home state of Massachusetts and New England , and eventually turned into this challenge: Traveling to all 50 states!

(Written May 2021:) No International Travel For Me Anytime Soon…

With international travel still on hold for the foreseeable future and domestic travel on the rise, I’m more excited than ever to explore more of the US this year. I always told myself I would travel to all 50 states by 50, but as I continue to set my focus on traveling internationally, establishing my career, and one day a family, this goal may not have been feasible. I mean… when would I ever visit Kansas? A quick PTO weekday trip? Probably not.

So, here we are. I’m only 22, with a completely remote job (in the travel industry may I add), and with an itch to explore more of the US. So, I’m taking advantage of it and seeing as much of the US as I can now! I originally told myself I would complete this challenge by the end of the year, but that’s a bit ambitious, so instead I’m just going to try and complete it before international travel makes a full recovery.

Other Travel Accounts Doing The #50StateChallenge

Lastly, I want to acknowledge some other awesome travel accounts who inspired me to turn this crazy idea into action. Some of my fav travel bloggers, Kate and Maggie at Two Sisters Abroad , are doing a similar challenge except Kate is trying to visit ALL 50 states before the end of 2021. Plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico! Crazy! My favorite YouTubers, Kara and Nate , are currently traveling the US in a van and are also trying to knock off their remaining 20 states this year.

Now you know how this crazy idea came about. Let’s hop into my guidelines.

50 State Challenge: The Guidelines

I need to preface this challenge by saying I am NOT going to be traveling to ALL 50 states this year. Or even next. Props to Kate for doing this, but that’s too much for me. I’ve also been to states like Florida and New Hampshire dozens of times and am not interested in returning at the moment. Instead, I’m going to focus on visiting all the new states I have yet to explore. As of early May 2021, I’ve been to 28/50. Thus, my challenge is to visit the 22 states I have left ASAP. No hard deadline here.

Of course I will naturally be revisiting some states throughout the course of the next year because of road trips and what not, but I’m prioritizing visiting what I have left. This way, I can successfully say that I’ve been to all 50 states and have the rest of my life to revisit those I loved the most.

I count day trips as visits, even internationally, as long as I spend a good chunk of time there. I usually do some sightseeing to ensure I cross off any major attractions, along with sampling some local food, shopping for a souvenir or two, and chatting with a local. I’m always on the move and am a firm believer that you can get to know a place in just one day.

As mentioned above, I will be documenting this journey both through travel guides on here and on Instagram, and plan on having my camera with me at all times. I also like to purchase post cards wherever I go, but other than this, I’m not setting any other “rules” for myself. I just want to feel like I made the most of my time in the destination!

50 State Challenge: The Plan

So now you know how this crazy idea came about and what the “50 state challenge” entails. At this point you may be asking yourself…  Nicole, how in the heck are you going to find the time to do this? Pay for this? Even plan for this?

Let’s break it down…

I’m Working With Partners

First, I am beyond grateful (and very excited) to share that I’ve grown my blog’s readership to a place where I can work with partners. This means I’ve been working with hotels, tour companies, tourism boards, and more to produce sponsored content (both on here and Instagram) in exchange for a comped stay, meal, tour, or wait for it… money!

This has always been a dream of mine and I’m so happy it’s finally coming to fruition. I’ve worked really hard this year to boost my blog’s SEO, Pinterest strategy , and even Instagram content to grow my following organically, and it’s working!

So, I’m thrilled to share that I will be working with several hotels and tourism boards in the next few months as I work my way across the US. There’s a mutual benefit to doing this as I get to fund my trip and further develop my Media Kit, and smaller companies in the travel industry get promotion! Obviously flights, rental cars, gas, etc. are funded on my own, but these partnerships make my constant travel sustainable.

My Job Is Entirely Remote

In terms of time, as I mentioned previously, my job is entirely remote. Even without the pandemic…there’s no office. This allows me to be a full-time digital nomad and work from wherever! I will definitely be taking full advantage of this in the coming weeks as I work remotely from national parks out west-  without having to take PTO or squeeze trips into the weekends.

Planning Regional Trips

Lastly, logistically, this challenge is a bit hard to complete without road tripping or #vanlife. I’m going to instead accomplish this goal by planning a handful of region-focused trips. For example, a s outhwest road trip , a midwest road trip covering 6 states from Michigan to Minnesota, etc. This way I won’t be on the road 24/7 when traveling to all 50 states.

50 State Challenge: The States

Now that you have some background on the challenge, here’s a list of every state in the US that I’ve been to so far with links to all my guides! I’ve updated this as I’ve visited all 50 states.

PS. These are listed in the order I visited them, although most of them happen to be in geographical order. I’ve been featuring the states in this order on Instagram as well, not alphabetically.

1. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is my home state and therefore the first state I ever visited! From summers in Cape Cod to Octobers spent in Salem to guiding tours around Boston, I’ve seen it all. Here are my travel guides for the Bay State…

• How To Spend A Weekend In Boston
• 5 Places To Visit During The Holidays In New England
• Introducing The Freedom Trail History & Photo Tour
• How To Spend A Spooky Day In Salem, MA
• Walking The Freedom Trail In Boston
• Ultimate 11 Day USA Road Trip Itinerary
• The Ultimate New England Bucket List
• 15 Most Instagrammable Places In Boston
• 25 Things To Do In Boston (and Beyond!) During The Summer

2. New Hampshire

Known for its mountain ranges, leaf peeping and downhill skiing, here are some highlights for the Granite State…

• 10 Ski Resorts In New England You Need To Visit
• Why You Need To Stay In A Getaway House
• Best Places To Leaf Peep In New England & Beyond

This state is more than just maple syrup, wooden bridges, and ski resorts. Add these VT classics to your Green Mountain State bucket list…

• How To Spend A Winter Weekend In Stowe, Vermont

Maine, also known as the Pine Tree State, is the most northeastern state in the US. It’s also the largest in New England – taking up more than 1/2 the area! Famous for its rocky coastline, lobster, lighthouses, blueberries, and the end of the Appalachian Trail, here are my guides for Maine…

• How To Spend A Weekend In Acadia National Park

5. Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US, but don’t miss it! From its lively capital city to its college towns and beautiful New England coastline, there’s a ton to do in the Ocean State…

• What To See In Washington DC, NYC, & More

6. Connecticut

The last state I visited in New England quickly turned into my second home when I chose to attend Fairfield University for college! Connecticut is home to quaint coastal towns, the Long Island Sound, & my alma mater! Here’s what you should check out in the Constitution State…

• The Ultimate 11 Day USA Road Trip Itinerary
• Ultimate New England Bucket List
• The Ultimate Fairfield, CT Restaurant Guide

7. New York

New York is so much more than just NYC! Be sure to check out the Hamptons, Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, and Niagara Falls when visiting the Empire State. Here are some more ideas for your next trip…

• 15 Best Things To Do In NYC Year-Round
• The Ultimate New York City Holiday Guide

8. New Jersey

Located right across the Hudson, the Garden State is home to the world’s largest boardwalk, well-known beaches on the infamous Jersey Shore, the Miss America pageant, and so much more…

9. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the most historical states in the USA as this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. More importantly, it’s also home to the Philly cheesesteak! The Keystone State is one of the largest states in the northeast, so there’s a lot to see including Philadelphia, Lancaster, Gettysburg, and Pittsburgh…

• How To Spend 12 Hours In Philadelphia, PA & Wilmington, DE

10. Delaware

Welcome to the first state in the USA! I’ve crossed through Delaware a few times on road trips and really only visited for the first time this spring. This small state is often overlooked, but here are some fun highlights for the First State…

11. Maryland (& Washington D.C.)

The Old Line State, also nicknamed the Free State, is known for its fresh crab and major cities – including the capital Annapolis, Baltimore, and nearby Washington D.C…

12. Virginia

I first visited Virginia on a day trip from DC years ago, and have since been back multiple times. At this point, I’ve covered most of the state! Aside from the Arlington/Alexandria area, I recommend exploring Richmond, Norfolk, Appalachia, and the Historic Triangle when visiting the Old Dominion State…

• Things To Do In Williamsburg, Virginia (Plus Yorktown and Jamestown)

13. North Carolina

The Old North State was my first state visited in the southeast. NC has it all – foliage and mountains in the west, beautiful beaches along the eastern coast (where my Outer Banks fans at?!), major cities, and ideal weather year-round. My recommendations for your next visit include: Outer Banks, Raleigh / Durham, Charlotte, Asheville, and Wilmington! Here’s your go-to weekend guide for Charlotte…

• One Weekend In Charlotte
• Visiting The Biltmore Estate

14. South Carolina

My new home! South Carolina is known for its coastal charm, tropical climate, and of course – Charleston! Here are some highlights of the Palmetto State for your next trip…

• The Perfect 3 Day Charleston Itinerary
• Things To Do Around Hilton Head Beach
• Best Places To Eat In Charleston, SC
• Best Rooftop Bars In Charleston
• Best Coffee Shops + Cafes In Charleston, SC

15. Georgia

Welcome to state #15/50 aka the Peach State! Georgia is known for its metropolitan capital city, golden isles on the coast, SEC football, and of course – its peaches (you probably already knew this thanks to Justin Bieber!). I’ve been to Georgia a handful of times now to visit family and explore…

• How To Spend 2 Days In Savannah, Georgia
• How To Spend A Weekend In Georgia: Atlanta & Mystic Falls
• What To See In Saint Simon’s Island, Georgia
• The Ultimate Guide To A Girls Weekend in Savannah, GA

16. Florida

The last state I visited on the east coast was the Sunshine State! Florida is known as the “Beast of the Southeast”, meaning that there’s SO much to do here. Check out my guides below to read about some major highlights from past trips…

• Ultimate Guide To A 5 Day Florida Keys Road Trip
• Highway 30A Florida Road Trip
• Weekend In Sarasota

17. Washington

Welcome to Washington, the only state ever named after a president! Washington or the Evergreen State, is the gem of the Pacific Northwest, packed with beautiful coastline, national parks, skiing, and rainy cities. I first visited WA in 2008, before I knew anything about travel blogging, and was grateful to visit again last September. Here’s your WA bucket list…

• The Perfect Itinerary For A Week In The PNW

Welcome to the Beaver State! The *other* gem of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon is known for its Columbia River, the deepest lake in the US, cheesy vampire movies, and the eclectic city of Portland…

The 19th state I visited in the US was Alaska in August 2013 on a Royal Caribbean family cruise! A cruise is the BEST way to explore the Last Frontier State. Recommended ports include: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park! You can read a complete guide here:

• Alaska Cruising Guide

20.  Wyoming

Ah, the Wild Wild West! A visit to the least populated state in the US needs to be on EVERYONE’S bucket list. This trip was one of my favorite family vacations EVER! Here’s some ideas for the Equality State: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Tetons National Park.

• A Week In Wyoming: Yellowstone 3 Day Itinerary

The 21st state I visited was an absolute dream — Hawaii! My family and I visited the island of Kauai and the Big Island in June 2016, and embraced the ~aloha lifestyle~ by diving, swimming in waterfalls, dancing at a luau, & more. I hope to go back and visit Maui and Oahu, but I have great memories of the Aloha State from our trip!

• Kauai, Hawaii Itinerary

22. California

The most populous state in the US is home to iconic cities plus 9 national parks. A road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway has been on my list for YEARS, but I’ve been lucky to visit Cali a few times already. I even lived in the Golden State for a summer in college working for EF Education First! This allowed me (+50 international teens) to travel around daily. Hop off the plane at LAX and follow these guides…

• The Best 3 Day Los Angeles City Guide
• Why You Need To Do A Malibu Wine Safari

23.  Colorado

I’ve only been to Colorado once and hope to go back a dozen more times to ski & hike. My Dad and I flew into Denver and skied at Vail during my spring break in 2017. My bucket list for the Centennial State still includes Breckenridge, Aspen, Denver, and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can read all about skiing in Colorado in this blog post:

• A Beginner’s Guide To Skiing Vail, Colorado

24. Tennessee

Tennessee, or the Volunteer State, is known for its country music, Elvis, whiskey, and hot chicken!!! I’ve explored this state 3x now and already can’t wait to go back. My recs…

• How To Spend A Long Weekend In Nashville
• Unique Things To Do In Nashville

25. West Virginia

Country roads take me home! Unless you go to school here or live near Pittsburgh, it’s easy to skip over this one. However, my day trip here in August 2020 blew me away! Here’s my recommendations for the Mountain State: Harpers Ferry, Charleston, and New River Gorge National Park.

26. Kentucky

Known for the Bourbon Trail, its fried chicken, and one of the most famous horse races in the world, Kentucky has so much to offer! I visited for the first time during a road trip in summer 2020 and loved Louisville. Here are my recs for the Bluegrass State:

27. Indiana

I’ve driven through the Hoosier State 2x now on road trips! This quintessential Midwest state is home to one of the US’s newest (and smallest) national parks, the Indy 500, big time colleges, and more…

• Indiana Dunes Beaches You Should Visit

Known for its corn, amusement parks, football, and its 3 major cities, the Buckeye State shouldn’t be overlooked when visiting all 50 states. I crossed through the entire state on a road trip during summer 2020. Here are some highlights for YOU!

29. Michigan

This time last year I kicked off my #50stateschallenge and did a big Midwest road trip to cross a few new states off my list! My first stop was Michigan — I flew into Grand Rapids and stopped in Holland for the famous Tulip Time festival before continuing on through Indiana to Chicago. Here are a few recs for the Great Lakes state…

• Complete Guide To Visiting Grand Rapids & Holland, Michigan

30. Illinois

Welcome to Illinois! My 30th state and the Prairie State, named after all of its prairie grass. I visited Illinois for the first time last May and can’t wait to explore more of it. Highlights include the capital Springfield and of course, Chicago — the crown jewel of Illinois! Known as the Windy City, this city lies right on the edge of Lake Michigan and is super fun in the summer months.

• How To Spend 3 Days In Chicago

31. Wisconsin

I was in Wiscooooo aka the Badger State last May and was able to visit both Milwaukee and Madison. Aside from its cheese, Wisconsin is also known for its craft beer scene and sports. Keep reading for YOUR tips:

• What To Do In Milwaukee & Madison, Wisconsin

IO-WOW!!! The Hawkeye State was the 32nd state I visited & I was so pleasantly surprised. I drove through the northeast corner of the state on the way from Madison, WI to the Twin Cities and loved the scenery. I’m not sure what will ever bring me back here, or what would bring you, but to stay consistent with my guides for #all50states , here’s Iowa for ya.

• Fun Things To Do In Decorah, Iowa

33. Minnesota

Welcome to Minnesota, also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. This was the last state I visited on my Midwest road trip last summer and has sooo much to offer! Here you’ll find the Twin Cities, which are actually 2 separate cities located 15 minutes from each other. Here’s your tips:

• Things To Do In Minneapolis and St. Paul

34. Montana

The Treasure State, also known as Big Sky Country after this state’s famous mountain is one of my favs of all 50 states. It’s HUGE (look at a map) & has so much to do year-round. I crashed my friend’s cross country road trip last June and LOVED my time here! Keep reading for tips for a few cities and Montana’s crown jewel, Glacier National Park:

• Bozeman, Montana Travel Guide

Idaho is known as the Gem State after the abundance of gems found here, along with its potatoes. I visited here on a road trip from Montana to WA & only had a day. Idaho is big — it’s larger than all of New England combined, so there’s a ton to see / do. I’d love to come back here to ski one day!

• Things To Do In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho For A Day

Last summer, my sister and I road-tripped for 12 days across Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. We started in Vegas & ended in Phoenix — full itinerary linked down below. Nevada blew me away. The state was named after the mountain range “Sierra Nevada” and is known as the Silver State, although it’s actually the largest gold-producing state in the US. Here’s my recs for you:

• The Ultimate Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to the Beehive State! I visited Utah last summer on a southwest road trip & spent multiple days exploring all the beauty this state has to offer. Utah is known for its epic skiing in the north and red rock national parks in the south. Here’s what you need to know before you go…

38. Arizona

AZ was the final state visited on my southwest road trip and is one I hope to go back to several more times! The Grand Canyon State is known for well… the Grand Canyon, along with its hot & dry desert climate, red rocks, saguaro cacti, and Navajo land. Here’s your guide:

39. Louisiana

This past January I crossed a major item off my bucket list of visiting all 50 states and did a weekend girls trip to New Orleans! Although there’s so much to see in the Pelican State, I mainly spent my time in LA exploring the Big Easy. Here’s my recs for your upcoming trip + a few Louisiana state highlights…

• Top Things To Do In New Orleans

40. Mississippi

We’ve made it to the 40s!!!! The Mississippi River is well known for its river cruises, Civil War history, and iconic city stops. Mississippi’s Gulf Coast shouldn’t be overlooked and is easily drivable from New Orleans! I visited a few cities in the Magnolia State earlier this year on a southeast road trip, including Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport. Other popular cities include Jackson, Vicksburg, and Oxford, where Ole Miss is located.

• Fun Things To Do In Biloxi, Mississippi

41. Alabama

Sweeeeet home Alabamaaa! I crossed over the AL border earlier this year on a southeast weekend trip and loved what I saw! The Yellowhammer State is known for its Southern hospitality, Civil Rights movement, SEC football, & is called the “Heart of Dixie”. Be sure to visit Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham, or Huntsville during your time here.

• 10+ Things To Do In Mobile, Alabama

42. Oklahoma

During my time in the Sooner State, I partnered with Visit OKC to visit the arts district, Bricktown, and the Myriad botanical gardens. Also be sure to see Tulsa and the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo along historic Route 66 in Claremore, OK. Click the blog post below to read all about my journey through Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

• Oklahoma Travel Guide

43. Arkansas

Over Memorial Day weekend of last year I drove from Oklahoma through Arkansas to check off some more of all 50 states. Arkansas is famous for its natural scenic beauty, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, and is known as the Natural State. Arkansas has lots of hot springs and hikes, but I just saw the northwest corner when I visited. Here are some suggestions for your road trip: Bentonville, Fayetteville, Little Rock, and exploring the Ozarks.

• Best Things To Do In Bentonville, Arkansas

Incoming: A guide for a state I never thought I’d visit… Kansas! Kansas is one of the classic “fly over states” in the middle of the US, but also is a common drive through state on cross-country road trips. Here’s some info for the Sunflower State, if you ever find yourself here: Topeka is the capital of Kansas, Wichita is the largest city, and Kansas City splits the states of Kansas and Missouri, although the best BBQ can be found on the Kansas side. You can read more about this state here:

• Road Tripping From Kansas City To Saint Louis

45. Missouri

Missouri was final state I drove through last May on my Quad State road trip. The Show Me State is known for its BBQ, iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, strong agricultural industry, & the Ozarks. There are a few stories that explain how Missouri got its nickname, with the most popular dating back to 1897 when a train conductor demanded “you’ve got to show me” to passengers who claimed to have free passes. This slogan is now on most Missouri license plates!

We’re getting really close to covering all 50 states! The Lone Star State is the 2nd largest state in the US and has several major cities. I’ve been to a few of them this past year as part of my journey to all 50 states. Major cities include: Austin, the capital of Texas known for its SOCO (South Congress) neighborhood, Lady Bird / Lake Travis area, and Rainey Street. Dallas has the paved Katy Trail and Dallas Cowboys. Did you know Fort Worth is a separate city from Dallas? Fort Worth is smaller & is more traditional “Texas”. See Sundance Square and head to the Stockyards for some quintessential Texas fun.

• Best Itinerary For A Weekend Trip To Austin, Texas

47. New Mexico

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment State and after a full week of exploring Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos, I now know why. This area is famous for Taos ski resort and the Taos Pueblo, White Sands national park, its native culture, and arts scene in downtown Santa Fe, especially along the galleries of Canyon Road. Check out this state guide:

• 6 Day New Mexico Itinerary: Albuquerque, Sante Fe, & Taos

48. South Dakota

I just road-tripped through South Dakota to cross off state #48 and was seriously BLOWN AWAY by how much there is to do around Rapid City. I don’t know anywhere else in the US that has national parks, hiking, wildlife, family activities, a city, AND history! Here’s my recs for your future trip to the Mount Rushmore state:

• 20 Things To Do In Rapid City, South Dakota

49. Nebraska

While I was in the Dakotas last week with my Dad, we drove 1.5 hours south from Rapid City to cross Nebraska off the list. We only spent the day here, but it was a nice way to see #49 ! If you’re trying to visit #all50states , you need to be strategic about trips and plan to cross a few states off by region. If you still need to see the Cornhusker State, hit up Chadron and follow this itinerary:

• Visiting Northwest Nebraska

50. North Dakota

After 2 years of traveling to all 50 states (plus DC + Puerto Rico!), and sharing a detailed guide to them all on socials / my blog, we’ve made it to #50 /50 — the Flickertail State! A few years ago I read about the Best For Last Club online and knew when I finished all 50 states, I’d save ND for last. Fast forward a few years and here we are… in Fargo, ND — not only becoming a member of the club, but partnering with the tourism board during my visit. Here’s my recs for Fargo & beyond:

• Places To Go In North Dakota: Fargo, Bismarck, & More

And that brings us to the very end! I first published this post when I kicked off this challenge in May 2021 and am thrilled to be wrapping it up, a little over 2 years later — in July 2023 after visiting all 50 states. I hope this post directs you to any travel guide you need for visiting the US and inspires you to visit as many as you can. As for my next adventure? Stay tuned!

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The perfect study abroad packing list, how to visit 10+ countries while studying abroad in europe, everything to know about interning abroad with global experiences, my first blog post: welcome to my world, 26 comments.

Wow! This is so awesome and so ambitious! Looking forward to your adventures as you travel to all 50 U.S. states. Good luck and safe travels!

Such an awesome challenge! I would love to do this as well but can’t wait to read up on your experience! My dad has traveled to all 50 states but he cheated — he’s a pilot xD

So fun! Have a great time. We have been doing the same but over the years 🙂

What an exciting challenge! I’d love to visit all 50 states! Although living in the UK, this one might take me quite some time to complete! I can’t wait to follow your journey! Thanks for sharing it with us!

I have always wanted to do this! We’re from MI so it’s hard to road trip east coast/west coast. So we typically have to fly. Good luck and have all the fun on your trip!

I love this! We have always focused on international travel but are sticking to The States for a few months this summer and all when we get back from Costa Rica. This is so helpful for some ideas for where we are going. I am definitely taking notes and will bookmark this for reference. Thanks for putting this together! What an amazing adventure!

What a helpful guide! It is actually my mission to see all 50 states at some point. I don’t think I will complete them all this year, but I’m at 33 right now and hope to see all 50 within the next 2-3 years. 🙂

What an incredible idea. I really would love to do something like this too. I’ve made it to 10 so far, which considering I’m not American I think is pretty good. But there are so many great states out there to visit. Looking forward to following your journey and getting some good ideas for what to do when visiting some of these beautiful states

What a fun idea! Good luck with your challenge!

This is so great! I am so happy that you’re living the life you always wanted and can now support your travels with some kickass partnerships. Wish you all the best for your challenge 🙂

Thank you so much! It is a bit crazy, but I’m super excited about it!

Thanks for following along! Good for your dad!

That’s so cool! How many do you have left?

Thanks for following along Hannah! I hope you complete your goal one day!!!

Thanks Chelsea! Michigan is a bit isolated, but I did a great midwest road trip that started in Michigan in May. I worked my way down to Indiana Dunes, to Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, through Iowa, and up to MSP!

Thank you so much for your kind note! I also have always been focused on international travel but am so excited to explore more of the US this year! I hope my posts help you to plan some trips of your own 🙂

That sounds like a wonderful goal! No need to rush it! You’ll definitely get there sooner than later with less than 20 left.

For not being American, this is amazing Emma! I’m assuming some of your 10 include NY and CA? These are always the most popular for tourists! Thanks so much for following along!

Thanks Denise!

Aw this is so sweet, thank you so much for your kind words!

Thanks a ton for sharing these amazing and quality safety tips! Your post is guiding us through the must-knows for a safe adventure. I love how you make things simple, highlighting the prep and being aware of our surroundings – things we might forget in the excitement!

such a challenging and full adventure guide, Have covered 35 states hoping for 50 in the next few years.

You got this!!! Not too many left 🙂

So glad you enjoyed my guide to all 50 states! Thanks for reading 🙂

Fantastic!! I work from home also and wife retiring soon. I am looking to traveling to all 50 states, too 😊

Awesome! I hope you do, and I hope all these guides help!

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Where I’ve Been In The World

Where I’ve Been In The USA

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7497 State Route 5,  Ravenna, OH 44266

Single Family

Candace Neff

eXp Realty, LLC.

866-212-4991

Last updated:

July 9, 2024, 07:54 PM

About This Home

Welcome to your private Oasis! This home on nearly 8 acres features 3 beds, 3.5 baths, and potential for a 4th bedroom. Enjoy refinished Hardrock Maple Floors, updated Glazed Maple Kitchen Cabinets, a remodeled living room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace, a Primary bedroom addition with an updated en-suite bath and walk-in closet, an updated guest bath with Jacuzzi tub, and a finished basement. The home boasts new double pane windows, new furnace, new siding, and new wood doors. Outside, find beautiful landscaping, a paver patio around an In-Ground Pool, Outdoor Kitchen, covered sitting area, dining space, covered porch, and attached garage access. Storage includes a large garage/barn, canvas outbuilding, and storage shed. This home is ready for its new owners to love and enjoy!

Built in 1955

Price Summary

$213 per Sq. Ft.

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1,870 Sq. Ft.

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Tour de France 2024 Livestream: How to Watch Every Stage Online, Full Schedule and More

The 2024 Tour de France, the biggest event in cycling, is happening now. Here's how to watch at home.

The 111th Tour de France is officially underway. After today's rest day, hundreds of professional cyclists return for the Tour's second week. The race got started in Italy this year, but the riders are now cycling through France. There are 21 stages of the race spread across 23 days, but you don't need to be in Europe to catch the action because the competition is streaming live on Peacock .

Watch Tour de France on Peacock

One of this year's top contenders to win the Tour de France is Danish rider, Jonas Vingegaard, who won the 2023 Tour de France. Ranked after Vingegaard are Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and Adam Yates of Britain who both are on the UAE Team Emirates. In general rankings, the top contender from the United States — ranked #12 overall — is Sepp Kuss from Colorado. 

Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the 2024 Tour de France, including the full route, schedule and best livestream option .

How to Watch the 2024 Tour de France Without Cable

Select stages of the 2024 Tour de France will air on NBC, but for all the Tour de France action, including every stage of the race, you'll find that streaming live on NBC's platform, Peacock . This also includes the races being broadcast on NBC. 

Peacock subscriptions start at just $5.99 a month. In addition to the complete Tour de France, Peacock gives subscribers access to other live sporting events, plus news, exclusive TV shows, hit movies and more. If you have a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus plan, you can stream the 2024 Summer Olympics , as well as many of the PGA tournaments .

Watch the Tour de France on Peacock

Don't miss the best athletes around the globe compete during the prestigious Tour de France. Sign up for Peacock to catch the action.

Plans starting at $6/month

When is the 2024 Tour de France?

The 2024 Tour de France begins on Saturday, June 29 in Florence, Italy and finishes on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Nice, France. Due to the Summer Olympics , this is the first time the race will not end in Paris.

What channel is the 2024 Tour de France on?

Select stages of the race will air on NBC. However, the entirety of the Tour de France will stream live on Peacock.

2024 Tour de France Schedule

Below, you'll find the route schedule, stage schedule and broadcast schedule for the 2024 Tour de France.

All times in Eastern.

Saturday, June 29 - Stage 1 Race Start: 6:30 a.m. Locations: Florence to Rimini Distance: 206 KM Watch on: Peacock

Sunday, June 30 - Stage 2 Race Start: 6:05 a.m. Locations: Cesenatico to Bologne Distance:  199.2 KM Watch on: Peacock

Monday, July 1 - Stage 3 Race Start: 6:50 a.m. Locations: Plaisance to Turin Distance: 230.8 KM Watch on: Peacock

Tuesday, July 2 - Stage 4 Race Start:  7:00 a.m. Locations:  Pinerolo to Valloire Distance:  139.6 KM Watch on: Peacock

Wednesday, July 3 - Stage 5 Race Start: 6:55 a.m. Locations:  Saint Jean de Maurienne to Saint Vulbas Distance:  177.4 KM Watch on: Peacock

Thursday, July 4 - Stage 6 Race Start:  7:00 a.m. Locations:  Mâcon to Dijon Distance:  163.5 KM Watch on: Peacock

Friday, July 5 - Stage 7 Race Start:  7:10 a.m. Locations:  Nuits Saint Georges to Gevrey Chambertin Distance:  25.3 KM Watch on: Peacock

Saturday, July 6 - Stage 8 Race Start:  6:00 a.m. on Peacock, 8:00 a.m. on NBC Locations: Semur en Auxois to Colombey Les Deux Églises Distance:  183.4 KM Watch on: Peacock, NBC

Sunday, July 7 - Stage 9 Race Start:  7:05 a.m. Locations:  Troyes to Troyes Distance:  199 KM  Watch on: Peacock

Monday, July 8 - Rest Day

Tuesday, July 9 - Stage 10 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Orléans to Saint Amand Montrond Distance:  187.3 KM Watch on: Peacock

Wednesday, July 10 - Stage 11 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Évaux les Bains to Le Lioran Distance:  211 KM Watch on: Peacock

Thursday, July 11 - Stage 12 Race Start:  6:55 a.m. Locations:  Aurillac to Villeneuve Sur Lot Distance:  203.6 KM Watch on: Peacock

Friday, July 12 - Stage 13 Race Start:  7:30 a.m. Locations:  Agen to Pau Distance:  165.3 KM Watch on: Peacock

Saturday, July 13 - Stage 14 Race Start: 6:30 a.m. on Peacock, 8:00 a.m. on NBC Locations:  Pau to Saint Lary Soulan Pla D'Adet Distance:  151.9 KM Watch on: Peacock, NBC

Sunday, July 14 - Stage 15 Race Start: 6:55 a.m. Locations:  Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille Distance:  197.7 KM Watch on: Peacock

Monday, July 15 - Rest Day

Tuesday, July 16 - Stage 16 Race Start: 6:50 a.m. Locations: Gruissan to Nîmes Distance:  188.6 KM Watch on: Peacock

Wednesday, July 17 - Stage 17 Race Start: 6:05 a.m. Locations:  Saint Paul Trois Châteaux to Superdévoluy Distance:  177.8 KM Watch on: Peacock

Thursday, July 18 - Stage 18 Race Start: 6:55 a.m. Locations:  Gap to Barcelonnette Distance:  179.5 KM Watch on: Peacock

Friday, July 19 - Stage 19 Race Start:  7:05 a.m. Locations:  Embrun to Isola 2000 Distance:  144.6 KM Watch on: Peacock

Saturday, July 20 - Stage 20 Race Start:  7:35 a.m. on Peacock, 4:00 p.m. on NBC Locations: Nice to Col de la Couillole  Distance:  132.8 KM Watch on: Peacock, Replay on NBC

Sunday, July 21 - Stage 21 Race Start: 10:10 a.m. Locations:  Monaco to Nice Distance:  33.7 KM Watch on: Peacock

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Èlektrostal'

Urban District in Moscow Oblast

Urban District

The population development of Èlektrostal'.

Contents: Urban and Rural Places

The population development of the urban and rural places in Èlektrostal'.

Source: Federal State Statistics Service Russia (web), pop-stat.mashke.org.

England Euro 2024 victory plans revealed with bus parade and meeting with King Charles

Plans are being put in place should England return from the Euros as European champions with an open top bus parade and a Buckingham Palace visit both on the agenda

• 12:46, 11 Jul 2024
• Updated 13:05, 11 Jul 2024

The England team are set to head to Buckingham Palace as part of a victory parade - if they win Euro 2024.

The Three Lions booked themselves a spot in the final by beating the Netherlands on Wednesday night and plans are being put in place should Gareth Southgate lead the team to a first ever Euros success.

The squad are set to be honoured by the King and the Royal Family if they do see off Spain in the final. A massive open-top bus parade would take the team from Guildhall in the City of London to the palace whilst also making a stop at Trafalgar Square on Tuesday. It is estimated that a first tournament success since 1966 could see a million fans line the streets.

Prince William , the president of the FA, is likely to lead a royal reception on Monday with the Prince of Wales enjoying some of England's games as a fan out in Germany. The squad are also expected to make the trip to Downing Street to meet the new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer , an Arsenal fan, who himself is set to attend the final in Berlin's Olympiastadion.

Tuesday will be a public celebration with the nation preparing for a second Euros final in three years following the near miss at Wembley in 2021. There will be no parade if Spain do end the country's hopes however, but the FA knew they had to plan for the possibility of victory and have liaised with the likes of the Metropolitan Police, London Councils and the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan .

A victory event, featuring the royal family, would be similar to the one that came after the England rugby team won the World Cup in 2003, when they went to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen. They also had an open top bus parade that saw them head to Trafalgar Square. The last time London hosted a victory parade was in 2012, to recognise the achievements of Team GB at the Olympics.

The Euros, win or lose, has long been tipped to be Southgate's final tournament with the England boss approaching eight years in the role. He's faced criticism earlier in the Euros but, once again, has the nation believing as he responded to some of the tough words he's read and hard.

"We all want to be loved, right?" he said. "When you are doing something for your country and you are a proud Englishman, when all you read is criticism… it is hard. To be able to celebrate a second final is very, very special.

"We have given people some amazing nights, some of the best nights in 50 years."

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The Illinois Lottery’s 50th Anniversary Retail tour stops in Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - To mark 50 years, the Illinois Lottery makes a stop in the Forest City.

The celebration took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 10 at the Stop N Shop, 2501 N. Huffman Boulevard and included games and prizes.

“The Illinois Lottery started our journey back in July of 1974 and was the first state to air a drawing live on television,” said Harold Mays, Illinois Lottery Director. “When we look back on all these years, there is so much nostalgia, excitement, and history to be proud of. Our rich history is what made the Illinois Lottery what it is today, and we continue to strive to make a difference in local communities across the state of Illinois.

To commemorate 50 years of playing, the Illinois Lottery announces new promotions, sweepstakes and events including:

• Celebration 2nd Chance: Enter for a chance to be one of fifty $500 weekly winners. Final prizes include five $50,000 winners and one $500,000 winner.
• Get in the Groove Sweepstakes: Enter for a chance to win Instant Tickets and up to a $500 gift card.

For the official rules and more information, visit their website.

Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.

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Road construction worker hit by car in Marengo, reports say

Freeport woman dies in police custody, state police investigates

Suspect in Ogle Co. shooting pleads not guilty

Rockford police report 184 citations during stepped-up traffic safety patrols

Latest news.

Belvidere facility to receive $334M+ for electric vehicle production

Stateline healthcare organizations prep for community health fair

Freeport man charged for burglary of 2 cars

Bell School Road construction enters 2nd phase

Scattered showers this morning, improvement this afternoon/tomorrow

Aaron's Thursday Morning Forecast--7/11/24

Barbershop Project to launch community mental health discussion

Hit or miss storms possible on otherwise pleasant Thursday

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Yury Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre (Zvezdny Gorodok - Star Town) (7 hours)

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The Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center is a Russian training facility responsible for training cosmonauts for their space missions. It is in Star City of Moscow Oblast, a name which may refer to the facility itself or to its grounds. (Read more about Yury Gagarin Cosmonauts training center )

The secret Star City was built to train Soviet cosmonauts, including Yuri Gagarin, the 1st man in space. Many other famous Russian cosmonauts trained here with Gagarin: German Titov, Valentina Tereshkova, the first female cosmonaut, and Alexei Leonov, the first cosmonaut to exit the spaceship into space . The best facilities were built for them: the world’s largest centrifuge and hydro laboratory. Many cosmonauts from other countries (USA, Japan, Germany and many others) also have trained here together with Soviet Russian cosmonauts. On this Star (Space) City Tour you will see:

• Models of Soyuz Soviet spacecraft 
• World's largest centrifuge with an 18-meter radius 
• Hydro laboratory, with the model of the International Space Station in water, which allows to simulate the weightlessness and many more

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• Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
• Roundtrip transportation to and from your central hotel (Comfortable car/minivan with A/C)
• Fully private tour to ensure a personalized experience
• Entrance fee to Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre (territory)
• Entrance fee to Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre Museum
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Food  / Drinks
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• Gratuities to guide/driver (optional)

The tour price already includes all the taxes & fees, you will not see any of them later during the checkout.

Adult pricing applies to all travelers

IMPORTANT! To book the tours please provide us with the copy of your passport (scan of page with photo) and the following information (for all the travellers):

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This information is required to get access to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, as per their security policy.

If it took Gagarin 1 year to get prepared, now it takes 7 years to become a cosmonaut, and 50 days to pass  security  check for foreign visitors.

Due to the security policy of the Centre, the guided tours are to be arranged in 50 days before the tour date. Last-minute arrangements are not available. 

Departure: from your Moscow hotel

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Sights included in program

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Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get 5% discount and get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis. In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

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