american family road trip blog

Road Tripping in the USA | The Ultimate Family Road Trip Ideas

As a family travel expert and a dedicated road trip enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share with you the best USA family road trip ideas that promise fun, excitement, and quality time together. Buckle up and get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime with your loved ones!

Are you ready to transform your family’s next vacation into a thrilling adventure filled with unforgettable moments? Family road trips are more than just vacations; they’re opportunities to bond, explore, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

In order to tick of these Top American Family Road Trips, and enjoy a once in a lifetime family road tripping in America experience, you need to rent a self drive car, and we recommend you to book your Rental Self Drive Car in Texas on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com

1. The Classic American Road Trip

2. disney magic on the road, 3. national park adventure, 4. coastal charms, 5. the wild west adventure, 6. southern comfort, 7. the great lakes getaway, 8. rocky mountain adventure, 9. island hopping in hawaii, 10. new england discovery, 10 best family road trip ideas in the usa.

Start: Anywhere, USA

End: Your Dream Destination

Total Distance Covered: Varies

The classic American road trip is the stuff of legends, offering your family the freedom to shape your adventure. Chart your own course, create your playlist, and hit the open road. Explore iconic landmarks, discover hidden gems, and craft an itinerary that caters to your family’s interests. From Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, which are some of the Best Road Trips in the World , this adventure is a canvas for your imagination. The open road invites you to make spontaneous stops, share laughter, and revel in the joy of being together.

Start: Your Hometown

End: Orlando, Florida

If your family is enchanted by Disney, then imagine a road trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando . Along the way, you’ll explore thrilling attractions, visit captivating theme parks, and create enchanting memories. These 10 Disney World Tips and Hacks , will further enhance your epic family vacation in Disney World. And why stop at Disney World? Extend the magic by visiting Disneyland in California or Disney resorts in Hawaii for an all-encompassing Disney experience that your family will treasure forever.

Start: Your Choice of National Park

End: Your Choice of National Park

America’s National Parks offer the ultimate playground for family road trips. Whether you’re marvelling at the geysers of Yellowstone , uncovering the ancient history of Mesa Verde , or gazing in awe at the majesty of the Grand Canyon , these treasured landscapes are a living classroom for your family. Hike scenic trails, camp under the starry skies, and dive into the heart of nature while discovering the heritage and beauty of our great nation.

Start: San Francisco, California

End: San Diego, California

Total Distance Covered: Approximately 500 miles

A road trip along California’s captivating coast is nothing short of breathtaking. Savour scenic drives along the iconic Highway 1 , explore charming seaside towns such as Monterey and Santa Barbara , and visit landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and San Diego’s world-renowned zoo. This road trip marries the beauty of nature with family-friendly destinations, promising your family a stunning journey.

Start: Denver, Colorado

End: Rapid City, South Dakota

Total Distance Covered: Approximately 350 miles

Transport your family back to the days of the Wild West on this incredible road trip through the heart of the Rockies. Discover national parks like Rocky Mountain and Badlands, step into the historic town of Deadwood , and gaze upon the grandeur of Mount Rushmore . Exciting outdoor activities, from hiking to wildlife watching, await your family in this thrilling journey through the Old West.

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to different parts of USA to tick off these Best Family Road Trips in America – 

• Book your Rental Car in USA on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best USA Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book your Accommodation in America on Agoda or Booking.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to anywhere in the USA, to enjoy premium Airport Lounge Access.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free road trip vacation in the United States.

Start: New Orleans, Louisiana

End: Destin, Florida

Total Distance Covered: Approximately 250 miles

Delight in the warmth of the American South with a family road trip along the Gulf Coast . Immerse yourself in the rich culture of New Orleans , unwind on the pristine beaches of Alabama , and savour the fresh seafood of Florida’s Panhandle. This journey weaves together the melodies of jazz, the flavours of southern cuisine, and the tranquility of coastal living, creating an unforgettable experience for your family.

Start: Chicago, Illinois

End: Mackinaw City, Michigan

Unearth the beauty of the Great Lakes region with your family road trip. Delve into the cultural tapestry of Chicago , explore captivating cities such as Milwaukee and Detroit , and bask in the serene landscapes surrounding Lake Michigan . Take ferry rides to enchanting Mackinac Island , where your family will create memories against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Lakes.

End: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Total Distance Covered: Approximately 600 miles

Experience the majesty of the Rockies and the wonder of Yellowstone on a thrilling family road trip. Explore the mountainous terrain of Colorado , visit the geysers and wildlife of Yellowstone, and engage in outdoor adventures like hiking and rafting. This epic family road trip, which covers some of the Best Places to visit in Colorado , promises a fusion of adventure, nature, and education for your family.

Start: Honolulu, Oahu

End: Hilo, Big Island

Imagine a journey through the tropical paradise of Hawaii , where island-hopping becomes a reality. Explore the unique culture of Oahu , traverse the lush landscapes of Kauai , and witness the volcanic marvels of the Big Island. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, attend enchanting luaus, and give your family the gift of diverse experiences against the stunning backdrop of the Hawaiian Islands.

This 7 Day Oahu – Hawaii Travel Itinerary and 7 Day Kauai Trip Itinerary, will help you plan your Family Road Trip Adventure in Hawaii.

Start: Boston, Massachusetts

End: Bar Harbor, Maine

Immerse your family in the rich history and natural beauty of New England , which is one of the Most Colourful Destinations in the USA . Explore historic sites in Boston , savour the coastal charm of seaside towns, and delight in the fresh seafood of Maine . Lighthouses, scenic coastal drives, and the unique culture of this northeastern region await your family’s discovery. Do the New England Family Road Trip during the falls, and fall in love with the colours of the fall.

These are not just road trips; they are epic family adventures waiting to happen. Whether you choose the classic American road trip, a Disney-themed journey, or an exploration of national parks, these USA family road trips guarantee fun, bonding, and lasting memories.

Pack your bags, chart your course, and hit the open road for the best family road trips that will fill your family with joy, laughter, and a treasure trove of shared experiences. The adventure of a lifetime awaits your family, where the journey is as meaningful as the destination. Road tripping with family is a promise of endless discovery and a celebration of the extraordinary gift of togetherness!

Don’t forget to Pin this USA Travel Bucket List featuring the Top USA Family Road Trip Ideas for an Adventurous Family Vacation.

Also, if you like reading the content I create and curate, I will be really thankful if you could take a moment to

LIKE | COMMENT | SHARE and SUBSCRIBE 

Also, if you’re on Facebook, I would love to have you as a part of 

the Eat Travel Live Repeat Travel Community

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Bucket List Travel Guru and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address

+ There are no comments

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Colorado Travel Guide | Best Places to Visit in Colorado

Miami Trip Planner | Ultimate Travel Guide

You may also like:.

Where to Travel in the United States? 20 Top Destinations

10 Best Restaurants in Williams, AZ | Arizona Trip Guide

Best Fun Day Trips from New York City | NYC Tour Guide

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Great American Road Trip: A 4-Month Itinerary Around the USA

The Great American Road Trip — it’s the kind of multimonth adventure most dream about but few actually do.

While many of us have bucket-list goals of exploring this vast and diverse landscape, more often than not, we end up heading abroad instead. International travel just seems more alluring, exotic, and exciting.

But this country has more than enough eclectic cities, small towns, regional culinary traditions, historic sites, fascinating museums, and natural wonders to keep any intrepid traveler busy.

I’ve done five big US road trips (two that completely crisscrossed the country and three in various regions) that cumulatively add up to a year on the road (and that doesn’t count all the “regular” trips, vacations, and weekend getaways). I’ve seen a lot of the United States.

As COVID-19 has caused us to consider our backyard more and more , many Americans are turning to domestic travel. We’re finally exploring all the wonders our own country has to offer.

So, because of that, I’ve created an epic four-month itinerary for traveling around the States. I think it balances time in cities with that spent relaxing in nature.

It may seem like a lot but four months just scratches the surface. And, since I don’t expect most of you to have four months, you can easily break this trip into smaller portions. It’s much better to concentrate your focus rather than try to see a lot in a short amount of time.

One note before we begin: There are so many routes you could take that it’s impossible to have one “best” route. The US is just too big. The route below is just one of my favorites. Use it as a starting point for creating your own itinerary that mixes realistic drive times, national parks, and fabulous cities.

Table of Contents

Month 1: East Coast, Southern US

Month 2: south, southwestern us, west coast, month 3: pacific northwest, western us, month 4: midwest, northeast us, days 1-3: boston, ma.

• Walk the Freedom Trail – This 2.5-mile (4km) route links many historic sites, including the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, the State House, and Bunker Hill. To get the most of your experience, take a guided tour with Get Your Guide . You’ll be able to ask questions to an expert local guide have a much more in-depth experience.
• Relax in Boston Common – This is one of America’s oldest parks and was once used as communal pasture land by Puritan settlers. Today, it’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and picnic.
• See the Bunker Hill Monument – The Battle of Bunker Hill (1775) was one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War. While the British won it, the Americans wore British forces down more than was expected. The monument stands 221 feet tall; you can climb to the top to enjoy the best view of Boston.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts – This museum has over 450,000 pieces of fine art, covering everything from the pre-Columbian era to Italian Impressionists. It’s one of the biggest collections in the country. It’s free after 4pm on Wednesdays.

For more things to do, check out my free guide to Boston . And, for places to stay, here are my hostel recommendations.

Days 4-8: New York City, NY

• Take a walking tour – To get a feel for the city, take a walking tour. There are myriad free and paid tours on a variety of subjects. Nothing is too obscure. Here’s a list of suggested walking tour companies in NYC .
• Wander Central Park – This massive, 51-block-long, 843-acre park is the best free attraction in town. There are plenty of places to bike, walk, jog, read, picnic, and people-watch. During the summer, there are free concerts and theater productions too. Free tours are run by the parks service on Saturdays at 11am from the spring to the fall.
• See the Statue of Liberty – You can pay to visit Ellis Island if you want to see the statue up close . However, you can also take a free ferry to Staten Island instead if you just want to see it while passing by.
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum – At the base of the Freedom Tower is a park commemorating the victims of 9/11. Inside the museum, there are over 14,000 artifacts from that day, as well as 3,500 recordings from survivors, first responders, and family members of those killed. It’s a sobering, eye-opening exhibit.
• Walk the High Line – The High Line is an elevated urban walking park on the west side of NYC. Made from a converted train track, it runs for 22 blocks and is lined with overlooks, gardens, public art, food stalls, and greenery.
• Cross the Brooklyn Bridge – For a view of the Manhattan skyline, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a long walk (around 40 minutes if you stop for photos), but the view is worth it — especially at night. It’s free too!
• Explore the Met – The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the foremost fine art collections in the world. You can easily spend an entire day here if you wanted to see it all.

If you want more ideas for things to see and do in NYC, here’s a detailed suggested itinerary that can come.

For accommodation suggestions, here is my comprehensive list of hostels in NYC , as well as a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the city .  

Days 9-11: Philadelphia, PA

• See the Liberty Bell – This bell, which dates to 1752, is an iconic symbol of American freedom. It’s said to have been rung when the Declaration of Independence was read in July 1776. Today, the bell is located in Independence National Historical Park, which you can visit for free.
• Wander around Independence Hall – Learn about the founding of the United States at Independence Hall, and wander around the area’s historic colonial buildings.
• Exlpore Franklin Court – This is where Benjamin Franklin lived while serving in the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention. While his house was torn down after his death in 1790, a hollow structure stands where it was located, and there’s a museum nearby with information about his life and works.
• Climb the Rocky stairs – The stairs from Rocky , the classic boxing film, are located at the Museum of Art. You can’t visit Philadelphia without running up them and doing your best Stallone impression.
• Visit the Magic Gardens – This quirky art gallery is one of the most unique attractions in town: a collection of indoor and outdoor art and mosaics made from broken tiles, glass, and all kinds of odds and ends. Indoors, there’s a more conventional art gallery and space for events and concerts.

Days 12-14: Washington, DC

• Visit the Holocaust Museum – The Holocaust Museum is informative and heart-wrenching. Its permanent exhibit takes up three entire levels and tells the story of the Holocaust through films, photos, artifacts, and first-person stories. Admission is free.
• Tour the Smithsonian – The Smithsonian Institution is a group of world-class museums and research centers. All of them are free to enter. Some of the best museums are: the Air and Space Museum, the African American Museum, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum.
• See the Lincoln Memorial – This iconic 19-foot statue is located on the National Mall and pays tribute to America’s 16th president. Built in 1914, it’s surrounded by 36 columns, each of which represents a state in the union at the time of his death in 1865.

For tons more ideas on what to see, here’s my free detailed guide to DC!  

Days 15-16: Shenandoah National Park, VA

Days 17-19: Asheville, NC

• The Biltmore Estate – This is America’s largest house. It’s a whopping 178,926-square-foot mansion surrounded by 8,000 acres of land. The massive estate has over 250 rooms (including 33 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms). I love it!
• Enjoying craft beer – Asheville has over 25 breweries (and there are another 50+ outside town too). Take a brewery tour, or just hop around and sample some local offerings. My two favorites are Bhramari and Wicked Weed.
• Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains – Parts of the Appalachian Trail can be found here, and there are lots of day or multiday hikes. You can also climb Mount Mitchell, the highest summit east of the Mississippi River.

Days 20-22: Atlanta, GA

• See the Center for Civil and Human Rights – Opened in 2014, this museum highlights the struggles and accomplishments of the civil rights movement as well as human rights around the globe.
• Wander the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a getaway to this 30-acre oasis in the heart of the city. In addition to its orchids and tropical plants, there’s a 600-foot canopy walk that lets you enjoy the gardens from 40 feet in the air.
• Take a street art tour – Atlanta is one of the best destinations for street art. There are tons of murals along the Krog Street Tunnel and the Belt Line. Take a guided tour or use the website streetartmap.org for self-guided suggestions.

Days 23-27: Nashville, TN

• Attend the Grand Ole Opry – Opened in 1925, this is one of the most famous country music venues in the world. Today, the Opry hosts regular live performances, TV broadcasts, and radio shows. You can buy tickets here .
• See the Parthenon – This full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, was built in 1897. It was created to celebrate Nashville’s 100th anniversary and chosen because Nashville is called “the Athens of the South” (due to its historic focus on higher education).
• Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – This museum has one of the largest music collections in the entire world. There are over 200,000 recordings here, including 98% of music released before World War II.
• Visit Franklin – Located just 25 minutes outside of Nashville, most people assume Franklin is just another suburb. However, it has a lot going for it: it’s bursting with small-town charm, has stellar food and drink (it’s where I discovered my favorite Bourbon, HC Clark), is full of history (there was a major Civil War battle here), and has one of the best-preserved historic main streets in the country. I’d spend two nights here.

Days 28-30: Memphis, TN

• Visit the National Civil Rights Museum – This museum traces the history of civil rights from the 17th century to today. It’s housed in the former motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It’s powerful and poignant. Don’t miss it.
• See the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum – This museum highlights the musical pioneers of blues, rock, and soul music from the 1930s to the 1970s. There are costumes and recordings, interactive media, and exhibitions on famous musicians from Memphis.
• Stroll down Beale Street – Known as “America’s most iconic street,” Beale Street features many bars where you’ll find Memphis’s best live music. There are also numerous street buskers. If you’re going out at night, start here.
• Day-trip to Graceland – The home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is located a few miles south of town. Even if you’re not a huge Elvis fan, it’s worth a visit to see just how impactful his life and music have been. You’ll see loads of lookalikes and die-hard fans making the pilgrimage to see the King.

Days 31-32: Natchez, MS

• Visit antebellum homes – Built in the early to mid-19th century, these historic homes are Natchez’s main draw. Longwood, Rosalie Mansion, and Stanton Hall were my favorites. Admission is $20-25 USD at each.
• Attend the Natchez Pilgrimage – During the Natchez Pilgrimage in the spring, all of the private historical homes open up to the public. The costumed guides explain the history of the home, their owners, and the region. It’s the city’s biggest annual event, and there are some 20 homes on display.
• See the Emerald Mount – Constructed sometime between the 13th and 17th centuries, this was an elevated place of worship for the Plaquemine Native Americans. All kinds of animal bones have been found nearby, leading researchers to believe it was the site of religious or sacred activity.

Days 33-36: New Orleans, LA

• Visit the National World War II Museum – This is the largest World War II museum in America. It’s also one of the best museums in the world. You can listen to firsthand accounts of the war, which make it all feel that much more intimate and impactful.
• Listen to music on Frenchmen Street – Live music is available every night of the week, and there are innumerable venues to listen to blues and jazz. My personal favorite is the Spotted Cat.
• Wander the French Quarter and Garden District – These are two of NOLA’s most iconic and historic districts, full of old French-influenced buildings and grand mansions. You can either do a self-guided tour or go with Take Walks , which runs the best walking tours in town!
• Take a ghost or voodoo tour – “The Big Easy” has a creepy past. The best way to learn about it is to take a voodoo or ghost tour . You’ll get to see cemeteries, explore haunted buildings, and hear all sorts of unsettling anecdotes and ghostly tales.

For more things to see and do in NOLA, check out this detailed itinerary I created .  

Days 37-39: Houston, TX

Houston is home to the Space Center and NASA’s astronaut training complex, as well as countless breweries and museums and a killer ethnic food scene (definitely go out for Viet BBQ).

These are some things you can do while you’re in town:

• Visit Space Center Houston – This is Houston’s top attraction, bringing in over a million visitors each year. There are over 400 items in the collection, including moon rocks and three spacecraft that were used during missions.
• Explore the Museum of Natural Science – Opened in 1909, this museum has four floors of exhibitions (as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theatre). There are displays on wildlife, ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, minerals, and much more!
• Wander Buffalo Bayou Park – This 124-acre park has all kinds of walking trails and is a nice spot for a picnic, to relax with a book, or to people-watch. There are also lots of concerts and events here too, so check the local tourism office to see what’s coming up.

Days 40-44: Austin, TX

• Relax at Barton Springs – Barton Springs is a pool/creek that locals flock to in warm weather. It’s fed by a natural cold-water spring in Zilker Park and has manicured lawns that are great for lounging on and relaxing when it’s too hot to do much else. You can also rent kayaks here .
• Go two-stepping – Two-stepping is a popular country dance — and country dancing is one of Austin’s favorite pastimes. To see it in action (and try it yourself), head to the White Horse, where there are free lessons so you can then dance your way around town.
• Enjoy world-class barbecue — Some of the best BBQ joints in the US are here in Austin. If you’re looking to treat your taste buds (and don’t mind waiting, usually a couple of hours), head to Franklin’s or La Barbecue. For something faster, check out Micklethwait Craft Meats.

For way more activities, check out my free guide to Austin ! Since I call this city home, I have a lot of suggestions on how to spend your time here.  

Days 45-47: Truth or Consequences, NM

Try to explore some of the nearby ghost towns. Winston and Chloride, located north of T and C, are two mining towns that were abandoned in the early 1900s; some of the original buildings still remain.  

Days 48-49: Phoenix, AZ

• See the Desert Botanical Garden – This 140-acre garden is home to over 50,000 plants, including over 14,000 cacti. It’s super interesting!
• Visit the Heard Museum – This museum focuses on Native American art. There are permanent and rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as cultural artifacts that highlight the history and traditions of the region’s native cultures.
• Hike Camelback Mountain – With an elevation of 2,700 feet, this 2-3-hour hike is a fun way to see Arizona’s stunning and arid landscapes. There are two trails, both of which are challenging but rewarding.

Days 50-51: Joshua Tree National Park, CA

A seven-day vehicle pass is $30 USD. It allows multiple entries in case you stay in one of the nearby towns.  

Days 52-54: San Diego, CA

• See the USS Midway Museum – This aircraft carrier was commissioned after World War II and was the largest ship in the world until 1955. It saw action in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam. After it was decommissioned, it became a museum open to the public.
• Visit wildlife at the San Diego Zoo – Located in Balboa Park, this zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and 700,000 plant species. It’s a massive 1,800-acre park, and you could easily spend an entire day here. It’s a fun place to visit with kids.
• Go whale watching – California gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico between December and April. They are spectacular to see up close, as they grow up to 49 feet long and live for over 70 years. Tours cost $35 USD.

Days 55-58: Los Angeles, CA

• Wander Hollywood Boulevard – Play tourist and visit the Walk of Fame (where stars have their names engraved in the sidewalk) and Grauman’s (now TCL) Chinese Theatre (featuring celebrities’ handprints and footprints).
• Relax on the beach – At iconic Venice Beach, you’ll find all kinds of street performers, surfers, roller-skaters, and locals and tourists alike soaking up the sun. Some other beaches worth checking out are Carbon Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, Huntington City Beach, and El Matador.
• Visit to the Hollywood sign – Don’t just settle for a photo of the sign — go see it up close. The three trails that you can take (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Bring water and sunscreen, as the hike will take a few hours. If you don’t want to go solo, guided hikes to the Hollywood sign cost $25 USD.
• Go hiking – LA is an active city, and locals love escaping the hustle and bustle as often as they can. Some trails worth checking out are the Charlie Turner Trail (90 minutes), Runyon Canyon (45 minutes), Portuguese Bend Reserve (3 hours), and Echo Mountain (3–3.5 hours).

For a even more detailed list on what else you can see and do while in LA, check out my Los Angeles travel guide . For accommodation suggestions, here are my favorite hostels in Los Angeles .  

Days 59-61: Las Vegas, NV

• Explore Fremont Street – Old Vegas is full of sketchy bars, vintage casinos, and a Bourbon Street vibe. It makes for an interesting contrast to the sleek and polished Strip. There are lots of cover bands, buskers, and celeb lookalikes pandering for paid photos, as well as people-watching, cheap slots, and cheap drinks. There’s also an hourly light show on the ceiling above the street.
• Hike Red Rock – Just 30 minutes outside town, Red Rock Canyon offers plenty of hiking and biking trails. Just make sure to arrive early in the morning before it gets too hot.
• Visit the Neon Museum – This is essentially an eclectic graveyard for the huge lights and signs that once beckoned to tourists from casinos like the Silver Slipper, Stardust, and El Cortez. It spans three acres and gives you a glimpse into the city’s shining and sinful past.
• See the Grand Canyon – Rent a car and drive the four hours to the South or North Rim of the Grand Canyon . It’s one of the most epic, iconic sights in the country and absolutely worth the drive. If you can, hike down to the bottom and stay the night. It’s an amazing experience! And if you want to dive deeper into this beautiful area, check out HoneyTrek’s Grand Circle Road Trip .

For more activities (and there’s plenty to choose from that don’t involve gambling), here is my comprehensive guide to Las Vegas .  

Days 62-64: Yosemite National Park, CA

Days 65-67: San Francisco, CA

• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge – When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge. Spend some time walking across to enjoy the view of the bay and the ships coming and going.
• Tour Alcatraz – One of the most infamous prisons in the country, Alcatraz housed some of the nation’s worst criminals (renowned gangster Al “Scarface” Capone spent four years here). Today, it’s a national landmark where you can take tours, step foot in the cells, and learn about its grim history.
• Relax at Golden Gate Park – This gigantic park features a Japanese garden, museums, an arboretum, a carousel, and many hiking and walking trails. It’s a whopping 20% bigger than New York City’s Central Park, so you easily could spend an entire day here relaxing, walking, and lounging.

Again, for even ways to spend your time in SF, here’s my guide to the city . And, for suggested places to stay, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in San Francisco .  

Days 68-69: Redwood National Park, CA

Given the drive time from SF, spend two nights here to make sure you get some good hiking in.  

Days 70-73: The Oregon Coast

• Binge on oysters – I’ve grown to love oysters in recent years and some of the best in the country can be found in Oregon. Some of my favorite places I stopped at were from Shucker’s Oyster Bar (Lincoln City), Oregon Oyster Farm and Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (both in Newport), and Clausen Oysters (North Bend).
• See Thor’s Well – This coastal sinkhole near Cape Perpetua is known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific. While it can be dangerous to get too close (it’s very easy to get swept away into the water or rocks), you’ll nevertheless see tons of tourists posing for pictures near the well. It’s worth a stop to snap some quick pics.
• Relax at Cannon Beach – This iconic beach is long and sandy and is best known for its photogenic Haystack Rock, a giant rock jutting out of the ocean just offshore. There are plenty of tide pools and places to picnic here, and the town itself (also called Cannon Beach) is full of all kinds of cafés and artisanal shops.

Here’s a list of my favorite things to see and do along the Oregon coast to help you make the most of your drive.  

Days 74-76: Portland

• See Pittock Mansion – Built in 1914, this 46-room French Renaissance-style mansion was originally owned by a wealthy couple from England. Today, it’s part of the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you’ll find beautiful artwork and furniture collected by the original owners.
• Devour some donuts – Portland is known for its donuts. Voodoo Doughnuts put Portland on the map with its weird and wonderful combinations, such as Cap’n Crunch and maple bacon. Some argue that Voodoo is for tourists and that actually Blue Star makes better donuts. Try both and see for yourself! You can also take a donut food tour with Underground Donut Tours for $30 USD.
• Hike the Columbia River Gorge – Located east of town, here you’ll find waterfalls (including Oregon’s tallest, Multnomah Falls), scenic vistas, and hiking trails. Some suggested hikes are Dry Creek Falls (easy, 2 hours), Wahkenna Falls Loop (moderate, 3 hours), and Starvation Ridge and Warren Lake (hard, 8 hours). Guided hikes with Wildwood Tours cost $79 USD (transportation included).

For more suggestions on how to spend your time in Portland, here’s a list of the best things to see and do in the city!  

Days 77-79: Seattle, WA

• Explore the Seattle Center – Seattle Center is home to the Space Needle as well as a complex of entertainment venues: the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the Experience Music Project), the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, the Pacific Science Center, and the outdoor Mural Amphitheater, as well as the International Fountain and the Armory food court. Don’t miss the views from the top of the Space Needle!
• Wander Pike Place Market – Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US. It’s a nine-acre, four-floor sprawl of shops, stalls, galleries, and cafés (including the original Starbucks location) selling everything from crafts to flowers to fresh produce. Wander, eat, shop, and enjoy the ambiance.
• See the Boeing Museum of Flight – This museum highlights planes and spacecraft through the ages, offering insight into how flight has evolved over the decades. You’ll also get a chance to see the original Boeing “factory.” The original Air Force One is here too.

For more things to see and do, here’s my in-depth guide to Seattle . And here are some budget-friendly accommodation suggestions for your visit.  

Days 80-82: Missoula, MT

• Take a brewery tour – For such a small city, there are breweries and bars everywhere (Montana has the second-highest number of breweries in the country). Montana Brewery Tours includes stops at three breweries. You can also do a self-guided tour or pub crawl.
• Hike the M – Mount Sentinel is a small mountain nearby that offers some stunning views. The trail is just 1.2 miles, so it’s not particularly challenging, though you can extend the route for an all-day hike by continuing along the Crazy Canyon Trail at the summit.
• Ski Snowball Mountain – In the winter you’ll find upwards of a thousand acres of skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, the area is open for zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking. It’s just twenty minutes from downtown,

NOTE: While not here, if you have time, you can drive north to spend a few days in Glacier National Park.  

Days 83-86: Yellowstone National Park, WY

Yellowstone is home to the largest volcanic system in North America, which is why geysers like Old Faithful (and the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat) can be found here. Wolves, bears, lynx, cougars, and bison all call the park home as well. Spend some time here hiking, camping, and basking in the park’s magnificent landscapes.  

Days 87-90: Denver, CO

• Visit the Air & Space Museum – The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is housed on an old air base and has a collection of over 50 aircraft on display. Some of the highlights include a supersonic Rockwell Lancer and the massive B-52 Stratofortress.
• Hike Mount Evans – This 14,265-foot peak can actually be summited in under 30 minutes (though there are longer trails too). You’ll see sweeping panoramic views of the region without having to hike for hours. Be sure to visit Like Echo and Mount Goliath on the way here.
• Catch a show at Red Rocks – The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a 9,000-seat outdoor venue that regularly hosts concerts and other events. It’s one of the most beautiful concert venues in the US. Try to catch a show here if you can.

Days 91-93: Kansas City, MO

• Indulge in BBQ – KC is one of America’s best hubs for delicious barbecue. You can find pretty much any kind of meat barbecued here, from brisket to turkey to fish. Kansas City’s barbecue dates back to the 1920s, and the city takes this tradition seriously. Harp Barbecue and Fiorella’s Jack Stack are two of the best in town.
• Wander the Jazz District – The historic 18th and Vine area is known as the Jazz District, owing to the popularity of jazz music from the 1920s to the ’40s and performances here by the likes of Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louie Armstrong. Wander the district and bar-hop to catch some stellar live music.
• See the World War I Museum – The award-winning National World War I Museum and Memorial of the United States sheds light on the history and horrors of the Great War.

Days 94-97: Chicago, IL

• Relax in Grant & Millennium Parks – Located downtown, these two parks provide a relaxing place to hang out, have a picnic, or go for a run. You’ll find people playing chess, and during the summer, there are a lot of free concerts. The famous “Chicago Bean” sculpture is located in Millennium Park.
• Try the pizza – Deep-dish pizza and stuffed-crust pizza were developed in Chicago, and no trip is complete without trying at least one. Deep-dish pizza was invented by Pizzeria Uno, which is now a national restaurant chain. But for something more local, Chicagoans swear by Lou Malnati’s.
• Visit the Art Institute of Chicago – Founded in 1879, this is one of the oldest art museums in the country. It has everything from photography to architecture to textiles, and its permanent collection includes works by Eva Hesse, David Hockney, and Ellsworth Kelly.

If you want additional things to see and do (as well as some money-saving tips), consult my comprehensive guide to Chicago!

And here is my list of the best hostels in Chicago for budget-friendly accommodation .  

Days 98-100: Detroit, MI

• Explore the Detroit Institute of Art – This 130-year-old museum is located in the heart of Midtown and has something to offer every visitor. There are more than 65,000 works of art here, ranging from classic to more modern and contemporary pieces, spread out over 100 different galleries. It’s one of the best art museums in the country. Admission is $14 USD.
• Walk the Dequindre Cut – The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a two-mile urban recreational path that offers a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront, the Eastern Market, and several residential neighborhoods in between. Along the path, you’ll find all kinds of street art, as well as buskers in the summer. It’s a nice place to walk or jog and take in the city.
• Shop at the Eastern Market – The Eastern Market is a huge marketplace with local foods, art, jewelry, artisan crafts, and more. It covers 43 acres and is the largest historic public market district in the United States, dating back over 150 years. It is particularly busy on Saturdays, when farmers bring in their fresh produce.

Days 101-103: Cleveland, OH

• See the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – This is one of the largest collections of musical memorabilia in the entire world. John Lennon’s guitar, Elvis Presley’s military uniform, and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust outfits are just some of the items in the massive collection.
• Tour the Museum of Natural History – Founded in 1920, this massive museum is home to over four million specimens. There are exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, primates, animals, and more. It’s super educational, and there are lots of interactive exhibits too.
• Hike the Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Located on the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, this is the only national park in Ohio. Encompassing 32,000 acres, the park has all kinds of hiking and biking trails (camping is no longer permitted).

Days 104-106: Pittsburgh, PA

• Ride the Duquesne Incline – This 140-year-old funicular used to transport workers up Pittsburgh’s steep hills before cars became commonplace. Hop on, ride to the top, and enjoy the view! Tickets are $2.50 USD.
• Visit the Warhol Museum – Dedicated to Andy Warhol, Pittsburgh’s best-known artist, this is the largest museum in the country dedicated to a single person. While much of his art is unusual, it’s still worth a visit, as Warhol has had a profound and lasting impact on modern art.
• See Randyland – Created by a local artist, here you’ll find a section of the north end completely painted in all kinds of bright colors and murals. Buildings, fences, driveways — it’s a massive, bright, and fun spot to visit and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere!
• Tour Carrie Furnace – Built in 1884, these former blast furnaces were part of the Homestead Steel Works and produced over 1,000 tons of iron per day. It’s one of the only pre–World War II blast furnaces in existence. Tours are $21 USD.

Days 107-110: Finger Lakes, NY

• Visit the wineries – There are tons of wineries all around the Finger Lakes, most of which offer tours and tastings (some also have live music and serve food). To guide your way, follow the Seneca Wine Trail or the Keuka Wine Trail, which link some of the best wineries in the region.
• See Watkins Glen State Park – Watkins Glen State Park gorge trail is home to 19 picturesque waterfalls spread out over a two-hour hike. It’s not particularly strenuous, and there are lots of spots to relax and snap photos.
• Visit Ithaca – This photogenic small town has over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of the town. There’s also a charming downtown, the beautiful Cornell campus (one of the prettiest in the country), and Cayuga Lake.

Days 111-113: Albany, NY

• Hike in John Boyd Thacher State Park – Located 30 minutes outside of town, this state park has over 25 miles of trails, as well as panoramic views from the Helderberg Escarpment. It’s a beautiful place for a day hike.
• Visit New York State Museum – This museum has a wide range of interesting exhibitions, including on local birds and wildlife, colonial history, and the ice age, among other topics. Admission is free (though a $5 USD donation is suggested).
• Tour the Capitol – The NY State Capitol building offers free daily tours. They’re the perfect way to learn more about the state, the city, and the building (including some ghost stories about the capitol’s haunting). Tours last one hour.

Days 114-120: Buffer Days

Having some padding in your itinerary will let you explore them, have serendipitous travel experiences, and dig a little deeper into the regions and cultures you’ll be passing through.

While this is a solid itinerary, please mix it up. Skip some cities and spend more time in nature — or vice versa!

At the end of the day, America is an amazing and diverse country. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it. Delicious food, adventure activities, hiking, museums, history — we’ve got it all. You just need to hit the road and see it for yourself.

Need a rental car for your epic adventure? use the widget below to find the best deals!

Book Your Trip to the United States: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money — and I think they will help you too!

Want more information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the USA for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

18 All-Time Best American Road Trips To Take Before Your Kids Turn 18

No country in the world does road trips quite as well as the United States.

Seriously, hitting the road is almost a way of life. You’re very unlikely to meet a single person in America who hasn’t made at least a few road trips throughout their life!

Thanks to its incredibly vast size (over 4 million miles of road!), and wide variety in terrain and landscapes, no two United States road trip is ever alike.

From driving through seemingly endless deserts to following the Pacific Coast in search of the best beaches and driving around glaciers, one could easily spend an entire lifetime dedicated to road-tripping the country and never find themselves getting bored!

If you’re currently on the lookout for ideas for your next family road trip but find yourself at a loss when choosing which road to hit next, here’s the ultimate list of fabulous American road trips to truly immerse yourself in the landscapes and flavor of specific regions all over the United States!

18 Best American Road Trips

1. miami to key west overseas highway (highway 1), florida, 2. anchorage to valdez, alaska, 3. pacific coast highway (highway 1), california, 4. utah mighty 5 national parks road trip, utah, 5. new york city to five finger lakes, new york, 6. skyline drive, virginia, 7. trail ridge road, colorado, 8. windward coast scenic drive, oahu, hawaii, 9. olympic peninsula loop, washington state, 10. million dollar highway (san juan skyway), colorado, 11. going-to-the-sun road, montana, 12. historic columbia river scenic highway, oregon, 13. south dakota road trip, 14. historic route 66, 15. great river road, 16. appalachian trail, 17. america’s longest drive (route 20), 18. america’s loneliest road (route 50), more incredible drives from around the world.

As one of the most mesmerizing and classic American road trips, Highway 1 is a must on any traveler’s bucket list.

This route will take you all the way from Miami to the alluring Florida Keys, with a huge portion of the road being set over the sea! A huge part of the highway is made up of bridges connecting the Keys, which allows you to drive over the ocean without having to use a ferry or boat to get to the next island.

Needless to say, the scenery along the way is spectacular no matter where you look. As you go from bustling Miami past Coral Gables, Key Largo, and Islamorada before arriving at your final destination at Key West, you’ll be treated to glorious ocean views and beautiful white sandy beaches.

To top it all off, there are several state parks and tons of historical attractions scattered throughout, making this palm-dotted highway a wonderful way to get the best of all worlds. Seriously, there’s literally something worth seeing or stopping the car for every mile of the way, so make sure you plan at least a few days to complete this American road trip.

A few stops worth adding to your road trip bucket list include the underwater Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Bahia Honda State Park, the Dolphin Research Center, and beautiful Islamorada.

• Find our complete guide to road-tripping Miami to Key West here

Road-tripping from Anchorage to Valdez in Alaska is an experience you won’t soon forget, if ever!

This splendid drive is probably the most overlooked of American road trips, and that’s probably only due to its distance from the continental USA rather than its lack of beauty. Throughout the road trip, you’ll be treated to almost 300 miles of pristine glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, and lush valleys, making it an absolute must on your bucket list if exploring the raw wilderness of Alaska sounds like your type of adventure.

As you slowly make your way to Valdez, you’ll be treated to many scenic vistas, ranging from mountains to glaciers. A few stops worth making include the Chugach State Park, the Eklutna Historical Park to see the area’s oldest continuously inhabited Athabaskan settlement, the Matanuska Glacier, and the Dall Sheep Viewing at Sheep Mountain, where you can see large numbers of wild sheep!

A few miles before Valdez, you’ll see the Worthington Glacier Recreational Center . This is one of the few places in Alaska where you can walk on a glacier on your own, so make sure to stop and walk a bit to touch the blue ice!

Valdez is known as Little Switzerland because of its stunning beauty and gorgeous landscapes. Backdropped by the snow-capped Chugach Mountains , this quaint city offers visitors incredible coastlines, tidal water glaciers, interesting museums, and a good variety of restaurants and bars to help you cap off the road trip in an epic way!

It’s hard to beat the Pacific Coast Highway when it comes to incredible coastal scenery.

Boasting spectacular views of the Pacific every mile of the way, this coastal highway is one of the most spectacular American road trips. Even though the route can be extended to the states of Oregon and Washington , this itinerary will take you along the California portion of the drive from San Francisco to San Diego .

Along the way, you’ll be treated to some of the best attractions California has to offer, get to visit several state parks, pass through picturesque seaside towns, and of course, have options aplenty to stop at several beaches!

Even though you could easily complete this road trip in a day or two if you were to barely make any stops, this drive is all about the journey rather than the destination.

This is especially true once you find yourself in the Big Sur area, a 90-mile stretch of the road that starts in the charming seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea and ends in San Simeon and passes some of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in the area.

We need an entire blog post to describe every single attraction worth stopping for at Highway 1, but a few favorites to include in your itinerary are the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco , the city of San Jose, the laid-back seaside village Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and Monterey. Other amazing spots are Hearst Castle and the Danish-style town of Solvang!

• We have a detailed guide here to tackling the Big Sur section of Highway 1 or heading to the north, these are the best stops San Francisco to Seattle

The Utah National Parks Road Trip is one of the best American road trips to complete if raw desert magic is what you’re after.

This road trip is all about exploring all five of Utah’s national parks and a few extra attractions scattered throughout, each of which comes with unique features but is equally beautiful as the last and provides desert adventures in massive doses.

Start out at Zion National Park, where you’ll find jaw-dropping vistas, desert terrain, unique sandstone cliffs, and lots of interesting desert wildlife to observe. Next, make your way to Bryce Canyon National Park , where you’ll find a large collection of striking red hoodoos and tons of trails that will allow you to hike amid a desert landscape that looks almost like it should belong on Mars.

Other fantastic parks on the list are Capitol Reef to feel as though you’re exploring a different planet, Monument Valley for its legacy of Native American and Old West history, and Dead Horse Point State Park to feel as though you’re in a true cowboy setting in the middle of the Moab desert.

From there, Arches National Park is an easy ride (and yes, you’ll find more than 2000 natural arches and rock formations here!)

Last but definitely not least, on this amazing American road trip, there is a stop at Canyonlands National Park , where you’ll find a desert landscape so vast that you could easily spend an entire year exploring and never get to do the same thing twice. Here, you’ll find sweeping canyon views, whacky-looking rock formations that come in all shades of red, and a vast array of hiking trails and adventures for you to explore at your own pace!

• We share here our detailed itinerary for tackling the Utah Mighty 5 + What to do around Moab with kids

Taking you from one of the most iconic cities in the United States into the Finger Lakes region, this beautiful road trip will show you some of the best New York State has to offer beyond the Big Apple.

Set out from the bustle and hustle of New York City and head northwest towards Cayuga, where you can take a little detour at the Cayuga Wine Trail, the oldest running wine trail in the country! There’s more to this trail than *just* wine, so if possible, try taking a couple of days to fully take everything in.

Don’t miss out on seeing the beautiful glass creations at the Corning Museum of Glass – you can even create your own to take back home with you!

Next, drive over to the town of Watkins Glen, where you can explore a quaint village before heading out into nature to chase waterfalls and hike a few trails at Watkins Glen State Park .

The rest of your time will be spent checking out the finger-shaped lakes that gave the region its name, all of which you’ll find spread across the highway. Each of the lakes comes with its own charm; Cayuga is famous for its wine scene, Taughannock Falls, Seneca for scenic hiking, and Keuka Lake for fishing.

No matter which lakes you choose, water sports, relaxation, and fun are always guaranteed!

• Check out this guide to some of the best scenic drives you can take in New York State

The Skyline Drive in Virginia is one of the most cherished American road trips, especially for those looking for a relatively short drive that still provides a ton to see along the way.

Taking you all the way from the busy capital into the heart of the mesmerizing Appalachian Mountains in just over an hour, this drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.

As you move further along the road, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of mountains and the Shenandoah Valley , as well as get plenty of opportunities to park your car and head out for a hike to get closer and personal with the landscape around you.

• We have further suggestions below on how you can extend this drive along the east coast , plus the most stunning scenic drives in Virginia to extend your journey through the state

The Rockies are one of the most strikingly beautiful mountains in the United States, and even though this “road trip” is more of a scenic drive than anything, we still thought it needed to make it to the list due to its unparalleled beauty!

Cutting straight through the Rocky Mountains, the Trail Ridge Road reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet, which means the top views are absolutely unbelievable.

You’ll want to start your journey at Estes Park, a picturesque mountain town that features incredible hiking trails, great dining, and fine shopping. From here, you’ll start driving upwards all the way to the national park, passing through groves of golden aspen trees, a few trailheads, and glorious vistas all over. Be sure to stay on the lookout for elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, which are easy to spot from the car!

As a tip, this is one of the best American road trips to take for fall foliage , so keep that in mind if you’re still looking for ideas on where to go next fall!

• You’ll find more ideas for epic Colorado mountain drives over here!

Also dubbed “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is one of the main islands in Hawaii and the most populated and visited one of them all.

The Windward Coast Scenic Drive along the eastern coast will take you from lively Honolulu to some of the best laid-back coastal towns and secluded beaches in the North Shore area of the island.

As soon as you start driving the Pali Highway, bustling Honolulu will give way to lush natural landscapes as you begin entering the Koolau Mountain Range. This extreme change in landscape will make you feel almost as though you were teleported into a different time!

As you wind along this lesser-traveled Windward Coast road, you’ll see the ocean turn from a turquoise shade to a deep dark blue as the landscape becomes lusher and greener. With its spectacular panoramic views of the Windward Coast and the Koolau Mountains, Nuuanu Pali Lookout is a great spot to make a quick stop to stretch your legs.

Right across from the island, you’ll find Kualoa Ranch , a privately owned ranch where some scenes of “Jurassic Park” and “Lost” were filmed. Of course, you’ll also want to stop at a few of the many secluded beaches that dot the road, so make sure you dedicate at least a few days to this epic road trip in order to be able to make “serendipitous” stops as you go along!

• We share all our favorite Oahu scenic drives here – also, check out all the best scenic drives in Maui , including the famous Road to Hana !

Imagine seeing a rainforest, snow-capped mountains, a lake, and the Pacific Ocean, all on the same day!

Taking you all around the 3,500 square miles that make up Olympic National Park, this amazing loop will have you wondering your way around one of the most diverse national parks in the entire United States , making it a great short road trip to take if a little variety is what you’re after.

While the list of things to do at Olympic National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is pretty much endless if you’re short on time, we recommend making a stop at Ruby Beach for some beachside fun, hiking the Hoh Rain Forest, and having a picnic at Crescent Lake!

Top 10 Things To Do In Moab With Kids

Southern California vs Northern California: Which Is Better…

15 Fun Things To Do With Kids On A Sydney Family Holiday

• See our complete road trip itinerary for the Olympic Peninsula here , along with a great selection of Washington scenic drives for those who’d like to delve further into the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest

Featuring some of the finest Rocky Mountain views in Colorado , the San Juan Skyway is one of the most mesmerizing road trips to take in the United States.

The San Juan Skyway begins and ends in the mining town of Durango, where you can ride horses, but also the old gauge railroad, which is still functioning to date! From Durango, head north to Silverston and get ready for a change of scenery as views of the Weminuche Wilderness start taking over.

Stop at Molas Pass and the Dallas Divide before arriving at the town of Telluride, which is a gorgeous mountain locale boasting Victorian-era homes that offer prime skiing during the winter, glorious hiking year-long, and hosts some of the best festivals in the state during the summer months.

• With no shortage of incredible mountain drives, here’s where you’ll find some of the best views in Colorado

As the only road that crosses the entirety of Glacier National Park , Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most incredible US road trips that will have you gawking at melting glaciers, staring at still blue lakes, passing alpine meadows, and getting glorious views of carved valleys and cascading waterfalls.

Also dubbed the “Crown of the Continent,” this Montana road is considered an engineering marvel, especially when you consider it was built without explosive blasts in order to preserve the landscape!

Even though the road is pretty short at just over 50 miles long, opportunities for interesting stops abound on this immensely scenic drive in Montana .

Make sure to pinpoint the following places: Avalanche Creek for dreamy lake views, The Loop for glorious vistas of Heaven’s Peak, the Jackson Glacier Overlook to gawk at the seventh-largest glacier in the park up close, and the Wild Goose Island Overlook to see a tiny island nestled in a lake that feels almost as though it should belong in a storybook!

Top Tip: Going-to-the-Sun Road now requires a timed entry permit in peak months – make sure to apply early if you plan to tackle this drive in summer .

If you’re after the most sensational natural beauty in America, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting drive than the 80-mile-long Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway (the first road in America specifically built for auto-touring ).

Following the I-84 east from Portland on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge , “The King of Roads” is lined with lush temperate rain forests, mossy canyons, intermittent river views, and most famously, the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America (77, to be precise!)

Not just natural beauty, the Columbia River Highway has some of the most beautiful bridges in the country too. Besides the famous Multnomah Falls, some of the highlights of this drive include Vista House and catching the sunset at Crown Point, Bridal Veil Falls, hiking the Eagle Creek Trail, Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, and the Dalles Lock and Dam .

Oh, and don’t forget the numerous wineries and microbreweries that dot the area too. This is natural and man-made beauty combined at its best in the Pacific North West .

Top Tip: During the peak summer season, permits may be required for Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor. Check here if timed permits are required .

• Find all our favorite scenic drives in Oregon – the spectacular Oregon Coast was very unlucky not to get our top billing in this list!

South Dakota is a vast state full of natural wonders and heritage. The population is small, and the terrain wide, making it a dreamy destination for an outdoor-focused American road trip.

Begin at Sioux Falls, the largest city in the state and a great base point for visiting Falls Park to check out the waterfalls that dwell within. Upon your return to the city, you can stroll along the Big Sioux Riverwalk all the way to the downtown area, where you can sit at a few restaurants that overlook the river, check out a few local shops, or count how many wall murals you can find!

The next day will be all about exploring Badlands National Park and the varied terrain it covers. Here, you’ll get to see colorful buttes and pinnacles and suddenly blend into the largest mixed-grass prairie in the United States. Prairie Dog Town is a cute spot on the western end of the park, home to prairie dogs eager to be cuddled!

After exploring Badlands National Park’s vastness, continue to Rapid City, where you’ll find plenty of lodging and dining options -undoubtedly one of the best family vacation spots in the Midwest . If you want to sightsee a bit, you can complete the City of Presidents Walk , which passes by life-size bronze statues of former U.S. Presidents.

The last stop on this Midwest road trip is Black Hills National Forest, which boasts a seemingly black mountain range, many hiking trails, and iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore and the famous Presidents’ heads carved in the stone walls!

These next few American road trip suggestions are much longer! Crossing state borders are some of the USA’s longest and most iconic drives; you’ll want to try at least one of these in your lifetime!

No road speaks louder about classic American road trips than the famous Route 66 , especially if you’re keen to feel as though you traveled back in time to old America.

Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, this road trip has nostalgic Americana written all over it. Back in the day, this USA road trip was a favorite for families and friends to venture the road to see the West Coast, and even though the route is not as popular anymore, it remains a dream to complete for many!

Although some parts of Route 66 have been overrun by freeways, large parts of it are still used, and citizens who live in the towns along the way have made huge efforts to revive it. Route 66 is all about nostalgia, resilience, quirky highlights, and fantastic scenery.

Iconic stops along the route are the Gemini Giant, Route History, the Gateway Arch, Meramec Caverns, the giant Blue Whale, Pops Diner, The Leaning Tower of Texas, Cadillac Ranch, the Santa Rosas’s Blue Hole, Meteor Crater, Petrified Forest National Park, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, and the Mc Donald’s Museum.

If this list seems long, trust me, the real one is a lot longer, so make sure you plan for plenty of time to make the most out of Route 66!

They don’t come much mightier in America than the Great River Road , following the Mississippi River through 10 states. From the headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota all the way through to the mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, the GRR is a wonderful showcase of the best the Midwest has to offer.

Far more than just flat farmland, there are dozens of interesting stops and side turns you can make on this 3,000-mile-long route. Some unmissable stops include the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the picturesque town of Dubuque in Iowa (baseball fans will want a side stop to Field of Dreams), and Gateway City, St Louis.

Heading further south, Memphis is a must-stop, along with the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland, followed by the Mississippi River State Park in Arkansas and the old port town of Helena. New Orleans is, without a doubt, the crowing highlight of the GRR before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

Top Tip: The official GRR route is about 50% longer than taking the Interstate; You may choose to mix and match the original route – marked with a green steamboat wheel on road signs – with the Interstate to save some time.

If you’re not big into hiking but still dream of following the Appalachian Trail, fear not; there is a road trip version you can take that shadows the 2,100-mile route all the way from New England to the Deep South.

This epic scenic drive will take you through 14 states. You’ll witness some of the most contrasting landscapes on the east coast of the USA . Fascinating and wealthy historical towns give way to former mill towns, mountains to plains.

Your route starts in Maine and takes you through the incredible peaks of the White Mountains and New Hampshire’s Presidential Range – taking the Kancamagus Highway , NH is a must!

The journey continues through Vermont’s Green Mountains and the Berkshires before descending through Connecticut and New York ( unmissable in the Fall !).

In New Jersey , you’ll cross the mountainous ski town of Vernon Valley and the immensely scenic Kittatinny Ridge of Pennsylvania before crossing Pennsylvania Dutch Country .

The Appalachian Trail drive will briefly take you through Maryland and West Virginia before you commence the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. You can even take on the 11-mile stretch through Tennessee and North Carolina is known as the Tail of the Dragon ( motion sickness sufferers may want to seek an alternate route! )

This epic east coast drive concludes in Georgia – Springer Mountain, to be precise; we’d also add a stop at Tallulah Falls to complete your itinerary.

Fancy heading coast to coast? America’s Longest Drive (Route 20) takes you more than 3,300 miles from Boston to Newport, Oregon, traversing the country in an almost straight line through megacities and small towns.

Highlights along the route, often nicknamed “Big Daddy,” include the Baseball Hall of Fame , driving through Chicago, checking into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland and the kids will definitely want a day at Cedar Point Amusement Park.

The journey continues westward with incredible nature and history stops to work into your itinerary, including Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historic Park , Yellowstone National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. Your journey through Oregon isn’t complete without a stop at Bend on the Deschutes River and finishing your journey on the incredibly picturesque Oregon Coast.

If you’ve got plenty of time to spend and want a true taste of North America, this is the most spectacular drive to take with your family for “the Great American Road Trip.”

• Check out our complete guide to road tripping coast to coast, New York to California
• We detail all the fascinating stops from Yellowstone and through Oregon here

Whilst many of the American road trip routes we’ve described here are famous for their unbridled beauty, there’s something truly unique and fitting about finishing our listing of the best road trips in the USA with U.S. Route 50.

This major east-west highway takes you from Ocean City, Maryland, across the country to West Sacramento, California. Over 3,000 miles long, you’ll traverse some of the most rural parts of America, including the 287-mile stretch between Ely and Fernley, Nevada , dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America” by Life magazine in 1986.

The moniker has certain stuck, and the Nevadian take pride in this claim to fame. If your family loves a challenge, pick up an “ Official Highway 50 Survival Guide ” and get it stamped at every town you pass!

Other awesome stops along the entirety of Route 50 include Washington DC, Kansas City, the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado, Moab, Utah (add in the Utah Mighty 5 we describe above!), and crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Whilst you could plow straight through and complete the cross-country drive in under a week, it would take months to properly explore; we recommend at least three weeks for this ultimate American road trip!

America’s Best Road Trips

We hope this list of the best American road trips inspired you to pick a place and hit the road. Even though listing every road trip worth driving in the United States would be an impossible feat (seriously, there are so many of them!), these are a few great ones to start exploring the country!

Why not set yourself the goal to try one of these per year until your child turns 18?

Each of these drives is so vastly different from the next that choosing one is a pretty hard task, so we’d love to know which one sparked your interest the most and why!

If you’ve completed many of these epic driving routes in the USA and are now scouting for your next adventure, you may also be interested in

• The Most Beautiful Roads in the World You Need to Drive
• Plan Your Road trip Through the Canadian Rockies
• Top 10 Best Scenic Drives in Canada

© Family Road Trip

Southern California vs Northern California: Which Is Better For A Family Vacation?

25+ Fabulous Family Attractions in San Diego & Southern California

15 Perfect Things To Do With Kids On A Perth Family Holiday

25+ Fabulous Family Attractions in San Diego & Southern…

• Work With Us
• Blogging Bootcamp

• Van Conversion Academy
• Campervan Shop
• Campervan Rentals
• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Destinations
• Responsible Travel
• Family Travel
• Budget Travel
• Scuba Diving
• Travel Credit Cards
• Digital Nomad
• Teach English Abroad
• Blogging Resources
• Income Reports
• Travel Shop
• Meet Katie & Ben
• About Two Wandering Soles
• Personal Stuff
• Portfolio & Press

31 USA Road Trip Ideas + Tips

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » 31 USA Road Trip Ideas + Tips

Heading out on a USA road trip this summer? This MASSIVE list is packed with routes recommended by travel bloggers all around the US sharing tips about their favorite American road trips. From the West Coast to Key West, this article has the best routes for your next open road adventure!

Imagine this: The windows are down and the wind blows through your hair as your favorite playlist blasts through your car’s speakers. You sing along and soak up the feeling of freedom that only comes with driving on the open road.

The United States is one of the best countries in the world for road tripping. And we’re not just saying that… With mountains, deserts, beaches, forests and lakes, you can’t argue the natural beauty and diversity the U.S. has to offer.

On top of the sheer amount of places to see around the country, the U.S. is also very well-suited for road trips. 

With clean drinking water accessible in most parts of the country, roadside rest stops (ahem, public toilets!), well-maintained roads, relatively affordable gas prices, and lots of camping options, it’s hard to find any other country that comes close to the ease and accessibility that the USA offers when it comes to road tripping.

Article contents

• Getting started
• Tips for planning your road trip
• USA road trip routes

Ultimate Road Trip Packing List!

Whether you are staying in a hotel, living in a campervan or RV, or you’re trekking in the backcountry, here is everything you’ll want to pack on a road trip . Plus tips and advice on making your next road trip go as smoothly as possible!

Start planning your perfect USA road trip

Make your way along famous highways, like Route 66 through the heartlands of the country, or California’s iconic Highway 1. Venture on lesser-known backroads and escape the crowds and get lost along the way. 

Drive through charming small towns and big, lively cities. Explore National Parks or get off the beaten path in State Forests and protected lands.

There are literally endless road trip routes you could take, and choosing the best one for you depends on what exactly you’re looking for.

• Do you want to explore any National Parks on your trip?
• Do you want to see iconic sites or get off the beaten path?
• Do you plan to camp or stay in hotels? (If you plan on camping, our advice is to download The Dyrt, an app that’ll take your campervan game to the next level. Use this link to get 30 days of the Pro Membership totally free – no strings attached).
• Are you more into nature or cities? (Or maybe you want a combination of both!)
• How long do you have? Maybe you have the entire summer to do as you wish and you’re planning an epic 3-month road trip. Or maybe you just have a few days to spare between work weeks.

Whatever type of getaway you’re craving, there is a perfect USA road trip out there waiting for you!

Tips for planning your USA Road Trip

Use these helpful tips to start planning your USA road trip. If you want a more detailed breakdown, we have an entire guide that walks you through how to plan a road trip , packed with hacks and expert advice.

1. Research your destination

Find out what the weather will be like in your destination during the time of year you plan to travel. Check average temperatures in the area to know what to expect and how to pack. 

Consult city guides and other travel resources to figure out which highlights to stop at and which tourist traps to avoid. You can get a lot of information simply from typing “things to do in…” and then entering your destination into Google. 

Buying a guidebook will give you tons of insider advice and helpful information at your fingertips. 

Having a physical guidebook allows you to have all the info you need in one place; plus, you can make notes and highlights (anyone else love being able to do this?!). And you won’t have to worry about losing signal on your phone while exploring — this happens a lot in the mountains! — because you’ll have all the tips you need with a turn of a page.

If you plan on visiting any National Parks during your trip, listen up… 

Moon USA National Parks is one of the best guidebooks we’ve found for exploring the United States. 

This 700-page guide goes through each of America’s 62 National Parks and explains the history, best hikes, iconic viewpoints, and places to stay. Plus, it includes maps of each park so you can plan your itinerary accordingly. This guidebook will be a super handy tool while on the road.

Bonus: The Moon guidebook has super beautiful photography, making it a fun coffee table book after your trip (and possibly to inspire future travels).

2. Choose your method of transportation

Consider your options for transportation on your USA road trip…

• Your own car: No need to pay for a rental vehicle if you have your own—just be sure it can handle the conditions and terrain you plan to traverse on your road trip.
• Campervan or RV: Our personal favorite way to go on a road trip and for so many reasons ! It gives you the ultimate freedom, you save money on hotels and can get off the grid, to name just a few. 
• For example, we rented a small SUV for a road trip in Washington state and paid less than $30 per day!

Wanna test out #VanLife?

It’s no secret we are big fans of #vanlife. If you don’t have the time (or interest!) in building your own conversion but you still want to give van life a test drive on your USA road trip, we’ve tons of ideas for you! Check out our list of top companies for USA Campervan Rentals , from budget to bougie, including exclusive discounts for our readers!

Or, if you’re planning on exploring a certain region and want more specific recommendations, click on one of the links below.

• Campervan rentals in Portland, Oregon
• Campervan rentals in Seattle, Washington
• Campervan rentals in Salt Lake City, Utah

One company we’d recommend looking into is Escape Campervans . They have 12 different locations across North America and come fully loaded with all the gear you need for an epic road trip. Plus, their rates are fair and affordable.

BONUS: We’ve partnered with them to give you a 10% off discount when you use our link !

3. Set a budget and plot out your accommodation

A road trip budget will vary from person to person, but having an idea in mind of how much you plan to spend beforehand is always a good idea. 

You can find out exactly how much money we spent on our first vanlife experience in the US in our 3 month road trip budget breakdown . If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll want to check out these money-saving tips for a cheap road trip . 

Once you have a good idea of the costs to factor in a road trip budget and a reasonable idea of how much you’re able to spend, it’s time to start booking accommodation!

Since we are usually traveling in our campervan on road trips, we tend to seek out campsites as accommodation, but you can choose to stay in hotels or Airbnbs as well. 

Psst! Read our tips for booking an Airbnb if you’re not familiar with the site.

If you’re traveling in a campervan or on a tight budget, camping is the way to go! We have some great tips for finding free campsites along the way. Another suggestion is to get familiar with campsite apps—a great resource for finding campsites along your route and filtering for your specific needs.

Our recommendation: Our favorite camping app is The Dyrt because it has the largest network of campsites in the USA (and has some other really cool features). It has both free and paid versions, but we’ve got a special link just for our readers which will give you 30 days of the Pro membership totally FREE!

4. Save money with the America the Beautiful Park Pass

You’ll notice many of these epic USA road trips include stops at some of our National Parks. Entrance fees to the US National Parks can run you upwards of $30+ per vehicle for each park, which can really add up. 

If you’re planning to stop at more than one National Parks on your road trip, you may want to think about getting the America the Beautiful Park Pass to save money. 

At just $80 for a full year, the pass grants you free access to over 2,000 Federal recreation areas in the United States, including all 62 National Parks. We put together an article detailing the America the Beautiful Park Pass and answering the question, is it truly worthwhile?

5. Download maps and entertainment offline

You don’t want to be ripping through your data plan while on the road. In order to avoid those pesky overage fees, you can download your navigation (hello Google maps offline feature!) and entertainment like Spotify playlists, podcasts and audiobooks to your device so you can listen offline. 

Downloading Google Maps offline is super simple and you will be able to get real-time GPS coordinates, search the map for nearby establishments and turn on directions from point to point, all without using any data. 

Follow these steps to download Google Maps offline:

• Download and sign into the Google Maps application (it’s connected with your Gmail account).
• Search for a destination in the search bar. (Example: “San Francisco” or “Idaho”)
• The top half of your screen should populate with a map of your destination while the bottom half shares details about the place. Swipe up so the details fill your screen. Then just under the Location, toggle to the right past the labels for “Directions,” “Save,” “Label,” etc. until you see “Download”. 
• Make sure you’re on WiFi, center the map in the area you will be driving, and click the “download” button.

The map data from this region will now be on your phone, and can be accessed even when you have no cell signal! You’ll even be able to see your current GPS location as long as you have it authorized. (Settings > Google Maps > Location > select “Always”)

Best USA Road Trips

We’ve called on some travel bloggers to share their top American Road Trips. We’re even adding a few of our own favorite road trips in there!

All the road trips below are broken down by region in the United States, and each route includes how many days you should plan to be on the road, best time of year to travel, and the top things to do along the way.

If you know which region you’re interested in, click on the link below to jump straight to that section. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for ALL the inspiration you can handle!

• West Coast USA
• Western USA
• Hawaii & Alaska
• Midwest USA
• Southern USA
• Eastern USA

Psst! Get motivated to plan your next adventure with this list of inspiring road trip quotes (+ graphics!).

West Coast USA Road Trips

With the Pacific Ocean to the west and mountains and deserts to the east, this part of the country is one of the best places to take a road trip. 

You’ll be able to explore some of the most exciting cities in the United States, like San Francisco , Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle. Plus, the West Coast boasts some of the best sunsets in the nation.

Road Trips:

• Pacific Coast Highway
• Oregon Coast & Forests Road Trip
• San Francisco to Seattle: Coastal Drive
• Seattle to San Francisco: Inland Route
• Washington State Road Trip
• Olympic Peninsula
• Yosemite to Sequoia National Park
• Lake Tahoe to Eastern Sierra
• Eastern Oregon Road Trip

1. Pacific Coast Highway in California

This gorgeous USA road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway will lead you across one of the most beautiful regions in the country. With mesmerizing beaches, ample palm trees, and perfect weather, the journey is an ideal two-week getaway.

• Route: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• At a glance: San Francisco – Yosemite National Park – Santa Barbara – LA – San Diego
• Distance: 731 miles
• Duration: 12 days
• When to go: June-August; summer is the perfect time for this road trip since the water will be warm enough for a quick dip along the way!

Begin your road trip in San Francisco. Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge before all the tourists wake up in the morning, then head to Fisherman’s Wharf. Grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants and visit a few historical ships along the way. Rent a bike and spend some time touring the streets, including one of the oldest Chinatowns in the country and Union Square, a modern plaza.

Spend the next day exploring the Google Campus in Mountain View before jumping back into your car and heading east, where you can spend a day or two hiking in Yosemite National Park amongst the breath-taking landscape.

Next, head south towards Santa Barbara, where you can enjoy some delicious seafood and a more laid-back vibe. There are many things to do in Santa Barbara , including visits to wineries, a walk along the shoreline, and a short hike at Lizard’s Mouth, which is a beautiful viewpoint that overlooks the entire city. 

Spend two days relaxing along the coast before making your way down to Los Angeles.

Located two hours south of Santa Barbara, L.A. can keep you busy for days. A walk along Hollywood Blvd will prepare you for the glam and glitz of the city. Check out the Hollywood Sign and catch a movie at the TCL Chinese Theater before grabbing some dinner at the Hollywood and Highland Center. 

Spend the following day at Universal Studio Hollywood, before heading south to Orange County.

Orange County has a few beautiful beaches, including Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. A day can be spent beach-hopping before heading to Disneyland in Anaheim the following day.

The last two days will be spent in San Diego visiting the Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Hike and scuba dive at La Jolla Cove and end your Pacific Highway road trip with one last dip in the ocean!

• Ride in a street trolley in San Francisco
• Hike Yosemite and catch a sunrise!
• Grab a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer Viewpoint
• Go winery hopping in Santa Barbara
• Have some fresh oysters right by the Santa Barbara Harbor
• Hike to the Hollywood sign in L.A.

Contributed by: Daisy Li from Beyond My Border

2. Oregon Coast & Forests Road Trip

This road trip takes you through quirky Portland and charming oceanside towns. You’ll adventure in the mountains, find hot springs, and explore one of the coolest National Parks in the US. Let’s go! 

• Route: Oregon Coast & Forests road trip
• At a glance: Portland – Hood River – Bend – Crater Lake – Samuel H. Boardman State Corridor – Cannon Beach – Portland
• Distance: 1,100 miles
• Duration: 10 – 12 days
• When to go: May – October will give you the best weather, and the earlier and later end of the spectrum will help you avoid the summertime crowds. Enjoy fall foliage in mid-October!

After exploring the quirky sights of Portland , head east along the Columbia River Gorge. Make a day of it and see as many waterfalls as you can before stopping for the night in charming Hood River where you can see people windsurfing on the Columbia River.

Heading south, you’ll enter Mount Hood National Forest, which offers lots of hiking if you have the time. Stop at Trillium Lake for a picnic with unrivaled views of the volcanic mountain.

Heading even further south, you’ll reach the beautiful town of Bend , which is a fun place to explore for a day. For a fun little side trip, head past the small town of Sisters and into the Willamette National Forest where you can find waterfalls and the incredibly vibrant Tamolitch Blue Pools.

Continuing further south, spend a couple days taking in the sights and hikes in Crater Lake National Park , and hunting for hot springs in Umpqua National Forest .

Short on time? If you’re short on time, you can cut over to the coast and head back to Portland along the ocean.

But if you have the time, there are more adventures to be had. Explore the cute little town of Ashland, and if you’re lucky you might be able to catch one of their famous Shakespeare Festival, which happens all summer long.

You’ll actually need to cross into California briefly before returning into Oregon to see the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. The name of this park is long, but the ocean views are some of the best in the state! 

After you’ve explored to your heart’s content, make your way north through all sorts of cute coastal towns, stopping whenever you get the urge. (We liked the town of Bandon, and enjoyed seafood and sunset here!)

On your way back to Portland, stop at the Tillamook Creamery for some of their famous cheese and ice cream, and spend the night in Cannon Beach so you can see the iconic sea stacks at sunset.

• Sample all the craft beer you can in Portland
• Go chasing waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge
• Picnic with views of Mount Hood at Trillium Lake
• Explore the fun towns of Bend, Hood River and Ashland
• Hike to Tamolitch Blue Pools for some of the bluest water you’ll ever see!
• Explore Samuel H. Boardman State Park for some of the most epic ocean views in the state 
• Eat clams and seafood in one of the many small towns along the coast. We loved Tony’s Crab Shack in Bandon.
• See the sea stacks on Cannon Beach at sunset
• Stop at the Tillamook Creamery for the famous cheese and ice cream

Helpful resources for your Oregon road trip:

• If the coast is calling your name and you’d rather spend all your time near the ocean, we have a huge Oregon coast road trip guide to help you customize your itinerary and plan your trip.
• If you’re interested in traveling by campervan (highly recommend!), be sure to check out the best campervan rentals in Portland .

Recommended by Katie and Ben from Two Wandering Soles

3. San Francisco to Seattle: Coastal Drive

This San Francisco to Seattle drive is a scenic route that includes the dramatic California and Oregon coastlines and stops at a few national and state parks. Since most of this USA road trip follows the Pacific Coast Highway, the views from the drive alone will be stunning.

• Route: San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA (coastal drive)
• At a glance: San Francisco – Mendocino – Florence – Redwood National Park – Cannon Beach – Olympic National Forest – Seattle
• Distance: 920 miles
• Duration: 2 weeks 
• When to go: June – October. Summer months bring pleasant temperatures and mostly sunny skies. Visiting in the early Fall is great because there are fewer tourists and the weather is still mild.

The drive begins in San Francisco. Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, riding the trolley, and hopping over to Sausalito, there is plenty to do and eat in a couple of days.

After taking in the sights in San Fran, begin driving north to Mendocino. This charming coastal northern California town has scenic kayaking and biking opportunities, as well as hiking trails nearby. 

The last stop in northern California is to explore the majestic redwoods. In addition to Redwood National Park, there are many state parks that have redwood forests. 

Continue your route along the coast until the next stop in Florence, Oregon. Florence is where you can hop on an ATV and explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. 

Then continue along the Pacific Coast Highway making stops along Oregon’s gorgeous and charming coast line. A highlight is a stop in Cannon Beach , one of the cutest towns on the Oregon Coast, where the famed Haystack Rock is just a few feet offshore. 

The final leg of the journey is the drive towards Seattle, with a stop at Olympic National Park . After admiring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest coastline, this park showcases even more of Washington’s untouched nature. 

Seattle is the last stop on the road trip. Visiting the classic attractions such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market are some of the top things to do in Seattle . 

• Walk along the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll Fisherman’s Wharf, take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and take a ride on a trolley in San Francisco
• Kayak sea caves and go biking along the Big River in Mendocino, California
• Hike along trails in Redwood National Park
• Ride an ATV on the Oregon Sand Dunes
• Take a walk on the beach during low tide to Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach and have some coffee at the Sleepy Monk
• Hike some scenic trails in Olympic National Park
• Grab some lunch at Pike Place Chowder and witness the views from the Space Needle in Seattle

Contributed by: Margie from DQ Family Travel

4. Seattle to San Francisco: Inland Route

This lesser explored route between the two major cities takes you inland to national and state parks you’ve probably never heard of, chasing waterfalls and hiking mountains.

• Route: West Coast Inland Road Trip – Adventures and Waterfall Hikes
• At a glance: Washington – Oregon – California
• Distance: 807 miles
• Duration: 2 weeks
• When to go: Fall – So you can see those incredible fall colors and the crowds have left.

Your first day will be spent just outside Seattle exploring some of the waterfall hikes like Snoqualmie, Franklin and Twin Falls. 

Meander your way down into Mount Rainier National Park for the next day or two and take it all in, there’s a lot going on there.

Then make your way to the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, where you’ll see some of the most beautiful Oregon waterfalls . Multnomah Falls is famous and absolutely worth a gander, but there are other falls worth a visit. We also recommend the underrated Dry Creek Falls, which is actually way better than it sounds.

Wrap up your first week on the road by riding through Bend, Oregon, the adventure capital of the state! Smith Rock State Park is a must and treat yourself to as many craft beers as you’d like.

As you make your way to California, you can stop off to do some hiking in Crater Lake National ,  before you bid adieu to Oregon. Lassen National Park and Lava Beds National Monuments aren’t as well-known, but have some great hikes and incredible views. Kings Creek Falls hike is known for bear sightings!

As you wrap up your inland Seattle to San Francisco road trip , take time to visit Burney Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls you’ll probably ever see, Big Trees National Park and Muir Woods National Monument.

Highlights 

• Mount Rainier National Park is a playground for hikes, exploring, and seeing those epic fall colors!
• Find out all the fun things to do in Bend, Oregon — hands down the best city in the area. (I’m only sort of biased)—a visit to Smith Rock State Park, the craft beer scene, lots of hikes , waterfalls, floating down the river… There’s so much to do and the area is gorgeous.
• Burney Falls is STUNNING.
• The Columbia River Gorge in its entirety and getting the less popular spots like Dry Creek Falls all to yourselves will be epic—not many wander up there.
• Seeing Crater Lake at sunset is incredibly majestic.

Contributed by: Nina Ragusa from Where in the World is Nina?

Psst! We have a guide to the best campervan rentals in Seattle that will be super helpful if you’re thinking about this route!

5. Washington State Road Trip

Washington State is packed with some of the most stunning natural landscapes you’ll find in the United States. There is so much more to this PNW state than Seattle, and if you get out of the city limits, you’ll find adventure and beauty abound. This route will bring you through some of the most beautiful places in this state.

• Route: Best of Washington State
• At a glance: Seattle – San Juan Islands – North Cascades National Park – Winthrop – Lake Chelan & Stehekin – Leavenworth – Seattle
• Distance: 500 miles
• Duration: 10 – 12 days, with options to add on 2 – 4 days for the Olympic Peninsula (find the itinerary below)
• When to go: May – October

Start your road trip in Seattle, and spend a day or two exploring the city if you’ve never been. Once you leave the city limits, the real adventure begins! 

Heading north, you’ll come to the seaside town of Anacortes, from which you can take a ferry to the San Juan Islands. Explore the cute island towns, and if your budget allows, splurge on a whale watching tour – it’s one of the best places in North America to do it!

Once you’re back on the mainland, head into the mountains. North Cascades National Park is home to the most epic scenery you’ll see on this trip, so stop often and take lots of photos along the way. Mount Baker National Forest is a great place for hiking, and you’ll get stunning views at Diablo Lake and Ross Lake.

Continue east on Highway 20 and you’ll come to Washington Pass, where you’ll definitely want to get out of your car and bring your camera! The next stop is the Western style town of Winthrop, which is a fun stop for a beer before heading on to Lake Chelan.

This narrow, 50.5-mile lake almost looks like a river from the map, but it’s possible to take a ferry to the opposite end of the lake, where the tiny town of Stehekin lies. With fewer than 80 permanent residents, Stehekin is a great place to get away from it all, go hiking, stay in a cozy cabin, and eat at the town’s famous bakery. 

Now it’s time to make your way to the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth . Home to lots of cute shops and breweries, it’s a nice place to relax. 

If you have the time, try to get out and explore the nature surrounding the town, as it is absolutely magnificent (Colchuck Lake is one of our favorite hikes!). If you want an extra adventure, book a trip with our friends at Wildwater Rafting for a fun time on the Wenatchee River!

Your drive back on Highway 2 is beautiful and passes by a couple waterfalls and viewpoints. If you’re hungry, stop at a local favorite, Sultan Bakery, for donuts and famous sandwiches before arriving back in Seattle.

Tip: Be sure to stay at some of Washington’s best campsites along the way!

• Visit Seattle’s famous sites : Pike’s Place Market, the Post Alley Gum Wall, and the Space Needle, then explore the Fremont neighborhood where you can sample the city’s best craft beer and seek out the famous Fremont Troll.
• Go whale watching in the San Juan Islands
• Hike as much as you can in North Cascades National Park: Diablo Lake and Mount Baker are highlights
• Take a ferry on Lake Chelan to the tiny town of Stehekin. Don’t forget to eat at the town bakery!
• Sample German pretzels and beer in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth

6. Olympic Peninsula Washington

With driftwood-strewn beaches, temperate rainforests, mountains and waterfalls, Olympic National Park is packed full of beauty and adventure. This short but sweet route brings you through the best of the Olympic Peninsula .

• Route: Olympic National Park and Beaches  
• At a glance: Seattle – ferry to Bainbridge Island – Port Angeles – La Push – Olympia – Seattle
• Distance: 550 miles
• Duration: 2-4 days

The Olympic Peninsula is just a short drive from Seattle, making it a great weekend camping trip, or a good addition to a longer PNW road trip. The quickest way to get to the OP is by taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. You can find the schedule here .

Once you’re back on the road, make your way to Hurricane Ridge where you can enjoy epic mountain views and explore the trails in Olympic National Park . On a clear day, you can even see the ocean! 

Spend the night at Lyre River Campground, which is free and absolutely beautiful. Try to arrive early, as it is first come, first served. In the morning, head inland to explore Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Falls before making your way back to the coast and preparing for a hike. 

Walking out to Shi Shi Beach will likely be a highlight of your time in the OP (especially if you’re a photographer). If you have the time and camping equipment, plan to spend the night at Shi Shi and enjoy an epic sunset with few other people around.   

The next morning, hike out and get back on the road. You’ll pass through Forks, the small town made famous by the Twilight series, and you can explore the beaches near La Push. This is a nice place to spend the night. 

Wander through the Hoh Rainforest and stop for a picnic lunch near Ruby Beach on the following day before making the drive back to Seattle. 

• See mountains and ocean at the same time at Hurricane Ridge
• Explore the lush Hoh Rainforest
• Imagine fairies are real on a walk around stunning Sol Duc Falls
• Camp on a beach in the Olympic Peninsula

7. California National Parks

One of the most picturesque drives in California through some of the most famous National Parks in the United States.

• Route: Yosemite to Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park
• At a glance: Yosemite – Kings Canyon – Sequoia
• Distance: 186 miles
• Duration: 5-8 days 
• When to go: April- October; Spring and Fall are the best time of year to travel to the National Parks, since the weather will not be too hot or too cold, and the crowds should be fewer than in the Summer.

​​Yosemite is one of the busiest national parks in the country. For this reason, you might want to book your spot in advance, if you plan to hike the famous Half Dome. Otherwise you can enjoy the hikes around like Vernal Falls or Taft Point and view Half Dome from a distance. 

Be sure to be on the lookout for bears and other wildlife hanging around as well. For a nice easy stroll, take the trail down to Mirror Lake for a one-of-a-kind view.

Continue your road trip south towards Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The two adjacent parks are jointly managed by the National Parks Service and with a single entrance fee. 

Spend a day exploring Kings Canyon and then make your way to Sequoia National Park. Its in both of these parks where you’ll find yourself among some of the largest redwood trees in the world.

In fact, the General Sherman tree in Sequoia, stands as the largest tree in the world by volume. And don’t forget to drive through the downed Redwood, as it’s one of the last drive thru trees around.

• Enjoy all the waterfalls you find along the route 
• Hike Half Dome, or many of the other hikes around Yosemite
• Drive through the giant Redwood trees in Kings Canyon & Sequoia
• Take a picture in front of the largest tree in the world

Contributed by: Sara from Our Kind of Crazy

8. Lake Tahoe to Eastern Sierra California Road Trip

This beautiful road trip may not cover a lot of distance, but it’s so crammed with epic scenery and things to do that seven days will seem too short! The road travels along the stunning Eastern Sierra, and side trips include the scenic Tioga Pass Road and other short roads leading to points of interest along the route.

• Route: California State Route 395 from South Lake Tahoe to Bishop
• At a glance: South Lake Tahoe – Bridgeport – Lee Vining – Mammoth Lakes – Bishop
• Distance: 175 miles
• Duration: 7 days
• When to go: Hands down, Autumn is the best time of year to do this spectacular road trip through the Eastern Sierra . The next best is late spring, when wildflowers are in bloom. In late spring, summer, and fall, you can enjoy hiking trails all along the route! 

Start this USA road trip in scenic South Lake Tahoe, where you can spend a couple of days enjoying the beauty of the large alpine lake. Make sure to take the short drive to Hope Valley and the nearby mountain passes to see leaf colors in the fall.

Next, take California SR395 South to the Bridgeport area, where you can take the short detour to see the ghost town of Brodie (it’s now a state park). 

Further south, you can make a stop at Conway Summit, the highest point along the route, and Mono Lake, a large saltwater lake famous for its tufa towers and thousands of birds. Arrive at Mammoth Lakes, which will be your base for the next three days.

Spend the next three days exploring the areas north and south of the resort town of Mammoth Lakes. From lakes to waterfalls and mountains to creeks, you will find lots to see here. The town of Mammoth Lakes is a well-known winter sports resort, and offers lots of accommodation and dining options.

Spend the last two days of your trip in Bishop, where again you can explore side roads to scenic lakes and an abundance of color in the fall.

• Try SUP boarding on the crystal clear waters of beautiful Lake Tahoe 
• Explore the ghost town of Brodie, preserved exactly as the occupants left when they fled
• Visit the Devil’s Postpile National Monument in Mammoth Lakes
• Marvel at the tufa towers at Mono Lake: an excellent sunset photography spot!
• Enjoy the stunning beauty of the lakes of the Eastern Sierra all along the route

Contributed by: Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

9. Eastern Oregon Road Trip

This off-the-beaten path adventure offers wide open roads, rustic hot springs, mesmerizing desert and unparalleled stargazing.

• Route: Steens Mountain Scenic Byway in Eastern Oregon
• As an alternative to Boise, you can drive the Steen’s Mountain Scenic Byway from Bend, Oregon. The distance and timing is approximately the same.
• Distance: 600-650 miles
• Duration: 4-5 days
• When to go: Soaring heat in summer and the closure of the Steen’s Mountain Loop in winter, mean Spring and Fall are the best times of year to drive the Steen’s Mountain Scenic Byway.

Drive four hours west from Boise (or four hours east from Bend) and enter one of the most remote areas of the United States. 

Your first stop is at the Alvord Hot Springs, where you can soak in the rustic thermal pools at the edge of a large dried-out lake known as the Playa. For optimal stargazing, head to the middle of the cracked-earth Playa and camp in complete solitude under the milky way.

In the morning, spend a few hours zooming around the Alvord Playa in your 4×4 vehicle and marvel at the vastness of your surroundings. Fill up with gas in the small town of Fields (population 14), before driving up the west side of Steen’s Mountain to the historic town of Frenchglen.

Frenchglen is the gateway to the Steen’s Mountain Loop and the surprisingly lush Malheur Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy one or two days of hiking or bird-watching. Before heading back to Boise or Bend, spend the night soaking under the stars at the Crystal Crane Hot Spring.

• Soak in the Alvord Hot Springs at any hour of the day or night
• Drive your vehicle onto the cracked-earth Playa and chase mirages across the desert.
• Camp out on the Playa and enjoy opportunities for perspective photography
• Drive the Steen’s Mountain Loop and soak in views of glacial valleys
• Hike to Wildhorse Lake
• Admire birdlife at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge
• Take a sunrise soak in the warm lake waters of Crystal Crane Hot Springs

Contributed by: Erika Bisbocci from Erika’s Travels

Western USA Road Trips

The mountains are calling! And the deserts too! Drive through the Rocky Mountains over snowy mile-high passes. Explore the unique rock formations of the deserts that has taken millions of years to create.

This is also where you’ll find some of the nation’s most prized National Parks, and some of the best preserved Native American sites. You can really get out in the wild in the Western States.

• American Southwest National Parks
• Las Vegas to Grand Canyon
• Utah’s National Parks
• Colorado Road Trip
• Idaho Wilderness & Small Towns
• Glacier, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

10. American Southwest National Parks

This epic road trip with both popular and off-the-beaten-path stops is one of the finest adventures the wild west can offer.

• Route: American Southwest Road Trip
• At a glance: Nevada – Utah – Arizona
• Distance: about 1,000 miles
• Duration: 1 week 
• When to go: May is a very popular month, and it was when I did the trip, though the locals said fall is the best time of the year. 

This American Southwest Road Trip begins in Los Angeles, California. Take your car or campervan to Nevada, and make a stop at the Seven Magic Mountains, followed by a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon (the best way to see it if you are short on time!), and be sure to make a stop at the Valley of Fire State Park.

Recommended sights at the Valley of Fire include Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock, Beehives, and Fire Wave Trail, some of the best hikes near Las Vegas . 

Next, move on to Utah and get ready for the gorgeous views at Zion National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park , Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and more.

Finally, make your way to Arizona, which is famous for some more incredible canyons, like the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and The Wave.

• Helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon
• Coyote Gulch trail in one day via the sneaker route, which involve using a rope to climb down a 250-foot vertical rock and navigating by GPS
• Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park
• The gorgeous rock formations at Valley of the Gods

Contributed by: Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse 

11. Utah’s National Parks

If Utah is on your bucket list, you should bookmark this road trip route. It takes you through the state’s 5 National Parks plus some other hidden gems and cool towns—basically all the best places to visit in Utah .  

• Route: Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks    
• At a glance: Moab (Arches & Canyonlands National Parks) – Capitol Reef National Park – Grand Staircase Escalante – Bryce Canyon National Park – Zion National Park – St. George
• Distance: 550 Miles
• When to go: March – May and September – November; avoid the summer months as it is very crowded and hot at this time of year. Spring and fall bring much more comfortable temperatures and fewer people.

Begin by exploring the town of Moab for a day or two. If you like mountain biking, this is the place to get out on two wheels! 

Make stops at both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park , as they offer very different experiences. You can also stop at Dead Horse Point State Park if you have the time.

On your way westward, make a stop at the House on Fire, ancient ruins located near a river bend of Mule Canyon. And like the name implies, they look just like a house on fire. When we visited there were only a handful of other people, and it was a super interesting place many travelers miss. 

Capitol Reef is the next park on the route, and it is the least visited of Utah’s National Parks, but certainly worth the stop. 

Spend the night near Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and if it’s open, Kiva Koffeehouse makes a perfect place for food, coffee and views. 

Now you’re almost to Bryce Canyon National Park which is your next stop before heading to your final park: the famous Zion. St. George is a cute town to spend the final days of your trip, or to relax before continuing on.

Depending on your time frame and flights, you can either:

• end your trip in St. George
• continue onto Las Vegas (lots of cheap flights leave from here)
• extend your trip to include stops at Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley before circling back up to Moab 
• Sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park
• Photographing House on Fire Ruins
• Picking apricots from the orchards in Capitol Reef National Park
• Coffee with a view at Kiva Koffeehouse near Escalante
• Peek a Boo Loop hike at Bryce Canyon National Park
• Angel’s Landing Hike at Zion National Park
• Stargazing on clear nights in the desert

12. Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

This epic road trip brings you from the craziest city to 3 amazing canyons, a beautiful forest and back to Las Vegas, all along the famous Route 66.

• Route: Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon
• At a glance: Las Vegas – Antelope Canyon – Horseshoe Bend – Coconino National Forest – Flagstaff – Grand Canyon – Las Vegas
• Distance: 800 miles
• Duration: 1 week
• When to go:  All year long, but remember July – August will be quite hot.

Begin your journey in Las Vegas and spend the day driving through Utah and Arizona to the Antelope Canyons. Explore both the Upper and Lower Canyon, each a wonderland for photographers as lights, sand and shadows play beautifully together.

Spend a night in Page and also visit Horseshoe Bend the next day. The Colorado River writing poems into the landscape should not be missed.

Next, head south towards Flagstaff. You will pass the Coconino National Forest. Be sure to stop and take a left into the forest. The flower fields are breathtaking and there is also an interesting crater to visit.

Once in Flagstaff, enjoy the rustic wild west atmosphere (and if you have more time in Arizona try checking out Tucson ). 

The next day make your way towards the Grand Canyon. Drive back up the road to Cameron and take a left there to make the most of your time in the park. Several Native shops will offer nice handicrafts as a souvenir.

To end the journey, find your way towards the setting sun again, West, and take a little detour from the main new interstate to end up on the famous Route 66.

• Gamble but don’t lose all your money in Las Vegas
• Explore and take a photographers tour in the Antelope Canyons
• Hike around Horseshoe Bend
• Just breath and relax in the Coconino National Forest
• Feel like a cowboy in Flagstaff
• Finally visit the most majestic canyon of them all: Grand Canyon. Several hikes are available in the area
• Head back to Las Vegas via Route 66 and crank up the radio

Contributed by: Theo from Tripcrafting

13. Colorado Road Trip

Take in the snow-capped mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and soak in natural hot springs on this epic Colorado road trip. 

• Route: Colorado Road Trip: Cities and Nature
• At a glance: Denver – Boulder – Glenwood Springs – Grand Junction – Ouray – Mesa Verde National Park – Buena Vista – Colorado Springs – Denver
• Distance: 900 miles
• Duration: 1-2 weeks
• When to go: June – August; Spring is nice too, but a summer Colorado road trip does allow you to see more and enjoy the outdoors that makes Colorado so awesome.

Kick start your Colorado road trip with 2-3 days in the ‘Mile High City’ of Denver exploring its vibrant arts scene. Stop two is a day trip to Boulder, stroll along Pearl Street, the pedestrian walkway downtown, or head to the foothills to hike any of the 45,000 acres of designated trails.

From there, head to Glenwood Springs, but make a stop on the way to hike to Hanging Lake to take in the stunning turquoise lake suspended on the edge of Glenwood Canyon.

After a few days chilling in the laid back vibe of Glenwood Springs, pick up the pace with 1-2 days in Grand Junction. The area has a number of sightseeing hotspots such as the vineyards of Palisade and the Colorado National Monument.

Continue south to the charming town of Ouray before heading onto Mesa Verde National Park which you can easily explore in 1 day.

Your next stop is Buena Vista, a must for all adventure lovers. Get ready for stunning scenery as you head to the penultimate stop on your itinerary, at Colorado Springs. 

There you can marvel at the red sandstone formations in the Garden of the Gods or spend the day at the North Cheyenne Canon Park before heading back to Denver to complete your epic Colorado road trip.

• A scenic drive to Lookout Mountain for spectacular views of Denver
• Explore the hiking and riding trails around Boulder, especially the Hanging Lake Trailhead
• Whitewater rafting along the Colorado River.
• Have a picnic after hiking the nature trails at the beautiful Rifle Falls State Park
• Take in the grandness of the Colorado National Monument, its spectacular canyons, red rocks, and sandstone towers.
• Explore Pike’s Peak by Cog Train to view the beautiful vistas of Colorado Springs from above

Contributed by: Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel

14. Idaho Wilderness & Small Towns

We’ve said time and time again that Idaho is one of the most underrated states in the US, and we’re going to preach its epic-ness once again. With incredible hot springs , the rugged Sawtooth Mountain Wilderness, and charming towns, a road trip through Idaho is perfect if you want to have epic adventures without the crowds of many other Western states.

• Route: Best of Idaho Road Trip
• At a glance: Boise – Twin Falls – Ketchum – Stanley – Salmon
• Distance: 915 miles
• When to go: June – September, outside of these months, you will likely find some roads closed due to snow, so it’s best to travel during the summertime. Compared to other states in Western USA, you won’t find nearly as many crowds even during the peak summer season.

Begin your journey in Boise and spend a day exploring Idaho’s largest city by bicycle. Your next stop is the town of Twin Falls where you can watch BASE jumpers and make the detour to the nearby sand dunes.

Next, head up towards the Sawtooth Wilderness, where you can stop off for hikes along the way. Ketchum is a small town with lots of charm and outdoor activities all year long.

Stanley is not far from here, and this tiny town of 63 people looks like it’s straight out of a Western movie set. Enjoy the scenery and do a little hiking if you’re keen. 

From here, make a stop at the stunning Goldbug Hot Springs before ending your trip in the Western-themed town of Salmon.

• Explore Boise by bicycle and stop at a few of the (many!) breweries along the way
• Watch BASE jumpers at the bridge in Twin Falls
• See Ernest Hemingway’s grave in Ketchum, and enjoy the many cute shops and cafes in town 
• Go for a hike (or two!) in the Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness Area. Alice’s Lake is a good one!
• See the cute little town of Stanley, and be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Stanley Bakery. You can’t miss it! Tip: The cinnamon rolls are to die for!
• Soak in Goldbug Hot Springs — likely the most scenic hot springs you’ll ever see! If you have a tent, you can spend the night here beneath the stars!

Recommended by Katie & Ben from Two Wandering Soles

15. Glacier, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Take an incredible road trip through some of the most epic scenery in the northwestern United States. This road trip has you stopping in Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks as you make your way through Montana and Wyoming. 

• Route: Glacier Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks
• At a glance: Glacier – Yellowstone – Grand Teton
• Distance: 450 miles
• Duration: 1 week or longer depending on the time you want to spend in each park
• When to go: April to September

This route brings you through three of the best National Parks in the U.S. beginning in Montana, and heading south into Wyoming. Give yourself a minimum of 2 full days to explore each of these famous National Parks and allow an extra day in between each for driving time. 

Start your road trip at Glacier National Park in Montana where the highlights include driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, wildlife spotting and plenty of incredible hiking. If you’re up for an overnight backpacking adventure, hike the Highline Trail to get off the beaten tourist path and see some of the best views in the park.  

From Glacier you can reach the west entrance of Yellowstone in just 6 hours and 30 minutes. 

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the U.S. and probably one of the most well-known, next to the Grand Canyon. The park is home to some of the most unique ecosystems in the world.

Don’t miss the drive down Yellowstone’s scenic loop road where you’ll pass by geysers, encounter wildlife, and witness geologic sites like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. 

Finally, make your way south for just about 30 miles to reach Grand Tetons National Park and your third stop on this incredible USA road trip. 

Famous for the snow-capped jagged peaks of the Tetons Mountain Range, excellent chances for spotting wildlife, alpine lakes in brilliant shades of blue, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, Grand Teton National Park isn’t overrated in the slightest. 

Be sure to check out some of the best Grand Teton hikes while you’re there to really experience the beauty of this place. 

• Get the best views of Glacier National Park while driving the Going-the-Sun-Road
• Spot a moose or some buffalo in the wild
• Take a chilly dip in a glacial lake
• Drive Yellowstone’s Scenic Loop Road, circumnavigating the entire park
• Photograph the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring
• Watch Old Faithful erupt on time
• Hit the trails in Grand Teton National Park

Hawaii & Alaska Road Trips

Get out of the continental USA for a road trip of your dreams!

In Hawaii, your road trip will have shorter distances, but with stops for fresh poke and shave ice plus epic sunset views, this small state packs in a ton of adventure!

And up in Alaska you’ll drive some of the most remote roads in the USA. This is the perfect state for a road trip through epic wilderness without the crowds.

• The Dalton Highway
• Denali to Kenai
• Hawaii’s Big Island Road Trip
• Road to Hana, Maui

16. The Dalton Highway

Take a drive into the Arctic wilderness as you follow the famed Ice Road from Fairbanks to the Deadhorse, Alaska.

• Route: The Dalton Highway – The Ice Road
• At a glance: Fairbanks – Yukon River – Arctic Circle – Coldfoot – Deadhorse
• Distance: 828 miles
• Duration: 4 Days 
• When to go: June to August – The summer provides the most daylight and the conditions are most favorable for driving the road. 

Before heading up the Dalton Highway, one of Alaska’s most remote roads, you need to be prepared. The Dalton is a remote grave 2-lane highway. The primary use of this road is to haul oil drilling supplies from Fairbanks to the oilfields of the Northern Slope of Alaska . The speed limit is 50 m.p.h.

The weather here is unpredictable, so you need to be ready for snow at any time. There are four gas stations on the road and NO CELL SERVICE. If this hasn’t scared you off yet, get ready for an adventure…

Your trip up the Dalton Highway starts in Fairbanks, Alaska. First learn about Alaska’s gold mining history at Gold Dredge 8 and view the Alaskan Pipeline exhibit. 

Upon departing Fairbanks, follow the Elliot Highway until Livengood. From here you will be on the haul road. 

Your first big stop will be at the famed Yukon River. The river bank has thick mud that really likes to eat shoes. Depending on the salmon run, you may see locals harvesting salmon. Across the road from the camp is a small overlook with great views of the bridge.

Up next is Milepost 115 and the Arctic Circle. Be sure to take a picture with the sign. There is a campground and restrooms here. You will pass several scenic lakes and stops as you reach Coldfoot Camp and the halfway point of the Dalton. 

Next, get ready to cross the Brooks Mountain range through Atigun Pass. This is the highest point on the road and the most dangerous spot. 

The landscape will start to open up and you will start being able to see for miles. Keep an eye out for Musk Ox. There are several small herds on the way to Deadhorse. 

Once at Deadhorse, you are at the end of the road. You will need to arrange a tour if you would like to get to the shore of the Arctic Ocean. 

From here, turn around and head back the way you came.

• Gold Dredge 8 and the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline to learn about the mining and drilling history of Alaska
• Walk down to the edge of the Yukon River and watch the water flow
• Check out the unique rock formations at Finger Mountain
• Get your photograph taken at the Arctic Circle
• Have lunch at Coldfood Café which is seen on Ice Road Truckers
• Tour Weisman and learn what life above the Arctic Circle is life
• Take a tour to Prudhoe Bay and learn about the oilfield and see the Arctic Ocean

Contributed by: Jennifer Melroy from National Park Obsessed

17. Denali to Kenai

This scenic road trip itinerary takes you through some of the most stunning landscape of Alaska, from the snow-covered peaks of Denali National Park to the glaciers and fjords of Kenai.

• Route: 7 Days in Alaska: Denali to Kenai
• At a glance: Anchorage – Denali – Anchorage – Seward – Kenai
• Distance: Around 800 miles
• Duration: 7 Days
• When to go: Mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit Alaska, with July and August as the “warmest” months (and the busiest) when temperatures reach 60°F to 80°F. 

Your road trip starts with a drive 4 hours north from Anchorage to Denali National Park where you can admire the majestic Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest mountain peak in North America.

At visit the park offers a chance to spot grizzlies, moose and other wildlife. Other opportunities for epic adventures include hiking, white water rafting, off-roading, zipline tours, and aerial tours of Denali.

Head back to Anchorage and learn about Alaska Native traditions at the Anchorage Native Heritage Center . 

Finally, drive straight south past Anchorage for 2.5 hours to the Kenai Peninsula for a chance to visit Kenai Fjords National Park. Don’t miss a hike to the Exit Glacier, and take a cruise through the Kenai Fjords.

Return to Anchorage when you’re ready for your road trip to come to an end. 

• Join a ranger-guided tour at the Denali National Park and learn about the fantastic wildlife
• Go on a flightseeing tour to admire Denali from up close
• Take a heli-hiking tour to explore the Alaskan backcountry
• Visit the Anchorage Native Heritage Center
• Try salmon jerky or jams made of local berries like salmonberries, lingonberries, or cloudberries
• Catch dinner by salmon fishing on the Kenai Peninsula
• Hike on the Glacier Overlook Trail of Exit Glacier
• Board a cruise to see whales, seals, and sea lions on Resurrection Bay

Contributed by: Patricia from Ze Wandering Frogs

18. Hawaii’s Big Island Road Trip

This road trip takes you through every single landscape you can imagine: From the rough volcanic rocks at Hawai’i Volcano National Park to the stunning beaches of Captain Cook and right up to a stargazing oasis at the volcano Mauna Kea.

• Route: Big Island & Volcano National Park
• At a glance: Hilo – Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park – Captain Cook – Kona – Mauna Kea
• Distance: 187 miles
• Duration: 2 Days
• When to go: All year around: Big Island has a climate that works from January till December. 

Start in the cute little village of Hilo, where you can stock up on your food supplies before you head right into the Hawai’i Volcano National Park. 

The park is easy to drive through and it’s up to you how long you want to stay here. You could definitely easily spend an entire week here, hiking and exploring, but if you only have a couple of days on Big Island you can squeeze the highlights into half a day. 

Once the day ends, you will have reached Kona, where you can chill at the beach the next day. Don’t forget to get ready for sunset at the most epic spot ever: Mauna Kea. The volcano not only has the perfect sunset setting, but also a free stargazing event that takes place several days a week. Do check their website for the most accurate information. 

• Have a burger at the Hilo Burger Joint
• Attend the stargazing event at Mauna Kea
• Go for a helicopter flight above Big Island’s volcanoes and opt-in for the open door flight 
• Make sure to go on at least a short hike at Hawai’i Volcano National Park
• Look out for turtles at the beaches around Kona

Contributed by: Anne Steinbach & Clemens Sehi from Travellers Archive

19. Road to Hana, Maui

This tropical road trip through winds around the east side of Maui, Hawaii, taking you through quaint surf towns and showing off the gorgeous coastline with ample hiking opportunities.

• Route: The Road to Hana, Maui
• At a glance: Paia – Haiku – Hana – Kaupo  
• Distance: 64.4 miles
• Duration: 1 day travel time
• When to go: It’s Hawaii so the weather is generally perfect year round. During the summer months, it is much busier than other times of the year. 

Start your drive in Paia, a cute surfer town on Maui’s north shore. Get breakfast at Charley’s to start the day. They have monster pancakes and some of the cajun Ono eggs benedict on the island. 

If you have time, do some shopping. Paia has lots of funky boutiques with surf gear and clothing. Don’t forget to grab some snacks from Mana Foods before you head out.  

Next, take a break at Twin Falls just up the road from Paia. They have some really nice and easy hiking trails and waterfalls. With fresh coconut water, smoothies, and homemade banana bread, the snack stand there is also quite popular. 

Waianapanapa State Park is another great stopping point along the way and not far from Hana. This 122-acre state park is known for its beautiful black sand beach but don’t miss the lava tubes or freshwater caves. 

Once in Hana, relax for a bit. Go to the spa at Travaasa Hana , check out the Hana Beach Park or enjoy shopping at the local art galleries.

The drive is long and I’d highly recommend spending the night in Hana before making your way back. There is one major hotel, Travaasa Hana, vacation rentals, and places to camp overnight.

• An easy but beautiful waterfall hike at Twin Falls 
• Take your time and pull over at overlooks to take in the incredible views
• Stop at Nahiku Marketplace (Mile Marker 29) if you get hungry. There are lots of different food trucks serving everything from Thai food to shave ice.  
• Kīpahulu District of Haleakala National Park is just 12 miles past Hana and a must visit. Hike the Pīpīwai Trail (4 miles) to see gorgeous waterfalls, a bamboo forest, and a giant banyan tree
• The White Pocket, which is an awesome alternative to The Wave

Contributed by: Emily Hines from Em’s on the Road

Midwest USA Roadtrips

Don’t skip over the Midwest, you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. 

From the shores of the Great Lakes to the historic Route 66, when road tripping through the Midwest you’ll meet some of the nicest people in the US. 

Summer and autumn are the best times to take a trip, but they are also the most popular.

• Route 66 Road Trip
• North Shore Lake Superior, Minnesota
• Amish Country Byway, Ohio

20. Route 66 Road Trip

One of the world’s most famous driving routes, this USA road trip takes you through small town America and the former Wild West.

• Route: Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles
• At a glance: Chicago – St. Louis – Carthage – Clinton – Tucumcari – Gallup – Seligman – San Bernardino – Los Angeles
• Distance: 2400 miles
• Duration: 8 days
• When to go: Spring and Fall – the route will be less busy and not so hot, but pleasant for sightseeing and driving

Route 66 starts in Chicago, and you’ll want to get going early as you have a long way to drive in a week. Your first day has you driving through Illinois, with highlights including the Rabbit Ranch in Staunton and the Cozy Dogs in Springfield.

Stay overnight in St. Louis where you’ll want to at least visit the arch, before heading on to the world famous Meramec Caverns. We’d also recommend a stop at the Mule Trading Post and Route 66 Car Museum. Spend your second night in Carthage, MO.

On day 3, follow the Route from Carthage with a stop in Galena, Kansas, to see the tow truck that inspired Mater in the movie “Cars”. Continue on into Oklahoma to see one of our favorite stops, the Blue Whale, then overnight in Clinton.

From Clinton, you’ll drive across a sliver of Texas and into New Mexico. You can spend the night at Tucumcari, home to some of the best preserved Route 66 motels. 

On day 5, be sure to stop in Albuquerque where Route 66 crosses itself. We also recommend a stop at the Continental Divide, before overnighting in Gallup.

Day 6 has you crossing through Arizona, with stops at Petrified Forest National Park, the “Here it is!” sign and the town of Flagstaff. Spend the night in Seligman.

The following day you’ll enter your final state: California. Make sure to stop in the town of Oatman for a Wild West show before spending the night in San Bernardino.

On your final day, you’ll be arriving at the end of the road in Los Angeles. Well done! If you want a more detailed version of this route, check out our complete 8 day Route 66 itinerary .

• See The Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois
• Visit the Blue Whale in Catoosa
• See the “Here it Is!” sign near Holbrook, AZ
• Eat all kinds of incredible food
• Visit one of the many Route 66 museums along the Route

Contributed by: Laurence from Finding The Universe

21. North Shore Lake Superior, Minnesota

Minnesota’s scenic Highway 61 follows the shoreline of the Great Lake from Duluth, Minnesota all the way into Ontario, Canada. Dubbed simply “the North Shore,” this region of Lake Superior is known for scenic trails, historic sites and untouched wilderness.

• Route: North Shore of Lake Superior: Minneapolis to Grand Marais
• At a glance: Minneapolis – Duluth – Two Harbors – Grand Marais
• Distance: 264 miles
• Duration: 3 – 4 days, you can make the drive in 4.5 hours but you’ll want to stay a few days.
• When to go: May – October. Summertime is nice because you’ll have long days, but the fall is the best because it’s the peak season for fall foliage and leaves changing colors.

While there are so many things to do in Minneapolis , head north out of the city and make the quick 2 hour drive up to Duluth, MN, the farest west port city of the Great Lakes.

Duluth is a fun college town with some serious character. Explore the brick downtown or head down to Canal Park to watch the historic Lift Bridge operate, allowing cargo ships to pass underneath. 

Grab a burger and beer at Grandma’s Saloon or Fitger’s Brewhouse for dinner. Then stay the night, or continue up the north shore taking in the coastal view of Lake Superior until the town of Two Harbors. 

Pop into the Northshore Pizza cafe for a bite to eat or visit Castle Danger Brewery (one of our favorite brews in MN).

Be sure to stop at Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls (very easy 0.5 mile hike to the lower falls) on your way up to Grand Marais.

Spend a night or two in Grand Marais. Get a donut at the World’s Best Donut Shop and a slice of pizza from the iconic Sven and Ole’s (get a sticker while you’re there!). For a nicer meal, the seasonally-open Angry Trout is a good choice, and if you want a morning Bloody Mary, you won’t find any better than at the Gunflint Tavern .

• Watch as cargo ships come into Duluth harbor and see the iconic Lift Bridge rise to let them in
• Get smoked fish from a local market along the way
• Stop at Split Rock Lighthouse
• Skip rocks into Lake Superior (the largest freshwater lake in the world!)
• See Gooseberry Falls
• Grab a beer at Castle Danger Brewing near Two Harbors, and Voyager Brewing in Grand Marais
• Take a gondola ride at Lutsen Ski Resort (in the summer or fall months), or go skiing in the winter months
• If you’re not camping, we highly recommend staying at The Hungry Hippie Farm & Hostel !

22. Amish Country Byway, Ohio

This Northeast Ohio road trip travels over rolling hills and past Amish farms. The Amish Country Byway is a designated federal Scenic Byway.  The roads of the Amish Country Byway share the story of the simple life of the Amish and Mennonites and allow visitors to explore this quiet part of Ohio.

• Route: Amish Country Byway
• At a glance: Various routes throughout Holmes County, Ohio make up the Amish Country Byway (Map)
• Distance: 160 miles
• Duration: At least 2 days
• When to go: May – November; May and November are considered the shoulder-season and travelers will find smaller crowds and less traffic. Due to the religious nature of this area, most attractions are closed on Sunday.

Begin your journey near Berlin, Ohio at Behalt. This cyclorama, known as the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, shares the history of the Amish culture and their journey from Europe to NE Ohio.

Continue north on County Rd 77 to Heini’s Cheese. Weekday visitors will have a chance to see cheese being produced and sample numerous flavors of this local delicacy.

Next, take US 62 North to Ohio 515 South. Stop and taste Trail Bologna, owned by the same family since 1912. Locals send this bologna to friends and family all over the world.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Amish, make sure to stop at Yoder’s Amish Home. Tours include a typical Amish home, an Amish school, and a horse and buggy ride. This is a great place to apply what was learned at Behalt!

• Looking to sample more cheese? Don’t miss the world-famous baby swiss at Guggisberg Cheese, located near Charm.
• Interested in glass collection? Millersburg Glass was crafted in Millersburg, Ohio for only 3 years, and its carnival glass is known for its brilliant coloring. The Millersburg Glass Museum has a full collection of the glass, plus tells the story of founder, John Fenton. This is one of the few attractions open on Sundays during the high season.
• Historic downtown Millersburg is home to antique shops, small eateries, and a brewery.  
• If visiting during the fall, the Hershberger Farm and Market offers a pumpkin patch.  

Contributed by: Leah Yoder from Yoder Toter Blog

Southern USA Road Trips

Welcome to southern hospitality at its finest. Cruise through lands where the sky is big and so are the BBQ’s! 

If you’re into having a beverage or two, take your pick of distilleries, breweries and moonshine-ries. Travel here in the springtime to enjoy the blooming flowers and avoid the heat of the summer.

• Dallas to San Antonio
• Louisiana to Florida
• Great Smoky Mountains
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail

23. Dallas to San Antonio, Texas Road Trip

This Texas road trip takes you to Enchanted Rock State Park, through the pseudo-German town of Fredericksburg, San Antonio, often called the “Venice” of Texas, and Austin.

• Route: A Texas Road trip
• At a glance: Dallas – Enchanted Rock – Fredericksburg – San Antonio – Austin
• Distance: 415 miles
• When to go: March to June; Spring is the best time for this road trip as the medians along the highways are covered with wildflowers and the Texas state flower bluebonnets are in bloom.  It is a great time for hiking on the Enchanted Rock.

Begin your journey in Dallas. Spend a day exploring the metroplex and enjoying some BBQ. In the evening head out towards Enchanted Rock in the Hill Country, 250 miles Southwest of Dallas. 

Enchanted Rock State Park’s massive pink granite dome has drawn hikers and rock climbers to climb the magical rock formations for years. The following morning is a great time to attempt this hike. 

Next, drive to Fredericksburg which is home to more than 20 wineries, second only to Napa in the United States. Sample some German beer and bratwurst and peruse the many quaint shops.  

Afterwards you’ll want to head up towards San Antonio. 

Just North of the city, stop by the Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest known commercial caverns in the state of Texas.  Within the city limits you have The Riverwalk, Fiesta Texas, the Alamo, San Antonio Zoo, Six Flags and The Pearl. You can spend an entire week here, but plan for at least 2 days.

Austin, the capital of Texas, is an hour and 30 minutes away and there is so much to do here . From shopping on funky South Congress Avenue to stand-up paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake and seeing live music, not to mention the best tacos in Texas.

Once you’ve had your fill, make your way down to Austin from San Antonio. Be sure to make time on the drive between the cities for a shopping spree at The San Marcos Outlets, which feature some designer stores.

If you have more time, explore the Texas Hill Country which is home to over 45 wineries, vineyards and lavender fields. 

• Taste the best BBQ in Dallas
• Scale the massive pink granite dome in Enchanted Rock State Park
• Sample some German beer and bratwurst in Fredericksburg
• Enjoy the Riverwalk and a boat ride in the canals in San Antonio 
• Designer Outlet shopping in San Marcos
• Explore the Texas State Capitol Complex at the Texas Capitol Visitors Center in Austin

Contributed by: Priya from Outside Suburbia

24. Louisiana to Florida Road Trip

This cultural road trip along the US Gulf Coast brings you through the heart and southern soul of coastal Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, some of the lesser explored areas of the United States.

• Route: Gulf Coast Road Trip from Louisiana to Florida
• At a glance: Lafayette, LA – New Orleans, LA – Mobile, AL – Gulf Shores, AL – Tallahassee, FL – Wakulla Springs, FL – Crystal River, FL
• Distance: 685 miles
• Duration: 10-15 days
• When to go: May through October with summer shoulder months of May and September being ideal with less traffic.

The Gulf Coast of the southern United States from Louisiana to central Florida has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only is there interesting American history, the distinct culture along the Gulf Coast is like nowhere else in the world.

If you love local food, you’ll love the fresh seafood in this region, just one of the reasons a Gulf Coast road trip is always a great idea.  

Start your trip in Lafayette, Louisiana, where you’ll find Louisiana’s original good time town. The Acadiana (Cajun) culture is evident here in everything from the local food to the dance halls where any night of the week you’ll find welcoming crowds who will happily teach you the local zydeco moves! 

Just an hour away in nearby New Orleans is where the party really starts…and lasts for days.

Spend a day tasting the local flavor then drive out into the country and explore the River Road plantations, some of which offer interesting and poignant tours of the Antebellum history of New Orleans. 

Psst! Read this ethical guide to plantation tours to gain a better understanding and find the tours that combat racism through education. 

An hour east of the Big Easy (aka New Orleans) is the gracious southern city of Mobile, Alabama. A trip through here deserves a few days of boat tours, vintage thrift shopping, and eating their famous Alabama shrimp and oysters. 

Afterwards, head for the beach in nearby Gulf Shores, Alabama, just an hour away. Alabama truly has some of the most beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast, and natural wildlife you can enjoy from a boat or kayak. The white sand beaches here are spectacular. 

From here, head to Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee and explore the Spanish history the state was founded on. Just 20 miles south of Tallahassee is Wakulla Springs, a natural warm crystal spring where you can swim and relax, and even stay a night or two.

Next, head further down the Gulf Coast to the town of Crystal River, where summertime is scallop season. Grab your snorkel and fins and head out on a scalloping tour to gather up your own scallop feast for dinner!

• Lafayette, Louisiana is a foodie’s dream and there’s always a fun festival to attend. A visit to Avery Island and the TABASCO factory is a must. Plus, if you haven’t tried a drive-thru daiquiri, here’s your chance!
• New Orleans is a must-see along this trip, whether you have a day or more. Spend the day in the French Quarter, grab some beignets and pralines and stroll to your heart’s content.
• Tallahassee, Florida is a hip University town with great farm-to-table restaurants, awesome vintage stores, and a thriving art scene. Don’t miss the fun and funky Railroad Square Art Park!
• Wakulla Springs, Florida offers a great chance to cool off from the heat in one of Florida’s most beautiful natural crystal springs.
• Crystal River, Florida is home to the Florida manatee, but summertime is scallop season and a must-eat when you’re in town!

Contributed by: Lori Sorrentino from Travlinmad

25. Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip

This epic road trip through the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains takes you through one of the most gorgeous national parks and best roads in the country. 

• Route: Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• At a glance: Gatlinburg – Cataloochee Valley – Asheville – Mount Mitchell – Linville Falls
• Distance: 130 miles
• When to go: Spring for Wildlife; Fall for Foliage

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans between Tennessee and North Carolina and has always been one of my favorite places in the world. The perfect one-week road trip starts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, traveling to Asheville, North Carolina through the Smoky Mountains before hopping on the Blue Ridge Parkway and heading North to Linville Falls.

Gatlinburg is a great starting point for this road trip because it has a little something for everybody: moonshine distilleries, restaurants, themed attractions, beautiful wildlife, and scenery. I would spend two days here.

For the first day, check out the town of Gatlinburg, the trails near town including the ghost town of Elkmont, Roaring Fork Motor Trail and more. 

On the second day, I would spend exploring Cades Cove. Cades Cove is an 11-mile paved loop where you can drive or bike the loop while making stops along the way and exploring the trails. Here is your best chance of seeing black bears!

There are so many beautiful spots between Gatlinburg and Asheville. See the elk in Cataloochee Valley, visit Soco Falls (right off the road), and several other gorgeous locations. Next stop is Asheville – one of the best cities in the South in my opinion. Don’t miss checking out local breweries, touring Biltmore Estate, the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar.

On the way to Linville Falls, North Carolina, you’ll pretty much be on the Blue Ridge Parkway the entire way and you’ll find yourself stopping often for the views. A few of my favorite spots included Mount Mitchell and Little Switzerland. 

Once in Linville Falls, the Falls, Gorge, and Caverns are all absolutely breathtaking and worth checking out. Using Linville Falls as a base, take your second day here to explore Grandfather Mountain, Boone, and Blowing Rock.

• See black bears in Cades Cove 
• Visit the abandoned ghost town of Elkmont
• See elk in Cataloochee Valley
• Visit a unique bookstore in Asheville that also doubles as a champagne bar
• Visit Little Switzerland to fill your Bavarian-themed town quota
• Hike the Craggy Gardens Overlook at sunrise but be prepared to be brought to tears 

Contributed by: Ashley Hubbard from Wild Hearted

26. Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Who doesn’t love a nice glass of bourbon? On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you tour 16 different distilleries, try multiple bourbons (and other treats) at each, and take in tons of bottled up history throughout the gorgeous Bluegrass state. 

• Route: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail 
• At a glance: Lexington – Frankfort – Louisville – Owensboro (with some smaller towns in between) 
• Distance: 250ish miles (depending on order of distilleries)
• When to go: Late spring or early fall, as many of the distilleries shut down during the hot summer months. 

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

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

I usually try to do the distilleries that are closest together on the same days (less driving and easier to get from one place to another). If you’re a serious drinker, there are some bus tours that will chauffeur you throughout the Trail so you don’t have to worry about driving. 

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

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

• Dip your very own bottle of Maker’s Mark at Maker’s Mark Distillery
• Drink bourbon barrel aged beer at Town Branch Distillery in Lexington 
• Pose with a giant Louisville Slugger near Angels Envy in Louisville 
• Experience what it was like to access a Prohibition Era speakeasy at the Evan Williams Experience
• Live like Matthew McConaughey at Wild Turkey Distillery
• Visit the stone warehouses at Woodford Reserve 

Contributed by: KB Gamblin from Her Life in Ruins

Eastern USA Road Trips

Cute oceanside towns and major metropolises alike dot the East Coast. This is where you’ll find some of the country’s oldest buildings and most historic neighborhoods. 

Eat all the seafood you can handle, and soak up the quaint fishing village vibes.

And you won’t have to drive too far from any major city to get into the beautiful countryside. Visiting this region in the autumn months will reward you with stunning fall foliage.

• Southern Florida Road Trip
• Miami to Savannah
• Golden Isles of Georgia
• New York State Road Trip
• New England Coast

27. Southern Florida Road Trip

This road trip will take you all over South Florida, from cities to small towns and swamps to beaches.  It’s the best of Florida with plenty of time off the beaten path.

• Route: South Florida National Parks and Outdoors
• At a glance: Miami – Everglades City – Homestead – Key Largo – Key West – Miami
• Distance: 465(ish) miles
• Duration: 10 days
• When to go: January to mid-March; the weather is coolest then, but still hot, and the bugs are minimal, but still around.

Flying in and out Miami will be easiest for this South Florida road trip . Start here before heading over to Everglades City on Alligator Alley.  Spend the night camping in Big Cypress National Preserve or in a hotel in Everglades city if you’re not a camper.  Make sure to book far in advance for that.

With Everglades City as your base, visit Fakahatchee Strand State Park, Florida Panther Preserve, 10,000 Islands, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Spend a few days exploring the area before heading back to the east in Homestead.  

From Homestead, visit the main area of Everglades National Park. Look for wildlife on the Anhinga Trail, stop at the boardwalks, and take a boat or kayak tour at the Flamingo area. This is a great base for visiting Biscayne National Park, too.  

Next up is the Keys. Spend a night on Key Largo and take a day to drive down to Key West making stops along the way at beaches and John Pennekamp State Park. Make sure to do some snorkeling. 

And you can’t forget about the food scene in the Keys because it is delicious! The flavors of the Caribbean are added to the freshly caught fish, you really can’t go wrong!

Finally, before heading back to Miami, spend a couple of days in Key West and go to Dry Tortugas National Park for a day.  

• Hike to the Fakahatchee Hilton and admire the gator pond out back
• Explore Big Cypress National Preserve and sleep under the stars (if that’s your thing)
• Look for wildlife on the Anhinga Trail and a boat trip in Everglades National Park
• Take a boat tour to the islands in Biscayne National Park
• Visit the John Pennekamp State Park on your way to Key West
• Take the ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park for a day 
• Explore Miami and see the Wynwood Walls

Contributed by: Megan Johnson from Red Around The World

28. Miami to Savannah, Georgia East Coast Road Trip

This beautiful road trip takes you through the East coast of Florida and in to Georgia via some of the region’s most iconic cities, charming small towns and gorgeous islands.

• Route: Miami to Savannah via the big cities, small towns and beautiful islands
• At a glance: Miami – Orlando – New Smyrna Beach – Amelia Island – Jekyll Island – Saint Simons Island – Savannah
• Distance: 600 miles
• When to go: Autumn. Go when the summer crowds have left the sunshine state but the weather is still balmy and you can enjoy the beaches and coastline.

Start your road trip in Miami for some beautiful beaches and stunning art deco buildings. However long you spend here it won’t be long enough but enjoy the buzz of the city and the vibrant experiences on offer.

Head up the coastline to Orlando for some theme park fun or to take in some of the amusements of the area. There’s something here for everyone whether you’re into roller coasters or some of the natural springs you can view from glass-bottomed boats. 

For an extra bit of adventure, head toward the ocean where you will find the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge which is known as one of the best places to go bioluminescent kayaking in Florida . This is a pretty spectacular phenomenon that’s well worth a spot on your itinerary.

From there, it’s only a short hop to New Smyrna Beach on the coastline. Stop off at Kennedy Space Center to get your fix of rockets and space shuttles before small town America beckons. 

New Smyrna Beach will feel a world away from the bright lights of Miami and Orlando. Enjoy the windswept beaches which have turtles nesting on them if you’re there in the right season. It’s also a great location from which to see dolphins in the wild.

Further up the coastline Amelia Island is a beautiful final Floridian stop off with the longest stretch of beach and a lovely old school feel. There’s a simplicity to life here which is refreshing and uplifting.

It’s just around the final edge of Florida and into Georgia for the next island stop off of Jekyll Island. Once the playground of the rich and famous it fell out of favor for a time. Now it’s a lovely retreat and with beaches including the stunning Driftwood Beach it’s a lovely place to cycle around with Spanish Moss-covered trees creating the perfect shade. 

Saint Simons Island has a real feel-good factor with shopping arcades and a wonderful playground that spills out onto the sand if you’re traveling with kids. There’s more going on here and it’s the perfect contrast to Jekyll Island.

Finish off in Savannah where the antebellum houses sit grandly and wide streets and gorgeous public parks call for impromptu picnics. 

• Don’t miss Little Havana, the Cuban district of Miami, known for bright colors and cool vibes
• Silver Springs just outside of Orlando is a great place to get some retro USA vibes going
• Visit Indian River Lagoon to try and spot bottlenose dolphins at New Smyrna Beach
• Stop off in the Georgia State Railroad Museum in Savannah to clamber aboard historic carriages
• Eat great Asian fusion food in Vault, Savannah

Contributed by: Nichola West from Globalmouse Travels

29. Golden Isles of Georgia

This peaceful coastal road trip through Georgia’s Sea Islands brings you to a quaint beach town, 5-star resort, massive state park, and National Seashore.  

• Route: Georgia Sea Islands
• At a glance: St. Simons Island – Sea Island – Jekyll Island – Cumberland Island
• When to go: Late spring or early fall. Avoid summer to save cash and steer clear of crowds. April-May is a beautiful time to visit this area because the spring blooms will be in full force and the brunt of the summer heat won’t have hit yet. Early fall is great too because it is still warm enough to hit the beaches and the bugs won’t be as bad.

Begin your journey in St. Simons Island and spend your time biking on the island-wide bike paths covered by the shade of an incredible live oak canopy. 

Grab award-winning BBQ at Southern Soul before hitting the beach. As one of the first colonial outposts in the United States, the island is the perfect mix of coastal scenery, great local restaurants, cool boutiques, and history. 

If you’re looking for some luxurious R&R head to Sea Island and the fabulous Cloister Resort, the only Forbes Five Diamond Resort in Georgia. Book a room at the hotel, visit their incredible spa and dine like royalty.  

Jekyll Island is the next stop on this road trip and the next island south of St. Simons and Sea Island. Once a winter escape for New England’s elite, Jekyll is now a state park so it is far less developed than St. Simons and Sea Island.

Bike around the island and take a picnic to the famous Driftwood Beach. Tour the historic Jekyll Island Club resort and neighboring historic district before grabbing some Wild Georgia Shrimp at The Wharf on the waterfront.

The last stop on the trip is Cumberland Island, Georgia, one of the nation’s National Seashores. The largest barrier island on Georgia’s coast has acres of untouched maritime forests, beaches, and marshes. 

Camp beneath the live oak canopy or stay at the exquisite all-inclusive Greyfield Inn, once home to the Carnegie family. 

• Sample some of Georgia’s best BBQ at Southern Soul in St. Simons Island, Georgia  
• Climb the 129 stairs of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse for an incredible view 
• Dine like royalty with a multi-course tasting menu in the Forbes Five Star Georgian Room at Sea Island’s Cloister Resort 
• See the eerie Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island
• Visit the church where JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy married on Cumberland Island, Georgia 
• Explore the Carnegie’s Dungeness Mansion ruins on Cumberland Island   

30. New York State Road Trip

This road trip through the Lower and Mid-Hudson Valley of New York is not only beautiful but showcases the history of the Hudson Valley through architecture, tradition and art. It inspires and educates through the most breathtaking area in the North East of the United States.

• Route: Lower to Mid-Hudson Valley, NY from Tarrytown to Highland
• At a glance: Tarrytown – Tuxedo – New Windsor – Newburgh – Highland
• Distance: 73.6 miles
• Duration: 3-4 days
• When to go: September (weekends); Late summer/Early Autumn is the best time for this road trip, as that is when the Annual NY Renaissance Fair takes place and the weather is more agreeable for outdoor exploration.

Begin your journey at Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, NY and spend a few hours taking a tour of the mansion and exploring the grounds. Visit the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse and take in the views of the Majestic Hudson River. Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow are wonderful places to have dinner.

Next, head North over the ‘Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge’ or the “New Tappan Zee Bridge” towards Rockland County, where you can stop off to shop at the famous Palisades Mall or Spend the Day at the NY Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, NY.

The next stop is the Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, NY. This massive open-air Museum and Sculpture Park is a must see when in the area. After exploring the grounds of Storm King, a quick drive to Newburgh is in order for a view of the Hudson River from Washington’s Headquarters.

Lastly, for those interested in a one-of-a-kind experience, a visit to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park is in order. This is the World’s Longest Pedestrian Bridge.

• Take a tour of Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, NY
• Eat and enjoy a day full of Entertainment at the NY Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, NY
• Explore enormous sculptures at Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, NY.
• Learn all about the area’s history at the Washington’s Headquarters Historic Site in Newburgh, NY
• Walk over the Hudson River at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park.

Contributed by: Jackie Ramirez from Hudson Valley Exposed

Psst! If you’re going to be passing through the Big Apple on your way to upstate New York, be sure to read our article with the best things to do in NYC .

31. New England Coast Road Trip

Thanks to its scenic beauty and rich history, New England is the perfect road trip destination – as long as you wait until after the snow melts. 

Driving straight from Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine, the town adjacent to Acadia National Park, takes about 6 hours. However, to do this trip right, you’ll probably want to take at least a week (and eat a lot of lobster along the way!).

• Route: Scenic New England – from Boston, Massachusetts to Acadia National Park in Maine
• At a glance: Boston – Salem – Portsmouth – Bar Harbor (You’ll follow Route 1 north for most of the trip.)
• Distance: 269 miles
• Duration: 7-10 days
• When to go: April to October; this is a great route to see some fall foliage

Once the snow and ice melt, I love nothing more than getting out of Boston for a few days and exploring New England’s beautiful beaches and charming towns. Driving straight from Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine (my favorite route) usually takes about 6 hours.

First up along the coast is the North Shore of Massachusetts, which is jam-packed with things to do. 

Historic Salem is definitely worth a stop for its kitschy witch-themed attractions, and so is Gloucester for its Fisherman’s Memorial. The streets of both Rockport and Newburyport are lined with galleries, restaurants and shops, and if you’re looking for beaches, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Crane Beach are two of the best.

Passing briefly through New Hampshire, you should spend at least a few hours strolling around Portsmouth. There are lots of great craft breweries in and around the city.

Crossing into Maine, Kennebunkport and Old Orchard Beach are popular vacation destinations in the summer, and if you’re an L.L. Bean fan, then you can’t miss the flagship store in Freeport. 

Portland has the region’s hottest restaurant scene, so you’ll want to plan at least a meal or two there.

Once you arrive in Bar Harbor, you’ll need a few days to relax and see the sights in and around Acadia National Park. If you’re feeling ambitious, head up to Cadillac Mountain and watch the spectacular sunrise!

• Stop by the witch-themed attractions in Salem
• Check out Fisherman’s Memorial in Gloucester
• Enjoy the beach at Crane Beach and Manchester-by-the-Sea
• Stroll around Portsmouth and drink a craft beer or two
• Watch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

Contributed by: Brianne Miers from A Traveling Life

A special Thank You to Moon Travel Guides for sponsoring this article.

You may also like…

• How to Plan an Epic USA Road Trip
• Tips for an Eco-Friendly Road Trip
• Money-Saving Tips for a Cheap Road Trip Across the USA
• Ultimate Road Trip Packing List

Are you planning an epic road trip? Save this article on Pinterest for later!

We want to hear from you!

Where has your favorite road trip taken you? Do you have any of these USA road trips planned out soon? Let us know in the comments below!

Comments (33) on “ 31 USA Road Trip Ideas + Tips ”

Love these road trip ideas! Can’t wait to try out the Pacific Coast Highway route. The photography tips are especially helpful. Great post! 🚗📸

I love road trips! I’m so excited to try out some of these ideas!

It’s really important to be ready all the time when doing a road trip and totally agree with all the guide you shared. Thanks for sharing.

Next December we will go out on the road with a group, and that’s why I am doing research. I found your post and just read it. I really learned a lot. Many thanks.

Oh neat! I wonder if I can get my friends to go on the NYS roadtrip with me. I’ve been wanting to do a roadtrip for a whileeee

That would be such a fun trip with friends! I don’t think it’ll take much to convince them to go on a road trip once it’s safe again!

So many of these have been on my bucket list for a couple of years now. I think if our current lock down situation has taught me anything, it’s that I should just plan them and get out there once it’s safe.

Oh we know what you mean! We’ve had to cancel some trips, so I can’t wait until it’s safe to travel again and we can reschedule! SO many places I’m excited to go, and I won’t be taking the freedom to spontaneously plan a trip for granted anymore!

These look so amazing!! I’m a non-driver, but I’ve always wanted to do a USA road trip – I’m not sure if I’d be able to choose between these! Maybe one day… Thanks for sharing!

I know what you mean – Ben does most of the driving! Road trips are one of my favorite ways to travel though because it lets you go at your own pace and allows you to stop in places you otherwise never would. Happy you enjoyed this article!

I would absolutely love to do an Alaska road trip! Those wild landscapes are something I’ve always wanted to see. Was meant to be on a west coast road trip now but sadly it got pushed back. Maybe when I do get round to doing it I’ll combine it with an Alaska road trip! Thanks for sharing, such beautiful suggestions! 🙂

That is one of our dreams too! We were planning to travel to Alaska this summer, but sadly, that’ll probably be put on hold. Just happy to know all these places will still be there when it is safe to travel again!

This is a great list and this is all I needed.during my visit to USA last year we took a road trip from Vegas to Grand canyon n horse shoe bend.looking forward to more

That’s a great plan! You’ll get to see lots of incredible sights, city and nature; plus, they’re all located relatively close together (in USA terms of "close"! haha). Best of luck planning!

What an impressive list! Ive always dreamed about doing a road trip through the states and I’d love to start in the Pacific Northwest! USA has so many beautiful national parks with such diverse scenery so I can’t wait to get home and explore more!

Oh, what a good place you’ve picked to start: our absolute favorite part of the country! I hope you get to plan your road trip soon!

Wow, what a list! I love that you included Wakulla on your Florida list!

Thanks! I lived in Florida for a couple of years, so it was fun hearing others’ favorites and gathering road trips from all around the country!

I’ve never been to Yosemite but I’ve been dying to go! This is such an extensive guide and so helpful!

Thanks! Yosemite is amazing! If you like getting off the beaten path, we’d definitely recommend getting a backcountry permit because it is absolutely incredible. We were there on a weekend in July (busiest possible time!), but in the backcountry, we only saw one other person camping!

I am really keen to do the Pacific Coast drive but also think the drive north to Seattle looks fantastic. Which would you recommend if I only have time for one?

Ohh a tough choice for sure! Highway 1 (in California) is stunning, but it is a bit more crowded, whereas some of the drives around Seattle and north are more rugged and have fewer people.

Temperatures for lounging at the beach are going to be more comfortable in California though (so it depends on what you’re most looking forward to!). Either choice will be a good one 🙂

What an extensive list! I’ve done many of the West Coast ones, but haven’t made it to the Southwest/ much of the East Coast! Pinning this for later!!

Thanks! Yeah, we’d love to got out to the East Coast in time for the fall colors someday!

I’ve done most of these, but you’ve done a great disservice skipping Arkansas. The Pig Trail is not to be missed, especially by motorcycle. Boston and Ozark Mountains are beautiful, especially in the fall.

These are great options! I would love to do a road trip but sadly I can’t drive. I just need to find that right person to do the trip with me to tick it off my bucket list! I’m looking forward to visiting San Francisco too.

I love all the road trip suggestions! I am planning to get a campervan with my boyfriend next year to do USA, and we need all the tips we can find!! Thanks for sharing!!

If you have time, the Boston to Acadia trip should extend down to NYC! There’s a lot of amazing stops in CT to see.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS I love a good USA roadtrip!!

Great guide!! I’ve been wanting to do another USA road trip! There are sooo many to choose from 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The best US road trips for the entire family

Feb 17, 2020 • 6 min read

Ah, the family road trip. A source of endless possibilities, new experiences and family bonding. That being said, let’s not forget about restless children, aching backs and that age-old question: 'are we there yet?'. Throw in a dog and a full bladder and you might be wishing the road led right back to your driveway. If that sounds familiar, don’t despair! The following road trip destinations will prove their worth, having the entire family hanging their heads out the window rather than staring at their screens. Read on!

Lake Placid, New York 

Nestled within the Adirondacks, Lake Placid hosted the last of the small town Olympics back in 1980. Today, the area still attracts world-class athletes for training, but the real attraction is the outdoor beauty. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and dense forest provide a slew of family-friendly activities; from fishing, kayaking, rafting and hiking, to biking and boating. The area was once popular with the power elite who built Great Camps, which were massive hideaways for their friends and family. White Pine Camp is one of the few remaining and is available for family retreats with an abundance of summer camp-like activities that will take you back to your childhood. 

Read more:   Dig into the chilly charms of Lake Placid in the winter

Southern Arizona

If your family has a cowboy/girl at heart, then this is the drive for you! The soul of the Southwest is located in Southern Arizona , where cowboys once roamed and artists still reign. Don’t miss the ol’ west cowboy town of Tombstone with its dusty boots, low-slung six-shooters and a daily re-enactment of the historic OK Corral shootout. Not far from Tombstone is Bisbee, a quirky mining town with an enclave of artists and eccentric charm. 

Ninety miles west is Tubac, a former Spanish presidio with a nearby mission called Tumacacori that dates back to the 17th century. If your kids (or you!) like stranger than strange rock formations, you’ll all love the Chiricahua Mountains where thin spires (called hoodoos) support larger rocks that appear to be balancing on top. Lastly, Southern Arizona is the only place in the U.S. where you’ll find the Organ Pipe Cactus, a large prickly plant that looks like a 6’ tall upside down spider with twenty legs.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Vicksburg: what southern hospitality and history are made of. Civil War history?  Check.  Stunning National Park? Check. Outstanding Blues music? Double check! 

Highway 61, also known as the Blues Trail, rivals that of Route 66, if not for its historical importance, certainly for its musical significance. This legendary Blues Highway runs right through the heart and soul of Vicksburg, while the Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi River . Antebellum homes, more music and soulful food also welcome you in Vicksburg.  

Moab has a landscape so awe-inspiring that it is home to two National Parks, and where countless movies, TV shows and commercials have been filmed. Hwy 128, which runs along the Colorado River, is one of the most scenic roads in the country. Activities are boundless, from water sports, hiking & biking, to off-roading through the vast wilderness. Moab is a place that will stir the inner-explorer in you and your kids.

Huntsville, Alabama 

Known as Rocket City, Huntsville will blow you away with its friendly atmosphere and an  abundance of activities that both kids and adults will equally enjoy. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center will delight your inner-astronaut as you look down the 363’ span of a Saturn 5 rocket. The Lowe Mill Arts Center is a former textile mill now providing a backdrop as a cultural complex with myriad artists and performers. A stroll through the historic Twickenham district is a must with its treelined streets and splendid antebellum homes. The epicenter of town is Big Spring Park , an urban oasis providing recreation, annual events, lodging, restaurants and shopping.

Olympic Peninsula

Simply said, this drive is sensory overload! Waterfalls, picturesque shoreline, pristine lakes, mountain views and a dense rainforest await you in the northwesterly part of Washington State . That is, if your kids don’t convince you to veer off to Forks, where the ever-popular Twilight movie franchise was filmed. 

Don’t miss hiking through Sol Duc . Even if it’s raining, the nearly impenetrable forest canopy will keep you dry. Driving along coastal Hwy 112 will take you to the end of the road at Cape Flattery ; the most northwesterly point in the contiguous United States. Sequim is a great home base for exploring the area with some excellent inns and restaurants. While there, don’t miss walking along the Dungeness Spit, a unique phenomenon, and, where you’ll find the famous namesake crabs.

Bozeman, Montana

Nestled within the Gallatin Valley of the western Rocky Mountains, Bozeman is perfectly positioned to explore the splendor of Yellowstone National Park . The area is surrounded by majestic mountains, pristine rivers, rippling waterfalls and open prairies with wildlife moseying through their day. If spotting bald eagles, bison and bighorn sheep doesn't do it for the kids, the guest ranches and lodges that embrace the flair of cowboy life certainly will. And don’t miss the snowcapped peaks, alpine lakes, glaciers and plateaus of the Beartooth Highway ; it's a road tripper’s delight. 

Traverse City, Michigan

Scenic coastal roads, cobalt blue waters, roadside farm stands and Midwestern charm are just a few of the things to experience when road tripping around Traverse City. The Pierce Stocking scenic drive is a 7.4 mile loop through a Maple and Beech forest with massive sand dunes and stunning lake views. Rent some bikes and head down the trails through pumpkin patches, corn mazes, cider houses and orchards. Be sure to make pit stops to enjoy the apple and cherry juice for which the region is famous! 

South Lake Tahoe

The magnificent mountain town of South Lake Tahoe is situated along the banks of a breathtaking body of water that has inspired artists and outdoor enthusiasts for generations. The whole family can take advantage of year-round activities, whether lacing up hiking boots, snapping in snow boots or renting kayaks for a lazy day on the water. If you like your drive with some excitement, the curvy mountain and lakefront roads provide amazement around each bend.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls was one of the first road trip vacation destinations in the country.  Beyond the impressive display of waterfalls, Niagara has some wonderful nearby road trips. This area will have you sneaking lessons in history into your vacation, all without the little ones knowing it!  There’s no better way to interest young minds in history than Old Fort Niagara , an immersive historical site with exciting reenactments and demonstrations. Don’t pass up the chance to see the Erie Canal, where an engineering marvel connected the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean through a series of locks.  

In this day and age, where young and old eyes are glued to screens of all sizes, a road trip can be the perfect antidote to unplug and rediscover this beautiful and diverse country, not to mention each other.

Mike Shubic is a road trip blogger on MikesRoadTrip.com

You might also like: 16 ways to keep your kids (and wallet) happy on family holidays 7 best US national parks to take your kids Unlikely destinations for an unforgettable family holiday  

Explore related stories

Wildlife & Nature

Oct 2, 2023 • 7 min read

Touring New England in search of autumn’s changing colors is popular that it’s spurred a subculture of “leaf-peepers.”

Sep 5, 2020 • 8 min read

Jul 2, 2020 • 9 min read

Jan 20, 2020 • 5 min read

Sep 6, 2018 • 6 min read

Jul 18, 2018 • 4 min read

Feb 21, 2018 • 5 min read

Apr 22, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Las Vegas, Grand Canyon & Zion National Park: The Classic American Family Road Trip

Close to everything, yet a world away: .

This classic American family road trip has it all. Want a big city? Got it! Imagining a pristine stretch of Route 66? Can do! Craving some time at The Grand Canyon? This’ll get you there. Curious to explore the Navajo Nation? Can’t blame you. Itching to hike at Zion National Park? En route!

A road trip is the most classic of American family travels. Armed with a good map, semblance of a plan, tank full of gasoline, and wanderlust, you can hit the road and uncover endless wonders and wildly memorable moments for yourself and your family.

The classic American family road trip

For spring break this year, we decided to skip the typical beach vacation, which we truly do love. Instead, my husband and two kids took a chance on a road trip with another family. We were seeking a mix of big city wildness (Las Vegas) and vast natural wonder which (Grand Canyon, Navajo Nation, and Southern Utah).

The drive times are not nearly as long as you might think, and still we were a world away from everyday life back in Chicago. Hiking was restorative, and the kids loved it. The food we ate along the way was pretty darn good, and our lodgings were uniformly excellent. Read on for details on a truly classic American road-trip.

Road Trip Itinerary for Vegas, Grand Canyon & Zion National Parks

Day 1: flight to vegas  .

We stayed in Henderson the first night at the Westin Lake Las Vegas, which is an excellent kickoff spot for the road trip which we started the next day. The Westin Lake Las Vegas offers dependable quality and comfort with a nice pool and surrounding outdoor area, which the kids loved.  

Day 2: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon via the Hoover Dam and Route 66 

This is an open-road day. Leave time to explore The Hoover Dam, which is more interesting than you might imagine. It’s possible to tour it if you want to learn about the engineering of the dam or simply walk and take in the feat of engineering that it truly is. There’s also terrific public art at the site. From the dam, take Highway 93 toward Kingman, connect to Route 66 toward Williams, and then take Highway 64 to Tusayan.

A vast open road in the most classic, American sense, you will pass tiny towns that once were hubs of speculation and commerce. As tumbleweed blew across the road, we enjoyed the drive and made a bee-line to Tusayan.  Tusayan is the town that sits exactly outside the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and offers gas, food, and lodging.

For this trip, we opted to stay at the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire, which proved to be a worthwhile choice . The hotel was under major renovations, and our room was very large and well-appointed with a Pullman kitchenette (ample fridge, microwave, sink, and prep area), granite counters, and comfortable beds. It also had a spacious, brand new bathroom with a step-in shower and trendy sliding barn-style door. The buffet breakfast makes getting out of the room and into the park quick and painless. When I asked our housekeeper when the room had been renovated she said “Monday.” It’s possible we were the first people to stay in this brand new room.

Day 3: Splendor in the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park can get very crowded. Park at the visitor center, and talk with a ranger about the best way to visit with your family. Our weather was sunny and truly a high desert spring day. We decided to hike a portion of the famous Kaibab Trail to the Ooh Ah Point.

Hiking is intense at the Grand Canyon. If you’re serious about even a part-day hike, be sure you have a backpack with water and snacks for everyone, along with anything else you need. The Kaibab Trail cuts into the canyon wall and begins with a series of narrow switchbacks. It travels straight down, thrilling and challenging as the drops along the trail are steep and potentially dangerous.

We taught our kids to walk along the wall side of the trail and to step very carefully on the sandy, loose gravel. The hike down creates a sort of euphoria; however, the mules coming up the trail were a helpful reminder of that which goes down must go up in the Grand Canyon.  

The ascent hike is very challenging, and a steady pace with water breaks to take in the vast vistas were important for our crew of four adults and four kids. Once atop the canyon, the euphoria returned, and we delighted in knowing we had spent several unforgettable hours enjoying an iconic hike that most people only dream of doing.

Grab a bite

We took a late lunch at one of the cafeterias in the park—decent food options, though not anything world class. You can also bring your own food if you prefer.

After a day of exploring the rim of the park, (including the Kolb Photography Studio , the ice cream parlor that sits perfectly poised on the rim, the El Tovar Lodge , the Hopi House , and more), we had a modest dinner at a pizzeria in Tusayan. I was feeling lightheaded and short of breath due to elevation (approximately 6,800 ft.), which caught me by surprise. Travelers may wish to prepare for this if planning to hike and spend some time at the canyon.

Day 4: Magnificent Driving from the Grand Canyon through the Painted Desert, Navajo Lands, and Page, AZ

Our drive eastbound on Highway 64 took us along the canyon and gave way to a perfect highway headed toward Cameron. At Cameron, there’s a Trading Post with a very large, tourist store . Behind the store is a Navajo-run dining room, which offers good meals including traditional Navajo dishes. We liked Fry Bread with Navajo Stew. The dining room overlooks an absolutely spectacular red rock gorge. We found the servers to be friendly and eager to answer questions about the Navajo and area in general.

Once we fueled up, we drove the magnificent and vast highway 89 toward the Navajo town of Tuba City, which is perched on a mesa. The Navajo signs and wind blowing atop the mesa fascinated us and gave the place a wind-swept, otherworldly quality. Tuba City residents take pride in the fact that many of the famous Navajo Code Talkers who helped the United States win World War II were from the area. There are a couple great displays about the Navajo role in the war. One is at the Burger King (of all places!) and the other is at the Tuba City Trading Post.  Walk through the sales area of the Trading Post and in the back is a concise, didactic display honoring the truly patriotic Navajo people who contributed so much to this country’s freedom.

From Tuba City we drove along Highway 89 taking in the massive, gorgeous Echo Cliffs to Page, where we stayed the night at the centrally located Days Inn and Suites . Page is an excellent stop if you want to visit Antelope Canyon , which is a Navajo Nation National Park and a photographer’s paradise. In order to visit this slot canyon, you must go with a Navajo guide.  The day we visited there was a windstorm which prevented us from climbing into the canyon.  The best bet is to reserve your guide in advance and hope the desert winds don’t change your plans.  

Page Arizona

Page is an interesting town. Not surprisingly, there is a large Native American population as well as a large infrastructure in place to support recreational visitors to Lake Powell. Page is very much a town where people stop to load up on essentials and go on their adventures.

Day 5: Glen Canyon Dam, Vermillion Cliffs, the Grand National Staircase, and a Spectacular Approach into Zion National Park

Like its Lake Mead/Hoover Dam cousin, the Glen Canyon Dam is a feat of engineering . The road (highway 89) from Page toward Zion National Park runs along the dam, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the vastness and power of a hydroelectric dam. It is also possible to see the impact of climate change and the lower water levels.

We took some photos here and continued on our way toward Zion through the area called Vermillion Cliffs, which truly are vermillion and beautiful. Along the southern portion of the Grand National Staircase is a vast wilderness and the site of many paleontological digs. Stop at Kanab for a meal or snack and stretch your legs.

Zion National Park

Eventually, you reach the eastern gatehouse of Zion National Park. And very quickly the road becomes one of the most wonderful roads you can drive in America. It goes up, up, up through the most spectacular tunnels and brings you to an area where you can park on the side of the road and explore checkerboard mesas and striated sandstone slopes, which are tons of fun to get the wiggles out of car-bound kids. This first activity in Zion tells visitors there is beauty and fun to be had here.  

In Zion Park we stayed at the Desert Pearl Inn, centrally located in Springdale —the town just outside the western gate of the park. The Desert Pearl Inn provides casual luxury perfect for a family. Rooms are spacious, have high ceilings, and feel almost loft-like. Each room also has a Pullman kitchenette so breakfast and snacks were easy to put together for our group. Everything in this hotel is high quality, and the space is relaxing. We had a first-floor poolside room, which was ideal as we exited the glass door onto a nice patio and into soft grass overlooking the pool area where there is also a large whirlpool. The views of the cathedral-like red rock formations are spectacular and visible in every direction. The Virgin River runs along the property as well and brings a zen-like quality to many of the rooms at this Lodge.  

For dinner we enjoyed contemporary Southwestern fare at Bit and Spur —good for virtually any eater/diet. They also accommodated our children’s desires easily. It can be busy, so make a reservation in advance.

Day 6:  Eden-like Hiking in Zion, Emerald Pools, and the Narrows

To fully enjoy Zion National Park, park at the Visitor Center and carry a day pack. Car traffic is prohibited during high season, and the National Park Service runs natural gas busses in and out all the major stops in the park. We focused on getting to the central lodge and planned to hike from there.  

Unlike the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park has a wide variety of hikes for every skill and interest level. As we were with young children, we opted for moderate hikes and walks. Those seeking greater challenges can hike the Bight Angel Trail, which is a serious hike and not suggested for kids due to steep drop-offs, sheer paths, and high altitude.  

Ready to hike

For our first hike, we took the Kayenta Trail, which connects to the Emerald Pools Trail. These are classic Zion Park hikes. Kayenta takes visitors high above the Virgin River and into a curved canyon area where run-off from streams waterfalls into central pools. There’s an Eden-like quality to this area, and we enjoyed taking breaks on huge boulders, enjoying the water passing around us along with a good snack of fruit, nuts, and chocolate.

The Emerald Pools trail eventually leads back to the main lodge area where we enjoyed a perfect outdoor lunch. There’s a lot of seating outside with grand vistas that make any simple sandwich seem like a feast apres hike. Not wanting to miss a thing, we decided on another great walk after lunch.

The Narrows

This time, we took the shuttle bus to the last stop and walked deep into the park to see the start of the “Narrows” a slot-canyon hike that prepared visitors attempt wearing waterproof shoes and pants. Hiking The Narrows entails hiking in the Virgin River. It’s possible to camp there under the stars and enjoy the beauty from the shores of the river. It’s truly fun to see the beginning of this unusual hike, and talking with people returning from their hike in the river was also memorable.

Once we had our fill of the park, we returned to the Desert Pearl where we jumped in the hot tub for a little apres hike soak. For dinner this evening, we tried Oscar’s Café , which had really good Mexican and Southwestern fare. We dined outside under heating lamps, truly enjoying our meals.

Day 7:  A Repeat Hike (So Good We Had to Do It Again) and the Valley of Fire

With just a few hours left to enjoy Zion Park, we decided to do the Kayenta/Emerald Pools hike again. Our kids loved it and begged to do it one more time. We didn’t disagree and enjoyed that walk the same as we did the first time.  

After lunch, it was time to leave Zion and Springdale and begin our drive back to Las Vegas. It was a quick drive to St. George and then on to the Las Vegas area. But one more great nature stop beckoned before we made it to The Strip. Valley of Fire State Park is an absolutely wonderful place to drive along a landscape that appears more like Mars than Earth. We made a point to head to this park so we could all climb and hike around the fabulous red rocks that make the area so visually distinctive. Within the park are several excellent pullouts clearly marked for visitors to enjoy. But with limited facilities, be sure to bring water and note the bathrooms are clean but rustic.  

Heading to Vegas

On leaving The Valley of Fire, we knew the natural portion of our trip was concluding and yielding to the most outrageous portion of the trip: Las Vegas. In the late afternoon, we arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and checked into our ridiculously sumptuous rooms .

Once we were settled in and refreshed, we opted for dinner at Bobby’s Burger Palace , where we enjoyed a variety of burgers and fries and re-charged ourselves before heading out to see the sites on The Strip.

Strolling the Vegas Strip with kids is fun. It provides great people watching, and each casino allows families to walk through and take in their kitschy shows. We especially liked the choreographed fountain at Bellagio and the ice cream parlor just off the lobby. The kids really liked the “world’s largest chocolate fountain” near the parlor as well. The throngs of people, beautiful lobby, and glug-glugging chocolate fountain made for enjoyable fun.

Day 8:  Las Vegas With Kids

We started with an easy continental breakfast at a nearby café. There are many options just beyond the hotel on The Strip; choose the one that satisfies your family. We then headed to the Downtown Container Park—a nifty place boasting a great playground, lots of unusual shopping in boutiques situated in shipping containers, and more . This great family spot also has extremely clean bathrooms, plenty of snack options, and security that keeps a close eye on youngsters playing in the fenced-in playground.

Vegas Buffet

For lunch, we acted on a hot tip another traveler offered us: “the best buffet in Vegas” at the Silverton Casino and Hotel . It also featured a huge saltwater fish tank with mermaids. Buffet?  Mermaids? We had to go see for ourselves. Back into the car, we went to the south end of The Strip to The Silverton Casino – a clean and relatively quiet place with a classic, very good, Las Vegas Buffet. It was very inexpensive and quite good. Following lunch we went to the salt water tank and sure enough, they do have mermaids! It was an absolutely hilarious piece of kitsch that had our kids rolling their eyes and debating whether the mermaids were real or not.  

Vegas at night:

In the evening, we splurged to see “The Beatles – Love,” a Cirque du Soleil show at The Mirage . It was fabulous. We loved it. The kids loved it. We found discounted tickets online and enjoyed balcony seats with perfect sightlines for all the action.

George Martin put together the music while Cirque du Soleil handled choreography. Mirage has plowed more than $100 million into this theater where every seat has a great speaker and view.  It was a show we won’t soon forget and well worth the money to see it.

Day 9:  One More World Class Day in Las Vegas

Finally, our classic American family road trip must come to an end. The good news is that we booked ourselves on a redeye back to Chicago.  So, we had a full day to enjoy The Mandarin Pool. Then take high tea in their tea lounge.  And, still have time for the Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame , where we managed to spend more money on vintage pinball games than gambling. Our trip was a ton of fun, offering a perfect mix of natural and artificial wonders. We all left with a feeling that it would be fun to come back and visit again.

Thinking of taking a similar classic American family road trip? Pin this for later!

Growing up, Rebecca was a well-travelled kid having visited all the United States save for Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, all the countries in Europe, nearly all the countries in Asia and nearly every province in Canada by her mid-20’s. And now as a mom of two kids ages 5 and 8 she is attempting to travel as much, if not more, with them and her husband, Dan to show them the world. Born and raised in Chicago and having lived for many years in Miami, she now calls Glencoe, IL home. When she is not traveling, Rebecca is a hard-working communications and branding expert in a private consulting practice, Good Egg Concepts.

Find me on: Web | Facebook

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Where to next?

Fairmont san francisco: a …, disney after dark: 10 most …, 30 days of grateful travel – …, get a room with …, tips for a well …, the magic of martha’…, 7 simple tips for traveling …, our hard rock all …, why acqualina resort & spa …, tips & tricks for visiting …, tips for sending kids …, tips for camping with …, hiking with little ones.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Additional menu

The Family Vacation Guide

15 of the Best Family Road Trips in the US

posted by James Brockbank on November 29, 2021 // last updated on November 29, 2021

Road trips are the perfect opportunity to spend time with family and create lasting memories. While packing up the bags and getting everyone together for the trip may be a hassle, the adventure you find along the way and watching the scenery change around you is an experience you won’t soon forget. 

Experiencing these new places with your family is by far the best part of family road trips as you live the stories you will one day tell years down the road at holiday dinners. 

If your family is an avid road trip family, you may be running out of family road trip ideas. If this is the case, there is no need to worry as we have compiled a list of 15 of the best family road trips in the US.

Branson, Missouri

Vermont fall foliage road trip, grand canyon, bryce canyon, and zion national park, pacific coast highway, highway 7 scenic byway, north shore scenic drive, blue ridge parkway, scenic byway 12, the high road to taos scenic byway, florida keys, saddle road, george park highway, state highway 82, the best road trips in the us for families.

Families all across the United States find happiness in partaking on a road trip adventure. However, inspiration for these road trips can be hard to come across, depending on the time of year and home location. 

Whether your family seeks road trip adventure regularly or you are partaking on your very first family road trip, here are the best road trips in the US for families. 

There is nothing quite like a trip to the good ole midwest. Whether you are a midwest native or as far from the midwest as you can get, a trip to Branson, Missouri, will not disappoint. 

Branson is a year-round destination spot with the best times to visit in the middle of the summer or Christmas. Because Branson is located on Table Rock Lake, like time activities and beautiful lake condos are a draw to the area. 

Once you enjoy a day out in the sun on your boat rental, drive down the Highway 76 Strip to experience what is known as “Little Vegas.” The Strip is bursting at its seams with entertainment opportunities. 

A significant draw to Branson is the Winter Wonderland it transforms to in November and December. If your family needs a vacation destination for Christmas, Branson will not disappoint. Visit The Branson Landing and immerse yourself in Christmas music and a Christmas light show. Or, visit Silver Dollar City to take in the millions of sparkling Christmas lights on display.

One of the best parts about a family road trip to Branson is no matter which direction you come from, the beauty of the Ozark hills allows you to see for miles. The rock formations on both sides of the highway let you experience the area’s true natural beauty before reaching the majestic Table Rock Lake-town.

Route 66 is one of the most well-known family road trips in the United States, stretching from Chicago, IL, to Los Angeles, CA. This 2,448-mile trek is a must for every family. 

The historic route goes through the heart of the midwest. It allows you to mark the states of Illinois , Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas , New Mexico, Arizona , and California off your list of states you’ve visited. 

One of the most beneficial parts of the Route 66 road trip is that you don’t have to travel the whole thing to enjoy what it has to offer. Start on I-44 Springfield, MO, and travel to Carthage, MO, to see a Drive-In movie at 66 Drive-In Theatre .

After your movie and a night’s stay in The Westport Lodge , make your way to Oklahoma City, OK, to check out the American Banjo Museum. Once you have your fill of banjos, stop at Boomarang Diner in OKC before continuing your trip East towards Texas. 

You can’t drive through Amarillo, TX, without stopping at the unique Cadillac Ranch , where you will find ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. These ten Cadillacs represent the succession of the car line, and the cars used were either older or junk cars. We promise your trip on Route 66 will not disappoint!

It’s no secret that Vermont is a premier fall foliage destination. Stowe, Vermont, was named one of the best places in the United States to view the autumn colors. If your family enjoys the beauty of the leaves changing from their green colors to vibrant oranges and reds, a road trip to Vermont in the fall is a must.

Starting in Bennington, VT, travel north through Weston and Killington. After stopping and exploring Killington, continue north and cross over the Winooski River into Middlesex. Once you arrive at Middlesex, stop by Red Hen Baking Co. and enjoy a fresh piece of Apple Pie and a glass of milk. 

If you’re not served a dairy side with your pie, such as milk, cheese, or a big scoop of ice cream, you may have to call the authorities as it is illegal for restaurants to serve apple pie without a “good effort” to serve dairy side in Vermont .

A list of the best family road trips in the US wouldn’t be complete without the Grand Canyon . If natural beauty is the name of the game, the Grand Canyon takes home first place. The stunning views of the canyon, mixed with its surrounding natural beauty, make it one of the most highly sought-after vacation destinations in the world. 

Because there is so much natural beauty surrounding the Grand Canyon, it would be a shame for you to visit the Grand Canyon and not explore the surrounding canyons. That is why this loop of the area is elite. 

Starting in Las Vegas, travel to the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you have the opportunity to take in the majesty of the canyon and enjoy the most visited part of the park. After taking in the views and visiting the visitor center, hop back in the car and head towards the north rim, then continue onto Page, AZ, where you can view the canyon’s east side.

From Page, AZ, make your way to Bryce Canyon for a less-visited canyon, but still popular nonetheless. The red clay mixed with the unique rock structures of Bryce Canyon makes it a unique destination you won’t soon forget. 

Once you have your fill of Bryce Canyon, continue onto Zion National Park then, finish your loopback in Vegas. 

Although the Pig Trail is a renowned motorcyclist trail, it is also the perfect family road trip to take in the beauty of the Ozarks. Starting and ending in Fayetteville, the Pig Trail gets its name from the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, which call Fayetteville home. 

Motorcyclists heavily trafficked this trail during Bikes, Blues, and BBQ , an annual bike fest with a BBQ destination in Fayetteville. This festival is typically held on the last weekend of September. 

If a family road trip on the Pig Trail is on your bucket list, you may consider refraining from taking this trip during the festival. Otherwise, you may have issues with bikers attempting to pass your vehicle on the curvy roads, preventing you from enjoying your drive.

Take in the beauty of the Ozarks and the small, historical towns along the way. Make sure you stop by The Farmer’s Table Cafe and eat an authentic Arkansan breakfast. You may also consider stopping in Eureka Springs, comparable to Gatlinburg, TN, and walking the historic downtown area while enjoying the rolling hills.  

If you love the ocean breeze and live for beach vacations, there is no doubt that you’ve heard of the popular Pacific Coast Highway. Running along the Pacific Ocean from Washington to California, the Pacific Coast Highway is full of ocean views, magnificent cliffs, and picturesque towns.

Composed of highway US 101 in Washington and Oregon and California Highway 1 in the Golden State, this 1,675-mile stretch is sure to impress everyone in your family. 

Starting in Olympia, Washington, head south on US 101 and make a stop at Hoh Rainforest . A rainforest in Washington? That’s right! Because of the precipitation the area receives, this area qualifies as a rainforest—the foliage is a sight to see. 

After a small hike through Hoh Rainforest, continue south, stopping at the various beach destinations through Washington and Oregon. One of the more unique beach stops is Devils Punch Bowl, where you will find a unique rock formation in the ocean. 

Once in California, you must drive through the redwood trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and stop to take a quick hike. Further south, you will find the Fort Bragg glass beach that is full of sea glass. 

Continuing down the Pacific Coast Highway, you will find numerous stops with fantastic views and unique experiences. You must stop and get some seafood along the way. Even if you don’t prefer seafood, fresh and professionally prepared seafood may change your mind. 

There is a reason Arkansas highways are on this list more than once. The Highway 7 Scenic Byway is known as one of the best drives in America , which totals 290 miles. 

Another popular drive among motorcyclists, this byway begins on the southernmost border of Louisiana and Arkansas in El Dorado, AR. It ends in Diamond City, AR, near the Arkansas and Missouri border. 

This scenic route winds through four of the state’s geographical regions and passes through the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. The Ouachita Mountains are known for their quartz crystals, while the Ozark Mountains produce winding roads with spectacular views.

While on your scenic tour of Arkansas, be sure and stop in Hot Springs, where you can enjoy the Hot Springs National Park. The national park is known for the naturally warm waters that you can experience along Bathhouse Row . 

It is also imperative that you partake in a true midwestern activity at Ron Coleman Mining in Jessieville. Give your legs a stretch in Jessieville by visiting Ron Coleman Mining, where you can dig for quartz and crystals. Anything you find you are free to take home, which makes for a unique souvenir.

You will also find numerous hiking spots along the way, with some of our favorites in Newton county along the Buffalo National River. Don’t miss out on the beauty the Ozarks have to offer by planning your road trip on Highway Scenic Byway today!

Lake Superior is known for its scenic shoreline and crystal clear waters, which makes the North Shore Scenic Drive one you have to experience. Located in Minnesota, this drive takes you along access points to eight different state parks and through Superior National Forest. 

Make a stop at the 1910 Split Rock Lighthouse , which has become a Minnesota icon through the years. Or, take some time out of your vehicle to visit the commercial fishing museum in Tofte. 

If reading about the area’s history doesn’t strike your interest, stop at the Superior Hiking Trail and go for a short hike to stretch your legs while taking in the surrounding scenery. You can also visit the local golf course, mountain biking park, and ski area to add multiple activities to your quest. 

Don’t forget to stop by the New Scenic Cafe in Duluth, MN, to experience local cuisine like Canadian hot chicken or smoked beets. It’s also a must to stop by Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors, MN, for some Banana Cream Pie. 

It’s nearly impossible to compare the vast difference of the natural scenery from one side of the United States to the other. You have the canyons and desert in the west and the majestic mountains in the east, which offer immaculate views. However, if I had to pick my favorite family road trip destination, it would have to be Blue Ridge Parkway.

Blue Ridge Parkway is located along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Carolinas and Virginia and offers some of the most spectacular views in the US. Begin your journey on Blue Ridge Parkway at the base of Shenandoah National park in Afton, Virginia, and end in Cherokee, North Carolina , near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Along the way, you will travel through mountain towns like Roanoke, Virginia, and Asheville, North Carolina. In Roanoke , you can shop at the local markets and boutiques along the historic downtown stretch with views of the mountains as the city’s backdrop. 

Continuing along the parkway, you will travel through the quaint little town of Blowing Rock, NC, before finding yourself in Asheville, NC. In Asheville , you will find numerous recreation and nature activity options mixed in with an artistic atmosphere. 

Whether your family is all for getting out and exploring nature or prefers to enjoy the local culture, you are sure to find something that the whole family will enjoy along the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Known as the “All-American Road,” Scenic Byway 12 in Utah is sure to get your kids off their phones and fixated on the scenery out the window. Just over 122 miles, this stretch of road takes you through the desert mountains, where you will see slickrock and how the sun reflects off the red rocks.

This Scenic Byway connects US 89 near Panguitch to SR 24 near Torrey. Stop at the scenic overlook along the route to take in the 9,000-foot view where you can see for miles and take in what the area’s natural beauty has to offer. 

Be sure to stop at the Dixie National Forest, where you can explore the area by food and view various peaks and plateaus, lakes, and valleys. You can also stop along the way at the Capitol Reef National Park, where you will find a stretch of the Waterpocket Fold with multi-colored rock and rolling hills.

The Hogback Area of the byway stretches along a narrow ridge, with both sides of the road dropping drastically. This stretch is one of the more famous parts of the byway, and for good reason.

With so many naturally beautified spots along Scenic Byway 12, it’s tough to pick and choose which ones to stop at and enjoy and which to pass up. While all stops along the way are 100% worth it, one of the more unique stops is the Lower Calf Creek Falls. 

In the middle of the desert, it is refreshing to find a scenic waterfall. While this waterfall does require a hike, it is a must-stop along the byway. You can find the trailhead that takes you to Lower Calf Creek Falls at the Calf Creek Campground . 

Mountains, desert, forests, farms, and Spanish and Indian villages, The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway in New Mexico has it all. A road trip out west is one of the most American road trips you can take as you engulf yourself in the area’s rich history and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.

Pack your bags and load the kids; this scenic highway is one we are sure will not disappoint. This byway runs between Santa Fe and Taos and provides mountain views with historic Spanish and Indian villages along the way. 

See local architecture that you don’t see anywhere else as you travel along the byway. Stop at the Iglesia de la Santa Cruz de la Canada, a massive church that has seen continuous use for 250 years. Sharpen your western US history by visiting the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian Arts and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. 

Don’t forget to try some of the local Spanish cuisines in Taos , such as tamales, enchiladas, chile Rellenos, and posole. 

It is difficult not to enjoy a road trip along the ocean. But what about a road trip on the sea? That’s right, the roadway travel from mainland Florida to the Florida Keys is a road trip you take on the ocean.

The seven-mile bridge that connects keys makes you feel like you’re driving on water. While the bridge that connects the middle keys to the southern keys is seven miles long, the total road trip from Key Largo to Key West is 110-miles and is known as the “Road to Paradise” by locals. 

With a mixture of the blue waters to the tropical scenery, you won’t get tired of looking out the window along this road as you can point out the marine life swimming through the ocean waters or the tropical birds floating in the wind. 

Stop at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to stretch your legs and discover what lives on the ocean floor and how it survives. You will also have the opportunity to learn a history lesson by visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. 

As with any other road trip, you must check out some local cuisines by visiting Mangoes Key West Cuisine in Old Town Key West for some Cuban seafood stew. 

It’s time to get your hula skirts and sunscreen out because we are going to Hawaii . Saddle Road in Hawaii is one of the best family road trips in the United States because it offers pure adventure. 

Saddle Road is named after its geographical location in the valley or “saddle” between the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa Mountains. The technical term for the stretch of road is Hawaii Route 200, but we like Saddle Road better. 

This 54 mile stretch of land gives you the Hawaiian experience as you can view the pastureland of Hawaii while passing by dried lava flows. You will also experience the edge of the rainforest and desert fields. 

You are sure to get an experience like no other on this road trip because who else can say they experienced a rainforest, pastureland, and dried lava on the same road trip?

Don’t forget to get out of the car and stretch your legs along the way by stopping at one of the trailheads or a quaint lunch spot along the highway. 

You may have to rent a vehicle to embark on this road trip, but it is a must for your family road trip bucket list. The George Park Highway is in Alaska and is the road that connects Anchorage and Fairbanks, the two largest cities in the state. 

Running approximately 320 miles, this highway takes you through Alaska’s wild wilderness for an experience you won’t soon forget. Keep a close eye out for wild moose or even bears as you travel the George Park Highway.

You can also take in the magnificent views of Denali , the tallest mountain in North America. But why just look at the mountain? Why not make a pit stop and explore? With over six million acres of untamed land, Denali National Park is a must-stop on your Alaskan road trip. 

Make sure you take the time to stop along the way for a taste of Alaska at Moose-AKa’s , an Eastern European Restaurant and Tavern. At Moose-Aka’s, you will find appetizers such as Schnitzel Fingers and Mekice, which is fry bread with red peppers and cream cheese.

If you think their appetizers sound unique, wait until you see their main menu with stuffed peppers, Moussaka, and varying types of schnitzel. We promise you will fall in love with the Eastern European cuisine Moose-Aka’s has to offer. 

Whether you enjoy experiencing new places for the scenery and adventure, or the delightful food, Alaska has plenty of both to offer along the George Park Highway. 

Colorado is known for its steep mountains and beautiful scenery. That is exactly what you’ll find along Colorado State Highway 82. The highway is engulfed in mountainside scenery that makes you feel finite.

At 12,095 feet above sea level, this 85 mile-long stretch of road is the highest paved road on the Continental Divide in North America and the highest road in Colorado. This means the views from the highway are unmatched, as you can see for miles along the route.

Because this pass is so high above sea level, it is closed in the winter months as winter weather causes driving hazards that shouldn’t be risked.

Stop along the route at one of the many hiking trails to stretch your legs and take in the fresh, crisp air. You may also want to stop by The Twin Lakes Inn Restaurant and enjoy a Tasso Green Chili Omelet for Brunch or a Shrimp Bisque for dinner. 

Family road trips are an excellent way to bring the whole family together to create lasting memories. Whether you plan to travel far from home and take a road trip somewhere you’ve never been before, or if they are to stay close to home and see a different side of your local terrain, there are road trips all across the United States that will not disappoint.

Explore the midwest by hopping on Route 66 and driving through the heart of the US. Or, take a more tropical road trip down south to Hawaii along saddle road or the infamous Pacific Coast Highway in California. If you’re in for more of a western adventure, drive along The Highroad to Taos and enjoy the beauty nature has to offer.

Taking a vacation as a family doesn’t just have to be about the destination; let the road trip to your end destination be the adventure your family seeks. What is your favorite family road trip in the United States?

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your USA Road Trip

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

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

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

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

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

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

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

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

Browse rental cars for your American road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

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

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

Book travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure you pack the right gear.

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

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

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

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

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

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy today!

If possible, stop in at least one national park!

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

Want to climb sand dunes? We have that.

Marvel at glaciers? Check.

Hike across mountains? Take your pick.

Go scuba diving? Definitely.

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

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

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Road Trip Length

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

New York to Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Ridge Parkway

From Carl of NC Tripping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

From Katie-Beth of Her Life in Ruins

Who doesn’t love a nice glass of bourbon?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southeast Coastal Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to continue north to the Outer Banks?

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

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

Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

From Christine of Live Love Run Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington State

From Katie of Two Wandering Soles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southwest Colorado Road Trip

From Tanya of Rad Family Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Utah’s Mighty Five

From Ali of Travel Made Simple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start and end in Las Vegas and drive counterclockwise.

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

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

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

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

South Dakota

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scenic I-90 from Portland to Yellowstone

From Catherine of Passports and Adventures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northern New Mexico

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Denver to Yellowstone Loop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Francisco to Yosemite Loop

From Julie of More Than Main Street

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The American Southwest from Las Vegas

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

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

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

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

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

New York State Road Trip

From Melissa of Navigation Junkie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miami to Key West Road Trip

From Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of Getting Stamped

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are great restaurants and bars along the way too.

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

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

New England

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Texas Hill Country

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northwest Arkansas

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

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

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

You can still soak in two of them today!

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

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

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

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

From Carole of Travels With Carole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northern Michigan

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Zach & Julie of Ruhls of the Road

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We recommend completing this Kauai road trip in 3 days.

Road to Hana, Maui

From Jess of I’m Jess Traveling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alaska Road Trip (Anchorage to Valdez)

From Wendy of Adventurous Retirement

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

Start in Anchorage, when the museums are open.

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

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

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

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

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

Continue on this road to loop back to town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Kate Storm

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

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

Love all these ideas and inspiration for my next trip!

Thanks Jess! So hard to choose.

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

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

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

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

10 of the Best U.S. Road Trips for Families

These family road trips feature stunning scenery, unique landmarks, and more.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

A road trip is a classic American vacation, but it takes planning to make it great — especially when little ones are involved. To help you plan your family's next journey, we've rounded up some of the best road trips around the United States for kids and families, from quick, single-day jaunts to journeys that can take over a week. With stops the whole crew will enjoy, these drives are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia

Explore two popular southern cities on one trip with this short-distance getaway. The drive from Charleston straight to Savannah takes just under two hours, but we'd recommend taking a few days for this itinerary so you can stop to enjoy the outstanding hotels and beaches along the way. You can stay at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island just an hour south of Charleston, or fill up the tank for a beach day at Hilton Head , which is only an hour further. Once you've passed through Savannah, drive one more hour south for a stay at The Cloister at Sea Island . This five-star resort is another good option for families, with plenty of swimming, fishing, and nature walks.

San Diego to Los Angeles, California

At right around two hours, this drive is easy for parents and just long enough to be exciting for the kids. San Diego, Los Angeles, and the stretch of coast in between them are packed with beaches and attractions the family will love, like the San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, and Disneyland , which is located just outside L.A. in Anaheim.

New York City or Boston to Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Whether you choose to stay in a shingled cottage or beachfront apartment, your kids will fall hard for the Cape . Wellfleet is a particularly great destination for families, reachable in two hours from Boston or or five hours from New York City. You'll want to stop in other charming towns along the way, like Falmouth and Chatham, before settling in the sands of the Outer Cape. Once you're there, no trip is complete without a visit to Mac's on the Pier , where you can gaze out at the harbor and feast on whole belly clams. Exploring one of the Cape's kettle ponds, which families often have all to themselves, is also a must, as is checking out the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , home to five miles of trails and salt marshes.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Beginning in Orange County's Dana Point and reaching north to San Francisco, this popular drive can be completed in under eight hours. But why keep it short? With many major stops — from sprawling Los Angeles to Carmel-by-the-Sea — you could make this road trip last for days. Driving from the south to the north, head to the top of the Topanga Lookout in Malibu for incredible views of the San Fernando Valley. Then, a few hours north in Santa Ynez wine country, relax with a glass of vino as you plot your visit to Hearst Castle, where the kids can marvel at the mansion's many fountains and statues.

New York City to Philadelphia to the Poconos

At Woodloch Resort in the Pocono Mountains, you'll feel like you're back at summer camp — in a good way. On and off the property, there's plenty to do, including golf, paintball, fishing, and more. There are a variety of accommodation options available, too, perfect for families of any size. Whether or not you're headed to the Woodloch, though, the Poconos are an easy getaway for East Coasters. New York City is about a two-hour drive and Philadelphia is about three hours; the two cities can easily be combined with a Poconos visit for a fun multi-day adventure.

Boston, Massachusetts, to Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is a great destination in all seasons for families road tripping within New England. Just three hours from Boston, the town offers some of the East Coast's best skiing in wintertime and an abundance of outdoor adventure in summer. On your warm-weather visit, cool off with the kids at the Waterbury Reservoir in Waterbury Center State Park , or enjoy the fresh mountain air with a hiking or biking excursion.

There are few roads as iconic as Route 66 , so why not take your kids on this classic American trip? Whether you embark on the full journey from Chicago to Los Angeles or opt for a smaller portion of the road, you're bound have a memorable time. Little ones will love the route's kitschy roadside attractions (world's biggest ketchup bottle, anyone?), while adults will be wowed by the scenery, from the wide-open spaces of west Texas to the mountains of Santa Fe .

Tucson to the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Take in some of the country's best views on a multiday road trip through Arizona . Start in Tucson and visit Saguaro National Park to see the namesake cacti before heading to Scottsdale. Next up, drive to the stunning, red rock-surrounded town of Sedona. Finally, continue north to Grand Canyon National Park for a couple of days in the great outdoors, soaking in this massive natural wonder of the world.

Rocky Mountain Loop from Denver

If you'd like to swap red rocks for snowy mountaintops, set off on a Colorado road trip through some of the state's incredible national parks and charming small towns. From Denver, head northwest to Boulder and Estes Park, a perfect home base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park . Drive further into the mountains to check out towns like Glenwood Springs, Telluride, and Durango, all located in the western part of the state. Spend a day at Mesa Verde National Park , home to ancient Native cave dwellings that will fascinate both kids and grown-ups, before turning back east. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Colorado Springs are great stops en route back to Denver.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Beautiful year-round but especially colorful in spring and fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway makes for an excellent family road trip. Connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic mountain and foliage views across the Appalachian landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina. Plus, there are plenty of great hikes for all skill levels and places to camp along the parkway if you want to spend a few nights under the stars.

Welcome to Love Life Abroad: Your Ultimate Guide for Family Road Trips .

At Love Life Abroad, we’re passionate about turning family road trips into unforgettable adventures . Our expertise in crafting the perfect adventure for your family is unmatched. 

Whether you’re seeking inspiration or need a detailed plan, we’ve got you covered.

📍 Discover Canada, the USA and beyond with us!

Discover Our Exclusive Road Trip Itineraries

Detailed Itineraries

Dive into our meticulously crafted road trip itineraries. Each itinerary is packed with family-friendly activities, must-visit spots, and hidden gems, ensuring your trip is enjoyable and hassle-free. And the best part? We’ve tested them all with our kids. Read More .

Printables & Destination Guides

Step into a world of seamless travel planning with our comprehensive Printables & Guides. Perfect for keeping the whole family entertained and informed, our guides ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey.

Personalized Itineraries

Looking for something tailor-made? Our personalized itinerary service is here to cater to your family’s unique interests and needs . Share your preferences with us, and we’ll create a custom road trip plan that ticks all your boxes. Read More.

Get Inspired

Our blog is filled with tips, tricks, and inspirational content to fuel your family’s road trip dreams. We love road-tripping with our kids and we’re here to give you all of our tips and inspiration for epic road trips . Not only will you find great tips to plan screen-free road trips , but we’ve prepared (and tested) unique and detailed itineraries for families.

You’ll find great destination inspiration and outdoor activities , including lots of kid-friendly hikes, camping tips, and many other fun family trip ideas.

Our goal is to provide concrete tips for planning epic outdoor adventures with your family . You’ll find many articles to help plan your road trips, camping trips and hiking days with the little ones. We list our proven (and tested tips), we give some product reviews and you’ll also find some printable checklists.

Our Most Recent Articles

• Camping in Iceland: Things I Wish I Knew (Tips & More)
• Happy Campers Iceland Review (Why We Love Their Campervans)
• Epic Stops on Icefields Parkway: You Won’t Believe It’s Canada
• 10-Day Banff to Glacier National Park Itinerary Road Trip
• GigSky Review: International SIM Card for Travel
• How Long Does it Take to Drive Across Canada (+ Itineraries)
• Invermere (and Area) Winter Activities Weekend Itinerary
• 12 Family Getaways in Alberta You Must Take
• 17 Exciting Things to Do in Northern Ontario with the Family
• The ULTIMATE Northern Ontario Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

And if you are planning a Canada cross-country road trip, you’ll want to check out the guide I created to help families plan their LONG road trip across Canada .

Meet Emilie, the voice behind Love Life Abroad

Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She’s  a born wanderer . From an early age, she wanted to be on the move. Whether searching for a condo in California (at age 16) or flying to Ireland to see musician Damien Rice, she’s always looked for any excuse to pack a bag and explore.

Now, she has two boys, who are planning epic road trips and adventures as much as possible. Emilie helps families with young children to plan unique road trips and outdoor adventures because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids?

Why Love Life Abroad

As you can see, our name, Love Life Abroad, doesn’t 100% reflect what we share. But there is a reason for that. I started this website as a way to document our family trip around the world. Sadly, our trip never happened. We traded our suitcases for a long road trip across Canada and Western USA. After those EPIC adventures, we pivoted and dived into family road trips and outdoor adventures!

TRAVEL & ROAD TRIP RESOURCES

After traveling to more than 25 countries (with and without the kids) and living in three countries , we’ve become experts in travel resources. We’ve tested many travel products and online websites to help you plan your perfect family trip.

Check out our travel and road trip resource center .

How to Book a Car or Campervan

DiscoverCars  –  DiscoverCars  is a reliable car rental comparison platform, making it easy for families to find and book the perfect vehicle for their travels. By partnering with both major and local car rental providers, the platform offers a wide selection of vehicles at competitive prices.

▶️ You can read our DiscoverCars review here!

Outdoorsy  –  Outdoorsy  is a popular peer-to-peer RV rental platform, connecting families with a variety of recreational vehicles, campervans, and travel trailers for their outdoor adventures. Offering a user-friendly experience and secure booking process,  Outdoorsy makes it simple  to find the perfect home-on-wheels for your family’s needs.

RVezy  –  RVezy  is one of the largest and safest RV rental marketplace in North America, especially in Canada. With an extensive range of RVs, motorhomes, and travel trailers available, the platform ensures that users are covered with a $2M insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and personal bilingual support. RVezy offers a seamless and secure booking experience.

▶️ You can read our comparison review on Outdoorsy and RVezy here!

Escape Campervans  –  Escape Campervans  offers custom-built, fully-equipped campervans, adorned with hand-painted exterior artwork by top artists from Los Angeles. It allows travelers to explore the vast terrains of the US and Canada without compromising on the comforts of home. These campervans come with features like a queen-sized bed, a 2-burner propane stove, dual-powered refrigerator, and more.

▶️ You can read our Escape Campervans review here!

How to Book Unique Tours

Viator – Viator is a platform where you can book tours, attractions, and experiences at your travel destination. Viator makes it easy for families to find activities that everyone will enjoy, regardless of age or preferences, with an extensive selection of options, from city sightseeing tours to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a great alternative to Viator where you can book unique tours, attractions, and experiences at your travel destination. This platform specializes in connecting travelers with local guides and experts, ensuring an authentic and memorable experience.

Orlando Vacation – Orlandovacation.com is a dedicated resource for families planning a trip to Orlando, Florida. It’s a family-run business that offers competitive prices for theme park tickets, vacation packages, and accommodations. They make sure to provide the best prices available in the market and only require a $50 deposit to reserve your lodging reservation.

Our Favourite Travel Apps for Families

GoWhee – GoWhee is a crowdsourced app to help parents find kid-friendly locations across the globe. From playgrounds to hikes and kid-friendly lodging, traveling families add and review all locations. We are, in fact, ambassadors for the GoWhee app, so you can find many of the fun places we’ve been to on the app.

GuideAlong – GuideAlong (or originally Gypsy Guides) offers self-guided tours with informative, location-based audio commentary. The app uses GPS technology to automatically trigger engaging narratives about the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems as you explore your destination.

RoadTrippers – RoadTripppers is a road trip planning tool. It shows unique content and wonderful “off the beaten path” places to visit. You can use the app to map out your road trip and even share it with friends. Use this link to get $5.00 off your Pro membership .

• Create an account / Login

The ultimate family road trip in the American West

Travelling as a family: there's just no better way to create memories that will last a lifetime, right? 

But taking your children to explore the wide open spaces of the American West can be a little daunting.

Here is a perfect Western USA family vacation  that will please everyone, without tiring the young ones out!  

Road trip map

Road trip summary, days 1-2 : san francisco .

Your road trip begins with your arrival in San Francisco, the most European, and most tolerant, city in the United States. 

You'll quickly see this as you visit its different neighbourhoods, each more unique and flamboyant than the last!  

Spend 2 days here to immerse yourself in the spirit of the city and get over your jet lag.   

You can't visit San Francisco without seeing its must-see attractions, including the famous Golden Gate Bridge  .   

If your children are very young or less athletic, I suggest a cruise under the bridge. Otherwise, take a walk across it at dusk.

After a good night's sleep, get up early to take a ride on the famous Cable Car . That way you'll avoid the crowds! 

Next, pay a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf . The kids will love watching the sea lions. 

There you will be able to board a boat for Alcatraz  , which needs no introduction. Be sure to book your tickets several months in advance, as this activity is extremely popular.

The tour of the legendary prison is well suited to families. Visitors of all ages will find it fascinating.

USA Family Vacation

Days 3-4 : yosemite    (315 km).

Today is the start of your USA road trip . Time to  set out along the beautiful scenic roads of California !

You leave the coast behind and head for a true jewel of the great American parks, high in the Sierra Nevada mountains: Yosemite. 

Once arrived and settled in, make your way to Yosemite Valley . An easy 30-minute walk (round-trip) will take you to the base of Yosemite Falls  and amazing postcard-worthy scenery !  

In the evening, why not toast some marshmallows over a campfire?   

You have several options for your full day of visiting Yosemite . 

The Visitor Center features interactive exhibits that will captivate the whole family. Behind it, you will also find an Indian village that invites discovery.  

If you are a family of hikers, pay a visit to Tunnel View  . Turn right at the first intersection in the valley.

From this scenic viewpoint you can see Bridalveil Falls , Half Dome  and El Capitan  .  

Day 5 : Mammoth Lakes    (164 km)

Time to hit the road again. Today's destination is Mammoth Lakes,  

To get there, take the famous Tioga Road  , which offers magnificent landscapes of mountains, lush forest and sumptuous lakes.  

Mammoth Lakes is a paradise for outdoor activities. Make the most of your day with some mountain biking , hiking or fishing ! 

CAR RENTAL PRICE COMPARISON TOOL

Day 6 : death valley    (291 km).

This morning you head for Death Valley. Despite its morbid name, Death Valley will charm you with its mountains, canyons, dunes and salt pans . 

I strongly recommend taking Route 190 and paying a visit to Furnace Creek  . It's a real oasis in the middle of the desert! 

You won't want to miss Badwater Basin  , the lowest point in North America, at 86 metres below sea level . 

You'll find that easy to believe when you see it. 

Go from one extreme to the other at Dante’s View  , where you will have a sweeping panoramic view from 5,000 feet above the valley floor . 

The outlook can be reached from Furnace creek. 

Day 7 : Las Vegas  (242 km)

After the desert landscapes, it's time for a little opulence . Today, direction Las Vegas!  

The City of Sin known for its casinos and festive atmosphere can be a great place to visit with children. 

Many casinos have arcades where kids can enjoy a wide range of games. 

The Fun Dungeon    at the Excalibur Hotel   also offers redemption games where players earn tickets that can be exchanged for prizes.  

The Circus Circus     hotel houses the Adventuredome , an indoor theme park with rides for visitors of all ages. 

Be sure to take a walk along the Strip    and watch the spectacular fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel !  

To end the day in style, pay a visit to The STRAT  , at the end of the Strip. With a height of 350 metres, its observation tower offers a magical view of Las Vegas.

Days 8-9 : Zion    (325 km)

After this eccentric stop, the adventure continues with Zion National Park. 

The area was named by the Mormon pioneers who discovered it. Zion means ‘‘paradise’’, and you will quickly understand why!  

Take the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Highway   just after entering the park. It's one of the most scenic routes in all of the American West.    

On your second day in the park, take the free park shuttle, which drives along the 13 kilometres of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive  .   

I highly recommend the Court of the Patriarchs Trail   and, if the kids are a little older, The Narrows  . 

The Narrows is a hiking trail along a riverbed, a one-of-a-kind experience to add to your family adventure!

Day 10 : Bryce Canyon    (112 km)

Today, direction Bryce Canyon !  

With its large natural amphitheatre filled with hundreds of sandstone spires and pillars, Bryce Canyon is one of the most spectacular parks in the United States.  

Queen’s Garden Trail   is a great option with kids. 

In less than 30 minutes, you will reach the Queen’s Garden, named after a rock formation said to bear a striking resemblance to Queen Victoria.  

Bryce Canyon is also the perfect place to do some horseback riding  or take in a rodeo . The kids are sure to love this authentic cowboy experience!   

Days 11-12 : Lake Powell    (232 km)

This morning, you head for the second-largest artificial lake in North America.   

The contrast between the bright blue waters of the lake and the surrounding stark red sandstone rocks is quite spectacular . 

Lake Powell is 3,150 km of coastline, made up of beaches , gorges and bays .  

For an impressive view of the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend     is a family-friendly hike you won't want to miss.

It will only take you 30 minutes there and back.    

For your second day in the region, why not treat yourselves to a tour of Antelope Canyon  ?  

You will have a hard time believing that this marvel of erosion was created as-is by flash flooding after summer storms.  

Explore Upper Antelope Canyon (above ground level) or venture below ground with a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon , in the company of a Navajo guide.  

Day 13 : Monument Valley    (277 km)

Fans of the Wild West and Western movies ? You're in luck! Today's road leads to an iconic symbol of the Far West.   

It's time to put on your cowboy hats, as many John Wayne movies were filmed in this very location.  

It will be important to remember that you are on Navajo Tribal Land . 

You will need to pay a fee to enter the tribal park, and members of the Navajo Tribe operate all services and tours within the park. 

The best way to explore the heart of this legendary park is along Monument Valley Scenic Drive  . 

Your car is not your only option: you can also go by jeep, on horseback, or with a private Navajo guide . 

Go to the Visitor Center to learn about the different possibilities.  

The Visitor Center is also the place to watch the unforgettable sunsets that transform the valley into a magical, colourful panorama.  

Days 14-15 : Grand Canyon    (369 km)

Thought you'd seen it all? Well, we mustn't forget the famous Grand Canyon!  

The Grand Canyon needs no introduction. Its eastern section, South Rim  , is the most popular – and for good reason! 

You can't start your visit without stopping at the park's most impressive viewpoint: Mather Point  .  

You'll quickly forget the crowd as you gaze out over the majestic landscape.

Take a moment to immerse yourself in the site's history with a visit to Grand Canyon Village  .    

Take advantage of the park's free shuttle service during your full day at the Grand Canyon.

There are four different routes, but I recommend the purple route , which runs every 20 minutes.  

If you want to do some hiking,  Hermit Road  is the must-do option for families. 

It leads to Mohave Point  , a spectacular overlook where you will feel like you are floating above the Grand Canyon.  

Day 16 : Barstow   (595 km)

It is time to head back towards the California coast. You have a long drive ahead of you today.   

You reach Barstow at the end of the day. This stopover town has some interesting things to see and do.  

Barstow's Main Street is actually an old section of the mythical Route 66  and contains many relics from this iconic road. Be sure to pay a visit to the Route 66 museum. 

The family will enjoy a stop at Calico Ghost Town  , a nearby abandoned silver rush town.  

Days 17-18 : San Diego    (285 km)

Back under the warm California sun! Today's destination is San Diego.  

The city abounds in activities and attractions that are great for families. Pay a visit to Balboa Park  , where you will find the San Diego Zoo    as well as 15 museums - something for everyone!  

The Fleet Science Center    is a must for kids. This science museum and planetarium features more than 100 interactive exhibits that are sure to pique your curiosity!    

Lego fans simply must pay a visit to Legoland  , a theme park that offers the ultimate Lego experience. Don't lie, we know that your inner child can't wait to go! ;-)

Or do you prefer a day at the beach? Pacific Beach  is the most welcoming for families and offers many activities.

I recommend ending the day in the Gaslamp Quarter  , a small neighbourhood that will charm you with its restored 19 th century buildings and its many boutiques, cafes, theaters and trendy restaurants.  

Days 19-20-21 : Los Angeles    (203 km)

Enjoy your morning in San Diego before heading for your final destination: the City of Angels! 

One don't-miss, iconic activity for the whole family is, of course, a Hollywood studio tour  . Universal Studios offers the best tour for children.   

On your way there, discover some of the beautiful neighborhoods of Beverly Hills  . Drive along Melrose Avenue or Sunset Boulevard and soak in the sights.

Stop on Hollywood Boulevard   to take a picture next to the star of your favourite celebrity.    

Los Angeles is not just about glitz and glamour. During your second day, spend some time exploring the neighbourhoods along the Pacific Ocean coast. 

Head to Venice  , the artists' district.

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast on Abbot-Kinney Boulevard  , and while you're there, why not do a little shopping?

Time to go to Venice Beach  . Take a walk along the lively Venice Boardwalk , enjoy the beach, and don't forget to take your picture with the famous Venice sign !

Spend the evening in Santa Monica  . The iconic Santa Monica Pier offers magnificent views and is home to the Pacific Park  amusement park. Fans of Forest Gump are also in for a surprise ;-)    

For your last day, head to downtown Los Angeles. 

Sports fans will want to explore the area around Staples Center. There are also a number of museums that are interesting for families.

If you prefer a bit of nature, Echo Park   in the heart of downtown Los Angeles is popular with the locals. You can enjoy a fun pedal boat ride on the lake.

For one last look at the City of Angels, pay a visit to the Griffith Observatory  . The spectacular view will be the perfect way to end your trip to the American West.

It's already time to fly home, your heads and hearts filled with memories of the land of Uncle Sam !  

So are you ready to become a family of adventurers? Don't hesitate to share your comments or suggestions below! 

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

LEAVE A COMMENT

Répondre à: -.

Your e-mail address will not be shared

Free travel guide

Most-read articles, most recent articles, what is the price of an all-inclusive trip to the united states, quiz on the american west, where to go in the american west, the ultimate rv road trip in florida, all-inclusive usa tour: book with locals, 5 (almost) unknown places to visit in the american west, best road trip from seattle to san francisco, top 5 california state parks, the best 7-day california road trip, top 5 winter landscapes in the western united states.

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

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

Historic Route 66

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

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

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Appalachian Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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