road trip book lovers

Drive My Car: 20 Must-Read Road Trip Books

Isabelle Popp

Isabelle Popp has written all sorts of things, ranging from astrophysics research articles and math tests to crossword puzzles and poetry. These days she's writing romance. When she's not reading or writing, she's probably knitting or scouring used book stores for vintage gothic romance paperbacks. Originally from New York, she's as surprised as anyone that she lives in Bloomington, Indiana.

View All posts by Isabelle Popp

An apocryphal quote floating around dictates that all great literature is either a man going on a journey or a stranger coming to town. Leaving aside the limited thinking evident in this quote — what about the great literature where an animal goes on a journey??? — I am inclined to agree with one part of it. Road trip books make for some of the best literature around. The setting provides so much opportunity for discovery: of landscapes, fellow travelers, and of characters’ true selves. Traveling inevitably creates unforeseen problems to solve and prompts vulnerability for characters out of their element. Road trip books typically have a goal, even if the real treasure ends up being the friends made along the way.

I wanted to dig a little deeper than some of the obvious standards, like On the Road or Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas . I’ve toured the world of books by car, picking roadside stops among fiction and nonfiction, middle grade books and historical romance novels. Many people think of road trip books as a distinctly American genre, so I wanted to challenge that notion as well. In the end, I have a very special vacation slideshow to share with you, if I do say so myself. 

In the Face of the Sun by Denny S. Bryce

A dual timeline is one of my favorite formats for a novel, so one with a road trip woven in is sure to catch my attention. This novel alternates between 1968 and 1928. In the latter timeline, audacious Aunt Daisy is rescuing her pregnant niece, Frankie, from her abusive marriage by escaping along Route 66. Meanwhile, we follow young Daisy in 1928 Hollywood, chasing her journalism dreams by writing for Black-owned papers. This compelling story is ideal for anyone who enjoys a family saga steeped in Black history.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

A YA romance road trip story that takes place on an influencer tour bus? Yes. Moon Fuentes is in the shadow of her famous twin sister, but agrees to sling merch for her over a summer. The forced proximity with her new nemesis, Santiago, blooms into something unexpected in this gorgeous book tinged with magical realism.

The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal

This book highlights the ways religious pilgrimage intersects with the road trip format. Following three sisters who’ve drifted apart in adulthood, the novel reunites them in India. There they are carrying out their mother’s last wish to carry out her final rites at the ​​Golden Temple in Amritsar. This poignant novel navigates the complexities of tradition and modernity for the three British-born women while providing them with unexpected moments of discovery that are by turns humorous and heartbreaking.

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In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph M. Marshall III

The sad truth is that most road trip books set in America forget whose land they’re driving through. This heartwarming novel, however, provides readers an education in Indigenous history as the main character, Jimmy McClean, gets a lesson in his Lakota roots from his grandfather. Their travels bring them to sites relevant to the life of Tasunke Witko, better known as Crazy Horse.

A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare

This might be my desert island romance novel. Minerva and Colin’s journey from Spindle Cove to Scotland, with Minerva’s fossil in tow, is the very best in historical road trip romance. It’s a nerdy woman meets charming rake story, and even writing this little blurb makes me sure it’s time for another reread. The entire Spindle Cove series is top tier romance, but it’s perfectly fine to start with this one.

Are You Listening? by Tillie Walden

Road trip books do turn up among graphic novels as well. Are You Listening? chronicles the journey across West Texas for Lou and Bea, two women struggling with grief and trauma. There’s a touch of magic in this book, represented by a cat who joins the trip. This is a demonstration of the opportunities for connection and real listening provided by a long, lonely road.

Getting Mother’s Body by Suzan-Lori Parks

I love when novels can provide two opposing characters with equally compelling motivations. When a letter arrives notifying Billy Beede, poor and pregnant, that a supermarket is going in where her mother’s body is currently resting, Billy takes action. She needs to find out whether Willa Mae Beede really was buried with a fortune’s worth of gems. Meanwhile, Dill Smiles, Willa’s love, wants to keep her in the ground. It’s a twist on William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying that deeply examines desire, need, and greed.

All My Mother’s Lovers by Ilana Masad

While road trips are one of my favorite settings for books, characters discovering they never really knew someone close to them is one of my favorite plots. So All My Mother’s Lovers is right in my wheelhouse. In it, Maggie hand delivers letters on behalf of her suddenly deceased mother. The recipients of these letters upturn everything Maggie thought she knew about her family. This story’s meditation on grief, identity, and family is powerful and bittersweet.

The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño

There is a simple way to describe the road trip in this novel. Two poets in Mexico City, ​​Arturo Belano and Ulises Lima, travel to the desert to find another poet who has vanished. But that simple goal turns into a much more complex story that tracks Belano and Lima’s lives 20 years later. This novel, jam-packed with characters and ideas, is the ideal book for when you want a challenging book whose impact will travel with you through the decades.

Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers

Walter Dean Myers knew that kids deserve stories with real complexity, filled with believable characters and symbolism younger readers can grasp. Somewhere in the Darkness features the cross-country trip of 14-year-old Jimmy and his father Crab. Crab’s on the run from the law, but he’s seeking the man who can exonerate him. The road trip does not magically fix their troubled relationship, but it shows how understanding can blossom into forgiveness.

Nevada by Imogen Binnie (June 7)

As the old saw says, wherever you go, there you are. This is true for Maria Griffiths, a trans woman living in Brooklyn. When she feels like her life is falling apart, she steals her ex’s car and heads west. When she meets someone at a pivotal moment in their life, she finally realizes what she’s avoiding. This is a book that resonates with many trans readers for its honest depiction of the experiences, emotions, and thought patterns of its trans main character. Likewise, cis people can benefit from reading such a nuanced character study. 

Love Is an Ex-Country by Randa Jarrar

Among nonfiction road trip books, Love Is an Ex-Country is vital for showing how travel in the United States functions very differently depending on what you look like. Jarrar is a fat, queer, Muslim, Arab American who recounts her trip from California to Connecticut in 2016. She encounters hostility, but as a victim of abuse as well as online threats against her life, she knows well how survival mode functions. It’s a brazen book that doles out plentiful laughs along with copious tears.

Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins

One of the great things about Beverly Jenkins’s bibliography is that so many readers have different favorite books. Another of the great things about her work is that characters connect across series and time periods. So once you read Night Hawk , the historical romance in which bounty hunter Ian Vance is tasked with bringing sassy Maggie Freeman to justice, you’ll have to read everything else she’s ever written.

The Aeneid by Virgil

If it’s possible to underappreciate a classic, I dare say The Aeneid has met this fate. Retellings and adaptations of Homer’s epic poems abound. I say The Aeneid is due for such a treatment! The tale of Aeneas follows his journeys from the fall of Troy until he winds up in Italy, the ancestor of Romans. I love a good journey to the underworld, and The Aeneid has an especially heartbreaking one.

The New Life by Orhan Pamuk

Books about books! I can never get enough. Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk’s entry in the road trip canon chronicles the journey of Osman. He becomes enchanted by a novel and sets out to create for himself the life it promises. Reading this, you’ll wonder whether Osman has lost his grip on reality while you vicariously experience his travel from Istanbul to the Anatolian steppes.

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell

The stories of the assassinations of U.S. presidents are so much wilder than what I was ever taught in school. Sarah Vowell has an incredible knack for storytelling and inspiring her readers to take an interest in the rich details in history. She uncovers fascinating stories wherever she goes. Because of reading her books, I find myself pausing to read the signs whenever I come across a historic place in my travels, a habit I have found deeply enriching.

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn Ward’s novel, at its essence a road trip Leonie takes with her children to reunite with their father, just released from the Mississippi State Penitentiary, is a true southern gothic Odyssey. This is a road trip book that nods to hallowed literature while investigating the claustrophobia that can accompany being enclosed in a car. Cars can be haunted houses, too.

Girls on the Verge by Sharon Biggs Waller

While many road trips are undertaken for fun, plenty come out of brutal necessity. Girls on the Verge follows Camille, who is pregnant in Texas and needs an abortion. When her best friend disagrees with her decision to end the pregnancy, she reaches out to a near-stranger for a ride. Then her friend has a change of heart, and the three end up in the car together on a journey demonstrating the lengths pregnant people have to go to to have control over their bodies.

Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli

Here’s an ambitious and multi-media road trip book. Following a family traveling to the Southwest to learn more about Apache history, their story becomes embroiled with those of refugees at the U.S.-Mexico border. If you’re looking for a novel that is both incredibly daring while remaining true to its road trip roots, this one is timely and thought-provoking.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

I’m sure I’m not the only one who loves books about animal journeys, as I mentioned up top. The Incredible Journey hit me at a very formative time. The Travelling Cat Chronicles feature a man named Satoru and his adopted stray, Nana, traveling around Japan in a silver van to visit some friends. You will not be surprised to find that the journey ends up having deeper meaning, as journeys always do. Yes this book does feature the cat’s perspective and — spoiler alert — yes, the book does follow to the end of the cat’s long and happy life.

I come by my love of road trips honestly. As a kid, all of my travel was by car, and I’ve driven in 48 of 50 states — I’m coming for you, Wisconsin and North Dakota! I’m even planning a couple of road trips for this summer. If you, like me, truly love a road trip, you’ll want even more suggestions, I’m sure. We’ve got thought-provoking and feel-good road trip books . And if you need an audiobook while you’re on a trip , pass me that aux, we’ve got some listening to do. Let’s hit the road.

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Eight Books to Take With You on a Road Trip

In these titles, the open highway sparks a reaction between a character and the unknown.

On a long, meandering road trip—especially one with no particular destination or strict timeline for arrival—something hypnotic happens. You become attuned to the voices on the radio, the strange grammar of the signs, and the variations in the unfamiliar landscape in ways you never do during more conventional travel. I’d posit that it has something to do with being in constant motion and freed of immediate obligation. The mode of transport is important too: Airplanes move too fast and fly too high, and travel on foot is too slow and too low to the ground. Cars, trains, and buses make the topography change at a speed the mind comprehends.

I’ve personally driven more than 10,000 miles around the United States in a pickup truck that was also my temporary house, and I’ve always loved stories set on the highway. But I didn’t understand why until I wrote my forthcoming novel, Housemates , about two queer women trying to find themselves as artists and driving across Pennsylvania to receive a dubious inheritance. A moving vehicle pressurizes every thought, feeling, and interaction, prompting unique confessions and realizations. The eight books below show that road-trip stories are fundamentally about those unstable, generative, surprising reactions that arise as an ordinary character drives into the unknown.

The Price of Salt , by Patricia Highsmith

People tend to think of Highsmith’s classic as a lesbian romance rather than a road novel, but it’s both: The second half of the book takes place in a car, as the protagonist, Therese, decides to go with her crush, Carol, on a trip west during those peculiar, formless weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. Sharing motel rooms with two twin beds in anonymous small towns, the women can finally act on their mutual attraction. Therese discovers that she likes being Carol’s passenger, as it allows her to train her gaze, and her camera, on Carol and the American vistas, seeking a new kind of understanding. Carol, freed from the imprisonment of her suburban town and her husband, is finally able to lean into her sexual power, turning her probing curiosity to Therese. Only in this remote, liberated setting can the pair see each other clearly enough to recognize that they are in love—and yet they’re being followed by a mysterious car and an overly friendly man. Their romance pushes the novel to its difficult, but surprisingly sweet, conclusion.

Nevada , by Imogen Binnie

When Maria’s girlfriend, Steph, drops shocking news about their relationship over brunch, Maria’s dull reaction is to line up five beans in a row on her fork and eat them. She’s a literary-minded trans woman who works at a New York City bookstore and is tired of teaching people about being trans; she’s also deeply dissociated from her body. The breakup is the catalyst for Maria to change her life, which she kicks off by stealing Steph’s car and heading west. She ends up in Nevada, where she meets and becomes intensely fixated on a stoner Walmart employee named James, who she believes is a closeted trans person needing to be taken under her wing. A predictable story about a stuck character would end with that character reaching a state of un-stuck-ness, but that isn’t what Binnie chooses here. Maria is not exceptional, and her role isn’t to be a perfect trans role model; instead, she remains real and confused and continually searching, like all heroines.

Read: The cult classic that captures the grind of dead-end jobs

Eat Only When You’re Hungry , by Lindsay Hunter

This funny, devastating novel begins when middle-aged dad Greg rents an RV in West Virginia and drives it along the southeastern coast to find his son, GJ, now missing but last seen in Florida. Hunter’s prose pays much attention to Greg’s aging, fat body as he drives; the reader learns that he was intensely shamed for his size and his hunger in his youth. But repressing every appetite turns out to be painful for Greg and impossible for GJ, an addict whose own desires have eaten him alive. The fruitless search for GJ takes Greg through the forgotten fringes of America—parking lots, gas stations, motels, highways—and offers intense images and interactions that prompt Greg to examine his memories of his childhood, and his actions as a husband and father. The RV’s journey along this lush and troubled southern scenery mirrors Greg’s journey to recognizing his complicity in GJ’s addiction; each mile reinforces that he has only inflicted on his son the harm that was done to him.

Love Is an Ex-country , by Randa Jarrar

In this fragmented memoir that stitches together Jarrar’s many excursions through America and beyond in her 30s, the writer doesn’t so much drive as saunter across the country—sashay, roll, meander, and play around in it. She describes such moments as the dangerous airport detention she faced when denied entrance to her family’s native Palestine and the time she schooled a racist long-haul trucker in a rest-stop bathroom; in each retelling, she puts her body and her electric mind, with all its insight gleaned from her many identities—queer, Muslim, Palestinian American, fat, femme—in the driver’s seat. Her travels prompt her to examine how people of color are excluded in cultural emblems like kitschy road signs, or how dolls serve as the earliest receptacles of little girls’ rage. The book deploys discrete paragraphs, set off by double-spaced breaks, that defy chronology and evade cause and effect in a deadpan, deceptively simple tone that asks the reader to think about the land itself—whose we are on, and why and how our nation came to be.

Lost Children Archive , by Valeria Luiselli

This novel is about the Great American Road Trip story more than it neatly fits into the genre. A husband and wife, who are both audio documentarians, and their children, a boy and a girl, set off on a cross-country car trip to Arizona. Instead of buying souvenirs and seeing the Grand Canyon, however, the four come across a landscape full of pain and dispossession—“fields sectioned into quadrangular grids, gang-raped by heavy machinery, bloated with modified seeds and injected with pesticides,” Luiselli writes. The story brims with allusions to canonical American road-trip texts such as Jack Kerouac’s On the Road and the poetry of Walt Whitman , and Luiselli breaks up the prose with Polaroids, reports on migrant fatalities, and the reproduced text of a fictional book from within the story, posing the question of whether facts or expressive art forms are the better tool against the violence and forced displacement the characters witness. Nothing is solved, and the travel itself seems to break the foursome apart more than unify them, but much is revealed about what it means to make a family—and a nation—along the way.

Read: The death of the pioneer myth

The Sunset Route , by Carrot Quinn

Quinn’s road is not highways but train lines. Raised in poverty in Alaska by a mother with schizophrenia, the author writes with precision about leaving home at 14 and ending up in Portland, Oregon. There, Quinn dumpster dives for food, finds chosen family among queer punks and straight-edge anarchist communities, learns about gender outside the binary, and discovers that semi-legally riding on freight trains is a means of pleasure, movement, and escape. The Sunset Route alternates between timelines: In one, Quinn is a queer adult train-hopping and, later, long-distance hiking in the Pacific Northwest, where they meet people who are also living on the fringes of America without a safety net. In the other, they recall memories of their childhood, characterized by abuse and anorexia. Ultimately, their writing offers a precise accounting of how their awe for the natural world became their most honest and reliable method to heal.

Cruddy , by Lynda Barry

This title is not for the faint of heart; both its central father-daughter relationship and the road trip on which the pair embark radiate a deep horror. The narrator, Roberta, who refers to her parent only as “the father” throughout, opens her story with a chilling summary: “According to the newspaper version of the story, the father stole me, kidnapped me, snatched me up in the middle of the night,” Barry writes. “The father drove through the darkness. He drove and he drove.” Where Roberta and the father go on their terrifying journey or how long they are gone are never clear—the reader knows only that they’re both subject to his whims. Roberta loves and fears the violent, mentally ill man at the wheel, and the farther they drive, the clearer it becomes that in order to survive the expedition, she must love herself more than she wants to save him from his demons. Their voyage begets isolation and vulnerability, and Barry uses it to explore what happens when the person who is supposed to protect you turns out to be the biggest threat of all.

Read: My God, this is a magical country

Brother & Sister Enter the Forest , by Richard Mirabella

The pivotal car travel takes up a paltry section here, but it is impossible to look away from. Brother & Sister Enter the Forest follows two siblings as they try to find their way through a haze of trauma and estrangement. Justin is unhoused, dealing with PTSD and the physical effects of a traumatic brain injury; Willa is a nurse who makes dioramas of her and Justin’s childhood. When Justin shows up at Willa’s door asking to move in, the narration turns its gaze backwards to the events that broke them apart—a road trip that Justin took with a violent ex-boyfriend in the aftermath of a terrible crime. The trek is the book’s dark, truthful center, casting a shadow of gay shame and survivor’s guilt that takes Justin and his sister decades to see clearly. Still, even outside of those few crucial pages, the plot is infused with driving, aimless and otherwise. “I love this idea,” the siblings’ mother says to Justin. “Taking someone out in a car. You’re trapped. So we can really have a good talk without you running away like you always do.”

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You are here: Home // A Literary Landmark Road Trip: 15 Must Visit Attractions For Book Lovers

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A Literary Landmark Road Trip: 15 Must Visit Attractions For Book Lovers

Published on September 13th, 2015 by Amanda Watson

There’s nothing like a good landmark to turn a dull day on the highway into a grand adventure.

From wacky roadside attractions such as Foamhenge in Lexington, Virginia, to somber sites like Antietam, Maryland where the the bloodiest civil war battle took place, there are no shortage of fascinating landmarks around the U.S.

If you’re like me, you love seeking out landmarks while on a road trip. And what better way to see our beautiful country than with a literary landmark road trip highlighting the many museums, historic homes, and wild places of nature that commemorate some of our greatest literary masters.

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1. ingalls homestead – desmet, sd.

Did you ever wish you could transport yourself back in time to join ma, pa and the rest of the Ingalls family on their prairie homestead?

Now your dream has come true at the Ingalls Homestead (where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived).

Experience the life of pioneer homesteaders at this interactive museum.

Try your hand at twisting hay sticks, drive a covered wagon, making a corn-cob doll, and participate in a one-room school house session.

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Best American road trips for book lovers

Whether you love the open road or the amazing american books inspired by it, give one of these literature-inspired drives a go, published: wednesday 5th june 2019, brought to you by.

Canyon Country

Nevada to arizona.

Inspired by: Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

The countercultural vices of the 1960s may have faded a fair bit since Hunter S. Thompson penned his hallucinatory book Fear & Loathing back in the early 1970s, but big, brash and neon-soaked Las Vegas is still called Sin City for a reason – the city rising boisterously from the desert like a vision. On release, Thompson's book was given the subtitle 'a savage journey to the heart of the American dream', and a road trip to the Canyon Country out east of Vegas is just that: hot, sticky and iconically American, taking in some of the most outrageous scenery in all of the USA, including the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in Arizona, Arches National Park and the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon in Utah, and more cacti than you can shake a stick at every mile along the way.

Pacific Coast Highway

Oregon to california.

Inspired by: Big Sur by Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac might've made himself famous by travelling all the way around the US on a road trip that inspired his iconic novel On The Road , but the Pacific Coast Highway in Oregon and California is where his heart rested. On a road trip around this magical country , you can discover the deep redwood forests, high mountains and iconic sights like the Bixby Creek Bridge (pictured above) that run through both the The Dharma Bums and Big Sur , novels which see Kerouac explore Buddhist faith, sobriety and the greatness of nature.

Florida Keys

Inspired by: The works of Ernest Hemingway

For about a decade between the late 1920s and the early 1940s, modernist master Ernest Hemingway spent his time out at the end of the Overseas Highway in Key West, soaking up sun and using it as a base to finish up books like A Farewell to Arms . Although his most famous books spend time exploring the European mainland, from the bullfights of Pamplona in The Sun Also Rises to the streets of Paris in A Moveable Feast , it was this part of the world that Hemingway called home for the longest time. Driving there takes a little over three hours from Miami, but you could spend a week driving island to island on the road above turquoise waters. Head out on a fishing trip and you might even catch a big'un like the marlin in The Old Man and the Sea , too.

Illinois to California

Inspired by: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Adam Alexander Photography

The single-most inspiring road in the world of literature, music and folk legend, Route 66 – a place of hope, swagger and faded glory – is a must-do road trip for any traveller who's into old-school Americana. Carrying you from Chicago to Santa Monica via the great southwestern states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, the road was once the principal route out west to California for poverty-stricken families in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression, when it was given the nickname 'The Mother Road' in John Steinbeck's famous novel The Grapes of Wrath . Since then, it's largely been replaced by interstate highways, so is a relatively quiet drive with tons of scenery, from ghost towns to the Grand Canyon, cowboy culture to the casinos of Vegas.

New England

Circular from massachusetts.

Inspired by: The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Ah New England, that beautifully leafy part of the American East Coast, home to great seafood, inspiring cities, acres and acres of protected forest and miles of idyllic sandy beaches. Heading out on a drive from Boston , you can learn about the Puritan history of Massachusetts that inspired Arthur Miller's hit allegorical play The Crucible , which centres around the Salem witch trials of the 1690s. With history buffs in mind, the drive takes in the landing spot of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth and heads up to Cape Cod, while nature lovers will delight in the iconic, resplendent scenery of Acadia National Park in Maine.

For specialist insight, the latest offers and to book your next USA road trip, contact a Wexas Travel specialist on 020 7838 5944.

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13 Best Books About Road Trips to Satisfy Your Summer Wanderlust

Grab your sunglasses and/or reading glasses.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

For many who've had their vacation plans break down this summer, now might also be a perfect time to get on the open road to explore all the weird nooks and crannies this country has to offer. If you're planning to drive to a far-off destination, try listening to these road trip books on tape —between belting these classic car songs , of course.

Or, you know, you could just read one of these quintessential road trip novels from the comfort of your own home. Either way, the following 13 books—including a couple of comical romps, a pair of 1950s classics, a semi-surreal comic book, and more—will inspire you to put on your sunglasses, or your reading glasses, and leave your old world behind.

The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky

Tautly told and drolly smart, Dermansky's third novel centers on a woman in Queens locked in a loveless marriage . The key to her freedom, and to unlatching her sense of self, is the titular red car, bequeathed to her when her beloved mentor passes away. If you want an entire novel that captures the gleeful, devil-may-care liberation of Thelma and Louise driving off a cliff (and believe us, you really, really do) then this one's for you. 

I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forest

Here's something you should know about Chloe Pierce: She's an excellent ballerina, and a terrible driver. Still, in an effort to get into the school of her dreams, Chloe breaks her mom's rule (whoops) and steals the car (double whoops) to drive to an audition in D.C. Her irritating neighbor, Eli, insists on hitching a ride. Kristina Forest's heart-warming YA debut captures a girl on the cusp of adulthood, pushing the limits of her independence—and dealing with the consequences. 

Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli

In her review for O , acclaimed author Carmen Maria Machado said of Luisell's inventive novel: "Not since  Lolita  has a road trip so brilliantly captured the dark underbelly of the American dream, the gulf between its promise and reality." This story of a family traveling southwest in search of answers to our nation's troubling past and present was one of our favorite books of 2019 . 

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

Beware—once you meet Charlie Manx, the immortal villain of  NOS4A2 , you'll forever fear seeing his haunted car drive by you on a quiet road. By then, it'll be too late.  NOS4A2 is a road trip novel, made sinister: Characters travel on roads that don't exist on any map.  Manx transports children in his car to "Christmasland," a place far more sinister than it sounds. On her magic bike, Vic McQueen is able to travel to Christmaslands and other realms, and is the one person who can stop him.  NOS4A2  comes with horror pedigree: Joe Hill, the author, is Stephen King's (very talented) son.

The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith

Highsmith's 1952 novel—originally published under a pseudonym—is perhaps most famously the basis for the film Carol , a queer modern classic starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. But saying that it's just a book that was turned into a movie would take away from the quietly revolutionary sumptuousness of the text itself. Highsmith's wintry tale of two women in mid-century America who drive across the country together to escape society's expectations is a must-read. 

We All Loved Cowboys by Carol Bensimon (translated by Beth Fowler)

More forbidden love on the run! Translated from Portuguese, this exquisite and wistful novel by Bensimon—named one of Granta's Best Young Brazilian novelists—follows former friends Julia and Cora on a car trip through Brazil as they attempt to mend their once-solid relationship. Complications arise when the pair realize they might not just be gal pals. 

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

Soon to be a miniseries on HBO co-produced by Jordan Peele, Ruff's chilling thriller is set during the Jim Crow era and stars an army veteran whose father has disappeared. He drives from Chicago to New England alongside his uncle, the publisher of a guide on how to travel while Black. Much more Get Out than Green Book , the tale takes a turn toward terror when they arrive at a mansion owned by a family of former slave-holders. Also: ghosts. 

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Maybe you read this in high school, maybe you dated a boy like Jess from Gilmore Girls who referenced this book nonstop (guilty and guilty), but there's no denying: reading Kerouac's Beat Generation classic of aimless American wanderlust is basically a rite of passage. 

Lake Success by Gary Shteyngart

Speaking of On the Road , the Super Sad True Love Story author delivers a hilariously scathing romp through America starring a boorish hedge funder who, after a fight with his wife, hops on a Greyhound for an inspired journey into the country's heart—and his own. 

Find Me by Laura van den Berg

Short fiction scribe Laura van den Berg taps into her singular eeriness for her first novel, about a directionless young woman who discovers she's immune to the sudden sickness spreading across the country. Her epic yet intimate journey takes her from Kansas, where she's admitted as a hospital patient and subjected to myriad tests, to Florida, where she believes her birth mother might be. 

Flaming Iguanas by Erika Lopez

Erika Lopez's "all-girl road novel thing" is a fierce amalgamation of words and images chronicling biker babe Tomato Rodriquez's wild cross-country motorcycle ride. It's as fun and freeing as having the wind blow through your hair. 

Are You Listening? by Tillie Walden

Want more illustrated cool-girl goodness? Combining dreamily gorgeous artwork and lyrical, sophisticated storytelling, Eisner award-winning graphic novelist Tillie Walden has emerged as a master of her craft. Here, she channels Murakami with a magical realist road trip starring two women and a mysterious cat. 

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

If you're seeking a family-friendly audiobook to listen to in the car, look no further than Sharon Creech's Newberry Award-winning classic. Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle journeys across the country with her grandparents. All the while, she entertains them with stories of a girl who's quite like herself—a girl who wants to be reunited with her mother.  Walk Two Moons  is a strange, funny book that will speak to children of all ages.

Michelle Hart is the Assistant Books Editor of O, the Oprah Magazine. Other writing of hers has appeared on the Millions, the Rumpus, and the New Yorker . Her fiction has appeared in Joyland and Electric Literature. She has been awarded a fiction fellowship by the New York State Writers Institute and was once profiled in her hometown newspaper for being in the process of writing a novel--a novel she is still in the process of writing.

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Hey, I'm Reading

Your friendly site for all fun things books, literary travel bucket list: the ultimate travel bucket list for book lovers.

• by Megan Johnson
• Posted on November 3, 2020 August 19, 2023

LOOKING FOR AN AWESOME LITERARY TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?

I am so excited for this post! Today I’m sharing the best book lovers bucket list ever. It’s the literary travel bucket list of dreams and no matter where you’re going in the world there are tons of things for you do add to your itinerary.

I’ve broken it down by continent to make browsing a little easier, but it’s not divided by country at all. I do include the city/country of everything though. So, what will you find on this awesome literary bucket list?

I’m glad you asked! We’ve got unique, popular, famous, and creative bookstores around the world, book cafes, bookish museums, authors homes, famous book locations, amazing libraries, bookstores owned by authors, bookish art, festivals and events, basically everything bookish you could possibly think of to visit.

The US and Europe dominate this list, for sure, but I did find some great things for the rest of the world, too. I’m always open to additions, so if you have any (especially for Africa, South America, Asia, and Australia/NZ) let me know in the comments!

Europe Literary Travel

• Stay at The INK Hotel in Amsterdam
• Visit the Ashdown Forest in the UK, the inspiration for Christopher Robin’s Hundred Acre Wood
• Stay at Les Plumes Hotel in Paris in an area full of famous writers former homes
• Attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival
• Visit Bebelplatz, the sitee of the Nazi’s largest book burning in 1933 in Berlin
• Visit the Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh
• Stay at the Literary Man Hotel in Obidos, Portugal
• Visit Wigtown, Scotlands National Book Town
• Visit Leo Tolstoy’s house in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia, now a museum
• Stop at Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station in London
• Visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany
• Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace and final resting place of Shakespeare
• Check out some poetry at the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh

Read these books about Chernobyl before visiting!

• Visit the setting of Romeo and Juliet in Verona, Italy
• Attend the Le Livre a Metz festival in Metz, France
• Visit the National Museum of the Romanian Literature in Bucharest
• Attend thee ten-day Jane Austen festival in Bath, England
• Stay at the literary themed hotel Tasburgh House in Bath, England
• Visit the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris
• Visit the Keats-Shelley House in Rome
• Stay at literary themed Hotel Monte Cristo in Paris
• Visit the Bodleian Library in Oxford, England, home to over 6 million books
• Visit the home of Agatha Christie in Greenway, Devon, UK
• Visit the bookstores of Bloomsbury, England
• Have a drink at La Closerie de Lilas in Paris where french writers like Paul Verlaine and Charles Baudelaire wrote down their first drafts
• Stay at Hazlitt’s Hotel in London, a literary getaway
• Visit the Kafka Museum in Prague
• Visit Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy where Hemingway would drink
• Visit Goethe’s House on the Via del Corso in Rome
• Visit Books for Cooks bookstore in London
• Attend the Bookcity Milano festival in Milan, Italy
• Stay at University Arms, a literary hotel in Cambridge
• Visit the Anne Frank House in The Netherlands
• Do a DIY Alice in Wonderland tour in Oxford
• Stay at thee literary themed Georgian House Hotel in London
• Visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London

Inspire a trip to Italy with these books

• Do a Shakespeare and Dickens walking tour in London
• Attend the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, Wales
• If you love the arts, visit Do You Read Me?! in Berlin, Germany
• Wander the cemeteries of Pere Lachaise, Montmartre, and Montparnasse to find the graves of Oscar Wilde, Baudelaire, Zola, Stendhal and de Nerval
• Dig through the book-lined walls of Grimoire Bookshop in York, England
• Stay at the literary hotel Ambassade Hotel in Amsterdam
• Do a walking tour of sites from Ulysses in Dublin
• Visit Atlantis Bookstore in Santorini
• Visit The Abbey Bookshop in Paris
• Stay in Hagrid’s Hut at Ground Keeper’s Cottage in North Shire in the UK
• Visit The Poetry Bookshop in Hay-on-Wye, one of the only secondhand all-poetry bookstores in the UK
• Enjoy some literary cocktails at The Blind Pig in London
• Explore the Harry Potter themed shops in The Shambles in York
• Attend the Stockholm Writers Festival
• Stay at the Balmoral Edinburgh hotel and enjoy all things Harry Potter
• Get a coffee at Caffe Florian Byron in Venice, Italy where writers like Shelley, Proust, and Goethe would meet up
• Stay at the Apostrophe Hotel in Paris in a literary focused neighborhood
• Attend the Prague Writers’ Festival

Reads these books about Spain before you go!

USA Literary Travel (North America)

• Go on a blind date with a book at Malaprops in Asheville, NC
• Visit An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA (owned by the author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
• Attend the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival in New Orleans, LA
• Dine at Backspace Bar and Kitchen NOLA in New Orleans, LA where everything is named after a book
• Visit Louisa May Alcott’s house on Concord, MA where she wrote Little Women
• Stay at the Chelsea Hotel in NYC
• Enjoy a literary cocktail at Library Bar in LA
• See the J.R.R. Tolkien Collection at Marquette University Libraries in Marquette, MI
• Visit Birchbark Books and Native Arts in Minneapolis, MN (owned by Author Louise Erdrich)
• See F Scott Fitzgerald’s NYC style brownstone on Summit Ave. in Minneapolis, MN
• Visit the White Horse Tavern in NYC where Hunter S. Thompson drank and Dylan Thomas spent his last night alive
• Stay at The Betsy, Miami, FL’s only literary hotel
• See the Flannery O’Connor Home in Savannah, GA
• Attend The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book event in the country
• Stay at the literary themed hotel Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, OR
• Visit the Library of Congress in Washington DC to see it’s collection of over 160 MILLION books
• Visit the Open Book center in in Minneapolis, MN for a writing class or to do some book themed shopping

Do a 50 states reading challenge to inspire your literary travel in the US

• See the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, CT
• Visit Edgar Allen Poe’s house in Baltimore, MD
• Get your Nancy Drew on at Books on Bay in Savannah, GA
• Visit William Faulkner’s home in Oxford, MS
• Wander Bart’s Books, the open air bookstore in Ojai, CA
• Get books delivered to your room by the Book Butler during a stay at The Commons Hotel in Minneapolis, MN
• Visit Books are Magic in Brooklyn, NY (owned by author Emma Straub)
• Visit Battery Park Book Exchange in Asheville, NC
• Visit the Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery, AL
• Explore the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, MA
• Visit Laura Ingalls Wilder’s farm in Mansfield, MO
• Visit the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC
• Attend the annual Virginia Festival of the Book
• Attend the Tucson Book Festival
• Visit the New York Public Library in NYC
• Visit Edith Wharton’s home in Lenox, MA
• Attend the nine-day literary event, Litquake, in San Fransisco, CA
• Visit Iowa City, Iowa, the third UNESCO City of Literature
• Stay in a themed room at The Library Hotel in New York City
• Visit John Steinbek’s home in Salinas, CA
• Visit the American Writers Museum in Chicago, IL
• Browse the 150,000+ books at Elliot Bay Book Company in Seattle, WA
• See the home of Ernest Hemingway in Key West, FL
• Visit Jack London’s home in Sonoma Valley, CA
• Look for rare and collectible books at Magers and Quinn Booksellers in Minneapolis, MN
• Attend the Texas Book Festival in Austin
• Do a self-guided walking tour of Beacon Hill, home to quite a few famous authors, in Boston, MA
• Visit the massive Strand Bookstore in NYC
• Stay at the Algonquin Hotel in NYC where many famous writers stayed
• Visit Books and Books at the Studios of Key West in Florida (co-owned by author Judy Blume)
• Go on a walking tour in Minneapolis, MN where F Scott Fitzgerald grew up
• Attend the New Orleans Literary Festival
• Visit one of the oldest bookstores, founded in 1825, in the US: Brattle Book Shop in Boston, MA
• Attend the Unbound Book Festival in Columbia, MO
• Visit the iconic Powell’s Book in Portland, OR
• Visit Type Books in Toronto
• Visit Munro’s Books in Victoria, Canada
• Visit Librairie Drawn & Quarterly in Montreal

To get excited about visiting Mexico: Books to read before you go

South America Literary Travel

• Visit some of the 690+ bookstores in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Visit Cafe Literario to read, enjoy coffee, or work in Santiago, Chile
• Visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore in an old movie theater in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Visit the tiny San Librario in Bogota, Colombia
• Visit Biblioteca Nacional, the national library, in Santiago, Chile
• Visit Pablo Neruda’s homes in Chile
• Attend Feria del Libro book fair in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Visit Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s home Aracataca, Colombia

Read these books before visiting the Amazon Rainforest

Africa Literary Travel

• Have a coffee and read at Townhouse in Cairo, Egypt
• Take a “Mma Ramotswe’s Botswana” tour inspired by the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books
• Attend Cairo’s International Book Fair
• Visit the Alan Paton Centre in Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, home to author Alan Paton
• Visit the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi, Kenya, former coffee plantation and home of author Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa
• Visit the Jazzhole bookstore in Lagos, Nigeria
• Visit Librairie des Colonnes in Tangier, Morocco
• Visit Serowe, Botswana, home and burial place os author Bessie Head
• Look for affordable old and rare books at El Azbakeya Wall in Cairo
• Cozy up at Les Insolites bookstore in Tangier, Morocco
• Attend the International Books and Arts Exhibition of Tangier in Morocco

Check out these books before visiting the Himalayas

Asia Literary Travel

• Visit Wuguan Books in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
• Visit Eslite Bookstore, the 24 hour bookstore in Taipei, Taiwan
• Visit the “Loneliest Library” in Qinhuangdao, China (Seashore Library)
• Stay at a Book and Bed hostel in Japan
• Wander the Starfield Library in Seoul, South Korea
• Visit Pagandi bookstore in Pune, India
• Stay at the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, India and enjoy it’s 5,000+ book library
• Visit Shrine of the Book museum in Jerusalem, Israel to see the Dead Sea Scrolls

Instead of visiting North Korea, read these books

• Visit the wooden library in Taipei (Taipei Public Library)
• Visit the Zhongshuge Library in Yangzhou, China
• Wander around Jimbocho Booktowns 160+ used bookstores in Tokyo, Japan
• Stay at The Library Hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand
• Relax in a reading pod at Cafe Comma in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• See the Insta famous Tianjin Binhai Library in Tianjin, China
• Have a drink with your book at Library Lounge THESE in Tokyo, Japan
• Wander College Street and find some secondhand books in Kolkota, India
• Visit the library, bookstore, bar, restaurant The Bookworm in China

Read these books before visiting India

Australia (and New Zealand) Literary Travel

• Have a snack and drink at Sappho Books, Cafe, and Bar in Sydney
• Browse through Gertrude and Alice by Bondi Beach
• Visit Reader’s Feast Bookstore in Melbourne
• Find some great LGBTQ+ books at The Bookshop in Darlinghurst
• Cozy up in Ampersand Cafe and Bookstore in Paddington
• Find some pre-loved books at The Book Station in Caringnbah
• Go on a blind date with a book at Elizabeth’s Bookshop in Newtown
• Attend Melbourne Writers’ Festival
• Enjoy a cup of joe at The Press Book House in Newcastle
• Get married at Berkelouw Book Barn Bookshop and Cafe in Berrima
• Get into graphic novels at Kinokuniya in Sydney
• Look for some banned books at The Paperback in Melbourne
• Visit State Library of Victoria, the oldest library in Australia
• Explore Unity Books in Auckland, NZ
• Stay at the Hobbit Motel in Waitomo, NZ

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Author: Megan Johnson

I'm Megan, a cheesehead at heart currently residing in the Sunshine State. You can probably find me reading, watching Forensic Files, or both. View all posts by Megan Johnson

Wow, I wish I would have seen your list sooner and I would have made a point of visiting the Library in Marquette, MI the end of August. Of course, I’m not sure if they would have been open. I am jotting down the Library in Edinburgh and hoping to add it to my itinerary when my daughter & I visit (if we don’t have to keep rescheduling our trip due to Covid). I am somewhat surprised you did not include the Bronte sisters in your list. I find it fascinating they used pseudonyms for their books. Unfortunately, that still seems to be a practice among some authors in order to be taken seriously. Look at J.K. Rowling and there is the “Outsiders” written by S.E. Hinton.

Aww, at least you know for next time, I suppose. And that Edinburgh trip sounds amazing (whenever you get to go). I’ll have to look for some sites related to the Bronte sisters!

I’m not going to live long enough to make it through this lot but I do appreciate your efforts. Megan. The Literary Man in Obidos caught my eye in the first section. I’ll look out for it next time I’m up that way. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you! It would be tough to see everything on here, for sure. I hope you get to see The Literary Man and all kinds of other great things 🙂

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Journey With Confidence

Three Great Destinations For Book Lovers

• Great RVing Destinations

List your top 10 favorite books and you’ll quickly see the makings of an unforgettable road trip unfolding in front of you. Whether you love mysteries, horror, biographies, or non-fiction works, with a little advanced planning they can all become great book lovers destinations for RVers.

All photos by LiveWorkDream.com

Drive into the pages of your favorite books

Every character, plot, and setting from your favorite books can weave a tapestry of short or long RVing itineraries that propel you deeper into the minds of your favorite writers. Check out these these exciting U.S. destinations to get your creative juices flowing.

Stephen King fans can meet in Maine

Notable Stephen King book locations around Bangor include:

• Mount Hope Cemetery, the spooky burial ground where grisly encounters transpire in “Pet Sematary.”
• The horrifying sewer drain at Jackson and Union Streets where an evil monster snatches little children in the novel “It.”
• And of course, the author’s spooky Victorian mansion where rabid fans lurk daily, always hoping to get a glimpse of their ghoulish hero.

Be sure to book a stay at the highly rated Paul Bunyan Campground or Pleasant Hill Campground in Bangor where you’ll be within a safe distance of King’s most notorious landmarks.

Beat Arizona heat with J.A. Jance

This best-selling writer is the creator of the Joanna Brady sheriff series set in Bisbee. Jance is also the force behind the adventures of Ali Reynolds, an ex-TV reporter living in Sedona who becomes entangled in murder.

Jance’s prolific authoring has boosted the two small town economies so much that Bisbee honored the author with a “J.A. Jance Day” every September.

The Copper Queen Hotel also pays homage to Jance with a special room named after the writer. While staying in Bisbee at the well-loved Queen Mine RV Park , you’ll want to make time for a Sheriff Joanna Brady adventure with local tour guides.

Experience good and evil in Savannah, Georgia

The final stop on our great book lovers destinations for RVers list takes you back to the eastern city of Savannah, Georgia. This lovely, languid setting is the focal point of the epic John Berendt novel “ Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .”

Spinning a captivating tale of quirky, eccentric Southerners, voodoo customs, drag queens, and invisible dogs, “Midnight” is the real life account of a big city newspaper reporter’s entanglement in a high society murder trial.

After Clint Eastwood turned it into a movie in 1997, Savannah locations in the book lke the Bonaventure Cemetery, The Mercer Williams House Museum and Clary’s Cafe quickly grew to worldwide fame.

The book is fodder for dozens of fun Savannah destinations and local tour companies know how to showcase the highlights of each spot.

When you bring your RV to Savannah, you’ll find that the nearby Skidaway Island State Park is an exceptionally scenic and tranquil place to park your rig. The park is only about 30 minutes from downtown Savannah and lives up to Georgia State Parks’ great reputation of idyllic, functional and fun camping experiences.

These destinations offer only a glimpse of different itineraries you can assemble when planning your summer road trips. For more inspiration, check out the American Library Association’s List of Literary Landmarks in the U.S.

If you love reading, Follow The Adventures Of Maxie McNabb In This Book Series

Protect Your Trip »

6 Great Getaways for Book Lovers

Celebrate the works of iconic authors and visit your favorite character's local haunts.

Getty Images

Follow in your favorite character's footsteps or make the journey to your favorite writer's birthplace on a literary pilgrimage to remember.

For bibliophiles, a journey beyond the page often means visiting a destination that brims with activities catering to lit lovers and storied settings associated with their favorite characters and authors. New York City and Boston quickly come to mind, but plenty of other cities are loaded with independent bookstores, writer-themed walking tours, author hangouts and festivals that celebrate the written word. Here are some of the best havens for book lovers across the U.S.

[See: 10 Top Places That Star in Movies .]

Portland, Oregon

In this hip city where the tongue-in-cheek slogan "Keep Portland Weird" is a point of pride, there's no denying its behemoth bookstore, Powell's City of Books , is at its core. With more than 2 million books, it claims to be the largest used and new bookstore in the world, which is reason enough to make a pilgrimage here, no matter the age of the bookworm. In fact, fans of Portland native Beverly Cleary can pay homage to favorite characters Ribsy and Ramona in Grant's Park, where their sculptures reside.

Plus, autumn visitors to the Pacific Northwest can catch the annual Wordstock: Portland's Book Festival. During the annual celebration, you can attend author appearances, writing workshops and free-spirited poetry readings before venturing to Portland's cool coffeehouses and one-of-a-kind shops. If you're looking for literary-inspired accommodations, check into the historic Heathman Hotel ; it has its own library on the second floor with some 2,700 autographed books, including some from writers who have stayed there.

San Francisco

Literary lovers have long been enamored with the shadowed alleyways, coffeehouses and fog-shrouded street corners in the City by the Bay. But undoubtedly, the most popular place for the book-minded set, especially those interested in the Beat Generation, remains City Lights Books, the legendary bookstore and publisher located in the town's North Beach area. Founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, this Beat mecca still offers plenty of politically progressive books and a place to discuss them. Nearby, book lovers can caffeinate like the writers in the '50s and '60s at Caffe Triest (one of the first coffee roasters in the city), or stop in next door to City Lights Books at the Vesuvio saloon, another Beat generation landmark, for a stronger brew. Don't miss the Beat Museum to see how Jack Kerouac and his crowd's bohemian style affected not only literature, but also influenced clothing designs and music.

For San Francisco 's largest literary event, plan to attend Litquake, held annually in October. The annual event lasts for several days, and attracts 100,000-plus fans with readings, discussions and special events staged around the San Francisco Bay Area.

New Orleans

Bibliophiles who follow in the footsteps of authors Anne Rice or William Faulkner find it easy to understand how such writers fell under the spell of this spirited, mysterious and charming southern city. In the historic French Quarter , book enthusiasts can join the ghosts of Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway and Eudora Welty in the classic Hotel Monteleone, a place once frequented by all of them. Stay in one of the hotel's signature literary suites, and don't skip a spin on the hotel's famous Carousel Bar, sipping a traditional Sazerac (or three). Those inclined to more literary pursuits can peruse the classics at Faulkner House Books. A national literary landmark, this small gem of a bookstore is located in the same space where Faulkner once rented rooms.

Several literary festivals take place in New Orleans throughout the year, but Tennessee Williams' fans won't want to miss his namesake affair held each spring. Events include its popular Stella Shouting Contest, staged in the French Quarter spot where Williams set the famous scene from "A Street Car Named Desire."

[Read: 5 Places to Visit in Your 30s .]

Minneapolis

Consistently lauded as two of the most literate cities in the country, Minneapolis and St. Paul share a rich literary history and offer a great escape for any book aficionado. The birthplace of literary luminaries F. Scott Fitzgerald and Anne Tyler, among other notable writers, the Twin Cities also boasts several independent bookstores including two locally owned author shops: Garrison Keillor's Common Good Books in St. Paul and writer Louise Erdrich's Birchbark Books in Minneapolis.

Various group and self-guided walking tours highlight the Twin Cities' literary sites, with the most popular being F. Scott Fitzgerald's New York-style brownstone apartment on beautiful Summit Avenue in St. Paul.

In Minneapolis, Open Book is a center solely dedicated to the literary arts. Comprising the Loft Literary Center (for classes and workshops), a publishing house, a café and the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Open Book is a book lover's paradise, and a perfect place to buy locally handcrafted journals, jewelry and art book supplies.

Washington, District of Columbia

It probably comes as no surprise that the nation's capital often holds a top spot on the book lover's bucket list. With some 164 million items lining approximately 838 miles of bookshelves, the Library of Congress is the world's largest library. But a free tour in the Jefferson Building is not so much about its book collection as it is about the stunning architecture. From its marble floors and columns in the Main Reading Room to mosaics, striking stained-glass ceiling and symbolic art in the spectacular Great Hall, it's among the most beautiful libraries in the world. Every year, it also presents the National Book Festival, a one-day affair featuring dozens of authors, book signings, talks and events.

Indie bookstores in the nation's capital abound as well. Politics and Prose is known to have author visits and book signings almost daily, while Kramerbooks & and its Afterwords Cafe, located in the heart of Dupont Circle, is a local favorite, with wine tastings and literary events.

Austin, Texas

Austin is well-known for its vibrant music scene, but its literary landscape attracts book-loving devotees as well. BookPeople, one of the largest independent bookstores in Texas, has been around for more than 15 years, offering serious bibliophiles plenty of shelves for browsing and attracting authors as Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. The city also hosts the Texas Book Festival, a free event with readings, panels and more held annually on the State Capitol grounds.

[See: 50 Off-Season Vacation Ideas .]

Fans of American lit writer O. Henry (William Sydney Porter), a master of the surprise ending who lived in Austin a good share of his life, can visit his house – now a small museum – where various artifacts from his life and his writing are showcased. Besides offering readings, the museum holds an annual pun-off event every May. Another must-visit is Austin's Harry Ransom Center, where you can admire rotating exhibits highlighting an immense literary and arts collection.

How to Take a Minivacation

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About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

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10 Awesome YA Books About Road Trips To Feed Your Wanderlust

June 9, 2021

Hi everyone! Hello June! Summer is finally here!! After a crapppy May (I’ve never seen this much rain and grey sky at this time of the year… it was DEPRESSING as hell), the sun has finally decided to come out and I couldn’t be more pumped!

I’m back on the blog today to talk about traveling, open roads, suitcases and adventures! After the year and a half we had, I think we deserve to escape for a little bit! While waiting for travel to be a little safer, why don’t we escape in books?! I promise that all those ya books with road trips will fill you up with all the wanderlust vibes and get you inspired for your next adventure. Sunglasses on, map in hand, let’s go explore!

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you buy something on my recommendation, I will receive a small commission. Purchasing via these links will not cost you any extra and will help me cover the costs of book blogging. You will find more info on my  privacy policy  and  disclaimer  pages. Thank you!

Top 10 YA Books With Road Trips

Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, Morgan Matson

The actual perfect summer road trip story filled with emotions ! Amy is moving across the country as her mother needs her to get their car from California to Connecticut. There’s just one small problem: since her father died, Amy hasn’t been able to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger, the nineteen-year-old son of an old family friend, who turns out to be unexpectedly cute…

Add to Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s

I Wanna Be Where You Are, Kristina Forest

When Chloe’s mom forbids her to apply for a spot at the dance conservatory of her dreams, she devises a secret plan to drive two hundred miles to the nearest audition. But Chloe hits her first speed bump when her annoying neighbor Eli insists upon hitching a ride, threatening to tell Chloe’s mom if she leaves him behind!   Enemies to lovers + road trip + soft summer vibes = such a wholesome and lighthearted read!

13 Little Blue Enveloppes, Maureen Johnson

If you’ve ever wanted to travel to Europe, this book is for you! When Ginny receives the first blue envelope from her Aunt Peg in the mail, it sends her on an exciting adventure around Europe. The instructions are specific; no cell phones, no maps, and Ginny can only open one envelope at a time, after she’s completed each task in the previous letter. A cute and light read!

Wanderlost, Jen Malone

Aubree is perfectly fine staying in boring Ohio for the summer. But when her sister gets in trouble she’s forced into taking over Elizabeth’s summer job, leading a group of senior citizens on a bus tour through Europe. Aubree doesn’t even make it to the first stop before their perfect plan unravels… Travelling, a cute boy and a sister relationship , this book has everything I love!

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, Ann Brashares

Four very different friends come upon a well-worn pair of soft jeans that fit them all perfectly and decide to circulate the pants amongst themselves throughout their summer vacation. A powerful story about friendship who will take you all around the globe : Greece, Mexico, South Carolina… A classic and favorite of mine!

An Abundance of Katherines, John Green

When it comes to relationships, Colin’s type happens to be girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. On a road trip miles from home with ten thousand dollars in his pocket and his best friend riding shotgun, Colin is on a mission to avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. A lovely journey with quirky characters and fun dialogues!

Time of Our Lives, Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

Fitz and Juniper cross paths on their first college tour in Boston. They’re at odds from the moment they meet. While Juniper’s dying to start a new life away for her family, Fitz faces the sacrifices he must make for his. Their relationship sparks a deep connection and soon they glimpse alternate possibilities regarding the first big decision of their adult lives. A thought-provoking YA romance about home and away!

Let’s Get Lost, Adi Alsaid

A fast-paced read, dealing with profound themes yet with lots of humor, about  how travelling really helps you discover who you are, what you want and what matters the most.  It’s about four teens across the country who have only one thing in common: a girl named Leila. She crashes into their lives in her absurdly red car at the moment they need someone the most.

Just Visiting, Dahlia Adler

Reagan and Victoria, polar-opposite best friends, set off on a series of college visits. But they quickly see that the future doesn’t look quite like they expected. A great contemporary read, dealing with important themes of growing up, taking off for college and leaving the life you’ve always known behind. It is genuine, hard-hitting, emotional and yet fun to read, too!

Starry Eyes, Jenn Bennett

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together. I adored the characters and the journey they went on. And the setting!! I was absolutely captivated by the scenery!

☂️ You might also enjoy: 26 Summer-Themed YA Books To Read This Summer

📌 Pin 10 awesome YA books about road trips to feed your wanderlust on Pinterest!

What did you think of my list? Read any of them?

Are you also really into road trip stories? Do you have any amazing books I should absolutely get my hands on?

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June 9, 2021 at 4:39 pm

I remember loving Amy & Roger! I’ll have to check out the rest!

Genesis @ Whispering Chapters

June 9, 2021 at 6:38 pm

Oh yes, one of my favorites for sure 😍 Yaay, I hope you’ll enjoy them 😁

June 9, 2021 at 4:47 pm

I might have read only one or two books on road trip. I might try some of these. Great list!

June 9, 2021 at 6:37 pm

Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy them 😊 Thanks for stopping by 😘😘

June 9, 2021 at 7:27 pm

I Wanna Be Where You Are made my favorites list!! It was so good!

June 12, 2021 at 6:24 pm

Totally agree! I loved it 😍

June 9, 2021 at 7:29 pm

A great selection! Thank you.

Thank you, I’m so glad you liked it 😁😁

June 9, 2021 at 7:58 pm

I read all but one of these (and I am hoping to read that one at some point). Amy and Roger is a favorite of mine, as is An Abundance of Katherines. Heck, who am I kidding! I loved them all. Wanderlost was great, because we were abroad for that one, same with the Blue Envelope books. Great list!

June 12, 2021 at 6:31 pm

Haha, totally agree with you…they ARE all awesome haha 😁😁 Thank you so much for stopping by, happy reading 😘

June 9, 2021 at 11:55 pm

I love this! I’m heading on a 7-hour road trip next week so this is perfect timing. I definitely want to add I Wanna Be Where You Are to my list, anything enemies-to-lover is the book for me!

June 12, 2021 at 6:30 pm

Thank you! ☺️ Aww awesome!! Well…you’re going to love it 😁😁

June 10, 2021 at 3:57 am

The two that I have read (Wanderlost and Starry Eyes) are two favorites, so yeah, I am going to need to check out the rest of these! I know I own a few of them, but I am such a complete sucker for a road trip book, so thanks for all the recommendations!

June 12, 2021 at 6:29 pm

Yaaaay, I hope you’ll love them all 😁😁 Thanks for stopping by 😘

June 10, 2021 at 11:51 am

I haven’t read any of those, but when thinking about wandering i can’t help but remembering all the bright places. Sure they only travelled inside their state but still! Such a wonderful book! Anyway, i’ll be checking the ones you recommended they seem very interesting ❤

June 12, 2021 at 6:28 pm

Oh yeees! I haven’t thought of that one but yeah definitely! 😊 Thank you, I hope you’ll enjoy them 😁

June 10, 2021 at 3:15 pm

I love An Abundance of Katherines! An underrated John Green imo.

June 12, 2021 at 6:23 pm

Yees, totally!! Thanks for stopping by 😘😘

June 10, 2021 at 6:40 pm

I am having MAJOR wanderlust since COVID, sigh. I definitely need to check out some of these road trip books, because I love road trips. Top of the list is definitely Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, because I’ve owned it for so long now and have yet to read it! Great list! <3

June 12, 2021 at 6:27 pm

Ugh same here 😔😔 You definitely should read it, it’s really really good 😍 Thank you so much for stopping by, happy reading! 😘

June 11, 2021 at 11:15 am

I’m usually not a summer person, but I’m in need of some sunshine & good weather! ☀ I plan on reading Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour this summer, as it seems like the perfect summer contemporary 😊

June 12, 2021 at 6:25 pm

I’m TOTALLY a summer person, haha! 😊 Yaaaay, you’re going to love it 😁😁 Thank you so much for stopping by 😘

June 12, 2021 at 9:08 am

Ooh I love road trip reads! I really want to read some more this summer.

June 12, 2021 at 6:22 pm

Yaaay, me too 🤗🤗 Awesome, hope my little list helped 😊 Thanks for stopping by 😘

June 25, 2021 at 5:33 pm

There’s something super summery about a road trip read, right? We’re finally going on a road-trip vacation later this summer, and I’m so excited to get back into the world!

June 26, 2021 at 9:07 am

Yes, totally! That’s awesome!! I hope you’ll have a lot of fun 😘😘

[…] Nyx @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books shares YA road trip books to feed your wanderlust […]

[…] Most Anticipated YA Books For The Second Half of 2021 & 10 Awesome YA Books About Road Trips To Feed Your Wanderlust & Review: Last Chance Books, Kelsey Rodkey (Marie & Nyx @ […]

[…] also talked about traveling a little bit, with my sister’s excellent recommendations on ya books with road trips. On my side, I shared some books I’m anticipating for the end of 2021, with soooooo many […]

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The Ultimate Book Lover's Road Trip

The swish of pages turning. The faint smell of paper and ink as you crack a cover open for the first time. The magic of books can take you anywhere, but a great bookstore can be a destination in and of itself. An appreciation of books, old and new, has been ingrained in my soul as a librarian’s daughter, but I know that I’m not the lone admirer of the written word in this Sunflower State. Kansas is home to some spectacular bookstores, but it’s also home to locations that many bibliophiles may have already explored in the pages of a book but not in real life.

Book Stores and More in Kansas

I’ve assembled the ultimate Kansas road trip for booklovers to celebrate National Read-A-Book Day on September 6. You'll find a mix of some of the best independent bookstores in Kansas with attractions that have inspired (or been inspired by) some of our most treasured American tales.

Rivendell Books – Abilene

In a town full of history and great antiquing, Rivendell Books is a great place to explore the literary universe. Their historic storefront is located on Broadway Street, blocks away from some of the best antiquing Abilene has to offer. They offer new and used books with fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, YA, westerns and children’s genres all represented. They also have a great assortment of puzzles, a perfect addition to any restful getaway!

Little House on the Prairie Museum – Independence

Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book series will love this museum! You’ll find a replica of the Ingalls Family's 1870 cabin at the original site of the home. You and your family will be able to discover the pioneer way of life as you make your way through the cabin, authentic one-room schoolhouse and the original post office from nearby Wayside, Kansas. It’s also a great opportunity to have conversations with your young ones about the triumphs and shortfalls of the pioneer spirit, including the complexities of dated cultural attitudes. Be sure to read the books, and maybe even binge the tv series, ahead of time to get the most out of your visit.

The Raven Book Store – Lawrence

The books aren’t the only things with stories to tell in the Raven Book Store! This independent bookstore has become known for its online small business and social advocacy efforts, including a collection of activist ‘zines’, small one-topic publications that they produce and distribute through their storefront and online operations. The Raven is also home to two store cats, Dashiell and Ngaio, who would be happy to help you in your search for excellent reads.

Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz – Liberal

How many Wizard of Oz references will Kansans hear in their lifetime? A lot. But a visit to Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz is a vivid reminder of why the world still loves Dorothy, Toto and the rest of their eclectic crew over 100 years after The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first printed. Upon your visit to The Land of Oz you’ll journey through 5,000 square feet of animated entertainment in a project that is American folk art at its finest. The Liberal community rallied together in the development of this exhibit using recycled props, hard work and creative ingenuity in this attraction that is obviously a passion project for the town. You’ll also find ‘Dorothy’s House,’ a turn of the century home that has been restored and carefully arranged to replicate the house shown in the classic 1939 film. This is a stop that you’ll need to see to believe!

Crow & Co. Books – Hutchinson

This is a BRAND NEW addition to Main Street in Hutchinson! Crow & Co. opened their doors to the public on August 16 th with an official grand opening event on September 1 st ! So yes, the new book smell in this shop is amazing. You’ll find tasty coffee, tea and baked goods while you’re browsing their collection of delightful tales. If you’re lucky you may even get to pet the store doggo, a well-read pug named Ollie.

True Crime Exhibit at the Finney Co. Museum – Garden City

The murders of the Clutter family in Holcomb are still fresh for the community more than half-a-century after the crime that shocked the nation. The tragedy of this All-American family sparked nation-wide interest in a new genre called true crime through Truman Capote’s controversial best-seller In Cold Blood . The infamous author researched the book in Holcomb and brought along Harper Lee, a childhood friend and future Pulitzer Prize winner, to assist in research and to gain the trust of locals. While the former Clutter home is a private residence (so don’t stop by for a gander, the family that currently inhabits the home deserves privacy), the Finney County Museum has a temporary exhibit that true crime enthusiasts will love! The exhibit, “True Crime, Solving Notorious Cases from Finney County’s History,” showcases the cutting edge investigation techniques that solved some of the community's most visible crimes. It will allow you to examine real evidence from the Clutter murders and the Fleagle Gang crimes.  You can take an up-close look at the boots worn by Perry Smith on the night of the Clutter murders and the car window stained by a single bloody fingerprint from Jake Fleagle, which led to the gang’s convictions. This was also the first time the FBI used a fingerprint as evidence that lead to a conviction. Who knew that such an important staple of criminology was pioneered right here in Kansas?

The Dusty Bookshelf – Manhattan

The Dusty Bookshelf was a staple for MHK booklovers for decades until an accidental fire sparked during a renovation in March 2017 devastated the building and its contents. Out of the ashes rose a beautiful new store (thankfully with the beautiful limestone exterior still intact) filled with books, a new coffee bar and fresh design. You’ll find the Dusty Bookshelf opted for a modern, airy and open concept for its second debut. The Dusty Bookshelf is conveniently located on the corner of Manhattan Ave and Moro Street in Aggieville, the oldest shopping district in Kansas. Be sure to try out their new ‘Mystery Grab Bags’, a sealed bag filled with books from the genre of your choice, from obscure classics to washed up celebrity bios to vintage cookbooks.

Watermark Books & Café – Wichita

You’ll find an innovative future mixed with the comforts of the past at Watermark Books and Café in Wichita! Wooden stacks filled to the brim with books from all genres, a delightful menu with items named after literary greats, fresh-brewed coffee and good people all around. But you’ll also find they have a few unexpected offerings in a multitude of subscription boxes and book clubs to choose from. Wanting to pass your hoarded books (hey, we've all been there!) off as a fancy 'collection?' You will love the Signed First Editions Club! Looking to expand your literary horizons? Try the Longitude Book Club! This club explores the globe and experiences different cultures through fiction and nonfiction titles. The Classic Book Club meets to discuss modern classics and old gems alike. 

Jordan Roemerman

Stafford ↠ Manhattan ↠ Topeka. Jordan is a Kansas native that loves learning more about her home sweet home. She graduated from Kansas State University (EMAW!) and is currently working as the Marketing Manager for Kansas Tourism. Jordan is an avid believer in rural revival and enjoys exploring all of the great communities (big and small) Kansas has to offer. When she's not on the job she loves working on renovation projects in her century-old home, finding hole-in-the-wall antique stores and boutiques to 'stimulate the economy' (and because she can never say no to a good deal), chasing Kansas sunsets, exploring new restaurants in her community, and annoying her husband Josh with her love and adoration. You can find Jordan on Instagram  @captainjroe to see more of her ridiculous adventures. 

36 Best Audiobooks For Road Trips

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Are you searching for good books to listen to while driving? Explore the best audiobooks for road trips to have an inspiring and laughter-filled time.

We don’t know about you, but while we love traveling, we don’t necessarily enjoy endless hours in the car, even if the scenery is stunning. Plus, our middle fingers get exhausted…

We’ve road-tripped all over, including other countries like Italy, Switzerland, Latvia, Ireland, Lithuania, Aruba, Estonia, Scotland, and Iceland.

How do we pass hours upon hours in the car after we’ve counted all of the sheep and sung along to the radio in multiple languages? Podcasts and audiobooks!

Along with our team’s recommendations, we asked audiobook expert, Eline from Lovely Audiobooks, what she considers to be the absolute best audiobooks for a road trip.

Below, find great books to listen to in the car in all genres, including nonfiction, memoir, fiction, romance, LGBT+, historical fiction, YA, thrillers, and more.

Most of these road trip audiobooks won’t be all about road trips themselves either – we have another reading list for that.

However, they are sure to inspire your travel around the world – and maybe your life – diversify your reading, and make you think more deeply. Let’s get started!

P.S. These audiobook selections pair well with an Audible Plus membership .

If you love hitting the road, check out these fantastic books featuring road trips .

Table of Contents

For Fiction Lovers

Selections from Eline

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Narrated by Martin Jarvis

Good Omens has made an incredible comeback.

Whether you’ve seen the Amazon show, read the book, or have yet to experience this awesome story about friendship and the apocalypse, this is one of the best audiobooks for road trips for Gaiman lovers.

Good Omens is produced with a full cast of voice actors including Peter Serafinowicz for a BBC radio play.  Plus, it’s a great choice for a long drive.

Find even more terrific movies and series based on bestselling books .

Listen To Good Omens : Amazon | Goodreads

Evidence Of The Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Narrated By Julia Whelan, Greg Newborn & More

One of the best audiobooks for short road trips, Evidence Of The Affair is written in epistolary form.

Carrie sends a letter to the husband of the woman who she believes is having an affair with her own husband.

Each soulful letter Carrie and David continue to write to each other explores themes of love, fear, and forgiveness.

Discover even more of Eline’s top short audiobooks perfect for day trips.

Listen to Evidence Of The Affair : Amazon | Goodreads

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Narrated by George Guidall

Neil Gaiman is everywhere these days, and American Gods is one of our favorite audiobooks for a road trip.

Shadow, this honestly good guy, finds himself utterly out of options after being released from prison.

He runs into a group of rather odd people. With them, he’s going on a road trip through America.

Find another Neil Gaiman book, Neverwhere , on our fantasy audiobook reading list .

Listen to American Gods : Amazon | Goodreads

Selections from Christine

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

Narrated by Steven Rowley

If you are looking for the best audiobooks for road trips featuring middle-aged characters , Rowley’s The Celebrants is an absolute must. It’s one of the best books of 2023, too!

Inspired by the equally terrific friendship movie , The Big Chill , follow along as five college friends reunite throughout their lifetime whenever one of them requires a living funeral.

They formed this pack upon the death of one of their college roommates – possibly by suicide – and call upon it when they are in desperate need of their own type of saving.

Skydive, swim with the sharks, and rescue kittens as these best friends grow and age with humility and humor.

For queer road trip audiobooks, The Celebrants is intuitive, funny, and relatable. We loved Rowley’s The Guncle just as much.

Just know that the novel comes with a few trigger warnings, including suicide, addiction, and more.

Listen to The Celebrants : Amazon | Goodreads

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Narrated by Lynn Chen

Crazy Rich Asians both as a book and movie did not disappoint. 

The first in the series, we enter the lives of the rich and not so famous except in their excessive wealth. 

Rachel Chu falls in love with one of the richest families’ offspring, Nick Young, causing a tizzy of gossip and instant jealousy. 

Is she good enough for this family?  In fact, who the heck is she? 

Sit back with some popcorn for family scandals, love affairs, and a story about proving love conquers all.

Crazy Rich Asians is definitely binge-worthy and one of the best books to listen to in the car on the way to see your family.

You may also enjoy Kwan’s Sex & Vanity , a story sure to transport listeners to Capri, Italy as well as NYC.

Listen to Crazy Rich Asians : Amazon | Goodreads

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Narrated by Caroline Lee

Big Little Lies  remains one of our favorite books, and we equally enjoyed the TV series.

Someone is left dead, and the suspect list is endless.

Behind closed doors, all of the players – especially the women – have deep, dark secrets. No one is as Stepford Wives as they seem.

Watch the drama unfold as friendships are built and marriages crumble.

One of the best audiobooks for road trips, Big Little Lies  promises to take your mind off of the traffic and into a gripping mystery.

Discover even more great books set in Australia .

Listen to Big Little Lies : Amazon | Goodreads

Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Where The Crawdads Sing  was one of the most popular books of 2019, an intriguing movie adaptation, and one of the best road trip audiobooks if you are headed to North Carolina .

Owens transports readers to the marshland around the Outer Banks.

Kya Clark, who has never fit in, is suspected of killing Chase Andrews.  Isolated as a youth from society because her family is poor and neglectful, Kya has always been a naive and easy target.

Learn about love, death, and coming of age in the most tragic of circumstances. Just listen with awareness as author Delia Owens faces her own personal allegations.

Discover even more of the best Southern books sure to transport you there . 

Listen to Where The Crawdads Sing : Amazon | Goodreads

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Narrated by Toni Morrison

We always love hearing Toni Morrison’s poetic and sage voice, and Beloved is truly one of the best audiobooks for a road trip that will tug at your heartstrings.

The story is heartbreaking, brutally powerful, and thought-provoking . Not to mention that it is one of the most well-known and best books from the ’80s .

Meet Sethe, a slave who escaped slavery. However, Sethe is still enslaved by her past and the haunting death of her nameless child.

One word sits on the baby’s grave, Beloved.  This is a ghost story like no other, based on a real-life person, that shows the effects of generational trauma.

Listen to Beloved : Amazon | Goodreads

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Narrated by Paul Boehmer & More

Are you looking for good audiobooks for road trips for historical fiction lovers?  Try The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society , which also landed on the big screen.

We loved listening to this audiobook with its multitude of narrators, bringing each unique character vividly to life. 

With the end of WW2, Juliet needs inspiration for her next book. She heads to Guernsey where she learns about the secret The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. 

Completely endearing, fall in love with this gaggle of islanders and one of our favorite WWII historical fiction novels .

Listen to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society : Amazon | Goodreads

More from Dagney

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

Narrated by Janina Edwards, Bahni Turpin, and many more

If you’re in need of great audiobooks for road trips for music lovers who want a break from the radio, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is the perfect option.

The book follows a famous fictional interracial rock duo from the 1970s, detailing their rise to fame, their break up, and a precarious comeback tour decades later.

Opal Jewel is a Black Afro-punk musician who believes she’s destined to be a star. Neville Charles is a White Brit who has come to NYC to try to make it as a singer.

Nev meets Opal at an amateur open mic night and though he doesn’t think she’s the most beautiful woman or the best singer, she has star quality, so he asks her to join him.

In truth, they have little in common, but they work well together as a singing duo. Soon the two have signed with Rivington Records, and their careers are on an upward trajectory.

But the more famous they become, the more attention they attract, and not all of it is good – especially with racism still alive and well in the USA.

This full-cast audiobook is done in the style of an oral history documentary, with each character telling their own version of the story.

For a fun, immersive experience, this is one of the best audiobooks for road trips for anyone who loves a good book about music .

For similar road trip audiobooks, our readers also enjoyed Daisy Jones & The Six , which is told in a fun interview style about an imaginary band in the 70s.

Listen to The Final Revival of Opal & Nev : Amazon | Goodreads

Thrillers, Suspense, & Mystery

She Started It by Sian Gilbert

Narrated by Sarah Ovens, Anne-Marie Piazza, Ione Butler, Billie Fulford-Brown, Sarah Cullum, and Ella Lynch

For those who love island-set novels and explosive thrillers with satisfying endings, She Started It is one of the best audiobooks for road trips.

Annabel, Chloe, Esther, and Tanya have been best friends since they were kids. As adults, they’re not sure they even like each other, but now they’re tied together by too many secrets.

When they’re invited on the trip of a lifetime by Poppy, an old school acquaintance who is getting married, they can’t say no.

The thing is, they haven’t spoken to Poppy in years, and they weren’t exactly close in school. In fact, you could say they were a bit unkind to Poppy as kids.

But Poppy says she wants to put all of that behind them, so what’s the harm in accepting such a lavish, all-expenses-paid trip to a remote island?

She Started It is full of drama, secrets, and unlikeable characters and is the perfect popcorn revenge thriller and fictional wedding novel for the summer.

And if that sounds fun to you, then the full-cast narration definitely makes it one of the best books to listen to in the car if you’re on your way somewhere remote or beachy.

TWs: self-harm, bullying, and more

Discover more top book releases from 2023 .

Listen to She Started It : Amazon | Goodreads

I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid

Narrated by Candace Thaxton

Looking for the best audiobooks for a road trip during the winter months? Or, perhaps just craving a book with winter vibes ? I’m Thinking of Ending Things is the audiobook for you.

Jake and his unnamed girlfriend – the book’s narrator – are on a road trip through the countryside to see Jake’s parents.

The intent is to spend Thanksgiving there, which Jake is clearly excited about. Our narrator, however, is thinking of ending things.

She can’t really say why, exactly. By all accounts, Jake is great. But something isn’t working in their relationship and she wants out.

But as the night progresses, things get weird and the weather takes a turn for the worse, trapping the couple in a snowstorm.

This is easily one of the best books to listen to while driving if you love a chilly, unsettling atmosphere and don’t mind something that makes you think a bit while you cruise.

Discover even more must-read Canadian books .

Listen to I’m Thinking of Ending Things : Amazon | Goodreads

Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

Narrated by Darrell Dennis

For those who believe that the best road trip audiobooks can also teach you something, Winter Counts is a great pick as it is imbued with Native American history and culture.

Everyone knows that when the police fail to do their jobs on their South Dakota reservation, you hire Virgil Wounded Horse to step in and mete out punishment.

But when Virgil finds out that the youth on the reservation are using heroin and his own nephew winds up in the hospital, he doesn’t need someone to hire him.

Now Virgil is determined to find out who is selling drugs on the rez and take them out of commission.

With the help of his ex-girlfriend, Marie, Virgil tracks down a lead that takes him from South Dakota to Denver.

If you’re someone who can appreciate a slow-burn mystery while you drive, Winter Counts is one of the best audiobooks for road trips.

Read more of the best Indigenous books .

Listen to Winter Counts : Amazon | Goodreads

Best Romance Audiobooks For A Road Trip

Lucky Suit by Lauren Blakely

Narrated by Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt

Lucky Suit is 2.5 hours long, which makes this one of the best audiobooks for a road trip to a nearby state. And, it’s safe to play on speakers for everyone.

Enjoy a light-hearted romantic comedy by romance queen, Lauren Blakely, which is perfectly narrated by two of romance’s most beloved narrators, Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt.

These two will draw you in and make you wonder how Kristen and Cameron actually end up together.

Are you driving across the states? Try our 50 State reading list .

Listen to Lucky Suit : Amazon | Goodreads

Ball Peen Hammer by Lauren Rowe

Narrated by Lauren Rowe and John Lane

Ball Peen Hammer is absolutely not a speaker-safe audiobook to listen to while driving unless you are going on a road trip alone. 

But, this contemporary romance isn’t only incredibly sexy, it’s also absolutely hilarious and heart-warming.

Keane and Maddy find themselves on the road trip version of a blind date. They talk, get to know each other, and, of course, have to keep their hands off of one another.

But that never quite works out, does it?!  Ball Peen Hammer is one of the great audiobooks for road trips if you devour romance.

Listen to Ball Peen Hammer : Amazon | Goodreads

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Narrated by Robin Eller & Cary Hite

For long stretches in the car, The Voting Booth is a happy, cute, and funny YA romance audiobook.

But, it’s also a profound critique of voter suppression, especially in urban areas and communities with people of color.

Marva is excited to finally vote in her first election. But, then she watches as Duke is turned away from their polling location, unable to vote.

These two strangers spend the day battling for democracy and their right to vote.

If you are looking for good audiobooks for road trips about politics and race – perfect for teen voters – The Voting Booth is extremely relevant, especially in the past decade.

Listen to The Voting Booth : Amazon | Goodreads

The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole

Narrated by Regina Hall, Mindy Kaling & More

Part science-fiction, part love story, Alyssa Cole comments on how current events could lead to a very bleak future and what happens if you accidentally fall in love with an artificial human.

Trinity Jordan leads a pretty normal life, working from home until her neighbor’s hot nephew moves in. She soon realizes that Li Wei’s actions are strange because he’s actually A.I.

With the goal of helping Li Wei become more human, you’d never expect love to be a part of the equation.

The A.I. Who Loved Me is one of the best books to listen to in the car because of its outstanding production with a full cast as well as Regina Hall reading the main character.

Plus, who doesn’t love Mindy Kaling?

Listen to The A.I. Who Loved Me : Amazon | Goodreads

From Christine

Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Narrated by Adjoa Andoh

One of the best audiobooks for a road trip with strong chronic illness representation, you’ll adore Get A Life, Chloe Brown .

Chloe has become a homebody battling Fibromyalgia – a debilitating and, at times, painful chronic illness. Her former friends and fiancée failed to support her, leaving her behind and scarred.

However, when faced with death, Chloe decides to reclaim her life with a fun bucket list. She enlists the help of her sexy apartment handyman, Red, and true to rom-coms, falls for him.

Red has his own baggage, though, including overcoming an abusive relationship. Can they make it work, and what will they learn along the way?

Get A Life, Chloe Brown is one of the best books to listen to while driving if you are craving a feel-good, sincere storyline with a brilliant protagonist and even more books in the series.

Listen to Get A Life, Chloe Brown : Amazon | Goodreads

Nonfiction Road Trip Audiobooks

Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstock

Narrated by Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstock, and Paul Giamatti

Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered is the story of the two women behind one of the most successful true-crime podcasts – and one of our favorites – My Favorite Murder .

You don’t have to listen to or know the podcast first to enjoy their book, either.

Karen and Georgia talk about anything from aging parents to careers and substance abuse. Some of the topics may be triggering, including eating disorders, addiction, and sexual assault.

Yet, their stories are also funny, relevant, and relatable. And of course, they dive into their passion for true crime, creating an entire generation of Murderinos.

Peruse all of our favorite podcasts here .

Listen to Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered : Amazon | Goodreads

The Science Of Mindfulness by Ronald Siegel

Mindfulness is a popular term, but there’s actual science behind it, too.

The Science Of Mindfulness gives a great overview of why a mindfulness practice can improve your quality of life and even help significantly with depression and anxiety. 

If you are someone who tends to overthink things, you might find this audiobook helpful to understand how mindfulness changes the brain before actually starting to practice. 

Plus, learn how to feel more relaxed and sleep better. The Science Of Mindfulness is one of those road trip audiobooks sure to enhance your daily life.

Listen to The Science Of Mindfulness : Amazon | Goodreads

More From Christine

Quiet by Susan Cain

Narrated by Kathe Mazur

Many of the best books to listen to in the car are nonfiction titles, especially since they can sometimes feel like sloggers on the couch.

Susan Cain’s Quiet makes for one of the best audiobooks for road trips as it’s informative, interesting, and talks about introverts versus extroverts.

Susan Cain specifically describes the dynamic of an extroverted society and its effects on introverts. 

Cain is a champion of the quieter folk and discusses how in a world that cannot stop talking, introverts have merit too. 

Discover some secretly popular introverts and their societal contributions.  This road trip audiobook is all about introspection.

Listen to Quiet : Amazon | Goodreads

Biographies & Memoirs

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Narrated by Jenny Lawson

We follow Jenny Lawson on Facebook as The Bloggess , and oftentimes, she speaks to the rawest part of our souls.

Lawson is honest, relatable, and hilarious. For road trip audiobooks sure to spark inspiration, grab Furiously Happy .

Lawson shares her battle with mental health, as she suffers from both anxiety and depression. She advocates for loving and accepting yourself no matter what.

Listen to Furiously Happy : Amazon | Goodreads

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

Narrated by Mindy Kaling, Michael Schur, and B.J. Novak

Mindy Kaling will forever crack us up while also pulling our heartstrings. 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? is one of the best audiobooks for a road trip if you need a good laugh.  All of your passengers will laugh along too. 

Follow Mindy as she hilariously and embarrassingly discusses growing up.  She talks about weight, fame, friendship, and romance in the most honest and open way. 

Listen to Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) : Amazon | Goodreads

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Narrated by Michelle Obama

We love Michelle Obama’s podcast , which pretty much guarantees that Becoming should also be at the top of your road trip audiobooks list.

Listen as the former First Lady shares her experiences about growing up in Chicago and attending college. 

Michelle Obama talks about dating Barack Obama, and the many challenges she faced and continues to face as a Black woman, career woman, and mother.

Always poignant and classy, she retains such humility and sincerity with stories that many will find themselves nodding their heads to.

Listen to Becoming : Amazon | Goodreads

Over The Top by Jonathan Van Ness

Narrated by Jonathan Van Ness

Named as one of NPR’s favorite books of the year, you know that Queer Eye star JVN is going to make one of the best audiobooks for road trips sure to entertain. We just love the show too!

Van Ness’s voice radiates off of the pages and into your car in this beautiful, raw, and at times, hilarious biography about overcoming addiction and childhood molestation – which may be triggering for some. 

A perfect LGBTQ+ road trip audiobook, Over The Top is for maturer audiences looking for inspiration to reaffirm their amazing self-identity.

Truly learn to live your most authentic and happy life just like the queen that you are.

Listen to Over The Top by Jonathan Van Ness : Amazon | Goodreads

You Can’t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson

Narrated by Phoebe Robinson & John Hodgman

For good audiobooks for road trips that you’ll hear recommended over and over again, with good reason, pick up Phoebe Robinson’s You Can’t Touch My Hair . 

With discussions about pop culture, feminism, and race, Robinson shares her experiences working and living as a Black woman where, you guessed it, people ask if they can touch her hair. 

She’s tired of being “the black friend,” as well as everyone’s go-to for all things racial – along with having people think she’s uppity just for voicing her opinions.

You know, the sexist, racist words and actions that still exist today.

Listen To You Can’t Touch My Hair : Amazon | Goodreads

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Narrated by Bernadette Dunne

If you are looking for the best books to listen to while driving – with Kleenex in the glove compartment – don’t pass up Wild by Cheryl Strayed. 

Sure, this might be a bit clichéd now – even the Gilmore Girls did their revival spoof on it – but it’s also quite raw and relatable.

For travel-related audiobooks for road trips, this one is sure to leave you shaken. You will feel every ounce of Strayed’s pain.

Overcoming the loss of her mother and failed marriage, Strayed is broken and lost.  Even though she is not a hiker, she makes an unhinged and wild decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. 

We follow Strayed’s journey as she learns to forgive, grow, and rebuild her life.  This is a great memoir for hikers ; just don’t throw your hiking boot over the cliff.

Find even more of the best books set in California .

Listen to Wild : Amazon | Goodreads

Born A Crime By Trevor Noah

Narrated by Trevor Noah

One of our favorite nonfiction books about South Africa , Born A Crime is one of the absolute best audiobooks for road trips.

You might know Trevor Noah from his previous work as host of  The Daily Show . 

In his memoir, Noah shares his journey growing up in Apartheid South Africa with a Black mother and white father, a crime during that time period. 

A coming-of-age story, learn more about the brilliant man and comedian. His childhood antics are pretty hilarious and not always legal.

Noah is guaranteed to make you laugh while discussing more serious issues including racism and racist policies.

Listen to Born A Crime : Amazon | Goodreads

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Narrated by Tina Fey

You most likely know Tina Fey from SNL and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt . She’s pretty much a legend here in the United States.

If you are looking for funny audiobooks for road trips, try Fey’s Bossypants where she shares her early life and dreams before becoming the famous actress that we all know and love.

You’ll laugh, find commonalities, and feel like you are listening to your best friend chat about life.

Listen to Bossypants : Amazon | Goodreads

A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson

Narrated by Rob McQuay

We wish that Bill Bryson would narrate his books. We picture his sarcasm and wit radiating out of our stereo. 

It’s also no secret that Bryson is one of our all-time favorite travel writers , too. 

If you are road-tripping around the United States and headed to the Appalachian Trail, don’t skip reading, watching, or listening to A Walk In The Woods . 

Bryson and his boozy buddy, Katz, have no business hiking the Appalachian Trail, but they do it anyway.  You’ll love them for it. Heck, maybe they will even inspire you.

Listen to A Walk In The Woods : Amazon | Goodreads

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Narrated by Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers & More

If you love entertainers, you’ll equally love Yes Please by Amy Poehler. Think poems, stories, lists, mantras, inspiration, and advice.

This is one of the best audiobooks for a road trip for the cast alone: Seth Meyers, Carol Burnett, Patrick Steward, and even Poehler’s parents.

Expect to laugh and hear words to live by.

Listen to Yes Please : Amazon | Goodreads

Best Books To Listen To In The Car With Teens & Tweens

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Narrated by Emily Klein

One of the best road trip audiobooks for mature tweens and teens, Sepetys’s Between Shades Of Gray is a hard but essential listen.

Fifteen-year-old Lithuanian, Lina, is thrown into a crowded train headed for a Siberian work camp.

Separated from her father, Lina sends her drawings through secret channels hoping to locate her father’s prison camp to let him know that she is alive.

Will Lina and her family survive?

If you enjoy YA WW2 historical fiction about more obscured histories, Ruta Sepeys is an engaging, transportive, and unique storyteller. 

Read more books with colors – like gray – in the title .

Listen to Between Shades of Gray : Amazon | Goodreads

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Narrated by Katt Rudd

Imagine pulling into your destination yet instead of smiling, you are sobbing hysterically in your car. Passerbys assume you hit a squirrel. 

Nope. You are just listening to the young adult novel,  The Fault In Our Stars . 

The Fault In Our Stars  is one of the best audiobooks for road trips – or work commutes – that we have listened to addressing terminal illness in youth.

Cancer is a hard battle, and Hazel and Augustus meet at a cancer support group. 

Their story focuses on healing, living your life to the fullest, and love.  Have the tissues ready.  

Listen to The Fault in our Stars : Amazon | Goodreads

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Narrated by Neil Gaiman

Clearly, we think that Gaiman has the best audiobooks for a family road trip, and The Graveyard Book is perfect if you devour stories about haunted houses .

A middle-grade and YA novel, meet Bod. 

Bod has the only beating heart in his graveyard family, and we watch as he comes of age in the ghoulish world of magic. 

He also faces the danger of leaving the cemetery and being hunted by the man who killed his parents.

Find even more seriously spooky books for adults and teens .

Listen to The Graveyard Book : Amazon | Goodreads

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Narrated by Bahni Turnpin

Whether you read the book, listen to the audiobook, or watch the movie, The Hate U Give is a powerful novel, especially released during the start of the Black Lives Matter Movement. 

However, it certainly makes for one of the best audiobooks for road trips for the entire family, especially today. 

Just be aware that there is violence, death, and tough discussions.

Dive deeper into racism as well as the murdering of innocent young Black men by the police as Starr Carter seeks justice for her best friend’s death.

Listen to The Hate U Give : Amazon | Goodreads

The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe

Narrated by Tess Sharpe

If you’re looking for the best books to listen to in the car with teens, look no further.

This was meant to be a simple drop-off at the bank; instead, teen Nora O’Malley finds herself having an awkward morning with her ex-boyfriend and current girlfriend.

…And then the bank they’re at gets robbed.

But Nora isn’t like most teenagers. The daughter of a con artist, Nora knows things about the world and criminals that she shouldn’t.

And as things escalate inside the bank, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to get them all out safely.

The Girls I’ve Been is a riveting YA thriller about a bank heist, but also about complicated mother-daughter relationships, young love, and so much more.

It’s also one of the best audiobooks for a road trip with the family (though not appropriate for younger kids), or anyone who loves a good heist story!

Listen to The Girls I’ve Been : Amazon | Goodreads

What are some of your favorite audiobooks for road trips?

What road trips have you taken that you loved? What are your favorite books to listen to while driving? And, do prefer audiobooks or podcasts? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go…

If you love all things hitting the open road, be sure to watch our favorite road trip movies sure to inspire your next vacation. Whether you are traveling with friends or reconnecting with family, you will find something great on this list.

Related Travel Reading Lists:

• Best Books Set On Trains
• Books Set At Hotels
• Books Set On Ships & Boats
• Books About Maps

By day, Eline is a social worker, and by night, she is an avid reader and owner of the online audiobook blog, Lovely Audiobooks . One of her favorite places to listen to books is in the passenger seat of her RV, enjoying new places and new stories.

Christine Frascarelli

Christine (she/her) is the owner, lead editor, and tipsy book sommelier of The Uncorked Librarian LLC, an online literary publication showcasing books and movies to inspire travel and home to the famed Uncorked Reading Challenge.

With a BA in English & History from Smith College, an MLIS from USF-Tampa, and a U.S. Fulbright Fellowship in Christine's back pocket, there isn't a bookstore, library, or winery that can hide from her. Christine loves brewery yoga, adopting all of the kitties, and a glass of oaked Chardonnay. Charcuterie is her favorite food group.

Dagney McKinney

Dagney (pronouns: any) is a neurodivergent writer and book nerd who is drawn to all things weird and macabre. She also loves anything to do with fast cars, unhinged anti-heroes, and salt. When she isn’t working or reading, you’re likely to find her eating Indian food, playing board games, or hiding out somewhere dark and quiet, stuck down an internet rabbit hole. The easiest way to win her over is through cats and camels.

32 Comments

For families, highly recommend the Chet Gecko audiobooks narrated by Jon Cryer and the Lucy Rose series by Katy Kelly. They’re wonderful.

I loved A Walk in the Woods and When Breath Becomes Air. I’ve also enjoyed books by Dorothea Benton Frank on audio.

Thanks so much for sharing!

Truely awesome Audiobook Collection for Roadtrips. Though I don’t get much chance to travel, I do listen audiobooks during my way of office and coming back from it. Thanks for sharing this awesome list. I’m loving it and definitely bookmarking this.

Thanks so much! I appreciate it. I used to have such long commutes to work — audiobooks are perfect for traffic.

I actually really enjoy the driving part of a long road trip :’) I feel like I can switch it up with podcasts, audio dramas, and music! I’m not really an audiobook listener, but I absolutely love the idea of listening to one whilst driving. It’s so nice to see some familiar favs in this list as well!

That’s awesome. I am glad that I recently started finding (and getting into) great podcasts, too. Audiobooks are so fun, especially when there are multiple narrators.

I think “Small Great Things” is an important book that should be read by everyone. I also loved listening to “Circe”, “A Gentleman in Moscow”, and “The Good Lord Bird” (this last one, about slavery and John Brown, uses the “n-word” liberally, but it’s beautifully read by Michael Boatman).

Yes, I agree about Small Great Things . I want to read A Gentleman in Moscow . I’ve heard great things. Thank you for the recs!

I’ll definitely have to add Good Omens to my list! I’ve seen the show but have yet to read the book. And, being a major fan of audiobooks, I think that’s probably how I’ll be “reading” it 🙂 Thanks for sharing a fantastic list of goodies!

My husband is currently reading Good Omens as we speak. Gaiman is always amazing. I’m glad you enjoyed this list. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing amazing audiobooks for a road trip. I find some useful audiobooks in your books i which I prefer in my travel. Thank you so much for sharing this audiobooks for the road trip.

Thank you! I am so glad that you found a few new great audiobook titles to check out.

Definitely bookmarking some of these! We’re off on a big Scottish road trip next week and some of these will be perfect! Now I just have to persuade Dom to listen to the sexy smutty books?

I cannot wait to hear more about this road trip. As you know, I’ve never been to Scotland so I cannot wait to see castles and history. AND BOOZE!!! Have a great trip!

I think I definitely need the Science of Mindfulness audiobook! And I didn’t even know that “Big Little Lies” was in audiobook format. Love it!

Great list.

Have you seen the HBO series for Big Little Lies ? I only watched the first season, but I was SO excited when I heard the book was becoming a TV show. I thought that the producers did a great job and really stuck to the original storyline. Can’t imagine what Season 2 is like since there wasn’t a second book. Not that I am complaining. I will take it all.

Well, I’m sick and bedridden, so it seemed like a good time to FINALLY get around to reading this post and perhaps getting some inspiration for my next audiobook. There’s an excellent selection here, though sadly I’ve already heard (or read) most of the ones I’m interested in… does that mean I have a problem, or that I’m killing it?

However! Quiet has been on both our lists for ages, so might need to finally get to it. I kind of find it ironic to listen to a book about silence on audio… but sometimes weird things are brilliant! This SOUNDS (see what I did there?) like one of those times.

Love Mindy Kaling’s books! She’s hilarious. In general, I actually really enjoy listening to entertainer’s audiobooks (if read by them). They just tend to be, well… entertaining (me so good with words today). So much Neil Gaiman and no Neverwhere! By far my fave! If you haven’t read it, I thoroughly recommend!

Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered of course sounds right up my alley, but I tried listening to their podcast once and just didn’t engage with their voices, so should probably pass on their audiobook, right?

I hope that you are feeling much better today!

I think that since you have read or listened to all of these audiobooks that you are killing it. But I have to say that as well because besides some of Eline’s suggestions, you know I’ve read, listened, watched, etc all of them too.

Quiet is definitely one that I think you will enjoy. I almost want to listen (or read it this time) again to see how I can apply Cain’s theories to the world of blogging. I feel like even in writing, introverted and extroverted blogging is totally a thing. Take for example those damn Facebook groups too. Cough, Cough. You are right: I never thought about listening to an audiobook about introverts (and quiet). GAHAHAHAHA. I love listening to nonfiction. It just sinks in better. I am too crazed to focus these days.

Mindy Kaling is hilarious. I just saw somewhere that she is doing a motivational speech for bloggers. I think it’s about content creation. Wish I remembered where I saw it…might have to google it. I always love with actors and actresses read audiobooks–they are great.

I haven’t read Neverwhere by Gaiman. I’ll check it out! Thanks.

Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered is on my list and one of Eline’s choices that I am dying to listen to or read. I’ve heard so much about it. Voices is a hard one… I took this brilliant SEO course but the instructor’s voice just drove me insane. I guess that might be mean…but even her emphasis, pauses, and tone just UGHHH!! BUT HER CONTENT WAS SO GOOD. I feel you.

I had such a great time making this post with you, Christine! And I love your audiobook selection. I just bought Crazy Rich Asians. And I also really want to listen to a Neil Gaiman narrated audio. But I always end up getting the BBC plays for his books, they’re so epic.

Thanks so much for collaborating with me. I love this road trip audiobooks book list so much since it’s my first audiobook list on TUL. We might have to do one together every year. I just realized that I should link our Hoopla and Overdrive article to it, too! Maybe I will add in a sentence or two about that.

I loved Crazy Rich Asians before the series really took off or became a movie. I’m so glad it did gain interest, though, because the stories are SO well written and get even better and better as the trilogy progresses.

Gaiman and Levithan both usually narrate their work, which I LOVE.

I love this post! I recently downloaded Audible to listen to a 2nd self-help book from an author I love because the first book took me months to read and I am for sure going to be downloading the first book too to relisten.

In the past, I tried listening to fiction and I could not get on board. For me, reading is about escaping into another world and listening without any visuals was not helping me to do that. However, reading it with my eyes and not having to worry about anything else around me, I can enjoy a fiction book and escape and read the book within a few days if I love it so much. When it comes to nonfiction, it takes me longer to read and absorb if I’m reading. Recently, listening to many podcasts, I learned audiobooks may be the way to go for me and so far I’m really enjoying my first nonfiction audiobook.

While I may not download some of the fictional books on Audible, they sound great as a regular read and will add them to my kindle list. I’m a sucker for romantic comedies too. 100% will be listening to Quiet. As an introvert, it sounds like a great book for me to listen to on my long rides to and from work.

I had no idea you can search books by the length on Audible so that is a great tip.

P.S. I cried like a baby too after reading The Fault In Our Stars.

I completely agree with you on loving nonfiction audiobooks. Sometimes I can read a nonfiction title just fine. However, especially as a blogger and with my mind all over the place these days, I find it much easier to listen to than physically read nonfiction.

Same with why I like podcasts: I love inspirational and information-filled ideas that I can listen too. That’s probably all a part of how I learn and take in knowledge too. I find fiction much easier to read in a physical book and can get through fiction much faster. Of course, fiction tends to be a lot less dense too.

Susan Cain’s Quiet really blew me away. In my last job, I think people strongly thought that I was more extroverted than I was…but I was truly almost putting on a show so that I wouldn’t get eaten alive… In order to succeed there, you had to have a strong voice. As a YS librarian, they wanted you to be TV show-worthy. Basically, they wanted storytellers who would go all out and ham things up, screaming and yelling and exaggerating and UGH: not me, how I teach, or how I like to read stories to kids, at all.

I kind of hated that mentality because 1. it wasn’t who I was and 2. that loud, extroverted storytime is fun but not necessary. What about the quiet or shy kids or the kids with disabilities? Why couldn’t we have different types of storytellers? Why do we all have to be so loud and expressive?

Susan Cain really brings home the idea that introverted people make all of these amazing contributions, and how society condemns the quiet when they shouldn’t. We don’t all need to talk 24/7 or walk into a room and command its attention by being the one to talk the most.

Don’t get me wrong: I can be loud and friendly…and bubbly AF, but that’s not always in me. I was a dead silent child and all of my report cards note that I did well academically but never spoke. Cain would be like: She is fine…

You can also get free audiobooks for your road trips and crazy CA commutes from the library! Check out Hoopla and Overdrive. I actually wrote a piece for Eline @ Lovely Audiobooks about how to access them if you get stuck. LOVE THAT FREE FEATURE and it’s so easy. Plus, no late fees.

I didn’t know you could pick a book that lasts the length of your trip!! That’s such a cool feature. My go-to for long road trips is a mix of music, podcasts, audio dramas, and physically reading books. I don’t have any audiobooks myself, and I’m not sure if I’d get into them as much as other people do, but I’d like to try them out sometime.

Hey Macey! Yea, you just need to check the audiobook time listed in the description and kind of compare it to your road trip. You can find audiobooks for free from your library; if you use the free apps that pair with library audiobooks like Hoopla or Overdrive, you can actually bookmark where you left off–which is an extra nice feature. They sync across devices too.

Like you, I am definitely a music kinda girl, and the more upbeat, the better to keep me alert. Do you use Pandora or some other internet radio?

Oh, a nice mix of genres in this list. I haven’t listened to any of these, though I do have Quiet in my queue on Audible. I may not have any road trips planned, but these sound like they would be great for listening to while doing jobs around the house.

Hey Sarah! I love having guest contributors to mix up the genres. I knew Eline would have a few romance authors to sneak in there for me since I don’t read a lot of love stories (but should).

I definitely find, especially as a blogger now, that I love inspirational audiobooks and podcasts. Quiet is one of them. You are right: they are perfect to listen to while doing chores.

Have a great week, and thanks for checking out our list.

Amazing list!

This is a great list! Maybe my family and I should give some a try. We’ll be on the road together a lot in August. My brother usually plays nonstop podcasts and i don’t know, that gets a little old after awhile.

I like these book suggestions! If it were up to me I’d go for the romantic ones.? But I’ve also read Big Little Lies and Mindy’s book! Loved them both. Where the Crawdads sing is on my list. I already put that one on my kindle.

Thanks for another great post!

Thank you so much! It’s funny that you mention podcasts because I was thinking that I need to listen to more podcasts. What ones do you like and recommend? I think I need more inspirational ones, and I am eyeing Don’t Keep Your Day Job since I am reading the book.

We have 8 hours in the car with the howling cats so I am definitely hoping to get through an audiobook or two for that little road trip from heck.

Kaling cracks me up.

I’ll bet Mindy Kaling is wonderful to listen to on audio! I read her books, but I’m sure they’d be even better listening to her. I just finished Coraline by Neil Gaiman on audio so I’d love to get into his others at some point!

Mindy Kaling always cracks me up, and she has such a unique and relatable voice. I love her even more after A Wrinkle in Time . I enjoy listening to Gaiman and Levithan as audiobooks too.

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Blog – Posted on Friday, Jul 26

45+ best audiobooks for road trips in 2024.

So, you’re going on a road trip! What fun — that is, until it’s hour nine and you’re bored out of your mind at the wheel, unable to keep your eyes open to the pounding beat of tedium. 

If this sounds familiar to you, we have an eleventh-hour Good Samaritan for you: the audiobook. Criminally underrated, good audiobooks will captivate you on the edge of your seat, weave whole worlds in the confines of your car, and keep you so vitally engaged that you’ll be trying to find excuses to lengthen your road trip.  

However, as you might know, the road to hell is paved with good intentions and monotone narrators. So we’ve taken care to gather the absolute 45+ best audiobooks for road trips in this post to make your own road trip a little more fun. Since each audiobook adds a different flavor to your journey, we’ve organized them below by genre. Feel free to jump to the one that fuels your fancy!

Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, narrated by Nick Offerman

One of the funniest American authors in history (Mark Twain) is narrated by one of the funniest American actors alive right now (Nick Offerman, of Parks and Recreation fame ). Need we say more to convince you that this audiobook will make your trip worthwhile? If so, we’ll let Doug, an Audible editor, have the final word:

“I am not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best things I have ever listened to. Nor would it be dishonest to say that this recording made me fall in love with Twain's classic ode to adolescence all over again. But perhaps the strangest thing, as I keep telling all my friends, is that I completely forgot how truly laugh-out-loud funny this book is. I have the narration to thank for that. Parks and Recreation 's Nick Offerman is known for playing the quintessential gruff male, but he thoroughly astonishes here, bending his baritone effortlessly to give Twain's characters life.”

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ve always wanted Ron Swanson as a driving buddy. Time duration: 7 hours and 52 min.

Bleak House by Charles Dickens, narrated by Sean Barrett and Teresa Gallagher

Always wanted to read Dickens , but could never find the time or energy to do so? Then this audiobook may be the answer to all of your road trip prayers, for you can let Sean Barrett and Teresa Gallagher read Dickens to you. Far from distracting, their magnificent dual narration enhances the melodrama that Dickens deftly builds. It’s not easy to do justice to such a sprawling masterpiece, but this audiobook more than rises up to the task.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re ready to get fired up over the ridiculous bureaucracy of the chancery court system. Time duration: 35 hours and 14 min. 

Beloved by Toni Morrison, narrated by Toni Morrison

If you haven’t read this remarkable 1988 Pulitzer winner, there’s no time like a road trip to dip your toe in! Admittedly, you’re more likely to be dunked headfirst into the deep end by Morrison, as this fantastically frightening tale of a slave woman haunted by her murdered daughter is going to keep you awake and alert at the wheel. 

Made all the more unforgettable by Morrison’s narration, Beloved conjures vivid images of slavery in America and compels the listener to ponder horrors both historical and imaginary. (Needless to say, if you’re going down a long, dark road at night, you might want to save this one for later.)

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to take a terrifying magical realist trip of the mind in addition to your vehicular journey. Time duration: 12 hours and 3 min. 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal

Whether you want to take a trip down memory lane or read The Great Gatsby for the first time, Jake Gyllenhaal’s (!) narration is sure to liven up your travels. From the sparkling descriptions of Gatsby’s famous parties to the incisive drama of the Tom-Daisy-Gatsby love triangle, you’ll feel the long stretches of road start to melt away in favor of a Jazz Age paradise. Just don’t pull a big yellow Rolls-Royce out there — if you know what we mean 😉

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re looking to bone up on one of the “Great American Novel” contenders. Time duration: 4 hours and 49 min. 

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, narrated by Elisabeth Moss

For fans of the phenomenal Hulu adaptation and dystopian stories in general, we have The Handmaid’s Tale , as told by the dramatically gifted Moss (who also stars in the TV show). Though it’s not exactly light and easy fare, this mesmerizing tale of a single-minded woman trapped in a mega-patriarchy will have you thinking very differently about the world we live in. Narrative-wise, you’ll also be holding your breath right up to the final word. And if you still have reservations, know that Moss's conviction and urgency turns this already excellent tale into a vital one.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ve had your “Songs to Smash the Patriarchy To” Spotify playlist on repeat the whole time. Time duration: 12 hours and 6 min.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac, narrated by Will Patton

A classic take on a classic tale. Jack Kerouac’s On the Road , which centers around Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty’s manic travels through the United States, may be the quintessential book of the wild Beat generation of the 1960s. Needless to say, Will Patton’s pitch-perfect interpretation gets its spirit down pat. His melodious voice is a flawless match for the free-flowing groove of Kerouac’s prose — and it will surely make a fine companion for your own road trip as you meet the same open road that beckoned Sal and Dean across the breadth of the country!

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re on the road (especially to New York or San Francisco). Time duration: 11 hours and 8 min. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, narrated by Thandie Newton

You can’t miss the audiobook of this Victorian-era classic, read by Thandie Newton of Westworld fame. (Fun fact: she also played the titular character in the film version of Beloved. ) Newton’s crisp yet impassioned narration will breathe life into Jane Eyre like you’ve never known before, carrying you swiftly and enjoyably through Jane’s difficult childhood and education at Lowood, her stint as a governess at Thornfield, and her iconic love affair with Mr. Rochester. Alas, our one criticism is that Newton stays faithful to the text and doesn’t quip, “Listener, I married him” — but wouldn’t it be great if she did?

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re always happy to be lost in a romantic (and Gothic) haze. Time duration: 19 hours and 10 min.

World War Z by Max Brooks, narrated by Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, etc.

The Zombie War is finally over, but what of the people remaining in its wake? This book is their story: the narrator traveled across America to interview the survivors, recording their testimonies in a documentary-style format.

Such a setup pretty much makes this story tailor-made for an audiobook, as the interviews translate seamlessly into the aural medium. If that’s not enough, it may boast one of the best multiple-cast members ever (think Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Simon Pegg, Brian Tee, Nathan Fillion, Kal Penn, René Auberjonois, and more). Spectacular stuff — not to mention the five additional hours of previously unrecorded content on this particular audiobook.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re down for a serious undertaking (with zombies). Time duration: 12 hours and 9 min.  

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, narrated by Dominic Hoffman

This is the perfect choice if you want to be transported into another country — specifically, within Africa. A gripping tale about two sisters who are born into different villages in Ghana in the 18th-century (and the wildly different trajectories that they and their descendants take over the next 300 years), Homegoing is a modern triumph. Experience it through its audiobook, which is read beautifully by Dominic Hoffman.

Perfect for your road trip if: you love getting swept up in rich historical fiction. Time duration: 13 hours and 11 min. 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, narrated by Allan Corduner

Famously narrated by Death, The Book Thief isn’t exactly a cheery read. It’s a story about a girl in 1939 Nazi Germany who steals books and is by turn beautiful, tear-jerking, and enduring. 

Which is why this audiobook may be perfect for a lonesome trip out across the country. Not everyone can claim to give voice to Death itself, but Allan Corduner does it fabulously in this reading of The Book Thief , adding amazing dimension and poignancy to the written words. (Just a bit of friendly warning: bring tissues with you on this road trip, unless you want to be blinded by tears during the final thirty minutes of the audiobook!)

Perfect for your road trip if: you don’t mind a good cry on the highway. Time duration: 13 hours and 56 min. 

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, narrated by Jeff Woodman

Built upon the timeless short story of the same name, Flowers for Algernon is the moving tale of a mentally slow cleaner who engages in an experiment to become a genius — with unexpected results. The entire novel is presented through a series of journal entries, or “progress reports,” that are written by Charlie. ("I reely wantd to lern I wantid it more even then pepul who are smarter even then me. All my life I wantid to be smart and not dumb.”) Heartbreakingly rendered by narrator Jeff Woodman, who switches between regular Charlie and genius Charlie with magnificent ease, this audiobook is set to become just as much of a classic as its novel. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to hear a relatively short but very powerful story. Time duration: 8 hours and 58 min. 

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, narrated by Kathleen Gati

Prepare to be swept off of your feet (or, off of the gas pedals) with this spectacular rendition of The Bear and the Nightingale . Katherine Arden’s lush retelling of Russian folklore was critically acclaimed when it was first published in 2017, introducing readers to a young Russian girl named Vasilisa who must step up to protect her loved ones from a threat that was supposed to have only existed in fairy tales. And Kathleen Gati’s velvety, hypnotic voice will turn your car into a cozy living room — complete with a crackling fire — as a nurse tells you stories from long ago.   

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re driving through snowy, Russia-like terrain and want to feel warm and comforted. Time duration: 11 hours and 48 min. 

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, narrated by Humphrey Bower

Though it sounds like a self-motivational handbook , The Power of One is actually a profoundly moving novel about a young boy named Peekay who’s raised in pre-apartheid South Africa. Peekay is bullied by his peers and constantly strives to escape their torment — a quest helped by his relationship with a medicine man, who reshapes his entire worldview. But as Peekay grows older, greater troubles than school bullies rear their ugly heads: the outbreak of World War II, the loss of his mentors, and worse. 

Humphrey Bower miraculously brings every single character, with all their accents and mannerisms, to life in the audiobook… which serves as an important window into a time and place that’s oft forgotten.

Perfect for your road trip if: you want a spiritual philosophy to guide you on your journey. Time duration: 21 hours and 33 min. 

MYSTERY AND THRILLER

The dead zone by stephen king, narrated by james franco.

This famous 1979 King novel concerns a man, Johnny Smith (not to be confused with the explorer), who acquires psychic abilities after an accident in his youth creates a “dead zone” in his brain. From then on, young Johnny can tell people things that they don’t even know about themselves — or, more eerily, things that haven’t even transpired yet. Yet, despite his abilities, all Johnny wants is a normal life. But when he’s approached by a sheriff hoping to solve a series of murders, he agrees to help... with no idea what clairvoyant floodgates he’s opening. 

As with all King stories , this one depends on the gradual build of atmospheric tension, which James Franco does with great aplomb in the audiobook. Consequently, it’s another one we wouldn’t recommend for a dark, lonely drive.

Perfect for your road trip if: you wish you could know exactly how long it’ll take to get through each long stretch of traffic. Time duration: 16 hours and 12 min. 

The Sherlock Holmes collection by Arthur Conan Doyle, narrated by Stephen Fry

It doesn’t get better than one British icon narrating another British icon’s adventures. Neither probably need an introduction, but just in case you don’t know them already: Sherlock Holmes is the world’s most famous fictional detective and Stephen Fry is an acclaimed actor, screenwriter, author, and comedian.

More than that, Fry is a profound devotee of Sherlock Holmes. He narrates with the skill of a celebrated performer and the enthusiasm of a fan, which alone makes this audiobook worth the money and time. Note that this isn’t the complete edition — it’s missing around 12 of Sherlock Holmes’ short stories. If you don’t mind that, this might just be the audiobook for you!

Perfect for your road trip if: you enjoy solving mysteries as you drive. Time duration: 62 hours and 52 min. 

Bird Box by Josh Malerman, narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Not a great pick for nervous drivers, to say the least — this post-apocalyptic thriller will have you gripping the steering wheel in anticipation of seeing “The Problem” on the side of the road. But don’t let that put you off, because Malerman’s masterful suspense-building combined with Campbell’s taut narration makes for an unforgettable audiobook experience. It’ll also inspire gratitude that your journey isn’t quite as harrowing as Mallorie’s with her two young children! 

And, of course, when you finally reach your destination, you’ll be perfectly primed to watch the Netflix film starring Sandra Bullock.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re not easily unnerved (or prone to tunnel vision). Time duration: 9 hours and 8 min. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, narrated by Caroline Lee

Another blockbusting bestseller that inspired not only an audiobook, but an HBO show, Big Little Lies is a juicy domestic thriller that follows three women and their children in suburban Sydney. Madeline is the seemingly flawless mother who’s still reeling from her divorce; Celeste is a busy caretaker to twins who conceals the marks left by her abusive husband; and Jane is a young mom to the eccentric Ziggy, hiding the darkest secret of all. All are united through their children’s kindergarten class, and a scandal that erupts when Ziggy starts bullying a fellow classmate… or does he? Big AND little lies are layered like pastry, and just as delectably exposed, in this audiobook narrated by Australian-born Caroline Lee.

Perfect for your road trip if: you like your stories as twisty as your backroad shortcuts . Time duration: 15 hours and 55 min.

Duma Key by Stephen King, narrated by John Slattery

When construction worker Edgar Freemantle relocates to Florida for some much-needed R&R, he never considers that what he finds there could be worse than the accident he’s just survived. But a combination of his brain injury, his rekindled obsession with artwork, and the strange supernatural properties of the land soon causes Freemantle to gain unimaginable powers… which he must use to stop a malevolent force arising in Duma Key. 

This recent Stephen King bestseller is narrated by John Slattery of Mad Men fame, who builds the lore of Freemantle’s psychic abilities and Duma Key’s disturbing history in an extremely tantalizing way.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re headed anywhere but Florida. Time duration: 21 hours. 

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, narrated by Davina Porter

Let’s take a turn for the steamy. If you have a penchant for romance and you’re driving alone (or with friends around whom you feel very comfortable), this audiobook may be perfect for you. Read by Audie Award winner Davina Porter, this version of Outlander paints a particularly, shall we say, evocative picture of eighteenth-century Scotland… and the strapping young men who live there. After nurse Claire Randall is transported two centuries back in time, she finds herself falling for (and falling into bed with) one such man, Jamie Fraser. But their romance is tested by more than time, as violence befalls Jamie’s clan and threatens Claire’s survival.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re driving through the rolling hills of Scotland (or perhaps have a paramour in the passenger seat). Time duration: 32 hours and 38 min. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, narrated by Kate Rudd

This 2011 smash hit, penned by YA superstar John Green, is sure to bring tears to your eyes and new sense of perspective. Presented by Kate Rudd, who does a commendable job of capturing the sardonic narrator Hazel Grace Lancaster, The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel (who has thyroid cancer) as she falls in irrevocable love with fellow teen cancer sufferer Augustus Waters (who has osteosarcoma). 

You can probably see where this one is going. Even so, don’t let the prospect of tragedy keep you from Green’s unique and honest story of first love under unusual circumstances, which Rudd renders with great sensitivity and care.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re in the mood to bawl at the unfairness of the world (and Green’s lovely prose). Time duration: 7 hours and 14 min. 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Continuing in a candid, coming-of-age vein, we have Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe , read by the inimitable Lin-Manuel Miranda. It traces the lives of two Mexican-American teenagers, Dante and Aristotle, whose easy alliance based on their names deepens into a bond that surprises both of them — transcending both geographical boundaries and society’s expectations. 

Miranda’s invested narration makes the eighties setting feel like present-day, and he switches seamlessly from infectious energy during light moments to weighty solemnity during serious ones, making the dramatic finale of Aristotle and Dante feel more than earned.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re tired of the Hamilton soundtrack, but still want to listen to Lin-Manuel Miranda weave a beautiful story for you. Time duration: 7 hours and 29 min. 

Heartburn by Nora Ephron, narrated by Meryl Streep

And if you adore the nuanced observational style of Woody Allen, but not so much the man himself, this is the audiobook for you. Largely ignored by critics when it was first released, Heartburn — an autobiographical novel about the real-life affair Ephron’s husband had during her second pregnancy — has become a sleeper hit for its sharp depiction of upper-middle class life, coupled with the raw, genuine emotion of heartbreak. Deftly narrated by Meryl Streep (who played Ephron’s character in the 1986 adaptation), this audiobook is a classic in the making, and will have you yelling righteously at Ephron’s husband for a good portion of your drive.

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to bask in misandry AND the unquestionable brilliance of Ephron and Streep. Time duration: 5 hours and 30 min. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, narrated by Rebecca Lowman and Maxwell Caulfield

Another exceptional addition to the YA canon , Fangirl revolves around a Harry Potter -esque series called Simon Snow — and an obsessive devotee to the series called Cath. Our heroine has just started college and isn’t quite sure how to “adapt” from fangirl life to real life all on her own, especially in the wake of her mother’s death and the absence of her twin sister. Will she be able to escape the realm of the fictional and strike out on her own — while not forgetting who she truly is? This much-loved novel about the overpowering love of novels will resonate with fangirls and fanboys everywhere, and the sublimely balanced narration of Lowman and Maxwell elevates it to superfan-worthy status.

Perfect for your road trip if: you want a cute, fun story to carry you through to your destination. Time duration: 12 hours and 49 min.

SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy by douglas adams, narrated by stephen fry.

Sure, your road trip probably isn’t going to take you outside of the galaxy (or, indeed, outside of the country), but wouldn’t it be nice to think so? Narrator extraordinaire Stephen Fry takes on Douglas Adams’ eclectic and eccentric cast of characters, from poor everyman Arthur Dent to depressed robot Marvin, with wicked glee in this adaptation. Just a quick warning: this audiobook might be too much fun for a mere road trip. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re always up for a totally unexpected futuristic adventure . Time duration: 5 hours and 51 min. 

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, narrated by Wil Wheaton

In a select few cases, an audiobook can compete with the movie adaptation — and come out on top. This is the case with Ready Player One , which has an excellent premise (a boy named Wade Watts must venture through a virtual reality game in search for fortune in the year 2044) and brilliant execution. Wil Wheaton’s performance is also pretty extraordinary — not least because he’s a piece of eighties trivia in the novel himself. Don’t look elsewhere if you’re up for a dose of nostalgia mixed in with fun. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you already have an eighties playlist chock-full of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Madonna ready to go. Time duration: 15 hours and 40 min. 

The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson, narrated by Jennifer Wiltsie

Neal Stephenson might be more known for Snow Crash , but The Diamond Age is the one that makes this cut thanks to Jennifer Wiltsie’s brilliant narration. With stellar dramatic timing and an ear for the characters’ voices, Wiltsie does a fantastic job rendering a challenging book that would trip up a lesser narrator. In The Diamond Age , a young poor girl named Nell comes across a dangerously influential document in the future: the Young Lady's Illustrated Primer , an interactive book that can teach a girl to think of herself. And thus begins Nell’s bildungsroman journey — one that will intertwine with the creator of the Primer himself.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re a fan of steampunk or rebellious young women — we personally enjoy both. Time duration: 18 hours and 32 min. 

The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien, narrated by Rob Inglis

Perfect for a short jaunt to the beach. Just kidding! The total audiobook series clocks in at a whopping 117 hours and 27 minutes , which is enough to occupy you if you were driving coast-to-coast across America — twice. 

Nevertheless, Rob Inglis’ narration is more than equal to the task of keeping you awake the entire time. He does justice to the sheer epic-ness of the main trilogy and plunges into The Hobbit with warmth. (Pro-tip: just remember to turn up all of your windows when Inglis vaults into the folksy songs of Lord of the Rings with gusto, or else you might find that you’ve got some explaining to do to your neighboring car-driver.)  

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ll be in the car for days on end (and said car is full of Tolkien fans — otherwise you’ll have a mutiny on your hands). Time duration: 117 hours and 27 min.  

The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercombie, narrated by Steven Pacey

If you’re impatient waiting for the next Game of Thrones book to come out (as are we), consider giving Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy a shot. Bloody, uncompromising, and undeniably epic, this audiobook series promises you 70+ hours of relentless action. Stephen Pacey’s narration adds another dimension to the writing: his many voices and accents bring out Abercrombie’s colorful characterizations, enhancing each different culture, background, and personality. Best of all is that the trilogy is miraculously complete — so there’s no need to wait nine years for the next installment!

Perfect for your road trip if: you wish you could watch Game of Thrones while driving. Time duration: 71 hours and 58 min. 

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, narrated by Philip Pullman

Sometimes marketed as Harry Potter for adults , His Dark Materials can actually be read (or listened to) by people of all ages. The story centers around one orphaned girl named Lyra Belacqua, who becomes caught in the middle of a vast political conspiracy involving “dust,” disappearing children, and great armored bears. 

So rest assured that the audiobook — narrated by a full cast, including Philip Pullman himself — will tease and test the limits of your imagination! And if you find that it tickles your fancy (and if your road trip takes longer than expected), there are two more books in the series for you to devour. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ve got a boring drive ahead of you and want to lose yourself in a completely different world. Time duration: 10 hours and 45 min. 

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, narrated by Neil Gaiman

It’s quite a unique experience listening to a creator narrating his own story, exactly how he had imagined it — and nobody does it better than the ever-visionary Neil Gaiman. The Graveyard Book features a young boy named Bod Owens whose family is killed. Naturally, he’s raised by ghosts in a graveyard: a precarious situation that will eventually make living and dead collide as Bod must fight to preserve those that he loves when he grows up. Gaiman digs into the narration with delicious fun, making the experience a delight to listen to. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re on a family jaunt, as adults and children alike will be entranced by Gaiman’s magical narration. Time duration: 8 hours and 24 min.

The Harry Potter series, narrated by Jim Dale or Stephen Fry

No list is complete without the most universally beloved fantasy series of all time . J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter , which is about a boy wizard and his battles against evil as he grows up at an English wizarding school, has cemented itself in readers’ hearts for more than two decades now — and you can bet that it’ll be magical company for you on your road trip, whether you’re re-visiting Harry or dropping in on him for the first time.

As for the audiobook, there’s a great war brewing between which narration is the more definitive — Jim Dale’s or Stephen Fry’s. Some stake that Jim Dale perfectly compliments Rowling’s whimsy, while others declare that Stephen Fry is the Ron to Rowling’s Harry. Suffice to say that both are masterful and that we’ll let you decide for yourself which narrator you prefer.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re due for a re-read, or want an utterly fantastical story to guide you on your journey (ideally to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park). Time duration: 118 hours and 57 min. 

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, narrated by Martin Jarvis

If you’ve been wondering what’s all the fuss behind Amazon Prime television adaptation of Good Omens , but just can’t find the time to sit down and devote yourself to a good binge session, this audiobook might be the answer to your prayers. In Good Omens , a mild-mannered angel and a brassy demon must retrieve the Antichrist, who’s conveniently disappeared, before the end of the world might actually becomes reality. Martin Jarvis’ reading is inspired, giving full voice to the bewitching combination of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Trust us, Armageddon's never been this fun before. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you love Biblical fanfiction and/or hilariously odd couples. Time duration: 12 hours and 32 min. 

Becoming by Michelle Obama, narrated by Michelle Obama

For a turn into the supremely inspirational, we have Michelle Obama’s bestselling memoir, Becoming . The book is divided into three sections: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More, all of which detail different periods of the author’s life. The first encompasses her Chicago upbringing, Ivy League education, and career beginnings as a lawyer; the second relays her relationship with Barack; and the third reveals all about their family’s life in the White House. Beautifully crafted and breathtakingly intimate, Becoming becomes even more wonderful with Obama’s own voice narrating the audiobook. In other words: Becoming lives up to the hype.

Perfect for your road trip if: motivational podcasts are your typical fare, and you want to up the ante even more. Time duration: 19 hours and 3 min. 

Educated by Tara Westover, narrated by Julia Whelan

The ultimate tale of overcoming adversity, Tara Westover’s memoir Educated also begins with her childhood — which was unconventional, to say the least. Westover’s father was a paranoid survivalist who wouldn’t allow his family to visit doctors, receive federal assistance, or attend school… meaning that Westover (now a world-renowned author) only had access to a handful of books growing up. But she studied independently and managed to get into BYU, then Cambridge, finally securing a fellowship at Harvard and a doctorate from Trinity College. Her odds-defying journey is charted with remarkable fluency in this audiobook, narrated by Julia Whelan — a TV star and fellow across-the-pond academic (having been a student at Oxford around the same time Westover was at Cambridge).

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re embarking on an ambitious college tour. Time duration: 12 hours and 10 min. 

Carsick by John Waters, narrated by John Waters

So, you’re a trailblazing filmmaker who rose to prominence in the eighties with cult classics like Cry-Baby , Hairspray , and Pink Flamingos . What are you going to do next? Go hitchhiking across the United States, obviously — but before you do that, come up with the wildest possible scenarios, both extraordinarily fortuitous and treacherously bad, to include in the record of your travels. 

The result of this undertaking, John Waters’ Carsick , is a gloriously madcap collection that’s two parts fiction, one part unbelievable fact. With an audiobook narrated by the man, the myth, the legend himself, you’ll learn more about Waters and how his mind works than you will from watching any of his idiosyncratic films (and that’s saying something).

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to share the road with a famous screenwriter who understands your plight better than most. Time duration: 8 hours and 8 min.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, narrated by David Sedaris

One of Sedaris’ funniest essay collections, Me Talk Pretty One Day covers Sedaris’ experiences from elementary school to an infamous move to France. You can read the most popular piece in the collection (“Me Talk Pretty One Day”) here , but do yourself a favor and get the audiobook, because — spoiler alert! — it’s even better. (As it turns out, David Sedaris the narrator is a fine match for David Sedaris the author.) His own narration picks up nuances in the text that you wouldn’t notice, doubling the laughter quotient and confirming once again Sedaris’ status as a master of comedy.

Perfect for your road trip if: you want to cringe-laugh all the way to your destination. Time duration: 5 hours and 51 min.  

Yes Please by Amy Poehler, narrated by Amy Poehler

On the female comic side of things, there’s Amy Poehler’s enthusiastically titled memoir — and as one might expect from its uproarious author, the contents of her book follow suit. Yes Please recounts everything in Poehler’s life up to 2014, from her days at SNL to her experimentation with drugs to the aftermath of her divorce with Will Arnett. (Yes, please, we’re still sad about that one.) Throughout it all, Poehler retains her signature upbeat wit, never dwelling on the past or wallowing in what went wrong — but perpetually projecting gratitude, happiness, and hope for what comes next.

Perfect for your road trip if: you ever need a Leslie Knope-flavored pick-me-up. Time duration: 7 hours and 31 min. 

Bossypants by Tina Fey, narrated by Tina Fey

Bringing up the other half of our favorite modern comedy duo, meet Tina Fey’s memoir Bossypants . Her writerly prowess, honed through years as SNL’s head writer and subsequently on 30 Rock , shines through clearly here: Fey is acerbic and unflinchingly honest about the not-so-glamorous aspects of her life. Highlights of Bossypants include chapters on her early improv experiences, the impossible standards for women in show business, and how horrible it is to lose weight — but all delivered with sharp, scintillating humor.

If that weren’t enough, her comedic timing in the audiobook is (obviously) second to none, netting her an Audie Award for Best Audiobook of the Year and a legit Grammy nomination. (Want to sample the magic? Here’s a clip of Fey narrating a bit about her childhood.)

Perfect for your road trip if: you’d like hours of LOLs at the hands (and voice) of one of the best writers and entertainers of the twenty-first century. Time duration: 5 hours and 30 min.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, narrated by Trevor Noah

Here’s another famous comedian who wants to spend time with you in your car. Host of The Daily Show , Trevor Noah published a memoir to universal acclaim in 2016. His story is extraordinary and primarily focuses on Noah’s formative years, growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. And, lest we forget that Noah is today a world-famous comedian, this audiobook reminds us in spades! A born impersonator, Noah can mimic pretty much every single accent and voice in the world — making Born a Crime ’s reading that much more buoyant and enjoyable during a road trip. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re intrigued by Noah’s verbally chameleonic abilities and his personal history. Time duration: 8 hours and 44 min. 

NON-FICTION

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, narrated by Richard Matthews

Written by international treasure Bill Bryson, author of A Walk in the Woods and Notes from a Small Island , A Short History of Nearly Everything is the ultimate book for history buffs. A self-professed non-expert, Bryson consults with the world’s top authorities, from archaeologists to mathematicians, to put together a definitive manual on science for us laymen.

The audiobook is similarly engrossing, as you might expect. Richard Matthews takes on the conversational, friendly tone of the book, so that the audiobook’s feel is that of a friend wittily explaining the world to you. If you’re casting around for an audiobook that will turn your journey into A Short Road Trip With Not Nearly Enough Time To Finish This Nonfiction Book, this is it. 

Perfect for your road trip if: your goal is to become an interesting dinner companion by the end of the trip. Time duration: 18 hours and 13 min. 

"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!": Adventures of a Curious Character by Richard P. Feynman, narrated by Raymond Todd

From the mind of Nobel Prize-winning physicist comes this collection of unexpectedly colorful anecdotes — not just about science, but about everything that intrigued the titular Mr. Feynman throughout his life. These topics include, but are not limited to: Feynman’s safe-cracking “hobby,” his love of samba music and Brazilian culture as a whole, and his slight case of nerves before presenting the Wheeler-Feynman absorber theory in front of, you know, Albert Einstein. The audiobook, thanks to Raymond Todd’s evocative narration, paints a picture of a man who was so much more than his career — and impacted countless lives in myriad ways.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’re tickled by the idea of a physicist making you laugh. Time duration: 11 hours and 31 min.

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari, narrated by by Aziz Ansari

Nonfiction audiobooks comprise a tricky territory, as it’s easy for them to end up being dry events: straightforward recitals of the words on the page. Luckily, that’s far from the case Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance , which is a deep dive into the state of (you guessed it) modern romance, from dating apps to emojis in Tokyo. What’s more, it contains Ansari’s reliable humor, so that you can laugh while you learn and listen. Unsurprisingly, Ansari is a gifted performer — keeping the text lively and adding just the right hint of self-awareness to his narration. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you’d like to reel off interesting facts about 21st-century romance on your next date.  Time duration: 6 hours and 14 min. 

What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe, narrated by Wil Wheaton

Randall Munroe of xkcd fame and Wil Wheaton of, well, being-an-eighties-icon fame team up for this marvelously ponderous audiobook that answers all the questions you ever had (or never even thought of) re: science, the universe, and everything. For instance: what would happen to us in the event of a robot apocalypse? If cows could photosynthesize, how much food would they need? And the question on everyone’s mind: could you get drunk from drinking a drunk person’s blood? Equal parts silly and scientific, this audiobook is sure to be a hit with erstwhile fans of Bill Nye and Neil DeGrasse Tyson. 

Perfect for your road trip if: you want some random hypotheticals with which to entertain your Airbnb hosts. Time duration: 6 hours and 35 min.

Devil in the White City: a Saga of Magic and Murder at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larsson, narrated by Scott Brick

Living up to the saying, “Truth is stranger than fiction,” Devil in the White City recounts the astounding true story of an architect and a murderer in Chicago in the 1890s. Our architect, Daniel H. Burnham, is the man who needed to construct a world-famous exposition in the space of 18 months. In every other chapter, we meet the murderer, Dr. Henry H. Holmes — America’s first serial killer who built an actual torture palace just miles away.

Suffice to say that the audiobook is just as gripping, as the ever-gifted Scott Brick walks you through this creepy but undeniably fascinating part of the past. Needless to say, it’ll keep you on the edge of your driver’s seat — especially if you’re road-tripping through the Windy City.  

Perfect for your road trip if: you loved Chicago , but wanted more murder. Time duration: 14 hours and 58 min. 

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear, narrated by James Clear

Now we’re getting into the actual motivational stuff — and what excellent stuff it is! In this book and self-narrated audiobook, James Clear draws on various fields of science and psychology to determine exactly why old habits die hard, and what practical steps we can take to rewrite them. This is no cobbled-together collection of clickbaity tips, but thoroughly researched, scientifically sound, detailed information on how to change your life for the better. And with Clear’s confident yet not overtly self-promotional voice guiding you through it, you’ll feel like you really can build some of his suggested atomic habits… as soon as you get out of the car.

Perfect for your road trip if: you’ve just hit traffic and want to take back control of your life! Time duration: 5 hours and 35 min.

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, narrated by Mel Robbins

This fantastically inspiring audiobook from Mel Robbins (no relation to Tony) will have you itching to put her counsel to good use. Robbins will show you how, in just five seconds, you can push yourself to reach potential you never thought possible… and improve your mental health, personal relationships, professional standing, and more! Author and narrator uses her own experiences to bolster her advice, which comes in sharp snippets that are so easy to absorb, this guide really will go by in (what feels like) a mere five seconds.

Perfect for your road trip if: being able to accomplish something (like drive across multiple states) in five seconds or less sounds like a dream right about now. Time duration: 7 hours and 35 min.

Want even more audiobooks? Check out our posts on the best fantasy audiobooks and best sci-fi audiobooks . Or learn how to find free audiobooks in our guide the the 20 Best Places to Find Free Books online (check out the last three!)

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23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

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Conventionally Yours: An LGBTQIA Rivals-to-Lovers Road Trip Romance (True Colors, 1) Paperback – Illustrated, June 2, 2020

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When two sworn enemies go head-to-head in this charming LGBTQIA romance, love isn't the only thing at stake.

Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly popular, Conrad Stewart seems to have it all…but in reality, he's scrambling to keep his life from tumbling out of control.

Brilliant, guarded, and endlessly driven, Alden Roth may as well be the poster boy for perfection…but even he can't help but feel a little broken inside.

When these mortal enemies are stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, their infamous rivalry takes a back seat as an unexpected connection is forged. Yet each has a reason why they have to win the upcoming gaming tournament and neither is willing to let emotion get in the way―even if it means giving up their one chance at something truly magical.

Praise for Conventionally Yours :

"Sweet, emotional, and uniquely quirky." ―Carrie Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestelling author

"You will ship this couple well before they figure out how much they need each other." ―Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author

"Fast, funny, and fantastic. A quest for the new decade―gamers will love this." ―Eoin Colfer, New York Times bestselling author

• Book 1 of 2 True Colors
• Print length 400 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca
• Publication date June 2, 2020
• Dimensions 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
• ISBN-10 1728200296
• ISBN-13 978-1728200293
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About the author.

When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, Annabeth Albert is a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Her popular LGBTQ+ romances include several fan-favorite and critically acclaimed series. She lives with her spouse and two children in Oregon. To find out what she’s working on next―as well as other fun extras―check out her website or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks Casablanca; Illustrated edition (June 2, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728200296
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728200293
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
• #10,648 in Romantic Comedy (Books)
• #11,289 in LGBTQ+ Romance (Books)
• #45,733 in Contemporary Romance (Books)

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Annabeth albert.

Annabeth Albert is a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer of over thirty-five published works. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Fans of quirky, Oregon-set books as well as those who enjoy military heroes will want to check out her many series. Her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romances include the Hotshots, Out of Uniform, Frozen Hearts, Perfect Harmony, and Gaymers series along with several stand-alone titles. Her fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on social media and her newsletter are both great places for bonus content and exclusive contests. For more info: www.annabethalbert.com

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Kids and adults gather at a Memorial Day parade to honor and celebrate veterans in South Portland. Sofia Aldinio/ Staff Photographer

BATH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at 200 Congress Ave. and concludes at Library Park and will be followed by a wreath-laying service at 11 a.m.

BERWICK 11 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at Berwick Town Hall/Sullivan Square and proceeds to Lord’s Cemetery by way of Wilson and Allen streets. After a ceremony there, the parade will continue down Saw Mill Hill Street with a pause at the Somersworth-Berwick Bridge for a brief memorial service for those lost at sea. The parade ends at Sullivan Square with a memorial service honoring area veterans.

BIDDEFORD-SACO Opening ceremony at 9:55 a.m. Monday at Saco City Hall. Parade starts at 10 a.m. from Saco City Hall and proceeds along Main Street and down York Hill into Biddeford, continues along Main Street, onto Alfred Street and finishes at Veteran’s Memorial Park with a closing ceremony at 10:45 a.m.

BRUNSWICK-TOPSHAM 9 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from Topsham Town Hall, pauses for observances while crossing the Brunswick-Topsham bridge, and concludes at the Brunswick Mall.

CAPE ELIZABETH 9 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at the middle school parking lot, turns right on Scott Dyer Road, right onto Route 77 and ends at the village green adjacent to the town hall. A brief ceremony and laying of the wreath will be held at the Village Green after the parade.

CUMBERLAND 8 a.m. Monday. Kids run at Greely High School followed by 5K Run and Remember race at 8:30 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Mabel I. Wilson School and ends at the veterans’ monument in Moss Side Cemetery in Cumberland Center, where a ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Advertisement

FALMOUTH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from 65 Depot Road (Falmouth American Legion) to Pine Grove Park, where a ceremony will be held.

FREEPORT 9:30 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from Holbrook Street, heads north on Main and makes a right onto School Street, then right onto Park Street, ending in Memorial Park. There will be a small ceremony in Memorial Park starting at 10 a.m.

GORHAM 11 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Village School (12 Robie St.) and ends at Eastern Cemetery on Johnson Road.

GRAY 11:30 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves the Russell School (8 Gray Park), proceeds to Shaker Road and continues to the Soldiers Monument at the intersection of Routes 26 and 3 for a wreath-laying ceremony. Parade continues north to the American Legion Post (15 Lewiston Road) for a closing ceremony.

LYMAN 1 p.m. Monday. Parade starts at Waterhouse Road/Mill Pond in Goodwins Mills and ends at the Lyman Town Hall on South Waterboro Road.

NEW GLOUCESTER 9 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves from Memorial Elementary School (86 Intervale Road) and heads down Intervale Road to Route 100/202 to Veterans Park for a memorial service. The parade will reconvene and go down Peacock Hill Road, then take a left on Gilmore Road. Advertisement

OLD ORCHARD BEACH 1 p.m. Monday. Parade starts at the corner of Ballpark Way and E. Emerson Cumming Boulevard and proceeds down Saco Avenue, Old Orchard Beach Street to First Street and ends at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

PORTLAND 2 p.m. Monday. The procession starts at Longfellow School (432 Stevens Ave.) and ends at Evergreen Cemetery for a commemoration ceremony.

SANFORD 10 a.m. Monday. The parade starts at the Sanford Armory (88 William Oscar Emery Drive), proceeds up Gowen Park Drive and ends at Central Park.

SCARBOROUGH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Scarborough High School, turns onto Route 114 and then Route 1, past town offices to the Maine Veterans Home and concludes with a ceremony there.

SOUTH PORTLAND 10:30 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Southern Maine Community College parking lot, proceeds down Broadway to the Veterans Monument for a short Memorial Day recognition service.

WELLS 9 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Wells High School (200 Sanford Road) and proceeds to Ocean View Cemetery for a ceremony and musical performances. Advertisement

WESTBROOK 10 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds down Main Street and will be followed by a ceremony in Riverbank Park.

WINDHAM 9 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Windham Town Hall and proceeds onto Route 202 toward Windham High School. At 10 a.m., there will be a ceremony in front of Windham’s Veterans Memorial Flagpole at Windham High School.

YARMOUTH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves from Yarmouth High School (286 West Elm St.) and proceeds to the Memorial Green at Town Hall for a ceremony.

YORK 10 a.m. Monday. Parade starts near St. Christopher’s Church (4 Barrell Lane) and proceeds down York Street to York Town Hall.

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