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36 Ultimate Cross Country Road Trip Tips

Ahh, the Great American Road Trip . Whether you’re road-tripping solo to several national parks or traveling with friends and have no destination in mind at all, there’s nothing quite like it.

There’s the exhilarating freedom of the open road, the small towns that pack a tremendous punch (I’m lookin’ at you, Big Sky  and Livingston , Montana), the quirky roadside diners, the off-key singalongs, the endless snacks.

Road trips certainly aren’t new, but they are more popular than ever. Many people feel that driving is the safest, most social-distancing-friendly method of travel . And they’re not wrong.

As a result, road trips have become the preferred method of vacation. Not only are people road-tripping more often ; they’re road-tripping further from home . In one study , a whopping 35% of people said they visited three or more states on a road trip, not including their home state.

For all their many benefits, road trips do require extra planning and preparation . That’s especially true of multi-state journeys. I asked 25 pros — other travel writers, full-time #vanlife-ers, and some especially adventurous road warriors — for their top cross country road trip tips.

You’ll find everything from advice on how to save money on a road trip and what to wear to must-have road trip essentials and ways to keep yourself safe.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission — at no cost to you — if you click or make a purchase through any of them. For more information, read my  disclosure statement . I appreciate you!

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Cross country road trip tips and tricks

1. be smart about planning your road trip route, 2. know how to effectively use your maps app, 3. get the roadtrippers app, 4. consider google maps alternatives, 5. don’t rely entirely on technology for navigation, 6. familiarize yourself with local driving laws, 7. avoid visiting popular attractions on busy days, 8. make a great road trip playlist, 9. keep your devices charged, 10. bring extra water, 11. pack toilet paper and disinfecting wipes, 12. get a portable jump starter, 13. bring insulated water bottles, 14. pack a cooler, 15. invest in a portable power inverter, 16. repackage everything, 17. be choosy about the food you pack, 18. opt for no-fuss foods, 19. use packing cubes, 20. keep things organized with packing cubes, 21. keep it clean, 22. prioritize rest, 23. stretch it out, 24. research instances of prejudice or hate crimes on your route, 25. invest in a rooftop cargo carrier, 26. skip the fancy footwear, 27. keep an open mind about where you stay, 28. camp along the way, 29. take the road less traveled — literally, 30. bring bicycles along, 31. shop (really) small and local, 32. slow down and enjoy the journey, 33. upgrade your road trip with a campervan, 34. bring a portable toilet, 35. play family road trip games, 36. pack surprise bags for kiddos.

Maybe you’re a seasoned veteran setting out to spend a full month on a USA road trip , or perhaps you’re a first-timer. Either way, you’re sure to find at least a few of these cross country road trip tips useful.

Cross country road trip planning tips

Cross country road trip tip from Julia, The Cure for Curiosity

As you start preparing for your road trip, pin all locations of interest to a Google map or Maps.me map. They aren’t tangible products, but I consider these types of apps to be crucial road trip essentials!

Whether it’s a handful of places or dozens, you’ll easily be able to see where the sights of interest are located , and you can map out your most efficient driving route accordingly. This helps prevent backtracking or accidentally bypassing somewhere important to you.

Favorite road trip route : Denver to Glacier National Park in the Summer

Tip from Stéphanie, Bey Of Travel

Google Maps is an amazing tool to plan and plot your road trip itinerary — but only if you know how to use it properly . You can create customized maps for each area you want to visit by simply adding all your possible destinations. You can even color-code the attractions to keep them categorized. 

To plot the itinerary, open Google Maps, then save your starting point. Use the ‘direction’ option to get from road A to B. Repeat these spots to keep adding all the places you want to visit on your road trip.

One of the great things about using Google Maps is that you can check traffic and if the attractions you want to visit are open or not.

Piggybacking on the previous tip, check out the Roadtrippers app !

Roadtrippers is a robust travel planning app that really shines when it comes to discovering off-the-beaten-path , quirky attractions along your route. In fact, one of the categories is “Weird Guides!”

You discover places you wouldn’t have even known about thanks to the app. That’s exactly what makes it one of our most recommended vanlife essentials .

One of our favorite features is that you can quickly toggle a stop off if you decide to skip it, and Roadtrippers automatically re-calculates your route. You can also add notes and dates to each stop , which is handy for keeping track of confirmation numbers.

And if you’re on a particularly boring stretch of highway and just need a break, the app allows you to search nearby while you’re on the road.

The free version of the app is excellent, but we’re honestly in love with the paid/premium version of Roadtrippers. For $36 a year, you get offline maps, live traffic updates, and even discounts with some of Roadtrippers’ travel partners. It’s become one of our most prized road trip essentials !

Try the free version, but don’t be surprised if you quickly want to upgrade! And when you do, sign up through our Roadtrippers link to get $5 off!

Road trip tip from Nellie, Third Culture Nellie

One of my favorite cross country road trip tips is to use Waze, a community-driven GPS navigation app . Waze detects traffic jams in live time and helps you find alternate routes to avoid heavy backups.

The app is very handy for helping you avoid getting stuck and sitting in traffic for long periods of time on your road trip. Waze users also report things like potholes, road construction, and police. Waze even shows the cheapest gas stations in some countries (like the US)!

You can use Waze anywhere. However, for the maps and traffic updates to be the most accurate, the app needs local users to provide up-to-date information. Keep this in mind, especially for your more off-the-beaten-path trips.

Follow Nellie on Instagram for more travel tips!

Road trip tip from Christina, Live A Wilder Life

One of the most important road trip packing tips is to include paper maps , in addition to having your maps downloaded on your phone. Yes, GPS is easier and faster. But it’s not foolproof and can get you into dicey situations when you’re in remote areas where signal strength is questionable.

You do not want to be stuck on the backroads of Utah at night wondering which way to go. Think of it as an insurance policy — nobody likes paying for it, but you’re always happy you have it when you need it!

Favorite road trip : Idaho hot springs

Cross country road trip tip from Jackie & Justin, Life of Doing

If you’re taking a road trip abroad, the driving rules may be different from your home country . Heck, driving rules can differ dramatically from state to state!

Before your trip, make sure to study the country’s driving laws, like which side vehicles drive on and parking rules. Also study up on road signage and obtain an International Driving Permit (if needed).

To learn about local driving laws, contact a car rental agency in the country you’re traveling to for resources. The agency will know the basics regarding speed limits, what to expect in terms of traffic, and/or practice tests and videos.

Favorite road trip : Driving through New Zealand’s South Island in one week in February

Tip from Daria, The Discovery Nut

For the best road trip experience, avoid visiting national parks   and other popular attractions on weekends, big school breaks, and major holidays .

This is the busiest time at many national parks, when campgrounds are full, trails are packed, and parking spots are hard to come by. This is especially true if you’re planning your visit during summer — the high season at many national parks.

As an alternative, head to state parks or better yet, national monuments , where you ‘ll see only a small fraction of the visitors who flock to national parks. For example, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument are great alternatives to crowded national parks like Zion or Arches in Utah. 

Don’t forget your National Parks Annual Pass !

Road trip tip from Cortney, Tin Can Living

Everybody loves a good cross country road trip, but nobody likes to stare out the window in complete silence. All road trips need a great music playlist . In fact, I consider it one of my road trip essentials! It doesn’t matter what type of music you listen to, hit the road and belt out your favorite songs.  

The best way to make a great road trip playlist is to vary the music styles in order to drown out the monotony of the road. Have upbeat songs for staying awake, meaningful songs for introspection, and singalongs to get in vacation mode.

I prefer Spotify because you can download your playlists to listen to even when you don’t have cell reception, but all the music streaming services make it easy to create the perfect soundtrack for your adventure on the open road.  

For more cross country road trip tips, check out Cortney’s article on RVing in Florida’s Treasure Coast !

Road trip tip from Kat, Endless Wonder

Another of the most important cross country road trip tips is making sure your camera and device batteries are always charged up and ready to go! Capturing moments from your road trip is important so that your memories last forever and you can share your adventure with friends and family back home.

One way to ensure you keep those batteries charged is to bring a portable charger or backup batteries. The last thing you want is to spot an incredible view or a super rare sighting, just to find out your camera is dead and you have no backups!

Most epic road trip : Banff to Jasper, AB on the Icefields Parkway

Photo courtesy of Endless Wonder

Cross country road trip packing tips

Tip from Dymphe, Dymabroad  

One of my favorite cross country road trip tips is to bring extra bottles of water with you. It’s always possible to encounter problems with your car while driving and you could get stranded. While waiting for help, you may get thirsty and need water. You’ll be very happy when you find spare bottles of water in your car that you can drink — they’re the ultimate road trip essentials!

Follow Dymabroad on Instagram for more travel inspiration!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve finally found a restroom after a long stretch on the road, only to run inside and find that there is no toilet paper. Or, almost just as worse, to find that the bathroom or toilet is absolutely disgusting. That’s why one of my top cross country road trip tips is to bring your own toilet paper (BYOTP!) and disinfecting wipes.

Cross country road trip tip from Erica, Tripscholars

One of the top road trip essentials is a portable jump starter for your vehicle. Road trips are full of surprises, and when hit with the unpleasant kind, a portable jump starter can prevent an annoyance from becoming an emergency.

For around $50, you can keep this pre-charged pack at the ready to help on road trips. More than once while camping, our kids accidentally left a car door ajar and we woke up to a dead battery. We’ve also given others an easy, quick jump when we were far from services. Plus, the jump starter comes in handy to charge phones and other devices, keeping everyone connected while on the road. Some models have additional features, like the ability to air up bicycle tires.

Follow Tripscholars on Facebook for more travel tips!

Staying hydrated on the road is extremely important. You’ll quickly learn, though, that all those gas station stops for water and snacks add up. High-quality reusable water bottles are some of my top road trip essentials for this reason. I’m a huge fan of the Contigo AutoSeal Chill bottles and the Hydro Cell water bottles on Amazon.

Parks, attractions, campgrounds, and many stores have water fountains where you can fill up your bottles for free. Fill two or three at a time so you have plenty of water between stops. You can also buy a couple of gallons of water as backups. These tend to be significantly cheaper than single-use bottles, plus they’re far more environmentally friendly.

Tip from Roxy, Wild About BC

Taking a cooler or cooler bag is essential for every road trip. I would personally recommend a cooler bag, as you can fold it down for easy storage when you aren’t using it. Perhaps you’re looking to go off-grid for a couple of days and want to store fresh food or maybe you just want to enjoy some ice-cold beers while watching the sunset. Either way, having a cooler filled with ice is one of our best cross country road trip tips.

Follow Wild About BC on Instagram for more adventure and road trip tips!

Photo courtesy of Wild About BC

Cross country road trip tip from MacKenzie, Rainbow Travel Life

Piggybacking onto the tip above, if you use a lot of batteries, consider purchasing a portable power inverter . It will quickly become one of your go-to road trip essentials!

With a power inverter, you can power everything from camera batteries and laptops to fans and lights. Not only will it save money on needing to stop at cafes and hotels to very literally recharge, but it’ll also keep you charged and ready for emergency photo ops. Power inverters are also perfect for camping in remote places, such as two days in Joshua Tree National Park . If you don’t need a 110V outlet, consider a splitter to charge more than one phone.

Favorite road trip route : Long Beach, CA, through several southern states to North Carolina from January to March

In almost all cases, original packaging is bulky and takes up a substantial amount of room. This is true of everything from food (picture a box of granola bars) to toiletries (a bottle of aspirin). One of my top road trip packing tips is to take items out of their containers and put them into simple bags. You can, of course, use basic Ziplocs, but I prefer to use eco-friendly reusable options like these Stasher bags . The “snack” size is perfect for storing bobby pins, medications, and even condiments.

Road trip tip from Rachel, Average Lives

We all know that food is one of the top road trip essentials. However, it’s important to bring food that keeps well and offers high caloric value. If space isn’t a tremendous concern, pack vegetables (fresh is best, when possible), pasta, rice, canned beans, and tomatoes. Remember to repackage bulky items!

With these staple ingredients, you’ll have a wide range of substantial meals you can cook on the road using a simple camp stove . Use your creativity to combine these easy but healthy ingredients to stay satisfied — even on long drives. 

Most epic road trip route: New Zealand South Island Loop

Photo courtesy of Average Lives

One of the best cross country road trip tips I can offer is to keep food as simple as possible. You don’t want to deal with jars and several packages as you drive down the road! Try to prep ahead of time by making sandwiches, cutting fruits and vegetables, and opening sealed packages — even if you have to do it in a parking lot.

Along the same lines, consider buying pre-cut and individually packaged snacks, like hummus and pretzel cups, individual servings of peanut butter, and single cheese and meat packs. They’re not the most economical foods, but sometimes they’re worth it for the convenience.

Tip from Suzanne, Meandering Wild

When road tripping, it’s easy to lose track of what you packed, especially if you have limited storage space. Packing cubes , some of the most useful road trip essentials, solve that problem.

Buying each person a different colored set of packing cubes increases the chances of keeping your own clothes organized, especially if the cubes are bright primary colors. Packing cubes also make loading and unloading easy! They can be stored in crates to keep them dry and make storage easy, or tucked into difficult corners and around other items that need a little protection.

Favorite road trip route : Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way  in summer

Taking the previous tip a step further, designate one packing cube for each person to be easily accessible. Store frequently-used road trip essentials in this cube, like your toothbrush, glasses, and toilet paper. I also recommend stashing “just in case” items here, including a packable rain jacket , clean undies, extra socks, and a First-Aid kit . Keep this packing cube somewhere that you can easily access it so you won’t need to rummage!

Road trip tip from Lotte, Gezond Weekmenu

One of the best road trip packing tips ever is to pack a dustpan and brush. A campervan, car, or tent is only a small space and the floor gets dirty very quickly, especially if you’re into outdoor activities or if you’re traveling with little kids. How do they manage to get sand everywhere, even when they haven’t been anywhere near a sandbox?!

A small brush and dustpan will keep your vehicle or tent nice and tidy. They’re easy to store and I find myself using them at least once a day on road trips. Don’t forget to bring a couple of plastic bags! We usually hang one from the headrest of the passenger seat.

Cross country road trip tips for staying safe

Cross country road trip tip from Elisa, France Bucket List

One of our key cross country road trip tips is to sleep and rest well before hitting the road. In a matter of seconds, drivers who feel tired can lose control of the car with terrible consequences.

After so many road trips in France (where we live), our best piece of advice is to make frequent stops, especially when you feel tired. Highways have many rest areas or even pullouts for a quick nap, and pulling over when you really need to can save lives. During long road trips, rotate drivers every two hours or so when possible, so everybody can rest.

Best road trip route : French Riviera road trip , from Nice to Cannes in spring

Tip from Džangir Kolar, Dr Jam Travels

This road trip tip elaborates on the previous one. In addition to pulling over or switching drivers when you get tired, it’s also important to get out of the car and do some basic stretching of the arms, back, and legs. It may not seem like driving is physically demanding, but it actually can be! Sitting in a confined space for long periods of time is especially strenuous on your back. Stopping and stretching often enables relaxed multiday cross country road trips.

Most epic road trip route : Ljubljana, Slovenia, to London, Istanbul, and Barcelona

Road trip tip from Kay, The Awkward Traveller

Unfortunately, there are some not-so-fun aspects of planning a road trip: the uncertainty around your physical safety due to racial, gender, or sexuality profiling. As a Black woman, I have encountered numerous instances of discrimination and harassment due to someone else’s prejudice against my skin.

Even when traveling as a racially ambiguous person , you may be subjected to racism while on the road. This completely ruins an otherwise beautiful moment. Along the same lines, many places around the world — even some where same-sex marriage is legal! — are still violently intolerant toward the LGBTQ+ community.

As an LBGTQA2S+ person or a non-white individual, it can be helpful to research any small towns on your road trip route for reported hate crimes. Avoid stopping for gas late at night and frequent Black, Indigenous, and POC-owned establishments wherever possible.

Cross country road trip tips to have the best experience

Regardless of what type of vehicle you’re driving (hopefully it’s one of the best cars to sleep in for camping ! ) , one of the best cross country road trip tips is to invest in a rooftop cargo carrier.

They come in all shapes and sizes, and even a small one will free up precious real estate inside your vehicle. We especially love the Thule Sidekick .

Rooftop cargo carriers generally have a universal fit to be compatible with any vehicle that has roof rails. However, there are actually several soft-sided rooftop cargo carriers that can be used without them!

We’ve used the Rightline Gear Sport 2 on several trips between Phoenix and southern California, and cannot recommend it highly enough. Although it’s compatible with roof rails or racks, it also works very well on vehicles without them — it has specialized clips that go into the doors.

There’s no question that rooftop cargo carriers are must-have road trip essentials, but there is one caveat: pack yours strategically. Store things inside it that you won’t need frequently, so you don’t have to constantly get in and out of it.

Tip from Olivia, Girl With Blue Sails travel blog

One of my ultimate cross country road trip tips is to wear slip-on shoes. It seems simple, but is so easy to forget!

When sitting in the car for long periods of time, it’s natural to want to get comfortable and take off your shoes. However, when stopping at a gas station or quick photo stop, it becomes a pain to mess with shoelaces or straps. So the simpler solution is to wear shoes that can slip on easily.

I recommend some simple ladies’ flats or Vans slip-ons , which are great for all ages and genders. 

Favorite road trip route : California’s coast from San Diego to San Francisco

Road trip tip from Sydney, A World in Reach

One of my favorite tips for how to save money on a road trip is booking mystery hotel deals like Hotwire Hot Rate Hotels or Priceline Express Deals along the way. You can score highly discounted rooms with a catch: you don’t know the hotel until after you’ve booked it!

This might seem stressful, but you can see the hotel’s general location and star rating. These deals are lifesavers on road trips, especially when your route isn’t set in stone. You can book a last-minute hotel whenever you need to stop, instead of driving all the way to your next destination.

For more tips on how to save money on a road trip, check Sydney out on Pinterest !

Cross country road trip tip from Victoria, Guide Your Travel

Road trips are a fantastic way to see as much as possible and have unique experiences. If you’re also traveling on a budget, then camping along your route is definitely the way to go.

Not only can you experience unique campsites , but you’ll also be close to nature and saving money to boot. There are tons of ways to plan your camping trip; you could rent a campervan or a rooftop tent, or just pitch a good old-fashioned tent, which is the most affordable option.

Camping is often most fun in warmer countries, but totally possible in colder climates with the proper cold-weather camping gear.

Follow Victoria on Instagram for more budget travel tips!

Road trip tip from Deb, World Adventurists

The best part of a road trip is the freedom to stop and go as you please. One of my favorite cross country road trip tips is to embrace that flexibility and the ability to be spontaneous!

If you see a sign for an attraction that you haven’t heard of, take the detour to find out what it’s all about. Don’t feel like you must always travel on the highway; that’s how you miss all the literal hidden gems! By getting off the highway, you will meet the locals, find all the quirky stops, and get a real taste of what each destination has to offer.

Most epic road trip : The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, where you can walk on the Athabasca Glacier

If at all possible, bring your bike on your road trip! Exploring a new area on a bicycle is an excellent way to find those off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. It’s also environmentally friendly and it can save you money on parking fees (not to mention the stress and time involved trying to find a space!). Note: many national parks charge bicyclists significantly less than visitors in cars.

You can get a trunk mount bike rack or a roof mount bike rack really affordably, and most have a universal fit for a wide range of vehicles. If you’re road tripping in a rental vehicle, however, be sure to find out what the company’s policy is on bike racks — or any other external equipment, for that matter.

Tip from Chris, Punta Cana Travel Blog

Along those same lines, one of my best cross country road trip tips is to always be prepared to stop at street vendors for local delicacies. This is just one example, but here  in the Dominican Republic, e ach region has its special street food treats. For example, fresh coconuts in Samaná, fresh cheese along the north coast, cashews around Azua , corn cake in Jarabacoa, Mangos in Baní, or Caribbean strawberries in Constanza. Make sure to have small change available when stopping at these roadside stalls.  

Favorite road trip : 1-week trip through the Dominican Republic

Photo courtesy of Punta Cana Travel Blog

Road trip tip from Sarah, In Search of Sarah

One of the biggest cross country road trip tips is to not have such rigid, hard-set plans. Some of the best memories are often made on detours or spontaneous stops.

Loose plans are necessary, but it’s stressful having to keep a set pace to get from A to B. Have a (rough) guideline of when and where you need to be every day, but allow yourself time to pull over when you see something interesting, wander through an interesting town, or stop for coffee at a cute cafe. Road trips are all about lasting moments — slow down and enjoy them!

Follow Sarah on Instagram for more travel and road trip tips!

Cross country road trip tip from Bradley, Dream Big Travel Far

Take your road trip to the next level by opting for a campervan instead of a car. Having a campervan allows you to easily “boondock,” also often called “wild camping” in other countries.

This essentially means staying on public land overnight, in places not registered as campsites. They can be anything from open fields to beaches to mountain clearings to parking lots. It’s legal in most countries and a great way to tackle accommodation and transportation at once. Plus, boondocking is generally totally free!

Road tripping in a campervan also allows you to experience some of the most breathtaking locations in an entirely new way! During our 6-week wild camping trip in Scotland , we woke up in a beautiful forest one day and at a charming lake the next.

There are several excellent campervan rental companies today, so it’s easy and convenient to hit the road in style. Look into RVshare  for a tremendous variety!

Follow Dream Big Travel Far on Instagram for more cross country road trip tips!

Photo courtesy of Dream Big Travel Far

Cross country road trips for traveling with kids

This tip isn’t exactly glamorous, but it is one of the most valuable cross country road trip tips I’ve ever heard! Young kids are notorious for having to go to the bathroom at the most inopportune times. Like when you just passed a rest area five minutes ago and the next one is at least an hour away, for example.

A portable toilet solves this problem. They assemble quickly and use simple plastic bags for the “bowl,” so you can create a pop-up bathroom literally anywhere. When you’re finished, cleanup is easy and the portable toilet folds up nearly flat. They also offer a great solution for those times when a rest stop bathroom is too disgusting to use!

Tip from Monica, Champagne on Deck

Long road trips can take a toll on our littlest travelers. Tablets are great to entertain them, but like most parents, I worry about too much screen time.

One of my best cross country road trip tips to lessen the “Are we there yet?” moans are family travel games. Two of our favorites are Travel Bingo and this license plate game . Images on the travel bingo cards make it so that even the non-readers in the car can participate. The license plate game book provides a map, and players must locate the states to place their sticker.

For more family outdoor and travel tips, follow Monica on Instagram !

Cross country road trip tip from Cynthia, Sharing the Wander

We never leave on a road trip without a bag of surprises! When the kids start to get bored or grumpy (or start whining or annoying each other), a surprise bag allows you to quickly pull something out and change the mood in the car! I pack a mix of activities and special snacks — these are must-have road trip essentials!

I usually check the local dollar store and the Target dollar bins for inexpensive items. Some ideas for what to include are:

• coloring books
• activity books (word search or crossword puzzles for older kids)
• gel window stickers
• sticker packs (re-stickable vinyl for toddlers)
• mini cookie cup
• pack of M&Ms (ideally a flavor they haven’t tried)
• fruit snacks in the shape of a favorite character
• twisty crayons
• small toys in some sort of mystery pack

You can also pack books (either new or from the library) from a favorite series. Anything your children don’t know you have becomes a fun (and importantly, distracting!) surprise! Traveling with kids can be stressful — check out 20+ Tips to Survive and Thrive on a Road Trip with Kids and Toddlers !

Check out Sharing the Wander on Facebook for more family-friendly travel tips!

Whew, there you have it — the ultimate list of cross country road trip tips! Which one is your favorite? Are there any we missed? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to pin this post  for later, so it’s handy when you’re ready to plan your own road trip. Safe travels!

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Taryn is happiest when she's outside and always up for an adventure — especially if it involves a hike, sunset, road trip, or limited cell service.

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The roadtripper app is a LIFE SAVER!!! I’m already excited for my next summer road trip!

Right?! I don’t know what I did without it before!

Great tips, thanks! We are currently considering a roof rack… brings up memories of childhood road trips in the sedan with the faux wooden paneling!

LOL, I totally remember those as well! Except I think my grandpa’s was a station wagon…

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Wow, what a fantastic article! These cross-country road trip tips are an absolute lifesaver for anyone planning to hit the open road. I appreciate how comprehensive and practical all the advice is, covering everything from packing essentials to staying safe while traveling. The personal anecdotes and recommended routes make it feel like a friend sharing their own adventures. Thank you so much for sharing these valuable insights. Can’t wait to plan my own epic road trip now! Cheers, Florence Fields

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Take Back Roads

Seeking authentic travel experiences, one back road at a time, the great american road trip: an itinerary for driving cross country.

I’ve taken a handful of cross country road trips over the years.  However, there are still a few cross country road trip ideas that remain on my bucket list:  riding a motorcycle cross country, taking one of America’s historic highways the whole way from coast to coast (US-50 is the most likely candidate), driving cross country on one of the northern routes, and driving a back roads loop around the country.  During the summers of 2020 & 2021 – in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic! – I managed to cross the latter two items off my list.

Well, sort of…  While the majority of these trips were on back roads, I must admit up front that we did also do a fair share of interstate driving across the Midwest.  With my sincerest apologies to residents of the flyover states , the time constraints for these trips forced us to take the highway across some of the center of the country, leaving very little time for sight-seeing.  Like our time in Las Vegas , we were going to have to prioritize.

A Round Trip Itinerary for a Cross Country Road Trip

The round trip road trip.

Technically, I’ve only done one coast to coast cross country road trip, and that was when I was 18.  All of my other cross country road trips have either started or ended in Pennsylvania (instead of the Atlantic coast).  While there is no formal definition for what qualifies as a cross country road trip, I feel confident that a trip covering 2,600 of the 3,000 mile span from coast to coast definitely fits the bill!  In fact, on our drive heading west, we zig-zagged our way across nearly 8,000 miles during just one road trip!

This post is going to examine routes to consider, destinations to include, and a few other great pieces of cross country road trip advice… so buckle up, because it’s going to be a long ride!

Generally speaking, there are three main routes to drive cross country:  northern, central, and southern.  Mostly self-explanatory, the northern route stays on a path across the northern states like Minnesota, Montana, or Idaho.  The central route follows a path across the middle states, like Kansas and Colorado.  The southern route stays mostly south, crossing states like Georgia, Texas, or Arizona.

As you can see on the map above, I am reviewing two of the three major routes to drive cross country.  In this post, like on my trip in 2020, I’m following a central route heading west and then a northern route heading east.

• Driving West: the Central Route
• Driving East: the Northern Route
• When to Travel (including insights on how long your road trip should be)
• Where to Stay Along the Way
• What to Take With You
• Additional Insights, tips, and road trip advice

Plan a Cross Country Road Trip

As you might imagine, when planning a road trip that’s going to encompass 6,000 miles or more, you’re going to need a significant amount of time to travel.  Even in a situation like ours, where the first or last 1,000 miles or so are on the interstate, you can still anticipate at least 125 hours of time behind the wheel.  If you’ve never taken a long road trip – or even if you have – that’s a lot of time to be driving.  When creating road trip plans for travelers, I suggest limiting actual driving time (“butts in seats” time) to 6 hours a day ; this allows you to still explore things you find along the way… and won’t completely burn you out to the experience of driving.

In my mind, there are two main categories of road trips :   trips in which you immerse yourself deeply into one region, and trips in which you experience a lot of different regions at once.  In the first category, immersing yourself deeply into one region, you spend your entire trip exploring all of the various things you can see in do in that particular region.  You delve into the intimate nuances which make that region unique, spending hours or even days exploring single areas.

A cross country road trip, by its very nature, is going to fall under the second category.  Instead of spending the majority (or entirety) of your trip exploring a single area, you are going to spend a little bit of time experiencing multiple different areas.  I like to call it an appetizer adventure :  you experience a proverbial sampler platter of a number of different regions of the country, getting a small taste of what that area has to offer.

Think of your cross country drive as a scouting trip of sorts;  you’re going to find areas where you’ll have a powerful desire to return and explore in greater depth, and you’ll also discover that other areas are places where you have no interesting in returning.   Do no go into the process of planning a cross country road trip expecting to explore many areas in depth.   Unless you are retired and/or have all the time in the world, you are going to find yourself disappointed if you go into your trip with this mindset!

As you might imagine, prioritizing the places you want to see is crucial to this process.   The very first hours of your planning process should be spent talking with your travel partner(s), discussing the places you absolutely must see, the places you’d really like to visit if there’s enough time, and the places you’re not particularly interested in visiting.  This will lay the groundwork for planning your route, and if you’re lucky, might actually make the process very simple.

Last thought:  While this itinerary will mostly follow my own recent trips, it will not be an exact match.   As I already mentioned, we had some time constraints that forced us to limit our itinerary a bit.  I’m going to add in a few destinations that we simply did not have time to explore, and let you decide what best fits your priorities!  As always, you can email me directly if you have additional questions!

Driving West:  the Central Cross Country Route

In case you missed it, our trip started in Pennsylvania , so that’s where this itinerary will start as well.  From there, we drove nearly straight west across the middle of the country and then dipped south.

Pennsylvania

There are many things that I could recommend for you to see and do in my home state, and it’s highly dependent upon what your interests are.  Because I’ve dedicated a number of posts to the things you can do here, I’m going to focus on just a few broad highlights and options to consider.

Places to go in Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia :  America’s first capital city is LOADED with historical experiences to explore
• Pittsburgh :  One of America’s original industrial cities, my hometown has undergone a complete makeover, and is now loaded with fascinating things to see and do
• Allegheny National Forest :  One of several outdoor enthusiast meccas in PA, ANF has a dynamic range of activities available year round… with plenty more nearby!
• Laurel Highlands :  Another outdoor enthusiast mecca, the Laurel Highlands is ALSO home to a number of homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Back Road Routes across Pennsylvania

• US Route 6 – a storied transcontinental route which cuts across the heart of the PA Wilds, you could take Route 6 the whole way to California if you so desire!
• US Route 30 – one of America’s most famous historical cross country highways, the Lincoln Highway takes travelers from New York City to San Francisco

West Virginia

America’s primary coal-mining state is well-known for its numerous mines and heavily wooded mountainous terrain.  Chock full of natural scenery, sweeping hilltop vistas, and twisting back roads, West Virginia is a great state to include on your route!

Places to go in WV

• Morgantown :  As the home of WVU , Morgantown is likely the most well-known city in the state, and offers plenty of places worth checking out
• Monongahela National Forest :  A MASSIVE National Forest that encompasses hundreds of thousands of acres of rugged mountain terrain, including…
• Dolly Sods Wilderness area :  A rocky and isolated wilderness area with plenty of places to hike and camp
• The Talon :  A twisting and winding mountain back road , especially popular with motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts

Back Road Routes across WV

• US Route 50 – Another historic cross country highway, Route 50 cuts across the northern woods of West Virginia
• US Route 250 – A zig-zagging route that runs diagonally across West Virginia, Route 250 cuts you through the heart of some of the wildest places in the state
• US Route 19 – Though it runs north to south, this historical route cuts across some of the most beautiful parts of the state, including the rock climbers’ heaven, New River Gorge

Back to Top

The Bourbon State.  The Bluegrass State.  Home of the Kentucky Derby.  Another major coal mining state.  No matter what description you use, the bottom line here is that Kentucky is one of my favorite states on the East Coast, and is home to some absolutely gorgeous back roads.

Places to go in Kentucky

• Bourbon Trail :  a conglomeration of destinations, Kentucky’s bourbon trail is an easy way to visit any number of distilleries creating the state’s most famous export.  My favorites (to visit, not necessarily to drink):  Maker’s Mark , Woodford, and Buffalo Trace
• Louisville :  Kentucky’s largest city is home to the Kentucky Derby , the world’s most famous baseball bats , and much more
• Daniel Boone National Forest :  Like MNF In WV, DBNF is home to dense woods, rugged terrain, rock climbing, cliffs, and plenty of places to hike
• Land Between the Lakes National Rec Area – a narrow strip of wilderness located between two lakes, full of hiking, camping, and water-based activities

Back Road Routes across Kentucky

• US Route 62 – a diagonal shot across the state, Route 62 cuts across the gorgeous heart of bourbon country and the well-groomed thoroughbred territory
• Kentucky Route 80 – Cutting across the southern edge of the state, KY-80 is filled with scenic beauty and plentiful options for exploration

Missouri is widely known as the Gateway to the West .  It’s largest city is home to the Gateway Arch, and because it sits centrally on the western banks of the Mississippi River, Missouri is often the first “western” state road trippers encounter.

Places to go in Missouri

• St Louis :  the state’s most famous city sits on the banks of the mighty Mississippi and features numerous tourist destinations:  Gateway Arch , Budweiser Brewery , and the National Transportation Museum are a few highlights.  This will also be the first place you’ll cross Route 66 on your trip west.
• Branson :  one of the cheesiest cities in the country, Branson is home to countless country and other live music venues, wax museums, and other various & sundry attractions.  Oh, and it sits at the northern edge of the Ozark Mountain wilderness.
• Dogwood Canyon & Hickory Canyon State Parks:  relatively small but jaw-droppingly gorgeous (see what I did there?), these two parks offer lots to see and do for the lover of natural scenery
• Mark Twain National Forest :  much larger than the previous parks, MTNF is home to thousands of acres of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and densely wooded rolling hills

Back Road Routes across Missouri

• US Route 160 – Running along the very southern edge of the state, Route 160 (who we’ll be seeing again..!) winds its way across the rolling foothills of the Ozarks
• US Route 60 – Only a couple dozen miles north of Route 160, Route 60 also cuts you across the hills of southern Missouri, albeit in a slightly more “refined” fashion:  Less rugged, fewer hills, and more open panoramas… but still a far more interesting and relaxing option than US Route 50, which cuts across several metro areas and long stretches of open plains

No sense in candy-coating the truth here:  Kansas is going to be one of the most boring, difficult states on this adventure.  That’s going to be nearly unavoidable, though, as it’s next to impossible to drive cross country without crossing one of the flat central plains states.

Places to go in Kansas

• Kansas City :  Located partially in Missouri and partially in Kansas, America’s most confusing city spans the Missouri River, Kansas River, the state border, and significant BBQ-based disputes !
• Little House on the Prairie Museum :  A replica of the tiny cabin where Laura Ingalls Wilder & her family lived
• Dodge City :  One of America’s most famous cowboy towns boasts a couple of excellent museums and a handful of old school taverns & saloons (plus its fair share of casinos)
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve :  some of the last natural tallgrass prairie acreage left in America

Back Road Routes across Kansas

• US Route 50 – If you really feel inclined and/or dedicated to do the entirety of your cross country trip on back roads, US 50 is probably your best option – especially if you’re stopping in Kansas City for some BBQ!
• US Route 400 – If you would rather have a rural route, US 400 takes you across the southern portion of the state, and connects with Route 50 in Dodge City

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(EDITOR’S NOTE:  The highlight lists from Colorado west will not include the most obvious tourist destinations that people are already aware of)

Things are about to get really, really incredible… well, eventually, once you’ve crossed over the 100 miles or so of Eastern Colorado that looks a whole lot like Kansas!  Once you hit the mountains, though, the scenery is simply remarkable.  Colorado is easily in my top five for most jaw-dropping back roads in the country (bear in mind, I’ve not been to Alaska or Hawaii yet).  The state is just absolutely loaded with incredible scenery… more than I could ever hope to capture or describe.  S electing only a handful of places to highlight (or roads to choose from) is going to be challenging from here going forward!  

Places to go in Colorado

• Pike’s Peak :  one of Colorado’s highest peaks also features some of Colorado’s best mountaintop driving… and it’s very close to one of my favorite cities in the state…
• Colorado Springs :  an awesome mountain city that is surrounded by utterly jaw-dropping natural beauty.  It also features several natural attractions in or near the city, and an awesome bohemian shopping district .
• Great Sand Dunes National Park :  an unusual and lesser known National Park (I hadn’t heard of it until Wanderlust Photography published their blog about it) centrally located in the southern tier of the state, Great Sand Dunes offers the unusual combination of desert and mountain scenery.  The San Juan Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop for the tallest sand dunes in North America.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP :  I hesitated about whether to include Black Canyon on this list.  Though the view from the North Rim was both impressive and uncrowded (we were the only ones there), and the drive to get there on CO-92 was genuinely stunning… the place felt somehow menacing to us.  The winds whipped and howled through the canyon, and the steep drop-offs were dizzying to behold.  The drive back to the North Rim also featured several unmarked & unfenced drop-offs, and was confusing and poorly marked.  It added at least 90 minutes each way to get there.  So if you’re going to go see it, I recommend the South Rim , which offers similar perspectives and is much closer and more easily accessible.
• Million Dollar Highway and Telluride :  I considered including the Million Dollar Highway as a route across the state, but the truth is, it’s one of the few places in America where the drive actually is the destination.  The scenic vistas are simply jaw-dropping – miles and miles of rugged mountain peaks and dense forests stretch in every direction – and the drive itself is thoroughly enjoyable, if perhaps a bit white-knuckle at times… There are also the historic mining towns of Ouray (pronounced “YOUR-ray”), Silverton , Durango , and Telluride, with their adorable downtown shopping districts surrounded on all sides by towering peaks.  I could spend weeks exploring here.

Back Road Routes across Colorado

• US Route 50 – Cutting a consistently scenic path across the central portion of the state, Route 50 provides convenient access to many of the best destinations in Colorado while also providing a natural boundary of sorts between the Rocky Mountains to the North and San Juan Mountains to the South.
• US Route 160 – As prefaced in Missouri, it’s back on US-160 again for an incredibly scenic way to drive across Colorado, providing easy access to Great Sand Dunes NP, a handful of destinations in the San Juan mountains, the Million Dollar Highway, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument… plus is a great way to head towards Monument Valley.

As is the case with Colorado, it’s critical to remember that this trip is the sampler platter, not the full entrée.  There is so much natural beauty to witness in Utah that you couldn’t see it all in a week or more.  The state’s most familiar features are its red rock desert formations, Canyons and Arches, and of course the massive salt flats .  The scenery is ethereal and often otherworldly, and can often spring up at you out of nowhere.  Be prepared to stop often, and often stop unexpectedly as you traverse the Beehive State .

Places to go in Utah

• Monument Valley :  One of a handful of “bucket list” locations that I finally crossed off my list on this trip is Monument Valley.  I feel, to be completely honest, like we need to come back and explore the area more to get a better appreciation for it.  The stone pillars were incredibly neat to see, but it felt like it was over fast – I think we might’ve missed some?
• Zion National Park :  I said I wasn’t going to include obvious tourist destinations, and here I am, a mere two states later including obvious tourist destinations.  But Zion is without question in my top five favorite National Parks in the country.   It will completely blow your mind the first time you drive through it.  If I had a nickel for every time my wife breathlessly exclaimed “Whoooaaaa…” as we weaved our way across the park, I could pay for someone to write this post for me!
• Glen Canyon National Rec Area :  An absolutely massive park that stretches south across the border into Arizona, Glen Canyon has over a million acres of stunning desert landscapes and water features to explore.  The twisting shores of Lake Powell carve jaw-dropping curves into the brilliant orange rocks, and the iconic Rainbow Bridge is nearby as well.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante :  Immediately adjacent to, and nearly double the size of Glen Canyon, Grand Staircase is yet another collection of diverse and awe-inspiring arid landscapes.  With arches, pillars, dunes, slot canyons, and a number of other features to discover, you could easily spend a week hiking across the depths of this enormous National Monument.
• Little Sahara Rec Area :  In a state that is world-famous for its off-roading opportunities , the Little Sahara rec area is a hidden gem of sorts for thrashing your UTV or SXS.  Hiking and fat biking trails are also available, as are places to camp.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls (and trailhead ):   Not to overuse a cliche or anything, but the Falls are just absurdly stunning, and the moderate hike to get there ain’t shabby either!
• Kanab :  One of several renowned outdoor adventurist towns in Utah, Kanab is a great place for launching a plethora of desert-based activities.  It’s also home to the BLM visitors center where you can attempt to get walk-in permits for The Wave in Arizona.  The town itself is really cool, with a handful of unique shops, restaurants, marketplaces, and museums.

Back Road Routes across Utah

• US Route 89 – Utah’s intensely rugged and deeply carved geography make it particularly challenging to traverse east to west using strictly back roads. US-89 weaves an unusual course into the state from Arizona, then heads east-west for a stretch near Glen Canyon and Grand Staircase, before turning north again.
• US Route 6 – The aforementioned storied east to west transcontinental route winds its way across Utah, intermingling with several other well-known US Routes along the way.
• US Routes 40 & 50 – I mention both in the same breath here because they run similar courses not far from each other across the state… though both will try to run you along the interstate for a stretch if you’re not careful!
• Utah Route 12 – It’s not included in the list of The Best Back Roads in America for no reason!  Though short, Utah’s State Route 12 carves a panoramic path across some of the most rugged, mind-bending rock formations and desert geography that I’ve ever witnessed.

It was hard to skip over one of my favorite states in the country – Arizona – but again, for the sake of miles on a trip of this size, you have to make cuts somewhere .  Nevada is one of the most imposingly beautiful states you’ll ever visit.  It’s also contains some of the most desolate places you’ll ever visit – certainly some of the most remote places in the lower 48.  The landscape is often severely harsh and inhospitable, and will provide you with the longest “human-free” stretches of driving on your journey …. so make sure you have plenty of gas , and fill up whenever you have the opportunity!  But fear not, because those same imposing and inhospitable landscapes will also provide you with countless uninterrupted natural panoramas, stretching as far as the eye can see without a single man-made structure in sight.  It truly is a wonder to behold, and if you’re open to it, it might just change your perspective on humanity .

Places to go in Nevada

• Valley of Fire State Park :  Intense reds and oranges will fill your vision as you make your way into and around Valley of Fire.  The sandstone formations jut out of the ground in unusual angles all around you, and there is plenty of petrified wood to discover.  With an incredible Off-Road Park feeding into the northern edge of the state park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here.
• Nelson Ghost Town and Nelson’s Landing :  I found these gems by sheer happenstance while looking for outdoor activities for our adventure in Las Vegas a few years ago, and we absolutely fell in love.  The ghost town is super cool, populated by ancient-looking wooden structures, and the landscape is littered with old cars.  There is an old abandoned mine, and even an airplane… and let’s not forget about cliff jumping into the Colorado River at Nelson’s Landing!  An all-around amazing day trip!
• Goldfield :  Speaking of old mining towns, Goldfield is another great historical destination in the desert.  For such a small town, it has a surprising amount of things worth seeing – historic saloons, museums, shops, and even a car forest !  Being fairly isolated in the sparsely populated center of the state, and surrounded by stark natural beauty, the area around Goldfield is also prime real estate for stargazing .
• The Loneliest Road in America :  In addition to being one of the most direct ways to drive east-west across the state, US Route 50 in Nevada also sports the rather depressing moniker of being the loneliest road in the country.  It’s true in a lot of ways:  there isn’t much life in any direction at any point on Route 50, human or otherwise.  Once you leave Ely, none of the few small towns you’ll come across in the next 250+ miles heading west have more than 500 residents.  But, as I’ve already mentioned above, there’s incredible beauty in all of that loneliness.
• Great Basin National Park :  One of the smaller, more remote – and maybe most underappreciated and unknown – National Parks in the lower 48, Great Basin sports some absolutely stunning mountain peaks and desert valleys.  Sitting at the eastern end of the Loneliest Road in America, Great Basin offers plenty of hiking trails, scenic drives, and snow-capped mountain peaks.  Make sure to swing southeast from there to pick up Utah Route 12 across Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase, Escalante, and Capitol Reef!
• Black Rock Desert :  In addition to being the home of Burning Man every August, the BRD is also a place to find incredible natural scenery.  Loaded with abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping, this area is known as being one of the darkest – and best – stargazing spots in the whole country.
• Paradise Valley :  Located smack in the middle of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest – a bit of a misnomer, as we didn’t see any trees until we drove up over the mountain pass – Paradise Valley is indeed an arid wonderland.  In addition to being a good spot for hunting out abandoned buildings, the desert valley is partially ringed to the North & West by a string of jagged mountain peaks.  The rugged terrain is perfect for dispersed camping opportunities, though the isolated nature of the area forces me to only suggest this for experienced campers.

Back Road Routes across Nevada

• US Route 50 – as mentioned above, Route 50 offers one of the simplest ways of driving east to west across this arid state.  I would be remiss if I did not repeat my advice:  MAKE SURE you always have gas in your vehicle.  There are countless places where you are going to be 30-50 miles or more from the nearest gas station, and it’s entirely plausible you could wait several hours before seeing another human.
• US Route 6 – coming into the state joined with Route 50 from Utah, the two routes diverge in Ely, with 50 heading on a more northerly course towards Lake Tahoe, and Route 6 cutting south towards Tonopah and Mono County CA.  Nearly as lonely as Route 50, Route 6 is another place to not mess around with being safe – an overabundance of caution with regards to maintaining your vehicle and fuel is crucial.
• US Route 95 – As with Route 19 in West Virginia, Route 95 deserves mention in spite of being a north-south route.  As one of my favorite back roads in the country, 95 is chock full of natural scenery, and it connects you with several of the best destinations in the state.

California is easily the most intimidating state on this entire list to try to tackle.  As the third largest state in the country, superlatives are abundant in my favorite state for back road driving.  I described California to my wife as having similar natural features as other states in the country – forests, mountains, deserts, rivers, the ocean, etc – but on grander, exaggerated scale.  The state’s terrain takes on mythical proportions:  the mountains are more dramatic, the deserts more dry, the coastline totally defies description, and the trees tower above you in startling size.  California has been lionized in American mythology, and with good reason.  I’m not even going to attempt to scratch the surface of everything there is to see and do – not to mention the countless amazing back roads to explore.  I’m only going to address a handful of things we saw and did on our cross country adventure, and leave the rest for you to fill in the blanks!

Places to go in Northern California

• Mono Lake & Tufa Reserve :  Looking like an eyeball on the map, Mono Lake appears to stare back at you as you ogle open-mouthed at its mountain-lined shores.  In addition to its striking panoramas, Mono Lake also features a number of otherworldly Tufa Towers along its shorelines.
• Mountain Gate Park :  Small and seemingly uninteresting on its face, this “park” – in reality, more of a rest area than a park – is a fantastic place for the hot and road-weary traveler to stop and refresh themselves in the frigid rush of the West Walker River.  Surrounded by steep and arid canyon walls, the melt-water river is shallow, clear, and crisp, its bottom lined with countless smooth stones for walking across.  Whether you sit on the shoreline and dunk your feet, or go whole hog and cross into its “depths,” it’s a relaxing place to rest up before continuing on your journey.
• Monitor Pass :  This white-knuckle mountain pass winds its way east across the Sierra Nevada chain, providing countless dynamic panoramic vistas … for the passengers!  Drivers beware:  This road, while gorgeous, is dangerously distracting.  Keep your eyes on the road, and use the numerous pull-offs to do your viewing.  The Lake Alpine area in particular is gorgeous, and loaded with outdoor activities to explore!
• Calaveras Big Trees State Park :  Calaveras Big Trees is just one of many, many places in California where you can walk among towering sequoia and redwood trees.  We appreciated the approachability and relaxed nature of the park, and found plenty of things to see and explore while we were there.  The campgrounds were affordable, clean, spacious, and provided easy access to numerous scenic hikes, and the sky was dark enough at night to make viewing the Milky Way easy.
• Yosemite National Park :  I know, I’m breaking my own rule about obvious tourist destinations, but come on!  How can I not include one of the most dramatic scenic drives in America and one of the most dramatic back road vista points in America, all within a park that is laden with a plethora of both?  I could spend at least a week there, finding new angles to capture the natural beauty of the landscapes, and I would strongly recommend you do the same.  If nothing else, make sure to do the drive through Yosemite Valley , and the drive up to Glacier Point .  Though they are less than a mile apart as the crow flies, it’ll take you about an hour to drive from one to the other!
• Napa Valley :  More specifically, I suggest you drive the loop around Napa Valley .  Though a very short drive, you could easily spend a couple days meandering your way from winery to winery – the route is lined with several dozen  excellent  ones – and it’s ringed on all sides by absolutely stunning natural splendor.  The diversity of the scenery alone – the flat valley floor, surrounded by rugged green and sand mountain peaks, rows and rows of grape arbors capped at each end with gnarled prickly pear cacti, all lined by lush evergreen and palm forests – makes this drive worthwhile… And of course, it’s easily America’s most celebrated wine region.  Again, I’m breaking my own rule a bit by including a fairly touristy destination, but the beauty of the drive – and the back road nature of the route (and the small towns and villages along the way) make it more than worthy of inclusion on this list.  Oh, and just over the western ridge is Sonoma County ,  ANOTHER  excellent wine region!
• Russian River Valley :  Most widely known as an excellent wine and beer region, driving through the Russian River Valley makes me absolutely swoon.  The scenery, driving west from US-101 along River Road, is absurdly diverse and dynamic in a relatively short stretch of miles…. and it will leave you gawking nearly the entire way.  I’m building a full-length post specifically devoted to this drive, but I’ll say this – it’s the only place in the half-million or so miles I’ve driven where you can experience palm trees, vineyards, dense redwood forests, a deep winding river, rolling hills and mountains, adorable bohemian villages, AND a gorgeous ocean coastline … all contained within a less-than-30-mile drive .

Back Road Routes Across California

• CA State Route 4 – Twisting and winding its way across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, CA-4 starts near the state’s eastern border at Topaz Lake , and terminates near the western coast at San Pablo Bay .  In the interim, you’ll cross mountain passes, desert floor, dense forest, the scorched expanse of the Central Valley, and the dense congestion of East Bay.
• CA State Route 120 – Though CA-120 barely makes it halfway across the state, terminating at I-5 in the middle of the Central Valley, it more than makes up for its short distance with its stunning scenery.  Starting near the bone-dry border with Nevada, 120 will quickly leave you gasping as you make your way past Mono Lake and into the jagged peaks of the Eastern Sierras.  Before long, the alpine beauty of Tuolumne Meadows is whizzing past, and you’ve found yourself crossing the heart of Yosemite National Park.  Wind your way down the foothills of the Western Sierras, across Don Pedro Reservoir, and into the spartan beauty of the Valley.
• CA State Route 89 – Yeesh!  Another north-south route, AND another state route!  I’ll be honest – the US Routes aren’t great options for east-west crossings of California.  They are often multi-lane highways that cut quickly across the less-scenic areas of the state, and don’t make for enjoyable driving.  I digress.  CA-89 is a mountain lovers paradise!  Towering mountains line nearly all of this route as it winds north from Topaz Lake along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada range.  The road is just loaded with some of the most stunning mountain vistas I’ve ever seen in my life.  You’ll pass through a handful of kitschy mountain towns, along the eastern edge of Lake Tahoe , Donner Pass , across Plumas National Forest , and into the Cascade Mountains .  Don’t forget to stop at Lassen Volcanic National Park and National Forest .  The route terminates at the base of Mount Shasta .
• US Route 395 – Like US Route 95 in Nevada, US 395 deserves mention here because it connects so many of the beautiful places in California.  It threads its way up the eastern edge of the state and the Sierra Nevada range , connecting one scenic spot after another like a spine holding the body together.  In addition to connecting so many beautiful spots, 395 itself is a rather fantastic drive even without stopping.  Start out at the bottom, just north of the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests, and roll nearly straight north through the arid valley that makes up one of my favorite back roads in the country.

Driving East:  the Northern Cross Country Route

Heading home, I was finally able to hit up several northern states I’d never explored before.  My primary goals for the return drive were to explore Idaho, experience Yellowstone, and drive Beartooth Pass – all of which I was able to do!   NOTE :  Though we drove across the northwestern corner of Nevada and had our first campsite in Paradise Valley, there’s no point in duplicating the state in the list.  Instead, I’m going to start the list in Oregon, a state which rivals California in many ways, and would also make a great starting point for a east-bound cross country road trip!

Officially the start of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon rivals its southern neighbor in biodiversity and geographic landscapes.  Though not as large, and often not as sunny and warm as California, Oregon is still an absolutely beautiful, enchanting and unique state to visit:  dense, lush forests grow right up to the very edge of the jagged Pacific Coastline, and the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains separates the coast from a surprisingly vast and arid desert in the southeastern corner of the state.  National Forests abound, and there’s even a pretty excellent wine region!

Places to go in Oregon

• Three Sisters :  Three 10,000+ foot volcanic peaks (plus the nearby Broken Top peak ), laden with glacial ice and alpine lakes, all located within less than five miles of each other?  What more could an outdoor adventure explorer ask for?
• Oregon Redwoods Trail :  Located less than a mile from the California border and less than five miles from the coast, this hiking area makes for a beautiful place to walk amongst the towering coastal redwood trees.
• The Rugged Volcanic Peaks of the Cascade Range :  Running from south to north, and loaded with year-round outdoor activity options, this list includes some of the most prominent and well-known peaks in the west:  Mount McLoughlin , Mount Scott & Crater Lake , Mount Thielsen , Mount Bachelor , The Three Sisters, Mount Washington , Mount Jefferson , and Mount Hood .
• Smith Rock State Park :  What this park lacks in overall size, it more than makes up for with its stunning natural beauty.  Though primarily known as a rock climbing destination , the park also has abundant hiking trails and primitive campsites.
• An abundance of State Forests and National Forests
• Willamette Valley :  a world-class wine region, on par with the more widely known Napa and Sonoma valleys, lining the Willamette River and primarily centered in the region between Portland and Salem .

Back Road Routes Across Oregon

• US Route 20 – Starting at the Pacific Coast at Route 101 in Newport , Route 20 winds its way east through the heavily wooded hills of the Oregon Coast Range and the southern end of the Willamette Valley.  After passing through the city of Bend , Route 20 crosses the surprisingly desolate and remarkably flat expanse of eastern Oregon before joining US Route 26 near the Idaho border.
• US Route 26 – Like Route 20, US Route 26 starts near the Pacific Coast at Route 101.  After a brief pass through the dense coastal woods, Route 26 cuts across the heart of Portland before heading east.  From Portland, the route passes in the shadow of Mt Hood and cuts nearly straight south past two remarkable state parks , then across a rolling scenic valley between Ochoco National Forest and John Day Fossil Bed before uniting with US 20.  Because the two routes run in parallel and join together at the eastern edge of the state, if you are making your way across Oregon, US 26 is clearly the better choice for an enjoyable drive.
• OR State Route 140 – Though the route does not cut the entire way across the state, it does cut a very scenic path across the southern edge of Oregon.  Running east from Medford to roughly halfway between US Route 395 and 95 in the desolate southeastern corner of the state, the route’s scenery ranges from the Cascade Mountains , the waterways and woodlands of the Klamath Falls area , and into the desolate desert east of Goose Lake .
• US Route 395 – Though not quite as beautiful as its counterpart in California, US 395 in Oregon similarly cuts through the arid, desolate beauty in central Oregon.  Winding a north-south course across the entire state, the route passes near or through several National Forests along the way.

Idaho is definitely the next-most intimidating state to write about on this list, after California.  That might seem a bit ostentatious for a state most widely known as the home of the lowly potato.  Merely brushing Idaho off as a bunch of boring farmland, however, would be to miss one of the most jaw-dropping states in America.  I had never really given Idaho much thought as a state worth visiting, and I almost wonder if that’s how they want it to be.  There’s really not much of a tourism vibe in the state, and I wonder if they want to keep their natural splendor a guarded secret.  I quite unexpectedly tripped over the allure of Idaho while working on a road trip plan for someone back in 2019, and the more I looked into it, the stronger my desire to explore the state became.  Even with a ton of build-up and seriously high expectations, the rugged mountains of Idaho did not disappoint!  Like California, picking which pictures to share – especially from the back road drone shots – was incredibly challenging.

Places to go in Idaho

• Sun Valley :  Technically considered a town, Sun Valley is more of a place or a geographic area… but who really cares what it is, aside from the fact that it’s jaw-droppingly, heart-stoppingly beautiful!  Near the top of the list of my favorite things we saw in Idaho.
• Coeur d’Alene :  Apparently some of the most beautiful parts of Idaho are known by the names of the town that’s nearby?  Either way, if you’re venturing this far up north, this mountains and lakes area can’t be missed!
• Snake River :  OK so given that the Snake River runs roughly 1/3 of the length of the western border of the state AND THEN meanders its way across the state over to Wyoming, it’s hard to pick a single place to link to here.  We cut across the river several times during our drive across the state, and it always provided us with gorgeous sightlines and panoramic views… and if you’re a fisherman, this one is gold!
• Payette River : Since my Places for Idaho weren’t weird enough already, let’s toss another river into the mix!  Consisting of a North & South Fork that merge at ID-55 just north of Banks , the Payette River runs through some of the most beautiful, rugged parts of the state, making long stretches of its raging waters ideal for white-water rafting!
• Sawtooth Mountains and National Forest : – OK, so I know that geographically this encompasses a pretty huge area, but between Sawtooth & the neighboring Salmon Challis NF , you could spend a full year exploring its beautiful mountains and dense evergreen forests without seeing everything the area has to offer.

Back Road Routes Across Idaho

• US Route 12 – As an oddly shaped state that’s much “taller” than it is “wide,” finding East-West back road routes across the state is surprisingly difficult.  That said, US 12 is an amazing option to consider, cutting an incredibly scenic path across the rugged northern third of the state.  Lewiston is the “biggest” city along the sparsely populated route, which eventually cuts through Nez Perce National Forest along the Lochsa River Valley , adjacent to countless natural hot springs.
• ID State Routes 17, 21 and 75 – This is a bit of a tough one to weave together, since it doesn’t follow any of the routes completely, and it’s not the full Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway either.  This route, however, starting from where the two forks of the Payette merge and running east to west along the Southern Fork for most of the way, cuts through some of the most stunning canyon and mountain driving I’ve ever done.  The route is lined with abundant opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, natural hot springs, dispersed camping and much more… and offers you options to drop into additional outdoor activity havens like Sun Valley.
• US Route 20 (and 26) – Eventually merging with US Route 26, US Route 20 cuts a long, often flat, often straight line across the southern tier of the state.  Running from I-84 south of Boise all the way up to the Wyoming border and into Yellowstone , US 20 is actually quite reminiscent of driving across Nevada :  vast open valleys (with stick-straight driving) surrounded by gorgeous jagged mountain peaks along the way.  You’ll also pass right by Craters of the Moon National Monument .
• ID State Route 55 and US Route 95 – Running North and South from Boise to the Canadian border, this route will wind you through some of the most stunning open landscapes in the state.  Much of the route runs parallel to the Northern Fork of the Payette River, from the outlets on the southern edges of Payette Lake and Lake Cascade all the way down to Boise.  Continue further north across a handful of National Forests , Coeur D’Alene, and the fabulous Lake Pend before hitting the Canadian border.

Dear Western United States:  Please stop having so many absolutely gorgeous states.  Sincerely, no one ever.  Honestly, though, it’s a real coin-flip, choosing whether to head from Idaho into Montana or Wyoming.  Both states have long stretches of absolutely gorgeous mountain driving, and both also have long stretches of teeth-grindingly boring open plains to cross.  What sealed the deal for us was the opportunity to finally check Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks off the list, so we headed a little south into Wyoming and had our minds blown by all of the gorgeous rugged scenery the state has to offer.  The fact that we could shoot briefly up into Montana on Beartooth Pass definitely helped!  Although back road options are somewhat limited in this vast state, I’ve definitely enjoyed every time I’ve driven across it!

Places to go in Wyoming

• Yellowstone and Grand Teton :  OK look, I know that I said that I wasn’t going to hit the most widely known tourist destinations in each state, but honestly, how can I write about Wyoming and not include Yellowstone and Grand Teton ?  Aside from taking up like 15% of the state’s total area, the mountains and hot springs in both parks just simply define the state.  Just don’t get caught in the traffic on US-191 (like we did) travelling from one park to the other.
• Medicine Bow National Forest :  Absolutely stunning mountains surround deep blue alpine lakes and lush evergreen forests at this northern edge of the Rocky Mountain chain.  Often snowed-in well into the late spring and beginning again in early fall, the area can be difficult to access at times, and has a surprising lack of ski resorts.  That said, the gorgeous mountain vistas along many of the hiking trails are worth the extra effort.
• Beartooth Highway :  Though it does briefly cross over into Montana at the northern edge of Yellowstone, the vast majority of Beartooth Highway and Beartooth Pass traverses the northern edge of Wyoming.  Crossing a vast brigade of mountain peaks and National Forests, this twisting road will take you on some of the most stunning cliff’s edge driving this side of the Million Dollar Highway!  Though it’s primarily about the drive – and the panoramic vista points at the pull-offs – there are a handful of drop-dead gorgeous dispersed campsites to be had… if you can find them !
• Palisades Reservoir :  Surrounded by mountains and straddling the border between Wyoming and Idaho, this stunning man-made reservoir is situated just ten miles south of Jackson on the Snake River… and if that sweet alliteration doesn’t convince you to go check it out, maybe my drone video from there will!
• Big Horn National Forest :  An absolutely sprawling park, filled with more mountain peaks, alpine lakes, densely wooded trails, and a boatload of other outdoor activities.  If you’re making your way across from Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills, this is a great place to break up the drive and spend a day.
• Curt Gowdy State Park :  Both little-known and little in size, what this park lacks in stature, it makes up for in scenery and activities. With spectacular rock formations, fantastic hikes, boating & fishing, horseback riding, an archery range, a waterfall, and a lot more, this park has something for everyone!

Back Road Routes Across Wyoming

• US Route 14 – Starting in Chicago and terminating in Yellowstone, this historic route weaves a drunken path meandering from one side of the state to the other.  Running parallel (and now concurrent) with I-90 for a stretch from the South Dakota border, it heaves north of the interstate twice (including around Big Horn) before levelling out on its way into Cody and towards the eastern gate of Yellowstone.
• US Route 26 – Roughly following the original path of the Oregon Trail and North Platte River across the desolate central plains of the state, US-26 comes into the state in the southeastern corner near Fort Laramie, then slowly meanders its way northwest toward Grand Teton and the Idaho border.

South Dakota

Coming from the west, central South Dakota is where the Great Plains really begin in earnest.  Once you’ve made your way across the twisting maze of granite and pine that make up the Black Hills, the landscape flattens out rapidly.  The Missouri River cuts a massive gash down the middle of the state, looking almost like a piece of paper that’s been ripped in two.  Interestingly (at least to me), the Black Hills is the first – and only – place I’ve witnessed a mountain lion in the wild.  On the plus side, hey, at least it’s not North Dakota.  I kid, I kid!

Places to go in South Dakota

• Custer State Park :  Full of towering otherworldly granite formations and gnarly winding roads, this large park is a great place for outdoor activities, bikers, and sports car enthusiasts!
• International Vinegar Museum :  OK, so this is one of those little oddball places that I love to discover.  Admittedly, I’ve not been there, and it looks relatively small, but if you happen to be in this relatively distant and obscure corner of South Dakota, it’ll certainly break up the monotony!
• Badlands National Park :  Yes, I know, another tourist destination.  But the jagged ridgelines and brilliant orange and red colors of the geological formations here seem starkly out of place in an otherwise green, pastoral state.  Loaded with wonderful hiking trails and insane scenic overlooks, the Badlands definitely feels like they were plucked out of Utah and dropped into South Dakota by some “ Wizard of Oz ” like tornado.
• Ingalls Homestead :  There are several different Laura Ingalls Wilder related locations spread throughout the Midwest, but quite a few of them are located in and around De Smet, SD .

Back Road Routes Across South Dakota

• US Routes 14 – Though the last 40-50 miles of the western portion of the route merges with I-90 near the town of Wall (home of the kitschy Wall Drug ), it winds its way east to west across the majority of the state.  In addition to Wall, US-14 also passes through the capital city of Pierre and the aforementioned De Smet.
• State Route 44 – Running nearly the full east to west length of the state and cutting across the Badlands and Black Hills, Route 44 is a great option for avoiding the highway on a cross country road trip!

You’ve now solidly entered the heart of the Great Plains, kids… the rugged aura of the wild west is a long distant memory in the rear view mirror.  While the pastoral miles of America’s breadbasket have a peaceful beauty to them, I recommend downloading a few interesting podcasts for each day’s drive to keep your mind active as the road stretches endlessly towards the horizon in front of you.  The Land of 10,000 Lakes (nearly 12,000, actually) is a nature lover’s paradise in many ways though, and is also home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River .

Places to go in Minnesota

• Gooseberry Falls :  One of a long list of excellent parks on the western shore of Lake Superior (several of which are featured here), this relatively small park has a number of hikes, shoreline trails, and of course, a pretty gnarly set of cascading waterfalls.
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park :   Like Gooseberry Falls, what this Lake Superior shoreline park lacks in size, it more than makes up for in stunning natural beauty.  Featuring its namesake historic cliffside lighthouse, the park also has lots of hiking opportunities and waterfalls to explore.
• Tettegouche State Park :  Can’t get enough of Lake Superior yet?  Who can blame you!  The largest of the Great Lakes shows its glacial history in its numerous lakeside cliffs, and Tettegouche State Park boasts some of the most stunning cliffs in the state.  As with most of the local parks, Tettegouche features a plethora of hikes, waterfalls, fishing opportunities, and even rock climbing.
• Voyageurs National Park :  If you’re venturing towards the northern end of the state and the Canadian border, a stop at this large and secluded National Park is well worth your time.  The park features sprawling, often-interconnected water features and is a boating fanatic’s wonderland.  Be sure to stop and check out the rock sculptures at Ellsworth Rock Garden .
• Kabetogama State Park :  This park is paradise for fishing, snowmobiling/ATV riding, hiking, boating and kayaking.  It’s a great place for slowly paddling your way northwards through the interconnected waterways, meandering towards the southern boundary of Voyageurs NP.

Back Road Routes Across Minnesota

• State Route 61 – I can’t mention all of those glorious shoreline parks on Lake Superior without also mentioning the fabulously scenic lakeshore drive , can I?  Though the majority of Route 61 runs north to south, the section of the route running parallel to the lake takes a more southwest to northeast course… and while it terminates at the Canadian border, the stunning scenery along the way makes the detour well worth your time.  After all, it wouldn’t be one of the best back roads in America if it wasn’t!
• State Route 210 – Given that this east to west route runs across the heart of Lake Country and through several state parks and state forests, finally terminating after weaving across Jay Cooke SP south of Duluth, I was shocked by the dearth of tourist information about the route online.
• US Route 14 – For those who aren’t interested – or don’t have time – for a northern adventure, US-14 offers a good option for meandering across the southern end of this tall state.  The route passes through a handful of farming towns and villages, small cities, and passes near the stunning Minneopa State Park .

Cheese!  As the home to plentiful cheese & dairy products, as well as the state where Harley-Davidson and OshKosh B’Gosh started, you’ll definitely find plenty to do in this gorgeous northern plains state.  And because it’s the first state you’ll encounter after crossing the Mississippi River, it’s the “beginning of the end” of your cross country trip.  You’re now starting back into the eastern side of the country .

Places to go in Wisconsin

• The Dells (Wisconsin Dells) :  These fascinating riverside rock formations can only be accessed by boat, so make sure to review your trip options and choose your tour carefully!
• Rocky Arbor State Park :  Not far from the aforementioned riverside rocks is Rocky Arbor, this peaceful park is loaded with campsites and hiking trails.  You can explore the woods, or hike down for a few views of the sandstone cliffs.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum :  The world-famous author bounced around quite a bit during her prolific life and writing career, setting up camp in several locations across the Midwest.  This museum, near the Mississippi River in Pepin, is located at her birthplace.
• Five Mile Bluff Prairie :  Located near Pepin along the Chippewa River, Five Mile Bluff offers hikers several sweeping panoramas of both rivers and nearly uninterrupted natural vistas.
• Taliesin Estate :  Located in the southeastern corner of the state is one of Frank Lloyd Wright ‘s architectural masterpieces, and was his long-term home and studio.  The site of a brutal multiple-homicide and arson attack, Wright quickly re-designed and re-built his destroyed estate before his own death.  Don’t forget to stop at the quirky Romeo & Juliet windmill while you’re there.
• The House on the Rock :  Speaking of quirky buildings, the House on the Rock is a must-see attraction while you’re in the Spring Green area.  With a cantilevered section of the home extending more than 200 feet out over the valley floor below it, it’s an architectural masterpiece that you have to see in order to believe!  Sadly, both Taliesin and House on the Rock were closed due to COVID restrictions during our drives, or I would have more photos of each to share!
• Apostle Island National Lakeshore :  A water-lover’s paradise, this chain of sandstone islands features plenty of stunning landscapes and rock formations, as well as a number of historic lighthouses.  While the islands are best experienced from the seat of a kayak, a sea kayak is the only safe/recommended method to explore the area.

Back Road Routes Across Wisconsin

• US Route 14 – Running northwest to southeast across the southern portion of the state, US-14 cuts across the capital city of Madison and Spring Green, but mostly runs across the scenic rolling hills of Wisconsin farmland.
• US Route 18 – Heading nearly straight east to west from Milwaukee, US-18 runs across the southern tier of the state towards Iowa and South Dakota.  Route 18 also cuts across Madison, then diverts along a more southern and rural track.
• US Route 10 – As one of only two US historic routes that includes a designated ferry as part of the actual route, US-10 starts on the eastern edge of the state on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Running along a more northern track, there are several short detours from US-10 to enjoy cities like Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Eau Claire while also relishing the diverse natural scenery.

And here we finally meet the states that were a bit more difficult to get excited about.  I’ll be the first to admit it:  I bag on the flyover states, and that’s not fair.  The midwestern states have plenty of interesting destinations to offer.  My feeling comes from the sense that the vast majority of the land is open, flat, and tends not to inspire words like “stunning” or “breath-taking” or “awe-inspiring.”  I digress.  The land of Lincoln does have it’s fair share of enjoyable back road drives, and several rather unique features worth finding and exploring!

Images courtesy of Illinois DNR

Places to go in illinois.

• Starved Rock State Park / Nature Preserve :  This long, narrow park and adjoining preserve along the southern shore of the Illinois River is loaded with excellent natural features to explore.  With a handful of elevated river overlooks, a bunch of waterfalls and hikes, and more canyons than Arizona, this small park packs a punch!
• Matthiessen State Park :  Literally right down the road from Starved Rock is another small State Park that is full of natural beauty worth exploring.  With multiple bridges and waterfalls, you could easily spend a couple hours hiking the park and … soaking … in all the scenery! (Dad jokes are free for those who’ve made it this far!)
• Peru IL:  I haven’t included virtually any “indoor” sights on this post, but the city of Peru has two that are worth exploring.  The Westclox Museum looks like it will be a fascinating place to spend a few hours perusing the displays (especially if, like me, you love old clocks).  A few blocks down the road is the absolutely jaw-dropping Hegeler Carus Mansion .  Given that Peru is just across the river from the two aforementioned state parks, you could easily spend a couple days exploring everything this part of Illinois has to offer!
• Villa Katherine :  Speaking of absolutely stunning architecture, perched on the banks overlooking the Mississippi River near Quincy is the incredible Moorish-style Villa Katherine.  The building is currently used as the city’s tourist information center, and guided tours of the structure can be taken on an appointment basis.  Make sure to explore the city’s historic district and Log Cabin Village .
• Lincoln Home :  As the first and only home that President Lincoln ever owned, this memorial site is a must-visit spot for any history buff in your group!

Back Road Routes Across Illinois

• US Route 6 – America’s longest contiguous historic route runs nearly cross country (coast to coast), and is now mirrored by Interstate 80 in many states.  Cutting across the northern portion of the state into Chicago, Route 6 also runs through several of the highlighted locations above!
• US Route 24 – One of America’s original federal routes, dating back to the start of the US highway system in 1926, runs the heart of the auto manufacturing corridor in Michigan west to central Colorado.  Heading west to east, the route crosses the Mississippi into the state at Quincy and heads northeast along the Illinois River to Peoria, where it makes a sharp turn to head directly east into Indiana.
• US Route 50 – After leaving St Louis and hooking a left at O’Fallon, US-50 quickly opens up to become a mostly straight shot across the rural flatlands of Illinois corn country.

The Hoosier state, like it’s eastern and western neighbors, is primarily known to travelers as being home to millions of acres of corn fields.  However, like all of the midwestern states, Indiana is home to a handful of hidden gems for travelers to unearth.  One merely needs to know where and how to find them!

Places to go in Indiana

• Turkey Run State Park :  Though less than half a mile square, this tiny park is absolutely packed with diverse natural beauty.  Canyons, creeks, a covered bridge, camping, horseback riding and historical sites abound, with plenty of relatively easy hikes to explore throughout the park.
• Shades State Park :  Just a few miles up the road, also along the meandering path of Sugar Creek, Shades State Park is another fantastic location filled with natural beauty and outdoor activities.  Sandstone cliffs set the scene for most of the hiking and water sports in the park, and it too sports a historic covered bridge.
• Circus Hall of Fame :  This one is pretty self-explanatory!  Make sure to also check out the surprising Miami County Museum in nearby Peru.
• Salamonie River State Park :  Another very small park located about 20 miles east of Peru, the real highlight of the park is the hike to the wide drop of Kissing Falls .  Make sure to also check out Hanging Rock National Landmark while you’re there.
• Studebaker Museum :  Located in the heart of South Bend – home of the glorious campus of Notre Dame University – the Studebaker Museum houses three floors of displays featuring the historic cars manufactured there, as well as American car culture in general.

Back Road Routes Across Indiana

• US Route 24 – Cutting a similar path across Indiana as it did in neighboring Illinois, US-24 parallels the Wabash River across much of the state, and will drop you close to several of the parks listed above.
• US Route 36 – Like US-24, US-36 was one of the original federal highways commissioned in 1926.  Running mostly straight east to west across the most rural stretches of the state, it also brings travelers close to Turkey Run and Shades State Parks before crossing downtown Indianapolis .
• US Route 50 – The southern option for crossing the state on a historical federal route, US-50 runs through largely rural and relatively isolated areas of the state, eventually bearing northeast towards Cincinnati.

The Buckeye State will be the final stop on our cross country road trip itinerary.  Ohio is a relatively interesting state on the East Coast, made up of an unusual mix of large swaths of flat open farmland to the north and west, and thick forests and rolling hills to the south and east.  When looking at a satellite image of the state, it’s almost as if there’s a slash running diagonally across the state, separating the two different geographies contained within.

Places to go in Ohio

• Cuyahoga Falls National Park :  The only National Park in the state, Cuyahoga Falls is a relatively new, absolutely gorgeous place to stop smack in the middle between Cleveland and Akron.  The long and narrow park, centered around the Cuyahoga River, features numerous hiking trails and is most widely known for the cascading Brandywine Falls .
• May 4th Memorial :  Though the Kent State shooting in 1970 might be widely known, it’s absolutely worth seeing the memorial and learning more about the history of the four students murdered and nine more injured by the US National Guard during protests against the Vietnam War.
• The Ohio State Reformatory :  Most obviously known as the site where the vast majority of Shawshank Redemption was filmed, the prison is also home to paranormal activities/ghost hunting , events, and other tours.  Make sure to check out the Shawshank Tree (on private property, only view from the road!) and Shawshank Woodshop .
• Mohican State Park / State Forest :  This large park area is host to a number of excellent hiking & biking opportunities, a large river gorge, sizable woodlands, camping, and a massive covered bridge.
• Hocking Hills State Park :  One of the state’s largest and most beautiful parks – if you ask me, it should’ve become the state’s National Park over Cuyahoga Falls – Hocking Hills features absolutely stunning rock formations, cliffs, caves, waterfalls, wooded areas, camping, hiking, gorges and a boatload of other incredible outdoor activities.  This absolute gem of a park was definitely overlooked when the time came to nominate a National Park for Ohio.
• Historic Roscoe Village :  An entire historic town, preserved in time, features guided tours by costumed “villagers,” plus preserved buildings, old-timey shops, and boat rides on the canal.

Back Road Routes Across Ohio

• US Route 36 – US-36 weaves and winds its way across central Ohio, passing through a handful of historic farming towns and villages, while also completely circumnavigating the insanity that can be downtown Columbus traffic.
• State Route 32 – Starting at the outskirts of Cincinnati and twisting its way east, OH-32 quickly transforms from its urban start to a very rural, very scenic way to cross southern Ohio.
• US Route 250 – US-250 cuts a diagonal path across the state, starting at the shores of Lake Erie at Sandusky (home of the sprawling Cedar Point amusement park) and taking a rather scenic track across rural Ohio farmland before hitting the foothills of West Virginia

When to Take a Cross Country Road Trip

The question of when to take a cross country road trip can be a very tricky one.  In addition to the amount of time required to drive cross country, one also has to factor in things like climate, elevation, and local weather extremes.  It is especially challenging due to the fact that the climate in areas along the way can vary drastically during the exact same months.  Toss in the fact that most of the highlighted places will be very busy during the summer months, and picking a time to take this trip can be an unenviable task!

How long does it take to drive cross country?

The first step in the process of choosing when to travel is determining how long you have!  Driving cross country can take as long or as short as you want, based upon how much time you have to take it slowly and explore.  In April of 2021, I drove from Pittsburgh PA to Sonoma CA – almost 2,600 miles – in 63 hours, completely by myself.   I had virtually no time to get the drive done, so I spent no time stopping and enjoying the trip.  On my very first cross country road trip, however, after my best friend Dietmar and I graduated from High School, we took over five weeks to drive a loop across the middle & southern parts of the country!

My point here is that how long you need for your road trip depends entirely upon how much time your schedule will allow.  Once you’ve determined this most crucial fact, you can start to build your itinerary around this knowledge.  For example, if you are retired and have no time constraints, you can take as long as you want, drive as slowly as you want, and stop as frequently – and for as long at each destination – as your heart desires.  Conversely, if you still work full time and have two kids in school, your trip is going to be a lot shorter and more constrained by your time off work.

What I personally advise people who are working with limited time is the following process:

• Get together with whoever you are travelling with and pick your top 3-5 most important destinations or priorities – the absolute must-see locations along the way.  Allot these top priorities more time in each day to explore, with as little driving time on those days as possible.
• Pick secondary priority destinations – places you are interested in seeing, but won’t be devastated if you don’t get much time to explore them.  Allot these secondary priorities less time on location, with more driving time on these days.
• For the rest of the trip, which doesn’t matter to you and doesn’t involve destinations of great interest, these can be the days where you do the bulk of your driving.  If possible, what you can do on these days is try to pick a scenic route that allows you to pass through interesting areas without stopping to explore.  Seeing it through the windows of your car is good enough.

Once you’ve completed this rough outline of your trip, I’d recommend the following driving times for each of the three “levels” or categories of destination:

• Top priority destinations – limit your driving time on these days to less than four hours per day.
• Secondary priority destinations – limit your driving time on these days to approximately 6-8 hours per day.
• Unimportant areas – drive as much during these days as you are physically capable; for most people, this should be at least 8-10 hours of driving per day.

A few thoughts on drivin g time :    I advise all of my road trip planning customers that when I say driving time, I mean butts in seats, behind the wheel actually driving time .  This does NOT include time sleeping, eating, getting fuel, using the restrooms, etc.    My personal rule of thumb is that you should factor in 30-60 minutes of non-travel time for each four hours of actual driving .  So if I say 8 hours of actual driving, you should anticipate approximately 9-10 hours of travel time.  If it’s 12 hours of driving, anticipate 14-15 hours of actual travel time.  You absolutely should give yourself at least 8 hours of rest each night.

The other driving time factor to consider here is that driving on back roads is substantially slower than driving on the interstate.  In my experience, when driving strictly back roads, you are going to average approximately 40 miles for each hour of driving time .  That is a rough estimate, but again, in my many years and many thousands of miles of driving experience, it has consistently been very close to exactly correct.  So if you are planning to drive 200 miles on back roads, anticipate it’s going to take you approximately 5 hours of driving .

LONG STORY SHORT (TL/DR):    If you are planning on driving cross country and back, or round trip, you should allow yourself at least 20 total days for your trip.  For a 6,000 mile trip, that means you’ll average 300 miles per day.  That’s a lot, but if you break it up well, it’s absolutely manageable.

What time of year should you drive cross country?

Because the weather can vary so dramatically in different regions of the country, this too can be a very tricky question to answer.  This will be an especially important consideration if you are camping :  when you’re sleeping outdoors, the weather conditions you’ll likely encounter become a critical part of your planning process.  If you’re going to be sleeping indoors, weather becomes less important, but still worth considering.

If you are travelling with children , you’re immediately limited to the summer months for your trip.  It’s the only time of year that your kids will be out of school long enough to enjoyably complete a journey of this type.   If you are not travelling with children , you have a lot more flexibility, and quite frankly, should strongly consider avoiding the summer months if possible.  The summer months are going to be crowded by the aforementioned families with kids, and more importantly, are likely going to be unpleasantly hot in the vast majority of the country.

So when  should you travel if you’re not going in the summer?  My personal favorite times to travel are late spring and mid-fall .  Most destinations will have the least amount of visitors in these timeframes, and generally speaking, they are the best times of year weather-wise.  Daytime temperatures in most of the country are pleasantly mild, and in most places, it does not get terribly cold overnight.  To be even more specific, if possible, you should try to plan your trip for either  the middle of May or the middle of September.

A word of warning about these travel times :   You’re going to have to be careful when travelling in high elevations, or at the northern edge of the country at these times of year.  I’ve experienced severe snowstorms in the High Sierra in May, and I’ve experienced freezing rain and snow in Idaho in late August (granted, we were ALSO at a higher elevation when that happened, but still).  So if you know that you’re going far north, or up high in altitude,  be prepared for a little bit of cold weather.   If you’re camping,   you absolutely must be prepared to spend the night in below-freezing temperatures.

Aside from those two caveats, though, late spring and mid-fall are the best times of year to drive cross country!

Where should you stay on a cross country road trip?

You have a couple basic options to choose from for overnight stays on a cross country road trip:

• Hotels/motels
• Bed n Breakfasts (actual BNBs)

AirBNB/VRBO

• Friends and family

I’ve utilized all of the options over the years, and in some cases, a blend of more than one at a time.  Frankly, if you are flexible and can mix and match the options, based upon weather and financial considerations, that’s going to usually be your best option.  I give brief thoughts on each option below.

Hotel/Motel

A hotel or motel is most likely going to be the easiest and most comfortable option for you.  In most places, there are a number of options to choose from.  If you pay for a nicer hotel, you’ll get a clean room and comfortable bed, with a hot breakfast in the morning.  The biggest downside is the cost, and the inability to prepare meals unless you really pony up and get a suite with kitchen.  My personal favorite affordable chain hotels are Holiday Inn and Best Western .

Camping is the second cheapest option, and if you are willing to find dispersed or wild campsites like I typically do, will often provide you with some extraordinary scenery and surroundings.  I’ve written a couple posts about how to find excellent campsites already, so I won’t rehash that here.  The biggest downsides are the exposure to weather, and the fact that finding a campsite during daylight hours really limits how far you can drive each day.

Bed n Breakfasts

This is the option I’ve utilized the least, but it is one that I should probably start doing far more often.  True BNB’s were once a dying breed, though they’ve experienced a resurgence in popularity recently.  BNB’s are typically unique and enjoyable experiences, especially when you have a great host.  They are often found in historic buildings with incredible architecture, and many include one or more hot meals.  The biggest downside is that they are often the most expensive option per night.

A modernized version of the old BNB system, AirBNB and VRBO are websites where property owners can offer up their homes – or a portion of their home – for rent to travelers.  There is an unfathomable amount of variety and diversity in the types of places and the types of amenities available to travelers, from the most bare bones single bedroom in the owner’s house to some of the most elaborate and unusual overnight accommodations I’ve ever seen.  Prices for places to stay can also vary dramatically, giving travelers a great deal of control over budget, amenities and quality.  The biggest downside, if you can call it that, is the amount of skill and experience needed to find and figure out how to choose the right places to fit your needs.  We’ve stayed in some real stinkers over the years, but we’ve mostly had really incredible experiences.

Friends and Family

Staying with friends or family members is, of course, the lowest cost option for overnight accommodations.  Not only will F&F not charge you (I should hope!), many will often also provide you with meals and – critically important on a long trip – a place to wash your clothing!  My very first cross country road trip, all the way back in 1999, was primarily spent staying with friends & family.  Even with paying for hotels and meals in quite a few locations, that particular trip – 5 weeks, 9,000 miles – only cost my friend and I around $900 each!

You should try to mix in at least one or two F&F stops spread out over the course of your trip for this exact reason, unless you have the space or interest in packing enough clothing for 2-3 weeks of travel.  F&F will also be able to provide you with excellent insights about local places you should check out, from restaurants and shopping to parks, museums, and other activities.  The biggest “downside” of staying with F&F is the logistical restrictions of basing a trip around where your friends and family live… and when they are available and can host you!

What should you pack for a cross country road trip?

This might just be the toughest section to tackle.  In addition to being heavily dependent upon the time of year that you’re travelling, how long your trip will be, and the destinations you’ll be exploring, it will also vary wildly based upon the size and storage of your vehicle, where you’ll be sleeping each night, who is travelling with you, etc.  As such, my suggestions are going to be fairly generic in nature.   Though I do have a couple posts dedicated to gear for camping trips , my intent here is to provide you with a  basic must-have list suitable for virtually any trip.

What I would recommend is start by working with a handful of categories, and working your way from there:

• Clothing – pack enough for a full week of outfits, plus at least one or two “extreme weather” options
• Shoes – spend a lot of time walking and hiking in your current boots and shoes before your trip to determine if they’re comfortable – on the road is not when you want to realize you need better footwear
• Food/Food Storage – this is addressed in detail in my camping posts , but you’re going to want water-tight and long-lasting food storage options
• Safety/Medical gear – though I list this fourth, having a  medical kit , fire extinguisher , flashlight Fix-A-Flat , jumper cables , and other safety items easily accessible should be your first priority
• Camera gear – in addition to the gear you’ll need for night sky photography , I also recommend having a nice zoom lens on hand for taking incredible landscape photographs – I use a Nikon 55-300mm lens
• Tools – addressed in depth in my camping gear  and motorcycle gear posts, just a few simple hand tools will get you through a lot of potentially unpleasant situations
• Music/Entertainment/books – the drive and various attractions are going to be amazing, but I’d be lying if I said you’re not going to also have long and boring stretches of time to kill on your trip.  Having various forms of entertainment – especially if you’re traveling with family – will be crucial.  I recommend having books, magazines, playing cards, and a couple travel-size board games on hand.  Oh, and don’t forget your playlist !

Road trip tips, suggestions, and other travel advice

In addition to my own advice for taking a cross country road trip, I’ve gathered insights and suggestions from dozens of other road trippers over the last year

in anticipation of creating this post.  Though I’ve taken dozens of road trips and driven countless thousands of miles over the last 25 years, I certainly haven’t experienced everything.  I reached out to other travelers and collected their suggestions for taking long road trips.  One thing I’ve learned about people who travel a lot – they love to help other people get out on the road!

I’m going to start off with one of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned in all my years of taking road trips.

Download offline   maps – LINK (make sure to click on Android or iPhone at the top) – I cannot stress the importance of this step strongly enough.  One of the very first recommendations I make to every road trip planning client I’ve worked with is to download offline Google maps .   Every cross country road trip will include driving in areas with no cell service.   If you’ve not prepared ahead of time by downloading offline maps for those areas, you might lose your route plans at the worst time possible.  If you aren’t sure where your cell providers don’t have coverage, start with this FCC Map , downloading maps in areas where no service is available.

Road Trip Advice

• Have a general plan, but allow for spontaneity & choices along the way
• Pack items that can serve multiple purposes
• Get a car power adapter (turns your car’s cigarette lighter into an outlet with USB ports)
• Bring reusable items (water bottles, coffee mugs) instead of disposable ones
• Bring a water bottle with filter , or a filter straw
• Build in time for stops at local shops, farmers markets, antique stores and other ways to incorporate local culture
• Opt for healthy snacks (trail mix, triscuits) and avoid soda and candy
• Bring your recreational wheels along:  MTB, bicycle, scooter, rollerblades etc
• Visit more than just National Parks!  State and county parks often provide excellent natural scenery and local history.
• Hang a shoe rack behind your seats for convenient and organized access to your stuff
• Buy a camp toilet and keep TP in your vehicle
• Utilize a small “grab bag” with a couple days’ of clothing & supplies so you’re not hauling your suitcases in at every stop, rotating stuff in or out as needed
• Be sure to hydrate & consume electrolytes, especially in the desert
• If camping, be sure to practice setting up your tent at night using only your headlamp, just in case
• Drive less than 12 hours per day – 7-8 hours is OK, but 4-5 hours is ideal if possible
• Buy a national parks pass before you leave!
• Always stop to visit friends and family whenever they will be near your route
• Ask older bikers where the prettiest local drives are
• Don’t drive long distances at night – it’s not worth the risk, and you miss out on the scenery!
• Eat your meals somewhere scenic whenever possible, whether by a window or at a picnic table or on an overlook
• Get and maintain roadside assistance – AAA or some other similar service
• Freeze bottles of water to use as ice packs and to give you something cold to drink
• Search for weird local destinations on Atlas Obscura / Roadside America / Factory Tours
• Be aware that there will be remote areas in the western states with no gas stations for 30-50 miles in any direction and plan accordingly – as old bikers say, don’t pass gas on a road trip!
• Always double-check the weather conditions at the next day’s destination when you’re stopped at night
• Watch for road closures and plan alternative routes if needed
• Open a credit card a month or two before you leave, only use that card, then cancel it at the end of your trip to prevent fraud / identity theft
• Be flexible – plans can change quickly due to unforeseen emergencies like a wildfire (or pandemic!)
• Maximize your bathroom stops – get gas, walk the dog, buy fresh supplies, etc
• Start your day early – beat rush hour traffic, maximize sunlight hours, etc

Check out our tips & tricks for back roads travel!

Don’t forget that there’s an entire category on our website dedicated solely to road trips!

And, if all else fails, you can always ask us for help .

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13 comments.

Wow! This is excellent on so many levels! The road trip advice is really valuable no matter how long or short your trip will be!

Thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, and found the advice to be useful!

Marvelous and helpful series of articles. Thank you, Scott! You’ve taken the sting out of how to get started and helped to make it fun and manageable!

Thank you so much Tracy! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the blogs! Check out the “Road Trip Resources” category for more helpful posts!

[…] switched tents!  After trying a couple different tents over the multiple camping trips we took during and after the pandemic, we settled on a Coleman Four Person tent with a Screened-in […]

Really great and informative articles/posts! I’ve done a couple cross-country trips, and am about to begin the long trip back to WA State (am currently in the Sullivan County Catskills) and was debating doing the Northern route or middle route. I am now better able to make a more informed decision. Thanks. If you have any info re: Glacier National Park, I’d love to read it.

Hi Amy! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I’m glad that you found my post to be informative and helpful!

Sadly, Glacier still remains on my to-do list, so I don’t have anything to share unfortunately. I’m sorry!

[…] visited the Jenner Wine Bar, it was August of 2020.  Not long after completing our first massive cross country drive together, my wife and I were looking for an outdoor venue to be able to sample the world-renowned […]

Beautiful blog information. Thank you very much for sharing…

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

I missed any info on Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, New York and pretty much both the entire South and the entire northeastern U.S., especially Florida, Tennessee, Vermont, Georgia and Louisiana. There are so many amazing, off-the-beaten-path sites in those states, including in the Appalachians… I get there’s a lot of coverage on those places, and I appreciate the nod to Minnesota, but it’s a little misleading to call this article a “cross-country road trip itinerary” when you miss so many key parts of a cross-country road trip….

Hi Jonathan! Thank you for your comment. I clearly did not do as good a job of communicating my intent in creating this article as I had expected. I actually am feeling a little bit called out that, while I addressed the fact that I was only outlining information on the northern and central routes in this particular post (in part because it’s intended to follow very closely to one of the loop trips that I’ve taken)… it makes more sense for me to include information about the southern route here as well…. or at the very least, include links to the other, more detailed posts discussing the southern route. I’ll be correcting that, so I appreciate your criticism and feedback there.

That being said, this is not intended to be and never will be an all-encompassing post. That’s one of the very first things that I address in this post: reread the section near the top, entitled “Plan a Cross Country Road Trip.” By default, this post is NOT going to cover every state, because no one who is taking a cross country road trip is going to be able to drive in every state. As is stated multiple times throughout the post, when you take a cross country road trip, you’re going to have to prioritize where you drive. I’ve driven across this country roughly a dozen times, which I believe puts me in a very small group of people who have had similar experiences…. and I’ve still not gotten to all 48 of the inter-connected states. Sorry, North Dakota.

I am going to leave the “misleading” part of your comment up, because I strive for authenticity and integrity, but we’re just going to have to agree to disagree on that part. Quite frankly, you’re wrong. **One of the most critical parts of putting together a cross country itinerary is choosing what to leave out.** This is another point that I discuss in detail in this post. No one – and I mean, NO ONE – has the time or financial wherewithal to take a cross country drive that hits every state. One of the PRIMARY points of this post is to help people to choose what to pick, and what to avoid. I’m going to expand the post, because you’re right – I should discuss options for the southern route. But it’s not going to hit all of the states that you list, because… well, I’ve beaten that horse enough already for this comment.

I see what you mean yea! And thank you for the comment, especially mentioning you’re working on something with the southern route. That part, like I mentioned, is filled with so many great things to see and explore on a road trip. I think it would be great to see those options here with everything else to give a good lay of the land for planning a trip or itinerary that doesn’t get too overwhelming. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

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CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP 101: THE BEST ITINERARIES AND HOW TO PLAN FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP

Post Summary: How to plan a cross country road trip, including the best routes, tips, and resources to use so that it’s smooth sailing once you hit the open road.

A cross country road trip through America is the kind of experience every adventurer needs to try once in their life.

With extraordinary national parks, breathtaking beaches, locally inspired cuisine, and quirky roadside attractions, there’s enough to keep you exploring for a lifetime. But how do you begin to plan a road trip?

The recipe for a great American road trip includes having the most current resources and tips at your disposal so you can get the most out of your time on the road.

That and a great playlist.

We embarked on our own three-month cross country trip in our renovated camper and learned a lot about how to plan a road trip across America.

We’re sharing everything we know, including the best cross country road trip routes and our own road-tested tips to help you plan an extraordinary adventure.

*We loved our USA road trip so much that we knew we had to include it in our post on the essential bucket list for families . Check it out for more inspiring travel ideas in the United States.

*This Cross Country Road Trip post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you. We only suggest what we think is truly awesome.

CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP GUIDE

This is an in-depth article that will cover everything you need for planning a cross country road trip. You can use the table of contents above to skip around to a section you want to read.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How many days you’ll need
• What kind of car you need
• Things you need for a cross country road trip
• Cross country road trip cost analysis
• Cross country road trip tips
• The best cross country road trip routes

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED FOR A CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP?

So how long does it take to do a cross country road trip? The drive from Los Angeles to New York City is 2776 miles and takes roughly 41 hours without stopping. At 8 hours a day, that would take you five days to complete.

But what about stops and, you know…enjoying the ride?

Without knowing your route, it’s hard to suggest a time frame. At a minimum, you’ll need a week for a one-way cross country road trip. Two weeks is better, though. Two weeks allows you to drive for shorter distances and to take more time to enjoy the places you stop at. Three weeks is perfection!

America is the 3rd largest country in the world, so there’s a lot of ground to cover when driving cross country. It’s estimated that it takes about three months to see every state in the lower 48.

THE BEST ROAD TRIP ROUTES IN THE US

When planning a road trip, the question “What is the best cross country road trip?” is bound to come up. The sheer size of the US makes answering it a complicated task. Below, I will cover the most iconic road trip routes and a few other suggestions to spark your own creativity. 

Some things to consider for yourself are how much time you have, what season you’ll be traveling in, and what kind of stops you’re interested in making. Do you want to focus on nature activities, touring big cities, tasting America’s best food, or quirky roadside attractions? 

Let the following routes be an inspiration, but don’t forget it’s also possible to plan your trip as you go. 

When we built our cross country road trip itinerary, we knew we needed to get from North Idaho to Maryland. It was winter, so we chose to avoid the Rocky Mountains and any hazardous winter driving conditions. We opened up a map (really, it’s more like we opened up an internet browser and looked at Google Maps) and figured we should head South and plan as we go. 

We knew we would visit Utah’s National Parks, but other than that, we left it open to allow for spontaneity and random side trips.

On our way traveling through Arkansas, I looked at the map and noticed we would be close to Hot Springs National Park. We had time, so we decided to make a small detour to see America’s first unofficial National Park. Those are the kind of things you want to leave time and space for. 

Let’s explore the most popular cross country road trip routes.

*Also, the maps pictured below for each road trip aren’t for driving purposes. They are there to help get you a visual of where the road trip happens.

Famous For:  Kitschy roadside attractions, old-fashioned motels, and its throwback Americana feel

Route 66 is the most famous American road trip that is more about the journey than the sights. You’ll travel through small towns where the most you’ll see is an old-fashioned main street and an old diner. It’s worth it to tap into an old-time Americana complete with neon lights and Art Deco motels. It’s also a great opportunity to see underrated cities like Albuquerque and Oklahoma City.

Begins and Ends:  Downtown Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, CA

Time Needed:  At 2448 Miles, Two Weeks (one way)

Highlights :  Cadillac Ranch  in Amarillo, TX, eating a hamburger and an ice cream float in an old-fashioned diner, getting a photo op in front of a Route 66 sign, Tower Station and U Drop Inn Cafe in Texas, Gateway Arch in Missouri.

BEFORE YOU GO: The road can be hard to navigate using GPS. The book Route 66:EZ66 Guide For Travelers is from a passionate lover of Route 66. It’s a thorough guide with descriptive maps. It’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to drive the entire route.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

Famous For:  Gorgeous, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The PCH, or Highway 1, is one of the most iconic drives in America. We’ve done sections of the drive, and it never disappoints. From the fecund forests of Washington to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the sunny ocean vibes of Southern California, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful coastal drive.

Begins and Ends:  Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA

Time Needed:  1650 Miles, It can be done in one week, but 2 weeks is better (one way).

Highlights :  Olympic National Park , Big Sur, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Redwood National Park, Mendocino, Hearst Castle, Los Angeles, San Diego Zoo, Laguna Beach, Tacos in San Diego

Tip : Drive North to South so you can be closer to the water for the drive.

Recommended Guide: Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon & Washington (Travel Guide)

THE LONELIEST ROAD

Famous For:  Large stretches of driving where you’ll see little to no signs of civilization.

Route 50, also known as “The Loneliest Road” and “the backbone of America,” is a true cross country road trip. Taking you from coast to coast, you’ll pass through 11 states on this grand road trip across America. From metropolitan cities like Washington D.C to deserted ghost towns to the azure waters of Lake Tahoe, this route takes you on a diverse cross-section of the US that’s guaranteed to give you a little bit of everything.

Begins and Ends:  Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD

Time Needed:  3000 Miles, Can be done in two weeks, but three weeks is ideal (one way).

Highlights:  Great Basin National Park, Colorado National Monument, Washington D.C, Lake Tahoe, Moab, Arches National Park

TIP : Make sure your car is in GREAT condition for this road trip.

THE GREAT NORTHERN ROAD

Famous For:  The longest transcontinental highway in the US

Highway 2, or The Great Northern Road, takes you coast to coast through 10 states and Canada. From the lush forests of the Idaho Panhandle to the windswept plains of North Dakota to the sophisticated allure of Montreal, this route takes you through some of America’s most beautiful spots. This is the best cross country route for exploring the vast terrain of the northern US.

Begins and Ends:  Seattle, WA to Acadia National Park in Maine

Time Needed:  3600 miles, Two weeks is enough, but three weeks is best (one way).

Highlights:  Glacier National Park , Montreal, Duluth MN, Burlington VT, Seattle WA, Sandpoint ID, Acadia National Park

Book Recommendation : Moon Guide: Road Trip USA: The Great Northern, Highway 2 

THE OREGON TRAIL

Famous For:  An arduous, historical one-way trail people used in the 1800s to find better opportunities out West.

Go back in time and explore the trek that hundreds of thousands of pioneers made on their way West. While not an official road, the journey can be loosely followed along with interesting stops to learn more about the history and the pilgrims who took this path. History buffs will love learning about Lewis and Clark, city lovers will enjoy exploring Boise and Boston, and nature seekers will love seeing Yellowstone , America’s 1st National Park.

Begins and Ends:  Cannon Beach, Oregon to Provincetown, MA

Time Needed:  3300 Miles, Two weeks is enough, but three weeks is best (one way).

Highlights:   Yellowstone National Park ,  Boise , Grand Teton National Park, Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, Boston

Book Recommendation : Moon Guide:  Oregon Trail Road Trip

THE ATLANTIC COAST

Famous For:  Driving through America’s most iconic and historic cities.

Explore America’s oldest cities and charming beachside communities by taking a drive down The Atlantic Coast. This route takes you on I-95, where you can go from historical sites like the Statue of Liberty, wild horses on Assateague Island, to the artsy beach town of Saint Augustine, Florida. This is a great cross country trip for someone who doesn’t want large chunks of time in the car with nothing to see. There is so much to do and something for everyone.

Begins and Ends:  Maine to Florida

Time Needed: 1900 miles, 10 days is good, but two weeks is best (one way).

Highlights : Mystic CN, Boston MA, Savannah GA, NYC, detours to the beaches of North and South Carolina, St. Augustine, The Florida Keys

TIP: I-95 is great to hop on to when you want to get somewhere faster, but the true beauty of this road trip is mainly on the smaller roads that run along the coast. Deviate from the 95 to explore the coastal islands that run down the entire east coast.

THE MIGHTY FIVE

Famous For:  Out of this world red rock desert landscapes and bucket-list hikes.

A Utah National Parks road trip  to explore all 5 of Utah’s National Parks (dubbed the Mighty 5) is perfect for adventurers and explorers. With mindboggling hikes, slot canyons to wade through, white water rafting, and an ocean of red desert to traverse, Southern Utah will leave an imprint on your soul.

Begins and Ends:  Moab, Utah to Springdale, Utah

Time Needed:  375 Miles, Can be done at warp speed in 7 days, but 10 days are best (one way).

Highlights:  Angels Landing Hike and The Narrows in Zion, Delicate Arch in Arches , Fruit Picking in Capitol Reef, Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon

READ NEXT:  For all the details on making this trip check out our comprehensive guide to planning a  Mighty 5 Roadtrip .

THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Famous For:  Stunning Fall foliage display.

The  Blue Ridge Parkway  takes you through the beating heart of Appalachia, where you’ll pass waterfalls, lookouts, charming tunnels, small towns, and meandering rivers. If you’re driving it in Fall (the most popular time) you’ll see Fall foliage that rivals the best of New England. With a maximum speed of 45 MPH and no big trucks allowed, it’s the kind of road where you’ll want to take your time to enjoy the views while Bluegrass music plays on repeat.

Begins and Ends:  Great Smoky Mountain National Park in NC to Shenandoah National Park in VA.

Time Needed:  469 Miles, 3 days is enough, 7 Days is ideal (one way)

Highlights:  Great Smoky Mountain National Park,  Asheville, NC, Mile High Swinging Bridge, Blue Ridge Music Center, Mabry Mill, Shenandoah National Park , Roanoke, VA

TIP:  If you want an even longer journey, you could include additional  East Coast National Parks  in your itinerary for even more sublime nature.

READ NEXT:  Time spent in the funky mountain town of Asheville, NC, is a must when driving the parkway. Learn more about Asheville with our guide to how to spend  36 Hours in Asheville .

These are tried and true cross-country road ideas, but don’t forget you can always make up your own road trip route . You could go on a donut road trip and check out the best donuts in every state (psst-the  best donuts are in Boise ), or you could see as many  west coast national parks  as you can. 

Maybe you’ll be road-tripping in Spring and want to see the most exquisite wildflower blooms in the country, or it’s summer, and you’ll hit up America’s best waterparks. The sky is the limit!

Now, let’s discuss how to plan a cross-country road trip. Based on our experiences, we’ve created a cross-country travel guide that includes everything we did and learned along the way.

BEST CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP CAR

If you won’t be using your own car, you’ll need to find the best cross country road trip car for your needs. If you’ll be traveling in winter or in places with rugged terrain like Southern Utah, it’s recommended to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle that can handle the rougher conditions.

The first choice is to use a car rental service. You can look on rentalcars.com to see what the going rates are for rental cars. It’s a search engine that specializes in rental car prices across the web. You can often get a discounted rate if you’ll be using the car for a longer period.

Also, don’t forget if you are only going one way with the car, most places will charge a one-way delivery fee.

Another option is to rent a camper or RV for your big adventure. You can rent from a peer-to-peer service like RV Share and Outdoorsy , or you can opt for a company like Cruise America .

If you like the idea of an RV but want something smaller, you could also opt for a converted van that typically has a bed, a fridge, and other amenities. It’s a great option for solo or couples travel. The biggest renter of campervans is Escape Campervans . Since they have multiple offices, it’s a great choice for someone who wants a one-way rental. You can also check the sites I mentioned above, RV Share and Outdoorsy, for campervan rentals.

An RV or campervan rental can range from $100-$500 a day. It’s a more expensive option, but the potential for savings is better because you can cook your own meals and potentially camp for free. But don’t forget about gas prices! This brings me to our next section..coming up with a cross country road trip budget.

TIP: A n alternative option to a rental car is to try your luck at a one-way car or RV transfer service like immova and transfercar . The basic idea is that a company or person needs a car or RV moved and you pay as low as $1 a day to have a practically free vehicle. A great option if you are flexible and their travel dates work for you. You can also look at when big RV companies like El Monte RV need their RVs moved and offer them at exceptionally low rates.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

There’s no straight answer to what a cross-country road trip costs. We averaged about $150 a day on a three-week road trip in our RV. Could we have done it for less? ABSOLUTELY. We didn’t go crazy, but we also didn’t scrimp. If you’re willing to cut corners and camp in free places, you can potentially do a road trip for $50-75 a day.

Let’s explore how to plan a road trip on a budget. I’ll discuss the five main expenses and offer tips on how to save money.

• GAS : Depending on what kind of vehicle you are driving, this will probably be one of your biggest expenses. You can use a fuel calculator to estimate what it will cost for your trip and your car type. If you are driving an RV, you can use this fuel calculator to get a rough idea of what it would cost. As for saving money, you can use the GasBuddy App to see the cheapest gas stations on your route. We also use our AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card, which gives us 3% cash back on gas and 6% cash back on groceries . We spent $1300 on gas, which means we earned roughly $40 back. That’s a free tank of gas! That and the $150 sign-up bonus make it a great money-saving choice.
• LODGING: Here is where you have a lot of options for saving money. Camping is the cheapest way to travel cross country whether you choose to pitch a tent, sleep in your car, or are in an RV or campervan. You can stay in conventional campsites that range from $25 to $60 a night, or you can try to find free campsites. Free campsites are generally found on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land or parking lots (Walmart parking lots are popular) that allow you to sleep overnight – but please don’t pitch a tent in a parking lot! Only vehicles are allowed. The best way to find camping spots is to search on the Dyrt App . It’s a camp reviewing site that is a GREAT resource for finding campsites and free sites. It’s worth upgrading to the pro version to have access to it offline. If camping isn’t your thing, you can look for cheap room rentals with an app like HotelTonight. HotelTonight is perfect for road trips since it searches for last-minute discounts on hotels. It’s also a tiered service so the more you use it, the more exclusive discounts you can access. If you sign up for an account and put in my discount code CGRANCE in your Account Settings, you can get $25 off a booking. You can also use the sites like Booking to see what’s available around you. Airbnb or VRBO could also have cheap options, but you’ll have to plan ahead since it’s not always possible to book it the same day. In general, lodging in a budget hotel will cost you $50-$125 a night.
• FOOD: We spent roughly $25 a day for a family of three. Granted, we ate all of our meals in our camper and rarely got takeout. That’s where having a fully functioning kitchen on wheels can go a long way to saving you money. If you aren’t traveling in an RV, you’ll want to save money by making your own meals as much as possible. Pack a cooler and eat turkey sandwiches every day if you need to. My favorite way to get fancy on the cheap is to make a charcuterie spread of summer sausage, salami, crackers, cheese, olives, almonds, and dried fruit. I even bring a wood cutting board and stemless wineglasses with silicone sleeves because it’s how I roll. Also, most gas stations will have microwaves. We would often buy frozen burritos from Amy’s beforehand at a grocery store and heat them at a gas station for lunch.
• ENTERTAINMENT: Our entertainment costs came out to about $3 a day. We spent very little since we had a primarily nature-based itinerary. Hiking is free! Plus, we opted to buy the National Parks pass that gets you into every National Park and additional federal land sites. You should definitely buy the pass if you are going to any National Parks. You can buy and learn more about the pass here. If you are visiting a big city, you can check if it offers a City Pass . A city pass will typically give you discounts to restaurants, museums, and popular attractions.
• MISCELLANEOUS – There are always little costs that come up while you travel, whether that’s souvenirs, oil for your car, or payment for a toll. You should leave room in your cross country road trip budget for random things that always pop up. I would budget $5-$10 a day for miscellaneous items.

We recorded everything we paid for. You, of course, don’t need to do that, but if making spreadsheets is fun for you (woohoo!), then I would recommend using Excel or Numbers and using one of their pre-formatted templates for logging your costs.

TIPS FOR A CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP

Before you head out on your big adventure, here’s some cross country road trip advice to spare you any headaches.

• Before you leave, make sure to get an oil change and a full check-up on your car, including having your tires checked. It’s also worth investing in a roadside assistance plan, especially if you have an older vehicle. We used AAA and had to use it three times on the road. AAA is great for regular cars, and Good Sam Roadside is good for RVs. You can check prices for  AAA here  and  Good Sam Roadside here . 
• Make sure to download your maps beforehand! You don’t want to be stuck in Utah because you have no service and no idea which road to take. Google Maps has the ability to download maps. Use it!
• We prefer to drive for a maximum of five hours. Anything more than that makes the road trip unenjoyable. Find the sweet spot for you. It’s okay to do a few long 8-hour days, but remember to balance them with days off of driving.
• If you’re looking for a cross country road trip planner, you can use the app or website Roadtrippers to help you find interesting sights along the way. We’ve never used the app but have heard good things about it.
• Lastly, use travel bloggers like myself, Pinterest, and Instagram for fun tips on places you will be visiting. Pinterest has a wealth of great travel information, and you’ll be able to find fun off-the-beaten-path recommendations. You can check out our Pinterest page and our Instagram page . While you’re there, give us a follow, will you?

CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST

We have an extensive post detailing what every person needs to have on their road trip packing list . Be sure to check it out for a detailed list of what to bring. Here’s a simple rundown of a few cross country road trip essentials.

• Emergency Roadside Kit – Having a   roadside emergency kit  with a surplus of safety devices is essential for a road trip. At the very least, make sure you have a   high-quality set of jumper cables . If you are driving in a remote area where other cars might not be able to help you out, you might want to consider a  mobile battery jumper  that allows you to jumpstart your car on your own.
• First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is something you should always have in your car. Don’t forget it for your big road trip.
• Cooler – A high-quality cooler that will keep your food cold for days is a great investment. We are die-hard fans of Yeti and love the Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler  for road trips. It can fit behind the passenger’s seat and is long enough to fit a bottle of wine. More economical choices are the Arctic Zone Cooler and the   Igloo Quart MaxCold Cooler .
• Phone Chargers and Power Bank – In addition to our phone charger that goes into the cigarette lighter, we bring a  splitter  so multiple people can plug in their device and a  solar charger power bank,  so we’re never left without something to charge our devices. It’s handy when traveling with many people so everyone can have a way to charge a device.
• Car Organizers – Having an organization system is great if you’ll be on the road for a while or are making a family cross country road trip. We like this  backseat organizer  with SO MANY pockets for your gadgets, notebooks, and snacks. It’s a fantastic option if you’re traveling with young kids. We particularly like that it has a tablet holder.
• I also think this  car seat gap organizer  is brilliant. It sits in the gap between the console and the passenger or driver’s seat. It’s that little bit of space where you always drop your phone, and you’re like  “$%^&*!”  because it’s so difficult to fit your hand in there. Well, this organizer stops anything from falling in that gap while also providing extra storage. Like I said…brilliant.
• Conversation Starters – When you hit the road, pull up our post of 160 road trip questions and road trip trivia questions. These are perfect for long stretches of time when you can either get to know your travel companion even better or test out your trivia skills on each other. Also, read through our post on the best things to do on a road trip for more fun games and ideas.
• Entertainment – Your podcasts, e-books, road trip playlists, and Netflix shows should all be already downloaded (don’t rely on your cell service). If you’re not already signed up, you can even do a trial run of Audible or Amazon Music to get free fun content for the road.
• Cozy Everything – Being cozy on a road trip is paramount! Bring some cozy slip-on shoes, a sherpa blanket from Pendleton, and breathable clothing.

READ NEXT: If you are traveling in an RV, check out our post on the Camper Must Haves you’ll need to bring on the road.

We hope we’ve prepared you for an extraordinary road trip across the country.

Happy travels, and here’s to an amazing cross country road trip!

LOOKING FOR MORE CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP POSTS?

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Hi, we’re Christina and Brad, Idaho based writers and photographers who live to explore. We did a short stint of traveling full time with our two year old and discovered we're much happier as part time nomads. What does that mean? We travel a lot! And then we go home. We love helping fellow parents and everyday adventurers discover new places and experiences.

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Hi. Reading your time to allow for each trip has me confused. Are talking one way, or round trip? I can’t imagine doing a cross country trip in two, or even three weeks and have it not be an awful lot of all day driving round trip.

Hi Barbara, thanks for bringing this to my attention. You are right, two weeks round trip would be A LOT of driving. We mean one way, but I’ll edit the article so it’s more clear. Thank you!

Heya! Are your “needed X days” recommendations for *round trip* or *one way*? It seems like they are round trip but I just wanted to be sure. This article is fantastic, btw. -JDS

Hi! I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Sorry for not responding sooner. We were traveling in Thailand, and I just saw this today. Yes, all the recommended drive times are for one way. Round trip, you would need to double it or cut out a lot of day trips and exploration to reduce your time.

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25 Best Stops on an Epic Cross-Country America Road Trip

The Great American Road Trip is just as much a part of Americana as the stars and stripes. While in yonder years, Route 66 dominated as the iconic drive, today, the cross-country road trip reigns supreme. We mapped out a 10-day itinerary—including top city sights and national parks between Washington, D.C. to Washington State—so you can make the best of your journey west.

Chelsea is Brooklyn-based travel writer, editor, and photographer. When not home eating her way through NYC, she's gallivanting across the globe, sailing the coast of Croatia or hiking the peaks of Peru. Her superpowers include booking flight deals and sleeping in small plane seats.

See recent posts by Chelsea Bengier

Day 1: 263 miles from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh

Once you’ve gotten your fill of America’s capital, it’s time to hit the road heading west. About three and half hours in, you’ll pass by Fallingwater , the renowned residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that sits cantilevered over a bucolic waterfall in rural Pennsylvania. The grounds are maintained year-round, with the original 1930s custom furniture and artwork still on display. From here, you’re just 75 minutes outside Pittsburgh. Upon arriving in Steel City, drop your bags at the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh —a refurbished century-old YMCA turned hip hotel in the up-and-coming East Liberty neighborhood—then follow the in-the-know crowd to Smallman Galley , a restaurant incubator with four rotating food concepts from a line-up of rising chefs. This season, there’s Detroit-style pizza, Vietnamese cuisine, Latin-fusion tapas, and innovative takes on American classics.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Pittsburgh, PA hotels

Day 2: 460 miles from Pittsburgh to Chicago

While the second half of this cross-country adventure focuses on the scenery, the eastern side is all about the cityscapes. Divide today’s day-long trek to Chicago with a pitstop in Cleveland, just two hours west of Pittsburgh. Here, grab a bite to eat at the West Side Market before wandering through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to see guitars and paraphernalia from music legends like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Mick Jagger.

You’re going to want to pick up some gift shop snacks, because it’ll be another five hours before you pull into the Windy City. In Chicago, bed down at the Viceroy Chicago on the glitzy Gold Coast, whose opulent interiors are done up in Art Deco elements that nod to the hotel’s past as the 1920s Cedar Hotel. The real showstopper is the 18th-floor rooftop overlooking the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan.

RELATED: 9 Ultimate Weekend Road Trips You Can Take from Major U.S. Cities

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Chicago, IL hotels

Day 3: 147 miles from Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin

A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago brings you to Wisconsin’s charming college town of Madison. This untapped Midwest gem is home to locavore restaurants, indie boutiques, and contemporary art galleries. Follow the locals to Sophia’s Bakery & Café , where mouthwatering cottage cheese pancakes are served in a cozy dining room. The nearby Chazen Museum of Art and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art have impressive collections, but if you’d rather spend the day indulging in some retail therapy, check out Upshift for flirty vintage dresses or Anthology for quirky handmade crafts. There’s no better place to have dinner than the James Beard award-winning L’Etoile Restaurant , where chef Tory Miller—you may have seen him on Iron Chef Showdown —serves locally sourced dishes like Blue Valley Gardens duck breast with Swiss chard and soubise.

Day 4: 775 miles from Madison to Rapid City, South Dakota

Today is the longest stretch you’ll be on the road, so crank those tunes and prepare to cruise straight through Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Dakota on I-90. Stretch your legs in Badlands National Park , an otherworldly expanse of jagged pink pinnacles, grass prairies, and ancient fossil beds. While rhinos, wild horses, and saber-toothed cats used to roam this wild terrain, today you’re more likely to spot bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Backcountry camping is available for the truly adventurous; others can set up at Cedar Pass Campground (which offers running water, toilets, and covered picnic tables) or the park’s eco-friendly cabins , which come outfitted with pine-wood beds, flatscreen TVs, and mini-fridges and microwaves.

RELATED: 9 of the Most Underrated National Parks in America

Day 5: 533 miles from Rapid City to Jackson, Wyoming

It’s early to rise on day five if you want to beat the crowds for an early-morning visit to Mount Rushmore national monument, just 20 minutes away. After taking in the Presidents’ massive granite profiles, continue on through the gorges, canyons, and cliffs of the Black Hills National Forest . Once you’re out of South Dakota, you’ll cut through the heart of Wyoming, passing endless plains and the sprawling Wind River Reservation. Tucked between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountains, Jackson blends Wyoming’s rustic, rough-and-tumble side with a refined resort town vibe. The Anvil Hotel is a perfect example of this fusion: the redesigned 1950s motel reflects the region’s rugged past with a mountain-modern twist. Stylish interiors, courtesy of Brooklyn-based firm Studio Tack, are done up with brass fixtures, custom iron bed frames, and Woolrich blankets. After settling in, make a dinner reservation at Glorietta if you’re in the mood for Italian. The roasted acorn squash; ricotta cavatelli with spicy sausage, brown butter, and fried sage; and zeppole topped with mascarpone and strawberry compote come highly recommended.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Jackson, WY hotels

Days 6-8: 426 miles from Jackson to Missoula, Montana

Get your cameras ready: the next few days are all about epic Rocky Mountain scenery, from Wild West backcountry to lush, lakeside meadows. Before leaving Jackson Hole, fuel up with homemade pastries or bread pudding french toast at Persephone Bakery , then set your GPS for Grand Teton National Park . This 310,000-acre swath encompasses Jackson Lake, Snake River, and the entire Teton range, which is webbed together by more than 200 miles of hiking trails. Just 10 miles north on 191, you’ll enter Yellowstone —America’s first national park famous as much for its rainbow-colored hot springs, mud pots, and spewing geysers as it is for picture-perfect wildlife sightings (keep your eyes peeled for bison, moose, black bears, elk, and the rare wolf pack).

After Yellowstone, cross the border into Montana’s Big Sky country and continue north past dude ranches, whitewater rapids, and vast cerulean skies as far as the eye can see. Home for the night—the Resort at Paws Up , a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch and luxe retreat in the Blackfoot Valley—is just a half hour east of Missoula. Take your pick between a private log cabin or riverfront glamping tent, which comes with its own chandelier, copper soaking tub, and on-call butler and chef, who will happily cook up whole-roasted rainbow trout or chili-dusted Black Angus prime rib. Although there’s world-class fly fishing, ATVing, and rock climbing on offer, horseback riding is the resort’s beating heart. Embrace your inner cowboy (or girl!) at the Saddle Club, whose 29,000-square-foot arena and more than 100 miles of trails make it the largest private equestrian center in Montana. The on-site wranglers can also arrange rodeo lessons, cattle drives, and dinners aboard traditional chuckwagons.

RELATED: 8 Best Dude Ranches in Montana

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Greenough, MT hotels

Days 9-10: 685 miles from Missoula to Seattle

Before heading west to your final destination, it’s worth making one last detour to see Montana’s stunning Glacier National Park . You can take in the scenery—crystalline, glacier-fed lakes; sheer, snow-capped peaks; untouched alpine meadows—along the gorgeous Going-to-the-Sun Road , a 50-mile route that crosses the Continental Divide and winds through Logan Pass alongside Saint Mary Lake. Heads up: be prepared to pull over to make way for mountain goats!

After (reluctantly) leaving the mountains of Montana, hop back on I-90 to enter the northern tip of Idaho. This short sprint overlooks steep gorges and straddles the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene before entering Washington via Spokane. The final four-hour leg to Seattle is pretty barren, so make sure you have your road trip playlist queued up for some carpool karaoke. You know you’re getting close to the coast when you hit Snoqualmie Pass, just 55 miles outside the Seattle. The drive cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range, home to towering evergreen forests, misty mountaintops, and thundering waterfalls.

Once you reach the city, you deserve to put your feet up at The Nest , Thompson Seattle ‘s rooftop bar, for sundowners and sweeping views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle cityscape. Cheers!

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Seattle, WA hotels

What to Pack

Women’s cozy winter outfit to wear on the train, shop the look.

Wool Runners

Wireless Headphones

High Waist Leggings

Men’s cozy winter outfit to wear on the train.

Half-Zip Sweatshirt

Ascot Slippers

Water Bottle

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How to Plan a Perfect Cross Country Road Trip in USA: 20 Travel Tips to Know Before You Embark

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There’s no denying that the pandemic has changed the way we travel. With cruises and airports being high risk areas, many of us are starting to look at different ways to explore new places. When sea and air are out of the picture, car travel seems like a much safer option. In fact, more than a third of us are planning (or thinking) about embarking on a cross country road trip in the next 12 months!

But how do you get started with planning a great American road trip? In this article, we invited Karen Gershowitz, an experienced roadtripper, traveler, and the author of Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust , to share her golden tips for driving cross country. You’ll learn about the best routes to travel as well as all the essential things to consider before embarking on your USA road trip!

20 Tips to Plan a Successful Cross Country Road Trip in USA

I’ve been taking road trips across the United States for decades. Exploring by car allows me the flexibility to meander and stop where I like. I can go far off the beaten path and experience places far from crowds or focus on city centers filled with museums, sports, restaurants and nightlife.

While driving, I can step on the brake or make a U-turn when something catches my attention. Those unplanned stops have led to memorable moments, including spectacular gardens, an enormous craft fair, a free country music festival and much more. I like road trips so much that for my fiftieth birthday I gave myself the gift of a sabbatical; I spent nine months traveling around the country.

These experiences have taught me a lot about how to make cross country trips fun, affordable and memorable. Here are some suggestions if you’re planning a cross-country road trip or any trip longer than two weeks that includes truly seeing the country. These ideas are for people who want more than seeing the view whiz by as they speed down the highway.

Important things to do BEFORE your cross country road trip:

• Make a list of the activities and places in which you are most interested and/or have always wanted to visit. This can be anything. I love gardens, crafts, historic sites and architecture. But if you’re into sports, fashion, railroads, beer or anything else, plan around those interests.
• Check out those interests on as many sources as possible —the internet, books, magazines, TV—find places that appeal to you and make a list.
• Ask for suggestions from anyone who shares the same interests.
• Consider the weather when you are planning. Some destinations that are appealing during the winter, like Florida and other southern states or Hot Springs National Park may be extremely hot and humid in July and August. Conversely, I love Maine with Acadia National Park and the New England coast, but wouldn’t consider going there in January.
• Let’s talk about money – you might ask “how much does a cross country road trip cost?” It depends on a few factors: the length of your trip, where you want to go, what you want to see…etc. Some people could spend as little as $2500 for a 15-day trip. I would suggest setting a budget that you are comfortable with for your trip . This will help you make decisions about where you will go and what you will do. To help with expenses, you can look for discount coupons at State visitor centers, online at Groupon and Retailmenot. Credit cards and an ATM card are essential.

• Try glamping – If you want to experience “sleeping under the stars” on your trip, but roughing it in a tent isn’t really your style. Companies like Under Canvas offer outdoor experiences with all the comforts of home. Your stay in one of their tents includes a bed, bathroom, and even cafe-style dining. Some glamping companies are pet friendly and include WiFi. They are frequently located near National Parks and many of the other attractions you will find on your cross country road trip.   

• Pacific Coast Highway : aka California State Route 1. From Washington’s Olympic National Park to sunny San Diego in California, you can see the ocean for your entire trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. You can also visit some beautiful seaside villages like Monterey and Carmel, CA !
• Historic Route 66 : “Get your kicks on Route 66” and drive through rustic Americana from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. 
• The Loneliest Road : Running from one coast to another, you can see the entire country on the Loneliest Road aka US-50. Some of its sights include Lake Tahoe, Arches National Park in Utah, and Washington D.C. 
• The Oregon Trail : you played the computer game when you were a kid, now drive the path of pioneers for real following US-20. Check out sights like Yellowstone National Park and Mt. Rushmore on this route.
• The Great Northern : One of the longest road trips in the USA, US-2 features gorgeous stops like Glacier National Park and Tumwater Canyon. 
• The Appalachian Trail : paralleling the hike, this driving route takes you from New England all the way to Maryland, featuring beautiful scenery full of forests and mountains. You can find more information about the roads you will take and sights you will see here .  
• The Great River Road : of course this route travels along the Mississippi River, the largest and longest river in the US. You can start where the river begins in Minnesota and follow it all the way down to New Orleans, following signs with a green pilot’s wheel and steamboat in the middle. 
• Atlantic Coast : it doesn’t have a name quite as fun as the Pacific Coast Highway, but there is still plenty to see and do along the Atlantic Coast route, including the Statue of Liberty in New York City and the wild ponies on Assateague Island in Maryland. 
• Border to Border : satisfy your urge for driving cross country with this trip stretching from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada all the way down to Nogales, Mexico all on US-93. Hoping to spot something out of this world? This route includes some time on the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada! 
• The Road to Nowhere : You won’t find any conventional tourist destinations on route US-83 – but you will find interesting, out-of-the-way stops like the Sitting Bull Memorial and Badlands National Park in South Dakota, and the Paint Rock Pictographs in Texas. 
• Southern Pacific : If you’re looking for a variety of cultural experiences, old US-80 is the route for you. It has everything from deserts and swamps, to Tex-Mex barbecue, to the Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail in Alabama. 

• Download Roadtrippers . Roadtrippers is a useful, free road trip planner app for those who prefer to use technology rather than paper for cross country road trip map. You can plan your trip, collaborate with friends or family, and learn about places to stop along your route. Another fun and useful app, if you like quirky attractions, is Roadside America . I use it to find offbeat places worth a stop.
• Make a list of tasks that need to be done pre-trip and give yourself plenty of time to complete them. This might include making sure your health insurance will be acceptable in other states, arranging for online bill payment, finding a house or pet sitter, and so on.
• Bring your proof of vaccination card with you. If you aren’t vaccinated, you should check on state and local Covid regulations. Many municipalities will not allow you to enter restaurants, theaters or sports venues without proof of vaccination.

• If the cost of gas is a consideration, consider a hybrid.
• If you plan to be driving on backroads and rough terrain, consider an off-road-ready truck or SUV.
• If you aren’t comfortable putting a ton of miles on your own car, consider renting instead. Just be mindful that most car rental companies are short on cars right now, so be sure to book far in advance.
• Have your car serviced and checked by a trusted mechanic if you are using a car you already own. Change the air filters and fluid levels, make sure the tires are balanced and have sufficient tread. Check that your spare tire is in good condition. You don’t want to worry about having your car break down. But if you do break down, be sure you have a roadside assistance option in place, like AAA.

• Create custom playlists and/or download podcasts to keep you entertained when driving long distances through uninspiring landscapes and/or poor reception. If you are considering stops like Yellowstone National Park or the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can be sure cell phone reception will be non-existent in some places. In addition to having listening options downloaded onto your phone, consider checking in with a friend or family member so someone knows generally where you are if you can’t be reached by phone. 
• Cellphone and car charger
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Non-perishable food items, like granola bars for your road trip snacks .
• And now, during Covid—hand sanitizer, extra masks and gloves, disinfectant wipes

• Join hotels’ frequent traveler clubs. You could earn enough points for a free night or two. I belong to seven different clubs which cover most major chains, but if possible, I’ll stick with one or two brands. That isn’t my major consideration however, I select any specific property based on location, price and ratings.

Things to keep in mind DURING the Cross Country Road Trip

• Take it slow . Determine in advance how far you’re willing to drive in a single day. I set a limit of 250 miles (402 km) and usually drive less. You want to have time to enjoy the places you’re in.
• Visit Welcome Centers. The staff are helpful and provide tons of free information, brochures, maps, even discount coupons. Don’t be shy about taking a fistful of printed material. I’ve saved money using their coupons and learned about unique restaurants and attractions.
• Tell everyone you meet what you are doing —you never know what they’ll suggest or how they’ll help. Americans are friendly and curious. Hearing you are driving cross-country will get people talking.
• Be flexible. Things won’t always go as planned. The day I was intending to hike in the Smoky Mountains it poured. Instead, I drove to Knoxville and spent a fun day there, visiting the Knoxville Museum of Art and eating barbecue. 
• Plan frequent stops – maybe as many as once an hour – to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. You can stop for gas or grab coffee from a local shop. Hopping out of the car frequently will help you avoid a stiff back, and it will keep your mind fresh so you can focus on driving safely.
• Which brings me to food. Eat the local cuisine. What would a trip to Maine be without eating lobster or clam chowder? Louisiana without gumbo? Or anywhere in the south and not indulging in barbecue? Much like you wouldn’t want to miss a sight you can’t see anywhere else, like the Grand Canyon National Park you also don’t want to miss unique local cuisine. If you’re in an area that has a specialty, look for brochures on wine trails, cheese trails or maps of other food producers. In New England I’ve sampled maple syrups and visited Ben & Jerry’s for ice cream. In Wisconsin I ate fabulous cheese from local dairies. Your entire road trip route could be based around the various and distinctive foods in the US.  The United States is a country of immigrants and each group brings their cultural heritage and cuisine with them. If you’re a foodie, you don’t have to cross an ocean to taste the best the world offers. Some of the best Vietnamese food I’ve ever eaten, including in Viet Nam, was in Minneapolis. Go on a food tour in New Orleans and take a cooking class while you’re there. In Miami sample authentic Cuban food. Charleston has great seafood—go for crab, bouillabaisse, oysters and grouper at a riverfront restaurant. In San Francisco or New York eat specialties from across China. The list is endless and the possibilities delicious. 

• Traveling as a couple is safer than traveling alone, but there are a few things you should be on the lookout for. When you park your vehicle make sure that nothing of value is visible. If a motel doesn’t look properly maintained or is in an area that looks iffy, find another. Make sure any campsite or trail is safe, especially if bad weather is predicted.  You don’t want to be flooded or blown away.

I’ve taken three road trips this summer, each with a different goal—following a wine trail in the NY Finger Lakes, exploring parts of Vermont and New Hampshire I’d never seen, and seeing small towns on the New England coast.

I mostly drove on back roads and often wandered aimlessly. I got lost for a while, but with GPS I wasn’t lost forever. While “lost” I found pristine beaches, diners straight out of the fifties, the Pez Museum, plus gorgeous scenery. Be prepared to slam on the brakes and make U-turns if you spot something, you just never know what you’ll find.

A road trip can be exciting, fun, romantic, challenging, or just about anything else you can imagine. My best advice for road trippers is to be open to adventure.

There you have it! Now, you have all the knowledge to start planning your own adventure driving across the USA! We can’t wait to hear about your upcoming trip!

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1 comment leave a comment ».

This is a great read and thanks so much for the advice! I’ve been in the states for a roughly 2 months now and It takes some getting used to the different rules of the road!

Thanks for sharing your insight and it looks like you had the best time on your road trip!

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37 Stops For The Best Cross Country Road Trip [Map Included]

Taking a cross country road trip in the US is something everyone should do at least once in their life! We have traveled the country back and forth on multiple occasions and asked our fellow professional travelers for help on this post as well, to get you the best of the best when it comes to doing a cross country road trip.

We share top destinations , route planning ideas, attractions and activities you don’t want to miss and some great food options .

The US is filled with so many unique and different places to visit. The hard part is picking where to go. We will take you from the East Coast and places like Maine and New York down to the Florida Keys and up to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park before heading to California!

Below you will find 37 amazing places to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.

Table of Contents

Featured Place To Stay In The US

The Beach Club Resort and Spa

If you are looking for an awesome beach resort vacation in the US you are going to want to check out The Beach Club Resort and Spa in Gulf Shores, Alabama !

6 pools, restaurants on site, beach bonfires and more!

Buckle up and let’s start this drive cross country! If you want to add more adventure we recommend renting an RV for your trip. RVing cross country is an awesome way to travel!

Below we share our recommendations and recommendations from fellow travel bloggers on can’t miss places to visit on the best cross country trip. We kick it off in the East coast and take you down to Florida up to the midwest out to the pacific northwest down the west coast and across to Texas!

Acadia National Park, Maine

If you’re heading on a road trip across the United States, one of the first places you should start (pending you’re on the East Coast) is one of the most visited US national parks – Acadia in Maine. Acadia National Park is the only national park located in the northeastern US and it is home to a variety of different landscapes ranging from coastlines to bogs and more.

If you’re visiting Acadia in winter , you will be pleased to find fewer people in the park and some of the best cross-country ski trails on the eastern seaboard. During the Acadia summers, hiking is a must and some of the most famous trails are the Precipice Trail, Great Head Trail (which offers coastal walks), and Bubble Rock.

The number one sight in Acadia National Park is Cadillac Mountain and there are a variety of ways to experience it, but hiking is definitely the best way. Be sure to also not miss Schoodic Point, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and Jordan Pond.

There are plenty of camping opportunities within Acadia or you can opt to stay on Mount Desert Island (the island where the park is located) in Bar Harbor . Otherwise, Acadia is an easy day trip from Bangor on the mainland. Acadia National Park will be a stellar first stop on your road trip across the wild and diverse country!

Shared by: Megan Starr – Megan & Aram Travel Blog

More on Acadia and Maine:

Acadia National Park Itinerary [Plus Where To Stay]

15 Amazing Things To Do In Maine

Top 14 Maine National Parks and State Parks To Visit

Check out these awesome farm stays around the US too!

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer scenic views, epic hikes, rocky rivers and gorges, and some of the best leaf peeping in the country. While you can technically make the 100-mile loop in a day, you will want to take at least a weekend to take your time and explore this road trip.

Start off in the charming town of North Conway, where you can enjoy some of the local ski resort mountain activities or take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. From there, travel west across the Kancamagus Highway , one of the prettiest scenic by-ways in New England. Be sure to stop off at popular spots like the Albany Covered Bridge, Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Sabbaday Falls, Sugar Hill Overlook, C.L. Graham Wangam Overlook, and Lincoln Woods on your way to Lincoln.

Near Lincoln, spend some time hiking through the Lost River Gorge and exploring some of the caves, or visit Flume Gorge to gawk at the waterfalls. Travel north along Interstate 93 and Highway 3 through Franconia State Park. Leave time to enjoy Echo Lake Beach and make the hike up to Artist’s Bluff for stunning views of the lake and mountains beyond.

You will then want to head north east on Route 3 towards Twin Mountain until you get to Rt. 302. You will then want to head south to Bretton Woods, stopping to look at the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort. As you pass through Crawford Notch State Park, take a hike up Mt. Willard for amazing views of the notch, or to Arethusa Falls, the second tallest waterfall in New Hampshire.

Finish your road trip by following Rt. 16 back to North Conway for some outlet shopping. If you have time, make a detour toward Pinkham Notch and drive the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road, or in Bartlett, take Bear Notch Road down to the Kancamagus Highway for a beautiful backwoods drive.

If you are looking for some cool places to stay check out these cool glamping In New England options!

Shared by: Tamara Gruber – We 3 Travel

More on New Hampshire:

14 Best Things To Do In Lincoln New Hampshire

Berkshire, Massachusetts

The Berkshires of Massachusetts is a breathtaking region located between New York City and Boston. This stunning area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a bevy of hiking and biking opportunities as well as spectacular ski areas. Although the region is notably beautiful year-round, it’s particularly spectacular in autumn, with vibrant foliage decorating the mountainous landscape. Leaf peepers gather each fall to witness the spectacle from atop Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, around the Stockbridge Bowl, and down secret winding backroads.

In addition to various opportunities for physical fitness, there are numerous cultural amusements in The Berkshires as well. For instance, the charming town of Stockbridge is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, a site that pays homage to the famous American illustrator. This popular town also features Naumkeag, a stunning Gilded Age mansion that sits atop 48 acres and offers a range of seasonal events. Travelers will also enjoy a visit to the sweet neighboring town of Lenox, home to Edith Wharton’s former estate, The Mount. Here, self-guided tours are available of the impressive mansion and gardens through Mid-November.

Additionally, for a journey back in time, head to Santarella. This unique storybook property dates back to 1739 and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Although the grounds are private, this dream home is available to rent for a special event or an unforgettable Berkshires getaway.

Learn more: Most Breathtaking Places to Experience Fall in The Berkshires

Shared by: Elena Pappalardo – The Carry-On Chronicles

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod, Massachusetts is the perfect beach destination for some relaxation or adventure. Begin your visit in Sandwich on the western end of Cape Cod with a visit to the Sandwich Glass Museum or enjoy nature at the Heritage Museum and Gardens. Continue with your drive through Cape Cod with a stop at some of the many lighthouses, including the Nauset Light and Chatham Lighthouse.

Drive along the Cape Cod National Seashore where you will have a plentiful selection of sandy beaches to choose from. Spend a couple hours or all day relaxing in the sand, viewing the sand dunes, and jumping over the waves.

Depending on how much time you allot for the area, a whale watch is highly recommended! Head to Provincetown, the end point of Cape Cod, and hop aboard for a ride along the shores of Cape Cod featuring the famous sand dunes before heading out to the Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary.

After the whale watch take a stroll along Commercial Street and enjoy the quaint, local shops and tasty seafood options. Visit the Pilgrim Monument for breathtaking views of Provincetown and the surrounding area. Hang around until sunset and catch the famous Cape Cod sunset from Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown.

When visiting Cape Cod be prepared to eat your share of seafood-the options are endless! You can expect to find oysters, scallops, clams, mussels, and lobster. If you aren’t a seafood person don’t worry! You will find a great selection of international foods, including Asian, Middle-Eastern, and Italian.

Learn more: Provincetown With Kids: 11 Must Do’s

Shared by: Melissa – Navigation Junkie

You will also want to check out all the awesome Cape Cod towns .

More on Massachusetts:

4 Best Amusement Parks in Massachusetts To Visit

One of my favorite places in the Hudson Valley is Hyde Park, the National Historic Site that encompasses Franklin Roosevelt’s childhood home, his presidential library , historic Top Cottage and Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill estate. There are also gardens and enough property for a good long walk. You can’t see the whole estate in one day, especially with kids. So, I recommend you start with the library.

FDR was the first president to establish a presidential library and he did so on the estate while he was still in office. The public portion of the library is a nicely done, kid-friendly museum. You can sit at a model 1930s kitchen with a radio playing his fireside chats or follow the arc of WWII on interactive maps.

The highlights for me are his oval office desk cluttered with knick-knacks and the car he had adapted for his polio. Eleanor gets her own wing, where you can see her manual typewriter and letters from people across the country who wrote to ask for her help and her personal advice. My favorite place is Top Cottage, FDR’s hideaway on the estate. He hosted a barbecue for the King and Queen of England here and sat on the porch with several world leaders including Winston Churchill.

You can only see the three houses by ranger tour and a highly recommend taking this one because the history and anecdotes make this little stone house fascinating. Eleanor led a long public life after Franklin died and you’ll learn a lot about her interests and accomplishments at Val-Kill. In the family home you learn about Franklin’s boyhood, entry into politics and his polio.

Kids who know something about 20th century history will get the most out of a visit, but there’s enough to engage younger school-age children. The town of Pougheepsie, six miles south has restaurants, but on a nice day I recommend bringing a picnic or buying sandwiches at café and eating outside on the grounds.

Shared by: Eileen P. Gunn – Families Go Travel

New York City

If you’re planning an epic road trip through the United States, you absolutely need to stop in New York City. Phenomenal restaurants, world-class museums and architecture, stunning entertainment, beautiful parks, and more await you in the City that Never Sleeps.

New York City was first established in 1624, when the island of Manhattan was purchased from the native peoples who inhabited the land by the Dutch for a mere $24. As the Dutch, and then English, settlements grew and developed, it served as an important place during the American Revolution, and became the newly born United State’s first national capital. Manhattan was incorporated with the other four boroughs–Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island–in 1898 to form the full New York City.

The City is home to tons of awesome museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History, as well as Broadway theatre. Make sure you catch a performance in the Theatre District, which includes many of the theaters in the famous Times Square.

There are so many free things to do in New York City , in addition to paid activities. Wander through any of the City’s parks, walk the High Line and explore the newly developed Hudson Yards, or visit the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan. You can even head to the beach, all without leaving the five boroughs. Even just simply walking through the many different neighborhoods will give you incredible insight into the diverse, mesmerizing experience that is New York City.

Shared by Lyndsay Crescenti – The Purposely Lost

More On New York

If you plan to head to New York check out this awesome New York to Maine road trip too! And if you want to go with kids check out our tips on New York City With Kids . If you are looking for a romantic getaway check out these romantic hotels in New York State !

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of the best road trip stops in America is the northeastern city of Philadelphia. The city is full of fascinating history, world class museums and the delicious Philadelphia food scene.

There are so many worthwhile activities to enjoy in Philadelphia, like touring the historical buildings in Old City. Visitors love to explore Independence Hall, the site where Americans signed the Declaration of Independence and debated and signed the American Constitution. It’s steps away from other historical attractions like the Liberty Bell and President’s Mansion. Nearby you can also visit museums like the Constitution Center and The Museum of the American Revolution.

The Franklin Institute of Science is another favorite museum, especially for visitors with children. Still, the most famous museum in the city is probably The Philadelphia Museum of Art and its famous steps from the movie Rocky.

Philadelphia is also a foodie destination with famous local foods like the cheesesteak, soft pretzel and water ice. These treats alone are worth the stop in the city of Philadelphia. One of the best destinations to try these favorites is Philadelphia’s famous food hall, Reading Terminal Market. There you can visit rows of open air food stands and enjoy them in the central dining area.

In the warm weather, visitors can enjoy the food at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a recreational area built on the bank of the Delaware River. It hosts entertainment, food trucks and is one of the most popular places to try the local cuisine and relax along the waterfront. No matter when you visit Philadelphia, it’s a must-stop destination with so much to explore.

Shared by: Derek and Mike – Robe Trotting

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is worth a stop on any road trip across the US. There are beautiful, endless views on the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley to admire. Stop for the many waterfalls, the hiking opportunities, both short and longer. The Skyline Drive is easy to include in your trip through the US. Stop to see all the animals in Shenandoah, like the butterflies and maybe a brown beer. When making your trip in the Fall, Shenandoah is perfect for seeing the fall foliage.

When going to Shenandoah National Park the top thing to do is driving the Skyline Drive, it’s 105 miles and takes you along all the viewpoints. The views are so mesmerizing, you’ll want to stop at every viewpoint there is. The viewpoints are also the starting points for the hikes in the park, another top thing to do in Shenandoah.

There’s over 500 miles of marked trails. 20 of the hikes are to the waterfalls in the park. Not to be missed is the Stony ManNature Trail. A 1.6 mile hike to the highest point in the park, the Stony Man’s Summit. The most popular hike is the hike to Old Rag Mountain, it’s however a hike that will take a day and is not easy.

Come also for night sky watching and stargazing, which is a thing you have to see in the park. The Big Meadows Area and The Amphitheater in the Skyland area are perfect for this.

Shared by Cosette – KarsTravels

You may also want to check out these great off the beaten track destinations in the US !

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is definitely a must-stop place on a USA road trip. It’s the world’s largest living history museum as well as being the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. Thanks to the generosity of those who are committed to preserving American history, you can explore the restored and reconstructed historic center of Colonial Williamsburg.

Your Colonial Williamsburg ticket grants you entrance to important and historic buildings like the Governor’s mansion and homes of other prominent residents of the town, mostly by guided tour. The excellent guides will not only discuss important features of the buildings, but the background of those who lived there providing important historical and cultural context. In addition, the historic center is full of trade shops where you can talk to historical interpreters about paper making, book binding, ironwork, wig making, sites important to the everyday economy and culture of the town.

Special programs like evening ghost tours, historical re-enactments, and concerts also give visitors a glimpse of what life might have been like there in the 18th century. When considering where to eat at Colonial Williamsburg , plan to treat yourself to at least one dinner at one of the historical taverns like Christiana Campbell’s. You’ll enjoy a great meal surrounded by history.

Shared by: Darcy Vierow – Plan, Ready, Go

Other fun stops in Virginia:

Things To Do In Charlottesville VA

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston in South Carolina is a must-stop on any US cross country road trip! Why you may ask?

Well, mostly because Charleston is a super cute and beautiful town where road trippers can easily entertain themselves for a day or two.

A Charleston walking tour is a great way to see some of the city’s highlights such as the pineapple fountain, Charleston harbor, the city market, and of course the rainbow houses. These colorful houses make Charleston a very picturesque place to visit. Besides some sightseeing, you can also explore one of the many beaches around Charleston (if the weather permits).

South Carolina may not be most famous for the beaches, but let Charleston try and prove otherwise. Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms Country Park are three beaches that are worth checking out!

After a full day at the beach, you can eat your heart out at one of the many restaurants in Charleston. Some of the all-time favorite restaurants include The Darling Oyster Bar at King Street and The Macintosh a little bit further down the same street.

The last reason why Charleston is an awesome stop for a road trip is because of the great number of delicious breweries that are located there. Head over to Charleston Distilling CO, Highwire Distilling, Palmetto Brewing or one of the many other breweries and find out for yourself what makes Charleston so amazing!

Shared by: Lara – The Best Travel Gifts

Savannah Georgia

Be careful adding Savannah as a stop on your cross-country road trip; you might not want to leave once you’ve seen it! People from all over the country visit Savannah to get a peek at its charming squares and picturesque streets – and to sample all of the delicious Southern-style cooking.

First, plan to walk as much as possible! The city looks prettiest on foot where you can appreciate its beautiful details. Begin at River Street and watch the ships sailing into port while sampling some yummy pralines at River Street Sweets, then head to City Market for live entertainment, art, and a giant slice of pizza at Vinnie Van Go Go’s. Afterwards, do some shopping along Broughton Street, and then head deeper into the Historic District to visit the squares and stroll along Jones Street. It’s known as one of the prettiest streets in America. Make sure you stop by Forsyth Park to see the famous fountain!

If you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner, try The Olde Pink House. It’s a classic in Savannah and offers fine dining inside a beautiful historic (and reportedly haunted!) mansion. Prefer something more casual? Treylor Park is always a good bet. Finally, wind down your evening with a ghost tour — since Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the US.

Can’t-miss sights include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Bonaventure Cemetery, and a tour of the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters or Pin Point Heritage Museum.

Shared by: Erin Clarkson – Savannah First Timer

Universal Studios, Florida

A Cross Country US road trip won’t be complete without a stop to Orlando, Florida. Of course you could go to Disney World and if you have never been you should at least make time for Magic Kingdom . But don’t spend all your time there! Instead be sure to head over to Universal Studios .

Not sure where to go? Check out this post: Should You Choose Disney World Or Universal. 

Our kids much prefer Universal Studios and the kind of rides they have here – with their favorites being the Harry Potter rides. And of course you can’t beat visiting Harry Potter world in Universal. It is a truly special places especially if you have read the books and watched the movies.

Make sure to try all the different kinds of butter beer – hot, cold, ice cream they have a lot of options!

Once you are done with Universal Studios you will want to head to Volcano Bay ! This is our favorite waterpark in all of the US. You are in the middle of busy Orlando but when you are there you feel like you are on a tropical island filled with fun water rides and an awesome wave pool with a volcano.

There are so many fun activities to do in Orlando!

Between Orlando and the Florida Keys you can make a stop at the gorgeous Marco Island! Check out this post with a great list of things to do in Marco Island .

Florida Keys, Florida

If you are looking for the most tropical place in all of the US then you will want to make the trek down to the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys remain one of our favorite destinations in the US after traveling full time in an RV for over 6 years around the US. We love the tropical feel, the beautiful water and all of the fun things that you can do while you are there.

Most people think of the Florida Keys and only picture Key West. Yes Key West is amazing but there are so many really cool things to do all up and down the Keys. The Keys stretch over 100 miles so plenty of other places to stop and things to do.

We love the middle keys and the fact it is a lot more slower paced and less busy than Key West. Rent a Pontoon, go to the turtle hospital , animal encounters. and more! While on your cross country road trip be sure to set time aside for a Florida Keys road trip . It would also be a great place to try car camping – since the weather is usually so nice.

If getting outside with your family is high on your list be sure to check out these awesome outdoorsy vacations with kids!

Destin, Florida

Another of our top destinations in the US is Destin, Florida ! You can’t beat the white sand beaches and gorgeous aquamarine colored water. We love coming here for a beach break to just kick back relax and hang out on the beach.

That being said we also love all of the fun activities that you can do from fishing to renting a pontoon to Jet Skiing. There are so many options for amazing family fun while you are in Destin, Florida.

We really enjoy camping at Grayton Beach when we are there and visiting the Surf Hut restaurant that is located right on the beach. And you want to be sure you don’t miss the beautiful sunset from the beach out over the ocean.

Northern Georgia

Every US road trip should include the North Georgia Mountains . Take the hike to Springer Mountain in Dahlonega, where the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail begins. Ride an open-air car on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or take a hike on Blue Ridge’s swinging bridge- both letting you adventure over the Toccoa River. Visit the Alpine town of Helen, Georgia known for the Bavarian Village, delicious German food and festivals galore.

In Blairsville, take the short walk to Brasstown Bald for sensational 36-degree views at Georgia’s tallest point. Want more views? Add a stop at Bell Mountain in Hiawassee for a birds-eye view of Lake Chatuge. Ellijay is home to apple picking, but if you miss an early Fall visit then enjoy their wine trail instead. Finally, the Northeast mountains near Clayton and Rabun County are known for their waterfalls, magnificent trails, and charming small towns.

Shared by: Lesli Peterson – 365 Atlanta Traveler

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville , Kentucky is one of the most fun cities to visit in the entire United States. But it is especially a dream come true for sports lovers. Start by learning about legendary boxer and Louisville native Muhammad Ali at the Muhammad Ali Center. Next, baseball fans will love visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to see how Major League Baseball’s favorite bat is manufactured.

But the most famous sports-related landmark in Louisville is Churchill Downs. This hallowed spot is where the most famous horse race in the world, the Kentucky Derby, is run every year. Even when the race isn’t on, you can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum.

But Louisville isn’t just for sports fans. Art lovers will adore the amazing collection at the Speed Art Museum. Bourbon fans will want to learn about how the famous American spirit is made at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Or for a more low-key activity, wander around the Old Louisville neighborhood and admire the Victorian homes. You might even spot Louisville’s famous Witches’ Tree in this area.

Louisville is famous for several delicious and decadent foods. The most famous is probably the Hot Brown sandwich served at the Brown Hotel. It’s an indulgent warm, open-faced turkey sandwich slathered with bacon and rich Mornay sauce. And don’t miss the chance to try a yummy slice of chocolate and walnut Derby pie when you visit the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs.

Shared by: Stella Jane – Around the World in 24 Hours

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

While taking a trip across the US, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a place you must visit. Situated on Lake Michigan’s western shore, it is famous for its breweries and cheese. Even if there’s no other reason left to visit the city, you should stop here for the beer. If you are a beer fan, Milwaukee will not disappoint you. The city has beer stores on every third step. One of the reasons why tourists come and stop at this place to buy and taste the breweries.

It is great for a family vacation as there are a lot of things you can do. Start your trip by treating your taste buds to the city’s famous dishes. Milwaukee is famous for its beer, no doubt, but you will find a lot of eateries around the corners of the city’s street. There are vegetarian, vegan-friendly, as well as non-vegetarian restaurants. One of your must-visit stops should be Centro Cafe that offers rustic Italian food.

After filling your stomach, there are places you must visit. Visit the Public Museum which is the home to world history. Explore some amazing scientific innovations and collections from zoology to photography. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum to witness one-of-a-kind objects including the very first Harley-Davidson bike.

The city has a lot more to offer from its history to great food. If you have a pet as your company, find the best pet-friendly cabins in Wisconsin and enjoy the sites with your furry friend.

Shared by: Paulina – Paulina On The Road

Black Hills, South Dakota

Any cross-country U.S. road trip should include a stop in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In addition to over 8000 square miles of natural beauty, these hills host some of our nation’s most iconic monuments and parks.

Located right off of interstate 90, the Black Hills are easily accessible. Most people know this area because of Mount Rushmore, which is a must-see, but there is much more to see and do here. Half an hour away from Mount Rushmore is the Crazy Horse Memorial. This monument, also carved into the mountains, is still in progress and it’s awesome to watch the work being done. There is a Native American museum at the memorial and they often hold live performances.

Just south of Mount Rushmore is Custer State Park. There’s camping, hiking, kayaking and more at this sprawling park. Travelers who are short on time can take one of the scenic drives to see giant herds of buffalo and adorable prairie dog towns.

On the north end of the Black Hills lies Spearfish Canyon. The winding road that runs along the river reveals lush canyon walls. Bring a picnic, take a hike to one of the many waterfalls and just enjoy the natural wonder.

Lastly, a visit to the Black Hills wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic town of Deadwood. Step back in time while you lounge at a saloon, take an historic home tour or visit the gravesites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane!

Shared by: Julie Espinosa – Family Travel Lifestyle

Another great location in South Dakota is Wind Cave National Park .

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a must-see; this huge US National Park is home to some of the most thrilling natural sights in the country! It is so large that it covers three different states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming (which houses the bulk of the park). First time visitors are often surprised to learn that it can take hours to drive just within the park between the distance, crowds, and bison traffic jams so it’s important to have mapped out the highlights you’re planning to hit.

While you’re driving, be sure to keep an eye out along the roads for wildlife. Often called the “serengeti of the west”, Lamar Valley is famous for its wolves, bison, coyotes, and grizzly bears. If there is a crowd of cars pulled over, it’s a good sign to join them and ask what’s been spotted.

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser among the over 10,000 thermal features within the park, stop by for one of the predicted eruptions and then browse the dedicated visitor center nearby to learn more about this geological wonder. The photogenic Grand Prismatic Spring is also nearby, where visitors can walk on a boardwalk within inches of the thermal pool’s vivid hues.

Visitors also can’t miss the roaring Yellowstone Falls from one of the famous overlooks, as the most stunning waterfall inside the park. Wrap up your days in one of the gateway cities that have plenty of delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, and spots to unwind after the natural thrills!

Read more Yellowstone National Park Tips here!

Shared by: Stephanie – Explore More Clean Less

Bozeman, Montana

Beautiful Bozeman is one of the jewels of Montana; it balances both powerful and sprawling nature with a dynamic city center and cultural institutions. This dichotomy makes it well worth a stop on any road trip going through Montana.

Bozeman is situated in the Gallatin Valley and framed by the peaks of the Absaroka, Bridger, Madison, and Gallatin mountain ranges. The ski runs of two of Montana’s best ski resorts, Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort, are within easy driving distance. The natural surroundings aren’t just prone to world-class skiing; you’ll also find excellent hiking at Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area and kayaking and rafting adventures waiting to be had along the Madison and Gallatin Rivers.

Moving closer to the center of the city, you’ll find downtown Bozeman as well as Montana State University. The latter helps run the esteemed Museum of the Rockies, which is a museum that can’t be missed while in Bozeman. It is easily one of the top things to do in Bozeman thanks to its incredible collection of dinosaur bones, many of which were found right in Montana. After a day exploring the museums or having adventures in the wild land surrounding Bozeman, head downtown for a pint at one of Bozeman’s excellent breweries or to enjoy some farm to table cuisine.

Shared by: Gina – Travel Montana Now

Glacier National Park

You can’t have a list of places to visit in the US without having Glacier National Park ! This place is unbelievably beautiful. From the glacial lakes to the mountains at every turn you are awe-struck by the beauty.

There are a few must do things like visiting Lake McDonald and driving the Going To The Sun Road. But some of our favorites are more of the off the beaten path things. Like visiting Polebridge Mercantile or the Many Glacier section of the park.

Our favorite hikes in Glacier are Grinnell Glacier where we say ice bergs floating in the lake at the top and Avalanche Lake with its mountain lake and greenery surrounding it.  Glacier is a place that is best to visit in late July, August or early September. This time of year gives you the best chance to really see everything it has to offer.

The Going To The Sun Road doesn’t even open until mid July sometimes and you want to do that when you are here. If you are questioning making the drive this far north don’t. Just do it! You will be glad you did!

Check out our post on Unique Montana Airbnbs you will want to stay in on your trip.

Mount Rainier, Washington

One of the best places to stop during a road trip through Washington State is Mount Rainier, National Park. This park has mountains galore, lakes, waterfalls, and old grove trees. It is a beautiful park with so much to see.

One of the best things to do is to stop by the Paradise visitor center to do the skyline trail. Even if you are not a hiker, you need to experience this area. Mount Rainier looks stunning, and there is a waterfall called Marymere Falls. The hike is moderate and has fantastic views throughout. If the weather is iffy, Comet Falls hike is a great place to experience a gargantuan waterfall. It is one of the best waterfalls in Washington State and is worth the 3.8-mile trek.

There are also multiple fire lookouts in Mount Rainier National Park . Fremont lookout is probably the most popular lookout, followed by Tolmie Peak. You have to hike to get to either of the lookouts, but the effort is well worth it. Many people do these hike for sunset and are sometimes rewarded with a stunning cloud inversion. No matter what you do at this national park, you will fall in love with its natural beauty.

Shared by: Michelle – The Wandering Queen

Oregon Coast

The Oregon coast is a magical and unique place. There is so much lush green in Oregon. With the green contrasting with the ocean cliffs and water it is a sight to see.

There are jet boat rides to take and sand dunes to 4 wheel on. Plus hours of tide pooling and amazing hiking. Oregon really is a nature lovers paradise. If possible make multiple stops along the coast. And don’t miss Cannon beach and Astoria – where they filmed Goonies.

The Oregon coast is a unique place and definitely somewhere that has you thinking waterfalls, lush green forests and fairies. If fairies exist they are in Oregon!

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit all year round. Whether you are heading there in the winter for skiing or you want to spend the summer playing water sports and hiking – Lake Tahoe has something for everyone.

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake and it straddles both California and Nevada. It sits in a basin at over 6,000 feet surrounded by the Sierra Mountains. The views around the lake are stunning.

One of the best things to do around Lake Tahoe is to go hiking. If you are looking for a short, scenic hike why not try the Vikingsholm Trail. This trail is only 3.2 miles long and ends in Emerald Bay. From the start you have amazing views of Emerald Bay the whole way down. Just remember you have to get back up again!

In the summer, you can take a scenic gondola ride up to the Heavenly Mountain for epic views. The gondola ride is 2.4 miles long to the Observation Deck where you can have panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. You can also check out the cafe there.

Lastly, why not take a scenic drive around the lake. It takes about an hour to drive from North Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe. You will notice quite a difference in the North where it is more serene and the South which is more popular. Either way the scenery is gorgeous and you can see the Sugar Pines and White Firs.

Shared by: Nicole – American SW Obsessed  

Another fun place to visit in Nevada is the Great Basin National Park. 

San Francisco, California

It’s not a true road trip around the United States if you don’t stop in San Francisco. Is it any wonder this stunning and unique city has been mentioned in so many song lyrics?

For starters, you need to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s some excellent vantage points at either end to stop and take a photo, with one of my favorites being the dog-friendly Baker Beach. The beach is also perfect for taking in a west coast sunset.

Another top attraction to visit in San Francisco is the prison island of Alcatraz, accessible on a ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf. (Don’t forget to book well in advance!) While you’re at Fisherman’s Wharf, stop by Pier 39 to gaze at the resident sea lions. Also nearby is the famously crooked Lombard Street, with its eight hairpin turns. Naturally the street is one-way only; drive down the street from the upper end.

While you’re in San Francisco, don’t also miss visiting Haight-Ashbury, the hippie heart of the city and home to an eclectic collection of boutiques. Or else head to the Mission District for some affordable tacos and to check out its plentiful street art. Balmy Alley is lined with murals, many reflecting the Latino links of the district.

And for a final classic San Fran experience, leave your car behind for a ride on the old-school cable cars!

Learn more: Dog-Friendly Things To Do In San Francisco

Shared by: Shandos Cleaver – Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel

Yosemite National Park, California

On a cross-country trip across the U.S., there will be several national parks vying for attention. One absolute must-visit is Yosemite National Park, which is in my opinion the most beautiful national park in California!

While you’re there, be sure to indulge in plenty of hiking: that is why you come to Yosemite, after all! If you are traveling with kids or people who want easier trails, there are several easy hikes in Yosemite that are worth taking, but two top ones are the Lower Yosemite Falls loop and the Cooks Meadow loop. For more advanced hikers, hiking to Taft Point is absolutely worth it as well as Upper Yosemite Falls.

You should also drive around Yosemite and see several of the best views in Yosemite from easy vantage points that require little walking or hiking. A few favorites are the view from Tunnel View, Washburn Point, The Three Brothers, and Olmsted Point.

Also, don’t miss Mariposa Grove and the beautiful giant sequoias which define this area, which was one of the first protected areas in Yosemite. There are both easy and moderate hikes in this area surrounded by beautiful towering redwoods, an absolute must-do!

Whatever adventure you choose for your Yosemite trip and however long you choose to stay, it won’t feel like enough, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself returning to Yosemite time and again!

Shared by: Allison Green – California Crossroads

Death Valley, California

If you are looking for fun places to stop on a US road trip, consider Death Valley National Park in California! The largest national park in the contiguous US, Death Valley holds the record for the highest temperature recorded on earth.

The desert views at Death Valley are majestic, and they are varied as well. So if you go expecting nothing but sand, prepare to be awestruck by colorful canyons, vast white salt flats, and even snow covered mountains at the fringes of the valley.

Drive up to Dante’s View to look out over the valley. On a clear day you may be able to see Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, as well as Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.

If you enjoy local history, the park has old mine sites and charcoal kilns you can visit. At Harmony Borax Works, you can even take a photo of a double wagon used in the days of 20-mule teams! There are lots of hiking trails in the park: the Mosaic Canyon hike is one of the most popular hikes in Death Valley.

Up in the north of the park, visit the Ubehebe Crater, a Maar volcano. Or zip out of the park a short distance to view the ruins at Rhyolite, a Gold Rush town.

There are three hotels inside Death Valley National Park, as well as a number of campgrounds. Each hotel has an onsite restaurant.

Visit Death Valley National Park in the cooler months of the year, especially if you want to hike!

Shared by: Dhara – Roadtripping California

Santa Barbara, California

Located along California’s Central Coast, Santa Barbara is a perfect destination year-round.

What makes it a great place to visit is the combination of unique cultural landmarks and great outdoor opportunities that could be explored year-round thanks to California’s mild climate.

Early morning, head to Old Mission Santa Barbara to get a lesson in the area’s history and later take a walk through El Presidio – a former military settlement that was built by the early Spanish settlers to protect their military outpost.

El Presidio is home to El Cuartel, one of the oldest buildings in the state of California and the oldest building in the city of Santa Barbara. It also has a distinction of being the last building that was built by the Spanish in the New World.

After touring the city’s historic landmarks, explore Santa Barbara’s beaches where you can surf, rent a kayak or if you don’t want to get into the water, just ride a bike along the coast at your own leisure.

Downtown Santa Barbara is walkable and boasts many outdoor venues. One of the main hallmarks of the area is Paseo Nuevo, an outdoor mall built in the Spanish colonial style with plenty of stores and restaurants where you can grab a take-out and quickly head toward the beach.

After you finish shopping and dining, check out Santa Barbara Botanic Garden located against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains or soak in the views of the Pacific Ocean from the Stearns Wharf in the harbor of Santa Barbara – the oldest working wharf in California!

Learn more: Incredible Things To Do In Santa Barbara

Shared by: Daria Bachmann – The Discovery Nut

Joshua Tree National Park, California

No trip across the US can exclude California and its many natural wonders. There’s no shortage of beautiful places in the state, but there’s no better way to experience the California desert than by visiting Joshua Tree National Park.

Located less than three hours east of Los Angeles, the desert landscape in this national park is dotted with stunning, out of this world Joshua Trees, for which the park is named after. These “trees” stand tall and proud, with spiky arms that twist and turn upwards and outwards.

The park is beautiful and offers plenty to do and see, even if you only have one day to spend here. If you’re pressed for time, drive the main park road and stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden for a pleasant stroll through fuzzy, teddy bear-like cholla cactus.

More into cool desert rocks? Joshua Tree does not disappoint! Large boulders stand tall in the desert landscape, including Arch Rock, a famous boulder shaped like an arch. Skull Rock looks like (you guessed it) a human skull, and is another popular stopping point. A personal favorite is Split Rock, a giant boulder broken perfectly in two (and with less crowds!)

Of course, no trip to Joshua Tree is complete without photographing the famous Joshua Trees themselves. You’ll find them in the northern part of the park, just pull over and start snapping photos!

Joshua Tree is stunning, and makes for a perfect addition to a US road trip!

Shared by: Ale – Sea Salt & Fog 

Ok you are right Hawaii wouldn’t really be considered on a cross country road trip – BUT – hear me out. When you reach the west coast you can usually get air flight to Hawaii a lot cheaper compared to other parts of the US. Plus there are more flights and it is a shorter flight!

For those reasons it may be a location you want to consider! Here are some great posts on Hawaii to help you plan that trip:

Tips For Visiting Hawaii For the First Time

Tips On Visiting Disney Aulani 

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon and with good reason — not only is it one of the seven natural wonders of the world, but it’s a truly awe-inspiring place to see. If it’s not already on your bucket list, it should be!

The best way to see the Grand Canyon is to hike it. Whether you choose a day trip or to hike down to the Colorado River with a stay at Phantom Ranch, it’s all breathtaking. Most of the hikes are considered difficult as the switchbacks to get down to the river are quite steep, though there are some moderate hikes as well that still provide incredible views.

For those not up for the adventure of hiking, you can easily take in the spectacular views wandering along the rim. If you’re feeling daring, the Grand Canyon Skywalk over the canyon offers views to the bottom with a glass skyway that is sure to amaze.

Whether you hike into the canyon or walk along the rim, enjoy how the light changes the colors of the canyon. The shifting sun provides a kaleidoscope of natural colors that seem unreal and it really lights up with the most incredible shades of color throughout the day and into the evening.

This is a popular tourist destination and people come from around the world to see it. The Grand Canyon is a great overnight trip from Phoenix, Arizona , and worth a spot on your bucket list.

Shared by: Sam – My Flying Leap

Northern Arizona

The dramatic desert landscapes of Northern Arizona have to be seen to be believed! Top stops on a US road trip through the Southwest include Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Page , Arizona.

Sedona is a great first introduction to the red rocks of the desert. Take the popular Cathedral Rock trail, Devil’s Bridge trail, Little Horse trail, and visit Slide Rock State Park to slide down the slippery rocks, which become a popular slide in the summer! While there are numerous luxurious spa resorts in Sedona, there are plenty of incredible Airbnb’s with pools and views!

Traveling north, stop in Flagstaff, Arizona and make it your base for exploring the Grand Canyon. Located an hour and 15 minutes away, it’s the closest city. Stay at the Drury Inn & Suites on Northern Arizona University’s campus and make sure you eat at NiMarco’s, Flagstaff’s best pizza place with an incredible pesto pizza!

Lastly, Page, Arizona  is one of the most beautiful parts of the Southwest (a bold claim, I know). Here you’ll see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Horseshoe Bend is a free part of the Grand Canyon with a river that dramatically wraps around a plateau. The trail is short but it can get extremely hot, so be prepared. Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation. You need to book a tour for it, but the views are unbeatable!

Shared by: Alanna Koritzke – Periodic Adventures

Zion National Park, Utah

Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers will not want to miss visiting Zion National Park during a cross-country road trip. Located near Springdale, Utah, Zion National Park is famous for its steep sandstone cliffs soaring up from the canyon floor.

The main thing to do in Zion is go hiking, as there are several scenic trails in the heart of the park ranging from challenging and adventurous full-day hikes, to short and easy nature walks.

Some of the park’s most notable hikes are also the longest and most difficult, including Angels Landing, Observation Point, and the Narrows. More moderate, but equally scenic options include the hike to Canyon Overlook and Watchman Trail. For an easy hike, you can follow along the Virgin River on Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk, or set out to visit Lower Emerald Pool.

Even if hiking is not your thing, you can still enjoy Zion National Park by going on a sightseeing drive through the park. The park provides shuttle buses to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the most popular part of the park), but private vehicles are allowed on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway where you can drive through the sandstone cliffs via a historic tunnel.

Learn more: How to Spend 3 Days in Zion National Park- Hikes, Walks, and Scenic Drives

Shared by: Rhonda Krause – Travel? Yes Please!

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

This is one stop you don’t want to miss when you are road tripping cross country in the United States. Bryce Canyon will simply amaze, inspire and wonder how such a thing exists in the world. Located near the Zion National Park in Utah and in an area where hikes and exploration are at an abundance.

Ever heard of a Hoodoo, this is what Bryce Canyon is made up of and makes you think you have landed on another planet. These columns of rocks are formed by steam erosion and frost weathering and it’s the one place in the world with the largest collection.

It’s really worth checking out some of the view point like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise & Sunset point. While on the other hand you can burn off some energy completing any of the many hikes that vary from 1 mile to 23 miles. A couple you might like to try are “Navajo Loop Trail” & “Fairyland loop Trail”, but plenty of others to suit your time frame and situation.

April to October tends to be the busiest season with temps ranging from 75 to 98 degrees F, this is also when a shuttle service is offered around the park to help you get around. Visiting in winter in January or February could have you enjoying a very different views with snow topping all the peaks.

If anything, don’t forget to catch a sunrise view – you won’t regret it!

Shared by Chris – The Aquarius Traveller  

Park City, Utah

Are you looking for an amazing stop on your cross country road trip that’s full of action and adventure? Then make sure to stop in Park City Utah. Located right off of I-80, and only 20 miles from I-15, Park City is a quick stop on the way to most mountain west destinations, but will still make you feel like you’ve just discovered the perfect mountain town.

All throughout the year, the mountains are the real show stopper, and the opportunities to recreate there seem limitless. If you really want to soak in all that the mountains have to offer, make sure to head hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. Our favorite trails are Silver Lake for hikers and Gamble Oak on snowshoes. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can’t go wrong with the ropes course or bobsled rides at the Olympic Park, or a class at Woodward Action Sports Complex.

If you’re visiting Park City on a winter road trip, you’ll want to plan to stay for a while since there is so much to do. The obvious winter activity of choice in Park City is skiing, so plan on skiing at least 2 days during your winter visit to Park City. After that, the absolute best activities in Park City is dog sledding with Luna Lobos, and you’ll also want to see if you can fit in a snowmobiling trip into the Uintah mountains, to wrap up the perfect trip to Park City.

Learn more: Best Utah Ski Resorts For Kids

Shared by Jessica Averett – Skiing Kids

Summit County, Colorado

If you’re looking for a place where you can pack a lot of Colorado mountain adventure into one place, then you absolutely need to plan a stop in Summit County Colorado. Luckily, I-70 runs right through it, so you won’t even have to go out of your way to see this road trip stop. Plan on staying for a few days, and if you want to be centrally located and not pay resort prices, plan on staying in Silverthorne or Frisco.

In the summer, hiking and mountain biking shine here. If you’re in good shape, and have adjusted to the altitude, be brave and go out and hike a 14er (Colorado term for a mountain over 14,000 ft). You can hike both Greys and Torreys peaks in only a 9 mile trek, so start getting in shape now so you can knock this off your bucket list (your legs will thank you for training in advance).

If you are road tripping in the winter, Summit County is a winter paradise. With 4 ski resorts within a 15 minute radius, skiing in Colorado is a must do. If you want a big resort feel, head to Breckenridge, but if you want a smaller resort that has incredible terrain, Arapahoe Basin is the place to ski and our personal favorite Colorado ski resort for skiing with kids. At the end of a long day of skiing, make sure to head into Dillon to visit the Colorado Ice Castles . These ice structures are incredibly amazing, so make sure to add this to your Summit County winter bucket list.

Shared by: Jessica Averett – Bring The Kids

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is a perfect stop on any cross country road trip. Situated about halfway from either coast, this vibrant and fun city in the central plains is a flourishing metropolitan area that somehow maintains a small town feel.

There are a lot of unique and fun things to do in Oklahoma City . The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is one of the most beautiful yet sombering places in the whole metro. The attraction, which is dedicated to the victims of the 1995 bombing of the federal building, is a must-see when visiting OKC.

Not far from the memorial, in the heart of downtown OKC, Bricktown is a lively commercial district filled with restaurants, arcades, and other fun activities. The district, which is named for its historic red brick buildings, lines a picturesque river walk. Visitors wanting to learn about the history of the area, can take a boat ride through the canal. The boat tour guide walks you through the not-so-distant history, detailing how this area of OKC was transformed from a blighted, crime-ridden neighborhood with boarded up buildings to a bustling entertainment district.

Finally, no stop to Oklahoma City is complete without a brief visit to Wheeler Riverfront Plaza to commemorate your visit with a photo. In this up-and-coming area, you’ll find a large OKC sign that makes for a perfect photo opportunity, as well as a ferris wheel, outdoor games, and food trucks.

Easily accessible from Interstate 40, these fun attractions are not only worth visiting, they are exceptionally convenient for anyone making a cross country trek along the third longest interstate in the United States.

Shared by: Melissa – Parenthood and Passports

The state of Texas is bigger than the entire nation of France, so it’s likely that any cross-country road trip will have you traversing the Lone Star State at some point. Plug in the isolated desert of West Texas into your GPS to see natural, isolated beauty.

There are so many things to do in West Texas that its isolated location, not its lack of offerings, that keep it off the beaten path.

Visit Texas’ only two national parks, Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, for the best hiking and outdoor trails in the entire state. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy camping, rock climbing, and rafting down the Rio Grande.

Art enthusiasts, big-city gallery lovers, and foodies will appreciate the quirky things to do in Marfa . This tiny town has become an artists’ enclave with abandoned dancehalls and gas stations being converted into modern art galleries. Restaurants and wine bars worthy of Manhattan line the streets next to farmers’ pickup trucks. On your way out of Marfa, don’t miss the priceless photo opportunity at Prada Marfa, an art exhibit in the middle of nowhere.

Other small towns worth a stop nearby include Alpine, Marathon, and the ghost town Terlingua (which serves as the gateway to Big Bend). Visit big city El Paso before bidding adieu to the Lone Star State and continuing onwards to New Mexico.

Shared by Erin – Sol Salute

There you have it! If you can visit all of these amazing places on your cross country road trip you will have an awesome trip. There are your typical classic American road trips like route 66 from Chicago through St. Louis and west but we thought it would be fun to throw in a different road trip route.

Of course this post doesn’t list all of the places you could visit. So here are a few other you may want to consider:

13 Things to do in St Louis with Kids

Meow Wolf Review: Which Location is Best?

Castles In America

Best Aquariums In The US

Things To Do In Alaska

15 Fun and Exciting Things To Do In San Diego With Kids

18 Fun Things To Do In Big Sur California [Maps Included]

East Coast Road Trip 25+ Stops You Don’t Want to Miss!

15 Absolutely Enjoyable Things To Do In Nashville

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An Epic Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary: 8 Weeks Coast to Coast

This epic cross-country road trip itinerary is for an all-American family road trip from coast to coast! This USA road trip itinerary includes 21 states, 9 National Parks, 3 National Monuments, and 1 National Memorial and takes approximately 8 weeks.

This route starts in New England (Connecticut specifically) and heads down to North Carolina, through Denver, across to Los Angeles, then up to San Francisco, with lots of fun family road trip stops along the way!

When possible, we’ll include alternate routes or additional road trip stops that may be of interest as you move coast to coast.

Pick and choose which stops sound like fun for your family to craft your own ideal cross-country family road trip.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. All our recommendations are independent and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of the post, Download a free License Plate Game to play on your cross-country road trip!

Lodging: Booking.com Flight Deals: Skyscanner Rental Cars: Discover Cars Airport Transfers: Welcome Pickups

Digital SIM Cards: Airalo eSIM Travel Insurance: SafetyWing

Table of Contents

How Do You Plan a Cross-Country Road Trip for Families?

Summer road trips in the United States are a family right of passage- a lot of families can only tackle these long drives during the summer months, making it a busy time for driving cross-country!

We advise booking all hotel and motel rooms well in advance, with particular emphasis on the national parks, which have seen record crowds in the last few years. Many major attractions and museums require timed tickets for entry, yet another reason to plan ahead.

Don’t forget to buy an Annual Park Pass – it pays for itself in three parks! The pass is good for one year from purchase.

Buy Now: America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

Since we had a 4 and 6-year-old, we limited our time in the car to 4-5 hours a day. If you have older kids, you could do a similar route in a lot less time.

Planning a trip with kids? We put together our best advice for road trip tips specifically for families with kids and toddlers. We’ve covered everything from planning to bathroom breaks so you can learn from our hours on the road.

What is the Best Cross-Country Road Trip Route to Take?

There are many routes you can take cross-country from the all-American Route 66 to the northern route via rt 90, or the most southern route via Route 10. What route is best for you depends on what you’d like to see along the way and where you’d like to end your trip.

We traveled cross-country over a mix of the below routes. We started by mapping out where we have friends we’d like to stop and see, and then added in bucket list stops like the Grand Canyon.

Major Highways Crossing the US

These are the most famous highways crossing the US, many families use these as a start to their road trip planning.

Route 66 , also called the Will Rodgers Highway, runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. It is one of the original US highway routes and was used extensively during the 1930s during the Dust Bowl. This road trip route is now known for its kitsch roadside attractions and instagram-able photo opportunities.

Route 90 , the most northern route, starts in Boston as the Mass Pike, crosses to Chicago, then through Sioux Falls, to Billings and Missoula, then Spokane, and finally Seattle. This is the route you’d take to see Mt. Rushmore , the Badlands, and Yellowstone National Park .

Route 80 is a middle route that starts in New Jersey, also goes through Chicago, then runs through Omaha to Cheyenne, on to Salt Lake City, then to Reno, ending in San Francisco.

Route 70 starts in Baltimore, then Pittsburgh, on to Columbus, Indianapolis, then St. Louis, Kansas City, and over to Denver before heading through Utah with its famous National Parks of Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, and Zion, then on to Los Angeles.

Route 40 is a mid-southern route starting in Wilmington, NC, heading through Nashville, to Oklahoma City, to Albuquerque, then Flagstaff, close to the Grand Canyon, and ending in Los Angeles.

Route 10 is the most southern route which starts in Jacksonville FL, heads to New Orleans, across to Houston, to Tuscon, and then on to Los Angeles.

Epic Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary

This cross-country road trip is the first leg of our Family Year Out . From California, we headed overseas to continue our Gap Year journey in Mexico , Peru , Colombia , Brazil , Italy , Croatia , Morocco , and more. If you’ve got questions, start with what exactly is a Family Year Out ?

Since we were traveling with a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old, so all activities and stops are appropriate for families with young kids. Due to the health environment at the time, we mostly focused on outdoor activities, with a few exceptions.

Worried about keeping the kids entertained and happy during long rides in the back seat? We recommend a combination of fun kid’s car activities and lots of road trip snacks .

This is the map of our full cross-country road trip- since it’s hard to see the details in this full USA map, we’ve added screenshots below of sections of the trip.

Start: Connecticut

We started this family cross-country road trip in Connecticut, where we’d been living for the last few years. We sold our house, and all our things were packed up into either a Pod storage container or into our car.

What did we pack into our not-so-huge Subaru Outback? All the road trip essentials , a few books for the kids, and lots of food.

Don’t forget travel insurance! We use SafetyWing for our long-term travel needs.

Get a Quote: SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Crayola Experience, Easton PA

First stop, the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA. This colorful attraction covers 65,000 square feet, with 27 different experiences. We were able to see how crayons are made and name our own crayons among lots of other crafty activities. Some of the attractions, including the character appearances, and the playground, were closed due to restrictions, but should now be open again.

We had a great time at the Crayola Experience. As you can see in our review of the Crayola Experience , we highly recommend it for families. In fact, our kids still sometimes talk about it!

Additional Stop: Gettysburg, PA

Continue southwest to Gettysburg, PA to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and learn about this famous battle in the Civil War. See where Abraham Lincoln stood to give the Gettysburg Address, and don’t forget to stop by the Cannonball Malt Shop!

Book Now: 2 Hour Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

Baltimore, MD- 2 nights

We spent our first two nights with friends in Baltimore. While we mostly hung out in their backyard catching up, there’s plenty for families to do in “Charm City”.

Take a hike through Lake Roland Nature Center and Park or explore the children’s fairy garden there. Take a Chessie dragon paddleboat out on the Chesapeake harbor, or upgrade to an electric pirate boat. Dress like a pirate and fire a water cannon on an Urban Pirates Family Adventure Cruise.

We loved exploring Fort McHenry – where the Star-Spangled Banner was written during the War of 1812. It was a very manageable size for the kids, with lots of bite-sized bits of information, and plenty of space to run around.

Washington, D.C.- 2 nights

We were in DC for a few days in 2019, so this visit was focused on a few places we didn’t get to on that trip. Washington DC is a very family-friendly city, with tons to do!

National Museum of Natural History

First on our list was the National Museum of Natural History ! S(6) was really excited to see the rocks and gems, and both girls will love dinosaurs.

We were able to see the Hope Diamond, and some really large crystals, so the kids loved it. We spent a little time in the Hall of Oceans, but the gems were really our highlight. With timed tickets, the museum felt empty, and we had lots of space to ourselves.

National Museum of the American Indian

We also went to the National Museum of the American Indian . I’ve heard great things about it, and was hoping it would set the stage for some other educational stops farther along the trip. Also, their cafe with native foods is supposed to be terrific.

However, I would not recommend this museum for kids. It was very cerebral and involved a lot of reading plaques. They were not at all entertained. We were there for the last day of an exhibit on the Inka Trail (leading to Macchu Pichu) which should have been riveting but was not accessible enough for the kids. The cafe was closed, so we weren’t able to try it.

National Archives

I’m was also hoping to visit the National Archives Museum to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. As part of S’s 2nd-grade curriculum, she will be learning about the Constitution, so this seemed like a great way to jumpstart that part of her education.

The timed tickets for the National Archives sold out fast- we were not able to get tickets on this visit. Plan way ahead if this is on your list!

The White House

Lastly, I emailed our representative to see if we can tour the White House. As of late June 2021, the White House was still closed. We tried to get a photo in front of the White House and found that we could barely get close enough to see it, due to a sudden security lockdown.

A lot of the monuments are lit up at night, this tour makes it really easy to see this other perspective of the National Mall.

Book Now: 3 Hour “Monuments By Night Tour”

Mount Vernon

We realized at the last minute that many of the main attractions in D.C. are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays- so we drove down to Virginia to explore George Washington’s family estate of Mount Vernon.

We highly recommend visiting Mount Vernon with kids !

Affordable Hotels close to the National Mall: Hotel Harrington (not luxury, but amazing location), or Hyatt Regency Washington (walking to Union Station).

Charlottesville, VA- 1 night

We are stopped for one day in Charlottesville to hang out with some friends at a local park.

Don’t Miss Cabins : Montfair Resort Farm . If you are passing by Crozet, VA, don’t miss a stay at the Montfair Resort Farm! Our kids loved staying in a rustic log cabin with bunk beds.

We didn’t have time to check out all the activities around the lake but would have loved a few quiet days to canoe and explore the area.

Check Availability: Montfair Resort Farm

Alternate Route: Natural Bridge State Park

From Washington DC, head south to Colonial Williamsburg before driving west to Charlottesville. From Charlottesville continue west to visit Natural Bridge State Park . Walk the Ceder Creek Trail to the natural bridge, then continue to the Monacan Village.

Colonial Williamsburg

We spent a day at Colonial Williamsburg . It was hot. The distances between buildings were long. We faded. Our favorite part with the maze behind the governor’s house. I think we may have made a mistake starting on the quieter end near the markets, rather than at the visitors center.

Overall it reinforced some of the things we learned at Mount Vernon but was just too much for us on a muggy 90+ degree day.

Depending on your timing you can also visit Historic Jamestowne – the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

Outer Banks, NC- 2 nights

We wanted to dip our toes in the Atlantic Ocean before heading to the West Coast to dip our toes in the Pacific! We spent two nights exploring the beaches in Nags Head, North Carolina .

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is just down the beach- visit to see where the first powered flight took place! We were also looking forward to some time just relaxing and digging in the sand.

We almost skipped the Wright Brothers Memorial, but I’m so glad we went! Don’t miss visiting the Wright Brothers Memorial with kids – this small park is the perfect place to learn and explore.

Affordable Place to Stay: Sea Horse Inn & Cottages , Nags Head. These are simple rooms, but right across the street from the beach, with beach access at Jeanette’s Pier. Small grocery deli, burgers, and ice cream are all within an easy walk.

Check Availability: Sea Horse Inn & Cottages

Greensboro, NC- 1 night

Take a one-night stopover in Greensboro, North Carolina to break up a long drive.

Budget Hotel: Fairview Inn, Greensboro Airport . This hotel is nothing amazing, but they have an outdoor pool, and coin laundry, so it does the trick.

Alternate Route: Willmington, NC, and Charleston, SC

Instead of heading west to Greensboro, continue south to Wilmington, NC, and then to Charleston, SC. In Charleston visit the aircraft carrier U.S.S Yorktown . Head northwest to Cherokee, NC. Heading through Charlotte, NC? Check out all the things to do in Charlotte in winter !

Oconaluftee Indian Village

Next, we headed to Cherokee, NC to visit the Oconalutfee Indian Village . The visit starts with a guided tour introducing traditional Cherokee crafts, then you’ll move through a living history village from the 18th Century at your own pace.

This Cherokee village was so engaging! We highly recommend it if you are in the area.

You can read a full review of our Oconaluftee Village visit and why we so highly recommend it!

Additional Stop: Rock City and Ruby Falls

If you have a little more time in this area, head west to Chattanooga, TN to tour Ruby Falls – the tallest and deepest waterfall open to the public in the United States. Visit Rock City (technically in Georgia) where you’ll see the Fairyland Caverns, and walk the Enchanted Trail.

Cave City, KY- 2 nights

We based ourselves in Cave City, KY to visit two attractions- Mammoth Cave, and Dinosaur World.

Mammoth Cave National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest-known cave system with over 400 miles of mapped passageways. We took the Historic Modified Tour, which is the classic tour covering about 2 miles.

Visiting Mammoth Cave with kids was amazing! We decided to skip Dinosaur World and instead had a picnic and worked on our first Junior Ranger packets. The kids were thrilled to get their official badges!

Which tour of Mammoth is best for you? We’ve recommended the best cave tour of Mammoth for everyone from families with young kids to those looking for an adventure.

Next stop- Dinosaur World Kentucky ! This attraction normally includes a 15-minute Fossil Dig with every ticket, but in 2021, each child will be given a bag with three fossils when they enter. There are 150 life-size dinosaurs to see, a big dinosaur playground, and a museum of dinosaur bones and eggs. There is no food service, so bring a picnic.

Budget Hotel: Days Inn Wyndham Cave Cit y. This hotel happens to be very close to Dinosaur World, so we had an amazing view of their Fourth of July Fireworks from the parking lot! The kids enjoyed the pool here. A decent, no-frills, clean hotel.

Check Availability: Days Inn Wyndam Cave City

Nashville, TN- 3 nights

In Nashville, wander down Broadway (Honky Tonk Highway), check out the Nashville Farmers’ Market , and have some playground time at Cumberland Park.

You can also feed the lorikeets, pet the kangaroos, and play on the jungle gym at the Nashville Zoo .

We highly recommend dinner and a show at the Listening Room Cafe . The show started at 6 pm, which was very family-friendly. This venue showcases up-and-coming songwriters, singing their own songs. Tickets are just $5 per person, with a $15/person food and drink minimum.

Tickets to the Grand Ole Opry were sold out where we were there but we’ve heard amazing things about this backstage tour.

Book Now: Backstage Tour of Grand Ole Opry House

Don’t Miss This Hotel: In Nashville, we stayed at the SoBro Guest House run by Black Swan. We had a one-bedroom apartment, so we slept in the bedroom and the kids slept on the pull-out couch in the small, modern living area.

It was great to have a little more space and a full kitchen for a few days. The location was fantastic, an easy walk to almost everything we wanted to do in Nashville. We also loved that check-in was with door codes, so it was super simple and convenient.

Check Availability: SoBro Guest House Nashville

Memphis, TN- 3 nights

Memphis has so much to do! We celebrated E’s 4th birthday here, by taking a river cruise down the Mississippi River on a paddlewheel boat.

We also visited the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum which is in the Lorraine Motel where MLK Jr. was shot.

We also explored Beale Street, and visited the Big River Crossing where you can put one foot in Tennessee and one in Arkansas. Don’t miss the Stax Museum of American Soul Music where you can dance to some vintage Soul Train episodes.

I had hoped to visit Graceland , but we were put off by the high ticket prices.

Affordable Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown . This hotel is an easy walk to Beale Street and a lot of popular Memphis attractions. Also an easy walk to a trolley station. A mid-tier, clean hotel in a fantastic location.

Check Availability: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown

Hot Springs, AR- 1 night

Hot Springs, Arkansas is the home of Hot Springs National Park , a unique national park that exists in the middle of town. There are ancient thermal springs, and 9 historic bathhouses you can visit.

You can fill a bottle at thermal spring fountains around town as well as two cold springs fountains. There are two places you can touch the thermal springs coming out of the ground. This town is adorable, but it was packed with people when we were there.

Affordable Hotel: You’ll want to stay within an easy walk of downtown Hot Springs. We recommend Hotel Hot Springs .

Ron Coleman Quartz Mining

In Jessieville, AR, just outside of Hot Springs, you can visit Ron Coleman’s Crystal Mines . Take a tour of the commercial mining operation, then start digging in the public area. You can dig as long as you like, and take home anything you find. This was one of our favorite experiences on the whole trip. Digging is hard work, bring gardening gloves to avoid blisters!

Alternate Stop: Crater of Diamonds State Park

You could visit Crater of Diamonds State Park , in Murfreesboro, AR where you can dig for diamonds and other precious gems in their original volcanic source. Keep anything you find! These gems tend to be quite small, and hard to find, so we opted for the crystal mines with the hope that it will be more rewarding for our little diggers.

Additional Stop: Cherokee Heritage Center

On your way to Springfield, head slightly west to stop at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK. Here you’ll find a replica 1710 Cherokee village and village stations that teach you about blowguns, dugout canoes, and more.

Springfield, MO- 1 night

Next on this cross-country trip, we started heading north, up through Missouri. We stopped in Springfield for a visit to Fantastic Caverns . This is the only cave in North America that you ride through- a jeep-drawn tram pulls you through the cave. Springfield is also home to the largest fork in the world!

Budget Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Springfield South . A simple room with an indoor pool and breakfast included.

Deanna Rose Homestead

This homestead in Overland, KS has a one-room schoolhouse from 1900, a barbershop, a blacksmith, a dairy barn, and more. Visit a Kanza Indian encampment, play on one of the playgrounds, or feed the baby goats. This is best for young kids- we found it to be more playground and petting zoo than particularly educational.

Kansas City, MO- 2 nights

We chose Kansas City as a stop on our cross-country road trip because 20 minutes to the east is Independence, Missouri. Independence was the starting point for the Oregon Trail. We recently read this Oregon Trail series and are excited to visit some of the original stops along the trail.

The National Frontier Trails Museum is dedicated to the history of the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California trails. Check out some original wagon ruts, and take a ride around town in a covered wagon!

Don’t Miss Tour: When we were planning this trip, the museum was open, but upon arrival in Independence, MO, it has been closed due to an uptick of cases here.

We ended up taking a fabulous covered wagon tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures , who were waiting outside the 1859 jail with their two mules, Frankie and Annie. Find them at 217 Main Street, Independence, MO.

We all learned a ton and got to drive through part of the original Oregon Trail. Book online to make sure they’ll be there!

Other things to do in Kansas City include the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art- both are free of charge. The sculpture park at the museum is a great place for little ones to stretch their legs. Affordable Hotel: The La Quinta Kansas City Beacon Hill has a good location, free parking, and a great breakfast.

Check Availability: La Quinta Kansas City Beacon Hill

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop

Visit a working 1860s farm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm in Olathe, KS. This is the last public stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Explore the grounds, see the old stagecoach stop dining room, and take a ride in a real stagecoach.

This place is fantastic- we tried writing with quill and ink pens, chatted with the (female) blacksmith, and learned about life in the 1850s. And of course, took a ride in a real stagecoach!

Alcove Spring Historic Park

Many travelers on the Oregon Trail camped in Alcove Spring, KS for a few days while waiting to cross the Big Blue River.

Check out the wagon swales (grooves in the earth from many wagons passing) and take a short hike to the waterfall of Alcove Spring . You’ll be on dirt roads on your way here, don’t worry, you’re on the right path!

Fort Cody Trading Post

Stretch your legs in North Platte, NE at this popular roadside attraction . It’s been open since 1963! See Buffalo Bill memorabilia, and explore the stockade out back with a jail, wagons, and more.

Ogallala, NE- 1 night

Stop over in Ogallala (say that ten times fast!) to break up the drive. Start out early, as you’ll have a long day ahead of you full of Oregon Trail stops, ending in Cheyenne.

Budget Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham Ogallala offers simple, clean rooms with fun large-scale black-and-white photos of the surrounding landscape. We enjoyed sleeping under a photo of Courthouse Rock!

Check Availability: Super 8 Ogallala

Ash Hollow and Windlass Hill hill are famous pieces of the Oregon Trail. It was here that pioneers has to use ropes to lower their covered wagons down the steep hill.

Additional Stop #1: Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock

Before Chimney Rock, take Highway 88 two miles south of Bridgeport, NE to spot Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock – two landmarks on the Oregon Trail.

Additional Stop #2: Carhenge and Dobby’s Frontier Town

From Courthouse and Jail Rocks take Rt 385 an hour north to the pop culture icon of Carhenge , and stroll through Dobby’s Frontier Town .

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is a distinctive landmark along the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails that signaled to travelers that they were on the right path! Many pioneers climbed the spire to carve their names. This rock even appears on the 2006 Nebraska quarter. Find it at 9822 County Road 75, Bayard, NE.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff in Gering, NE is another landmark on the pioneer trail. Hike a trail or drive the Scotts Bluff Summit Road, the oldest paved road in Nebraska.

Walk the Oregon Trail Pathway to see replicas of covered wagons and walk through Mitchel’s Pass, which used to be called “Devil’s Gap”. When the trail changes to dirt, you are on the real Oregon Trail!

Don’t forget to ask for your Junior Ranger packet, if you don’t have time to complete it while you are there, you can mail it back.

Additional Stop: Fort Laramie

If you’d like to continue on the Oregon Trail, continue one more hour north on rt 26 to visit Fort Laramie in Wyoming. Fort Laramie was the largest and most well-known fort along the pioneer trail. Stagecoach lines, the Pony Express, and the transcontinental telegraph all passed through here. The fort was abandoned in 1890, you can now visit restored structures.

Cheyenne, WY- 1 night

There’s a lot to do in Cheyenne, especially if you are there in July for Frontier Days , the world’s largest outdoor rodeo! Visit Gunslinger Square (15th and Pioneer) Saturdays during the summer at high noon to see a performance by the Cheyenne Gunslingers- a non-profit group keeping the Old Western gunfight tradition alive.

Don’t Miss Lodging: Head straight to Terry’s Bison Ranch where you can stay in one of the cabins. Take the Bison Train Tour to hand feed the bison and then go on a pony ride.

The kids had the best time here- there were lots of RVs parked, so lots of kids to play with on the two playgrounds.

The Bison Train at Terry’s is very cool- go first thing in the morning so the animals are hungry. The pony ride is actually a horse on a lead, not a pony, which made it even more fun for our novice riders.

Estes Park, CO

Stop in Estes Park for lunch (or a cinnamon roll at Scratch or Notchtop Bakery) and take the aerial tram to the summit of Prospect Mountain. This is a great town to stretch your legs in and just window shop for a bit.

Additional Stop: Rocky Mountain National Park

From Estes Park, you can easily explore Rocky Mountain National Park . Take the Trail Ridge Road which has many overlooks and peaks at over 12,000 feet, or hike to Emerald Lake, a round trip hike of 3.5 miles.

Denver, CO- 3 nights

Next stop, the “Mile High City”! Check out the trolley that inspired the trolley in Mister Rogers Neighborhood, take a tour of the Denver Mint to see how coins are made (ages 7+), and watch a performance at Casa Bonita .

We were excited to visit Dinosaur Ridge in nearby Morrison, CO. This is where the first Stegosaurus was discovered. Take the Dinosaur Ridge Trail to see more than 15 fossils and sites along a two-mile track. There are more than 250 dinosaur tracks that can be seen here.

We took our kids to their first MLB game in Denver! As Red Sox fans, we planned to take them to Fenway, but that hasn’t happened. The Rockies played Seattle in an afternoon game- it was hot, but they have a play area for kids who need to get their wiggles out.

Affordable Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown . Good location, a good breakfast, and is within a five-minute drive or walking distance of a lot of the sights.

Check Availability: Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown

Pre-book Parking: We parked in downtown Denver to check out Union Station, only to realize the parking garage one block down was $10 cheaper. Doh! Take the stress out of parking by booking ahead with SpotHero , where you can see a map of nearby prices. Perfect for cities where parking spots on the street are tight.

Check Prices: SpotHero Parking in Denver

Additional Stop: Colorado Springs, CO

An hour and a half south of Denver, Colorado Springs has a lot to offer. Explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings of the Anasazi people, drive up Pike’s Peak, or go floating or rafting down the Arkansas River.

Visit the Garden of the Gods – a free nature preserve and series of hiking trails. Hike among large sandstone formations with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Climb the 224 steps to the Broadmoor Seven Falls , some of the most impressive waterfalls in Colorado.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Time for sand sledding on the tallest sand dunes in North America in Great Sand Dunes National Park ! Older kids can go sandboarding (like snowboarding), but sleds are recommended for smaller kids, as it’s easier to get the hang of it. Sand sledding takes some figuring out, but with a few tips for sledding it’s a lot fun for the whole family.

There’s a lot of things to do at Great Sand Dunes including nearby hiking trails. We visited in the summer, which is one of the best times to visit Great Sand Dunes , but there are advantages to other seasons as well.

Head to the dunes early before the heat sets in, then cool off in Medano Creek or with a hike to Zapata Falls (where the water is freezing).

No reservations are needed to visit the park, there is only camping within the park, no hotels or lodges. We’ll recommend staying in nearby Alamosa, Colorado.

Don’t Miss Calvillos Mexican in Alamosa, we got take-out from here and Waker still talks about it!

Budget Hotel: Best Western Alamosa fits the bill. Clean, simple, and close to restaurants and shopping.

Check Availability: Best Western Alamosa

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo , near Taos, New Mexico is the traditional adobe village of the Taos people- ancestors of the Taos lived in this area almost one thousand years ago. No electricity or running water is allowed in the pueblo, so most people live outside the village walls and use the pueblo for ceremonial purposes.

You can take a guided tour around the pueblo. Now Open Thursday to Monday!

Santa Fe, NM- 3 nights

Head south to Santa Fe! Stroll through Santa Fe Plaza and see the Palace of the Governors . While you’re there grab an ice cream from La Lecheria . Spend some time wandering through the Santa Fe Farmers Market .

We highly recommend a visit to Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return – which has been described as a “surrealist funhouse” and “dreamlike”. It is an “explorable art experience” that gets rave reviews. This was So. Much. Fun.

Don’t miss El Rancho de Las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the Swallows), a living history museum just outside Santa Fe. Josephina , one of the American Girl Dolls, was inspired by the rancho here. The ranch worked with the company to create the doll and book series and ensure its accuracy.

Affordable Hotel: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe is a great hotel outside of the city center, close to Meow Wolf, with a pool.

Check Availability: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe

Downtown Hotel: Santa Fe Motel & Inn . I didn’t realize how much time we’d spend in downtown Santa Fe, and how tight the parking there is. For our next visit, I’d trade the pool for a convenient downtown location at this adorable hotel.

Check Availability: Santa Fe Motel & Inn

Mesa Verde National Park- 2 nights

Mesa Verde National Park protects the cultural heritage of 26 tribes who build their ancestral pueblos in this area. Most cliff dwellings can only be entered on a ranger-led tour.

Plan ahead to take the Cliff Palace Tour to see the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and hike the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (1.2 miles roundtrip) for views of the Balcony House. Mesa Verde is a terrific park for families with layers of history told across the park.

Four Corners National Monument

This is the monument where you can stand in four states at once: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. This monument is on Navajo land and was closed during our trip.

Additional Stop: Monument Valley

Continue two hours west to Monument Valley. Take a guided tour through this land that is sacred to the Navajo. Most tours drive a 17-mile Valley Drive loop of the park, famous for appearing in many Western movies.

Moab, UT- 3 nights

Moab is the base for two National Parks- Arches, and Canyonlands. For a different perspective, take a riverboat cruise on the Colorado River.

Arches National Park is very family-friendly with a series of hikes that are two miles or less. Start with an easy walk to Sand Dune Arch, then take the 2-mile hike to Landscape Arch from the Devil’s Garden Trailhead.

The hiking trails in Arches are often short, making this a great place for families with different levels of hiking abilities. The best time to visit Arches is when it’s not stifling hot. If you do visit in the summer, get as early a start as you can to avoid the worst of the heat.

Canyonlands National Park is divided into sections each with its own entrance and visitor center. Coming from Moab, the Island in the Sky section of the park is the closest. If you have more time, venture farther south to the Needles section of the park.

Here are our two top picks for where to stay near Arches and Canyonlands but there are many options. Book early as the best places sell out well in advance.

Budget Hotel: Hotel Moab Downtown . Great location, you can walk all around downtown Moab, which is full of shopping and restaurants. Good outdoor pool as well.

Check Availability: Hotel Moab Downtown

Super Fun Family Hotel: Expedition Lodge . Our kids eyeballed this place every time we drove past. It has a pool with a tube waterslide, a game room, and even rooms with bunk beds.

Check Availability: Expedition Lodge

Additional Stop: Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

150 miles north of Moab, this quarry has the densest concentration of Jurassic Dinosaur bones ever found. You can visit some of the excavation sites.

Bryce Canyon National Park- 2 nights

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its Hoodoos- tall irregular columns of rock. There are many hiking options- we started with watching the sunrise at Inspiration Point and then walked a bit of the Rim Trail.

We also hiked the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop- it’s 3 miles overall, which sounds fine, but ends with a steep uphill, which can be tough. There are Starry Night Telescope Viewings at the visitor center, and even full moon ranger-led night walks!

Watch for “I Hiked the Hoodoos” medallions throughout the park- kids who bring three rubbings or photos to the visitors center get a reward! There is a shuttle that runs through the park to reduce traffic. We stayed inside the park at Bryce Canyon Lodge. We spent two days in Bryce Canyon and it remains one of our favorite National Parks !

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

This National Monument covers almost one million acres. It has three areas- Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits, and Escalante Canyon. This area is less visited than its neighboring parks, so it should be less crowded. Some of the trailheads involve driving slowly over rutted roads.

The most popular hike here is the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. The path through these slot canyons can get quite narrow and involves scrambling over rocks, and sometimes using knotted ropes to pull yourself up a rock. The loop created by combining these two trails is about 4 miles round trip. Accessed from Hole in the Rock Road from Escalante, with a turn-off at mile 30.

Peek-a-Boo Gulch sounds a bit too intense for our four-year-old, so instead, we planned to try Willis Creek. Willis Creek is a slot canyon hike accessed from Cannonville. This is a fairly flat, shaded hike leading to a waterfall. This hike is about 4 miles roundtrip- but you can turn around wherever you like. You’ll see the trailhead 6 miles down Skutumpah Road.

Unfortunately we ran out of time to hike Grand Staircase-Escalante, it’s on our list for next time!

Additional Stop: Zion National Park

Zion was the first National Park in Utah and is extremely popular. We skipped Zion on this trip because of the crowds, and because you can’t do everything! There are stories of long waits for shuttles (tickets in advance are now required). We’ll circle back to the park when the kids are old enough to tackle part of the Narrows.

One of the most popular hikes in Zion is the Narrows, which is currently closed due to a Toxic Cyanobacteria Bloom. This hike going “top-down” requires a permit and reservation. The “bottoms up” hike does not need a permit and can be up to 9 miles, though you can turn around wherever you like. Much of this hike involves walking or wading through cold water.

A more family-friendly version of this is the Riverside walk- a 2.2 mile round trip to the entrance of the Narrows.

Horseshoe Bend

This 270-degree bend in the Colorado River is stunning. Just south of Page, Arizona, look for mile marker 545. There is a 3/4 mile walk out to the lookout point. Sunrise and sunset are supposed to be amazing here if you can make it work- be wary of the midday sun, especially in summer.

It’s a beautiful site, however, we had to ask ourselves, is it worth it ?

Grand Canyon National Park- 2 nights

The Grand Canyon looms large in the canon of All American Family Road Trips! While I had stopped at the main lookout point, I’d never stayed in the park and explored further.

We stayed inside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the Yavapai Lodge so we could see sunrise along the rim at Mather Point.

You can explore the rim trail or take the Hermit Road shuttle bus to explore seven miles of the rim with nine overlook stops.

The Bright Angel Trail heads down into the canyon, with turnaround points at 1.5 and 3 miles.

This was not our favorite park. While it’s considered a National Treasure, we’d consider skipping the Grand Canyon on our next trip.

The Grand Canyon by Helicopter

After we left the park, we headed to the Grand Canyon Airport for a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon! We were excited for the thrill of the ride and to see the Grand Canyon from a different perspective.

We took the North Canyon Tour with Papillon. It’s 25-30 minutes in the air, and the views are spectacular! You can also book rides that involve landing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon or upgrade to an Ecostar helicopter which is quieter than a traditional one.

Additional Stop: Meteor Crater

South of the Grand Canyon, if you head east from Flagstaff, you’ll find Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum . See the meteor impact crater that is a mile wide and 500 feet deep. Visit the discovery center to learn about the science behind the crater.

The Hoover Dam is the next stop on the way to Las Vegas! The Hoover Dam was built on the border of Nevada and Arizona, in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It was finished in 1935- it is 726 feet high, and 660 feet thick. It holds back Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States, and supplies water to cities as far away as Los Angeles.

While you can see a lot from the road, we were hoping to take the Guided Powerplant Tour- a half-hour of exploring the insides of the dam. However, the dam was closed on our date. If your group is 8+ you can take the longer Guided Dam Tour.

In the end, we totally missed the dam! Tours are not running currently, but we didn’t realize that the main highway now bypasses the Hoover Dam completely. Don’t be like us- set your GPS to stop at the Hoover Dam!

Additional Stop: El Dorado Gold Mine

Head south from the Hoover Dam about 45 minutes on route 95 to tour this real gold mine. The Techatticup Mine is the most famous mine in Nevada. It was accessed by steamboat along the Colorado River and was one of the most lawless places in the West in the 1880s. Take a tour to walk through the old tunnels, see the gold veins and hear stories of the mine’s history.

Las Vegas, NV- 2 nights

There is so much to see and do in Las Vegas that’s family-friendly!

Check out the latest floral art installation at the Bellagio Botanical Gardens, and watch the fountains perform out front. Explore the canals of the Venetian, and see live flamingos at the Flamingo Hotel. Stop by the Midway at Circus Circus to see various live circus acts.

Looking to escape the heat and chaos of the Vegas Strip? This Kayak trip to Emerald Cave on the Colorado River sounds amazing! Beginners welcome, tandem kayaks are available, which is perfect for families.

Book Now: Emerald Cave Kayak Trip- Half Day

We stayed off the strip at the Tahiti Village Resort and Spa – this family-friendly resort has a lazy river, lots of kids’ activities, and no casino. All of the rooms are suites with a kitchenette. They also run shuttles into The Strip to make getting around easy.

However, the lazy river was broken, so the pool was packed. We ended up spending a lot of time on shuttles, next time I’d stay on the strip, somewhere central.

Affordable Hotels on the Strip: Paris or Aria – both are in good shape, Paris is more centralized, with great views of the Bellagio fountains, but doesn’t have a pool. Aria has a nice central location and good pools.

Seven Magic Mountains

Stop on your way out of Las Vegas at this art installation of stacked, painted rocks, some up to 35 feet tall! Approx. 10 miles south of Las Vegas on Rt 15. This was originally a temporary art installation, but it has been extended indefinitely.

Los Angeles, CA- 7 nights

We visited Los Angeles primarily to see family (hello new cousins!) and friends but also to explore the city. Make sure to spot the famous Hollywood sign, and explore the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.

For kids 5+, this tour of Warner Brothers will be a big hit. Fans of DC Universe or Harry Potter will be especially thrilled.

Book Now: Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood

Favorite Hotel: Rodeway Inn Near Melrose Ave . We’ve now stayed several times. We love the Queen rooms with added balconies. The rooms face an inner courtyard so it’s quiet, and includes a small breakfast. You can walk to a grocery store and pharmacy.

Check Availability: Rodeway Inn

Pre-Book Parking: Parking in LA is the worst! We’ve circled parking garages for waaay too long looking for spots. Book ahead with SpotHero and take the stress out of finding parking.

Book Parking: SpotHero Parking in LA

Ojai, CA- 2 nights

Ojai makes a lovely stop on your way north. Exploring the town, grab an Ojai Ice Cream, and heading to Libbey Park and Playground.

Solvang, CA

The next stop on this cross country road trip, Solvang is known as “Little Denmark”, complete with four windmills, five Danish bakeries, and a Hans Cristian Andersen Park. We love the treats in this small town, it’s become a regular stop for us on our treks up and down the California coast.

You can take a tour with Solvang Trolley – see the highlights of the town while being pulled by Belgian draft horses, and listen to your guide dressed in traditional Danish garb.

Affordable Hotel: Atterdag Inn . Super modern decor, a great walkable downtown location. Some rooms have bunk beds for the kids.

Check Availabillity: Atterdag Inn

San Simeon, CA – 1 night

Head up the coast along Route 1 to San Simeon. Visit the historic Hearst Castle , then head out to see the Elephant Seals at Elephant Seal Vista Point .

Affordable Hotel: The Morgan Hotel San Simeon . Some rooms with ocean views, lovely landscaping. Limited restaurants in the area.

Salinas, CA – 1 night

Nearby Monterey or Carmel-By-The-Sea would also make great road trip stops along this area of the coastline.

Budget Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham Salinas . Simple rooms just off the Highway.

Yosemite National Park- 3 nights

Our last National Park on this long cross-country family road trip is Yosemite ! We “camped” in Curry Village- in big canvas tents with beds. Remember to bring a combination lock for the bear boxes!

Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and the monoliths of El Capitan and Half Dome. Yosemite is great for kids – hike to Bridalveil Falls, the Mist Trail, and Lower Yosemite Falls. Aim to reach Glacier Point for sunset if you can.

Final Stop: San Francisco, CA

The City by the Bay! Visit the Ferry Building then take a cable car down to Fisherman’s Wharf and the sea lions at Pier 39.

Grab a treat from Ghirardelli and take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Stroll down Lombard Street with its famous hairpin turns, or take a boat out to Alcatraz.

Want to cut down on walking? Take a “Love Tour” of San Francisco in a colorful VW bus while learning about hippie culture in the city! This tour looks like so much fun.

If you’ll be checking out a lot of attractions, consider getting San Francisco CityPASS. It saves you 45% on attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences, a Bay Cruise, and 2 others that you choose from the list, including the Aquarium or the Zoo!

Book Now: San Francisco CityPASS

Affordable Hotel: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf . Great location in easy walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf area. Rooms are comfy with extra sitting areas. Some room even have views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Check Availability: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf

Considering Christmas in California? You can see the best of Christmas in San Francisco in just one day.

We’ll end our epic cross-country road trip by staying with family in Santa Rosa, California just north of San Francisco.

After 60 nights on the road, we’ll be ready to put our feet up for a bit! Which stops are you most excited about? Did we miss anything?

Consider Renting a Car

If you are flying to the start of your cross-country road trip, you’ll need to rent a car. If you’d prefer to not add a ton of mileage to your current car, or need room for your family to comfortably hang out together, consider renting a larger vehicle.

We recommend Discover Cars – they show you a great selection of rental companies, are always upfront about what is included, and best of all, offer free cancellation if your plans change.

Check Prices: Car Rental at Discover Cars

How Much do US National Parks Cost?

Entrance fees vary at each park, but fees at larger parks are between $35 and $40. If you will be visiting a few National Parks, be sure to get an America the Beautiful Pass – this annual pass costs $80 and gets everyone in your car into unlimited National Parks for one year. This pass covers entrance fees, it does not cover tour fees or lodging fees.

Don’t forget 4th graders also get a free park pass for their whole family.

When visiting National Parks, look for Junior Ranger packets in the visitor centers. The kids complete the packets, and return them to be sworn in as Junior Rangers complete with a badge! You may also want to get a family National Park Passport Book to stamp at each park.

Don’t forget to download the National Park Service app , it allows you to download important information for any of the parks so you can access it when offline. From maps to parking and bathrooms, this app will come in handy.

How Much Money do you Need for a Cross-Country Road Trip?

How much money you will spend driving cross-country depends on your family and your comfort level.

Camping is one of the best ways to save money (make reservations early!). We are not comfortable camping, so we will be staying with friends when possible, and in hotels or motels the rest of the time.

The faster you move (the fewer days on the road), the less money you will spend on your cross-country road trip. Including staying with friends, we averaged $125/night during the summer high season of 2021.

Staying inside National Parks is more expensive, but allows you to see the park at sunrise, and without waiting in line to get in each morning. On average, we paid $200 per night to stay at lodges inside the parks.

Outside the parks, our hotels averaged $140/night . That includes 5 nights at an Airbnb in LA and two nights in Las Vegas over a weekend.

Packing breakfast foods and snacks will save you a lot of money. Don’t miss 40+ Easy Road Trip Snacks for Kids & Toddlers which includes breakfast and lunch suggestions.

A note about hotels – prices have increased over the last year or two. We found that even in more remote areas, hotels under $100 a night were often not as clean as we would like. We have included hotel recommendations- many of these are places we stayed. When we weren’t happy with our original choice, we edited the post to reflect where we would stay next time.

FAQ: Cross-Country Road Trips

The best time to drive for a cross-country road trip is in the fall or spring- you’ll have the mildest weather and avoid the summer crowds. Like a lot of families, we didn’t have that option- we are heading out into the summer crowds. We will start our epic road trip cross-country at the end of June 2021, ending in California in late August.

Yes, you can do a cross-country road trip in two weeks! From Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA is approximately 40 hours of driving. Driving just 3 hours a day, you could complete the drive in two weeks. Many people prefer to drive more hours in one day, then spend a full day at their location.

The minimum for a cross-country road trip is one week- you’ll drive between 40 and 45 hours in total. How many hours per day you prefer to drive and how many stops you make is up to you!

There You Have it: Epic Cross Country Road Trip Itinerary

A long list of stops from our two-month-long cross-country family road trip, complete with big and small attractions. Pick and choose the stops to create the best cross-country itinerary for your family!

Need more family road trip ideas? We also road-tripped through the American Northwest with stops including Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park .

Thinking of driving across the Southern border? We road tripped into Baja, Mexico , and later spent six weeks in Mexico including stops in Puerto Vallarta , Oaxaca , and San Miguel de Allende .

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

Historic Route 66

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

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

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Appalachian Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Plan the Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip

Chart a course from sea to shining sea—without breaking the bank..

When my partner and I packed up and left New York City for a cross-country road trip, I knew it was going to be, at the very least, fun. At the very best, it would be the trip of a lifetime.

Four months later, we’ve only just reached California . And with zero urgency to stop anytime soon, it’s safe to say this extended road trip has turned into, well, a lifestyle.

Road trips have always been part of America’s DNA, and despite skyrocketing gas prices, there’s still never been a better time to see just what those amber waves of grain are all about. For many of us, remote work has left the door wide open for new methods (and longer timelines) for exploration.

Whether by RV , camper van , rental car , or whatever trusted chariot you’ve got sitting out in the driveway, pulling off a cross-country road trip is incredibly rewarding—but it does take work. Get a little help from those who’ve blazed the trail before you: From trip planning to money-saving, here are some tips I’ve picked up along the road.

Planning the route: north, south, or a little of both

Arguably the most important part of planning a cross-country roadtrip is deciding how to get from coast to coast. You’ll hear people talk about the “north” route, I-90 from Boston to Seattle, or the “south” route, I-10 from Jacksonville to Los Angeles. Personally I don’t like having to choose, so our road trip route incorporated a little bit of both.

The most important thing is to design the road trip around what inspires you . For me, that meant Badlands National Park , Glacier National Park , the Colorado Rockies , and the Southwest —which dictated that we drive the northern route until northwestern Montana , and then pivot straight south through Wyoming and Colorado before turning west again and taking the southern route.

Start by making a list in Google Maps of all the places you want to see. You may be surprised at how naturally a route forms. You also may be surprised at how little time it actually takes to get from one place to the next. Did you know it’s only a 10-hour drive from New York to Detroit?

A great resource is the book Road Trip USA , which highlights the country’s most scenic two-lane highways . Sometimes following an itinerary that is already crafted for you takes a lot of the guesswork out, which many people prefer. Everyone's tolerance for driving is different, too; you'll need to gauge your threshold. Don't plan to cross the country in six days if you can only handle four hours of driving at a time.

Plan ahead for national parks

Part of the adventure of a cross-country road trip is leaving room for improvisation. We don't book our hotels until the day of, which is great because we can be on our own timetable. But this can become an issue around the national parks, where hotels can often be booked months in advance.

As badly as you want to see Yellowstone and Zion , well... so does everyone else in America. It’s vitally important to plan ahead and know what each park’s entry restrictions are. Consider springing for the $80 annual pass, which provides access to all the national parks as many times as you want in a 12-month period.

Design the road trip around what inspires you .

Don't make the mistake we made and miss out on great parks like Rocky Mountain because we forgot to get reservations. If summer's come to an end, you may get lucky—many parks, like Yosemite , do away with the reservation system after September 30. On the flip side, other parks, like Glacier National Park or the Grand Canyon North Rim, close their scenic drives in the colder months when snow is expected. It pays to do your research.

Beat the crowds by going in the off-season— fall is an especially great time to visit—or opt for less-visited national parks that everyone seems to forget about. Get creative: The country is full of gobsmackingly gorgeous state parks , national forests , monuments , roadside attractions , and much more.

Don’t blow all your budget on hotels

Probably the second most important factor of the Great American Road Trip is actually being able to fund it. While you’re certainly saving money on flights , road trips are not exactly cheap. Knowing your budget—and sticking to it—is key.

Accommodations are where we look to save the most money. We aren't repaying rent these days, so we gave ourselves a budget of $2,000 a month to spend on accommodation. That may seem like a lot of money, but when you break it down it works out to roughly $66 per night. What can you get on Airbnb these days for $66 a night? Take a look. I’ll wait.

Everyone's tolerance for driving is different.

So how do you stay within that budget without resigning yourself to camping every night or crashing in Walmart parking lots? We discovered Trusted Housesitters , a network of verified homeowners who are going out of town and need housesitters to come watch their pets. You go through a background check and the membership is $119 for the year, but you get to stay for F-R-E-E, sometimes for as long as two weeks. And yes, this is a worldwide service.

In between housesitting, we use the app Hotels.com . You collect stamps for every night booked with them; after 10 nights you earn a free reward night that is equal to the average of the 10 nights. If we can’t find a hotel in our budget for $66 a night, then we rely on Kampgrounds of America . A membership costs $33 and you can score 10% discounts on campsites or cabin bookings.

A few more ways to save money on a road trip

We love using GasBuddy , which maps out the gas prices in the area, allowing you to score the cheaper gas. We’ve found price differences for as much as $1 a gallon, which really does add up over time. Also, driving the speed limit will help you stretch your gas—not to mention, it’s kind of the law. Speeding can lower your fuel economy by as much as 40%. When you get up to places like Montana, where the speed limit is 80 mph, you’ll see how quickly your tank drains.

Turning off toll roads has been another money saver. It never adds that much extra time and you can score substantial savings. Driving from New York to Washington, DC, for example, can cost as much as $35 in tolls—each way.

Dining out can be one of the biggest money sucks. It may seem like sacrilege to not be seeking out “the best thing to eat in [insert town],” but whittling your list down to the absolute can’t-miss spots will be lighter on your wallet.

Instead, invest in a cooler. We keep ours stocked with sandwich fixings, protein bars, and water. If we’re feeling fancy ,we’ll get a whole selection of meats and cheese and make charcuterie boards to-go. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t be a little bougie.

What to pack

Packing up the car is a delicate dance. You want to be prepared for everything, but you also don’t want to weigh yourself down. When it comes to a wardrobe, less is always more. We may not always be Instagram-ready, but having one carry-on each is a time saver when we're checking in and out of rooms every 24 hours.

Car essentials include a first aid kit, dash cam (very useful in case of a car accident that isn’t your fault), portable cell phone batteries, extra USB cables, jumper cables, a spare tire, sheets, a pillow, and even an air mattress designed to fit in our trunk when you lay the backseats flat. Hey, you never know. Our trunk comes with a cover for when we leave things unattended in the car, but if yours doesn't, you may want to get a sheet to hide your stuff.

You may also want to consider a Wi-Fi hotspot—just in case you need to get work done on the road . I’ve filed more articles from the passenger seat this year than ever, as the car has become my office-on-wheels.

Before you hit the road...

Make sure everything on the car is in working order. This means checking the lights and all the features before peeling out of the driveway. Check your oil life—and make sure you keep checking it as you drive, especially on a long trip. We've had to change our oil twice in four months. Other things to stay on top of? Air filter, windshield wipers, spark plugs, and coolant.

Keep a spare key in the glove box, along with your registration and copies of your driver's license and insurance information. If you're renting a car , make sure you reserve one with unlimited mileage, and splurge on the top auto insurance they offer (or make sure you’ve covered via your credit card). Nothing ends a road trip faster than having to stomach a massive incident bill from a car rental agency.

Be prepared for things you didn't prepare for

Even with the most detailed and extensive planning, shit happens. But being open and flexible to mishaps is how to not let it ruin your day. If and when something goes wrong, remember to not panic. Trust that you’ve prepared yourself as best as possible and you'll get back on track in no time.

Inconveniences are also exacerbated by exhaustion, so remember to take care of yourself on the road. Eat plenty of healthy food, drink water, and get a good night's sleep before a long driving day. Leave the windows open for airflow, especially if you’re feeling sleepy. If you need to take a power nap, find a well-lit, safe area. This should not be a chore. Driving at your best is going to make the trip infinitely better.

Other than that, fire up your best road trip playlist or podcast (we’ve been bingeing on “Lore”—10/10 would recommend), buckle up, and enjoy the ride.

Stock up on all the road trip essentials

SHBC Compact First Aid Kit

Rove R2-4K Dash Cam

Anker Portable Power Bank

Cugunu iPhone USB Cables (5-Pack)

Energizer Jumper Cables

SAYGOGO SUV Air Mattress

Netgear Nighthawk M1 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Router

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on  Instagram ,  Twitter ,  Pinterest ,  YouTube ,  TikTok , and  Snapchat .

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Guide

How To Plan A Cross-Country Road Trip

Published: December 5, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Beitris Kalinowski

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Embarking on a cross-country road trip is an exhilarating adventure that allows you to explore the vast landscapes, vibrant cities, and hidden gems of a country. Whether you’re seeking the freedom of the open road or wanting to create lifelong memories with friends and family, planning a cross-country road trip requires careful consideration and preparation.

In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to plan an unforgettable cross-country journey. From choosing the route and setting a budget to packing essentials and staying safe on the road, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your road trip a success.

Before we dive into the details, it’s important to remember that a road trip is not just about reaching the destination—it’s about embracing the journey itself. Allow yourself to be captivated by the unexpected, take detours to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions, and create memories that go beyond tourist spots. Remember, the beauty of a road trip lies in the freedom it offers you to create your own unique adventures.

So, buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready to discover the thrill of a cross-country road trip. Let’s hit the road!

Choosing the Route

One of the most exciting aspects of planning a cross-country road trip is choosing the route that will take you through a diverse array of landscapes and attractions. Consider the following factors when selecting your route:

• Timeframe: Determine how much time you have available for your road trip. This will help you decide on the length of the route and the number of stops along the way. Be realistic about the amount of time you can commit to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
• Interests: Consider your interests and the type of experiences you’re seeking. Are you a nature lover who wants to explore national parks and scenic drives? Or perhaps you’re drawn to vibrant cities and cultural landmarks. Understanding your preferences will help you tailor the route to suit your passions.
• Must-see destinations: Identify any specific destinations or landmarks that are on your bucket list. Whether it’s the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, or Route 66, incorporating these must-see spots into your route will add a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment to your journey.
• Scenic drives: Research scenic drives that offer breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the country. From the Pacific Coast Highway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, these scenic routes will make your road trip even more memorable.
• Seasonal considerations: Take into account the time of year you’ll be traveling and the weather conditions in different regions. Some routes may be more enjoyable during certain seasons, while others may be more challenging. Plan accordingly to make the most of your trip.

Remember, flexibility is key when choosing the route. Be open to making adjustments along the way based on recommendations from locals or fellow travelers. Sometimes the unplanned detours can lead to the most extraordinary experiences.

Once you have a rough idea of the route you want to take, use online mapping tools or GPS devices to plot your journey. These tools can provide valuable information, such as driving distances, estimated travel times, and points of interest along the way.

Choosing the right route for your cross-country road trip sets the foundation for a thrilling and fulfilling adventure. So, take your time, do your research, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Setting a Budget

Before hitting the road, it’s essential to establish a budget to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the expenses involved in your cross-country road trip. Consider the following factors when setting your budget:

• Transportation: Determine the costs associated with your mode of transportation. If you’re using your own vehicle, factor in fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance. If you’re renting a car or RV, include the rental fees and any additional charges.
• Accommodation: Research different types of accommodation options along your route, such as hotels, motels, campgrounds, or vacation rentals. Compare prices and consider factors such as comfort, amenities, and location to find the best fit for your budget.
• Food and drinks: Allocate a budget for meals and snacks during your road trip. Opt for a combination of dining out and grocery shopping to balance your expenses. Packing a cooler with drinks and snacks can help you save money on the road.
• Attractions and activities: Research the costs of attractions, national park fees, museum admissions, and any other activities you plan to participate in along your route. Be sure to include these expenses in your budget, as they can add up quickly.
• Emergencies and contingencies: It’s always wise to set aside a portion of your budget for unexpected situations, such as car repairs, medical emergencies, or last-minute itinerary changes. Having a contingency fund will provide peace of mind during your journey.
• Souvenirs and personal expenses: Factor in some room for souvenirs and personal expenses. Whether it’s capturing memories through photographs or purchasing mementos from your journey, allowing for discretionary spending will enhance your overall experience.

Once you’ve estimated your expenses, compare them to your available funds. If your budget exceeds your current resources, consider adjusting your itinerary or finding ways to cut costs. Look for discounts, travel deals, or consider traveling during off-peak seasons to save money.

Remember, your budget should be reasonable and flexible. Allow room for spontaneity and unexpected opportunities that may arise during your road trip. It’s all about finding the right balance between planned expenses and experiencing the joy of traveling.

By setting a budget, you’ll have a realistic understanding of your financial commitment and be better equipped to make informed decisions along the way. So, plan responsibly and embark on your cross-country adventure with confidence!

Packing Essentials

When embarking on a cross-country road trip, packing strategically and efficiently is essential to ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey. Consider the following essentials when preparing for your adventure:

• Clothing: Pack a mix of comfortable and versatile clothing suitable for different weather conditions. Layering is key, as temperatures can vary significantly during a long road trip. Don’t forget essentials such as underwear, socks, and swimwear.
• Toiletries: Bring travel-sized toiletries, including toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and any other personal care items you need. Consider packing a small first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
• Travel documents: Keep important documents organized and easily accessible. This includes your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any necessary identification for accommodations or attractions along your route.
• Navigation tools: Bring a GPS device or use a navigation app on your smartphone to help you navigate your route. Additionally, have a physical map as a backup in case of technology failure or lack of network coverage in remote areas.
• Entertainment: Ensure you have various forms of entertainment for the journey, such as books, magazines, podcasts, or a portable music player. Consider creating a road trip playlist to set the mood and keep spirits high during long stretches on the road.
• Snacks and drinks: Pack a selection of non-perishable snacks and drinks to keep hunger at bay between meals. Having a cooler stocked with refreshing beverages and healthy snacks is a great way to save money and stay nourished during the trip.
• Technology and chargers: Bring your mobile phone, camera, and any other electronic devices you plan to use during the trip. Don’t forget to pack their chargers, power banks, and any necessary adapters for charging on the go.
• Comfort items: Consider bringing comfort items such as pillows, blankets, and travel pillows to make long hours in the car more enjoyable. Don’t forget earplugs and sleep masks if you plan to camp or stay in accommodations with shared spaces.
• Emergency supplies: Prepare for unexpected situations by packing an emergency kit with essentials such as a flashlight, extra batteries, a roadside assistance kit, a spare tire, and a jack. It’s better to be prepared than caught off guard in case of emergencies.

Remember, space in your vehicle is limited, so pack efficiently and prioritize the essentials. Consider any specific items that are unique to your personal needs or interests, and make room for those to enhance your road trip experience.

Having the right essentials on hand will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey. So, pack smart, be resourceful, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Vehicle Preparation

Properly preparing your vehicle for a cross-country road trip is crucial to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Follow these steps to get your vehicle road-trip ready:

• Check fluids and maintenance: Schedule a maintenance check-up before your trip to ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid levels. Replace any worn-out belts or hoses.
• Tire inspection: Check the tire pressure and tread depth of all your tires, including the spare. Underinflated tires can affect fuel efficiency, while worn-out tires can compromise safety. Consider replacing tires that are nearing the end of their lifespan.
• Brake examination: Inspect the brake pads, rotors, and calipers to ensure they are in good working condition. If you notice any signs of wear or unusual noises, have a professional mechanic inspect and service the brakes.
• Battery check: Have the battery tested to ensure it is functioning properly and has enough charge. Extreme temperatures and long drives can be demanding on a battery, so it’s important to ensure it’s in good shape before hitting the road.
• Lighting inspection: Verify that all exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, are working properly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs to ensure optimal visibility on the road.
• Wiper blades: If your wiper blades are worn or leaving streaks on the windshield, replace them to ensure clear visibility during inclement weather. Check the windshield washer fluid level and top it up as needed.
• Spare tire and toolkit: Ensure your vehicle has a fully functional spare tire, along with the necessary tools to change a flat tire. Familiarize yourself with the process of changing a tire in case of emergencies.
• Emergency kit: Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle, including items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, a basic toolset, a fire extinguisher, and a reflective triangle or flares. It’s better to be prepared for unexpected situations.
• Insurance and paperwork: Make sure your vehicle insurance is up to date and valid throughout your road trip. Keep a copy of the insurance documents, vehicle registration, and driver’s license accessible in case they’re needed.

Taking the time to properly prepare your vehicle will minimize the risk of breakdowns and ensure your safety on the road. If you’re not confident in your mechanical skills, consider taking your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection before your trip.

Remember, regular checks during the trip are also important. Monitor the tire pressure, keep an eye on any warning lights on the dashboard, and address any concerns promptly to prevent further issues.

By ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition, you can embark on your cross-country road trip with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary precautions for a reliable and enjoyable journey.

Planning Overnight Accommodations

When embarking on a cross-country road trip, planning your overnight accommodations in advance can help ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey. Consider the following tips when selecting and booking your accommodations:

• Research options: Use online travel platforms, such as hotel booking websites or vacation rental platforms, to research and compare different accommodation options along your route. Consider factors such as location, amenities, reviews, and pricing.
• Consider your budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on accommodations each night and find options that fit within your budget. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the location and season, so consider traveling during off-peak times for potential savings.
• Variety of accommodations: Mix up your lodging options to enhance your road trip experience. Consider staying at hotels, motels, campgrounds, or vacation rentals to add variety and cater to different preferences and needs.
• Booking flexibility: Keep your travel itinerary flexible to allow for unexpected changes or opportunities along the way. It’s wise to book accommodations in advance, but also leave room for spontaneity and last-minute detours if desired.
• Location convenience: Consider the location of your accommodations in relation to the attractions or activities you plan to explore. Stay close to major points of interest to minimize travel time and maximize your time experiencing the destination.
• Reviews and recommendations: Take time to read reviews and recommendations from previous guests to get an idea of the quality and service offered by the accommodations. Consider both positive and negative feedback to make an informed decision.
• Special requirements: If you have any specific needs or requirements, such as accessibility features or pet-friendly accommodations, make sure to communicate these when booking to ensure a comfortable stay.
• Check-in/check-out times: Take note of the check-in and check-out times of your accommodations, particularly if you have a tight schedule. This will help you plan your travel accordingly and avoid any unnecessary delays.
• Communication with the accommodations: If you have any questions or requests, don’t hesitate to reach out to the accommodations directly. They may be able to provide valuable information or assistance to enhance your stay.
• Keep confirmation details handy: Keep a record of your accommodation bookings, including confirmation numbers, addresses, and contact information. Having this information easily accessible will help streamline the check-in process.

Remember, finding the right accommodations can greatly enhance your road trip experience. Use these tips to plan ahead, find quality options within your budget, and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your journey.

By taking the time to research and book your accommodations in advance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you have a comfortable place to rest each night, allowing you to fully enjoy the adventure of your cross-country road trip.

Researching Attractions and Activities

One of the most exciting aspects of a cross-country road trip is discovering and exploring the diverse attractions and activities along your route. Proper research and planning will help you make the most of your journey. Consider the following tips when researching attractions and activities:

• Create a wish list: Start by creating a wish list of attractions and activities you’re interested in. Include famous landmarks, national parks, local festivals, scenic drives, and unique experiences that align with your interests and preferences.
• Online resources: Utilize online travel websites, travel blogs, and official destination websites to gather information about the attractions on your wish list. These resources often provide details about opening hours, admission prices, and any special events.
• Local recommendations: Reach out to locals or fellow travelers for recommendations on must-see attractions, hidden gems, and unique experiences in the areas you’ll be visiting. Locals can offer valuable insights and insider tips that may not be found in traditional travel guides.
• Read reviews: Take the time to read reviews and feedback from previous visitors to the attractions you’re considering. Reviews can provide insights into the quality of the experience, crowd levels, and any potential issues to be aware of.
• Consider logistics: Take into account the logistics of visiting each attraction, such as travel time, parking availability, and any necessary reservations. Ensure that the timing and accessibility of the attractions align with your overall itinerary.
• Balance popular and off-the-beaten-path: Find a balance between visiting popular tourist spots and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. While popular attractions have their appeal, venturing off the usual path can lead to unique and unforgettable experiences.
• Plan for downtime: Don’t overpack your itinerary. Allow for some downtime to relax, explore the local surroundings, or indulge in spontaneous activities that may arise during your road trip. Flexibility is key to enjoying unexpected opportunities.
• Consider local events: Research local events, festivals, or cultural happenings that may be occurring along your route. Attending these events can provide an immersive experience and a deeper understanding of the local culture.
• Explore natural wonders: Take advantage of the opportunity to visit and explore natural wonders, such as waterfalls, mountains, canyons, and beaches. These natural sites often offer breathtaking beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities.
• Budget for attractions: Keep in mind that some attractions may have admission fees or require reservations. Plan your budget accordingly to ensure you can experience the attractions that are most important to you.

Remember, the goal is to strike a balance between planned activities and spontaneous adventures. Embrace the freedom of the open road and allow yourself to be captivated by unexpected discoveries along the way.

By researching attractions and activities in advance, you’ll be able to create an itinerary that includes a diverse range of experiences, ensuring that your cross-country road trip is filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories.

Staying Safe on the Road

Ensuring your safety is paramount when embarking on a cross-country road trip. Here are some important tips to help you stay safe throughout your journey:

• Vehicle maintenance: Keep up with regular vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Check your vehicle’s fluid levels and ensure that all lights are functioning properly before hitting the road.
• Follow traffic laws: Observe and adhere to all traffic laws and regulations. Obey speed limits, use turn signals, and always buckle up. Practice defensive driving techniques and remain alert behind the wheel.
• Stay focused: Avoid distractions while driving, such as texting, eating, or using handheld devices. Keep your attention on the road at all times to minimize the risk of accidents.
• Plan rest stops: Schedule regular rest stops to prevent fatigue. Take breaks every couple of hours to stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and stay refreshed. Drowsy driving is dangerous and can lead to accidents.
• Share your itinerary: Inform a trusted family member or friend about your travel plans, including your route and estimated arrival times at each destination. Check in with them regularly to keep them updated on your progress.
• Emergency contacts: Keep a list of important emergency contacts in your vehicle, including roadside assistance, local authorities, and your insurance provider. Be prepared for unexpected situations and know who to contact for assistance.
• Weather conditions: Check weather conditions along your route and be aware of any potential hazards, such as heavy rain, snow, or severe storms. Adjust your driving and route if necessary to ensure your safety.
• Secure your belongings: Keep your valuables out of sight and secure your vehicle when parked. Park in well-lit areas and lock the doors to reduce the risk of theft or break-ins.
• Stay updated with road conditions: Use online resources, weather apps, or local radio stations to stay informed about road conditions and any potential road closures or construction zones. Adjust your route accordingly to avoid unnecessary delays or unsafe areas.
• Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or you sense any danger, trust your instincts and take necessary precautions. Avoid unfamiliar or desolate areas, and if you ever feel unsafe, find a well-lit public place or seek assistance from authorities.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority while on the road. By following these tips, being vigilant, and exercising caution, you can enjoy a safe and memorable cross-country road trip.

Lastly, travel insurance can provide an added layer of protection and peace of mind. Consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip to protect against any unforeseen events or emergencies.

Handling Emergencies

While we hope that your cross-country road trip goes smoothly, it’s important to be prepared for unforeseen emergencies. Here are some essential steps to help you handle emergencies on the road:

• Create an emergency kit: Pack an emergency kit with essentials such as a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a multi-tool, a blanket, non-perishable food, water, and a portable phone charger. Having these items readily available can be invaluable during an emergency.
• Stay calm and assess the situation: If you encounter an emergency situation, stay calm and pull over to a safe location away from traffic. Assess the situation and prioritize your safety and the safety of your passengers.
• Contact emergency services: If there is a life-threatening situation or immediate danger, call the appropriate emergency services in the country you are in (like 911 in the United States) and provide them with accurate details about your location and the nature of the emergency.
• Utilize roadside assistance: If you encounter a mechanical breakdown or non-life-threatening emergency, contact your roadside assistance provider for help. They can assist with services such as towing, battery jumps, flat tire changes, or lockout assistance.
• Inform your emergency contacts: If you find yourself in a challenging situation, notify your emergency contacts about the situation, including your location and any relevant details. Keep them updated on your progress and seek their guidance if needed.
• Follow instructions from authorities: If emergency responders or authorities arrive at the scene, follow their instructions and cooperate fully. They are trained to handle emergencies and will guide you through the process.
• Document and report: Take photos or videos of any damage or evidence related to the emergency, if it is safe to do so. This documentation may be helpful when processing insurance claims or filing reports with relevant authorities.
• Stay connected: Ensure you have a charged cell phone and keep it accessible at all times. In case of an emergency, having a means of communication is vital for seeking help and staying connected with emergency services and loved ones.
• Review your insurance coverage: Before your trip, review your insurance policies, including vehicle insurance, travel insurance, and health insurance. Understand the coverage and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report any emergencies and seek guidance on the next steps.
• Learn basic first aid: Take a basic first aid course or refresh your knowledge before your trip. Knowing how to administer first aid can be crucial in emergency situations until professional help arrives.

Remember, the key to handling emergencies is to stay calm, be prepared, and seek appropriate assistance. By following these steps and being proactive, you can effectively manage emergencies and minimize any potential disruptions to your cross-country road trip.

Tips for Long Drives

Long drives during a cross-country road trip require careful planning and preparation to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on the road:

• Plan your route: Before embarking on a long drive, plan your route carefully. Take note of rest areas, gas stations, and scenic stops along the way to break up the drive and explore interesting sites.
• Stay well-rested: Get a good night’s sleep before a long drive to ensure you’re alert and focused. If you feel drowsy during the drive, pull over and take a short nap or switch drivers if possible.
• Stay hydrated and nourished: Bring a supply of water and healthy snacks to stay hydrated and fueled during the drive. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugary drinks that can cause energy crashes.
• Take regular breaks: Schedule regular breaks to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and refresh yourself. Aim for a break every couple of hours to combat fatigue and keep your focus sharp.
• Engage in driver rotation: If you’re traveling with others, take turns driving to prevent driver fatigue. This allows each person to rest and recharge, ensuring safer and more enjoyable driving conditions.
• Enjoy entertainment options: Make the most of entertainment options during the drive. Listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or create a road trip playlist to keep your spirits high and energized.
• Practice good posture: Adjust your seat and steering wheel for optimal comfort and posture. Sit up straight, use proper lumbar support, and adjust your mirrors to minimize strain and fatigue.
• Use cruise control: When driving on long stretches of open road without traffic, use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and reduce driver fatigue.
• Stay attentive: Focus on the road and surrounding conditions at all times. Be aware of other vehicles, weather conditions, and potential hazards. Avoid distractions and keep your attention solely on driving.
• Stay up to date with weather and traffic conditions: Check weather forecasts and traffic conditions along your route before and during your drive. Being aware of any potential road closures, construction, or inclement weather can help you plan and make necessary adjustments.
• Enjoy the journey: Embrace the freedom of the open road and enjoy the journey. Appreciate the scenic views, listen to your favorite music, engage in meaningful conversations, and make lifelong memories along the way.

Remember, long drives are an integral part of a cross-country road trip. Embracing these tips will help you arrive at your destinations safely and make the journey itself a memorable adventure.

Always prioritize safety, take breaks when needed, and make the most of the experience by enjoying the scenery and the freedom that road trips offer.

Cross-country road trips offer an unparalleled sense of adventure, freedom, and discovery. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can plan your journey with confidence, ensuring that your road trip is both captivating and safe.

From choosing the perfect route that aligns with your interests to setting a realistic budget and packing the essentials, careful preparation is key to a successful road trip. Researching attractions and activities along your route allows you to make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories.

Throughout your journey, prioritize your safety by maintaining your vehicle’s maintenance and staying focused on the road. Be prepared for emergencies with an emergency kit and by knowing the appropriate steps to take in unforeseen situations. Long drives can be made more enjoyable with proper planning, taking regular breaks, and making the most of entertainment options.

Remember, a cross-country road trip is not just about reaching the final destination; it’s about embracing the adventure, embracing flexibility, and creating memories along the way. Stay open to unexpected detours and experiences that may arise, as they often become the highlights of the trip.

So, buckle up, embark on the open road, and let the thrill of a cross-country road trip sweep you away. With careful planning, an adventurous spirit, and a sense of wonder, you’ll embark on a journey that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime.

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31 Tips For Driving Cross Country Alone & Having An Amazing Trip

By Anna Cook. This guide to driving cross country solo contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for tips for driving cross country alone and having an amazing trip?

Then you’re in the right place!

When you begin considering driving cross country alone, it can be a little intimidating.

From choosing a car and preparing your vehicle to planning the route and anticipating speed bumps—literally and figuratively—there are many things to consider.

But, I’m here to ease your mind. As a full-time travel blogger and lover of road trips, I’ve taken many long-distance solo road trips and have driven cross country alone.

It’s actually not as difficult as you may think, especially with the right tips and strategies to set you up for success. I’ll be sharing those below!

Solo road trips take a little bit of extra preparation, but it is absolutely worth it as they are incredibly liberating.

On that note, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable cross country road trip !

⏳ Short on time? Here are some helpful resources for planning a solo cross country road trip: 🚗 Car Rental: Save up to 70% with DiscoverCars 🗺️ Solo Road Trip Planning: Roadtrippers (get 15% off with code BTR5QTP ) 🤳 Helpful Apps: – Campendium and The Dyrt to look up campsites – AllTrails for finding hikes – Atlas Obscura for offbeat attractions ☔ Safety Essentials: Along with a first aid kit , get a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini 2  if you’ll be solo hiking , driving, or camping in remote areas where there may not be cell service 🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing 📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Confidently Drive Cross Country Solo [Free Course]

But first, before we go over how to drive long distance alone and have a great time, I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , keep reading for important driving cross country alone tips that will help make your road trip safe and unforgettable!

Is It Safe To Drive Cross Country Alone?

Yes, it’s safe to drive cross country alone! However, it’s still always smart to take precautions and plan for emergencies.

I’ll go over many tips for staying safe while driving across the country alone, but the biggest thing to remember is to trust your instincts, have an emergency plan (like AAA or a satellite communicator ), and be prepared.

As someone who has taken many 10+ hour road trips, one of the biggest safety concerns is getting too tired. You’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated and well-rested by getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night while traveling alone.

Renting A Car For Your Solo Road Trip

Need to rent a car for driving cross country? Check out Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Tips For Planning A Trip Cross Country Alone

The planning part can be the most fun; but, it can also be the most overwhelming. There are so many options and it’s hard to choose what to do and which route to take. To help, let’s go over some important tips for long road trips alone cross country.

1. Set realistic goals

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is planning to drive way too far in a single day. Not only can this be exhausting, but it leaves little room to actually explore as you drive across the country.

I recommend planning to drive a maximum of 8 hours each day unless you are very short on time. If you want to visit attractions one day, then plan on driving even less than that.

Realistic goals will help you stick to the itinerary that you create so you don’t get burnt out and aren’t scrambling to make up time at the end.

2. Consider the time of year

The time of year that you plan on traveling has a huge impact on your road trip and having as amazing journey. As someone from the southern US, I am not accustomed to driving in the snow.

I would be pretty nervous road tripping alone through the Rockies in the winter. If you’re like me, then you’d want to take a southern route in the winter.

On the flip side, if you’re traveling in the summer, consider taking a more northern route as driving through desert climates of the southwest might be too hot.

You’ll also want to think about timing in terms of crowds. During peak fall leaf-peeping season places like New England, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and even Colorado will be very busy with increased accommodation prices.

3. Create a balance

To really have fun on your solo trip , plan for a balance of longer driving days mixed with shorter driving days meant for exploring and even a rest day every so often depending on how long your trip is.

This allows you to enjoy more of your trip instead of just seeing the sites from behind the wheel. Try to plan a few guided tours in cities or National Parks so you can see the major points of interest quickly.

In my opinion, these exploration days are what make the road trip extra special!

4. Have an emergency plan

When I knew that I was going to be taking more solo female road trips, my husband and I agreed that we would sign up for AAA Roadside Assistance .

This way if anything happens to my car while I’m traveling I can easily get a tow. Just make sure to read the fine print on the membership options about towing distance.

I’ve also set up my emergency contacts in my phone so anyone can contact my husband in case of an emergency.

If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can set your phone to automatically alert your emergency contacts and emergency services in case of an accident. Here is how to set this up .

Tips For Creating A Solo Cross Country Road Trip Itinerary

Assuming that you have your starting and ending point chosen, there are still many options for routes you can take when driving cross country solo.

Just as there are pros to solo travel in general, there are benefits to a one person road trip—the biggest being that you get all the say in where to stop and what to do. In this section, we’ll go over how to really take advantage of this perk.

5. Utilize road trip planning tools

First, familiarize yourself with popular routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Route 66, or the Mighty 5 in Southern Utah. Here are more of the  best solo American road trips  if you’re looking for ideas.

Once I have a general idea of my route, I love getting on the Roadtrippers app to look around at what’s along those paths.

🎁 Bonus: You can get $5 off an upgraded Roadtrippers membership with code BTR5QTP .

You can filter what it shows you by interests like the outdoors, sights & attractions, and activities & experiences.

From there, I start saving things—the free plan allows you to add 7 stops—but you can also just write them down or save them in your Google Maps under a dedicated list.

There aren’t a lot of reviews on Roadtrippers so I use Google Maps to check those plus Campendium and The Dyrt to look up campsites.

Other helpful road trip apps and websites I use include AllTrails , which is great for finding hikes, and Atlas Obscura for offbeat attractions.

6. Prioritize “must-sees” vs “would be nice”

Once you have an idea of the route you’ll take and some things you are interested in along the way, you’ll want to start prioritizing them.

Which ones appeal to you most that make sense between your start and end points? Start making a list of your “must-sees” vs the things that “would be nice.”

Your “must-sees” will become your route. Keep a list of your “would be nice” spots though in case you have extra time or something comes up and you aren’t able to visit one of your “must-see” spots.

For example, when I’m traveling I always look for National Park sites as my “must-see” locations then add in other outdoorsy spots or cute small towns nearby.

7. Stay flexible

While it’s always good to have a plan, no matter how much time you spend planning a cross country road trip alone, there is always a chance for the unexpected.

Weather, car issues, closed attractions, and more can cause you to have to pivot. This is why it’s important to stay flexible and be willing to change course if you need to.

8. Consider if you are comfortable with remote areas

The last thing I would consider when you plan a cross country road trip is how comfortable you are in remote areas. This is especially true if you’re planning a solo US road trip .

Many areas from the West Coast to the middle of the USA (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, etc) can be sparsely populated.

If you don’t like the idea of being in remote locations, you’ll want to stick near major interstates throughout this part of the country.

I am in remote areas often, so I decided to buy a satellite communicator for peace of mind. More on that later.

Budgeting For A Cross Country Road Trip Alone

Of course, there are pros and cons to traveling alone , and this includes road tripping by yourself. While it can be empowering, it can also take a hit on your budget when there’s no one to split gas and accommodation costs with.

With that in mind, here are some tips for budgeting for a solo cross country road trip.

9. Research accommodation options in advance

Where are you comfortable staying and what types of accommodations do you prefer? If you are okay camping then your solo travel budget for places to stay will be much lower.

Personally, on my most recent cross country road trip, I camped every other night at campgrounds and stayed in hotels the rest of the time.

Some people stay in Cracker Barrel, Walmart, or Bass Pro Shops parking lots for free. Personally, I wasn’t comfortable with this as a solo female traveler , though you might be. Just double-check with store managers to make sure it’s okay.

Out west, you can find many free wilderness areas to camp; however, when camping on the East Coast , it’s not that easy.

You’ll want to sit down and look ahead of time at what the accommodation options are for the places you’ll be traveling through so you can find the cheapest rates.

While I personally don’t book accommodations in advance, many people don’t like the uncertainty that brings.

If you do like to book things last minute, you can use the HotelTonight app or website to find deals on last-minute hotel rooms. I find it to be hit or miss.

10. Join fuel rewards programs

A great way to save on gas is by joining fuel reward programs at large gas stations like Pilot, Shell, and Love’s. These programs usually save you between $0.05 – $0.10 per gallon.

The rewards programs can also help you save on snacks, drinks, or other items you might buy at the gas station for extra savings.

11. Limit eating out

I love eating at restaurants while traveling, but it adds up quickly. If you bring a cooler with you and stop at grocery stores a few times then you can make meals yourself with healthier options too.

I ate a lot of sandwiches on my trip and you can keep fruits and veggies in your cooler. Just make sure to add ice regularly.

Cheese and nuts are great snacks to keep on hand, and if you have time to make homemade protein balls or granola bars before leaving, those are fantastic too.

Another way to cut back on costs is picking up pre-made food at a grocery store. My favorite strategy is eating at the salad bar or deli at a grocery store, which is relatively cheap and healthy.

12. Download cash-back apps

I use the Upside app to get cash back on gas but you can also get cash back at some restaurants. It only works at certain gas station chains though.

Typically I pull up the app once I’m at a gas station to see if cash back is available and if it’s not, I don’t worry about it.

Ibotta is another option where you can earn cash back at grocery stores for specific products but you can earn at other retailers as well like Walmart or Sam’s Club.

13. Have a contingency fund

I’ve already mentioned this, but no matter how much you prepare, things happen. Please have a contingency plan for when unexpected things pop up!

For example, I got a flat tire during a California road trip . Thankfully, it only cost $35 to patch up; but, it would have been much more expensive if I’d had to buy a completely new tire.

Choosing Accommodation When Driving Across Country Solo

Choosing your accommodations is completely dependent on your comfort level—not only with camping vs hotels, but also with last-minute booking vs things planned out in advance.

Here are some tips for solo road trips that apply no matter what type of accommodation you plan to book.

14. Choose safe areas

Once you have an idea of the cities or towns you’ll be staying in, do some preliminary research to determine if those locations are safe or which neighborhoods are safest in the city.

If I’m booking things last minute, I typically look at Google Reviews to see if anything mentions safety and I’ll pull up the area on Google Maps to look at street view.

No matter what, if you get to where you are supposed to stay and get bad vibes, do not be afraid to leave. It’s not worth sacrificing your safety.

15. Look at convenience from the highway

If I’m short on time, this is one of the biggest factors that I look at. How far is a hotel off the highway? Is it easy to get off the highway and back on?

In addition to the distance from the highway, I also look at what else is around the hotel. If I need food, will I be able to easily grab something nearby?

These are questions you should ask yourself before choosing your accommodation.

16. Don’t overlook amenities

Free breakfast, laundry facilities, free WiFi, and free parking are typically the amenities that I look for. Others are just an added bonus.

Free breakfast means that’s one more meal that I don’t have to pay for and I’ll grab a banana or apple to eat on the road as a mid-morning snack.

Before booking campgrounds, I’m looking at what their bathroom situation is and if there is laundry and WiFi available. Make sure to check if you need specific amenities before booking.

How To Prepare Your Vehicle For A Solo Road Trip

These are some of the most important tips for solo road trips and they are also usually the most overlooked. Driving cross country is a long way, so you want to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape by taking the following steps.

17. Get your oil changed & a full vehicle inspection

While everyone needs to do this, it’s especially important if you are driving an older car long distance. When you take your car in for an oil change, make sure they also check fluid levels, tires, and lights.

They will let you know if they see anything that needs to be fixed before you hit the road. Make sure they check your spare tire too, as you may need it along the way.

Not sure how to change a spare tire? Ask your mechanic for a lesson or check out this guide on changing a tire . You’ll definitely want to know how to do this before embarking on your cross country road trip!

18. Do a deep clean of your vehicle

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel a lot better when I’m starting out with a clean car. Because at the end of a long road trip, my car is in complete disarray.

Cleaning out your car gives you a fresh start for the trip. Make sure you keep a small trash can in there or at least a trash bag where you can collect garbage along the way.

19. Double-check your insurance & registration

Make sure your driver’s license and tags are up to date and double-check that your insurance card and registration are in your glove box.

I know most people typically keep them in their vehicle, but I took mine out just the other day to take to the DMV and forgot to put them back in my car for a few days. It’s always good to check.

Tips For Driving Cross Country Alone

If you’re wondering how to drive long distances alone, it’s actually not as hard as you might think—especially if you keep the following tips in mind.

20. Start small if you’re nervous

If it’s you’re first time embarking on a long distance solo road trip and you’re feeling uneasy, consider starting with a smaller road trip near home.

For instance, if you live in NYC, you might do a New York state road trip before embarking on a solo Midwest road trip or a coastal Maine road trip .

This will help you gain the confidence to go longer distances without feeling anxious.

21. Download plenty of entertainment

One of my best tips for driving cross country alone is to have plenty of entertainment downloaded. When a trip is really long, I like to have multiple types of entertainment downloaded as well so I can switch it up.

I typically download music, podcasts, and audiobooks to my phone just in case. When taking a road trip alone, singing in the car can be fun for the first few hours, but eventually gets boring.

And because being bored can lead to you feeling tired or restless, you’ll want to make sure you have ways to stay entertained and engaged.

22. Take a nap when tired

If you don’t listen to any of the other tips for driving long distances alone, please listen to this one: take a nap when you are tired.

Driving while tired is incredibly dangerous. According to the National Safety Council , about 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur annually, with about 109,000 of those resulting in an injury and about 6,400 being fatal.

To help combat this, the CDC recommends getting at least 7 hours of sleep, avoiding alcohol, and developing good sleep habits (try to create a sleep schedule before your road trip).

If you start feeling drowsy or getting “white line fever,” pull off at a rest area or a gas station in a safe area and take a quick nap. If it’s late at night, find a place to stay if needed.

23. Make stops more often

When driving solo, I find that I like to make stops more often. This helps me to stay awake and alert by getting my body moving. Plus, I get plenty of bathroom breaks since I try to stay hydrated on road trips—which helps me stay alert.

Hopefully you are also stopping to explore different attractions, but if you have a long day of driving, it’s still important to get out and stretch your legs regularly.

How To Stay Safe While Driving Alone Cross Country

Travel safety is always important to consider—though it’s extra important when driving cross country alone as a woman.

Unfortunately, it’s something we have to keep in mind at all times. Here are some ways to help protect yourself while driving cross country solo.

24. Share your itinerary with family or a close friend

Once you’ve planned out your road trip itinerary, share it with a close friend or family member. I love spontaneous road trips alone, but even then I give my husband my planned route and let him know each day where I plan to stay that night.

Which brings me to my next point: check in with someone often—preferably daily—so they’ll know as soon as possible when something isn’t right.

25. Consider taking a satellite communication device

Not everyone needs one of these, especially if you plan on staying within cell service range for most of your trip.

However, typically on my solo road trips I do a lot of hiking in remote areas and know I’ll be driving through smaller towns instead of taking the interstate out west.

The  Garmin inReach Mini 2  (which you can also get on Amazon ) is what I have and thankfully I haven’t had to use it, but it does give me peace of mind just in case.

I have a friend who has had to use it twice and it has saved her life, so it really is an invaluable travel safety essential .

26. Only stop in well-lit areas at night

Ideally, you won’t drive after dark when traveling cross country by car alone, but I know sometimes that can’t be helped.

I try to only stop at well-lit areas at night and I don’t run my gas tank down too far in case I get a bad feeling about a place I want to stop.

Additionally, I try to find gas stations that have other things around so they’ll be populated and I won’t be totally alone outside of my car.

27. Trust your instincts

When you get a bad feeling about something, don’t ignore it. If your gut is telling you that you need to get out of a situation, always trust it.

I’ve driven many different routes around the country and only had one case where I felt uneasy. I got out of there and, to this day, know that I made the right choice.

While in Texas, hiking in a very remote area, I noticed a truck get right up on my bumper and then back off while driving down a dirt road. After I pulled into the trailhead parking lot, the truck slowed down almost to a stop while passing the lot, and then took off.

I walked out onto the trail but had a really bad feeling so after I took some photos of the plants I came to see, I decided to turn back and leave instead of hiking the full trail.

That same truck was in the parking lot when I got back with a lone male driver sitting there with the windows down. Thankfully, another family had pulled in and they were getting their kids out to go on the trail but I left as quickly as possible.

Am I sure that he had bad intentions? No. But I am thankful that I listened to that nagging feeling in my gut and got out of there.

Tips For Packing For A Solo Cross Country Road Trip

In addition to all the regular stuff like clothes and toiletries, there are a few additional things I throw in the car for long road trips as well.

Also, don’t forget the camping gear if you plan on camping at all—which can help save you money on your solo road trip. Other road trip packing tips include:

28. Pack an up-to-date atlas

One of the best tips for a solo road trip that I’ve ever gotten is to pack an atlas—and make sure it’s up to date!

If you don’t know how to read a map, you’ll want to get familiar with it before heading out. I also recommend familiarizing yourself with the route you plan on taking.

This has come in handy for me many times, particularly when driving through areas with little cell service or where I’ve had to make an unplanned stop.

Yes, you can download maps on Google Maps, but that can take up a lot of memory on your phone. Plus, technology seems to always glitch on me when I need it most, so I like to have my route down on paper so I never have to worry.

29. Keep snacks in easy reach

Pack lots of snacks, and try to make them healthy ones. I keep snacks in a bag in my front seat so they are in easy reach when I need them.

Nuts, granola bars, and fruit are just a few good options when you are on the go. Here are also some healthy and energizing snack recommendations .

30. Bring clothes for a week & do laundry

While I love road trips because I can throw anything in my car that I might need, I prefer packing light when it comes to clothes.

There are typically plenty of opportunities to do laundry when you’re on a road trip. Plus, this means fewer decisions to make when getting ready in the morning.

Alternatively, you can use a Scubba Portable Wash Bag —which has a washboard in the bag—to do laundry on the go.

31. Don’t forget the essentials

So what are the solo road trip essentials you should pack? Here are some things you want to be sure to have in addition to your usual travel items:

• Blanket (this sustainably-made Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket can also be used as a waterproof poncho; get 15% off with code JESSIE15 )
• Extra water and a water filter / filtering bottle if you’ll be hiking
• First aid kit
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Portable digital air compressor & tire plug kit
• Jumper cables or portable battery jump starter
• AAA card (or other discount cards)

Travel Insurance For Driving Cross Country

When driving cross country alone— or traveling anywhere else in the world—it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage—including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Cross Country Alone 

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best tips for a solo road trip, let’s answer some frequently asked questions:

Q) Can you drive cross country alone?

You absolutely can drive cross country alone! I’ve done it and know many other women who have made the trip as well. Traveling cross country by car alone isn’t as difficult as you may think, especially with proper planning.

Q) Is it safe to drive cross country alone?

Yes, it’s safe to drive cross country alone. Follow important solo road trip tips like having an emergency plan, keeping family or friends updated, and trusting your instincts to minimize risks.

Q) Is it safe for a woman to drive cross country alone?

It is safe for a woman to drive cross country alone. While you do need to stay vigilant, I look at it as no different than taking day trips or weekend trips solo. I recommend starting with those kinds of trips and building your comfort level up. 

Q) What are the dangers of driving cross country alone?

Some of the biggest dangers of driving cross country alone are drowsiness and potential car trouble or accidents. That’s why one of the biggest tips for long drives alone is to pull over for a nap when you are tired and have your car inspected before leaving.

Q) Should I drive my own car cross country?

This is a personal preference. I like having my own car when driving cross country; however, if you don’t want to put the miles on your car, then you can rent one to make the trip.

You also might consider renting if your car doesn’t get good gas mileage. Price out what it would cost to rent a car and see if you think it’s worth it.

Q) How long does it realistically take to drive cross country?

Depending on your start and end point, you should plan at least 5 days minimum to drive cross country. This would not include much time to stop and explore anywhere and assumes driving approximately 8 hours each day.

If you want to stop and see some sights then you’ll want to give yourself a week or more to make the trip.

Q) How many miles can a person drive in a day?

If you are driving on the interstate, you can cover a lot more miles in a day and I would recommend setting a maximum of 500 miles per day. If you are taking backroads, I recommend even less.

This is also a personal preference, but 500 miles is about 8 hours of driving so hopefully you won’t get too uncomfortable on the trip.

Q) Can you drive cross country in 2 days?

No, you cannot drive cross country in 2 days on a solo road trip. Cross country road trips are 40+ hours of total driving time depending on your start and end points. This does not include any bathroom or food stops nor does it account for traffic slowdowns.

Q) What is the best time of year to drive cross country?

Summer is the most popular time to take a cross country road trip, as the weather is best in most parts of the country; however, if you don’t like the heat, you may want to avoid the desert in the Southwest. Spring and fall are also great times of year to do this if you have the flexibility.

If you choose to travel in winter, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the weather and avoid a northern route through the country if you aren’t comfortable driving in snow.

Q) Is it cheaper to drive across the country or fly?

Typically, it is cheaper to fly across the country vs drive when you are solo. The costs of gas, food, and accommodations add up quickly and are considerably more than what you would pay for a flight. Driving is only cheaper when you have multiple people in the car splitting costs.

Q) Can you drive cross country with a dog?

Yes, you can drive cross-country in the U.S. with a dog, but it requires careful planning to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet, including regular stops for exercise, water, and bathroom breaks, as well as making sure pet-friendly accommodations are booked in advance.

Final Thoughts On Driving Cross Country Alone

Whether you are driving by yourself for the first time or have done it before, I hope these tips have helped you plan your epic road trip and realize that it’s totally doable !

These drives are so freeing and I dream about taking more solo cross country road trips every day. The US is beautiful and diverse and this is an amazing way to appreciate the country.

What would you add to these tips for driving cross country alone?

About The Author

Anna is a travel blogger and photographer at Stuck On The Go where she loves writing about outdoor adventure and small town USA. She created her blog to help busy people incorporate more adventures into their lives and inspire them to try new things—even if it’s scary. You can typically find her out on a trail or in a kayak and she’s always in search of the best restaurants in town. She is based in North Carolina with her husband and German Shepherd who often tag along on weekend trips but she’s known to take off on long solo road trips often.

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How to Plan a Solo Cross-Country Road Trip: Your Complete Guide

• Apr 16, 2023

In March 2023, I took a solo cross-country road trip from Boston to San Diego and back. Planning my road trip was a multi-month endeavor that I enjoyed almost as much as the trip itself, so I wanted to put my planning process down on paper—and also share the lessons I learned from the actual drive—to help others plan their own adventures.

How to Decide Whether or Not to Go on a Solo Cross-Country Road Trip

First and foremost, there’s the question of whether to go on your trip alone or with another person. On one hand, driving across the country by yourself is an almost marathon-level test of physical and mental endurance. On the other hand, it gives you unique freedom to take exactly the kind of trip you want to take, without concern for another person’s preferences.

The Advantages of Going on a Solo Cross-Country Road Trip:

• You can stop only at places that interest you
• You can spend as long as you want at each destination
• You can listen to whatever you want in the car
• You can spend your free time however you like
• You can better control your costs

The best way to decide whether to go on a solo cross-country road trip is to take day trips. Try driving 5 or 6 hours at a time to see how you like it. If you’re completely depleted by this kind of trip, it’s either a sign that you need to bring a co-pilot along with you, or you need to make sure that you have enough time on your trip to drive fewer hours per day, or to make more frequent stops.

A Note on Embarking on a Solo Cross-Country Road Trip as a Woman: You will face a lot of opinions and potential resistance from the people around you about your safety as a solo female traveler. Let others’ feedback guide you to take precautions to make sure that you feel safe on your trip, but try not to let them sow doubt in your mind about whether or not this is something you should be doing in the first place. If taking a cross-country road trip has been a lifelong dream for you, doing it alone may be your best option for creating the experience that you want. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and always trust your gut if a situation feels questionable to you; but know that 99.9% of the people you’ll meet along the way have good intentions, and you are more than capable of looking out for yourself while you’re traveling, just as you do in your daily life. (I found communities like The Solo Female Traveler Network incredibly helpful in bolstering my confidence before my trip.)

Cross-Country Road Trip Routes: How to Plan Your Trip

The first step in planning your solo cross-country road trip is to choose your route. You can and should spend weeks or months planning your route, not only because there are an infinite number of options available to you, but also because you’ll need to reserve things like hotels and national park trips in advance.

Questions to Consider in Planning a Route for Your Cross-Country Road Trip:

• Which places are your priorities to visit?
• Which places can you stop at between your origin and your destination each day?
• How many hours are you comfortable driving per day? (I chose to drive no more than 5-6 hours per day to allow me to sightsee and rest.)
• Will you drive across the country and back, or just one way?
• If you’re driving across the country and back, will you take a different route each way? (I recommend taking a different route each way to see more of the country, but taking the same way there and back allows you to explore each destination more thoroughly.)
• Do you prefer to take freeways, smaller highways, or back roads?
• Do you want to avoid toll roads? (Keep in mind that different states use different prepayment systems—your EZ-Pass won’t work in states like Texas and Oklahoma that have their own toll systems, so be sure to have cash on hand.)
• Which navigation system will you use along the way? (I used Waze on my iPhone, but also had a car GPS and an atlas as back-up methods.)

For assistance in planning your route, Facebook groups can be great sources of advice. For example, members of the group National Park Road Trips will offer feedback on the route you plan to take, when to visit certain parks, and how long to spend in each place.

How to Plan a Cross-Country Road Trip: When to Go

When it comes to planning a cross-country road trip, when you go is just as important as where you go. Why? There are two things that can throw off even the most impeccably planned road trip: weather and traffic.

How to Reduce the Chance of Bad Weather on Your Road Trip: You can’t change the weather, but you can choose a time to go where bad weather is less likely. I found Wikipedia enormously helpful in planning this aspect of my road trip: For any city, scroll down to the Climate section to view the typical weather (both temperatures and precipitation) by month. This was how I learned that March in the Great Lakes or the Rocky Mountains is not, in fact, spring, but an extension of winter, so I should avoid routes that pass through these areas unless I want to drive through snowstorms. April and October are generally considered the best months to travel without running into boiling or frigid temperatures, but for that reason, they’re also the most popular times to visit top destinations.

How to Deal with Bad Weather When It Happens: Be sure to have a Plan B for each day of your trip: If it’s going to storm or reach dangerous temperatures on a day when you planned to visit a national park or other outdoor destination, what can you do instead? For example, I bookmarked bookstores in every city I planned on passing through so I would have a good rainy-day activity; museums are another great option. It’s important in these cases to be flexible and not let bad weather ruin your mood just because it’s messing with your plans. Also, make sure that you keep supplies like an ice scraper, a warm blanket, and non-perishable food in your car in case you get stuck in a snowstorm. Two bulky but smart items to have on hand are kitty litter (to help your tires gain traction on ice) and water (to cool your radiator if your car overheats).

How to Avoid Traffic on a Cross-Country Road Trip: Choose the right time of day to be on the road. Plan to visit or leave cities before or after rush hour, whether in the morning or the evening. When you’re planning your trip, tell Google Maps what time you plan to arrive at a particular destination, and it’ll give you insight into whether or not traffic is common at that time. When you’re on the road, use an app like Waze to direct you around backups. If you’re visiting national parks, be sure to arrive outside of non-peak hours (for example, very early in the morning or late in the day) to avoid getting stuck in a long line of cars at the gate or at popular sites, and be aware that you may need to make reservations ahead of time depending on the parks you plan to visit.

How to Plan a Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary

Here are the steps that I took in planning my itinerary (using Google Maps and an Excel spreadsheet):

• Start by searching for the fastest route from Point A (your origin) to Point B (your destination).
• Next, add in any must-visit destinations along the way. Google Maps will allow you to add 10 stops, so you may need to plan one segment of your trip at a time.
• Cull your list of destinations until you’re driving an ideal number of hours per day. There will be places you remove from your list because they add too much time, as well as places you add to your list because they turn out to be along the way.

How to Find Destinations Along Your Route: Sites like Roadtrippers , Roadside America , and Atlas Obscura allow you to find quirky stops between your origin and your destination.

Consider the Time of Day You’ll Visit Each Place: Put as much time into planning when you’ll get to each destination as you spend planning where to stop. For example: You might want to hit the road to avoid traffic and get to your destination sooner, then realize that you hate driving in the dark. You might want to visit a city or national park, then realize that the time you plan to get there puts you at risk of overcrowding, rush hour traffic, or unbearable temperatures. If you want to see a national park when it’s most scenic, you might want to plan to arrive at sunrise, golden hour, or sunset rather than in the middle of the day, when the sun’s directly overhead.

Other Considerations: If you plan on stopping in cities along the way, be sure to account for potential traffic, as well as parking. If you plan to stop at national parks, make sure to allot a full day for each one; find out whether you need reservations ahead of time; and buy an annual pass if you plan to visit more than three or four parks. And don’t miss out on any state parks along your route—these can be just as incredible as national parks, and potentially less crowded.

How Much of Your Itinerary to Plan Ahead: This is a matter of personal preference. I’m a planner, so I created a spreadsheet that broke down each hour of my trip. This allowed me to view how much time per day I’d spend driving vs. the free time I’d have to explore each stop. But even if you plan out every detail, it’s critical to remember that you’ll need to be flexible when you’re out on the road. It’s okay to decide that you want to skip a stop you planned on making to get to your destination sooner, or to make an unplanned stop to see a roadside attraction.

• Leg A (48 hours, 3,182 miles): Boston, MA > New Columbia, PA > Columbus, OH > Nashville, TN > Hot Springs, AR > Dallas, TX > Midland, TX > Las Cruces, NM > Tucson, AZ > San Diego, CA
• Leg B (47 hours, 3,064 miles): San Diego, CA > Joshua Tree, CA > Phoenix, AZ > Santa Fe, NM > Amarillo, TX > Tulsa, OK > St. Louis, MO > Louisville, KY > Pittsburgh, PA > Hudson, NY > Boston, MA

Where to Stay on a Cross-Country Road Trip

Some people prefer not to book accommodations ahead of time, instead finding a motel to stop at when you’ve driven as far as you can for the day. Others avoid this problem altogether by camping along the way. I personally preferred to find Airbnbs to stay in along my route, ensuring that I would have a place to stay each night in my ideal destination; so here’s my advice if you want to do the same.

Questions to Consider When Booking Airbnbs for Your Road Trip:

• Do you want to stay right in the destination you’re visiting? (If you want to stay downtown, you’ll pay a premium for your stay. However, this may give you the ability to walk to local restaurants, stores, and sightseeing spots, which can be a major plus. On the other hand, if you don’t mind driving, it can be cheaper and easier to stay in outlying neighborhoods rather than downtown.)
• Do you want your own place? (Some Airbnbs are located on someone’s property, whether they’re a separate guest house or a room in their home. You’ll want to decide what you’re most comfortable with, whether you feel safer knowing that someone’s nearby, or prefer to stay in your own place. Staying in a guest house can be cheaper.)
• Do you need a full kitchen? (Airbnbs with a mini-fridge and microwave are common and can be more affordable than those that include a stove/oven and full-sized fridge.)
• What’s the parking situation? (To keep your car safe and cut down on costs, you may want to look for Airbnbs with a driveway or dedicated parking area. If you’re staying downtown, you might otherwise have to pay for street parking that isn’t reserved; I ran into this in Columbus and Pittsburgh, and it’s common in dense, older cities like Boston and New York as well.)

How Much Does a Cross-Country Road Trip Cost?

In total, taking fuel, lodging, and food costs into consideration, I estimate that I spent between $4,000 and $5,000 on my 24-day solo cross-country road trip.

• Fuel Costs: Consider how many miles you’ll drive per day, and how many miles per gallon your car gets, depending on whether or not you plan to take highways. Driving mainly on freeways for 5 to 6 hours per day (which are more efficient than roads with stop lights), I found that I needed to fill up every day and a half or two days. Of course, gas prices vary a great deal depending on when you go and where you’re driving, but prices are cheaper wherever gas stations are more numerous, so try to fill up whenever you’re in a well-populated area if you have less than half a tank remaining.
• Lodging Costs: Consider how much you’re willing to spend on accommodations each night. I wanted to stay in desirable neighborhoods within the cities I was visiting, or as close as possible to the national parks I was visiting; so I put a lot of time into finding the right Airbnbs in these locations. I found that a budget of $130 per night was sufficient (but paid as little as $70 for some places), and I booked four months ahead of time to ensure that I would be able to find places that met all of my requirements. Be sure to include fees and taxes in this cost—they may not be visible until you’re about to book an Airbnb, but can really drive up the cost.
• Food Costs: I kept costs down by eating pre-packed snacks for two meals a day, and eating out for dinner only. I ordered food for pickup or ate in person to avoid paying delivery fees. Don’t forget to factor a 20% tip into your costs.

What to Pack for a Cross-Country Road Trip: Checklist

My Cross-Country Road Trip Packing List:

• For the front seat: Sunglasses, eye drops, glasses, hand sanitizer, trash bag, water bottle, snacks, chapstick, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, glass cleaner, sunscreen
• For the trunk: Car repair kit, first aid kit, ice scraper, backup GPS/atlas, duct tape, baby wipes, spare glasses & sunglasses, beach towel, extra water, extra snacks
• Clothing (beyond the obvious): Hat, walking shoes, rain coat, waterproof boots, light jacket, heavy jacket, gloves
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo & conditioner, hairbrush/comb, moisturizer
• Other items: Laundry bag, laundry detergent pods (if applicable) ear plugs, phone charger, reading material, emergency meds (for headaches & upset stomach), camera & tripod

Staying Organized: What you pack is just as important as how you stay organized throughout your trip. First, make sure that the things you need to bring in with you every night are easy to carry and organized separately from the things you need less often, or will only need in case of emergency. Second, make sure that everything you leave in the car can fit in your trunk and be hidden from view to prevent theft, and don’t leave anything of value in your car at any time.

Other Considerations for Your Solo Cross-Country Road Trip

What to Drive on a Cross-Country Road Trip: On your trip, you’ll find that you’re essentially inseparable from the vehicle you’re driving, whether it’s your car, a rental car, or an RV. Make sure that your vehicle will be safe at each place where you stop, especially overnight. Ensure that you feel completely comfortable driving and parking your vehicle in a variety of conditions, whether you’re parallel parking downtown or navigating dirt roads in a national park. Get your vehicle inspected beforehand so that you’re confident it’s in good shape. Find out whether your insurance company offers roadside assistance ahead of time, or invest in a AAA membership. (I decided to take my own car rather than a rental that I would have felt less comfortable in, and I got my car inspected at the halfway point to make sure that it was in good enough shape for the second leg of the journey. Both decisions really helped to ease my anxiety.)

What to Eat on a Cross-Country Road Trip: I have dietary restrictions and didn’t want to spend the time and money to eat out for every meal. As a result, I spent a lot of time bookmarking restaurants on Yelp that could accommodate my needs within walking distance of each Airbnb I stayed in, and this research really paid off. I also brought a plethora of non-perishable snacks with me in the car to make sure I’d have enough to eat along the way. Make sure to buy snacks that are easy to eat on the go and will adequately tide you over between meals. (I bought my car snacks from Thrive Market , an online grocery store with a huge range of healthy, delicious options for any diet. I put high priority on finding snacks high in protein and nutrients to keep my diet healthy while I was on the road.)

My Favorite Road Trip Snacks:

• Bobo’s oat bars: Apple pie bites and chocolate almond butter bars
• Luna bars: Chocolate peppermint and lemon blueberry
• NOKA smoothie pouches: Super berry , strawberry pineapple , and mango coconut
• Mamma Chia squeeze pouches: Strawberry lemonade
• Mavuno Harvest dried fruit: Pineapple and mango

What to Listen to on a Cross-Country Road Trip: I personally enjoyed having a variety of things to listen to depending on my mood. I made a solo cross-country roadtrip playlist (recommended if you like folk and indie music!), rented audiobooks from my local library using the app Libby , and had several podcast series to listen to as well. Be sure to download the media you plan on listening to before you hit the road, and to queue up several hours of content at a time to avoid needing to use your phone while you’re driving.

Tips for Driving Long Distances Alone on a Solo Cross-Country Road Trip

• Keep snacks and water within arm’s reach; stave off dehydration and hunger to stay alert (but don’t eat till you’re overly full, as this can make you sleepy)
• Have a variety of things to listen to to keep you alert (e.g. an energizing playlist, songs you can sing along to, conversational podcasts, a mystery audiobook)
• Stop to stretch and get fresh air every 2-3 hours, and do some cardio exercise (e.g. jumping jacks, speed-walking, high knees)
• Stock the car with things to make you comfortable (tissues, moisturizer, chapstick)
• Call a friend while taking a break from driving to check in and get reenergized
• Don’t keep the car too warm
• Pre-download maps for rural areas, and have a backup atlas or GPS that doesn’t rely on internet
• Break up long drives with a lunch break
• Pull off whenever you see something interesting, even if it’s unplanned
• Budget traffic and rest stops into your driving plans
• Make sure your AAA coverage is up to date, or that your car insurance offers roadside assistance

I hope that these tips were helpful in planning your solo cross-country road trip! Traveling alone can be incredibly liberating, even though it requires more physical and mental endurance than traveling with another person. My three most important tips of all: Have back-up plans for everything, do your research so you know what to expect, and don’t let your whole trip get derailed if things don’t play out how you expected them to.

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Robin Young is the writer and photographer behind Feather & Flint.

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10 Best Cross-Country Road Trip Routes in the US

The open road, blue skies, fresh air: a cross-country road trip may just be what you need to go somewhere new, spend some time by yourself or with your loved ones, and gain some perspective.

The great American road trip became popular in the 1950s, when there was a rapid increase in the number of families owning cars post-World War II.

With the recent changes in travel and diminished financial capacity, people are looking for different ways to explore new places. It definitely looks like driving cross-country will see a revival.

In this article, you’ll learn about the best routes to travel as well as tips and resources on how to plan a cross-country road trip that you (and your loved ones) will remember for years to come.

The 10 Best Cross-Country Road Trip Routes

These 5 routes are by no means the only ways to go on a cross-country road trip, but these are certainly popular and scenic.

The first three routes are coast-to-coast road trips, while the last two run north to south along the west and east coasts, respectively.

1. America’s Mother Road: Historic Route 66

Who Should Take This Route: Those who long for the nostalgia and romance of small-town America

Don’t mess with a classic.

Route 66 is the legendary cross-country road trip destination for tourists, not only Americans but also foreigners. The Pixar animated movie Cars is greatly responsible for sparking renewed interest in driving this road.

In the 1930s, it was the route of choice for workers who wanted to try their luck in the west, and later in the 1950s and 1960s, for vacationing families to go to the Grand Canyon and Disneyland.

As the road became more popular, tourist traps, motels, diners, gas stations, car repair shops, and other roadside attractions sprang up, earning Route 66 the moniker “Main Street of America.”

Sadly, it was decommissioned in 1985 as motorists favored using I-40; it can get them from one point to another much quicker.

Even though it’s officially decommissioned, more than 80% of the original route can still be driven today thanks to road maps and websites dedicated to reviving the route as well as the small towns and businesses along the road.

The “normal” direction to take this road trip is from east to west, but eastward is good if you want to go coast to coast.

That is, if you start from California and want to continue your trip to the east from Illinois all the way to Massachusetts, you can turn on US-20 from where Route 66 ends on Joliet Road in Countryside, Illinois (more details on US-20 below).

States (West to East)

Notable attractions/stops by state.

• Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
• Pete’s Rt 66 Gas Station Museum, Williams
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Route 66 Monument, Tucumcari
• Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari

• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo
• Pops 66, Arcadia
• Rock Café, Stroud
• Route 66 State Park, Eureka
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Louis
• World’s Largest Covered Wagon, Lincoln, Illinois
• The Start of Route 66, E Adams St., Chicago, Illinois

Miles Covered

2,278 miles (3,665 km) long; recommend setting aside at least 12 to 14 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Best Time To Travel

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to drive this route, when the temperatures are just right and there are fewer cars on the road.

More Information

We’ve previously written about other Route 66 attractions in detail.

2. The Oregon Trail: US-20 Route

Who Should Take This Route: History buffs who love long drives and diverse sights

Historic Route 66 may be the more popular road, but US Route 20 is actually the longest road in the US, earning it the nickname “Big Daddy.”

Not only is it the longest, but US-20 also offers the most contrasting sights and sounds. From mountains, lakes, rivers, and beaches, to “frozen in time” small towns and the most modern urban cities.

Again, east to west is the popular way to go on this road trip, but starting from the west gives you a chance to go parallel to the path formed by the Oregon National Historic Trail , which was followed by pioneer families on wagons from Missouri to Oregon.

• Montana (less than 10 miles)
• Pennsylvania
• Massachusetts

Notable Attractions/Stops

• South Beach State Park
• Willamette Valley
• Cascade Mountains
• Oregon High Desert
• Craters of the Moon National Monument
• Yellowstone National Park

• Carhenge, Alliance
• Field of Dreams Movie Site, Dyersville
• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland
• Presque Isle State Park, Erie
• Finger Lakes Region
• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Park, Canandaigua
• The Tepee, Cherry Valley
• Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
• Kenmore Square, Boston

3,365 miles (5,415 km); recommend setting aside at least 15 to 21 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Summer (June to August) is the best time to travel this road, notwithstanding the weather and crowds. Most places are closed during the winter, as this trail lies mostly in northern states, and spring and fall mean unpredictable weather.

3. The Loneliest Road: US-50 Route

Who Should Take This Route: Those who love solitude

If you look forward to driving alone with nothing but nature around you, you will love driving US Route 50.

The “loneliest road in America” moniker applies to the section of US-50 that goes through Nevada from Ely to Carson City; there’s little more than mountains, skies, and endless desert to see on this 300-mile stretch of road.

Eventually, the entire US-50 became popular enough that Time Magazine featured it in the mid-90s, calling it the Backbone of America, as history, success, failure, and revival are all documented along this long and often winding road.

Portions of the US-50 route overlap with such historic trails as the Santa Fe Historic Trail as well as the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

Along the way, you’ll see towns that have flourished into cities, cities that have collapsed into ruins, and small towns that have bounced back from near-death.

The western end of US-50 lies in Sacramento, California, but if you want to make this a true blue coast-to-coast drive, drive another 100 miles to San Francisco via I-80.

States (East to West)

West Virginia

• Washington, D.C.
• Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane
• Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester
• Capon Bridge
• Tygart Lake State Park
• Chillicothe
• Daviess County Amish Country
• George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, Vincennes
• Carlyle Lake, Carlyle Township
• Gateway Arch, St. Louis
• Lake of the Ozarks
• Whiteman Air Force Base
• Old Drum, Johnson County Courthouse, Warrensburg

• Guy & Mae’s Tavern, Williamsburg
• Midway Sign, Kinsley
• Santa Fe National Historic Trail
• Great Plains
• Madonna of the Trail Monument, Lamar
• The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City
• Gunnison National Forest
• Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Notch Peak, Utah

• Great Basin National Park
• Pony Express Territory
• Spooner Lake–Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Carson City

3,073 miles (4,946 km); recommend setting aside at least 14 to 17 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to drive this route.

Keep in mind that you’re passing through some contrasting landscapes: mountains, deserts, lakes, and seas. Winter will be too cold and the roads may be too slippery for you to drive safely, while summer will be too hot when passing through the desert.

4. The Pacific Coast: US-101 Route to California State Route 1

Who Should Take This Route: Beach bums who like sunny weather, salty air, and breathtaking ocean sunsets

Taking a cross-country road trip along the Pacific Coast is one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take.

Called Highway 101 in Washington and Oregon, and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), California State Route 1 (SR1), or Highway 1 in California, this road takes you right beside the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The I-5 eventually replaced the old US-101 as it passes more major cities and has less dangerous curves to navigate, but for natural beauty and ambiance, you can’t beat the US-101.

US-101 meets up with US-20 in Oregon, so if you want to go north from California to Oregon and then eastward from Oregon to Massachusetts, you can have a west coast road trip and then a coast-to-coast one.

States (North to South)

• Olympic National Park
• Lake Crescent, Clallam County
• Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Ilwaco
• Astoria–Megler Bridge, Washington to Oregon

• Cannon Beach
• Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City
• Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport
• Newport (intersection with US-20)
• Seal Rock State Recreation Site, Seal Rock

• Thor’s Well, Yachats
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Reedsport
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt County
• Leggett (US-101 merges with Highway 1)
• Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
• Point Arena Lighthouse, Mendocino
• Bodega Bay, Sonoma,
• Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
• San Francisco (Start of Highway 1/PCH)
• Half Moon Bay
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero
• Carmel-By-The-Sea
• Pismo Beach
• Santa Barbara
• Malibu Beach, Malibu
• Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica (Where Historic Route 66 begins)
• Los Angeles

1,550 miles (2,500 km); recommend setting aside 7 to 10 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Any time of year gives you great driving weather on this road, though if you want to avoid crowds, you might want to avoid driving in July and August.

We’ve previously described a detailed itinerary for the California portion of this road trip.

5. The Atlantic Coast: I-95 Route

Who Should Take This Route: Tourists who appreciate all types of scenery, from New England’s historic architecture to Florida’s tropical charm

The west coast is gorgeous, but don’t write out the east coast just yet.

Interstate 95 is the longest north-to-south interstate highway that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean.

Driving a cross-country road trip along the I-95 takes you from historic towns to glamorous cities, from wetlands to forests to beaches.

• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Maine: Houlton and Old Orchard Beach
• New Hampshire: Portsmouth
• Massachusetts: Middlesex Fells Reservation
• Rhode Island: Pawtucket or Providence
• Connecticut: Mystic, New Haven or Groton

• New York:  The Bronx, Manhattan, and George Washington Bridge
• New Jersey:  Newark, Elizabeth and New Brunswick
• Pennsylvania:  Philadelphia

• Delaware:  Wilmington
• Maryland:  Baltimore, and Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, Fort Washington
• Virginia:  Occoquan Historic District, Fredericksburg or Richmond
• North Carolina:  Roanoke Rapids, Wilson and Fayetteville
• South Carolina:  South of the Border in Dillon, Florence, and Santee State Park in Santee
• Georgia:  Savannah , Brunswick, or Kingsland

• Florida Georgia State Line, Yulee
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Fuller Warren Bridge, Jacksonville
• Castillo de San Marco National Monument, St. Augustine
• Beaches: Daytona Beach, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach,  Miami , or Dixie Highway in Miami

Worthwhile Detours

These detours will take you away from I-95, and you’ll have to add a few days more to your road trip if you want to explore these attractions.

• Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island
• Central Park, New York
• North Carolina Beaches
• South Carolina Beach Towns
• Georgia Beaches
• Florida Keys

1,920 miles (3,090 km); recommend setting aside 8 to 12 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Beaches are best appreciated in the summer, but any weather is good for taking a road trip through I-95. Winter may mean snowfall in the northern states on this route, while spring and fall give you mild weather and less crowded beaches.

6. TransAmerica Trail

An east-to-west, off-road adventure trail, which lets you take in the scenic beauty of the East Coast to the West Coast while taking you off major highways to discover hidden attractions.

Who Should Take This Route: If you’re a history buff, this road trip takes you to the path pioneers and early settlers followed.

Here are some interesting stops along the TransAmerica Trail:

• Virginia/North Carolina : Pass by Blue Ridge Parkway – one of the most scenic roads in the country with breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Kentucky : Stop by Berea, the heart of Appalachia, for cool arts and crafts mementos. If you have a day or two for this stop, you can explore the world’s longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park.
• Missouri : Visit the Gateway Arch and explore St. Louis’ rich history.
• Oklahoma : See American bison at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and explore the rugged landscapes of the southern Great Plains.
• New Mexico : Discover the art and culture of the historic Taos nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Colorado : Be in awe of the tallest dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park, then visit the charming Telluride mountain town for a laidback stop.
• Oregon : Once you reach the Pacific Coast, you can explore the stunning coastline and visit towns like Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Newport.

7. The Great Northern Road: US-2 Route

The Great Northern Road follows the US-2 Route. It stretches from the northernmost border with Canada to the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast.

Who Should Take This Route: A coast-to-coast road trip through the northern states, which is perfect to embark in during the summer or for people who love visiting charming small towns.

The Great Northern Road offers numerous opportunities to visit rugged parks like the Acadia in Maine or White Mountains in New Hampshire, the lakeside cities of Vermont, and the always-amazing Niagara Falls.

There are also cultural spots in Missoula (Montana), Spokane (Washington), and Michigan’s Mackinac Island.

I recommend you end your Great Northern Road trip at Seattle.

Other Cross-Country Road Trip Routes

I did say there are infinite possibilities depending on where you want to start, where you want to end, what you want to see, and how much time you have.

Here are other cross-country road trip routes you can explore.

8. Southern Pacific: US-80

• Who Should Take This Route:  Another coast-to-coast road trip through the southern states; great to take in the winter

9. Big Muddy: The Great River Road

• Who Should Take This Route: Drive alongside the Mississippi River and explore the 10 states that border it. I wrote about this road trip more extensively on this post .

10. The Road to Nowhere: US-83

• Who Should Take This Route: North to south road trip right through America’s heartland

Tips For Planning A Cross-Country Road Trip

Driving across the country is great fun, but there are plenty of things and factors to consider when planning. Here are some of them so you can arrange a road trip with no hassle.

Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Have everything checked: fluid levels, brakes, tires, lights, drive belts, etc.

Also, make sure you have jumper cables, spare tires, a tire jack, and everything else you need in case of car trouble.

Have a plan, but don’t have a plan. Sounds confusing, but the point is to have a general plan for how many days you want to take, what to do per day (sights and places you can’t miss versus those who want to see but can skip), how many hours you’ll drive, and where you’ll stay per night.

Beyond that, booking hotels and making restaurant reservations way in advance may not be a good idea. You’ll want to have some flexibility in your schedule to make room for emergencies and side trips and detours.

Sign up for emergency roadside services. If you’re not already a member of AAA or any other reputable roadside assistance service, join one before your road trip.

Prepare for areas that don’t have mobile service. Camping in the middle of nowhere? Chances are you won’t have a cellphone signal. If your plan is heavily dependent on having an internet connection, you’re asking for trouble.

Download your maps on your smartphone beforehand or use paper road maps. Take a GPS navigation tool that’s not dependent on a mobile signal.

Have a packing list.

Here are travel essentials you’ll need on your cross-country road trip (or any road trip, for that matter):

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance card
• Emergency car kit
• Gasoline container
• GPS navigation tool
• Cell phone signal booster
• Powerbank and car chargers
• Flashlight/lantern
• Playlist (music/audiobook)
• In-car games and activities
• Hiking shoes
• All-weather set of clothes
• Electronic toll pass or change to pay toll fees
• Tent (if camping)
• Cooler (with plenty of water)
• Sunshades for windshield and windows
• Vitamins and medication
• Pillow and blanket
• First aid kit

Take your time.

Giving yourself an allowance would also allow you to take side trips to charming small towns, cool landmarks, hidden gems, and one-of-a-kind restaurants.

The less rushed you are, the richer your adventure will be.

Must-Use Cross-Country Road Trip Tools and Apps

You’ll get by with a little help from these tools, sites, and apps to plan your road trip.

Road planners

• Roadtrippers
• MyScenicDrives

Navigation and checking traffic

• Google Maps

Find places to eat

Find places to rest or sleep.

• Recreation.gov
• Free Campsites

Go On A Cross-Country Road Trip Soon!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, the memories made on an epic cross-country trip are ones that last a lifetime.

You’ll get to see the magnificent natural beauty of these United States, meet strangers that enrich your lives, visit amazing places you never thought existed, and understand your country better.

Go Out and Explore

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10 Tips for Planning a Cross-country Road Trip

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Road trips are an American institution. With a country as vast as the United States, residents have long found it romantic and alluring to pile in the car and spend a week or two exploring their homeland. National parks are a major draw, as are amusement parks, roadside attractions and scenic drives.

Before you climb behind the wheel, here are some main preparations you'll want to make.

• Know Your Travel Style
• Create and Map Out Your Itinerary
• Make Lodging Reservations In Advance
• Research Attractions Along the Way
• Create a Realistic Budget
• Plan Ahead for Pets
• Pack Judiciously
• Trick Out Your Vehicle's Interior
• Pack a Cooler
• Have Your Vehicle Serviced

10: Know Your Travel Style

Whether you're traveling with your own family or good friends, every person has a certain travel style. Some prefer a detailed itinerary so they know just what to expect, while others like to make decisions along the way. One person might want to stop at every boutique shop that looks appealing, while another might be keeping his eyes peeled for barbecue joints. Mom and Dad may hope to take pictures at every scenic overlook , while the kids want to race past them all so they can reach the next lake or amusement park [source: Road Trip America ].If you know a friend's travel style will drive you bonkers, keep in mind that the close confines of a car will only make things worse. Plan a shorter trip with that person instead. For family members, negotiate ahead of time. For example, maybe you won't alter certain plans, such as the time you hit the road each morning, a few key attractions you'll see and your nightly pit stop. But everything you do in between can be spur-of-the-moment decisions.

9: Create and Map Out Your Itinerary

Step one: Figure out how many days you have for travel and where you want to go, but don't simply plot out the fastest route from point A to point B. While major highways and interstates quickly whiz you from city to city and state to state, scenic byways and county roads afford the best sights and out-of-the-way attractions. So make sure your route occasionally deviates to include some of them. Check out the federal government's America's Byways Web site for ideas.

Step two: Don't set an overly ambitious agenda. The trip won't be any fun if you're driving 10 hours a day and don't stop to see anything along the way. Plan on a maximum of five or six hours per day behind the wheel [source: Planning Fun Road Trips ].

Finally, take along a current map, in addition to any online directions or GPS systems. Each is a good backup to the other, as none is foolproof.

8: Make Lodging Reservations In Advance

Cross-country trips are tiring, and you'll be anxious to hit the sack every night; so, it's a good idea to have lodging reservations in place well before you leave home. Hotels, motels and even campgrounds fill up fast in popular tourist areas, especially during prime vacation season, and some places sell out months in advance. Once you've targeted the places you want to stop each night, make reservations.

A few days before you leave home, call each place where you'll be staying to confirm your reservations, and bring your confirmation information with you, too. That way, if the hotel loses your reservation and is full, you have proof with which to demand a room. (And they almost always have extra rooms.) If they truly don't have space, hotel staff should find you a spot elsewhere because they've erred.

The idea for a toll-free expressway network in the U.S. was first described in a 1939 report to Congress, which initially rejected the idea. But when Dwight D. Eisenhower became president in 1953, he made the revitalization of America's highways one of his goals. In 1956, Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act into law, earning him the title of Father of the Interstate System. Today, the interstate system is 46,876 miles (75,001.6 kilometers) long [source: Federal Highway Administration ].

7: Research Attractions Along the Way

With your route set, fill in your stops. Why not stop in every state you pass through at least once to see a famous attraction or eat in a popular restaurant offering local cuisine? And don't overlook more smartphone apps are all good resources for finding things that pique your interest.

The Web site RoadsideAmerica.com (which also has an app) can help you find those quirky destinations -- for instance, if you're near Woodruff, Wis., check out the Forest of Chainsaw Totem Poles! Going to the Grand Canyon? Take a detour to Yucca, Ariz., to see the Golf Ball House.

6: Create a Realistic Budget

Don't ruin your trip by stressing over money -- or running out of it. That means a little work on the front end. Know how much your lodging costs, as well as admission fees for attractions you plan to see. Use Internet mapping sites to calculate your driving distance, then determine your approximate gas bill (add an extra tank or two for getting lost or choosing to deviate from your planned route). Don't forget to include the cost of any tollways you know you'll pass through.

Food costs can be a little trickier to figure. Decide ahead of time which meals you'll be eating in restaurants, then set price limits. Or give yourself a total daily food budget.

Finally, throw in a little extra money for emergencies, souvenirs and stumbling upon some can't-be-missed sights.

5: Plan Ahead for Pets

Although Fluffy and Fido generally make good travel companions, bringing them with you does take advance planning, plus extra thought once en route. In addition to the usual stuff like food, a pet bed and a leash, be sure you:

• Bring an appropriately sized carrier or restraint system since your pet will be in the car so much.
• Make lodging reservations at places that accept animals.
• Bring along your pet's medical records in case of an emergency.
• Stop every two or three hours so your furry friend can walk around and stretch.
• Give your pet water as soon as you stop, not right before you get back in the vehicle, or he could throw up once you start driving.
• Never leave your pet alone in your vehicle.

[source: Road Trip America ]

4: Pack Judiciously

Yes, you're in a car, and not in a plane with tiny overhead compartments and minimal under-seat storage space. But that doesn't mean you should pack everything you could possibly need. Why take away precious leg and elbow room in your car when you'll be inside it for hours every day?

Minimize your load by packing clothing in basic colors (black, gray, white, red) that you can mix and match. Consider clothing made of lightweight, wicking fabric that can be washed quickly and dried in your hotel room if necessary. If you'll be on the road for a few weeks and will need access to a washer and dryer, make reservations at a hotel with laundry facilities or find a Laundromat when you get to town.

Check out packing lists and tips on trip-planning Web sites such as Planning-Fun-Road-Trips.com, which has lists for specific types of trips, including camping, couples-only and beach [source: Waechter ].

3: Trick Out Your Vehicle's Interior

Even if you limit your driving to five or six hours a day, that's still an awful lot of time in the car over a week (or two or three weeks), so think about your comfort. Bring your favorite tunes and some audio books, and a small pillow or blanket can help you snooze. Tuck in a notebook and pen for journaling, doodling, games or jotting down directions, and slip-on shoes will ensure happy feet.

To keep things tidy in your rolling home, pack hand wipes and plastic grocery sacks that can be used for anything from garbage bags to in-a-pinch tote bags and keeping wet and dry clothes separate.

Historic U.S. Route 66 runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif. Commissioned in 1926, it wasn't until 1937 that the entire 2,448-mile (3,916.8 kilometers) road was completed. Route 66 crosses three time zones and eight states, and 85 percent of the road is still drivable. And, Route 66 crosses itself at the intersection of Central Avenue and 4th Street in Albuquerque, N.M. [sources: Historic 66, Legends of America ].

2: Pack a Cooler

Start with water and other drinks in there, plus some snacks. When you're driving cross-country, you can easily drive dozens or more miles between cities and come across closed rest areas and tiny towns without restaurants. It's ultra-convenient to just reach behind you in the car to grab a nibble and a sip.

Once en route, coolers also help save money on dining costs. Stop at local grocery stores to get muffins, fruit and orange juice for breakfast on the go, and sandwich fixings and chips for an easy lunch at a roadside stop . If you're more ambitious, toss a spatula, tongs, matches and charcoal into your car. Then you can buy hamburgers and hot dogs (and whatever else you like to barbecue) on the road to cook out at public grills in parks and rest stops.

When you do find a supermarket, grab healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, low-fat string cheese and yogurt. It's not always easy to healthfully on the road, but fast food quickly gets old -- and it can do a number on your tummy while in the car.

1: Have Your Vehicle Serviced

The whole point of a road trip is the driving, right? There's nothing worse than starting a much-awaited (and well-planned) drive, only to have the car break down. This happens more often than you'd think, and you can lose entire days stuck in a small town, waiting for parts to come in so your car can be fixed. Ward against this possibility -- and ensure your safety -- by having your vehicle checked before you head out. The appointment should include an oil change, plus safety checks on:

• Tire tread and pressure
• Windshield wipers
• Headlights and brake lights
• Fluid levels
• Belts and hoses
• Spare tire and jack

[source: Waechter ]

Create your own car emergency kit by filling a waterproof container with:

• Jumper cables
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit
• Bottled water and nonperishable snacks

And, make sure someone else on the trip carries a second set of keys in case the driver's set gets lost or locked in the car.

Now that you have these helpful tips for planning your cross-country drive, you just have one thing to do -- hit the road, Jack!

Emergency roadside service plans pay for unexpected auto-related services you need on the road, ranging from replacing a battery to getting towed. If you'll be on the road for several weeks, don't know how to perform basic auto repairs or will be traveling with children or elderly people, these services are definitely worth considering [source: American Automobile Association ].

Lots More Information

Related articles.

• Top 10 Stress-free Road Trip Ideas
• 10 Car Summer Maintenance Tips
• 10 Best Snacks for a Road Trip
• 10 Foods to Buy by the Side of the Road
• 5 Tips for Packing the Car for a Road Trip
• Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet
• What's so special about Route 66?
• What was the first road trip?
• What was the first cross-country U.S. road trip?
• How often should I stop to walk my pet on a long car trip?
• What is the actual cost of roadside assistance?

More Great Links

• America's Byways
• Favorite Road
• Historic Route 66
• National Park Service
• American Automobile Association. "AAA Emergency Road Service." (June 30, 2011) http://www.aaasouth.com/Automotive/auto_ers.aspxs
• America's Byways. (June 23, 2011) http://www.byways.org/
• Brown, Angela. "How to Plan a Road Trip Vacation." USA Today. (June 17, 2011) http://traveltips.usatoday.com/plan-road-trip-vacation-12786.html
• Historic 66. "Route 66 Quiz." (June 17, 2011) http://www.historic66.com/quiz/
• Federal Highway Administration. "Interstate System." (June 17, 2011) http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/interstate/history.htm
• Federal Highway Administration. "National Traffic and Road Closure information." (June 17, 2011) http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo
• Greenberg, Peter. "Traveling Cross-Country." AARP. March 23, 2009. (June 20, 2011) http://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/info-06-2009/greenberg_usa_trip.html
• Legends of America. "Legendary Route 66: Facts & Trivia of the Mother Road." (June 17, 2011) http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-facts.html
• Roadside America. (June 30, 2011) http://www.roadsideamerica.com/
• Road Trip America. "How to Plan a Great Road Trip." (June 17, 2011) http://www.roadtripamerica.com/tips/How-To-Plan-A-Great-Road-Trip.htm
• Road Trip America. "Road Trips with Rover & Felix: Tips for Traveling with Pets." (June 17, 2011) http://www.roadtripamerica.com/Pets/Road-Trips-With-Pets.htm
• Road Trip America. "Using the Web to Find Best-Kept RoadTrip Secrets." May 30, 2004. (June 17, 2011) http://www.roadtripamerica.com/GettingOutThere/Best-Kept-Road-Trip-Secrets.htm
• Road Trip U.S.A. "The Routes." (June 20, 2011) http://www.roadtripusa.com/
• Waechter, Tara. "How to Plan a Road Trip Across the U.S. That Rocks!" Planning Fun Road Trips. (June 17, 2011) http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.com/plan-a-road-trip.html
• Waechter, Tara. "Road Trip Planning - Map Your Trip." Planning Fun Road Trips. (June 17, 2011) http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.com/road-trip-planning-map.html
• Waechter, Tara. "Road Trip Planning 101: Getting Your Car Ready for the Road (and Not the Side of the Road). Planning Fun Road Trips. (June 17, 2011) http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.com/road-trip-planning-car.html
• Waechter, Tara. "Travel Packing Tips, Tricks and Lists." Planning Fun Road Trips. (June 17, 2011) http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.com/travel-packing-tips.html

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Cross Country Road Trip: 20 Things to Know Before Driving Across the US

While the advent of affordable flights diminished the number of cross-country road trips to some extent, it seems that road trips are making a comeback. In fact, according to a recent AAA survey, more than a third of all American families are planning a cross-country road trip within the next twelve months.

So what inspires Americans driving across the country? About two-thirds of surveyed people say spending quality time with their family is the primary benefit of a cross-country road trip. 

Whether you plan to visit some popular destinations , national parks or theme parks or simply let the road takes you, there are several things to consider before driving across the USA.

Cross country road trip FAQs:

RULE n.1 – Check your vehicle

Your vehicle should be roadworthy before you set out on your cross-country trip. About a week before you plan to leave, take your car in for a check of fluid levels, brakes, tires, and anything else which might cause you problems.

Nothing can spoil your cross-country road trip faster than being stuck somewhere you would rather not be stuck, waiting for your car to be repaired. Make sure your spare tire is fully inflated and that you have jumper cables, a jack, and any other items you might need in the event of a flat tire or car trouble.

Here is the full checklist:

• Fluids (oil + cooling)
• Spare wheel
• Windscreen wipers
• Wheels + tires
• Check for leaks
• Drive belts
• Wheel steering

To rent a car, you need a credit card

This is an unknown rule between newbies and also foreigners trying to rent a car in the U.S. Most car rental companies won’t rent you a car if you trying to pay by debit card or cash. A credit card is required!

Be ready for gas prices

Gas prices are on the rise these days and you definitely want to know where you can get it cheaper when you are doing a lot of miles.

Best 3 gas prices apps in the U.S.:

Don’t have a fixed plan but have a plan!

Even if you want to “free-spirit” it on your cross-country trip, having at least a loose plan can, in the end, make your trip much more enjoyable.

At a minimum, it’s usually a good idea to have a plan for where you will stay each night and have a list of the things you really do not want to miss – as opposed to the things you would like to see but could stand to miss.

Check potential trouble spots / Avoid traffic

While you won’t want to over-plan your trip, it can be a good idea to anticipate any potential trouble spots.

Getting caught in rush-hour traffic in a large city will not improve the quality of your trip, so plan to avoid things like crossing the Hudson River on a Friday at five o’clock.

Have small bills for tolls ready

Nothing will send you into a panic like realizing you don’t have any cash handy when you’re approaching a toll booth.

Eliminate the risk of this happening by keeping some small bills in the side compartment or between the seats, where the driver can easily reach them.

Become a member of a roadside service

If you are not already a member of a roadside service like AAA , consider joining one before you take off to unknown places.

The simple law of averages says if you take enough road trips you will eventually end up stranded on the side of the road in Podunk, USA. You can avoid a lot of hassle as well as potential dangers when you have that handy 800 number to connect you to reputable towing and repair services.

Have your documents ready

Make sure you have all the necessary documentation in an easily accessible place before you start out on your cross-country road trip.

An up-to-date insurance card, a valid driver’s license, and your vehicle registration are all crucial documents to have (not only for a road trip but all the time).

Alcohol laws differ between states

While this next tip is something few people consider, if you or any other adults on the trip plan to enjoy a few relaxing alcoholic beverages along the way, you need to have a good idea of how alcohol laws differ between states .

The last thing you want is to end up with a DUI in an unfamiliar state—not only could such a thing really put a damper on your road trip, but the long-term consequences could also be much more serious than you imagine.

Check out also some cheap motels for a road trip in USA! They might come handy if you need to take a break for night or two.

Make sure you have your tickets sorted!

If you have any outstanding traffic tickets or parking tickets make sure you take care of those before you start out on your cross-country trip.

The last thing you want is to have your trip interrupted by ending up in a police station because you forgot to pay a traffic ticket.

Consider camping

When traveling in the USA , camping is one of the best ways to save money when traveling. Plus, it allows you to see so many parts of the country as there are campgrounds near the most popular attractions and in nearly any tourist destination.

When planning your cross-country adventure it’s important to plan ahead to find campgrounds near the places you want to visit. Most modern campgrounds include amenities to help make your stay comfortable. Some even have small cabins that can save money over staying in a hotel.

Staying in a campground can be a great opportunity for adventure as most have outdoor amenities and fun things to do on-site, while still providing you with the comforts of restrooms, running water, and internet connectivity.

Camping also gives you flexibility with time and budget since you have so many options on where to stay and can compare prices based on the campgrounds in your desired area.

Get a proper road trip playlist

Imagine the perfect road trip scene: the windows are down, the cool breeze is whipping by, the mountains or plains fall away on either side of the open road.

But what’s still missing? The tunes, of course! No road trip is complete without perfect highway music. Make a playlist with classic road trip hits , from the Eagles’ “Take it Easy” to Willie Nelson’s “On The Road Again.” Be sure to download it before you leave, since you’re bound to find yourself without cell service.

These unplanned adventures are when it’s most beneficial to utilize GPS navigation services. Using a navigation app on your phone can be one of the easiest ways to get around since you likely keep your phone close all the time.

When using your phone for navigation it’s important to always have at least one charging cable with you. Many people prefer to travel with a few extra charging spots and cables to avoid running out of battery. You might also want to keep a few power banks with you, just in case.

If you’re going to be spending time outdoors you may also want to invest in a solar charger that has a USB connection.

Lastly, check with your cell phone DATA service provider before your trip to ensure you have mobile data and will be able to use your navigation services throughout your cross-country adventure. 

Holidays and opening hours of national Parks

When visiting national parks it’s essential to check the opening hours during your planning process. The hours of most national parks will vary based on the season and the day of the week. Be sure to check this information ahead of time before your visit so you can plan accordingly.

If you want to take advantage of any of the special amenities or demonstrations offered by many national parks, be sure to know the hours and days those events are offered.

It’s also recommended to be aware of bank holidays during your travels. Many attractions will follow bank holidays which often means closing on popular travel days.

You will go on hikes, get proper shoes!

Perhaps the best part of any cross-country trip is the remarkable natural beauty you’ll pass through.

From mountains to forests, deserts to plains, the pure variety of landscapes in the continental U.S. is enough to whet the appetite of even a casual nature-lover.

As you pass through this gorgeous scenery, you’re going to want to hike. Prepare for this by bringing along a decent pair of hiking shoes. Wearing uncomfortable footwear on a hike is a recipe for nasty blisters, while sandals can be dangerous.

With proper shoes , you can make sure you remember your hike for all the right reasons.

Day trip backpack

So your first priority when packing was probably to find a big enough suitcase for all your clothes and belongings. While this might be perfect for keeping all your things in one place, it shouldn’t be the only bag you take on your trip.

Don’t forget that your journey will be full of minor excursions, and you’re going to want to bring some items along for each separate adventure. Of course, you’re not going to bring your suitcase on a hike or city tour.

That’s why you need a reliable day trip bag that you can comfortably carry with you. A backpack or satchel is ideal.

Flashlight/lantern

If you’re going to be camping, then a source of light is one hundred percent necessary. You never know when you’ll be delayed getting to a campsite, and setting up in the dark is nearly impossible.

The light also makes it a lot more fun to hang out at night, allowing you to read, play cards, or eat instead of just sitting around in the dark. Even if you’re not camping, a flashlight or lantern is still a good idea. You never know what type of situation you might find yourself in. In the case of any nocturnal emergency, you’ll want a flashlight you can count on (as opposed to your phone, which can die just when you most need a light).

Get a cooler!

Plan to take a cooler with plenty of snacks and drinks! While nobody seems to know why traveling makes us hungrier!

Of course, there will be plenty of places to stop along the way for munchies, however having drinks, fruit and treats packed, can really cut down on the number of stops you make, especially if you have children.

Mosquitos can be a problem!

If you are planning your adventure in the summer months, you might encounter plenty of mosquitos. You wanna have your repellents always stocked and some mosquito nets if you are planning to camp.

Sunshades for side windows and windscreen

There is nothing worse than getting into a “burning car” when you are coming from a day hike or a walk. In the hot months, you can get some very high temperatures in US and the sun gets really strong.

If you’re planning to make a longer stop and there is no shade around, you definitely want to keep them up! Inspiring video by Traveling Lifestyle.

Finally, the most important thing you should know about taking a cross-country road trip is to have fun!

Don’t get caught up in your phone on your trip, rather put it away and take the time to really look at the scenery passing you by. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our nation, as you listen to your favorite road trip s0ngs and enjoy your journey.

We hope you found this article useful and we are glad you made it all the way down here. Feel free to submit a comment below with any tips on driving cross country in the USA that you think would be a great fit!

Great tips! Planning a cross-country road trip is thrilling, but prep is key. From routes to packing essentials, this guide’s got you covered for an unforgettable journey. 🚗🗺️

Moving cross country, this article helped remind us of what’s needed, plus the route maps at the beginning

It is important not to have fixed plans but one plan you need fix before starting the journey is your auto insurance plan. For example, my auto insurer Western Mass Auto Insurance had already placed state-to-state travel coverage but I needed to inform them of my travelling so they can better assist me about the plan.

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Tips to make your cross country vacation enjoyable for you and your fellow travelers

H opping in the car for a road trip can be a fun experience when properly planned out. If little to no planning is done before hitting the open road, there will more often than not be extra layers of stress added to a long car ride. 

Being flexible is a key component to every road trip.

Yet there are some things that you can do to make long travel days more enjoyable for you, your kids and any furry friends that are joining the trip. 

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If you’ve ever thought about making a road trip across the United States, or maybe a smaller journey, here are some tips and tricks for travelers. 

• General road trip tips
• Tips for traveling with kids
• Trips for traveling with pets

When taking your road trip across the country, here are some tips to enhance your travel experience before and during your trip. 

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• Decide how you are going to travel

Get your car a tune up (and make sure you have roadside assistance ready to go just in case)

• Create a road trip playlist
• Plan out your stops
• Make sure you have pillow and blankets
• Pack an overnight bag
• Get the snacks ready
• Where are you staying?
• Plan for popular tourist stops

Decide how you are going to travel 

When planning a giant road trip, you can choose to take your own trusty car (depending on how trusty it is), rent a car or rent an RV.  

21 AWESOME ROAD TRIP HACKS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR MILES

This pretty much depends on the experience you are looking for. If you want to keep things simple with just a small car and an open road, take your own car. If you want a bit of an elevated road tripping experience, an RV may be the way to go. 

Even if you think your car is in tip-top shape, it absolutely does not hurt to get it checked out before you drive it thousands of miles across the country. 

Maybe you need an oil change or new brake pads; maybe your inspection is expired. All of these things are worth checking before hitting the road. 

THE BEST STATES FOR A SUMMER ROAD TRIP

With that said, be sure that you have a roadside assistance service like AAA set up so that if something does happen to your car while you’re on your road trip, you can get it taken care of quickly. 

Create a road trip playlist 

If you’re going to be in the car for hours at a time, a good playlist is a must. Put together a playlist that is long enough that you won’t be hearing the same songs over and over again throughout your journey. 

Podcasts and audiobooks are also great for road trips. Make a list of podcasts and books you want to listen to while you’re driving. 

You can change things up and listen to these when you want a break from the music. 

Plan out your stops 

Planning your stops down to the minute is going to be a pretty impossible task because lots of unplanned occurrences happen on road trips. 

It’s important to sit down with your fellow travelers before your trip and create a rough itinerary. This is also a good time to map out where you’re going to be stopping and staying overnight throughout the trip. Try to book hotels/campgrounds ahead of time, so that way you don’t have to be full of stress looking for a hotel when you’re half asleep and finding out they’re all booked. 

Make sure you have a pillow and blankets 

A comfy pillow and blanket can be a huge bonus on a road trip. It can be pretty difficult to sleep in the car , but having a nice pillow and blanket with you will help you get a little bit of rest on the road. 

Pack an overnight bag 

You’ll likely have a large suitcase packed with all the things you’ll need when you reach your final destination. When you’re making short overnight stops, you aren’t going to need everything in that suitcase. 

Plus, it can be a pain to lug around. On top of that, the more places you bring your giant suitcase to, the more times you open yourself up to forgetting something in the hotel room. 

7 SWEET RIDES FOR THE ULTIMATE SUMMER ROAD TRIP 

To solve this problem, pack a much smaller bag filled with overnight essentials: a toothbrush and toothpaste, maybe a hairbrush, some pajamas, a clean outfit, potentially a swimsuit if you have time for a dip in the hotel pool. 

Get the snacks ready 

You’re going to want all your favorite snacks after being on the road for hours. Go on a grocery run before your trip and grab some snacks so you don’t have to stop every time someone is hungry. 

Where are you staying? 

Plan out the hotels or campsites you are going to be staying at before you go so that you can get reservations all set up. 

Also, if you have family or friends who live anywhere along your route, consider staying with them to save some money and spend quality time with them. 

Staying with friends and family is also great because they will be able to tell you about some cool spots in the area to check out before you head back on your trip. 

Plan for popular tourist stops 

Very popular tourist spots can often get packed. Some things you also may need to reserve and pay for. 

6 BASEBALL ATTRACTIONS WORTHY OF A ROAD TRIP

Do some research on the stops you want to make beforehand, that way you are prepared. 

• Use rest stops
• Keep food and water in an easy access spot

Swap drivers

• Visit small town USA

Use rest stops 

Make the most of rest stops. Instead of just stopping to get gas, and separately stopping at a fast food chain to get some food, find a rest stop that has it all. 

Rest stops are a great time to stretch out your legs, walk around, fill up the car with gas and get something to eat. Rest stops usually have several different places to get food inside. I

f the people you are traveling with all want something different, a rest stop will probably have what everyone is looking for, rather than making all separate stops. 

Keep food, water in an easy access spot  

Don’t put your food or cooler deep in the trunk under all of your other things. Keep them toward the front of the car, so someone can easily access it while on the road. 

If possible, swap drivers to give each other a break. This is super easy to do when traveling with a group of friends who can all take turns driving. Obviously, families with small kids don’t have that same luxury. 

If it is possible to switch up drivers every once in a while, try to do so to avoid the same person driving hours and hours at a time, even if it's just so the main driver can take a quick power nap. 

Visit small town USA 

On your road trip, don’t count out the small, more quaint towns along the route. 

These places often have great local restaurants to stop for food and maybe some fun activities to take part in. 

Traveling with little ones can be a challenge at times, so here are some tips to make things more enjoyable for the whole family. 

Consider driving at night or early in the morning

• Schedule breaks for stretching and food

Have an activity bag ready, with shiny new toys

• Plan out fun pit stops
• Play car games
• Have entertainment ready to go

Driving at night or early in the morning means that your little ones are likely to get some sleep for some of the drive. 

Schedule breaks for stretching and food 

Plan times for small breaks like rest stops and longer ones like a sit down restaurant or an activity to give the kids (and yourself) a break from the car. 

WOLRD'S MOST DANGEROUS PLACES TO TAKE A ROAD TRIP 

Pack a small activity bag for your kids with different things for them to do while traveling. Put some new toys in the bag to keep them entertained for even longer. 

Plan out fun pit stops 

Look into some spots that may be fun for little ones during your road trip. 

This will break up the ride a bit, and you can talk all about your fun stop on the way there. 

Play car games 

I spy, road trip bingo, the famous license plate game, all great passers of time when on a long road trip. 

Playing some different games with kids will help keep them occupied, at least for a little while. 

Have entertainment ready to go 

Since you’re going to be driving for quite a long time, you may want to have some form of entertainment, like movies or a favorite TV show ready to go. 

If you plan on traveling with pets, there will need to be some planning involved and lots of breaks needed to give your furry friend some time to get all its energy out. 

• Pack their necessities
• Plan bathroom/energy releasing breaks
• Look for dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and other locations

Create a comfy car space for pets

Pack all their necessities

You'll need to pack lots of toys, a leash, food and water bowls, etc., before you go. 

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Plan bathroom/energy releasing breaks 

You’re going to have to make some frequent bathroom breaks during your travels. These breaks are also a good time to let your pup run around and let out some energy before getting back into the car. 

This would be a good time for your pet to have some food and water. 

Look for dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and other locations 

When planning out your road trip, look for hotels that are dog friendly as well as restaurants so that you can take your dog with you while you grab a meal. 

Camping is always a great option if you have a dog with you since most are dog friendly, and it will give them some needed time outside during the trip. 

Since your pet is going to be spending a lot of time in the car, make sure that it is a nice and cozy space for your furry friend.

Create a place with lots of toys, a comfy blanket and maybe even a dog bed. 

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• Bus and Train Travel

What You Need to Know Before Booking a Cross-country Train Ride

Thinking about taking a cross-country train trip? Here's what you need to know.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

If you're an avid traveler, you've probably read stories about people taking trains across the United States, passing some of the nation's famous cities and national parks along the way. Maybe you've even thought about embarking on the same journey to take in America's great landscapes from the car of an Amtrak train.

Although planes are speedier and cars offer independence, there's something special about a slow-paced train ride that you just can't find on other types of transportation. A cross-country Amtrak train ride is a leisurely, scenic way to explore the United States, but before you embark on your multiday adventure, there are a few things you should know.

From picking the best seats to packing everything you'll need, there's a lot to consider before booking your trip. We asked the experts at Amtrak for their best tips for cross-country train rides — here's what you should keep in mind.

What to Know About Taking a Cross-country Train Ride

When it comes to picking the best seat for an overnight journey , you can't beat the seclusion and comfort of a private room. The sleeping car offers the best layout for getting a good night's sleep, so you can arrive at your next stop refreshed and ready to go. Plus, it comes with perks like complimentary meals, lounge access at major stations, and help from the car attendant. Travelers in all fare classes should brief themselves on the dining options before they depart, too, as there's a variety of snack, drink, and meal services on Amtrak trains.

Another benefit of train travel is Amtrak's generous luggage policy — you can bring up to two checked bags, two carry-ons, and two personal items (we recommend keeping a personal item stocked with all your travel essentials, including masks, which are currently required at all times on the trains and in stations, within reach during your trip).

Download the Amtrak app before you go for easy, contactless travel. In the app, you can book tickets, find your eTicket, get information about the trains, stations, and routes, and more. And don't forget to bring your charger to keep your batteries full — there are outlets in private rooms and at the seats (you may want to invest in an extra-long charging cord for added convenience). While you cruise along, you're bound to pass some picture-perfect views , so bring a camera to document your trip and binoculars to get a better look.

Finally, you'll want to pick an excellent route — and thankfully, there are plenty to choose from.

Cross-country Train Routes

If you're ready to book your cross-country journey , there are a few route options. Pick the route with the stops you're most interested in — cross-country train travel can't be rushed, so you might as well stop for a day or two between legs to make the most of your journey. We're highlighting a few of the main destinations, but we recommend researching where each train stops to see which places are most appealing to you. ( A mtrak Vacations also sells cross-country trip packages for those seeking a more robust itinerary.)

New York City to San Francisco is one of the classic cross-country routes. From New York, you'll travel to Chicago via the Lake Shore Limited, then you'll take the California Zephyr to San Francisco via Denver. You could opt for a more southerly route from Washington, D.C. to Los Angles via New Orleans and San Antonio, Texas, on the Crescent and Sunset Limited routes. A northerly option from New York City to Seattle on the Lake Shore Limited and Empire Builder includes stops in Chicago and Glacier National Park . Of course, you can extend or shorten your journey to best fit your start and end locations and desired excursions, so this really is a DIY travel adventure.

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RV Tips: Preparing Your RV for a Cross-Country Road Trip

Introduction to rv tips for a cross-country trip.

Embarking on a cross-country road trip in an RV offers an unrivaled sense of freedom and adventure. Whether you’re cruising through towering mountains, rolling plains, or scenic coastlines, preparing your RV is key to a smooth and enjoyable journey. This means checking not just your itinerary but ensuring your home-on-wheels is in top condition. We’ll cover vital tips to get your RV ready, focusing on maintenance checks, packing essentials, and getting familiar with your route. These simple steps will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure you make the most out of your epic adventure. Remember, a well-prepared RV means less time worrying about potential hiccups and more time soaking up the joys of the open road.

Checking Your RV’s Engine and Tires: The Basics

Before hitting the road, ensuring your RV’s engine runs smoothly and your tires are in good shape is crucial. Remember, you don’t want to deal with a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. For the engine, start by checking the oil level. If it’s low, top it off. Also, look at the coolant level to prevent the engine from overheating during your trip. It’s straightforward – more of a glance and a fill if needed. Next, give the air filter a quick look. A dirty air filter can choke your engine, reducing its efficiency. For the tires, it’s all about pressure and tread. Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure each tire, including the spare, is at the recommended PSI. This isn’t just a safety issue; it can also improve fuel efficiency. Then, check the tread for wear and tear. No fancy tools needed here, just use a penny. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head when you insert it into the tread, it’s time for new tires. Skipping these checks? That’s not an option unless you fancy unplanned stops. Keep it simple, and you’ll be all set for smooth cruising across the country.

Inside Your RV: Essential Packing Tips

When it comes to packing your RV for a cross-country trip, think minimal but essential. Packing too much can weigh you down, literally. Start with the basics: clothes that match the weather forecast and are versatile, toiletries, and a first aid kit stocked with the usual suspects – bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Next, kitchen essentials. Stick to multipurpose cookware, a compact set of dishes, and enough food to cover you between grocery stops. Remember, space is premium. For entertainment, select items that don’t require internet or power. Books, cards, and simple outdoor gear like a football or a frisbee are great choices. Lastly, tools and spare parts for your RV should not be forgotten. A basic toolkit, an extra set of keys, tire repair kits, and replacement fuses can be lifesavers on the road. Keeping your load light and meaningful will make your cross-country adventure smoother and more enjoyable.

Planning Your Route and Stops Ahead of Time

Planning your route and stops before hitting the road isn’t just about making a schedule. It’s about ensuring a smooth adventure. First off, know the main highways and byways you’ll be taking. Apps and maps are your friends here. Look into the scenic routes too, because, let’s face it, that’s part of the RV charm. Now, for stops, think beyond gas stations. Pin down campgrounds or RV parks where you can rest. And remember, not all places welcome RVs, so check ahead. Also, consider the weather. Storms or heavy snow? Not ideal. Adjust your route if needed. Lastly, plan for attractions and must-see spots. They make the journey memorable. Smart planning equals fewer surprises and more fun on the road. RV Tips for Efficient Fuel Usage

Efficient fuel usage is crucial when taking your RV on a cross-country road trip. First things first, make sure your RV is in tip-top shape. A well-maintained RV runs more smoothly, which means better gas mileage. Check the tire pressure regularly; under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by making your RV work harder to move. Aim to drive steadily. Sudden accelerations and hard braking eat up more fuel. Whenever possible, use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed. Also, don’t overload your RV. Carrying extra weight forces the engine to work harder, burning more fuel in the process. Lastly, plan your route efficiently. Use GPS or maps to plan a route that avoids heavy traffic and steep inclines, as these can increase fuel usage. Keeping these tips in mind can help stretch your fuel further on your adventures.

Managing Water Supply and Waste

Managing your RV’s water supply and waste is crucial for a smooth cross-country road trip. First, always start with a full freshwater tank. It may seem basic, but having ample water means you’re prepared for areas without access to clean water. For drinking water, consider carrying separate containers or installing a water filtration system in your RV. This way, you won’t deplete your main supply too quickly. When it comes to waste, ensure your RV’s gray water and black water tanks are empty before hitting the road. Gray water comes from your sinks and shower, while black water is the sewage from your toilet. Knowing the capacity of these tanks is key, so you can plan stops for emptying them at RV dump stations along your route. Ignoring this can lead to unpleasant odors or, worse, backups.

Lastly, conserve water whenever possible. Simple habits like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes can significantly extend your water supply. Remember, managing water and waste efficiently ensures you focus more on the adventure than the next place to refill or empty tanks.

Preparing for Different Weather Conditions

Before you hit the road for that dream cross-country journey in your RV, remember, the weather won’t always be sunny and clear. Preparation is key to ensure you’re ready for any storm, heatwave, or cold spell that comes your way. Pack a variety of clothes. Think layers. A mix of light and warm clothing will have you covered, whether it’s scorching desert heats or chilly mountain air. Don’t forget waterproof gear too, in case you run into unexpected rain. Your RV itself needs attention. Check the insulation and make sure your heating and cooling systems are top-notch. This isn’t just for comfort; it can be a safety thing in extreme temperatures. Always have an emergency kit handy. Include things like extra water, non-perishable snacks, blankets, a first-aid kit, and tools. You never know when you might need them. Weather alerts are your friend. Use apps or a weather radio to stay updated on local forecasts. No one likes getting caught in a surprise blizzard or a heat advisory with no plan. These steps don’t just prepare you; they protect you. Facing the elements head-on without worry? That’s the spirit of a true RV adventurer.

Staying Connected: Internet and GPS on the Road

No matter where you’re headed, staying online and knowing your direction is key. In today’s world, losing signal isn’t just annoying; it could leave you stranded. For internet, consider a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. These gadgets grab cellular data and create a Wi-Fi network for your devices. Costs vary, but investing in one with a strong signal might save your sanity. Alternatively, many RVers rely on campsite Wi-Fi, but be warned, it’s often slow and unreliable. As for GPS, don’t just rely on your phone. A dedicated GPS device designed for RVs can be a game changer. They account for vehicle size, suggesting the best routes and avoiding low bridges or weight-limited roads. Some even include campsite directories. Yes, it’s an extra cost, but imagine the ease of always knowing where to go next, without the headache of finding a signal. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the journey without getting lost in the hassle of poor connection or wrong turns.

Safety Measures and Emergency Preparedness

Before hitting the road, make sure your RV is safe and you’re ready for emergencies. Start by checking your RV’s brakes, lights, tires, and engine to ensure they’re in top shape. Don’t overlook the importance of a fire extinguisher – keep one that’s up to date and know how to use it. Next, pack a first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications. It’s also smart to have an emergency kit with items like a flashlight, batteries, blankets, water, and non-perishable snacks. Remember to bring tools and spare parts for your RV. This could include a tire repair kit, extra fuses, and light bulbs. Knowing basic repair skills can save you in a pinch. Lastly, always inform someone about your travel plans and route. This ensures someone knows where you are in case of an emergency. Safety first means you’re prepared for the fun parts of your journey.

Final Checklist Before You Hit the Road

Before you set your wheels rolling, run through this final checklist to ensure a smooth journey. First, confirm your RV insurance and roadside assistance are up to date. Breakdowns without backup can turn your adventure sour. Check your tire pressure; incorrect pressure can lead to blowouts. Ensure your engine and generator oils are topped up; they’re the lifeblood of your RV. Test all lights — internal and external. No one wants a ticket or, worse, an accident because of a faulty taillight. Pack an emergency kit with essentials: first aid, extra food and water, tools, and spare tires. Empty your wastewater tanks to avoid unpleasant surprises. Lastly, double-check your route for any travel warnings or restrictions. Safe travels!

• ESPAÑOL

Our Cross-Country “Field Trip”

Jessica cole.

Ever since viewing the solar eclipse totality in 2017, our family hoped to see it again the April 2024. Since we have relatives near Austin, Texas (in the path of totality), it sounded simple enough to take a trip to visit them. but, in reality, traveling halfway across the country with two adults and five kids is never an easy process! Airfare for 7 is quite expensive, especially in proximity to a big event. Driving, however, would take at least 21 hours each way.

We hated to drive all that way and only have a few days with family, especially considering the weather could always prevent us from viewing the eclipse. So, I came up with the idea to make our drive part of the experience by stopping at fun and educational places along the way—museums, tourist attractions, and the like. In other words, we would turn the whole journey into one giant field trip!

To make this happen, I spent hours poring over routes, maps, and tourist sites. Ultimately, we decided on a route that would take us through 9 states—North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas on the way there, and Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina on the way back. Coincidentally, we would also travel through (or just around) the capital cities of all but one of these states! Between the stops on the road, the eclipse, and a little tour of Austin that family members gave us, we had a new field trip almost every day!

One post is not sufficient to cover the amazing things we experienced and learned on our trip. So, my next couple posts will dive into those details! For now, here is a quick overview of. . .

Things I learned on our cross-country “field trip”:

• Buy or rent a big van. Partly with this trip in mind, we decided to trade in our increasingly-cramped minivan for a “real” 12-passenger van. The gas mileage is rather sad, but the extra room for luggage and spreading out is amazing.
• When staying in a different location most nights, creative packing simplifies things. Rather than dragging out 7 suitcases every night, the kids and I pre-picked our outfits and packed them into one suitcase for each day rather than each person. It definitely helped!
• Speaking of hotels, I booked ours through a popular travel site, heavily relying on their star-rating system for reviews. As it turns out, I probably should have checked the actual reviews in more detail and maybe checked reviews from a different source. Most of the hotels were fine, but one turned out to be a bit sketchy. I will be more careful about my selections next time!
• While it was helpful to reserve hotels in advance, I did not reserve tickets to most of our stops until the day of our visit. This allowed us the flexibility to trade one stop for an alternative at the last minute, especially if our travel plans got waylaid. On the other hand, we would never have gotten into one particular museum if I had not made an earlier reservation, so it is important to check for any likelihood of selling out. Also make sure the location is open at your desired date/time—I almost made that mistake a couple times!
• Don't forget that you may be crossing time zones. My daily itinerary kept us on schedule better than expected, but I forgot to account for the time change, which threw us off a bit one day.
• Parking with a big van in a big city can be challenging, but modern technology makes things simpler. Besides looking on a location's website for parking suggestions, you can check your map app for nearby lots. I found Google Maps street view to be especially helpful in determining where we could park. Some places will also allow you to reserve your parking spot in advance online.
• Invest in a good cooler. To save money and account for food sensitivities, we packed a ton of food. We refreshed the ice as needed and used refrigerators / freezers where possible, but in general the food and ice stayed remarkably well-preserved. We supplemented with food at convenience stops, but we did not eat at any true restaurants!
• Listening to Adventures in Odyssey (or other audio dramas or audiobooks) is a great way to pass the time. I purchased multiple albums during a Black Friday sale and played them off my phone. (The only downside was that I couldn't do anything else on my phone. Oh well.)
• Speaking of phones, if your teen/preteen has a phone and a pair of headphones, you may not hear much from them. At least this means less bickering, but it doesn't exactly make for family bonding time. (I had bought a family discussion game but unfortunately left it behind!)
• Bring a few dollars' worth of quarters in case the preschooler has an accident and you have to use the coin-operated hotel laundry.
• We had heard rave reviews of a place called Buc-ee's, a Texas-based convenience store making its way east in various locations. It is certainly a great travel stop: tons of open gas pumps, immaculate bathrooms, and several tasty food items you can't get elsewhere. Just be aware that the place might be a madhouse on Saturdays around spring break.
• The adults will probably get more out of a trip like this than the kids. I remember taking similar family trips as a teenager, and while I definitely enjoyed them, I was more tagging along than being an active tourist. You look at things a bit differently as an adult, especially when you are the one planning the stops!
• It's fascinating how different the climate, landscape, and wildlife can be in other parts of the United States! Also, driving through a state gives you a whole new perspective on what it offers. The hills and desert vegetation of Austin reminded me of central California, whereas north-eastern Texas was relatively flat and barren. In southern Louisiana (my first time in that state), I found it fascinating to pass by the bayous on miles of highway up on stilts. I also saw my first armadillo in the wild (even if it was roadkill)! I've heard it said that overseas travel isn't necessary when there's so much to see in our own country. While I don't fully agree, I am beginning to see the point!

No matter your destination, there are interesting stops everywhere! That said, you can visit new places across the country, and the 4-year-old will still be most excited about getting an Icee at the gas station. Has your family ever taken a trip like this one?

Jessica is a full-time homeschool mom to her five young kiddos and a most-of-the-time student of human nature. 

• Homeschool Life Blog

Tips for Viewing the Solar Eclipses of 2023–2024

Roadschooling: exploring the possibilities.

A first-timer's guide to Napa Valley

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Get to know Napa Valley with our first-timer's guide © Cassiohabib / Shutterstock

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

But at its core, Napa is farm country— a place where people dig in the dirt and make a living from the land. Despite all odds, this gives Napa a grounded feeling, even in its swankiest spaces. At the end of the day, visitors come to Napa Valley because they love food, wine and beautiful scenery. It’s a passion shared by the community of this incredible locale. 

The five towns of Napa Valley (St Helena, Yountville, the city of Napa , Calistoga  and American Canyon) are home to 16 wine appellations and more than 400 wineries. The options can be daunting to first-time visitors but we’re here to help. From mud baths in Calistoga to tips for visiting wineries, our first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley will give you everything you need to know to plan a trip here, including the best hotels, wineries, restaurants and activities.

When is the best time to visit Napa? 

It’s always a good time to visit Napa in our book, however, the timing of your trip will impact your experience. Peak tourist season is in summer when the average high temperature is 82°F. If you plan to visit this time of year, you’re unlikely to find any bargains. Make your reservations for lodging, restaurants and wineries as far in advance as you can.

Spring and fall are the next busiest times of the year. Spring brings average high temperatures of 68°F while in fall, high temperatures average 78°F. The lower, but still pleasant, temps are especially appealing for visitors who plan to hike, bike or engage in other outdoor activities. 

Winter temperatures reach an average high of 60°F. This season gets the most rain (although this is California so there will still be plenty of dry, beautiful days). Since winter is the least crowded, it is the most affordable time to visit Napa with many hotels, resorts and spas advertising special packages and discounts off their regular rates.

How much time should I spend in Napa? 

Set aside three to four days for your Napa Valley itinerary. This allows enough time to visit your top wineries and restaurants, plus time for other activities like spa treatments, hiking, lounging by the pool or riding the wine train.

What are the top things to do in Napa Valley? 

Most people come to Napa to visit wineries – more on that later – but don’t overlook Napa’s exceptional culinary, wellness and recreation opportunities.

You can get filthy (in the best possible way) at the north end of the county in Calistoga. Calistoga is recognized around the world for mud made with a mixture of mineral-packed volcanic soil and water drawn from local hot springs. The two most common treatments involve painting it on your body or soaking in a tub of warm, nurturing mud. At least seven spas offer Calistoga mud experiences including the luxurious Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences and the do-it-yourself mud bar at MoonAcre Spa and Baths . 

Calistoga is also home to two of Napa Valley’s most unique natural attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser is a smaller, but still impressive version of Yellowstone’s most famous jet spout . In Calistoga, Old Faithful shoots hot water 30–80ft towards the sky every 10 to 20 minutes. Just outside of Calistoga at the Napa/Sonoma border, a three million-year-old petrified forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails provides a fascinating glimpse at geological history. 

No trip to the valley would be complete without a trip to downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market ,  a 40,000-sq-ft marketplace packed with locally sourced culinary delights. From California-grown olive oil at the Olive Press to artisan cheeses at the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant , this is the place to stock up for a picnic or edible souvenirs. You’ll also find a bookstore, distillery, bakeries and restaurants. After you’ve finished browsing, find a seat on the riverfront deck out back to sample fresh oysters on the half shell from Hog Island Oyster Bar .  

With menus centered around locally-grown ingredients, Napa is almost as famous for fine dining as it is for wine. Food this fresh is revelatory. A dish, such as fermented soy dip served with raw vegetables pulled from the ground at the Charter Oak , will ruin you forever for grocery store veggies. Other bucket-list dining experiences include the six-course prix-fixe chef’s tasting menu at La Toque , the daily tasting menu at the French Laundry , and Kenzo Napa , where seafood is flown in daily from the finest fish market in Japan. Please note that reservations at these restaurants are coveted, and should be made as far as possible in advance. 

Don’t let these vaunted names fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get a good meal in Napa. The valley is filled with scores of reasonably-priced restaurants including Heritage Eats in Napa where you can feast on comfort foods like a smoked ham bowl or white cheddar mac and cheese for less than $15 a person. For tasting menus, Thomas Keller’s ad hoc offers a daily tasting menu currently priced at $56 a person for lunch or $69 a person at dinner. The  Gate House Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America offers three courses prepared by student chefs for $35 at lunch or four courses for $45 at dinner (please note that restaurant prices are always subject to change). 

For nightlife, the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club hosts an exciting mix of live performances ranging from household names to rising stars and tribute bands. It also holds the Summer Sessions outdoor concert series and the Black Radio Experience at the Meritage Resort and Spa . If you’re on the hunt for a good dive bar, Ana’s Cantina in downtown St Helena is the place for a game of pool, tunes from the jukebox and a stiff drink.

Other top activities in Napa Valley include hiking or biking the 12.5-mile  Napa Valley Vine Trail , which will eventually extend 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Tips for visiting wineries in Napa 

Gone are the days when you can walk into virtually any Napa Valley winery and ask for a tasting without an appointment (or even a fee). Although there are a few wineries like Hall Wines in St Helena, where walk-ins are welcome, reservations are required at most wineries in Napa Valley. This helps ensure the wineries have adequate time to guide you through your tasting. From the guest's perspective, appointments are helpful when it comes to budgeting, arranging transportation and planning your Napa itinerary.

The average wine tasting fee in Napa Valley is $40 per person but it isn’t unusual for prices to climb to $200 or even more. Most wineries have a menu of tasting options, with standard tastings at the low end and premium experiences with food pairings, library wines, or guided tours commanding a higher price. Please note that the tip is not included in the tasting price so it will need to be factored into your budget. 

Expect to spend at least 90 minutes at each winery (often longer for premium experiences). For this reason, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three tasting room visits a day. We recommend clustering each day’s reservations in the same area so you won’t have to rush between wineries. For instance, in the Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards are only a mile apart. Cliff Lede’s Backstage Lounge Tasting Room Experience offers an elevated tasting with premium wines in a room filled with rotating art and rare rock memorabilia. At Baldacci, the Cave Tour and Tasting Experience includes a cave tour and barrel tasting followed by a seated tasting paired with seasonal appetizers. 

In the Rutherford area, Sullivan Winery is only half a mile from the Prisoner Wine Company . At Sullivan, the Merlot Mastery Tasting starts with a tour of the gardens and grounds before moving on to a seated tasting with two flights of its prized merlot accompanied by light bites. At Prisoner, you’ll find many culinary pairings including the Wine and Dim Sum Experience. 

Attire is wine country casual. A pair of nice jeans, golf shirts, sundresses or casual blouses are the norm in Napa Valley. Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards or participate in a tour.

Expert tip: The Covet Pass offers complimentary tastings at seven Napa wineries and seven Sonoma wineries, plus additional discounts for a one-time fee of $150. 

How to get around in Napa without a car

Napa Valley is 30 miles long and stretches at most 5 miles wide. In this sense, Napa is small and easy to navigate, but driving can be tricky in a destination centered around wine. Luckily, if you don’t have a designated driver there are several ways to get around Napa without a car. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several tasting journeys including a 36-mile roundtrip through gorgeous scenery to disembark for seated tastings at Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery . A four-course lunch is served onboard. You can also hitch a ride to three tasting rooms in an open-air San Francisco cable car on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley . 

Many tour operators provide transportation to Napa wineries. Several, like Napa Valley Wine Country Tours , offer a choice between public group tours, which are less expensive, or private tours with a customized itinerary. 

If you prefer to get around by foot, base yourself in the cities of Napa or Yountville. Napa has more than 50 downtown tasting rooms and there are 14 walkable tasting rooms in downtown Yountville. 

Where to stay

If there was ever a place to treat yourself to a nice hotel, it’s Napa Valley. The region is home to some of the best hotels in the country, with grounds and accommodations so astonishingly beautiful you might not want to leave to go wine tasting (but definitely leave to go wine tasting). If you’re in the position to splurge our top picks are: 

The Poetry Inn is an exclusive property with only five guest rooms and a small, on-site spa. The all-suite hotel is the epitome of privacy and luxury with huge guest rooms featuring private sitting areas, outdoor patios, and indoor and outdoor showers with stunning hillside or vineyard views. A gourmet multicourse breakfast is included with each stay. Poetry Inn is the only hotel in the Stag Leap district. 

Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena is set on a magnificent 250-acre estate with mature, oaks and native plants surrounding 36 suites and guest rooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor sitting areas. Hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Wine Center and a tranquil spa ensure you’ll never lack activities during your stay. 

Carneros Resort and Spa offers standalone cottages and homes surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards in Napa. Amenities include a luxurious onsite spa, two swimming pools, pickle ball courts with an adjacent Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Lounge, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and access to Cadillac Luxury Vehicles during your stay. 

If a mid-range hotel is better suited for your budget we recommend the Meritage Resort and Spa or Silverado Resort . The Meritage offers perks like a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Napa and a verdant lawn surrounded by tasting rooms and an upscale market. At the Silverado Resort, amenities include golf courses, bocce ball courts, a pool and a fitness center.

The most affordable lodging options in Napa Valley are generally found in American Canyon, which offers several reliable, reasonably-priced chains such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley American Canyon and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley American Canyon .

My favorite thing to do in Napa 

When I come to Napa I love to take a class to enhance my appreciation of food and wine or learn a fun, new skill. I’ve never been anywhere else where classes are so varied and accessible, so I take advantage whenever I can. Often, these classes are offered directly through my hotel. The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley runs classes ranging from introductory tutorials on Napa wine to advanced courses on subjects like the history of the wine label. Carneros Resort and Spa has a dazzling array of daily classes focusing on everything from sabering champagne bottles to pickleball. 

The Culinary Institute of America is my hands-down choice for cooking classes with options for group or private instruction. I’ve also found classes offered at Napa Valley wineries. Bouchaine Vineyards regularly hosts an exciting roster of sessions on topics like pairing wine and cheese, blending wine and even falconry. 

How much do you need to budget for a trip to Napa?

The amount you’ll need to spend on a trip to Napa is highly variable depending on your itinerary and even the season you choose to visit. Although it is generally considered a luxury destination, you can still plan an affordable trip to Napa with the tips and tricks in this first-timer’s guide. The numbers below are not definitive but will provide a general idea of how much it costs for budget-conscious, midrange, and luxury travelers to visit Napa.

• Hotel room for two: $100–1200 a night 
• Rental home/Airbnb for two: $200–1000 a night 
• Wine tasting fees: $25–250 per person at each winery (not including tip) 
• Lunch for two: $30–100 per person
• Dinner for two: $100–300 per person (or more)
• Glass of wine: $13–50 
• Bottle of wine: $108 average
• Group shuttle to wineries: $125 per person
• Private transportation to wineries: $600 (and up) 
• Spa treatment: $100–400 per person (and up)

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Huskies, Ducks only have 1 east trip for Big Ten basketball

Usc, ucla will make two cross-country trips next season.

ROSEMONT, Ill. — Southern California and UCLA will play two road games apiece against the Big Ten’s easternmost schools while fellow conference newcomers Oregon and Washington will make one cross-country trip each during the 2024-25 men’s basketball season.

The Big Ten released its  breakdown of conference opponents  for the 18 schools Wednesday. Each of the 18 teams will have 20 conference games, playing three schools home and away and the other 14 once. Game dates will be announced later.

USC and UCLA will have games at Rutgers and Maryland, and Oregon and Washington will visit Penn State.

The former Pac-12 teams will play each other twice.

Each of the other 14 teams will play two road games against West Coast schools.

Defending Big Ten regular-season champion Purdue will visit Washington and Oregon and play UCLA and USC at home.

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