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10 Road Trips You Can Take Over a Weekend

We've planned 10 weekend road trips with routes, must-stops and where to stay along the way.  

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Miami to Key West, Florida

This stretch of US 1, commonly known as the Overseas Highway, is only 113 miles, but there are plenty of reasons — from roadside souvenir shops to seafood shacks — to stop along the way. Once you enter the Upper Keys, refuel at Alabama Jack’s or Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo. Scuba divers will love John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , which contains the only living coral reef in the U.S. (and an underwater park). Divers can also overnight at Jules Undersea Lodge , which claims to be the only underwater hotel in the world. Or spend the night at halfway point Islamadora in the Middle Keys. Options include Casa Morada or the family-friendly Hawks Cay Resort . Lazy Days Restaurant is a popular eatery, while feeding tarpon at Robbie’s is another popular pastime. Continue down to Marathon for the Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital . Grab a bite at the quirky Wooden Spoon, and leave time for Instagram opps along the iconic Seven Mile Bridge into the Lower Keys. From here, it remains a straight shoot into Key West.

New York City to the Catskill Mountains

San francisco to san simeon, california, chicago to lake geneva, wisconsin, austin to fredericksburg, texas.

Wine-centric Fredericksburg in Texas Hill Country is a straight shot on 290, or a bit further along scenic US-281. If you choose the former, your first stop should be in bucolic Dripping Springs for Rolling In Thyme & Dough . If you’re hankering for barbeque, detour to The Salt Lick in Driftwood. Continue on to Johnson City (President Lyndon B. Johnson’s hometown), for Pedernales Falls State Park for swimming and camping. Once in Fredericksburg, base yourself at Magnolia House and hit the wine road for some of the dozens of wineries in the area. If beer’s more your thing, don’t miss Fredericksburg Brewing Company . Since Fredericksburg’s German past is still very present, experience it at Old German Bakery & Restaurant . Make a side trip to famed old-school dance hall Luckenbach to practice your two-step. If visiting in April, no Hill Country road trip is complete without driving past the famous wildflowers and bluebonnets that blanket the area.

Boston to Portland, Maine

Seattle to san juan islands, washington.

The remote San Juan Islands provide ideal Pacific Northwest vistas (think rugged landscapes peppered with Douglas firs) and a slower pace. While there are actually 172 islands, ferries only serve San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw. It’s an easy 90-minute drive up I-5N to the ferry crossing at Anacortes; luckily road trippers can bring cars onboard, but reserve ahead since many others have the same idea. Grab a bite beforehand at Gere-a-Deli before setting sail for Friday Harbor, considered the entry point into the islands. Fear not though, as this historic seaport has managed to retain its authentic appeal. Stay in town and poke into independent booksellers and jewelry shops, or hit the road to visit alpacas at Krystal Acres and wander lavender fields at Pelindaba Lavender Farm . Take the scenic byway route to Roche Harbor and overnight at the Roche Harbor Resort . On your way back, pop into San Juan Vineyards . Don’t leave before taking a whale-watching excursion to spot the famous orcas.

Los Angeles to Palm Springs

Palm Springs is experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to trendy new hotels and restaurants. However, much of the area’s appeal resides beyond this scene. Once you get out of dodge, follow Interstate 10 until you reach the Desert Hills Premium Outlets for designer discounts. Back on the road, pull off at Hadley Fruit Orchards for a date shake, then marvel at the wonderful weirdness of the Cabazon Dinosaurs. (You might remember them from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.) From here, detour 10 minutes north to the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm, a collection of wind turbines that generate energy. Once in Palm Springs proper, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway , which slowly rotates as it ascends to 8,516 feet. Base yourself at the recently renovated L’Horizon Resort & Spa to visit Indian Canyons and Joshua Tree National Park , and learn about wildlife and desert conservation at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens . Nearby, College of the Desert Street Fair is a long-running weekend flea market where you can find everything from turquoise jewelry to Hawaiian shaved ice. And you can’t go wrong with baby back ribs and microbrews at Babe's Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park

This is true of all road trips, but be sure to map out your route in advance as some roads , restaurants and hotels close during the winter, which can last through mid-April. Regardless of when you travel, majestic skies and backcountry terrain await, starting in Jackson Hole. Before heading to Grand Teton National Park , fuel up at the Chuckwagon at Dornans . Rib-sticking fare includes sourdough pancakes and biscuits in sausage gravy. Spend the day driving around Grand Teton, from Teton Park Road to Colter Bay Village before settling into a cabin at Signal Mountain Lodge . After a restful sleep, strike out for Yellowstone National Park . Once in the park, must visits include Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Mount Washburn and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Camping options abound or turn in at the landmark Old Faithful Inn .

Washington, D.C. to St. Michaels, Maryland

The historic seaside village of St. Michaels was a shipbuilding port in Colonial times; more recently, Wedding Crashers was filmed here. After clearing D.C. traffic, continue on 50 East until reaching the state capital of Annapolis. Visit the U.S. Naval Academy , or head over to Ego Alley to watch boats and explore shops and restaurants. As it’s on Chesapeake Bay, go for seafood, whether it’s Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls , Wild Country Seafood or Cantler’s Riverside Inn . Cross over to Kent Island to compare Blackwater Distilling and White Tiger Distillery, or take a factory tour at Paul Reed Smith Guitars . Head into St. Michaels to collapse at the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond . In town wander the historic streets and explore the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum . Drive to nearby Tilghman Island for kayaking, fishing and sailing, and stock up on food supplies at the Tilghman Island Country Store .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your USA Road Trip

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

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

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

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

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

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

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

Browse rental cars for your American road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

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

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

Book travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure you pack the right gear.

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

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

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

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

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

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy today!

If possible, stop in at least one national park!

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

Want to climb sand dunes? We have that.

Marvel at glaciers? Check.

Hike across mountains? Take your pick.

Go scuba diving? Definitely.

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

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

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip, inspiring songs, movies, and novels.

Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, Route 66 passes through nine states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California.

Some of the best things to do on the route are enjoying the kitschy 1950s motels, gas stations, and restaurants that harken back to the days of the Great American Road Trip.

You’ll also find tons of quirky roadside attractions like the Catoosa Whale, Cadillac Ranch , and the Twin Arrows that are must-sees.

If you want to enjoy some nature along the way, you can visit the Grand Canyon or Petrified Forrest National Park.

The most typical way to explore Route 66 is to start in Chicago and drive all the way to Santa Monica, but there are many who drive smaller portions of it or go from west-to-east instead of east-to-west.

There’s no single “right” way to make the drive. Just make sure you enjoy yourself as you go!

Recommended Road Trip Length

Because the route is so long and there’s so much to see, it’s recommended you spend two weeks exploring it one way.

New York to Los Angeles

Driving across the United States from New York to Los Angeles is one of those classic American road trip routes that, quite honestly, is not suited to most USA vacations–you’ll be looking at a lot  of cornfields and open plains along the way and spend many days on the road.

… But that being said, the legend and myth of this USA road trip route endure because it does make for quite the adventure!

With nearly 3,000 miles of driving to do between NYC and LA, you have extreme flexibility to create your own USA road trip itinerary!

However, the most direct route (a mere 44 hours of drive time, not including stops and traffic!) will take you to Chicago, across the open fields of Iowa and Nebraska, through some stunning nature in Colorado and Utah, and right through Las Vegas before delivering you to the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re open to detours, plenty of national parks will be within your reach on this USA road trip, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, and even the Grand Canyon!

If you’d like to enjoy a coast-to-coast road trip in the USA, we recommend setting aside at least two weeks to ensure you have enough time to experience the route along the way (and avoid spending too many days at a time looking at nothing but highways)!

Blue Ridge Parkway

From Carl of NC Tripping

If you’re exploring the western parts of North Carolina or Virginia , the Blue Ridge Parkway is always lingering somewhere nearby.

It’s the most popular road trip between the two states and connects two of the United States’ most-visited national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park.

At 469 miles in length, this road will take some time to explore !

Narrowing things down to a few places you must visit is tough, but here are some “musts.” 

Moving north to south, highlights on the Virginia side include Humpback Rocks (Milepost 5), Mabry Mill (MP 176), Peaks of Otter (MP 85), and the Blue Ridge Music Center (MP 213).

Across the border in North Carolina, you at least need to see Linville Falls (316), Craggy Gardens (MP 364), Graveyard Fields (418), and Oconoluftee (MP 469) at the end of the line.

Of course, there are more spots scattered throughout that are within a short drive of the Parkway , such as the ever-popular Asheville, NC , the Biltmore Estate , and more charming mountain towns than you can count.

That, along with its length, is why this is one USA road trip that will take some time, if ever, for you to complete. 

Please note that some areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway close during winter through parts of spring. The NPS is pretty good about keeping information up to date on their website .

While you can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in less time, ideally, if you want to hike and explore along the route, a week is a great starting point for this USA road trip route.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

From Katie-Beth of Her Life in Ruins

Who doesn’t love a nice glass of bourbon?

On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you tour 18 different distilleries, try multiple bourbons (and other treats) at each, and take in tons of bottled-up history throughout the gorgeous Bluegrass State. 

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

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

Try to do the distilleries that are closest together on the same days (less driving and easier to get from one place to another).

If you’re a serious drinker, there are some bus tours that will chauffeur you throughout the Trail!

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

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

In order to visit all of the distilleries, I recommend spending 4-6 days on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Southeast Coastal Road Trip

The stretch of coastline running from St. Augustine, Florida to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is packed with beautiful sights, historic cities, and laid-back beach towns.

We consider this area one of our personal favorites for road trips in the USA, and we’ve taken dozens of road trips in the region!

Start in St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers and one of the most historic cities in the USA.

Explore its beautiful Castillo de San Marcos, check out the Fountain of Youth, relax on the beach, and explore the Colonial Quarter.

From there, head north to Savannah , where you can enjoy its incredible architecture and town squares, and then move on to Charleston , where you’ll find compelling American history and the lovely Folley Beach.

As you move up the coast, consider detouring for brief stops in Beaufort, South Carolina and/or Hilton Head Island, before heading into North Carolina.

Historic Wilmington and New Bern are always worth a look as you pass by, and while you’ll need to head all the way up to Kitty Hawk and Nag’s Head to experience the classic Outer Banks destinations, the Crystal Coast ( Emerald Isle , Morehead City, Beaufort , Atlantic Beach , etc.) has been my family’s haunt for generations and is also well worth experiencing.

And, the Crystal Coast also happens to be closer geographically to the rest of the stops on this United States road trip itinerary!

Want to continue north to the Outer Banks?

Ocracoke Island, Nags Head, Duck, Kitty Hawk (famously home to the Wright Brothers’ first-ever flight!) and more are all ready to welcome you.

We recommend spending about 10 days enjoying this USA road trip route.

Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

From Christine of Live Love Run Travel

Driving from Orlando to New Orleans  gives you plenty of options for stops along the way as well as enough to fill up an entire vacation at the starting point and ending point of the road trip.

From natural springs to beaches to caverns, there is plenty to see along this route to break up the trip.

Orlando is of course known for its iconic theme parks including Disney and Universal Studios.

However, Orlando and Florida also offer plenty of natural highlights including the natural springs.

On the way from Orlando to New Orleans , stop at Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, or Ginnie Springs along I-75.

Once you get onto I-10, make sure to stop at Florida Caverns State Park for a unique Florida experience.

Plus, if you are taking this trip in the summer, you’ll appreciate the cooler air in the caverns!

Along I-10, there are also plenty of opportunities to stop for some time at the beach.

Consider Pensacola, Florida, or the Gulf Shores, Alabama, or any of Mississippi’s beaches to avoid a long drive off the main road.

From there you are in New Orleans where you can enjoy the bayou, lots of amazing food and live music, and plenty of history and beautiful architecture in the various districts within the city.

The length of this road trip depends on a few factors including how long you want to spend in Orlando and New Orleans.

The drive itself only takes about 9 hours, but if you want to spend time at the springs, beaches, and caverns, stretch it out to a 2 or 3 day drive, with a few days on either end to explore Orlando and New Orleans.

Washington State

From Katie of Two Wandering Soles

With rugged driftwood-strewn beaches, snowcapped peaks, small towns, and major cities, Washington State is a true gem.

Home to incredibly diverse landscapes and endless adventures to be had, this Pacific Northwest destination is one of the best places to take a road trip in the United States. 

Start by  exploring Seattle (if you have the time) because there is plenty to do in this PNW hub. But when you’re ready to get out of the city, head straight to the Olympic Peninsula .

With temperate rainforests, waterfalls, remote beaches, and a towering mountain range, Olympic National Park is arguably the most diverse swath of land in the state, if not one of the most unique places in the country, and is the perfect place to try out some hikes in Washington .

Another drive well worth your while is to head northeast toward the iconic Mount Baker.

If you have the time, continue north to Highway 20 which brings you into the breathtaking North Cascades National Park.

Make photo stops along the way (like at the spectacularly beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Diablo), set off on epic hikes, and refuel at the small towns along the way.

Eventually, you’ll reach Lake Chelan , which is a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.

From Lake Chelan, you have a stunning drive on Highway 2 back to Seattle with many more opportunities for exploring small towns and hiking along the way, if time allows. 

If you want to cover this whole route, you should allow 1.5 – 2 weeks. If you have less time, shorten your USA road trip itinerary accordingly.

Southwest Colorado Road Trip

From Tanya of Rad Family Travel

Exploring Southwest Colorado on a memorable summer road trip through the mountains offers adventure in every direction.

Sand-sled through Great Sand Dunes National Park, drive breath-taking mountain passes, soak and swim in hot springs, and climb ladders to ancient Puebloan dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

From there, imagine taking a jeep ride to old mining towns, biking along scenic trails, and hiking among wildflowers.

Arrive in Telluride in style via a free gondola, go whitewater rafting or alpine sliding, sleep under the stars, and top it all off with local burgers and cold brews.

In other words: whatever kind of outdoor adventure you’re looking for, southwest Colorado has you covered.

A Southwest Colorado road trip highlights diverse outdoor fun in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista.

Choose from tent camping, cabins, or hotels, or a mixture thereof, for lodging along the way.

Allow at least nine to ten days for this epic southwest Colorado Road Trip , starting from Colorado Springs.

If you prefer slower travel and lots of outdoor adventure, consider making it a fourteen-day loop by staying longer in Ouray, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista — and really delve into these sweet mountain towns . 

Utah’s Mighty Five

From Ali of Travel Made Simple

Utah is home to five amazing national parks, all close enough to each other to visit on one iconic national parks road trip .

These national parks are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Since they’re all in the southern half of the state, you can drive in a loop to get to them all.

This also works well as part of a bigger  southwestern US road trip .

If you’re short on time or not in great shape, you can see a lot by driving or taking park shuttles, where available.

Hop out at designated parking lots, lookout points, or shuttle stops, take pictures, and go for a short walk.

For more activity, each park has hiking trails for beginners to expert-level hikers.

You can see the highlights of each park in about a day, but allow more time at any park where you want to experience more hiking.

Start and end in Las Vegas and drive counterclockwise.

Since driving from Las Vegas to Moab , where Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are located, is quite long, consider stopping in Page, AZ (home of the famous Horseshoe Bend ), or Monument Valley on the AZ/UT border. Or both!

From Moab, drive to Capitol Reef National Park, then Bryce Canyon National Park , and lastly Zion National Park before heading back to Vegas.

If you prefer, you can also do this route in reverse!

Give yourself at least a week to do this road trip, or longer if you’re stopping in Page and/or Monument Valley.

South Dakota

If you’re craving wide open spaces, plenty of buffalo and prairie dog sightings, gorgeous caves, and a quirky roadside stop or two, then South Dakota is the American road trip for you!

Driving from east to west (though you can easily reverse it), pay a quick visit to Sioux Falls and then The World’s Only Corn Palace (their words, not mine) before diving into Badlands National Park.

Drive the Badlands National Park scenic loop, do some hiking (the Notch Trail is not to be missed), and when you’re ready for a break, detour to Wall Drug for a heavy dose of kitsch.

Head north to visit the Wild West town of Deadwood, and if you’re up for it, detour into Wyoming for a quick visit to Devil’s Tower, the first US national monument!

Back in South Dakota, base yourself in or around Keystone to explore Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and–if you have time–Spearfish Canyon.

Going inside Wind Cave National Park requires a guided tour, so be sure to book in advance!

Determined road-trippers can do justice to this South Dakota road trip route in about 5 days, though 7 allows for a bit more hiking and a chance to add on places like Rapid City.

South Dakota is also perfectly located for combining with road trips in Wyoming and beyond, so you can easily use this route as a building block for a bigger US road trip itinerary!

Scenic I-90 from Portland to Yellowstone

From Catherine of Passports and Adventures

Visiting Yellowstone National Park from Portland, Oregon is easy and there is no better route to take than the scenic I-90.

This 812-mile trip starts from Portland and takes the I-84 along the very beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

As you get started, stop at Multnomah Falls to photograph the famous waterfall!

Continue to Richland where you could rest overnight before jumping onto the I-90, the longest interstate in the United States.

This interstate highway passes Spokane before trailing alongside the lake of Coeur d’Alene, a beautiful part of the country, and then snakes through the Nez Pearce-Clearwater National Forests.

Imagine a highway surrounded by forests on either side, and you have an idea of what this part of I-90 is like.

A great town to stop along the I-90 is Missoula, which sits along the Clark Fork River and has plenty on offer including a great park, Caras Park where families and visitors can unwind.

After Missoula, continue along the I-90 and join Highway 287 which will take you to West Yellowstone to start your visit to the first national park.

This route from Portland to Yellowstone is 812 miles via these interstates and highways and could be done in two days but is best enjoyed over a few days before your  Yellowstone vacation .

As you get close to the national park, you can also find some great camping near Yellowstone along this route.

Northern New Mexico

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Northern New Mexico is one of the most beautiful places in the United States to have a road trip.

The weather is gorgeous and sunny at almost any time of year, and many of the state’s most interesting places are just an hour’s drive away from each other!

Start the road trip in the state’s largest city, Albuquerque. Almost all people arriving in New Mexico start here because this is where the major airport is located.

Tourism in Albuquerque has really taken off since the show  Breaking Bad  was filmed here, but those who are not  Breaking Bad  fans will still love seeing Albuquerque’s charming Old Town.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to plan your trip around the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , you won’t be sorry you did!

After a couple of days in Albuquerque, drive an hour up to Santa Fe and spend a couple of days here. This is New Mexico’s capital and its most beautiful city.

You can stop for a bath in the hot springs at Ten Thousand Waves and see the historic Spanish Colonial Palace of the Governors. 

Finally, check out some smaller towns like Los Alamos, where the atomic bomb was developed, Chimayo, which is a popular pilgrimage site, and Taos, where you can visit a Native American pueblo that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll be amazed at how much Northern New Mexico has to offer!

I recommend spending about a week on this USA road trip route.

Denver to Yellowstone Loop

Starting from Denver, you can easily craft a fantastic road trip plan.

USA national parks are in abundance in the west, but from Denver, you can hit three of the most legendary in short order: Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park.

For your first stop, base yourself in the beautiful mountain town of Estes Park , where you can access some of the best hikes in RMNP while also enjoying this idyllic mountain town.

From there, head up to Yellowstone to enjoy a few days of geysers, geothermal pools, wildlife spotting, and utterly unique views.

On your way back to Denver, head to Grand Teton National Park to visit highlights like Jenny Lake, enjoy some hiking, and soak in iconic views like those along Mormon Row.

Don’t miss the chance to spend a bit of time in Jackson Hole, one of the USA’s most iconic mountain towns, while you’re there!

We recommend setting aside at least a week for this all-American road trip–if you’d like to spend some time in Denver, a full two weeks is best.

San Francisco to Yosemite Loop

From Julie of More Than Main Street

Typically, you think of the Pacific Coast Highway when you think of the best California road trips, right? Well…consider something a little different!

This 10 day California road trip , forming a loop from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park and back, is one of the best road trips in the USA.

You’ll get the best of big-city excitement, some time by the ocean, beautiful scenic vistas, and outdoor fun galore!

After spending a few days in San Francisco , hit up Monterey, Carmel, and part of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Can’t-miss destinations include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz, Big Sur, and the world-class Monterey Aquarium.

Next head east over to Yosemite National Park for some incredible hiking, followed by a little wine tasting in Sonoma or Napa Valley, a stop in Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods, then finally back to San Francisco.

This road trip is perfect for families, couples, or even solo travelers and is guaranteed to be one you won’t forget!

You’ll need at least 10 days to do justice to this epic California road trip.

The American Southwest from Las Vegas

Thanks to inexpensive flights, a convenient location in southern Nevada, and its widespread appeal, Las Vegas is a fantastic place to kick off a road trip through the southwest!

With Las Vegas as a starting point, head off to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada before making your way to the ultimate USA road trip destination: the Grand Canyon.

From there, loop up to Moab to explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, head west to visit Bryce Canyon National Park , and then move onto Zion before circling back to Vegas.

With extra time, you can add on more exciting stops in Arizona and Utah like Monument Valley, Page (home of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend ), Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and more.

Ten days is a good starting place for this American road trip, but you can do an abridged version in one week, and the sky is the limit as far as how long you can take to explore every nook, cranny, and slot canyon in the region!

New York State Road Trip

From Melissa of Navigation Junkie

The route from Buffalo, NY to New York City is full of great attractions and small towns to explore, and the variety of stops along the way will be sure to entertain every member of the family!

To begin the journey, start at Niagara Falls in Buffalo, NY.

See the roaring power of the American and Canadian falls, and if you are up for it, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist to get up close and personal with the falls.

After visiting the falls continue on to Letchworth State Park, the Grand Canyon of the East, for a day of hiking and enjoying nature.

Continue on to   Rochester, NY , where you will find a variety of fun attractions, history, and nature experiences.

The next stop along the route is the Finger Lakes region, where you can enjoy the lakes, waterfalls, and some wine tasting.

From there, head to Saratoga Springs, known for horse racing and mineral baths.

After visiting Saratoga Springs, continue on to the Catskills Region, where you will find plenty of scenic views and hiking trails for hikers of all abilities.

Finish up your road trip in New York City, where you can visit the Statue of Liberty, The World Trade Center Memorial, Central Park, and Times Square, among many other iconic attractions!

We recommend taking a minimum of one week to fully experience all stops along this USA road trip route.

Miami to Key West Road Trip

From Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of Getting Stamped

If you’re looking for a tropical road trip, consider making the drive from Miami to Key West .

On this US road trip, you’ll travel through the islands that make up the Florida Keys on the “Overseas Highway.”

It’s said to be one of the best road trips in the country!

While the drive to Key West isn’t too far (165 miles), the stops and the scenic beauty along the way are what make it worthwhile. The road trip is full of fun and quirky things to do and see!

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Spiegel Grove Shipwreck are two great spots for exploring under the surface, where you’ll find coral reefs, sea life, and a sunken Navy ship.

For above the water, consider taking a cruise on The Africa Queen through the canals of Key Largo. 

There are great restaurants and bars along the way too.

Some popular stops include Plantation Key’s Mile Marker 88 Beach & Bar for all the tiki vibes, Islamorada Beer Company, and Robbie’s Restaurant, where you can feed tarpons from the dock. 

This road trip is best for a weekend (2-3 days).

New England

Made up of some of the USA’s smallest states, the northeast region of New England is one of the best places for a road trip in the USA.

Featuring historic cities (hello Boston !), adorable small towns, a rugged coastline, gorgeous harbors, and plenty of lighthouses, New England spots a charm and culture all its own.

Consider starting and ending your New England road trip in Boston, the region’s largest city and airport hub, where you can walk the Freedom Trail, stroll cobblestone lanes, and visit some of the most impressive universities and museums in the country.

From there, make your way to beautiful Acadia National Park in Maine, stopping at charming coastal villages like Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kennebunkport, Maine along the way–plus of course, a stop in the charming city of Portland.

On your way back south, drop by the White Mountain National Forest, and beautiful towns like Stowe, Vermont (legendary for its fall foliage) and Woodstock.

If you have time, head south of Massachusetts before heading back to Boston, visiting the Gilded Age mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, and the idyllic small town of Mystic, Connecticut.

To take a USA road trip through all six New England states, two weeks or more is best. 

However, with less time you can easily pick and choose a couple of states to visit and still have an amazing road trip experience!

Texas Hill Country

Tucked into the central part of the Lone Star State, west of both Austin and San Antonio, lies an oasis of beauty.

Visit the Texas Hill Country for sparkling rivers, charming small towns, incredible hiking, beautiful waterfalls, excellent Texas barbecue , magnificent wildflowers, and more wineries and distilleries than you can count.

Some of the best things to do in the Texas Hill Country include visiting the town of Fredericksburg, which is known for its German heritage, enjoying a wine tasting, exploring beautiful Wimberley, climbing Enchanted Rock, exploring dramatic limestone caves, sampling barbecue, and visiting some of the best swimming holes near Austin , including the legendary Hamilton Pool and Jacob’s Well.

Be sure to save time for a couple of state parks, as well!

In addition to Enchanted Rock, popular state parks in the Hill Country include Garner State Park, Guadalupe River State Park, and Colorado Bend State Park (home to 70-foot Gorman Falls).

The lakes are also unforgettable: don’t miss a chance to admire the beauty of Canyon Lake or Lake Travis during this incredible US road trip!

Even if you only have one day, it’s worth taking a quick Texas Hill Country road trip–but ideally, we recommend setting aside a week to explore.

While you can visit year-round, bluebonnet season (roughly late March-April) is undoubtedly the most scenic time to visit!

Northwest Arkansas

Packed with beautiful forests, idyllic hot springs, historic towns, and a lesser-known but beautiful national park, Northwest Arkansas is the perfect option for travelers looking for an interesting but off-the-beaten path US road trip destination.

Start your road trip at Hot Springs National Park, one of the only US national parks to be set in an urban (really, more like small-town) setting.

Nine historic bathhouses in the national park line Bathhouse Row, where visitors flocked to enjoy the local hot springs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

You can still soak in two of them today!

From there, head north all the way to Eureka Springs, which is known for its historic architecture, beautiful setting in the Ozark Mountains, and even more hot springs.

Along the way, consider detouring slightly to visit Hawksbill Crag (pictured below), one of the best viewpoints in Arkansas.

Whether you want to hike, soak, shop, or simply relax and enjoy the views, Northwest Arkansas is a delightful getaway.

This trip can be completed over a long weekend, but 5 days would be ideal.

From Carole of Travels With Carole

For one of the best road trips in Texas , begin in El Paso and head southeast. 

West Texas is filled with art, much of it BIG Texas art.

Before reaching the iconic West Texas art hub of Marfa , you’ll encounter some roadside art stops that include the “Giant” movie set installation featuring huge cutouts of stars Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson.

This is followed by stops at the Prada Marfa store that never opens, and at the railroad-side World’s Smallest Target Store that is complete with a shopping cart. 

The tiny town of Marfa itself is home to the Chinati Foundation’s series of huge indoor and outdoor installations located on a former military base, as well as a plethora of art galleries–one of which displays Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper.” 

In addition to art, Marfa has a viewing center where locals and visitors alike congregate at night hoping to see the area’s legendary and unexplained bouncing light orbs.

And if that’s not enough, you can also dine at the Stripes convenience store where Anthony Bourdain ate a fried burrito while filming what turned out to be his last episode of “Parts Unknown.” 

This is just the tip of the iceberg of a fascinating visit to this area. 

Allow 3 nights to visit this area and another night or two for an excursion to Big Bend National Park.

Northern Michigan

When considering the best road trips in America, the Great Lakes are often overlooked in favor of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts–but for a magnificent summer road trip through one of the USA’s hidden gems, head to northern Michigan.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior are located a mere five hours or so apart if you drive directly.

And, if you’ve never set eyes on the Great Lakes, this road trip will defy your expectations of what lakeshores look like!

Between them, be sure to take a step back in time at Mackinac Island, one of the best places to visit in Michigan.

Here’s the twist, though: no cars are allowed on the island, so you’ll need to leave yours on the mainland during your island escape!

Plan for about a week to make the most of this USA itinerary.

From Zach & Julie of Ruhls of the Road

Kauai is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations on earth.

However, when most people visit, they experience the inside of their resort and maybe a few beautiful places on day trips.

In truth, the best way to experience this incredible island is on a road trip to all of the best places on the island!

To start your Kauai road trip, go to the number one destination on the island: the Na Pali Coast.

The Na Pali Coast defies description, it is a place you have to see to believe.

The best way to see the area is on the Awa’awapuhi Trail, but make sure you hike the trail on a clear day for the best views!

From here, check out the Alakai Swamp, a boardwalk that also boasts incredible views.

As you leave the Na Pali Coast area, head down towards Waimea and see the Waimea Black Sand Beach.

Moving along the coast, stop at the Poipu area and see one of Kauai’s famous Hula shows.

Continue this coastal route and head into Wailua State Park. In this beautiful area, you’ll want to see Wailua Falls, Opaeka’a Falls, and hike the Kuilau Ridge.

The Kuilau Ridge Hike offers a 360-degree view of the Kauai landscape that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Finish your road trip by heading up to the Princeville area and checking out Queen’s Bath.

This is a beautiful tide pool that will make for the perfect ending to your Kauai road trip.

Make sure to check tides and go at low tide, as this area isn’t safe at high tide.

We recommend completing this Kauai road trip in 3 days.

Road to Hana, Maui

From Jess of I’m Jess Traveling

When you think of Hawaii you may not think of a road trip but prepare to have your mind altered.

When traveling on the island of Maui driving the Road to Hana is a must!

The scenic drive takes you from Kahului to the east side of the island to the town of Hana. 

The Road to Hana is 52 miles of one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and curves.

This drive will take up an entire day so make sure you pack lots of snacks and fill up for gas beforehand.

The winding road takes you past jaw-dropping seascape views, roaring waterfalls, and exotic flora.

Some highlights of this drive include Ho’okipa, Twin Falls, the Painted Forest, Honomanu Bay, Wailua Falls, and the awe-inspiring Wai’anapanapa State Park.

Don’t forget to wear your bathing suit and pack a towel because pulling off the side of the road to take a dip in the ocean or swim under a waterfall is the name of the game.

Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and prepare for a trip of a lifetime.

You can drive the Road to Hana in a day, but if you’d like to savor the experience, consider camping or staying in Hana town for a few days to make sure you see all the best sights along this road trip in the USA.

Alaska Road Trip (Anchorage to Valdez)

From Wendy of Adventurous Retirement

Alaska is filled with excellent American road trip opportunities, especially in the summer.  

Start in Anchorage, when the museums are open.

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the indigenous people of the ‘last frontier’, and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center to learn about the history and culture of Alaska for free.

Take the Trolley tour for a fun overview of Anchorage, its history, and the earthquake of ‘64.

Ride the free shuttle to the Ulu factory, and check out the salmon runs at Ship Creek.

On day 2, head to Palmer and visit the Iditarod Museum before driving to Hatcher Pass.

Go to the high point for incredible views, hike the trails, and admire blue mountain lakes. 

Continue on this road to loop back to town.

From there, head to Matanuska Glacier, located one hour from Palmer. Spend day 4 hiking to and on the glacier. 

After that, drive toward Valdez Alaska on the Scenic Richardson Highway. It’s about 3 hours to Valdez.

Stop at Worthington Glacier Recreation Area to see the glacier or hike it. Stop at the various pullouts to view the waterfalls along Thompson Pass and the Highway.

If the salmon are spawning, visit Crooked Creek and see if you can spot a bear fishing for dinner.

While in and around Valdez, also consider taking an all-day wildlife glacier cruise, visiting the Valdez Museum and Annex, and visiting the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum.

This is a 5-day, 6-night road trip that keeps visitors busy every day. 

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)”

Love all these ideas and inspiration for my next trip!

Thanks Jess! So hard to choose.

So many fantastic ideas – I can vouch for the awesomeness of WA, my home state! I am itching to get driving!

We are too! Hopefully we’ll all be able to soon. 🙂 We’d love to get back out west this year!

Everybody skips over Arkansas and Missouri when they suggest road trips, big mistake. Some of the best driving roads and scenery are located in the Ozarks and Quachita National Forests. Start in Springfield, Mo to the north. Stops could include Branson, Mo, Buffalo National River, Little Rock, Ar, Hot Springs, Ar, Talimena Scenic Drive from Mena, Ar then back north through the river valley of Fort Smith, Ar,, up Hwy 23 (Pig Trail) to Historic Victorian Eureka Springs, Ar. Then back to Springfield, Mo. You could easily spend 10-14 days on this road trip and see very diverse entertainment, scenery, hiking and waterfalls, mineral and hot springs, mountain and valley vistas. Best time to travel would be spring and/or fall. Scenery rivals anywhere in the country.

It is a beautiful part of the country! We actually visited Eureka Springs the weekend we got engaged, stayed at the Crescent. 🙂 We had someone signed up to contribute the Ozarks to this post but we haven’t heard back from them yet–maybe we’ll add it ourselves during a post update!

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29 Amazing Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You’ll Love

Posted on Published: March 1, 2023  - Last updated: January 17, 2024

The US is filled with amazing sights, hikes and adventures from coast to coast. The absolute best way to experience everything it has to offer is by taking an amazing road trip! Here’s an epic list of the best road trips USA to find your next adventure.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

One of the best perks about US road trips is you can take your time, admire the views, stop at fun road-side attractions and design the route exactly how you like! Whether you have a long weekend, a week, or even longer, these road trips across the US are full of a variety of cities, wide open spaces and some underrated spots you’re going to love.

From coast to coast and even a few bonus routes, this guide will help you get started in planning the greatest American roadtrip that’s just perfect for you!

Must-see video: road trips USA

Best road trips in USA map

Whether you’re hoping to explore close to home or take a bucket list cross-country road trip, this USA road trips list has something for everyone! Check out the map below to find which one works best for you.

By the way, I haven’t been everywhere (yet), so I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help with this list of the best American road trips.

Essentials to pack on the greatest road trips in America

Before we dive into the list of USA road trip routes, make sure you’ve packed the right gear to help make your road trip go smoothly. Here are some top recommendations…

• Food and water. Regardless of how long of an adventure you choose, you’ll want some food or at the very least some snacks to keep that energy up! Here are 101 road trip food ideas . Don’t forget to bring reusable water bottles to fill up at hotels, restaurants and national parks so you can avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.
• Collapsible cooler. Store your food and drinks in a handy cooler, then fold it down when it’s empty for storage or to easily pack it up.
• Layers for weather. Depending on which epic US road trip you choose and the time of year you take it, be prepared for anything! From a light jacket or medium coat for hiking, an umbrella , sun hat or even the perfect merino wool layers for any season, you’ll want to be prepared.

• Good hiking gear. If you’re stepping foot in a national park on this list, or any other outdoor space with trails, you’ll want the right hiking gear. That means hiking shoes , socks, trekking poles and hiking backpack . As someone who’s hiked with and without the proper gear, I can say with confidence hiking is a lot easier and more comfortable with the right gear.
• Emergency preparedness items like satellite communicator and first aid kit . Whether you’re in your vehicle or are renting a car , be prepared for anything. This satellite communicator allows for 2-way communication anywhere it can see the sky – regardless of if you have cell phone service or not. Call for help on a hiking trail or road out in the middle of nowhere.
• GoPro. This awesome camera is perfect for recording epic road trips! Hang this GoPro out the window or sunroof while another person is driving, go underwater with it or use it to capture amazing landscapes. Maybe not an ‘essential,’ but certainly fun if it’s in your budget! 🙂

By the way, if you need to rent a car for these epic road trips, try using Discover Cars . It’s a search engine for the major car carriers that finds the lowest price, and it’s free to use. I typically save 10-30% on car rentals with Discover Cars .

Best road trips USA

YAY! You’re ready to start planning your bucket list road trip! You’re going to love this amazing list of the best road trips in America!

1. Utah national parks road trip (one of the absolute best road trips in America)

Distance: 878 miles Recommended time: 6-10 days Best time of year: spring, summer or fall

For out-of-this world landscapes, you’ll love an Utah national parks road trip through the Mighty 5! From crazy rock spires known as hoodoos in Bryce Canyon to the vast, wide open spaces in Canyonlands National Park, there’s so much to see and do on this road trip!

For the most efficient use of your time, fly into Salt Lake City and start your adventure in Moab. Home to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, you’ll want to spend at least 2 days exploring this area – more if you have time!

Spend one day in Arches by hiking to Delicate Arch – the most famous rock arch in the world! See Landscape Arch and The Windows areas of the park, too. With the popularity of this park over the last 5 years, you’ll need a timed entry reservation , so be sure to plan in advance!

Discover the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. From the short, 0.5 mile trail to Mesa Arch, to the breathtaking Grand View Point trail. Don’t forget to stop at the scenic overlooks – Green River and Grand View Point.

From there, head west to Capitol Reef National Park. Visit the Fruita orchards and do the Hickman Bridge Trail hike. Allow at least an hour for the scenic drive as well. It’s easy enough to see the park highlights in day, or take more time to explore more hiking trails.

Next is Bryce Canyon National Park. Home to the funky hoodoo rock formations, these views are incredible any time of year. Be sure to check out the views at Inspiration Point, and if you’re up for a hike, do the Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop combination. So cool!

Lastly, head to Zion. One of the most visited national parks in the country, and for good reason! This massive canyon is so incredible from almost anywhere in the park. Popular hikes like The Narrows and Angels Landing (permit required) and Canyon Overlook Trail don’t disappoint !

The final part of this trip is just heading to Las Vegas to fly back home. This trip can be done year round, but some of the roads and hikes in the national parks will be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice, so it’s recommended during spring, summer and fall.

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes

2. Ozark Mountains

Distance: 200 miles Recommended tim e: 2-3 days Best time of year: April-June or September-November

One of the best road trips in USA is a trip through the Ozark mountains in northern Arkansas. There is so much to see and do on this road trip and it’s perfect for a 2-3 day weekend.

This exciting road trip will start in Little Rock and end in Eureka Springs. The total mileage of this trip is 200 miles and driving straight through takes 3 hours and 25 minutes.

One of the best stops along the way is at the Natural Bridge just outside of Clinton . It spans 100 ft and was actually used as a bridge in the past. The next best stop on this road trip is at the Buffalo National River. You can go on an awesome  Buffalo River float trip , and stay in one of the adorable VRBO cabins the area has to offer.

After spending a day floating down the river, head to excursion train , one of Arkansas’ best towns. You can spend days checking out this charming town. Make sure that you check out the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway while you’re there! You can go on an excursion train, a lunch train, and a dinner train and see some of the gorgeous scenery in the area.

One of the best places to stay in Eureka Springs is at this incredible unique Hobbit Cave Hotel where you can actually stay in a cave for the night. The best time of the year to do this road trip is either in the spring or fall when the weather isn’t too hot and the Buffalo River is great for floating. 

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

3. Beartooth Highway (one of the greatest road trips in America)

Distance: 68.7 miles Recommended time: 1+ day Best time of year: June-September

Charles Kuralt called the Beartooth Highway “the most beautiful drive in America.” This scenic USA road trip route begins in Red Lodge, Montana, and ends in Cooke City and the northeastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. At 68.7 miles, it’s a short drive, but you’ll want to allow several hours to take advantage of as many scenic views as possible.

While  Beartooth Highway  is a route where the drive is the destination, there are some must-stop places. A stop at Beartooth’s scenic overlook will give you a glimpse of the peak for which the mountain range and the highway is named after. During this US road trip, you should also stop at Rock Creek Vista Point where you’ll be met with majestic views at 9,190 feet . Don’t be surprised to see marmot and scampering chipmunks while you admire the views.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Top of the World Resort has vacation rentals. They also have camping for tents and RVs, and you can rent UTVs and Snowmobiles. Skiers will love Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area.

Because Beartooth Highway is the highest elevation road in the Northern Rockies, it’s closed most months of the year . It typically opens in late May or early June and closes around October. Summer squalls have been known to happen, so it’s always best to find out ahead of time if the road is open.

Recommended by Theresa of The Local Tourist

Looking for adventure a little further north? This guide will help you plan an amazing Canadian road trip !

4. Florida Springs

Distance: 165 miles Recommended time: 3-5 days Best time of year: November-February

Without a doubt, a Florida Springs road trip is one of the best US road trips of them all. In fact, Florida is actually home to more freshwater springs than any other state in the nation . So, make the most of this fact and enjoy a fantastic road trip to some of the best natural springs in Florida . 

Now, if you’re starting near Tampa then this road trip will take between three and five days to complete. After all, many of these spots are secluded in the wilderness and require that you have an RV or do a bit of camping. 

So, while this USA road trip really only covers a distance of 165 miles, each spot is truly awesome and could easily keep you busy for a day.

Once in Tampa go a bit north to see the Weeki Wachee Springs. Sure, this natural spring is amazing but the real highlight of your visit will be the mermaid show. In fact, it is held in an underwater theater and is one of the coolest things you will ever see. 

Continue to Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River Natural Wildlife Refuge. Rent a kayak and enjoying all that Manatee Springs has to offer. 

Just know that while this is a great place to see Manatees, there are typically only found in the water here during the winter months. Plan your visit for this time of year so that you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. 

Whatever you do though, don’t forget to visit Ginnie Springs. There are some great camping spots here. It’s an epic place to relax, take in the scenery, and do a bit of tubing. 

Finally, head to Ichetucknee Springs and end your road trip here. Check out the famous blue hole which is a great place to go cave diving, snorkeling, tubing, hiking, swimming, and more. There’s also tons of cool fish in the water so be on the look out for them as they swim by.

Recommended by Victoria of Florida Trippers

5. Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada (out of this world USA Road Trip!)

Distance: 98 miles Recommended time: 1 day Best time of year: October-April

If you’re looking for a quirky USA road trip you won’t soon forget, consider  driving Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway !

This road trip spans 98 miles on State Route 375 between the towns of Crystal Springs and Warm Springs. Along the way, you are treated to arid desert landscapes, mostly desolate roads, and plenty of alien-themed attractions. 

There are lots of unique stops along this route. You have ET Fresh Jerky where you can buy alien-themed snacks. There’s the iconic Extraterrestrial Highway sign plastered in stickers left behind by pilgrims who’ve made the trek from far and wide. And don’t pass up the Alien Research Center where you can buy souvenirs and hear some UFO lore.

As you continue driving along the ET Highway you’ll see the Black Mailbox, where believers come to leave mail and other trinkets for otherworldly creatures. And lastly, there’s the Little A’le’inn, which is a motel, bar and restaurant which is hard to miss thanks to the UFO-towing pick-up truck out front!

This is a road trip that can be easily done in one day . However, you can tack it onto a bigger Nevada itinerary.

Also, while the Extraterrestrial Highway can be driven any time of year, it’s probably best to avoid the summer months when the desert temperatures are a scorcher. This road trip would be much more enjoyable if done in spring or autumn.

As far as accommodations go, you can stay in Las Vegas which is only 1 hour 37 minutes from the starting point of Crystal Springs. 

As a final tip, fuel up before you begin driving the ET Highway; this area is fairly remote with very little traffic, so you wouldn’t want to get stranded!

Recommended by Audrey of That Backpacker

6. Washington DC to Boston

Distance: 440 miles Recommended time: 2+ days Best time of year: September – October

A road trip from Washington DC to Boston is the perfect way to take in the changing colors of fall. The journey will take at least 2 days and cover a total of 440 miles with stops in New York, Philadelphia and Providence.

Starting out from Washington DC, you’ll have a chance to explore the nation’s capital. It’s home to famous monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, The White House and the Smithsonian Museum .

If you’re taking a longer route towards New York City, you can even stop off at Gettysburg National Military Park along the way.

Once in New York, there’s plenty to keep travelers entertained! From iconic landmarks like Central Park, Times Square and Rockefeller Center to exciting attractions like Broadway shows, shopping boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

From there it’s just a short drive up to Philadelphia. Visit historic sites such as Independence Hall or experience some of its world class cultural institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Liberty Bell Center. You may also want to make sure that your itinerary includes stops at local favorites like Reading Terminal Market and South Street for an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich! 

Continuing northward towards Providence, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural scenery as you pass through Connecticut and Rhode Island. On this leg of your journey, you should make time for some outdoor activities. Think whale watching on Narragansett Bay, biking along Newport’s Cliff Walk or hiking in Lincoln Woods State Park.

Finally reaching Boston will be worth all 7 hours and 30 minutes of total drive time it takes to get there! Take some time to explore picturesque spots such as Harvard Yard or Fenway Park before enjoying a classic lobster roll dinner at one of the city’s seafood restaurant s. Don’t forget about all the shopping opportunities in downtown either – including everything from vintage bookstores to designer apparel stores.

If you’re looking for family-friendly adventures even further north, consider expanding your trip into Ontario, Canada. Silent Lake Provincial Park is outside of Bancroft, Ontario and offers excellent recreation, including some of the best campgrounds in Ontario .

Recommended by Victoria of Guide your Travel

7. Seward to Denali, Alaska (one of the best US road trips for wildlife)

Distance: 767 miles (from Anchorage airport) Recommended time: 7 days Best time of year: June-September

For adventurers looking to add to their road trips USA bucket lists, a 7 day Alaska road trip itinerary from Seward to Denali should be at the top of your list. 

Fly into Anchorage and rent a car before making the 2.5 hour drive on the Seward Highway to the start of your trip in Seward. Stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to break up the drive and stretch your legs while you check out the bears, moose, reindeer and more that they care for in their sanctuary.

Seward is a perfect base for a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park. Spend 2 days here doing an iceberg kayaking excursion at Bear Glacier lagoon . Or take a whale watching cruise where you’ll see tons of aquatic wildlife in addition to a glacier calving. The Exit Glacier hike is another interesting thing to do.

Then it’s time for a 2 hour drive north to the popular Alyeska Resort . They have plenty of summer activities including terrific hikes and stunning views from the top of the Gondola ride. Stay overnight.

Next stop is Talkeetna – the small town made famous for being the inspiration for TV show Northern Exposure. It’s also the starting point for climbers planning a Denali summit.

You can get a bird’s eye view by taking a flightseeing tour of Denali with a glacier landing before spending your last 2 days at Denali National Park exploring wildlife and nature. 

The total distance from Seward to Denali is 397 miles . Doing the trip in a loop from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 767 miles. Not too bad for 7 days of non-stop fun!

The best time for this road trip is summertime but if you can brave cold autumn weather you’ll also have the chance to be rewarded with spectacular Northern Lights! Make sure to plan your trip well in advance to get the best rates.

Even though it’s not in the continental US, it’s still one of the very best road trips in America!

Recommended by Jenifer of The Evolista

8. Newfound Gap Road, Smoky Mountains USA road trip

Distance: 30 miles Recommended time: 1 day Best time of year: September-Early November

Smoky Mountains is one of the most visited national parks of the USA! It covers South Carolina and Tennessee in the southeastern region of the US. Many  scenic drives on the Smoky mountains road trip  are worth doing, but the most famous is Newfound Gap Road (US-441). 

This American roadtrip starts from Sugarlands Visitor Center and ends at the Mountain Farm Museum in North Carolina. It connects Cherokee and Gatlinburg and is an approximately 30 Mile one-way trip.

Many scenic stopovers are on Newfound gap road in Smoky Mountain National Park and can be done in one day trip. Chimney Tops, Campbell Overlook, Newfound Gap, Rockefeller Memorial, Morton’s Gap Overlook, Oconaluftee Valley Overlook, and Mingus Mill are the most famous stopovers. 

The whole road trip is scenic, passing through a forest of Smoky Mountains with a view of foggy, misty peaks overlooking valleys and tunnels. The best time to make this road trip is during fall. You can see a fantastic riot of fall colors throughout this drive. 

Book your stay in the mountainous town of Gatlinburg for this road trip in the Smoky mountains. There are many cozy cabins with amazing views to choose from.

It’s important to note that the whole area is foggy and misty throughout the year, so it’s worth it to check the fog conditions before driving as sometimes it can be very foggy, and driving becomes very difficult. 

This is one of the best USA road trip routes, and can be done in conjunction with a larger trip to the Smokies.

Recommended by Yukti of Travel with me 24 x 7 Blog

More of the best road trips USA

With so many good options all over the country, how do you ever choose? Let’s keep exploring more options before you choose your perfect adventure…

9. Route 66 (one of the classic US road trips!)

Distance: 2,448 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: September-Early November

Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is one of the most iconic road trip routes in the USA. Starting in Chicago, IL, and ending in Santa Monica, CA, the route goes through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. 

Covering a total of 2,448 miles, the route offers tons to see and do . Set aside a week to do justice to the trip, more if you can afford it!

Take in the many sights along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, from Lincoln Park to Soldier Field, before heading out. Admire the State Capitol in Springfield and visit the Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site before crossing the Mississippi River.

In Missouri, admire Gateway Arch in St. Louis . Then snap a photo of Red’s Giant Hamburg, the world’s first known drive-through! Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch in downtown St. Louis. 

In Texas, possibly the most famous attraction along the route is Cadillac Ranch, in Amarillo, but Shamrock makes for a nice stop as well.

In New Mexico, the route passes through the major cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, both of which offer tons to do. Adventure-loving travelers should try hot air ballooning in Albuquerque!

Spend a night in Tucumcari, where you will find some iconic Route 66 motels such as the Blue Swallow Motel. 

In Arizona, the stretch between Kingman and Seligman is considered historic. Also be sure to check out the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. In Seligman, stay at the Supai Motel , a vintage Route 66 motel. 

Route 66 in California  passes through the Mojave Desert and a string of small ghost towns and roadside attractions. Elmer’s Bottle Ranch is one of the more popular stops. 

Pasadena is home to several Route 66 sights, and also to The Huntington, a complex of beautiful Southern California gardens.

Although not where the original road ended, today you will find the End of the Trail sign on the Santa Monica Pier. Pose for a photo under the sign to celebrate the completion of your road trip!

Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California

10. Coastal Carolinas road trip

Distance: 600 miles Recommended time: 7 days Best time of year: June-October

If you’re a foodie, history buff, or family, you’re going to love a  Coastal Carolinas Road Trip . This approximately 600-mile route (one way) takes you from the Deep South starting in Charleston, SC, up the entire Carolinas’ coast, and ends in the small naval city of Norfolk, VA.

Budget about a week of travel to immerse yourself in this land of pirates, beaches, and the North Carolina marshes you might know from  Where the Crawdads Sing .

Plan to spend at least one full day in Charleston’s historic downtown. As you make your way north, consider a night or two in either Myrtle Beach, SC or checking out the Wilmington beaches in North Carolina.

Don’t miss a stop in New Bern to visit the birthplace of Pepsi Cola. Devote at least 2 days to exploring the beaches and lighthouses of the Outer Banks . Be sure to check out the hidden gem – Pea Island , particularly the wildlife refuge!

The Wrights Brother National Monument is another Outer Banks must-see. Also, if you’re not eating your weight in seafood on this road trip, you’re not doing it right! 

You can do this road trip any time of year, but you’ll find the most crowds over school vacations, especially summer vacation and spring break. Autumn is an ideal time to do a Coastal Carolinas road trip. Just keep in mind that many Outer Banks businesses – especially restaurants – operate seasonally, so plan accordingly.

It’s most convenient to do this road trip with a multi-city plane ticket and one-way car rental . Fly into Charleston, drive north in your rental car, and fly out of Norfolk.

For a cheaper, but more time-consuming option, fly in and out of either Charleston or Norfolk. If you opt for a round-trip plane ticket, you’ll need to make a 7-hour drive on Interstate 95 at either the start or end of your adventure.

Recommended by Ada of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road

11. LA to Joshua Tree National Park – (a desert oasis road trip in the USA)

Distance: 130 miles Recommended time: 3+ days Best time of year: April-May or September-November

One of the best USA road trip routes is driving from LA to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a relaxing way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and in only a few hours, you’ll be in a desert oasis. While it’s only 130 miles one way, traffic can take up more of your time than you want. That’s why I recommend taking 3 days to go from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree and back so you can fully enjoy all the different sites there.

On the first day, start off by checking out the Cabazon Dinosaurs. They’re giant roadside dinosaurs you’ve probably seen on Instagram, and there’s even a museum to learn more about them. From there, continue until you get to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve for gorgeous views and hiking trails.

Finally, crash in Twentynine Palms for the night – they have affordable lodging and fun places to see, like the Twentynine Palms Historical Society and Adobe Museum.

On the second day, head out to explore  Joshua Tree National Park ! You could spend days exploring! If you’re short on time, Jumbo Rocks is a great spot to watch rock climbers in action, and Barker Dam offers a chance to find water in the desert and see some historic ruins. Lost Horse Mine is an abandoned gold mine you can explore, and the Cholla Cactus Garden is a great place to catch the sunrise.

For your last day, check out the Palm Springs area. Downtown has many options for amazing food, drinks, museums, and shopping. Who knows, you might even bump into a celeb!

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a fun ride with epic views of the desert landscape and access to Mount San Jacinto State Park’s hiking trails. Grab dinner up there and catch the last tram of the night for a memorable end one of the greatest road trips in America.

Recommended by Marissa of Postcards to Seattle

12. Talimena Scenic National Byway (a completely underrated route on this road trips USA list)

Distance: 54 miles Recommended time: 1-3 days Best time of year: October-November

The  Talimena Scenic National Byway  is a 54-mile scenic route that winds its way through the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. It’s one of the best US road trips in the south!

Stretching between Talihina, Oklahoma, and Mena, Arkansas, the route’s name is a portmanteau of these two terminal cities. You can drive the route one way or as an out-and-back, depending on the remainder of your trip itinerary . For example, those on a cross-country road trip will typically do the route one-way. But those enjoying a vacation in nearby Broken Bow or Hochatown will do the route as an extension of their trip and usually drive both ways.

While you can accomplish the trip in one day, it’s best to spend a weekend of 2 to 3 days exploring. This way you can spend time in Talihina and Mena as well as explore the state parks and hiking trails along the route.

Talimena State Park in Oklahoma and Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas both offer camping sites and hiking trails . The US Forest Service maintains them.

Whether you choose to camp along the way or stay in one of the towns on either end of the route, you need to make your bookings in advance. This is a more rural part of the country. There are many times of the year when there won’t be any rooms available at the last minute.

The best time of year is to take the trip in the last week of October or the first 2 weeks of November when the fall foliage is peaking. However, the viewpoints and vistas along this national scenic byway are beautiful any time of year.

Recommended by Stephanie of History Fangirl

13. Pacific Coast Highway (a favorite on this list of road trips USA)

Distance: 615 miles Recommended time: 2 – 7 days Best time of year: anytime

Undoubtedly, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the greatest road trips in America. Incredible coastal views greet you from a mix of big cities and untouched land. This San Francisco to San Diego road trip is one you absolutely must do in your lifetime!

While you could *technically* do this road trip in 2 days, you’ll see and experience a lot more of this incredible drive if you give yourself more time. Fly into San Francisco and rent a car and head south towards San Diego!

While there are so many amazing stops along the way, you absolutely must stay for a moment in Carmel-by-the-Sea. A charming beach town with beautiful architecture, this is one of the last stops to eat and fuel up before heading deep into Big Sur.

Along the way, there are so many cool and amazing things to do in Big Sur . Highlights include the Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and Sand Dollar Beach.

As you head further south in California, you’ll get to quaint beach towns than large Southern California cities. Go surfing or hiking near San Luis Obispo. Wine tastings in Lompoc, hang out on the beach in Malibu and visit the Santa Monica Pier.

The end this epic American roadtrip in a city that’s easy to love – San Diego. Visit the birthplace of California in Old Town San Diego and indulge in one of the many Mexican restaurants there. Check out the nightlife in the Gaslamp district or watch the sunset on the sparkling Coronado Beach.

This road trip can be done at any point in the year. The weather along Big Sur can be a bit moody with marine fog in the late spring/ early summer and wildfire season during early fall. Just pack layers for comfort and bring your camera for amazing landscapes!

14. Athens to Macon, Georgia

Distance: 93 miles Recommended time: 3-4 days Best time of year: anytime

Even though about 93 miles (less than two hours) separate Athens and Macon, Ga., the destinations share something in common besides just being college towns : both have played (and continue to play) a role in shaping American music culture. 

A three- or four-day getaway is suitable throughout the year, even in the winter, since the weather in Georgia tends to be mild-ish. Still, it is weather and can change ~ always have an umbrella available and except for summer, dress in layers.

It can be crowded in Athens during University of Georgia home football games in the fall. The best thing to do is to check the calendars and watch the weather reports. Accommodations in both places include vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, chain hotels and boutique hotels. Something suitable for all needs and budgets.

Begin this American roadtrip in Macon. It’s a little over an hour from Atlanta (for those who may be flying into Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson Airport) and a straight drive down I-75 South. 

Macon’s music history ranges from soul with Otis Redding, funk with Little Richard, Southern Rock with Allman Brothers and much more. Download Macon’s Macon Music Trail app for stories and locations of attractions like the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House and The Little Richard House .

For true fans, a guided walking tour with Rock Candy Tours provides a detailed look at Macon’s music heritage. Finally, grab lunch at H&H Soul Food for the fried chicken and the connection to the Allman Brothers and end the evening at a music venue.

The drive from Macon to Athens is on highways. If you’re on good on time, take a break in Madison (about 35 minutes from Athens) to enjoy its quaint historic downtown.

Athens was at the forefront of the indie and rock alternative rock movement, introducing America and the world to R.E.M and B-52s, among others. A self-guided Athens Music History Tour highlights the many sites that played a role during these times . And don’t miss the Athens Music Walk of Fame, a two-square-block area downtown showcasing the people and places of the city’s rich music scene. 

Live music venues are plentiful in Athens, and festivals like Athfest, a three-day music event. This will surely be one of the best road trips in America for music-lovers!

Recommended by Apryl from   Southern Hospitality Magazine  

15. Road to Hana, Maui (a quintessential route on your road trips USA list)

Distance: 52 miles Recommended time: 1- 2 days Best time of year: any time of year

The  Road to Hana  is a scenic 52-mile highway on Maui’s northern coast. A bucket list road trip, it provides one of the most iconic experiences in Hawaii, and for a good reason. It’s truly one of the greatest road trips in America!

On the narrow road, you will encounter 620 curves and 59 bridges, with many sections only accommodating one vehicle.

Whether staying in Maui or visiting for the day by cruise ship, pick up a car rental at the Kahului Airport to begin your journey . Expect to spend at least 2-1/2 hours making the drive or longer if you intend to go beyond Hana to Haleakala National Park.

You can make the trip any time of year (thanks to Hawaii’s great weather). You’ll need to purchase a visitor’s pass to visit the national park.

What makes this drive so spectacular is the plethora of scenery you can observe along the way. Imagine roadside cascading waterfalls, rainbow eucalyptus trees, a lava tube, and colored beaches begging for exploration.

For one of the best opportunities to view Hawaiian sea turtles, stop at Ho’okipa Beach, where they often bask in the sun . Keanae Landing, another can’t-miss stop, allows you to taste Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread, rated highly worldwide.

If you want to spend more than a day exploring the Hana area, the Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence , offers a luxury stay with a restaurant and spa.

USA road trip tip : If you aren’t visiting Maui by cruise ship, plan to drive the Road to Hana when there are no ships in port. Then you’ll share the highway with fewer tourists.

Recommended by Karen of Forever Karen

16. Blue Ridge Parkway (vibrant fall colors American roadtrip)

Distance: 469 miles Recommended time: 3+ days Best time of year: October

Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most iconic scenic drives in America. It passes through Virginia and North Carolina where the endpoints are two national parks – Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It spans 469 miles so it’s recommended to spend 3 days driving Blue Ridge Parkway so you have plenty of time to stop at overlooks, go hiking to waterfalls and explore local museums along the way.

If driving from north to south, on day one, be sure to stop at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center to learn about mountain pioneers. Then head to Yankee Horse Ridge for an easy to get to multi-tiered waterfall, Kanawha Canal Lock to learn about this historic innovation, and Mabry Mill, one of the most beautiful and iconic stops along the parkway.

Stay at the Grassy Creek Cabooses your first night for a unique experience sleeping in a converted train car.

On your second day, visit Puckett Cabin, where a mountain midwife helped deliver over 1000 babies! Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center where you can catch bluegrass concerts, and Linn Cove Viaduct, arguably the most iconic curve of the parkway that’s a photography hotspot.

You’ll end day two in Asheville where there are a number of places to stay, especially downtown!

On the final day of this US road trip, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park where the highlights include Laurel Falls , Cades Cove, and Clingman’s Dome.

If hoping to catch the most spectacular views, try to visit during autumn when the fall foliage is out in full swing – it’s one of the best fall drives in the country!

Important Note: When traveling on Blue Ridge Parkway, be sure to check the official notices by the National Park Service as some parts of the road may be closed due to construction or weather damage.

Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures

17. Oregon Coast (one of the absolute greatest road trips in America)

Distance: 730 miles Recommended time: 2-7 days Best time of year: June-August

If you’re looking for one of the most dramatic road trips in the United States, consider driving along the Oregon Coast. This awesome American roadtrip offers rugged beaches, jaw dropping seascapes, and dozens of charming towns to explore. 

Start the drive in Portland and head an hour and a half west to Cannon Beach, one of the most adorable towns along the coastline and known for its iconic sea stack, Haystack Rock. Here, you can peruse its quaint downtown, explore the beach’s tidepools, and hit any of the incredible hikes near Cannon Beach . For example, head to Ecola State Park for the Crescent Beach trail, where you’ll hike to a secluded beach.

Continue further south to the town of Newport. Here, you stop by the town’s docks to see dozens and dozens of sea lions. They happily bark the day away and stop at Seal Rock State Park, known for its wildlife sighting opportunities and unique sea stacks.

Finally, head further south to the southern section of the Oregon coast, Brookings. This is home to the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, with some of the most stunning views in the state.

There’s a variety of things to do in the park, from stopping at scenic overlooks to exploring its hidden beaches. Once you’re done taking in the breathtaking sights, head back to Portland, completing a 730 mile loop around the western portion of the state. 

While you could drive the coastline in a day or two, the small towns along the way are best savored slowly. If you can build in about a week to mosey your way down the coastline, that would be best.

If you can swing it, visiting in the summertime is the best . The temperature is warm, the skies are clear, and you’ll have the best chance of spotting wildlife, like gray whales and puffins.

Although, the Oregon Coast is also dreamy December – February when there’s far less people too. The Oregon Coast is also one of the best winter road trips , too!

Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

18. Savannah to Charleston

Distance: 107 miles Recommended time: 4 – 7 days Best time of year: April – June, September – November

If you’re interested in a coastal getaway and are a fan of majestic old oaks, Southern-style dining, and incredible architecture, then a road trip from Savannah to Charleston might be just the ticket! A week is an ideal amount of time to get a taste of these two pretty cities and the stunningly beautiful  South Carolina Lowcountry  that lies between them.

Begin your journey in Savannah, where you might feel as if you’ve stepped back in time a couple hundred years! The Historic District is filled with architecture from the mid-1800s . Cobblestone streets line the waterfront, and each square is shaded by old oaks covered in Spanish moss.

Stay in a historic property like  The Marshall House  or  Hamilton-Turner Inn .

While in Savannah, be sure to take a stroll down Jones Street, view the interior of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and dine at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants. (Common Thread, The Grey, and Brochu’s Family Tradition are three excellent options!)  

Savannah and Charleston are 107 miles apart, and the drive between them takes about 2 hours. HWY 17 to I-95 back to HWY 17 is the fastest route, but Okatie HWY is the most scenic way to go. Don’t miss a brief stop in Yemassee to see the Old Sheldon Church Ruins.

Beaufort is an ideal halfway stopping point along the route. It’s such a small city that you only need to stay one night to get a good overview (try the Cuthbert House Inn). Be sure to take a sunset stroll along the waterfront park and go on   a walking tour to see the beautiful historic homes in The Old Point area.

As you head into Charleston, the Angel Oak is a must-see on the outskirts of the city. It’s approximately 400 years old, with twisted branches that are a sight to behold!

Stay at  The Spectator Hotel , which is within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, and landmarks. Charleston is known for award-winning restaurants like Husk, so a Charleston food tour  is always a good idea!

Spring is the best time of year to take this road trip, with fall running a close second. 

Recommended by Erin of Savannah First Timer’s Guide

Best road trips in USA – continued

Can you believe this list?! With some of the best American road trips yet to come, one of my favorites is up next!

19. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

Distance: 50 miles Recommended time: 1 -3 days Best time of year: July – September

If you’re looking for one of the very best USA road trip routes, this is it! The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking experiences you’ll have.

In just 50 short miles, this road trip really packs a punch! The Going-to-the-Sun Road can obviously be done in one day, but taking 3 (or more) days to explore is ideal.

Located in northern Montana and at over 6600 feet in elevation, the Going-to-the-Sun road experiences heavy snowfall and isn’t cleared of snow until July. And because it typically starts snowing again by October, the season to do this incredible road trip is short.

Note: due to the high volume of visitors, a vehicle reservation is required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (and most of the rest of the park as well).

These can be a pain to get, with strict deadlines and they go super fast. However, you can enter the park before 6am or after 3pm without a reservation and drive the road and explore all that it has to offer.

It truly is a stunning drive! Along the way, you’ll pass Lake McDonald, which hold’s nature’s skittles – brightly colored rocks that line the shores of the lake.

If you’re up for hiking, you’ll love Avalanche Lake Trail , Hidden Lake Trail, and Virginia Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park.

Pro tip: vehicle passes don’t ensure you’ll find a parking spot. Arrive at the park early and have a plan B if parking is full. Use this Glacier National Park itinerary to set up your plan for this incredible park!

20. Phoenix to Page Arizona (one of the BEST southwest US road trips)

Distance: 600 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: March – May, September – November

The Phoenix to Page Arizona road trip itinerary  is one of the best road trips in America that offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The journey starts and ends in Phoenix, covering approximately 600 miles in total, making it a perfect loop trip for travelers who want to explore the best of Arizona .

To fully appreciate the journey, it is recommended to take at least 7 days to complete the route.

Phoenix is the starting point of this road trip, and it is a city worth exploring. Visitors can experience fun hikes, mouthwatering restaurants, interesting museums, and beautiful shopping areas. The neighboring city of Scottsdale is also worth a visit. Known for its luxurious spas, resorts, and golf courses, there’s so many things to do in Scottsdale .

After exploring Phoenix, head to Sedona, famous for its red rock formations and stunning natural beaut y. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring their vortexes, or visiting wineries.

Next up is Flagstaff, which is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and historic downtown. Here, visitors can explore the famous Route 66 and visit the Lowell Observatory, which was where Pluto was discovered .

From Flagstaff, the journey continues to Page, which is home to the famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

After Page, you’ll head to the majestic Grand Canyon, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon offers stunning views, and visitors can explore the park on foot or helicopter tour .

The best time to take this road trip is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable . During the summer, the temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees, making outdoor activities challenging.

It’s also important to note that some parts of the road trip itinerary may be closed during the winter due to snowfall.

Recommended by Destiny of Guided by Destiny

21. New England during the fall (one of the best road trips in USA)

Distance: 830 miles Recommended time: 5+ days Best time of year: October

For a true bucket list experience, you have to do a road trip in New England during the fall. It’s truly one of the best road trips in America! Enjoy the stunning array of colorful foliage and classic, charming small towns in the region. 

If you’re flying in, plan to start and end at Boston Logan International Airport with a rental car . Otherwise, adapt this loop to your own starting point.

This road trip is a loop spanning about 830 miles. You can certainly add more destinations if you have more time! You can do this trip in 5 days but a week or more would be ideal to add even more stops into the mix.

Start in Boston and head just north of the city to the iconic fall town of Salem, Mass. Whether you’re into Hocus Pocus or history, visitors love Salem for its Halloween vibes and fun fall events. Just be sure to book accommodations early during this very busy season!

From Salem, head north to Bar Harbor, Maine. En route, stop in Portland for a foodie adventure. This is the longest drive at just over 200 miles, but there is ample opportunity to stop along the way for coastal views and foliage photo ops.

You could spend a week in Bar Harbor alone, but from there, your road trip will backtrack a bit before cutting west into New Hampshire. Spend the night in Conway so you can start your drive through the White Mountains early the next morning . This is a truly idyllic destination in the fall! 

From Conway, take a 15-minute detour up to Bartlett for a quick, easy morning hike to the very pretty Diana’s Baths. Then you’ll drive across NH along the incredibly scenic Kancamagus Highway; plan to stop several times for photo ops! After crossing the state, you’ll basically follow the border between NH and VT before cutting across Vermont to the pretty town of Manchester.

From Manchester, you can skirt Green Mountain National Forest and head southeast back toward Boston. If you do have more time, add more stops for a more robust 1-week New England fall road trip to maximize your adventure.

Recommended by Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA

22. Texas Hill Country (an underrated American roadtrip)

Distance: 300 miles Recommended time: 2 – 7 days Best time of year: March – April

A road trip through Texas Hill Country is one of the best road trips in the US due to the amazing things to do and sights to see along the way. This drive starts in Austin, ends in San Antonio, and has dozens of charming small towns along the way.

At just under 300 miles long, this road trip can be completed in one day. However, travelers can easily fill 7 days with all there is to experience.

There is plenty to explore year round. Beware of the Texas heat in summer months and plan plenty of swimming hole stops. Spring is the best time of year for this road trip. Hill country comes alive with  Texas bluebonnets  and other wildflowers making for a gorgeous scenic drive.

Starting in Austin, consider checking out the Capitol building, live music in the Red River District, and the beautiful metropolitan park, Zilker Park. If you happen to be doing this road trip during October, be sure to check out the best haunted houses in Austin , too.

Then, head out west toward the sweet towns of Burnet and Marble Falls. Explore Longhorn Caverns, discover Devil’s Watering Hole at Inks Lake, and pick up a slice of pie at the Bluebonnet Café.

Fredericksburg is the next highlight on your road trip and also a great spot for staying overnight.

The numerous wineries, beautiful German heritage woven throughout the town, and the beauty of a hike at Enchanted Rock can keep you busy for several days. In spring, head to Jenschke Orchards to pick strawberries or for fresh peaches in the summer. An overnight stay at the Behr House is sure to please!  

As you start heading south, check out the historic post office in Luckenbach, lavender fields in Blanco, cowboy boots tour and Blue Hole in Wimberley, and the Comal River in New Braunfels . Don’t miss brisket from Salt Lick in Driftwood.

End your road trip in historic San Antonio by visiting Riverwalk and the Alamo. Dinner at The Pearl Historic District and pastries from Mia Tienda will end your Hill Country road trip with delicious local fare.

Such a fun adventure, and one of the best USA road trip routes!

Recommended by Sierra from Very Truly Texas

23. Southern Colorado

Distance: 800 miles Recommended time: 7 – 14 days Best time of year: June – September

Colorado has some of the most beautiful places in the country, and nothing makes that more clear than a road trip around southern Colorado . While most people visit to explore the Rockies, there is so much more to Colorado than just the Rockies. This road trip will show you why southern Colorado is really where you want to be.

Assuming you start and end in Colorado Springs, the road trip will cover about 800 miles through some of the most scenic places in the country. If you’re flying into Denver International Airport, add about 180 miles total.

Start your trip off with a scenic drive through Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs before ascending up to Pikes Peak. It’s the second highest paved road in the United States, just outside of the city.

From the peak head straight across Highway 50 to southwest Colorado, stopping by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. While far less known than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Black Canyon is impressive in its own right with its sheer 2700 foot drop to the river below.

From Black Canyon, head south through the San Juan Mountains, stopping by Silverton to do one of the best hikes in Colorado, the Ice Lake Hike . When your legs are sufficiently exhausted, continue to Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde protects the most impressive and well-preserved ancient Puebloan cliff cities in the US.

You’ll then head across southern Colorado on highway 160, a simply stunning drive with breathtaking scenery around every turn. Be sure to stop in for a craft beer in Durango before making your way to Great Sand Dunes National Park. There, you’ll find the tallest and most impressive sand dunes in North America. Do some dune hiking before heading back to Colorado Springs.

The best time of year to complete this road trip is summertime between June and September. It’s possible to visit all the places on the route year-round (except the Ice Lake hike). Summer will have the most pleasant weather and best hiking opportunities. 

This is certainly one of the best road trips in America, and one full of unexpected adventures.

Recommended by Chris of Around The World With Me

24. Florida Keys from Miami to Key West (another favorite on this list of road trips USA)

Distance: 165 miles Recommended time: 1- 3 days Best time of year: December – June

One of the very best road trips in America is driving the Florida Keys on Highway 1. From big party cities on either end to tropical vibes along the way, this is one fun road trip you’ll want to drive!

The Miami to Key West road trip can technically be done in a day, but it’s best done over 3 days, at minimum. That would give you one day in Miami, one day in Key West and one day to explore the islands between.

Although if you have a week or more, that’s even better! Just after leaving Miami, make a stop in Everglades National Park . From birdwatching to the short Anhinga Trail hike, you’ll love seeing nature in this park.

Another stop along the way is Key Largo. From a glass-bottom boat tour to snorkeling , this island offers a lot of water activities. Robbie’s in Islamorada is a popular spot to stop and feed the tarpons   – so fun!

The famous 7-mile bridge is an engineering feat as you drive down Highway 1. Finally making it to Key West, you’ll find shops, restaurants and historic hotels greet you with open arms. It’s quite the busy little island, welcoming passengers from cruise ships by the day and a live party scene at night.

Stay in the Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalows in the historic district, or on Smather’s Beach at Margaritaville Beach House Key West . You can fly back out of Key West, although it may just be more affordable to drive back to Miami.

This fun route from Miami to Key West down Highway 1 is truly one of the greatest road trips in America, and holds a deserving spot on this list!

Recommended by Nikki of She Saves She Travels

25. Oahu Circle Island Tour (a tropical USA road trip route)

Distance: 60 miles Recommended time: 1-3 days Best time of year: year-round!

Dive into the depths of Hawaiian culture and explore the sights, sounds, scents, and flavors of Oahu on a classic circle island tour. It’s absolutely one of the best road trips in USA, even though it’s on an island thousands of miles offshore. 🙂

This route is an ideal way to get a better sense of all Oahu offers. From world-famous beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities to small towns with uniquely local flair.

Start and end the trip in Honolulu, driving 60 miles around the island’s perimeter. You can spend from 6 hours to 2-3 days on this route, based on where you want to stop and how much time you want to spend there.

No trip around Oahu is complete without a stop at the iconic Waikiki Beach. You can take in the crystal-clear waters and picturesque sunset views.

Other highlights include…

• Byodo-In Temple, located on the Windward Coast
• Chinaman’s Hat, a small islet off the shore of Kualoa Ranch
• Banzai Pipeline, a world-famous surfing spot on the North Shore
• Dole Plantation for its famous pineapple fields and ice cream
• Laie Point or Makapu’u Point Lookout for some of the most beautiful views in all of Hawaii

Be sure to also marvel at Waimanalo Waterfall, tucked away in the Ko’olau Mountains, and the breathtaking Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve.

Embarking on this journey during the summertime is ideal due to the longer days, yet it can still be a memorable experience year-round . Just keep in mind that you may encounter crowds at beaches on weekends and holidays and when the waves are high.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, there are many tours you can book to do the circle island tour of Oahu. If you’d rather have an adventure of your own, renting a car is the perfect option! With apps like Shaka and Gypsy to assist with planning and managing your itinerary, you can guarantee yourself an extraordinary experience.

Recommended by Melodie of Travel Must Do’s

26. Badlands to the Black Hills (an unexpected one on this list of best road trips in USA)

Distance: 60 miles Recommended time: 1 – 3 days Best time of year: May – September

In western South Dakota, visitors find a land of great contrasts and great beauty. The Black Hills got their name because the dense, dark pine trees make the hills appear almost black. The landscape is so starkly bare in Badlands National Park that it appears almost otherworldly.

Luckily for visitors, you can visit both within just a few hours–although you could easily spend weeks exploring all the beauty and fun in western South Dakota. This is one of the best, unexpected US road trips!

For the ultimate western South Dakota road trip, visitors can start at Badlands National Park in Interior, South Dakota.

Inside the park, visitors drive the 31-mile Badlands Scenic Loop Road to the Ben Reifel Visitors Center . There are so many things to do in Badlands National Park like hike the park’s beautiful trails and stop at scenic overlooks for spectacular views of the park’s colorful rock formations. Be sure to watch for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs!

After exiting to Wall, South Dakota many visitors stop at Wall Drug for free ice water (and snacks and souvenirs.)

Then, it’s a short jaunt on interstate 90 to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. This free aerospace museum on Ellsworth AFB is home to more than 30 aircraft and tons of other artifacts and exhibits.

A few minutes further and you’re in Rapid City and can check out all the town has to offer. Check out Storybook Island, Dinosaur park, Presidential statues downtown, and fossils at the Museum of Geology on the Campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. 

Then, it’s less than a half hour from downtown Rapid City to the Black Hills. Take the Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway to see attractions like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.

The beauty of the rock formations in the Black Hills, the trees, the wildlife, and the view are absolutely breathtaking.

Recommend by Lindsay of Siouxland Families

27. Washington DC to Asheville

Distance: 471 miles Recommended time: 5 days Best time of year: March – May, September – October

A road trip from Washington, DC to Asheville, North Carolina can be driven in just eight hours but you’ll miss a lot of historic southern towns. Plan on a long five-day vacation and make frequent stops.

Your first stop on this American road trip is Front Royal via Route 66. This charming town offers the best apple donuts to pack for your all-day hiking in Shenandoah National Park . Rent an Airbnb or book a campsite inside the national park.

Wake up bright and early the next day to enjoy a big flapjack breakfast then head out on 1-81 South via I-66 W. Select a detour to Luray Caverns or antique shopping in Strasburg.

Plan to reach the 215-foot-tall Natural Bridge by noon . Carved out by Cedar Creek, the limestone bridge offers vistas of the forests and rolling meadows. Explore seven miles of hiking trails and the beautiful Lace Falls, a 30-foot waterfall cascade.

Then, spend time touring the Monacan Indian Village or participate in seasonal living history programs. Book your second night at Wyndham’s Natural Bridge Hotel surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains.

On your next morning head into the hills of east Tennessee to explore Johnson City. Choose between hiking at Buffalo Mountain Park or boating at Winged Deer Park.

In the afternoon, explore Sycamore Shoals Historic Park, which is a former Cherokee site. Alternatively, visit Gray Fossil Site and Museum to see mastodon fossils. Schedule the hour drive to  Asheville  before nightfall where you can pplurge and book a room at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn .

On your last morning, book a morning walking tour to learn about the city’s Art Deco architecture. Then head to the Arts District to explore working artists’ studios. Leave time for a two-hour drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to admire the stunning scenery at road stops . Extend your USA road trip (if time permits) to tour the Biltmore Estate.

Recommended by Terri of Female Solo Trek

28. Southwest USA (one of the BEST road trips USA)

Distance: 950 miles Recommended time: 6 days Best time of year: March – May, September – November

Going from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is only the beginning of an epic southwest USA road trip. It starts and ends in the City of Lights – Las Vegas. To complete the itinerary in a moderate way, you will need 6 days (not counting the days in Las Vegas ). The distance of the whole itinerary is around 950 miles. Along the way, you will get your ‘kicks on Route 66’, visit 3 US States, and the most Instagram-worthy national parks. From Grand Canyon to Page with Horseshoe Bend you’ll surely be in awe of America’s natural wonders.

In Page you will also visit the famous Antelope Canyon, but before that, make a stop at the the famous spot where Forrest Gump stopped running, Monument Valley.

The best place to stay in the Monument Valley in Goulding’s Lodge , where you get stunning sunset and sunrise views of Table Mountains and Monolites.

On your way back to visit Zion National park, and add Bryce Canyon as an optional stop. The last stop before returning to Vegas should be Valley of Fire, a popular wedding photoshoot location with amazing hikes. The great part about this road trip is that it can also be done in reverse. You can do this road trip at any time of the year, but winter would be the least favorable.

The best time would be spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate and there is no snow on the roads. Summer, also a great time to follow this southwest itinerary, can be crowded and extremely hot.

Whichever time of year you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Just be careful if driving at night as the roads are full of wildlife that will be extremely hard to spot. This may just be one of the very best US road trips you will take! Recommended by Anja of Anja On Adventure

29. Milwaukee to Minneapolis

Distance: 336 miles Recommended time: 5-8 days Best time of year: June-October

If you’re looking for a great northern Midwest road trip, plan a road trip from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. You’ll be able to see some of the best of the upper Midwest, including important US cities and charming small towns.

Start with two days in Milwaukee. Explore the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum, eat a fabulous lunch at the Milwaukee Public Market, and spend time strolling through the historic Third Ward.

Leaving Milwaukee, you can spend a few days enjoying Wisconsin’s smaller but still important cities and towns. Three stops worthy of spending a night or two include Madison, Wisconsin Dells, and Eau Claire. If you make your road trip during the fall, look to see if there are any football or basketball games happening in Madison during your trip. This is truly one of the greatest college towns in America!

Continue on to Minneapolis. Devote 3 days to enjoying the best of the Twin Cities. There are tons of  great free things to do in Minneapolis  and St. Paul. See the Stone Arch Bridge from the Guthrie Theater, wander through the Minneapolis Institute of Art and tour the Cathedral of St. Paul. 

Other can’t-miss sites along this USA road trip include the Mall of America, the Museum of Russian Art, and Fort Snelling State Park.

Road trips USA

There you have it! 29 of the very best US road trips you’ll find . From driving through vibrant fall colors, to marveling at the sparkling blue water in Hawaii, to hopping in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, the adventures are truly endless.

Let’s recap this amazing list one more time (in a slightly quicker fashion…)

Best US road trips

• Utah national parks
• Ozark Mountains
• Beartooth Highway
• Florida Springs
• Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada
• Washington DC to Boston
• Seward to Denali, Alaska
• Newfound Gap Road, Smoky Mountains National Park
• Coastal Carolinas
• LA to Joshua Tree National Park
• Talimena Scenic National Byway
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Athens to Macon, Georgia
• Road To Hana, Maui
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Oregon Coast
• Savannah to Charleston
• Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
• Phoenix to Page, Arizona
• New England
• Texas Hill Country
• Southern Colorado
• Florida Keys from Miami to Key West
• Oahu Circle Island Tour
• Badlands to the Black Hills, South Dakota
• Washington DC to Asheville
• Southwest USA
• Milwaukee to Minneapolis

Related posts to read next: 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe 26 Absolute Best (and Underrated) Fall Drives in the US You’ve Gotta See to Believe 17 Exciting Winter Road Trips USA: Scenic and Unexpected Routes You’ll Love 12 Epic Scenic Drives Colorado (Map + Tips + Photos)

Find this guide helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

Saturday 4th of March 2023

We love road trips! I definitely need to take the Utah road trip and I would also love to drive Beartooth! We did a little bit of the ET Highway last spring and it was fun! Great post. Lots of exciting options!

Friday 10th of March 2023

Yess Yvonne! Sounds like you've got some good options coming up. So much to discover via a USA road trip ❤️

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8 Incredible Weekend Road Trips to Take Soon

California has no shortage of scenic drives or stunning views. Take these incredible weekend road trips to explore the Golden State.

October 16, 2020

There’s nothing like hitting the Golden State's open roads while singing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs. Thanks to California's endless opportunities for adventure, it’s easy to plan a last-minute weekend road trip and experience the best of the West Coast. From the Pacific Coast Highway to the iconic Route 66, the state has no shortage of scenic drives or breathtaking views. With adventurous stops enhancing your getaway every few miles, we've gathered up all the best routes for your next drivable vacation in California.    

Tips For A Fun Weekend Road Trip

• Make sure your car is functioning properly. The last thing you need during a weekend road trip is to have to stop every few hours to get your car running. 
• Know where you’re going, but don’t be too strict about your plan. Making a few detours might open doors for new experiences.
• Prepare a playlist to keep you entertained on your fun weekend road trip . 
• Carry a first-aid kit to be prepared for any situations.
• Use a GPS or bring a map with you so you don’t get lost.
• Make your weekend road trip an eco-friendly adventure and pick up healthy organic snacks instead of stopping at fast-food joints. 
• Download entertaining apps on your phone—no road trip is complete without games.

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The Best Weekend Road Trips To Take Next

1. Death Valley National Park

Distance from Los Angeles : 214 miles

Drive time: 3 hours, 30 minutes

The ultimate California desert road trip destination is none other than the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in America. As the name suggests, Death Valley is a land of extremes. Covering an area of 3,422,024 acres, the national park has plenty of hiking trails and iconic destinations such as Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon, and Badwater Basin. Check out the beautiful Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes—the most photographed landscape in all of Death Valley—where breathtaking desert vistas come to life. With crusted valley floors and barren salt flats, a fun weekend road trip here is always a good idea.

2. Palm Springs

Distance from Los Angeles : 107 miles

Drive time: 1 hour, 42 minutes

Palm tree-lined streets, turquoise pools, iconic mid-century modern architecture? Yes, please. Whether it’s a last-minute road trip idea or a well-planned vacation, a trip to Palm Springs always leaves you with unforgettable memories. Gather your girlfriends and let the wind blow through your hair as you travel to the most luxurious city in the Golden State. Stay the night at Villa Royale for a boutique hotel experience and enjoy some much-needed pampering. In the morning, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and admire panoramic views of Chino Canyon. The 10-minute journey on the world’s largest rotating tram car is rewarding, but the adventure really begins when you reach the Mountain Station where 50-plus miles of hiking trails await. After a long trek, grab a bite at one of the eateries overlooking the majestic Mount San Jacinto State Park. Before you head back to L.A., visit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to feed a giraffe and participate in other animal fun. 

3. Santa Barbara

Distance from Los Angeles : 95 miles

Drive time: 1 hour, 32 minutes

It’s time to go on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip you’ve always dreamt of. Though this drivable vacation is only a short road trip  from L.A., Santa Barbara’s Spanish Colonial architecture and laid-back vibe will make you feel far away. When you arrive in town, head straight to Old Mission Santa Barbara . Home to the Mission Museum, the Franciscan Friars, and the Historic Mausoleum, it's served as a gathering place and spiritual home since its establishment in 1786. Next, check out ancient and contemporary art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art before checking East Beach off your weekend beach road trip itinerary. Sandy volleyball courts, a grassy park, and a nearby restaurant make your fun weekend road trip even more entertaining. 

4. San Simeon

Distance from Los Angeles : 230 miles

Drive time: 3 hours, 47 minutes

San Simeon is one of the best weekend road trip destinations. With breathtaking views and some of the most spectacular beaches in California, you’re sure to fall for this picture-perfect locale. Visit Piedras Blancas Rookery as soon as you arrive to admire dozens of playful elephant seals taking up residence on the shores year-round. Then visit Hearst Castle —one of San Simeon’s must-see attractions. The National Historic Landmark was built between 1919 and 1947 and was destined to become one of the world’s greatest showplaces. As your short road trip comes to an end, stop by the Piedras Blancas Light Station to take in the incredible vistas of San Simeon one last time. 

5. Sequoia National Park

Distance from Los Angeles : 255 miles

Drive time: 4 hours, 40 minutes

Scenic drives, majestic trees, and awe-inspiring sights comprise Sequoia National Park. Trade in your typical drivable vacation spots for a fun weekend road trip to California’s national parks and  experience a whole new world. Hike up the trail to see General Sherman—the world’s largest living single-stem tree. Standing tall at 275 feet, the unbelievable sight is monumental and extraordinary. 

After taking in this incredible sight, head toward Moro Rock. Hidden in the center of the park between Crescent Meadow and Giant Forest, this granite dome rock formation rewards visitors with dramatic views of the Great Western Divide. Next, stop by Crystal Cave; this subterranean marble karst cave usually goes unnoticed due to the towering trees in the park, but it'll definitely be the highlight of your weekend road trip . End this full day of exploring with a night under the stars at one of Sequoia National Park's campsites to soak up the wisdom of the majestic trees.

6. Salton Sea

Distance from Los Angeles : 164 miles

Drive time: 2 hours, 35 minutes

The Salton Sea has transformed from a Hollywood vacation destination into a hippie haven. This quirky area has a unique landscape as well as impressive man-made tourist attractions that captivate visitors. Since the Salton Sea is abundant with peculiar and unconventional spots, it’s easy to come up with last-minute road trip ideas , but the first place you should visit is the International Banana Museum . Different shades of yellow brighten your day as you enter the one-room museum, but the record-breaking collection of banana-related items will make your jaw drop. After an interesting day, spend the evening at the Brawley Inn Hotel and Conference Center in the nearby town of Brawley. 

In the morning, continue your weekend road trip with a drive to Salvation Mountain—a massive artistic religious monument. Before heading back home, drive a little further to check out Slab City, an alternative living community also known as “The last free place on Earth.”

7. Yosemite National Park

Distance from Los Angeles : 279 miles

Drive time: 4 hours, 43 minutes

No one has ever complained about not having anything to do in Yosemite National Park. Covering an impressive 748,436 acres, it’s the perfect weekend road trip destination for climbers, hikers, and nature lovers. Boasting 750 miles of trails, the park has so many must-see places that it’s hard to fit everything into just one weekend. 

Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park, as well as one of its most striking features. Once you’ve admired the falls in all their glory, discover Half Dome on the eastern edge of Yosemite Valley. This distinct rock formation frequently amazes climbers with its sheer size. Then, learn about the heritage and culture of the Ahwahnechee people who once inhabited the valley at the Yosemite Museum. Displaying artifacts and more than 100,000 historic park photographs, a visit to this museum makes your weekend road trip both fun and educational.

8. San Diego

Distance from Los Angeles : 120 miles

Drive time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Offering laid-back vibes and coastal adventures, San Diego is the ultimate weekend road trip destination. Home to the best beaches in California, San Diego is an ideal spot to try watersports. Before you show off your skills on the shore, pay a visit to the historic Balboa Park . The urban park brings together culture, science, and nature, with a variety of museums and wide open spaces where beauty blooms. After spending some time on land, venture out to the ocean to explore the tide pools at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and soak in the majestic views of SoCal’s coastline. Later, head over to Pacific Rim Park to learn about the U.S.'s relationship with three Pacific Rim countries—Mexico, Russia, and China. The focal point of the park is the Pearl of the Pacific statuary, designed with symbols from each country. As one of the best summer road trip destinations in the Golden State , you’ll always leave San Diego with unforgettable memories. 

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Southern California Road Trips

July 19, 2023 by DayTrippen

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Angeles Crest Highway

30 miles. Are you searching for an enjoyable and fast road trip near Los Angeles? Look no further than the Angeles Crest Highway! Beginning at the City of La Canada, this highway traverses the rugged terrain of the San Gabriel Mountains and reaches a height of over 10,000 feet at its peak. You may catch glimpses of the Antelope Valley in the distance as you go along the road.

Mulholland Highway Road Trip

50 miles. Mulholland Highway is a scenic drive where weekend warriors and Hollywood’s famous rub elbows on any given weekend. Winding its way through the Santa Monica Mountains, Mulholland Highway is named after William Mulholland, constructed in the 1920s and billed as the highway “to take Angelinos from the city to the ocean.”

Highway 39 San Gabriel Canyon

The distance for a round trip from the San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center to Crystal Lake is almost 45 miles. We recommend buying an Adventure Pass, which costs only five dollars. San Gabriel Canyon is a well-liked destination to escape the summer heat and can become quite crowded. Planning a visit during Spring or Fall is advisable for the best experience.

Ortega Highway 74

60 miles. California Route 74, or Ortega Highway, stretches just over 21 miles from beautiful San Juan Capistrano in the west to growing Lake Elsinore Valley in the east. The road has a lot of tight turns and changes in elevation. There are numerous turnouts for taking breaks and pictures for those who want to enjoy the scenery.

Highway 126  Heritage Valley

70 miles. State Route 126 connects Interstate 5 in Santa Clarita to U.S. Route 101 in Ventura. Highway 126 passes through the towns of Piru, Fillmore, Santa Paula, and the national landmark of Spanish Rancho Camulos, all bursting with citrus and avocado orchards, roadside stands, as well as historic landmarks, antique airplanes, and railroad history.

Lake Arrowhead

80 miles. Lake Arrowhead, also known as “the Alps of Southern California,” offers abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat to unwind with a book after a hectic day. Whether you seek a romantic escape from Los Angeles, a laid-back family road trip, or an exhilarating outdoor adventure, Lake Arrowhead has something to offer.

National Old Trails Highway

Take a road trip along National Trails Highway. Only a few ghostly shadows remain of the many towns that used to service travelers along the mother road. We journey 175 miles from Victorville to Needles, California, along this iconic highway through the Mojave Desert.

Oak Glen San Bernardino Mountains

90 miles. Your first stop in Oak Glen should be for what else, apples! Many local orchards offer the chance to bring the family and handpick a basket. But first, drop by the Oak Glen School House Museum and Park on South Oak Glen Road.

Ojai Valley

90 miles. Ojai is located in the middle of a mountain range that runs east to west, giving it a one-of-a-kind sunset that is hard to find in other towns. This sunset, known as the “Pink Moment,” is a stunning display of the sun setting over the Pacific Coast that is reflected onto the mountainside. The result is a beautiful pink glow that lasts for several minutes on the Topatopa Bluffs, located at the eastern end of the Ojai Valley.

Santa Barbara

100 miles. A great way to get acquainted with Santa Barbara is by renting a beach cruiser from one of the rental shops lining the beach near Stearns Wharf. There are miles of bike paths to explore; however, most people follow the trail from Stearns Wharf to Shoreline Park and back.

Palm Springs

110 miles. When checking off the list of reasons, you should plan a visit to Palm Springs, including the sunshine, outstanding resorts, shopping, outdoor adventures, museums, and spectacular scenery. This beautiful oasis in the Mojave Desert has it all.

Santa Ynez Valley

130 miles. Set among the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and the San Rafael Mountains to the north; the Santa Ynez Valley consists of six unique and diverse communities that make up the Santa Barbara wine country.

Calico Ghost Town

130 miles. Calico is perched upon a hill overlooking the Mojave Desert, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. Calico is a fun place to visit, and if you are lucky, you might even see a gunfight on the main street. At its height, Calico boasted a population of 1,200 people and over 500 silver mines. Today Calico is mainly populated by tourists.

Solvang Village

140 miles. If you’re taking a day trip to Solvang, you can try the local wines at wine-tasting cellars in the town. Additionally, the city offers Danish bakeries, restaurants, antique stores, museums, and friendly shopkeepers dressed in authentic Danish costumes.

Julian California

140 miles. Julian is a popular year-round road trip with shops ranging from tawdry tourists to normal small-town fixtures like hardware and drug stores, antique malls, book boutiques, and restaurants. The   downtown district is only about three blocks long and four blocks wide, making the town small enough to walk easily.

Joshua Tree National Park

140 miles. Joshua Tree National Park Day sits on the border of Riverside and San Bernardino counties and covers nearly 800,000 acres. While seeing many of the park’s attractions in one day is possible, we recommend camping there for at least one night. If camping is not your thing, Palm Springs offers numerous hotels and is not too far away.

Lake Isabella- Kern River

160 miles. Lake Isabella is Nestled in what is known as the Kern River Valley between two sections of the Sequoia National Forest. From fishing to boating, camping to picnicking, the lake offers some of the best fresh-water recreation experiences.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

150 miles. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park eroded badlands provide a different view into the region’s tropical past. The inland of southeastern California was not always a desert. Fossils found include preserved plants, a variety of invertebrate shells, animal tracks, and a vast array of bones and teeth.

Rosarito Beach Mexico

150 miles. Rosarito Beach is a charming destination that offers a rich cultural experience and a variety of activities. Here, you can enjoy world-class surfing, rent a jet ski, savor authentic Baja cuisine, or explore the bustling nightlife at one of the area’s famous nightclubs. Come and escape to a world of Old World charm and adventure.

Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks

200 miles. Tucked side by side in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, east of the San Joaquin Valley. Both parks are connected by a single road that provides nearly 866,000 acres of outdoor adventure in the “Land of the Giants.”

Alabama Hills Owens Valley

210 miles. Take a drive in the Alabama Hills’ “movie flats” and walk in the footsteps of the Lone Ranger, Russell Crowe, Gene Autry, and Mel Gibson. Or enjoy the natural beauty of one of California’s most delightfully weird outdoor destinations while hiking, biking, or climbing.

Hearst Castle

240 miles. This huge estate is about five miles inland and sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hearst Castle is surrounded by a 40,000-acre ranch, some of which is still owned by the Hearst family. Cars are not allowed to drive up the hill to Hearst Castle. You must board one of the buses (included with the tour) and then take the winding road to the estate.

Big Sur Coast

260 miles. Big Sur, California, is one of the most beautiful regions globally. There are many places to stop, look at the scenery, take photographs, or explore the beaches and waterfalls. Many people make it a day trip to drive up this scenic coast. This drive along Pacific Coast Highway is a picturesque adventure for your bucket list.

Las Vegas Nevada

270 miles. Las Vegas and the surrounding area offer so much more than casinos. Las Vegas provides numerous scenic treasures within driving easy distance of the city. Ghost towns, state parks, snow-covered mountains, and spectacular desert destinations.

Death Valley National Park

290 miles. Some tourists visit in the summer just for bragging rights about experiencing the 100 degrees plus heat. During the spring, the valley floor can be covered with wildflowers. Winters are cold, and summers are scorching hot. Whatever time of the year you visit Death Valley, there is an almost endless list of remarkable points of interest.

Mammoth Lakes

310 miles. Summertime in Mammoth Lakes offers visitors various activities, attractions, and events. Wintertime Mammoth is one of the largest ski resorts in the area, with four lodges, three gondolas, 25 other chairlifts, and 150 named trails.

Yosemite National Park

310 miles. Yosemite is a beautiful spot to visit year-round. From the bustling summer season to the quiet, snow-covered winter months, the beauty of Yosemite changes with each season. Year-round camping options visit Yosemite are fun and affordable.

California Train Rides

Knott’s berry farm, living desert zoo.

July 30, 2022 at

Everything looks great. Is this an organized club or do people just pick and choose the various functions and then pay. If this is not similar to the MEETUP Groups do people at least know at lest a few others attending? Very interested, retired, and ready depending on how it works Please enlighten. Thank You Steven Feiles

These are just suggestions for road trips. We do not offer guided trips. Meetup would be a good place to find groups interested in going on road trips together.

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New England Wanderlust

Connecticut , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , New York , Rhode Island , Vermont  ·  March 30, 2022

34 Awesome Road Trips From Boston & Best Itineraries (2024)

Boston is an amazing starting point for adventures all over New England and the Northeast. With so many options to visit tons of nearby coastal towns, exciting cities and plenty of quaint, charming villages, there are endless possibilities for road trips from Boston. And since I’ve been road-tripping and traveling all over the Northeast for over 10 years now, I know all the destinations that are worth your time.

This list includes destinations that are all individually under 6 hours from Boston, and if you’re looking for road trip itineraries that combine destinations from this list, be sure to scroll to the end for suggested itineraries to make the most of your road trip!

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Best Road Trips From Boston

For this list, I’ve broken down the destinations into four categories: Coastal, City, Charming Towns and Luxury Getaways. For each destination, I’ve also included the time it takes to get there from Boston, highlights of the best things to do, what to expect once there, and nearby things to do.

Coastal Road Trip Destinations From Boston

1. plymouth, ma.

Distance From Boston: 40-50 minutes

If you’re looking for a quick, easy getaway from city life in Boston, a little road trip to Plymouth is a fun way to do that. While the town is known for its history dating back to the early 1600s, they are also lots of outdoor activities, parks and beaches, and combine that with a small-town feel, Plymouth makes for a lovely little escape from Boston.

Best things to do in Plymouth:

• Plimoth Patuxet Museum is a living replica of the original pilgrim colony settlement. If you’re a history buff, this is a must-see. You can even climb aboard the Mayflower II, an exact replica of the ship that brought the pilgrims to Plymouth.
• Plymouth Long Beach is a 3-mile long stretch of public beach that’s perfect for getting out by the water.
• Plymouth Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday from May through October, and was Yankee Magazine editor’s pick for best Farmer’s Market in 2018.
• Brewster Gardens is a tranquil, waterfront park that’s sure to invite lots of relaxation.
• Walk around the charming downtown to visit the shops and restaurants,
• Pop into Dirty Water Distillery for an artisanal spirits tasting.
• Go on a whale watch tour with Captain John’s Boat Tours .
• Spend the day getting pampered at Mirbeau Resort & Spa , and even stay for lunch or dinner, or the night for the ultimate day of relaxation.

Click here to book your stay at Mirbeau Resort & Spa!

Psst! I have an entire post on visiting Plymouth, MA , if you need more ideas!

2. Cape Cod, MA

Distance From Boston: 1-2.5 hours, depending on where you to choose to go on Cape Cod.

With over 500 miles of shoreline to explore, Cape Cod is the ultimate beach road trip from Boston because you can get there in about 2 hours and feel like you’re in a whole other world. There are 15 towns in Cape Cod to choose from for your visit, and more beaches than anyone can count. Fill your days being ocean-side, exploring beautiful little coastal towns, eating fresh seafood and taking in amazing sunsets.

Best Things To Do on Cape Cod :

• Visit The Cape Cod National Seashore
• Explore Chatham’s downtown
• Visit Provincetown and the Pilgrim Monument
• For more on the best things to do on the Cape, click the link below for my detailed travel guide.

You may also enjoy:

• Can’t Miss Things To Do When Visiting Cape Cod For The First Time
• Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults
• Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod
• What To Pack For Cape Cod
• Unique Things To Do On Cape Cod

3. Nantucket, MA

Distance From Boston: 2-3 hours, which includes time to park at the ferry terminal, and ride the ferry.

Nantucket is a gorgeous island off the coast of Cape Cod bursting with charm and natural beauty. A day trip to Nantucket is common while visiting Cape Cod, but staying overnight for a night or two would be the best way to make the most of your road trip from Boston. This is a great island to explore if you’re looking for stunning beaches and a beautiful downtown area.

To get to Nantucket, you’ll need to take the ferry from Hyannis on Cape Cod. From there, you can choose between Hyline Cruises or Steamship Authority to get to Nantucket.

Best Things To Do on Nantucket:

• Explore the shops and restaurants in the main town.
• Visit Brant Point Lighthouse.
• Rent a moped to explore the local beaches and towns.
• For more amazing things to do on Nantucket, click the link below for my detail travel guide on a Nantucket day trip.
• The Best Nantucket Day Trip Travel Guide
• How Many Days Do You Need On Nantucket + Suggested Itineraries
• How To Visit All The Nantucket Lighthouses

4. Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Martha’s Vineyard is the other island off the coast of Cape Cod, and it’s more popular as an overnight destination, versus a day trip because it’s bigger. Comprised of 6 beautiful towns, Martha’s Vineyard is home to beautiful beaches, quaint Main Streets for shopping and dramatic cliff-lined shores.

To get to Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll need to take a ferry from either Woods Hole or Hyannis (both terminals located on Cape Cod). There is no benefit to picking one over the other, and it’s best to just pick whichever location is more convenient for you (usually it’s Hyannis for most people).

Best Things To Do on Martha’s Vineyard:

• Gingerbread Cottages in Oak Bluffs
• Edgartown downtown and lighthouse
• Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse
• South/Katama Beach
• For more information on visiting Martha’s Vineyard, click the link below for my guide on deciding between Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard for a day trip.

You may also find these Martha’s Vineyard posts helpful:

• Is Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard Better For A Day Trip?
• The Ultimate Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Guide
• How To See Martha’s Vineyard Without A Car

5. Marblehead, MA

Distance From Boston: 40-50 minutes.

Marblehead is an adorable little coastal town along the North Shore of Massachusetts, and a very quick road trip from Boston. This is the place to come if you’re looking for historical homes, small-town charm, great seafood, dramatic, rocky coastline and options for beaches.

Best Things To Do in Marblehead, MA:

• Marblehead Lighthouse & Chandler Hovey Park
• Self-guided historical home walking tour.
• Take in the views at Castle Hill Rock.
• For more information on the best things to do in Marblehead, click the link before for my detailed travel guide.

Click here to read even more awesome things to do in Marblehead!

6. Salem, MA

Distance From Boston: 30-40 minutes.

Salem is another little coastal town along the North Shore of Massachusetts, and is known for being the premier New England destination for all things spooky. While visiting Salem in October is definitely a bucket list-worthy goal, it’s actually a really wonderful town to visit all year round. It’s very walkable with a variety of things to do, and makes for a great day trip, or a weekend getaway.

Best Things To Do in Salem, MA:

• Winter Harbor Park and Lighthouse
• Salem Witch Trials Memorial
• Salem Maritimes National Historic Site
• Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
• House of Seven Gables
• Peabody Essex Museum

Psst! I have some helpful guides including planning the perfect Salem, MA day trip , and the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

7. Rockport, MA

Distance From Boston: 50-60 minutes.

Rockport is one of my favorite coastal towns in all of New England. It has so much character, wonderful shops and restaurants, and really invites you to slow down a bit to take it all in. It’s a small town, and can be done in a day, but a weekend here would be a very relaxing road trip from Boston.

Best Things To Do in Rockport, MA:

• Visit Motif 1, the most painted building in New England, if not the country!
• Go for a scenic walk or hike at Halibut Point State Park.
• Meander through the shops on Bear Skin Neck.
• For more things to do in Rockport and the North Shore region, click the links below for my detailed travel guides.

Click here for more amazing things to do in Rockport!

Click here to read my travel guide on the best things to do on Cape Ann!

8. Newburyport, MA

Newburyport is a delightful little coastal town in Massachusetts that has a very traditional New England feel with beautiful homes at every turn, and an adorable little downtown area and waterfront park. Newburyport is also home to Plum Island, which is a gorgeous part of town with amazing beaches and wildlife sanctuaries.

Best Things To Do in Newburyport, MA:

• Visit Oldies Marketplace to look for antiques and treasures.
• Meander the streets of downtown to explore the beautiful storefronts.
• Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront park.
• Pack a picnic or take a nature walk at Maudslay State Park , which has over 500 acres to explore.
• Head out on the open waters with Yankee Clipper Tours , and cruise around the Merrimack River and Newburyport Harbor.
• Drive over to Plum Island to visit Plums Island Beach, buy some handmade soaps at Plum Island Soap Co. , and walk the stunning nature trails at the Parker River National Wildlife Refugee .

Click here to read my full guide to visiting Newburyport & Plum Island!

9. Block Island, RI

Distance From Boston: 3-3.5 hours, which includes time to park at the ferry terminal, and ride the ferry.

Block Island is a beautiful island off the coast of Rhode Island with gorgeous beaches, walking trails, water activities, salt marshes, great restaurants and is overall a wonderful place to relax while appreciating the outdoors. This actually might be one of my top underdog suggestions for a weekend getaway from Boston.

It actually reminds me a bit of Prince Edward Island, so if you’re looking to live out your Anne of Green Gables dreams, but can’t make it to Canada, this is a great place to do that. There’s even a lovely hotel on the island called Avonlea.

To get to the island, you’ll need to drive to the Pt. Judith ferry terminal in Rhode Island. For more information on the ferry, click here .

Best Things To Do on Block Island, RI:

• Take in the views at Mohegan Bluffs.
• Rent a moped to explore the entire island.
• Spend some time swimming at Mansion Beach.
• Visit the island’s two lighthouses.
• Have lunch with a water view at The Oar .

Click here to read all my tips for taking a Block Island day trip!

10. Newport, RI

Distance From Boston: 1.5 hours, but always anticipate extra traffic crossing the Newport bridge.

Newport is a stunning coastal city in Rhode Island that’s the perfect destination for sailing, shopping, dining and being by the water. Even though it’s technically a city, I wanted to include it in the coastal destinations group because it definitely feels more like a resort waterfront town than a city.

With so many things to do, you could easily spend a weekend here, but Newport will also work for a day trip.

Best Things To Do in Newport, RI:

• Walk along Cliff Walk for amazing coastal views.
• Visit Bowen’s Wharf for shopping and dining.
• Grab a lobster roll at the Newport Lobster Shack .
• Walk over to Goat Island to see the lighthouse and take in views of the Newport Bridge.
• Sail around Narrangansett Bay with Sightsailing of Newport .
• Visit the unique shops along Thames Street.
• Grab lunch and cocktails at The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn , overlooking the water. Better yet, book an overnight stay for the ultimate Newport experience!

Click here to book your stay at The Castle Hill Inn in Newport .

Click here to read all my tips for taking a Newport, RI day trip!

Click here to read about all the best things to do in Newport, RI in the winter!

11. Mystic, CT

Distance From Boston: 1.5 hours

This adorable little town sits along Mystic River, and has an awesome mix of preserved maritimes history, small-town charm and nature. While Mystic is mostly visited for its quaint, waterfront downtown, it’s also home to parts of two bordering towns, Stonington and Groton, giving you opportunity to explore a few different coastal Connecticut destinations during your visit.

Best Things To Do in Mystic, CT:

• See penguins, beluga whales, sharks and sea lions at the Mystic Aquarium .
• Learn all about maritimes history at the Mystic Seaport Museum and Village , which is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, Maritimes museums in the country.
• Hit the trails at Bluff Point State Park.
• Take a sunset or moonlit cruise with Poet’s Lounge Sailing Charters .
• Grab a warm lobster roll, which originated in CT, at Ford’s Lobster in nearby Noank.

Click here to read about all the best things to do in Mystic, CT!

12. The Hamptons, NY

Distance From Boston: 5.5 hours if driving the whole way, 6 hours if you drive to New London, CT to take the ferry.

The Hamptons needs no introduction, as it’s become a famous summer destination in New York thanks to many celebrities calling it a secondary home. Sitting along the Long Island sound, you can expect gorgeous beaches, amazing shopping and restaurants, specialty food markets and farmer’s markets, wineries and plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation.

The Best Things To Do in The Hamptons:

• Have a beach day and watch the surfers at Coopers Beach in Southampton.
• Go vineyard hopping, and taste some of the local wines. Channing Daughters Winery and Wölffer Estates are two great options.
• Take in the views at Montauk Lighthouse.
• Enjoy an afternoon of rest and restoration at the Montauk Salt Caves .
• Have some amazing and fresh seafood at Bostwick’s Chowder House in East Hampton.
• Rent a bike and ride along Gin Lane in Southampton for incredible views of the ocean, and to see some amazing houses.

13. Ogunquit, ME

Distance From Boston: 1 hour and 15 minutes

One of my favorite beach towns in all of New England is Ogunquit, which is one of the best places to visit in Maine in the summer , but it’s really fun in spring and fall, too. Offering both dramatic and rocky coastline that Maine is famous for, as well as a long, sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming, you’ll get the best of both worlds here. Ogunquit’s town is entirely walkable, so once you drive in, you’ll be able to leave your car behind and get almost everywhere by foot. There’s an amazing downtown scene with plenty of shops and restaurants, and you’re never that far from Ogunquit Beach.

Best Things To Do in Ogunquit, ME:

• Walk along Marginal Way, where you’ll get the most amazing views of the rocky coastline.
• Visit Perkins Cove to enjoy its charming shops and restaurants.
• Spend plenty of time at Ogunquit Beach, one of the best beaches in Maine.
• For more information on things to do in Ogunquit, click the link below for my detailed travel guide.

Click here to read about more amazing things to do in Ogunquit!

14. Kennebunkport, ME

Distance From Boston: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Just a short distance from Ogunquit is Kennebunkport, so these two destinations could easily be combined, and both are worth your time. Kennebunkport is full of character, and can be visited as either a day trip, or a weekend getaway, from Boston. Offering both beaches and a wonderful downtown scene, this is a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy being by the water.

Best Things To Do in Kennebunkport, ME:

• Visit Gooch’s Beach for a walk along the shore, or go for a swim.
• Have an authentic lobsterman experience with Rugosa Lobster Tours .
• Walk around the downtown and Dock Square shops.
• Grab an artisanal ice cream cone at Rococo Ice Cream .
• Have some craft cocktails and beer at Batson River Brewing and Distillery .
• Walk along Parson’s Way for amazing views of the dramatic coastline.
• Grab fresh seafood takeout from The Clam Shack .

Click here to see why Kennebunkport is one of the best Christmas towns in New England!

15. Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park

Distance From Boston: 4 hours and 45 minutes

One of the absolute best places to visit in all of Maine is Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, and this will make an epic road trip from Boston. Bar Harbor is the adjacent town to Acadia, and where most people stay when visiting the park. Bar Harbor is a fun destination on its own because it’s full of character, and has great restaurants, and a beautiful harbor-side walking path and park.

Acadia National Park is one of the top destinations in all of New England, providing over 120 miles of hiking trails, and countless opportunities to take in some of the best and most incredible coastline views in the entire Northeast. In my opinion, this is one of the best roads trips from Boston you can take.

Best Things To Do in Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park:

• Walk along the Ocean Path trail inside Acadia, which is a flat, easy path along Shore Road that provides the most payoff for minimal effort when it comes to the most famous views in the park.
• Have lunch and popovers at Jordan Pond House inside Acadia, which offers views of the lawn and Jordan Pond.
• Drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain inside Acadia for sunrise or sunset.
• Explore Bar Harbor’s downtown.
• Take a leisurely walk along Shore Path in Bar Harbor for the best views of the harbor.
• Visit Bass Harbor Lighthouse inside Acadia.

Tip : You’ll need to purchase a park pass to enter any attractions inside Acadia National Park. Park passes can be purchased online in advance by clicking here .

Psst! I have some posts on Acadia that you may find helpful, including my Acadia National Park Itinerary , and the Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park .

Luxury Road Trip Destinations From Boston

These destinations don’t have to be all about luxury, but since it’s nice to treat yourself every now and then, I wanted to include a few of my favorite luxury resorts that are easy road trips from Boston. If all you’re looking for is a little R&R and some serious pampering without having to leave the resort grounds, these are amazing places to visit.

16. Cliff House in Cape Neddick, ME

If you’re looking for the ultimate coastal Maine getaway to fully relax and recharge, then Cliff House will be the perfect road trip from Boston for you. This oceanfront resort sits atop 70 acres of cliffs, and offers incredible amenities that will allow you fully emerse yourself in Maine’s natural beauty without having to go far. Almost every square foot of this property has an ocean view, so there’s no way you can be stressed during your visit.

What To Expect During Your Stay At Cliff House:

• Beautifully-appointed rooms with a private terrace, and your choice of partial or full ocean views. Some rooms are also ocean-front.
• Complimentary coffee, tea and water stations on each floor.
• A full-service spa.
• Three oceanfront restaurants and a coffee cafe.
• Manicured gardens and pathways for relaxing walks.
• Two outdoor pools, two indoor pools and a hot tub.
• On-site shopping.

Click here to book your stay at Cliff House!

17. Ocean House in Westerly, RI

Distance From Boston: 1 hour and 45 minutes

For one of the very best luxury experiences in all of New England, Ocean House in Westerly, RI is a truly amazing destination. With the entire properly overlooking the Block Island Sound, it’s guaranteed you’ll be able to relax during your stay. Travel + Leisure has even named Ocean House as one of the top 100 hotels in the entire world.

What To Expect During Your Stay At Ocean House:

• Freshly designed and elegant coastal New England rooms and suites.
• Complimentary use of the hotels Mercedes-Benz convertibles for self-guided tours.
• Complimentary activities within the resort, such as daily yoga and cooking classes.
• Valet parking included in your room rate.
• Four on-site restaurants, and lobster dinners on the lawn during the summer.
• An on-site spa.
• Beautifully manicured lawns with yard games.
• Complimentary refreshments throughout the day.

Click here to book your stay at the Ocean House!

18. Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY

Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 45 minutes

If you’re looking for the ultimate road trip from Boston that combines hiking in the mountains with total relaxation, then Mohonk Mountain House is perfect for you. Located in the small college town of New Paltz, Mohonk Mountain House is right in the heart of the Hudson Valley of New York, and is surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest.

Overviews of the resort have been used in the Amazon Prime series Upload , and has long been rumored to be the inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining . But don’t let that scare you away! That only thing that will actually scare you once here is how amazing the views are.

If an overnight stay doesn’t work with your plans, guests can also purchase a day pass to the resort grounds, which allows you access to the hiking trails. This is a great way to enjoy the scenery without committing to an overnight stay.

What To Expect During Your Stay At Mohonk Mountain House:

• Traditionally-decorated rooms and suites that overlook the mountains. Most rooms also come with private balconies and rocking chairs.
• Lake Mohonk on the resort grounds.
• An all-inclusive stay where breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as all outdoor activities such as kayaks, row boats and canoes, are all included in the room rate.
• 85 miles of hiking trails right outside your door.
• Farm-to-table dining.
• Benches and chairs situated all over the resort grounds for moments of rest, and to clear your mind.

Click here to book your stay at Mohonk Mountain House!

Click here to read my detailed review of a Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass!

19. Mirbeau Spa in Rhinebeck, NY

Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 10 minutes

Mirbeau has a few locations throughout the Northeast, but my favorite of them all is in Rhinebeck, NY, a beautiful little town in the Hudson Valley. This particular Mirbeau Spa is one of the newer additions to their family, and is decorated in a modern, Parisian style, which makes it feel like a unique destination.

The spas at Mirbeau are really amazing. I’ve personally had massages and treatments at different locations, and they’ve always been consistent in quality (and, of course, relaxation). Guests are invited to walk around in robes, including at lunch, and the on-site hotel allows you to continue your relaxation journey into the evening for the perfect overnight stay.

What To Expect During Your Stay At Mirbeau in Rhinebeck, NY:

• A serene, calm spa atmosphere throughout the entire grounds.
• A relaxation room, aqua terrace and steam facility within the spa.
• Different spa packages to customize your stay that include dining options to make your visit stress-free.
• Luxurious and Parisian-inspired accommodations with options including in-room fireplaces and soaking tubs.

Click here to book your stay at Mirbeau in Rhinbeck!

Charming Small Town Road Trip Destinations From Boston

If you’re looking to visit some of the most charming towns in New England and New York for your road trip, I’ve got your covered! Here are the most adorable little towns to visit that make awesome road trips from Boston.

20. Saratoga Springs, NY

Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 15 minutes

While technically a city, Saratoga Springs’ historic downtown feels very much like a quaint village. Located in Upstate, NY and known for its horse racing track season, this destination has so much more to offer including a wonderful Main Street for shopping and dining, gorgeous parks, beautiful and historic architecture and live entertainment.

Best Things To Do in Saratoga Springs, NY:

• Walk around the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park, which is a National Historic Landmark. You can enjoy a round of golf at an 18-hole championship course, have a picnic by the reflecting pool and admire the architecture of the Hall of Springs.
• July – Labor Day, visit the Race Track , and even try your hand at placing bets on the winner!
• Stroll through Congress Park, and find the mineral springs to taste the local water.
• Enjoy a healing bath at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa . The spa staff is trained on how to draw the perfect bath at just the right temperature, and the minerals in the waters have been said to have health benefits such as reducing sinus congestion and arthritis symptoms.
• Take in a live show at SPAC , one of the the country’s most renowned outdoor concert venues.
• Walk up and down Broadway, downtown’s main street, to visit the local shops and restaurants.
• Grab delicious cocktails with lunch or dinner at Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro inside the famed Adelphi Hotel. Better yet, book an overnight stay at this Gilded Age-era boutique hotel, located in the heart of Saratoga’s downtown.

Click here to book your stay at the Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs!

21. Skaneateles, NY

Distance From Boston: 5 hours and 20 minutes

Skaneateles is a lakeside town in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate, NY, and is a wonderful place to visit, especially in the Summer. With Skaneateles Lake right in the heart of downtown, and an adorable Main Street with really nice shops and restaurants, the quaintness of the town is perfect for rest and relaxation, but also offers plenty to do to keep from ever being bored.

Best Things To Do in Skaneateles, NY:

• Walk around Main Street to visit the boutiques.
• Sit and admire the views of the lake from the town’s many waterfront areas.
• Visit Anyela’s Vineyards to enjoy a tasting, or sip on a glass of wine and take in the peaceful views of the vineyards.
• Head out onto the lake for a boat tour.
• Grab dinner and drinks at the Sherwood Inn , located right in the heart of town, and just across the street from the lake.
• Spend the day getting pampered at Mirbeau Inn & Spa , the original Mirbeau location, which is home to a Monet-inspired garden and bridge.

Click here to book your stay at Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles!

Click here to read more suggestions on the best things to do in Skaneateles, NY!

22. Lake Placid, NY

Distance From Boston: 5 hours

Known for hosting two Olympic games, Lake Placid in the Adirondack region of Upstate NY has so much more to offer (although, the Olympic sites are definitely worth visiting!). I personally love visiting Lake Placid in the winter because the alpine-inspired town really seems to come alive with apres-ski vibes, but it’s really a great destination all year round. While in Lake Placid, you’ll be surrounded by mountains and fresh air, and feel like you’ve truly escaped from every day life.

Best Things To Do in Lake Placid, NY:

• Walk around Mirror Lake, located in the heart of Lake Placid’s downtown.
• In the winter, enjoy skiing at Whiteface Mountain , and ice skating and a Toboggan Chute on Mirror Lake.
• Enjoy the miles of hiking trails in the nearby mountains.
• Walk around the alpine-inspired downtown village to visit the quaint shops.
• In the summer, go for a swim in Mirror Lake from the public beach area.
• Visit the Olympic sites, including the ski jump, ice arena and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum .
• Walk around High Falls Gorge, a 22-acre nature park with waterfalls.
• Grab drinks and lunch or dinner at The Cottage, a restaurant at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa that sits right on Mirror Lake. Better yet, book an overnight stay, and also enjoy the on-site spa for the ultimate Lake Placid getaway!

Click here to book your stay at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa in Lake Placid .

Click here to read my post on all the best things to do in Lake Placid in the fall!

23. Hudson, NY

Distance From Boston: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Located in the Hudson Valley of New York, Hudson is known as being incredibly charming, and one of the best destinations for antiquing in the area. This is a great little town to visit if you’re looking to relax, enjoy a small-town atmosphere and see where the day takes you. Hudson is also a great destination if you’re looking to explore the entire Hudson Valley region.

Best Things To Do in Hudson, NY:

• Antiquing! There are countless antique shops in Hudson, and you’ll definitely want to check out The Antique Warehouse , which has over 300,000 sq. feet of treasures.
• Stroll down Warren Street, where most of the storefronts can be found.
• Take a boat cruise along the Hudson River with Hudson Cruises , which offers tours to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, and even murder mystery cruises!
• The Hudson Farmer’s Market is regarded as one of the best in the region, and is open every Saturday in-season, and also has a winter location February-April.
• Tour the local art galleries.
• Go for a nature walk in the Greenport Conservation Area, which is home to over 7 miles of trails, and is walkable from downtown Hudson.

Click here to read my post on the best things to do in Upstate New York in the fall!

24. Manchester, VT

This small little town in Southern Vermont is the perfect place to disconnect and relax. As you cross the New York/Vermont border, you’ll begin to see the tall mountains all around you, and instantly feel more at peace. In fact, you’ll be able to see the surrounding mountains from everywhere in downtown Manchester. And with everything to do from shopping and dining to hiking and nature walks, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your group will enjoy.

Best Things To Do in Manchester, VT:

• Hike or drive up Mt. Equinox, the tallest mountain in the Taconic Range, and enjoy the incredible views from above.
• Browse through Northshire Bookstore , an amazing independent bookstore that’s been in business since 1976. Here, you’ll find new and used books, a wonderful children’s section, and unique Vermont-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
• Visit Hildene , the Lincoln family estate, where visitors can tour the gardens, walking trails, farm land and indoor exhibits, and enjoy sweeping views of the Vermont countryside.
• Rent a tube at Vermont River Runners and take a relaxing water tube ride along the Battenkill River, which is perfect for a warm summer day.
• Grab a sandwich as big as your head at Zoey’s Deli . I also love their homemade chips!
• Hike the Lye Brook Falls trails to visit a beautiful waterfall. The trailhead is a short 5-minute drive from town center.
• Go for a dip in the Dorset Marble Quarry for a unique swimming experience!
• After your swim, visit the Dorset Union Store , a quintessential Vermont country store.

Click here for an awesome Vermont covered bridges tour itinerary!

25. Woodstock, VT

Distance From Boston: 2.5 hours

Of all the Vermont towns on this list, I think Woodstock might be my favorite. I love them all, but there’s something about Woodstock that just screams New England charm, and perfectly balances being a town that caters to tourists, while not losing any of the local character. It’s one of those idyllic towns you’ll daydream about moving to.

Best Things To Do in Woodstock, VT:

• Walk through the truly adorable village and enjoy the local shops and coffee cafes.
• Head over to the Woodstock Middle Covered Bridge, located right in the village, for a picture-perfect Vermont moment.
• Get your hands muddy with a pottery workshop at Farmhouse Pottery .
• Drive to nearby Quechee and visit the Simon Pearce Restaurant & Mill , and take in a live glass-blowing demonstration, as well as lunch overlooking the gorge.
• Head over to Quechee Gorge Village after Simon Pearce for some antiquing.
• Visit Billings Farm & Museum to tour a working dairy farm, gardens and orchards, and see live demonstrations. The grounds here are truly spectacular!
• Hike Mount Tom for stunning views of Woodstock from above.
• Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
• Best Things To Do In Woodstock, VT
• Best Winter Getaways In New England

26. Stowe, VT

Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Stowe is an adorable little village in Northern Vermont that I love to visit, and it always puts a smile on my face. Even though it’s a well-known ski destination in the winter months, it’s a great little place to visit year-round will lots of outdoor activities and perfect Vermont scenery all over, including some beautiful covered bridges.

Best Things To Do in Stowe, VT:

• Hike Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont, or drive the auto road to the summit.
• See if you believe in ghosts at Emily’s Covered Bridge. Legend says it’s haunted by a girl who hung herself on the bridge after her boyfriend never came to meet her.
• Walk the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.5-mile long paved path that goes through beautiful scenery throughout the village. The path can be accessed from several locations in the village.
• Connect to the Quiet Path along the Rec Path, which is reserved for walkers only (meaning, no bikes wizzing by you). It meanders through parts of Mayo Farm, and is a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
• Go hiking at Smuggler’s Notch State Park.
• Visit the nearby Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a tour.
• Explore Sterling Falls Gorge.
• In the winter, hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Ski Resort.
• Pick up some chocolates from Lake Champlain Chocolates.
• Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT
• Best Stops To Make When Driving From Boston to Stowe, VT
• Best Things To Do In Vermont In The Winter

27. Greenwich, CT

Distance From Boston: 3 hours

Greenwich is an absolutely beautiful town that sits right on the border of New York, and also very accessible to Manhattan. I love coming to this idyllic little town when I want a day of relaxing, shopping, dining, being outside, visiting the beach and enjoying the gorgeous scenery.

Best Things To Do in Greenwich, CT:

• Shop the stores along Greenwich Avenue.
• Enjoy a serene walk through the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens in nearby Purchase, NY.
• Meander through Montgomery Pinetum, a public park that’s very relaxing, and also has beautiful ponds, nature trails and gardens with an educational center and greenhouse.
• Head to the Lobster Bin for an amazing lobster roll on-the-go.
• Spend some time at the beaches along Greenwich Point Park.
• Admire the architecture of the historic district buildings.

28. Jackson, NH

Let’s head to the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire! One of the best towns to stay in is Jackson, where you’ll find a lovely downtown and Main Street, an iconic red covered bridge, and endless opportunities to explore the White Mountains region, including lots of hiking and outdoor activities. While it’s most popular during the winter for skiing, and the fall for foliage season, Jackson can be enjoyed year-round.

Best Things To Do in Jackson, NH:

• Visit Honeymoon Bridge, the town’s famous red covered bridge.
• Drive to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in New England.
• Hike the Glen Ellis Falls Trail.
• Explore the downtown shops and restaurants.
• In the winter, go skiing at Black Mountain. In the summer, the mountain offers horseback riding and lots of hiking trails.

You may also like: The best things to do in New England in the fall!

City Life Road Trip Destinations From Boston

Even though you’re road-tripping from a city already, it’s still exciting to explore a new one. There are quite a few cities that make for amazing road trips from Boston, and many of them can be combined with other destinations from this list to offer the best of city life, and coastal or small-town living.

29. Portsmouth, NH

Distance From Boston: 1 hour

This charming little city is just a short drive from Boston, and definitely feels more like a town than a city. Portsmouth is a port-side city with a gorgeous downtown filled with quaint shops and boutiques, and is known as being a huge foodie destination. This is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a lot of character, and lots of options when it comes to being outside, dining and shopping.

Best Things To Do in Portsmouth, NH:

• Grab some fresh and delicious pastries from Elephantine Bakery , and be sure to enjoy them just outside the cafe in the most adorable little courtyard.
• Shop the boutiques in downtown Portsmouth.
• Walk along Prescott Park, which has over 10 acres of waterfront gardens and paths, and is home to live entertainment in the summer months.
• Take a dip in the water at Great Island Common Park.
• Go brewery hopping, as Portsmouth is home to five breweries.
• Enjoy a drink at the Book & Bar , a combined bookstore, cafe and bar.
• Head out onto the water with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises .
• Visit Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

30. Providence, RI

Providence is the capital of Rhode Island, and also home to famed schools Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. It’s also a really fun city to be a tourist! With Providence River running through the city, you still have opportunities to feel like you’re connected to nature, and with tons of restaurants, shops, nightlife and history, this destination makes for an amazing road trip from Boston.

Best Things To Do in Providence, RI:

• Visit The Arcade , the country’s very first shopping mall designed with Greek revival architecture, and now home to some awesome boutiques and art galleries.
• Visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo , which is the third oldest zoo in the country, where guests can feed giraffes and other farm animals, and see over 160 different species while visiting. You can also jump on the Explore and Soar ride, which is a fun zip ride and train excursion through the forests.
• Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Providence Riverwalk.
• During the summer, experience WaterFire, where braziers are set with bonfires in the middle of the river.
• Take in the exhibits at the RISD Museum of Art.
• Take a Venetian gondola ride along the river at Waterplace Park.
• Do a self-guided historical walking tour along Benefit Street to see some of the city’s most historic houses and buildings.
• Take a boat tour along the Providence River.

Click here to read my post on the best day trips from Providence!

31. Portland, ME

Portland is an exciting waterfront city in Maine that sits on a peninsula along Casco Bay, and provides the best of both worlds as far as being a city destination that’s also coastal. With things to do outdoors along the dramatic coastline, to an amazing restaurant and food scene, Portland has a little something for everyone during your road trip from Boston.

Best Things To Do in Portland, ME:

• Portland Head Lighthouse is a must! It’s the most famous lighthouse in Maine, and one of the most iconic in all of New England. Nearby, you can also visit Spring Point Ledge Light and Bug Light, and do a mini lighthouse tour without leaving the city!
• Visit one of my favorite breweries in New England, Bissell Brothers . They also get bonus points for being close to the waterfront at Thompson’s Point.
• Meander around Old Port to see the city’s fishing industry come to life.
• Walk along the lively waterfront scene on Commercial Street for shopping, dining and water views.
• Tour the open waters on a beautiful Schooner tour with Portland Schooner . They also invite you to pack a picnic with beer and wine to enhance your experience.
• Tour the Portland Arts District, which is filled with art galleries, museums and theaters.
• Take a culinary tour of the city and learn the very best places to eat, led by a local. Click the link below to book your tour, or learn more info.

Click here to book your walking culinary tour in Portland!

You may also like:

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• Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine
• Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
• Best Things To Do In New England For Your Bucket List

32. New York City

Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 45 minutes (but always allow extra time for traffic)

New York City needs no introduction, and if you’ve never been to the city that never sleeps, this is an absolute must if you’re looking into road trips from Boston. Below is a list of my absolute favorite things to do when I visit NYC, which includes the best things to do for first-time visitors.

The Best Things To Do in New York City:

• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and visit DUMBO for sweeping views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
• Get bagels at Brooklyn Bagel (the best in the city).
• Visit Central park, and be sure to stop at Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle and The Mall walkway.
• Grab a slice of pizza at Joe’s (150 E 14th St.)
• Explore the MET Museum and Cloisters.
• Take the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty (this is free and way better than the official tours, which are super crowded!).
• See a broadway show.
• It’s touristy, but I love going to the top of the Empire State Building.
• Walk around the West Village for amazing streets and brownstones.

33. Burlington, VT

Burlington is a small and beautiful city in Northern Vermont that sits along Lake Champlain, and is wonderfully diverse, exuberant and also very relaxing. This is a great destination if you’re looking for a small-town feel set in a bigger city, waterfront and outdoor activities, an art scene and plenty of amazing restaurants.

Best Things To Do in Burlington, VT:

• Walk around Church Street, a pedestrian-only area lined with unique shops and restaurants.
• Stroll around the waterfront to admire the views of Lake Champlain, as well as the Burlington Breakwater Lighthouse.
• Bike the Burlington Bike Path, a beautiful path along the lake that’s over 7 miles long.
• Go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding on the lake.
• Head to nearby Shelburne to tour Shelburne Farms , one of my favorite things to do in all of Vermont! There are tons of hiking and walking trails through the 1400-acre picturesque grounds, and you can stop to sample their homemade cheeses and baked goods along the way.
• Take in the art scene on the South End, which is loaded with galleries and shops.
• Get a taste for the local brews with a Sip of Burlington Beer Tour. Join a small group for dinner, and learn from a local brew expert as you taste all the different beers that are brewed nearby. Click the link below to learn more, or book your tour.

Click here to book your Beer of Burlington experience!

34. Philadelphia, PA

Last but most definitely not least on our round-up of the best road trips from Boston, is the city of Brothery Love, Philadelphia. Philly is Pennsylvania’s largest city, and is deeply rooted in history, but there are all kinds of things to do from exciting nightlife and amazing food to parks and waterfront activities.

Best Things To Do in Philadelphia, PA:

• Run up the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and snap a picture with the Rocky statue. A bit touristy, but if you’re a fan of the movie, you gotta go for it.
• Speaking of the Philadelphia Museum of Art , after your Rocky moment, be sure to visit. They have an amazing American art collection, as well as works by famed impressionists Renoir, Degas and Monet.
• Tour Independence Hall, regarded as the birthplace of the United States, and where the Declaration of Independence was debated by our Founding Fathers.
• Venture just outside the city to visit Longwood Gardens, an expansive garden oasis filled with both indoor and outdoor gardens and, and beautifully designed grounds.
• Grab a Philly cheesesteak at Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop .
• Stroll along the Delaware Riverfront to explore Cherry Street and Race Street Piers, and take in amazing views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
• Hop on a BYOB trolley tour of the city, hosted by hilarious guides that share historic and entertaining information, and take you to some of the top sites in the city. Click the link below to learn more, or book your tour.

Click here to book your Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour in Philadelphia!

Road Trip Itinerary Options

If you’re looking to combine towns from this list into longer roads trips, or are wondering which towns are close enough to combine together to maximize your time and cover the most ground, I’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find suggested itineraries with different routes you can take while planning the best road trips from Boston.

Option 1: Massachusetts North Shore Road Trip From Boston

For this route, you’ll head north from Boston and visit the following destinations:

• Newburyport & Plum Island
• Portsmouth, NH

Days Needed For This Route: 2-4 . If you’re looking for an easy road trip from Boston with lots of options, this is an awesome route to take. You can do it in as little as 2 days for a weekend trip, or add on two additional days to take your time and explore each town.

Option 2: Cape Cod & The Islands Road Trip From Boston

For this route, you’ll head south from Boston and visit the following destinations:

• Martha’s Vineyard

Days Needed For This Route: 7-8 days. Because this route requires ferries from Cape Cod to the islands, and with Cape Cod being a larger region to explore, I recommend a week.

If you have less time, the islands could be done as day trips, and you could attempt this route in about 5 days . If you have 10 days, I would suggest spending one night in Plymouth, 5 days on Cape Cod, two nights on Nantucket and two nights on Martha’s Vineyard for the ultimate Cape Cod road trip.

Option 3: Boston To Bar Harbor Road Trip

This route will take you up the coast of Maine and stop in these destinations:

• Newburyport, MA
• Ogunquit, ME
• Kennebunkport, ME
• Portland, ME
• Bar Harbor, ME

Days Needed For This Route: 7-10 days. I suggest this much time because your final destination, Bar Harbor, is home to Acadia National Park, and there’s so much to see and do just in the park. And each stop along the way is a very worthy destination to spend at least one night in.

If you’re very short on time, you can do this route in 4 nights with this itinerary:

• On your way to Ogunquit, pass through Newburyport and spend 2-3 hours there. Arrive in Ogunquit late afternoon to spend the night.
• The next day, spend the morning in Ogunquit, and then drive to Kennebunkport to spend about 3 hours exploring there. Drive to Portland, and spend the night.
• The next day, spend your morning in Portland, and then drive to Bar Harbor to arrive by mid-afternoon. Spend 2 nights in Bar Harbor.
• Drive back to Boston.

I have a detailed Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary if you’d like more help with planning!

Option 4: Vermont Road Trip From Boston

For this route, you’ll head northwest of Boston, and drive through the best towns in Vermont from this list. You’ll cover these destinations:

• Manchester, VT
• Woodstock, VT
• Burlington, VT

Note : This route isn’t as direct as the other routes, and will include 6.5 hours of driving time to get from Boston to Burlington, stopping at the other destinations along the way. But then you can drive direct from Burlington to Boston on your way home, which will only take 3.5 hours.

Days Needed For This Route: 3-5 days . This could easily be a long weekend itinerary if you don’t stop in each town overnight, and just visit Manchester and Stowe for a few hours each. You could, of course, take your time, and do up to 5 nights for this itinerary.

Option 5: Rhode Island & Coastal Connecticut Road Trip From Boston

This route will take you southwest from Boston, and you’ll visit these destinations:

• Providence, RI
• Newport, RI
• Block Island, RI
• Westerly, RI

Days Needed For This Route: 3-6 days . This is another itinerary you could also do in a weekend if you only spend a few hours in Mystic, as a day trip from Newport, and skip going to Block Island. To visit all these destinations, you’ll need about 5 days, but 6 would be ideal to not feel rushed.

Tip : If you wanted to extend your road trip further along this route, there is a ferry that leaves from New London, CT, and goes to the Hamptons!

Option 6: Boston To New York City & The Hamptons Road Trip

This route will take you to these destinations:

• Rhinebeck, NY
• New Paltz, NY
• New York City
• The Hamptons
• Optional add-on: Philadelphia, PA

Note : The route from Boston to The Hamptons, while making all the stops in the Hudson Valley in-between, is not direct, and will take about 7.5 hours without stops, so I highly suggest you stop overnight in at least one of the towns to break up your drive. If you wanted to visit Philadelphia, this would be the route you would want to add that destination to, as you will have to drive through NYC to get there.

Days Needed For This Route: 1 week. To do this route in 7 days, I would suggest spending a few hours each in Hudson and Rhinebeck, then spend the night in New Paltz (splurging at Mohonk Mountain House is definitely worth it!). Then drive to NYC the next day, and spend 3 nights there. Then drive to The Hamptons, and spend 3 nights. If you want to add Philadelphia, you’ll want to add an extra night or two.

If you’re short on time and want to do this route in fewer days, I would suggest spending a night in the Hudson Valley (same as above), spend 3 nights in NYC, but include a day trip to The Hamptons. Or, if The Hamptons is of more interest to you, you could spend one night in NYC, and spend a night or two in The Hamptons. And then drive back to Boston.

The other option is to drive direct from Boston to New York City, and leave out the Hudson Valley towns entirely. On that route, your focus would be New York City and The Hamptons.

What Towns Are 1 Hour From Boston?

Plymouth, Salem, Rockport, Newburyport are all within an hour from Boston, and make for wonderful road trips or day trips from Boston.

Towns not mentioned on this list that are also an hour or less from Boston that are perfect for a road trip are Scituate, Gloucester, Manchester-By-The-Sea and Essex, all of which are located in Massachusetts.

What Cities Are 6 Hours From Boston?

New York City, Portsmouth, NH, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, ME, Burlington, VT and Providence, RI are all within 6 hours or less from Boston, and are all included on this list as amazing road trips from Boston.

Is Boston Close To Niagara Falls?

Boston is over 7 hours from Niagara Falls, and for that reason, didn’t make this list of road trips. But if you have extra time, it could be added to a road trip itinerary for Skaneateles, NY and the finger lakes region.

• 7-Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
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That’s A Wrap On The Best Road Trips From Boston

As you can see, Boston is really an incredible gateway to all of the Northeast, making it easy to take lots of different road trips. Whether you want to explore the coast of Massachusetts and Maine, go cute-town-hopping through Vermont or visit as many cities as you can, you’re now ready to plan which of these road trips from Boston is perfect for you.

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7 Epic Texas Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

There’s absolutely no better way to explore the Lone Star State than on an epic Texas road trip, and we’ve created this road trip guide to show you some of the best ones around!

From Texas’ largest cities to its open plains, from its laid-back beach towns to its wine country, there is no shortage of variety when it comes to what you can experience in Texas.

Here are the best road trips in Texas–plus a few tips to keep in mind before you go.

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Unforgettable Texas Road Trip Ideas

Austin to san antonio loop.

For first-time visitors to Texas and Lone Star State lovers alike, it’s hard to imagine a better short Texas road trip than the route between Austin and San Antonio –especially because it is so customizable!

While Austin and San Antonio are less than 2 hours apart (allegedly–traffic often has other plans), here are just a few things to you can potentially do on the way: float the river in New Braunfels , swim in Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs, shop in San Marcos, and eat some of Texas’ best barbecue in Lockhart.

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider making a triangle between the two cities by adding a stop in Fredericksburg to enjoy some of Texas’ German history, drink local wine, and climb to the top of Enchanted Rock.

Plus, of course, there are the cities themselves: both Austin and San Antonio are home to enough fun things to do to keep you busy for weeks, from the Alamo to the Texas State Capitol and beyond.

Recommended Road Trip Length

Since the driving distances are so short for this road trip, a four or five day trip is enough to give you a nice overview of the area–but the sheer number of things to do nearby means that you could easily triple that time without getting bored!

Small Hill Country Towns + Outdoor Adventures

This Texas road trip also focuses on the general region between and around Austin and San Antonio–also known as the Texas Hill Country –but instead of focusing the trip on the area’s two large cities with a few stops along the way, this one is focused entirely on the countryside.

Starting from either Austin or San Antonio, head out into the Hill Country to explore the official Texas Wine Trail, stop by whimsical Wimberely to experience Jacob’s Well and its colorful downtown, scarf down German food in Fredericksburg , sample barbecue in Lockhart, swim in Dripping Springs, head to the LBJ Ranch, and stop by the positively tiny town of Luckenbach.

Be sure to also mix in plenty of outdoor beauty: Enchanted Rock , Pedernales Falls State Park, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Guadalupe River State Park (one of the most popular spots for floating the river ) are all accessible on this Texas road trip.

A week is long enough to have an incredibly memorable Texas Hill Country trip, though not long enough to see it all!

Texas’ portion of Route 66 is fairly short–you can drive it straight across the panhandle in about 3 hours without stopping–but it definitely makes for a classic Texas road trip!

Along Route 66, by far the biggest city you’ll pass is Amarillo, where you should definitely stop to check out the Historic Route 66 District, the American Quarter Horse Museum, and–for the very, very hungry–the 72 oz. steak challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch (don’t worry, they have more human-sized portions on offer too).

You’ll definitely want to swing by Cadillac Ranch as well, located just west of Amarillo, for a sight that you just don’t see everyday: 10 Cadillacs with their frontends buried in a field, spray-painted within an inch of their lives. 

Lesser-known Slug Bug Ranch (similar concept as Cadillac Ranch, but with slug bugs) is located on Route 66 as well, but on the eastern side of Amarillo.

Though it’s not technically on Route 66 itself, I also highly recommend swinging south of Amarillo to check out Palo Duro Canyon , the second-largest canyon in the USA and an unforgettable place to visit!

While you can easily drive Texas’ portion of Route 66 in a single day, we recommend spending a night or two in either Amarillo or Canyon to enjoy the nearby sights and some of the hikes in Palo Duro Canyon!

Wide Open Spaces in West Texas

West Texas is not only home to the sprawling, harsh desert landscapes that the Lone Star State is often associated with, it’s also home to both of Texas’ national parks, which can act as the backbone to a phenomenal Texas road trip.

After exploring some of the best things to do in El Paso , head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for truly majestic landscapes (and depending on time, consider dipping across the border to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico as well).

From there, head off to Big Bend National Park: don’t miss hiking Santa Elena Canyon or admiring the views from Marshall Drive!

Nearby, you’ll find the lesser-known but still phenomenal cousin of Big Bend National Park: Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Along the way, consider stopping at the ghost town of Terlingua, the artsy town of Marfa (famous for its Prada store that never opens), and the McDonald Observatory, to fully appreciate the inky black night sky of West Texas.

In order to fully appreciate both national parks as well as Big Bend Ranch State Park while still leaving time for additional sightseeing along the way, we recommend taking around a week and a half to enjoy a West Texas road trip.

Dallas Loop Road Trip

For a Texas road trip with a fantastic mix of big cities, great food, charming small towns, and even a bit of nature, consider taking a road trip beginning and ending in Dallas.

Start off your trip by enjoying the best of Dallas and Ft. Worth, including the Arboretum, Reunion Tower, and Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, and the Stockyards in Ft. Worth.

From there, head down to Waco, where you’ll find the insanely popular Magnolia Market at the Silos, the beautiful campus of Baylor, Wooly Mammoth National Monument, and even a Dr. Pepper Museum (Texans are serious about Dr. Pepper).

Be sure to stop along the way for kolaches in West, Texas!

Depending on the time of year and amount of time you have for your road trip, other destinations to mix in include Dublin (the original home of Dr. Pepper and a town with lots of Irish influences), Grapevine (one of the best Christmas destinations in Texas), Ennis (home to some of the best bluebonnet fields in the state during the spring) and Canton (adorable and historic, plus home to one of the best flea markets in Texas ).

A quick 3-day weekend is long enough to hit a few major sights in both Dallas and Ft. Worth and briefly see Waco as well, but for the full experience covering the great small towns near Dallas, 5-7 days would be a better time frame to work with.

Gulf Coast Road Trip

If you’re looking for a beach escape in Texas, you can’t do better than road tripping the southern section of the Gulf Coast.

Starting in Corpus Christi , head down the coast to charming Mustang Island before making your way down to South Padre to enjoy one of Texas’ most beloved beach escapes.

From riding horses on the beach to visiting a sea turtle sanctuary to, of course, simply enjoying the sun and waves, you’ll find plenty to do along the way.

Be sure to stop in Port Isabel to see Texas’ second-smallest state park and climb the 19th-century lighthouse for beautiful views of the town and water, too!

This road trip can be enjoyed over a 3-day weekend, though you’ll probably want to choose between visiting either South Padre or Mustang Island if you’re short on time.

To visit both islands and stop at fun spots like Port Isabel along the way, a week is a good time frame for this road trip in Texas.

Piney Woods Road Trip

Nothing puts the diversity of Texas on display quite as obviously as starting in the enormous metropolitan area of Houston and then driving due north, where very quickly, city will give way to green forest–a far cry from the desert landscapes of West Texas or the endless fields of the Panhandle that Texas is more likely to be associated with.

East Texas, though, is a whole different ball game, from the barbecue (generally served on a bun with sauce, unlike its better-known cousin from Central Texas) to the landscape.

For your Piney Woods road trip, stop by Davy Crockett National Forest to get an idea for what the nature in East Texas has to offer before heading onto towns like Palestine (one of the homes of the Texas State Railroad), Longview, Jefferson , Marshall, and Nacogdoches.

Caddo Lake State Park, with its beautiful bayous and Spanish moss, is also a must-see stop on an East Texas road trip.

Don’t forget to leave a little time for Houston itself: the Houston Space Center alone is worth the trip!

Starting and ending in Houston, you can get a good overview of the Piney Woods area in around a week–but consider extending your Texas road trip a bit to dip down south of Houston to enjoy the beaches of the Gulf Coast a bit, too!

Tricks + Tips for Road Trips in Texas

Don’t underestimate the distance involved in taking a texas road trip..

Fun fact: when you’re in El Paso, you’re closer to San Diego than Houston!

As the second-largest state in the USA, Texas covers a positively enormous amount of land–much of it extremely empty land, especially the further west you go–and therefore taking a road trip in Texas means planning strategically based on where in the state you are.

… and definitely don’t try to cover the whole state in one trip.

Unless you have the time and inclination to drive for thousands of miles, looping around the entirety of Texas’ most famous attractions is not realistic on a single Texas road trip.

The good news is, though, that that means there’s always a reason to come back!

Stopping and Buc-ee’s and Rudy’s are important parts of any road trip in Texas.

Buc-ee’s has a bigger reputation, but Rudy’s has better breakfast tacos–in my opinion, anyway, but there are definitely those who vehemently disagree!

Either way, these iconic Texas institutions deserve to be part of any Texas road trip. 

Rudy’s is a chain of barbecue restaurants with a side of selling gas and running a small general store, and Buc-ee’s is a gigantic gas station/souvenir shop/bakery/snack station with obsessively clean bathrooms and a beaver statue out front–and with a description like that, how can you not want to see it in person?

Texans drive fast, so be prepared!

The highest posted speed limit anywhere in Texas is 85 mph (70, 75, and 80 are more common, though), but on the long stretches of the open road, let’s just say that the speed limit can often, in practice, turn into the speed minimum.

Fill up when you can, especially when headed to rural areas.

Texas isn’t exactly Australian-Outback-levels of deprived of gas stations, but especially if you’re driving through very rural areas and/or on back roads, you won’t want to stress over your gas tank getting too low.

If you’re not in a hurry, opt for the back roads once in a while.

From beautiful farms to surprising small towns, there’s a lot of beauty lurking on Texas’ smaller roads.

Don’t plan a Texas road trip entirely around the big cities.

Texas’ cities are incredible, but many of the charms of road trips in Texas lie far away from their skyscrapers and (notorious) traffic.

Small towns, state parks, and wide-open spaces are some of the best things you can see in the Lone Star State, so be sure to mix them into your Texas road trip itinerary!

5 thoughts on “7 Epic Texas Road Trip Itinerary Ideas”

WOW! I lived the first 40 years of my life and now realize I only experienced a tiny bit of the wonders! After reading your articles (and seeing the pictures!) I can’t wait to go back and experience all of it!

Thank you so much, Diane! There is truly an overwhelming amount of things to see in Texas, we may never be done exploring it all!

Excellent presentation, but you should mention the twisted sisters, after TXDOT completes the bridge rework over Mill Creek.

I live in Virginia and I visit Texas every year and I have never before had a plan as well out as these seven trips. Thanks.

Glad to hear it, Fred! Enjoy Texas 🙂

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14 Weekend Destinations We’re Dreaming of Right Now

The VERANDA staff (and a few favorite designers) are sharing the first road trips we’re taking once it’s safe to travel again.

After more than two months of sheltering in place, we're all craving a change of scenery. (Just us? Didn't think so.) While we've fallen in love with our hometown's outdoor offerings like never before, there's nothing like hopping on the open road and traveling to a favorite destination—even just for the weekend.

We asked Beth Flowers, vice president of leisure for Brownell Travel, our burning questions about travel—most importantly, when we might be able to do so again.

"Everyone's looking for a change of scenery right now," Flowers says. "The most important thing to understand is that, along your route, you may have stops where you are asked by law enforcement where you are going and even made to have your temperature taken. Make sure you're comfortable with your route and know how to do it safely."

Flowers advises looking to the CDC and how the state you're considering visiting is handling travel during this season (even if it's your own). She says it's important to manage your expectations if you're thinking of booking a trip sooner rather than later, as your favorite resort, restaurants, and shops may not look or feel the same as the last time you visited. She says just because a resort has opened up for bookings again doesn't mean the spa is open, you'll be able to snag a chair by the pool, or that you'll even receive housekeeping services right now. Travel advisors can help you determine which amenities will be available at your favorite locations and help you determine if you should make a road trip there or hold off until later in the year.

"We are saying that road trips currently seem like they will be more successful the later and later you push them this summer," Flowers says. "Even though these places are opening, more of their services will hopefully be available and it will be worth making the trip in the coming months."

Here are the weekend getaways we're dreaming of right now, with hopes of visiting as soon as it's safe to begin road-tripping once more.

“I’d like to go to Charleston,” says Ashley Leath, VERANDA copy/research editor. “We were supposed to go earlier this year but had to cancel. We’ve vacationed there for years, and the pairing of nostalgia and the sea are just the relaxing combination I need post-sheltering in place.” Discover the six must-see Charleston plantations here .

Coastal Maine

“We’re dying to get back to coastal Maine,” says William Woodcock, VERANDA photographer. “I love its beauty, food, and architecture.”

Southern Utah

Dallas-based designer Michelle Nussbaumer says she's dreaming of visiting Amangiri Resort in Canyon Point, Utah right now.

"Even though it's a resort, it's in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by all these hiking trails, natural pools and beauty," she says."

Nussbaumer says there are some amazing Navajo relics in the area, like ancient dwellings, paintings and other natural wonders that would make the road trip all worth it. She also plans to make a stop at the Grand Canyon on the way back home!

Lake Rabun, Georgia

“I am dreaming of spending all of July at the lakehouse my parents used to own at Lake Rabun in Georgia,” says Steele Marcoux, VERANDA editor-in-chief. “I may have to settle for a long weekend at the Lake Rabun Hotel or this amazing rental property .”

Adirondack Mountains

“I’m dreaming of a summer road trip to the Adirondacks and a weekend at the historic lakeside ‘great camp’, the Point ,” says Dayle Wood, VERANDA style & market editor. “Exploring the rugged mountains and taking a dip in Saranac Lake will be the perfect antidote to weeks spent cooped up inside.”

Montecito, California

"My first road trip will be to Montecito to stay at the San Ysidro Ranch ," says L.A.-based designer Schuyler Samperton . "It’s a magical, romantic spot with cozy, private cottages tucked in the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains, where even visiting dogs get the deluxe treatment!"

Montecito is just a few miles away from Santa Barbara, where Samperton never misses the chance to pick up some vintage design books from Lost Horizons Bookstore . She also loves making a pit stop at Rose Story Farm in Carpinteria on the way home to pick up armfuls of its spectacular blooms.

Longboat Key, Florida

"There is no place that can make me as nostalgic as Longboat Key—and it's exactly what I'm dreaming of right now," says Lauren Wicks, VERANDA associate digital editor.

"It's my favorite place in the world, and I can't wait to safely shop St. Armands Circle, enjoy dinner with a view at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill , and watch the sunset from the Resort at Longboat Key Club hopefully one day soon."

East Hampton

Manhattan-based designer Sasha Bikoff says she's currently dreaming of Springs in East Hampton, which lies about three hours from her home.

"When I get there, I will hit up Springs General Store —my favorite place for coffee," Bikoff says. "It's an old gas station and the quintessential neighborhood spot. I also love to hit the farmers market on the front lawn of the white church and paddle board in Gardiners Bay to watch the most beautiful sunset!"

“My wife and I are excited to take a long weekend trip to Asheville sometime in the fall," says Ian Palmer, VERANDA photo assistant. “It has some of our favorite restaurants (including Cucina 24 , White Duck Taco Shop , and Buxton Hall BBQ ), breweries ( Burial , Zillicoah , and New Belgium ), and hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

Sea Island, Georgia

"The first place I'd love to travel to is Sea Island, Georgia," says Atlanta-based designer Clary Bosbyshell . "My husband and I got married there, and we love staying at the Cloister . We usually spend our summers there."

St. Michaels, Maryland

"This quaint coastal town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland is a popular escape for many Washingtonians," says designer Marika Meyer . "My husband and I stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin several times throughout the year, and it feels like our home away from home. The inn is a draw in its own right, with fabulous food and accommodations, but their spa is what I miss most right now."

Meyer says a trip to St. Michaels isn't complete without a visit to Main Street, for shopping at Antiques on Talbot , lunch at Crab Shake , and ending the day at Bistro St. Michaels for a chic cocktail and the catch of the day.

Cumberland Island, Georgia

"Right now we are at our house in Bray’s Island, S.C. and that makes Cumberland Island in Georgia a boat ride away for us," says Webb. "The thought of being there with miles of deserted beaches would be my idea of social distancing at its best. The last time I was there, you could be on the beach for hours and see nary a soul, the wild horses your only company."

Webb says the historic Greyfield Inn is the perfect place to take refuge—plus, its limited cell service keeps you unplugged. She loves to simply enjoy Cumberland's 18 miles of deserted beaches, where one can bike, hike, swim, kayak, and sunbathe to your heart's content before collapsing on the front porch swinging beds with a cocktail as the sun goes down.

If you're up for some further exploration, Webb says the Plum Orchard Mansion and Dungeness Estate Ruins are must-see sights, along with the First African Baptist Church , where John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy married.

Southern California

“I had a road trip planned in Southern California in March that I had to cancel,” says Rachael Burrow, VERANDA style & market editor. “I’m really looking forward to exploring the smaller towns, like Ojai, and their local shops, restaurants, and hiking trails when I'm able to reschedule.”

New Orleans

"My husband and I were planning to go to New Orleans for Jazz Fest this year to celebrate a dear friend's 50th birthday," says Dallas-based tastemaker Kimberly Whitman ."Of course the trip was cancelled, but I'm excited to be able to go back to one of my favorite spots."

Whitman loves staying at the acclaimed Maison de la Luz in NOLA's warehouse district and says you can't miss a trip to the quirky Mardi Gras Museum , Cafe du Monde for its world-famous beignets, and dinner at Antoine's in the French Quarter. She says to always do your homework beforehand to make sure you can catch some incredible live music while you're in town.

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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8 Epic Weekend Road Trips from Los Angeles, California

Posted by Susannah Edelbaum July 20, 2021 Updated May 21, 2024

Living in Los Angeles can feel like a road trip in and of itself — friends live on the East Side but you’re based in Venice? Expect a two-hour drive, and don’t forget to hit the road with plenty of snacks and water.

But even diehard Angelenos need to escape the sprawl at some point. With mountains and desert to the east and some of the world’s most stunning coastline to the city’s north and south, taking a road trip from Los Angeles in any direction will lead you somewhere relaxing, worthwhile, or breathtakingly beautiful.

And for the most part, you don’t even have to leave the state. Whether it’s the chic environs of Santa Barbara or the rugged weirdness of the Salton Sea, these weekend road trips from LA offer something for everyone. And you only have to cross state lines for one of them ( hello, Las Vegas! There’s more to it than ringing, dinging, glittering casinos.)

And for clarity’s sake, the road trips from Los Angeles below leave from downtown, but as any Angeleno knows, YMMV (your mileage may vary.) While every option here is doable in a weekend from the city, do take traffic and business into account: if you leave very early in the morning or, even better, late at night, you’ll likely cut hours off your drive time.

By the way, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles at all of these destinations, but especially in Tahoe and at the national parks. Make sure you’re aware of wildlife and campfire rules, too.

Related Read : 11 Best Resorts in California for Rest & Relaxation

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Just under 800,000 acres and larger than the state of Rhode Island, this national park crosses two deserts (the Mojave and the Colorado), and is named for its most famous flora: the Yucca brevifolia tree of Dr. Seuss-like proportions.

Joshua trees are native to the higher, cooler Mojave Desert section of the park, but the Colorado Desert’s lower elevation to the east offers attractions of its own. There, avid hikers can do a loop around scenic Cottonwood Spring or take in a panorama of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault from Keys View — and on a weekend road trip from Los Angeles, you should have plenty of time to explore vast sections of both sides of the park.

In addition to camping gear, just be sure to pack according to your interests. Joshua Tree, one of the best national parks near Los Angeles , is beloved for rock climbing, bouldering, stargazing, and birdwatching. There are even campgrounds with designated areas for horses, though keep in mind if you plan to ride that its BYOH (bring your own horse).

As you’re planning your road trip out to the park, be sure to check the weather — spring and fall are typically temperate, while winter nights get down to freezing and summer days can hit 100 degrees. Advance reservations for a site in one of the park’s nine different campgrounds are always good idea. The closest entrance by car from Los Angeles is the park’s main entrance in the town of Joshua Tree itself.

There, you can stock up on supplies at the Saturday morning farmer’s market , enjoy a last restaurant meal at a funky diner-with-a-twist ( Crossroads Cafe) , or get a sense of the area’s longstanding status as a haven for artists and other creatives with a visit to the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Art. It’s a vast outdoor sculpture museum devoted to a local artist who spent the last 15 years of his life creating these massive works in the Mojave Desert.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 131 miles
• Drive time without stops (or traffic): 2 hours, 10 mins

Related Read: The Ultimate Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip

2. Death Valley National Park

For an even more intense weekend road trip desert experience, head to Death Valley National Park. It’s a more extreme environment than Joshua Tree, a little farther away, and at over three million acres, a whole lot bigger. But you can see plenty here in a weekend, whether you’re interested in canyons, waterfalls, or otherworldly sand dunes.

Just keep in mind as you’re planning when to go that summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit and hiking is inadvisable after 10 a.m. Also, the Furnace Creek Campground takes reservations during the fall and winter, but all other campgrounds in all seasons are first-come, first-served. Luckily, road trippers who would prefer to forgo camping entirely have a couple great options right in the park: the historic Inn at Death Valley (yes, they have a pool) and the more rustic Panamint Springs Resort .

In the park itself, get ready to hike . The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is an easy-to-moderate two-mile trail where you’ll get to see the dunes that are visually synonymous with Death Valley’s landscape. More advanced hikers can take on Panamint Dunes, an eight-mile trail of moderate difficulty (you’ll need a high clearance vehicle to access the trailhead).

Looking for more of a mix of activities on your Death Valley road trip? There’s plenty to do nearby. Visit the Eastern California Museum to get a sense of surrounding Inyo County’s natural and cultural history. Enjoy a night at the theater at the historic Amargosa Opera House . And for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the park itself, the recently renovated Last Kind Words Saloon brings a bit of the Old West to mealtime.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 214 miles
• Drive time without stops (or traffic): 3 hours, 30 mins

Related Read:  12 Ideas for How to Spend One Day in Death Valley National Park

3. San Diego

Combine a mini beach vacation with a city break on a weekend road trip from Los Angeles down to San Diego. It may sound cheesy, but there’s truly something for everyone here, and in a mere couple hours from Los Angeles, you’ll find yourself in a city with a very different feeling from the one you just left.

So, culture first. In Balboa Park, pay a visit to the San Diego Museum of Art , the San Diego Air and Space Museum , or any one of the other 17 different arts and cultural venues you’ll find here. Balboa Park is also home to the San Diego Zoo (you’ll want a half-day just for the zoo’s 100 acres and 12,000 animals), or if you’d prefer to keep it moving, get the lay of the land by hiking one of Balboa’s many trails .

For a more outdoorsy experience, a half-hour drive from downtown San Diego lands you at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve , set on 1,750 acres of incredible oceanfront. Looking for something a bit more chic? Spend a day at La Jolla Cove, a quaint village as well known for its shops and restaurants as it is for its stunning cliffs (great for sunset photos and snorkeling with sharks). If you want a true surf town vibe, head down to Ocean Beach to sit outside at a beach bar or watch the dogs play at the bayside dog beach.

If that’s not enough, there’s still plenty to do. Catch a movie at the old-school South Bay Drive-In , take a historic ferry to reach Coronado’s white-sand beaches, get a literal sense of local flavors at one of the city’s many farmer’s markets , and plunge into the past at Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá , the oldest Franciscan mission in the state.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 129 miles
• Drive time without stops (or traffic):  2 hours

Related Read: 7 Awesome Weekend Road Trips from San Francisco, California

4. Santa Barbara

For a chic weekend getaway, take a drive up the coast to Santa Barbara, a pleasant haven of beaches, vineyards, and historic architecture. If you’re traveling with your pup, you’re in luck — make your first stop the dog-friendly Arroyo Burro Beach (known to locals as Hendry’s Beach). East Beach, meanwhile, is ideal for families, thanks to its lifeguard stations, playgrounds, and volleyball courts.

Less than an hour inland, you’ll find yourself in the middle of Santa Barbara wine country. The tasting rooms at Andrew Murray Vineyards and Babcock Winery are just two options to get you started (assuming you have a designated driver, of course.) Back in town, the city’s urban wine trail makes it easy to taste a variety of local vintages at tasting rooms while leaving the car parked at your hotel. Start at Santa Barbara Winery and go from there.

For a sense of the area’s Spanish colonial history, pay a visit to the Old Mission Santa Barbara , founded in 1786, then explore the 11-acre estate Casa del Herrero in neighboring Montecito. Back in town, no Santa Barbara road trip is complete without a stroll down Stearns Wharf , and if you still haven’t gotten your culture fill, be sure to spend at least an hour at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art .

• Distance from Los Angeles: 95 miles
• Drive time without stops (or traffic):  1 hour, 50 mins

Related Read:   The 10 Best Camping Spots in Santa Barbara, California

5. Palm Springs

Thought you were done with the desert? Not so fast. Palm Springs, a city oasis in the Sonoran Desert, is less than two hours from the city and ideal for a relaxing weekend road trip from Los Angeles.

Known for its midcentury architecture, funky pool hotel scene, hot springs, and spas, the most scenic way to get the lay of the land is with a ride aboard the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway . After your ride, head into Downtown Palm Springs, where you can visit the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, in addition to plentiful bars, shops, and restaurants.

The culture museum displays the history of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, since more than 10 percent of the city of Palm Springs is on reservation land. This part of town is also home to plentiful galleries and antique store peddling midcentury wares.

From there, you can take your trip in a number of different directions. Greater Palm Springs actually comprises nine different cities (Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella), so no shortage of options.

But you won’t want to miss the mineral waters that first put Palm Springs on the map as a healing destination. Head to Desert Hot Springs (less than 20 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs by car), where you can sit in the healing waters at hotels like The Spring and the Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel. Finally, take in the area’s natural beauty with a hike in Indian Canyons , where you’ll find a variety of trails suitable for all levels.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 107 miles
• Drive time without stops (or traffic):  1 hour, 45 mins

Related Read:   11 Best Scenic Drives in Southern California

6. The Salton Sea

Get ready to get weird. The Salton Sea, a lake created by accidental irrigation inflow from the Colorado River during the early 20th century, first blossomed into a resort town in the mid-20th century. But it then experienced a massive wildlife die-off thanks to contamination from local farms, spelling the end of the lake’s status as a Riviera-like destination. But despite being viewed as one of California’s worst ecological disasters ever, it’s worth a weekend road trip.

To kick off your time at the lake, start at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area , a genuinely beautiful stretch of shoreline great for fishing, kayaking, hiking and birdwatching (you can also camp.) To get a sense of the lake’s more elegant past alongside its offbeat present, take a drive to Bombay Beach. It’s where you’ll find the ruins of a former resort now home to a tiny community of artists — conveniently, they even stage the Bombay Beach Biennale on an annual basis.

For a weirder bit of local culture, stop into the International Banana Museum , which is exactly what it sounds like: a space devoted to a collection of over 25,000 banana-related items.

But this area is as scenic as it is unusual. For a moderate hike to caves formed around the same time as the Salton Sea, head to a ghost town (Durmid), which marks the beginning of the Bat Caves Buttes loop trail.

The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is both an important migratory route for numerous bird species and home to Rock Hill (an inactive volcano.) And finally, though it’s about a 25-minute drive from the art of Bombay Beach, visit the Salvation Mountain , a 50-foot-tall painted clay hill created by local sensation Leonard Knight.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 163 miles
• Drive time without stops (or traffic):  2 hours, 40 mins

Related Read:   12 Best Camping Spots in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

7. Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas! A weekend road trip here doesn’t have to include a single pull of a slot machine if you aren’t interested in gambling. Check out the Bellagio’s fountain or on-site botanical garden , see the Venetian’s legit indoor canal, go for a ride on the 550-foot-tall Caesar’s Palace Ferris wheel (the High Roller ), then move on to other, non-casino sights.

There’s no cultural venue more fitting to its environs than the Neon Museum , a collection of about 120 neon signs. Next, walk the Aria Fine Art Collection , a self-guided outdoor tour of 21 public art sites. When you’re ready to take a dip, you can buy day passes to area resorts or just pay the admission fee at places like the Citrus Grand Pool Deck and Circa’s Stadium Swim.

If you’ve had your fill of 24-hour neon, take a deep breath and head out to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge , an enormous wilderness home to mountain lions, hundreds of bird species, and 500 different kinds of plants. You may also want to catch a Cirque de Soleil show, eat at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants, or go hiking in Red Rocks. You can even hit the slopes at Lee Canyon (formerly called Ski Las Vegas.)

• Distance from Los Angeles: 269 miles
• Drive time without stops (or traffic) : 4 hours, 15 mins

Related Read:   Hit the Nature Jackpot: 15 Hikes Near Las Vegas, Nevada

8. South Lake Tahoe

Okay, it’s technically a bit too long to be a weekend road trip from Los Angeles. But if you have a few extra days to spare, South Lake Tahoe is a great choice for those interested in the outdoors who don’t want to rough it. Depending on the season, you should be able to make the most of the lake’s opportunities for beaches, skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking, among other adventures.

In the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. One of its most popular (and admittedly most crowded) beaches is Sand Harbor , on the north side of the lake. Get there very, very early if you want parking on a weekend; cars start lining up around 7 a.m. to get a spot. Back over the border in California, Pope Beach is a mere three miles from the city of South Lake Tahoe. Road tripping in winter?

The mountains around the lake are home to numerous resorts. Skiers and riders can give the 3,600 acres and 30 lifts at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows a try or ski across state lines at Heavenly Resort . No matter the season, don’t deprive yourself of the unmatched views from a ride either of the resort’s aerial tram rides (which are open to non-skiers.)

Lake Tahoe is an outdoor paradise, but you’ll also find historical and cultural offerings dotted around the lake. Visit the Tahoe Heritage Foundation’s Tallac Historic Site to get a sense of what life was like here a century ago, then head to Vikingsholm on the aptly named Emerald Bay. Open for tours during the summer, this 1929 mansion gives a peak into the lives of rich vacationers who first put Tahoe on the map as a resort destination.

Keep in mind that Tahoe names can be a bit confusing. Lake Tahoe is the name of the lake, but there’s no actual town called “Lake Tahoe.” South Lake Tahoe is a town on the south shore, and Tahoe City is on the north shore. Driving from one end of the lake to the other can take about 90 minutes each way in the summer, and South Lake Tahoe is much closer to LA than the north shore.

• Distance from Los Angeles: 440 miles
• Drive time without stops (or traffic):  8 hours

Related Read:   11 Breezy Oceanfront Camping Spots in California

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Seen in: California , Road Trips , West

Posted by Susannah Edelbaum

Susannah is a freelance writer based in Berlin. She grew up outside New York, went to school in Southern California, and currently gets most of her outdoors fixes on trips to Bavaria in the south of Germany. Susannah’s work has been published on many authoritative publications such as Fast Company, Modern Farmer and Vice.

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

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip

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

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

Photo from Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

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

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

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

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

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

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

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

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

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

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

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

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

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

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

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

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

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

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

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

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

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

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

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

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

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

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

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

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

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

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

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

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

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

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

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

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

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

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

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

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ultimate guide to budget-friendly road trips

Easy ways to lessen the financial burden of traveling and still have a fun and memorable trip

By Amanda Adler

With inflation forcing the cost of gas, food, and entertainment skyward, travelers looking to hit the road may feel overwhelmed trying to stay on budget. But whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an extended family vacation, you can find low-cost fun no matter where you venture. 

Follow these tips to help you get the most bang for your buck.

Economical accommodations

It’s easy for nightly hotel rates to get out of hand. Rather than choosing a big city hotel, consider one of these money-saving options.

Get comfy camping

Camping can be a great way to save money and truly connect with the place you’re visiting. Car camping is an economical choice that requires very little gear. Pop the hatch of your station wagon or SUV, set up a sleeping bag, and enjoy nights of peaceful relaxation under the stars. It’s an ideal option for solo travelers or couples.

For those looking for a little extra sleeping space, consider investing in a tent. While there’s a wide range of options, you don’t need to break the bank to find something comfortable enough for a twosome to enjoy.

Families traveling with children don’t necessarily need a large RV with all the bells and whistles to get out on the road. A small pop-up camper is a great solution that can be easily pulled by most vehicles and folds down for garage storage.

When it comes to selecting where to stay, options range from free off-grid camping on public lands, to state and national parks, to full-service campgrounds. To make the most of your budget, consider alternating between free and paid sites to save whenever possible.

Insider Tip: If you’ve never camped and want to give it a try before investing in gear, try booking a glamping stay. Many campgrounds, such as KOA resorts, offer cabins and other accommodations for rent, and many have robust amenities, such as pools, playgrounds, on-site activities, nightly campfires, and more. 

Related How to create your own budget-friendly glamping experience

Make it a family affair

Interested in planning a trip to visit family or friends? Couch surfing at a loved one’s house can save you big bucks and helps bring you closer (literally and figuratively) to those you hold most dear. Experience your host’s city through their eyes as you let them play tour guide and show off their favorite haunts.

If you like the idea of visiting with friends and family but have your heart set on another vacation locale, invite the whole gang to join you on the road. Pool your resources to travel together, booking larger suites or multi-family cottages that are less expensive when the cost is split between several parties.

Related The ultimate guide to family road trips

Seek out unique lodging

If you still want all the luxury of staying in a swanky hotel, think outside the box and look for accommodations with unique features to keep your budget in check.

Fans of the TV show Schitt’s Creek fell in love with the small-town antics that took place at the Rosebud Motel. But just as the Rose family worked to bring the well-loved motel up to modern standards, many motels across the nation have recently received a similar glow-up. Retro-chic offerings in cities such as Santa Barbara, Savannah, and beyond offer a trendy place to stay and often boast a relatively budget-friendly price tag compared to hotel options in these sought-after destinations.

Related Welcome to Sharon Springs, a real life Schitt’s Creek in upstate New York

Or, why not make the hotel the main attraction? Booking a stay somewhere with an on-site water park, live shows, or kids club may mean you’re paying a pricier fee up front, but a staycation at this type of resort means you won’t have to pony up even more cash for outside entertainment. 

Frugal food

Eating cheap on the road doesn’t have to mean gas station hot dogs and fast-food dollar menu picks. Be kind to your stomach and your wallet with these tips for eating well on a budget.

Pack a picnic 

Stock a cooler with snacks and drinks, which you can replenish throughout your travels. Include sandwiches, fruits, and healthy fare, or get fancy with a charcuterie board and grown-up beverages to enjoy as you watch the sunset. Seek out scenic spots to enjoy a quiet picnic, such as mountain overlooks, national park pavilions, or lush city parks.

Pick your own produce 

An amazing and inexpensive activity to enjoy is picking fruit. Many blueberry, cherry, apple, and other orchards offer the chance to pluck product straight off the vine, often at a fraction of the price you’d pay in the store. Roadside produce stands and local farmer’s markets also offer the opportunity to get a taste of a region and support local growers.

Eat with locals 

Rather than heading for trendy restaurants or dining on upscale fare, ask locals for suggestions. Some of the best and most authentic eats can be found in dive bars and hidden hole-in-the-wall diners. 

Budget boredom busters

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can quickly go broke on entertainment expenses. But you don’t have to spend a lot to have a great getaway.

Fee-free activities

There are plenty of ways to have free fun in almost any destination. Here are a few ideas:

• Enjoy hours of fun at local parks and playgrounds.
• Hit the trails for scenic hikes to waterfalls, rock formations, and other natural wonders.
• Savor historic architecture in charming destinations like New Orleans, Louisiana; Charleston, South Carolina; and San Antonio, Texas.
• Stroll among statues, decorative fountains, and iconic landmarks.
• Hit the beach for days of play or much-needed relaxation.
• Take in public art displays in Brooklyn, New York; Miami, Florida; or another hip metropolis.
• Travel during holidays to enjoy small-town Independence Day parades or charming seasonal decor in quaint downtowns.
• Bring bikes, skateboards, fishing gear, card games, and other activities that you can enjoy once at your destinations.
• Break for roadside attractions along your way, snapping photos with the world’s largest pistachio or larger-than-life dinosaur dioramas.

Insider Tip: Do you have a 4th grader in your family? If so, you’re eligible for a free national park pass .

Related Everything you need to know to plan a national park road trip

Cheap thrills

When it comes time to break out your wallet, think about how to make the most of your spending cash.

• Skip Broadway and take in a community theater performance instead.
• Enjoy a night out at the minor league baseball park or snag tickets for a minor league hockey game to cheer on up-and-coming players.
• Buy tickets online in advance to save money, and don’t be afraid to look for coupons or ask the local visitor center about discounted attractions.
• Savor the simplicity of an open-air drive-in movie theater and pack your own popcorn and candy.

More tips for saving money on a road trip

When finding ways to pinch pennies on the road, here are a few additional questions to keep in mind.

What can I get for free?

Curb expenses by seeking out included freebies. Look for hotels that offer complimentary breakfast or a nighttime reception with drinks. Pass on pricey souvenirs and instead get creative with your keepsakes. Turn cardboard bar coasters or stickers from local establishments into a fun scrapbook, while your kids can take part in free Junior Ranger programs to collect commemorative badges.

How else can I sleep cheap on a road trip?

The general rule for booking accommodations is to either book very early or seek out last-minute deals. Price check lodging in multiple destinations to find the best deal and don’t be afraid to book a room farther outside the city to save even more (including on parking fees, which are generally higher in the city center). 

Many campgrounds, hotels, credit cards, and third-party booking sites will also reward you for your loyalty. Stock up on points by joining various rewards programs to earn deals on future stays. 

How much will my road trip cost?

Many factors determine how much you’re going to spend, but a few tips for stretching your budget include:

• Stay longer at each destination versus hopping from place to place to lock in the best lodging prices.
• Consider destinations close to home to maximize your vacation time and cut down on fuel expenditures.
• Travel during off-peak times and shoulder seasons. Even if you’re restricted when you can travel, you can always visit a summertime hotspot in winter or find a long weekend to enjoy a short getaway to a pricier locale.
• Make sure you’re being realistic about costs. As with any trip, there will be some costs that you can control and others you can’t, so do your best to budget for controlled expenses like gas, meals, admission prices, and nightly rates.

Meet the Author

Amanda Adler

Amanda Adler is a writer who splits her time between traveling the U.S. in her RV and soaking up the air conditioning in her home in Orlando, Florida. While on the road she seeks out national parks, theme parks, kid- and dog-friendly hiking trails, and local businesses that tout their wares as being “craft,” “artisanal” or “bespoke.”

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Expect a record-breaking number of travelers on Fourth of July week: How to avoid traffic

• An estimated 70.9 million people will travel for the Fourth of July holiday, a record-breaking number.
• The most popular domestic destinations are Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, Honolulu and Miami.
• The worst times to drive for 4th of July week are July 3 and 4 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

If you’re one of the projected record-breaking 70.9 million travelers going on a Fourth of July trip, get ready to pack some patience. 

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a statement. “We anticipate this July 4 week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”

Whether you’re going by airplane or car, traveler numbers are hitting historic highs. An estimated 5.74 million people will fly to their Independence Day destination, a 7% increase from 2023. (We can thank domestic airfare being slightly cheaper this year for that.)

This year, 2.8 million more people will travel by car than last year, for a total of 60.6 million travelers. According to AAA partner and rental car company Hertz, cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver and San Francisco are showing the highest rental car demand. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Fourth of July travel. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Planning your summer trip? Where to go and how to save on summer vacations

What are the most popular destinations for Fourth of July week?

Many travelers are headed to the coast for their Independence Day trip, with states like Hawaii and Florida topping the list. With the best time for Alaskan cruises in full swing, cities like Seattle, Vancouver and Anchorage are popular among travelers. As expected, beloved European destinations like London and Rome earned spots on the list as well. 

Most popular domestic destinations:

• Orlando, Florida
• Anchorage, Alaska

Most popular international destinations:

• Vancouver, British Columbia

What are the best times to drive for Fourth of July week?

As is typical with holiday travel, the early bird will catch the worm, which means encountering the least traffic. Drivers should depart on their Independence Day road trips before noon on July 3 and 4. To return home, drivers should leave before 11 a.m. on July 7 and after 7 p.m. on July 8. 

What are the worst times to drive for Fourth of July week?

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7, as they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a statement. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal.”

On July 3 and 4, drivers should avoid being on the road between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., when traffic will be most congested. On Friday, July 5, the worst traffic will be between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

On Saturday, July 5, the worst traffic for travelers returning home will be between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The worst traffic is expected July 7, so drivers should avoid the road between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

“Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions,” Pishue said.

Peak congestion times in major US cities

• Worst route: Birmingham to Atlanta via I-20 E
• Worst day: July 7
• Worst time: 6:30 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 36 minutes
• 42% increased travel time
• Worst route: Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrim Hwy S
• Worst day: July 4
• Worst time: 1:45 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
• 31% increased travel time
• Worst route: Fort Collins to Denver via I-25 S
• Worst day: July 8
• Worst time: 2:45 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 37 minutes
• 56% increased travel time
• Worst route: San Antonio to Houston via I-10 E
• Worst day: July 6
• Worst time: 1:30 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 48 minutes
• 41% increased travel time

Los Angeles

• Worst route: Bakersfield to Los Angeles via I-5 S
• Worst time: 2:15 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
• 29% increased travel time
• Worst route: Jersey Shore to New York via Garden State Pkwy N
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
• 40% increased travel time

San Francisco

• Worst route: San Francisco to Monterey via Santa Cruz Hwy S
• Worst day: July 2
• Worst time: 5:45 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 31 minutes
• 19% increased travel time
• Worst route: Ellensburg to Seattle via I-90 E
• Worst time: 4:30 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 19 minutes
• 35% increased travel time

Washington, D.C.

• Worst route: Baltimore to Washington via Balt/Wash Pkwy S
• Worst time: 3:15 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 1 hours, 1 minute
• 67% increased travel time

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Kansas That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

W hen many of us are planning a road trip in Kansas , we have a tendency to overthink it. It’s easy to get caught up in making a minute-by-minute itinerary and feeling the need to have everything perfectly planned out. If you live in the greater Wichita area, there’s really no need to do that, because there’s so many fun destinations within easy driving distance that you can quite easily do a spontaneous weekend road trip near Wichita, KS! We’ve gathered up a few of our favorite spots in a quick and easy road trip that will only take a few days. Check it out:

1. Warkentin House

2. sedgwick county zoo, 3. the keeper of the plains, 4. botanica, 5. el dorado state park, 7. kansas oil museum.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to hit the road! Gas up the car and get those playlists ready!

The post The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Kansas That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

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Tips from CAA for your Canada Day weekend road trip

CAA Saskatchewan is providing tips to the public about what to watch out for this Canada Day weekend. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)

If you’re heading out on the highways this Canada Day weekend, the last thing you need is for your vehicle to act up on the road.

Angel Blair with CAA Saskatchewan was on CJME’s Greg Morgan Morning Show with Kevin Martel, and she has several tips for how to prepare and avoid problems on that big road trip.

One is to make sure vehicles are road-ready and have them inspected.

“Look for things like your tires,” said Blair. “So, check your tires, check your brake fluid, your coolant, your oil levels, your window wipers and your washer fluid.”

Also, she said, to check the belt tension and the battery. The battery is something CAA can help with at the Battery Depot.

Boat and RV Travel

“If you are headed out camping which many people are, make sure to check the wheels on the camper and the boat trailer. That the lug nuts are the proper torque. Grease and adjust those wheel bearings. Inspect the suspension on your springs. And know where that owner’s manual is, you might need it. ”

When travelling, she advises having an emergency road kit just in case, including flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, a tire pressure gauge, flares, and nonperishable food items and water. Emergency road kits are available at CAA stores.

Out of Country Travelling

If travelling out of the country to the United States, Blair reminds people to have proper travel insurance.

Because it is the long weekend, Blair said people should expect lots of other traffic on the highways.

“Be cautious. The roads are going to be so busy this weekend,” said Blair. “So avoid driving distracted. Make sure the kids are ready, make sure you have your plans and the GPS all ready. Make sure the car seats are attached properly.”

Construction Zones

Because it is summer, motorists should also be ready for road construction season.

“If you run into construction or any emergency vehicles, slow down, remember it’s the law. Slow down to 60 (kilometers per hour) and move over.”

People may think that worrying about their car breaking down on the highway is more of a winter issue. During the worst of last winter’s cold, for instance, CAA received thousands of calls for service requests.

But Blair reminds motorists that problems can happen in the summer as well.

“Your vehicle can overheat. You can forget about things,” said Blair.

“In the winter we say make sure you have a full tank of gas. The same goes in the summer. Just make sure you’re prepared. You never know what detour you’ll have to take, what might happen. There might be construction, you might have different plans. There might be an emergency, so make sure you have things with you.”

Blair said CAA is ready to help with roadside assistance i f people do encounter vehicle problems. They also have stores and workstations across the province.

“What we say is make sure you’re prepared, make sure you do everything that is possible to avoid trouble. But if there is trouble we’re here to help.”

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These Are the Best (and Worst) Times to Hit the Road for July 4, According to AAA

And the best time is sooner than you'd think.

peeterv/Getty Images

A record-setting nearly 71 million Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July holiday, cementing this as the summer of travel. 

In total, 70.9 million travelers are forecast to head 50 miles or more from home from Saturday, June 29, to Sunday, July 7, according to AAA . Of those, 60.6 million people are expected to hit the road.

This year’s forecast, which for the first time includes the entire Fourth of July week plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after, represents a 5 percent increase compared to last year and an 8 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic in 2019.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement, adding, “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever.”

For travelers looking to drive over July 4, mornings tend to be the best to avoid traffic. The worst times to travel by car ahead of the holiday are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m, according to AAA. Travelers heading back on Monday, July 8, should also avoid rush hour traffic during both the morning and afternoon.

Overall, the best day for traffic will be Monday, July 1.

While traffic is likely inevitable, the good news is gas prices are expected to continue dropping leading up to July 4. Currently, gas is averaging $3.47 per gallon nationwide, according to AAA , which is lower than last year’s national average of $3.53 per gallon during the same time period.

Beyond the roads , a total of 5.74 million people are expected to fly over the July 4 holiday, a nearly 7 percent increase compared to last year. The prediction comes as unprecedented numbers of travelers have swarmed airports across the country , setting new records for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

More people may be flying, but AAA said domestic airfare is actually 2 percent cheaper over the Fourth of July holiday than last year. The average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is currently $800.

In addition, more than 4.6 million travelers are forecast to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains.

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Florida is a top car destination for 4th of July. Here’s when (and when not) to drive

AAA projects Independence Day travelers will set new records both nationwide and in Florida.

More than 70.9 million people around the U.S. are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home, with nearly 4.5 million of those travelers hailing from Florida.

“The summer travel season is off to a hot start and we expect to set new travel records on the road and in the sky during the week of Independence Day,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, in a statement. “There will be 3.5 million more travelers than last year.  That means even more people at airports and popular attractions like beaches, lakes, and theme parks.”

What day is July 4th, 2024? Is it a federal holiday?

The July 4 holiday is on a Thursday this year. It is one of the 11 federal holidays in the U.S.

See all federal holidays:

• New Year’s Day  - Jan. 1
• Martin Luther King’s Birthday  - 3rd Monday in January
• Washington’s Birthday  - 3rd Monday in February
• Memorial Day  - last Monday in May
• Juneteenth National Independence Day  - June 19
• Independence Day  - July 4
• Labor Day  - 1st Monday in September
• Indigenous People's Day  - 2nd Monday in October
• Veterans’ Day  - Nov. 11
• Thanksgiving Day  - 4th Thursday in November
• Christmas Day -  Dec. 25

Which mode of travel is more popular for Fourth of July travelers?

AAA projects a record-breaking 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week, seeing 2.8 million travelers more compared to last year. According to AAA partner and rental car company Hertz, cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, Denver, and San Francisco are showing the highest rental car demand. 

Meanwhile in Florida, road travel will set a record for the second year in a row with more than 3.9 million Floridians expected to take a road trip. AAA shared that's 183,000 more than last year.

“Road travelers should prepare for congestion in the afternoon and evening hours, particularly near larger metro areas, theme parks and popular attractions,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA, said. “With so many people on the road it’s important to be patient, minimize distractions while driving, and move over for people on the roadside.

What will gas prices look like around July 4th for Florida drivers?

AAA reported gas prices recently sank to multi-month lows, but rebounded in the past couple of days.

On Wednesday, June 19, Florida drivers paid an average price of $3.32 per gallon on gasoline. That's more than what holiday travelers paid last Independence Day, when the state average was $3.26 per gallon.

The auto club said it expected prices to remain volatile through the rest of summer travel season.

Is July 4th week busy for airports? AAA says yes

 An estimated 5.74 million people will fly to their Independence Day destination, a 7% increase from 2023 and a 12% increase from 2019. With the possibility of congested airports, AAA recommended arriving two hours early for flights and bringing carry-on luggage instead of checked-in bags.

Airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, with the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800.

As for other modes of transportation, AAA predicts nearly five million people are expected to travel by buses, cruises, and train.

When are the best and worst times to travel on Fourth of July Holiday?

For those planning a road trip for Independence Day weekend, transportation data and insights provider  INRIX  offers the best times to get on the road.

They recommended drivers hit the road in the morning, adding that travelers returning on Monday, July 8th should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon. 

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3rd, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.” 

What are the busiest travel days around Fourth of July?

Monday, july 1.

• Minimal travel expected

Tuesday, July 2

• Best times: After 7 p.m.
• Worst Times: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, July 3

• Best times: Before Noon
• Worst Times: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 4

• Worst Times: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, July 5

• Best times: Before 10 a.m.
• Worst Times: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 6

• Worst Times: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 7

• Best times: Before 11 a.m.
• Worst Times: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Monday, July 8

• Worst Times: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Floridians beware: Other states are heading to these three Florida cities to vacation

Whether Florida residents plan on traveling or relaxing at home all weekend, they might want to be aware of the thousands of others joining them.

Many travelers are headed to the coast for their upcoming Fourth of July trips, with Florida topping the list for most popular destinations. According to AAA, three Florida cities had up the top 10 domestic destinations:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Anaheim/Los Angeles