With all the spectacular options available to you, it can often be difficult to decide on which of the best places to road trip in America you want to undertake. I’ve found that the biggest limiting factor for me in tackling a road trip is getting to the beginning. Not everyone has the luxury of living near the start of one of those iconic American road trips like the Blue Ridge Parkway or Pacific Coast Highway. That’s why I’ve partnered with a number of fantastic writers from across the country to compile a list of the 25 best American road trips, focused on road trips located in a single state.
This guide is a collaboration with a number of different travel bloggers. While we worked to cover every state in the country, some states were just too small to be included as they lacked any trips that could be considered multi-day adventures (sorry Delaware fans). Additionally, there are a few states which got bundled up with others nearby (for example, New England) to make for an epic trip that’s reachable from nearly any point in those states. If you’ve got a suggestion on how to expand this list or want to write on a state which didn’t get it’s own entry, then please send me an email at collabs@floridamanontherun.com. Please see the end of the article for states still in need of a write up!
I hope you all enjoy this in-depth look at all the best road trips in the USA! Let me know in the comments which trip you plan on taking next and connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Threads today!
Alaska: The Parks Highway (Anchorage to Denali)
Contributed by Danae Dal Bianco from Danae Explore
Driving the Parks Highway from Anchorage to Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most breathtaking road trips, and experiencing it as part of an Alaska RV trip, as we did, makes it even better. The 240-mile journey offers a stunning mix of mountain views, dense forests, and endless wilderness.
We split the trip into two days, with a stop in Talkeetna, about 115 miles north of Anchorage. Talkeetna is a charming town with a quirky, offbeat vibe. You can grab a beer at the historic Fairview Inn, enjoy a meal from one of the food trucks, or simply admire Mt. Denali from the Talkeetna Riverfront Park. For a closer look at North America’s highest peak, consider taking a scenic flight.
As you drive north toward Denali National Park, stop at the Denali Viewpoint South and Denali Viewpoint North, both in Denali State Park. The best views of the mountain are often found in this park, where the expansive vistas truly capture Denali’s grandeur. Reaching Denali National Park is the pinnacle of your journey, so take time to explore all it offers. Note that Denali is the only U.S. National Park where you cannot drive your own car; instead, you’ll embark on an official Park bus, accompanied by rangers who enhance the experience with their knowledge and expertise in spotting wildlife.
The best time to take this trip is during the summer, when the weather is more predictable and the daylight seems endless. Though clouds veiled most of Mt. Denali during our trip, this Alaska roadtrip was still an incredible experience.
Arizona: Canyons Trip
Contributed by Shweta Singhal from Zest in a Tote
This road trip through Arizona hits the 3 main tourist attractions: Sedona, Grand Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. As one of the best places to road trip in America, this Arizona Canyons trip can take anywhere from 6 days to 2 weeks.
After flying into Phoenix, you can rent a car at the airport itself and take off for Sedona. The drive is about 2 hours. The drive from Phoenix airport for most of the route was on a standard highway. For the last leg, you go through the Red Rock Scenic Byway which is like a gateway to Sedona. The red rocks towering on both sides of the road and the sheer beauty of the landscape are delightful.
After enjoying Sedona for a day, you can drive to see the wonder that is the Grand Canyon. The drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon via Flagstaff was beautiful. It is considered one of the 10 most scenic drives in the USA. This drive takes about 2 hours.
Lower Antelope Canyon is on Navajo land and you have to book a tour to view it. If you book an afternoon slot for the tour here, you’ll leave from the Grand Canyon South Rim to reach this spot in about 2.5 hours. And then after the tour, it was back to Sedona to spend the night. Next morning, the plan was to return the car back to Phoenix airport and fly back home.
California: Pacific Coast Highway to the Redwood Highway
Each of these routes could hold their own on a list of best American road trips, but there is only one spot on the list for California. Luckily, these two road trips happen to directly connect to each other when California Route 1 (the PCH) meets US 101 (Redwood Highway). Your trip can begin at either end, but its recommended to start in the south where California Route 1 begins just south of LA.
Over the 849 miles, you’ll want to make sure you take every option that keeps you on California 1 until it ends. After that, its as simple as following US 101 to the Oregon border. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the most beautiful road miles in America. Big Sur is probably the highlight of the entire trip, and it certainly was when I made the drive a few years ago. It really is hard to over state how breathtaking the views of the Pacific Ocean are. Then again, you’ll also get a chance to see some of the largest trees on earth, and that’s nothing to sneeze at.
With this being the longest single state road trip on this list, you’ll need to make time for a long trip. It’ll take a minimum of 7 days, but you’ll probably leave yourself wanting more time for views and less time on the road. If that’s the case, then stretch the trip over 12-14 days. The miles per day will be far lower (about 70) and you’ll have a chance to enjoy cities like San Francisco, Monterey, or Eureka along the way. As one of the best places to road trip in America, you’ll want to savor every moment and enjoy every stop along the way.
Colorado: Rocky Mountains to the Western Slope
Contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere
The approximately 850-mile journey from Denver to Telluride through Pagosa Springs and back to Denver is a stunning road trip through many of the most incredible spots through Colorado. Not only does this route include stunning views of mountain peaks, it includes several natural hot springs where you can soak in the warm waters. You’ll want to give yourself 5-7 days to comfortably complete this drive through the Rocky Mountains and Western Slope.
Starting in Denver, you’ll head southwest on US-285, a route that takes you through the picturesque foothills and into the heart of the Rockies. Spend your first night and a day exploring Glenwood Springs, where you can soak in the natural hot springs, hike, and explore the nearby mountains.
Then, drive to Telluride with stops in Rifle and Grand Junction along the way. Once you get to Telluride, you can explore the adorable mountain town and hike in the surrounding peaks. You’ll have a number of hikes to choose from, but don’t miss the views of Bridal Veil Falls. Consider a partial day trip to Ouray, where you can soak in the natural hot spring.
Next, drive to Pagosa Springs with possible stops at Mesa Verde National Park and the cute mountain town of Durango. Pagosa Springs has both a hot spring resort and a wild hot spring spot that you can enjoy before you head back to Denver.
Florida: US 1 and State Road A1A
Florida might not seem like a road tripper’s paradise, but that’s a big misconception. Florida State Road A1A is a fabulous coastal road trip filled with history and plenty of stellar beaches. Over the course of six-days (or more) you’ll make your way from quaint historic Fernandina Beach all the way to the famous Florida Keys.
The first two days of the trip are spent with Florida’s old history. Fernandina Beach is a beautiful little town on the resort destination of Amelia Island. Fort Clinch State Park has one of the best quiet beaches in the entire state plus an amazing old fort. Day two takes you to America’s oldest city in St. Augustine. Check out the Castillo de San Marcos during the day, and then take a ghost tour of the city at night!
Days Three and four take you along the famous Space Coast. You’ve got to make a stop at Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. If you time it right, you might even be able to catch a rocket launch. Just south of there are Cocoa and Delray Beaches. These are perfect mixes of old and new Florida, so make sure to soak up the sun and culture!
The final two days of your trip take you into the heart of Florida’s party scene. Spend a hot day along the water in Miami, before an even hotter night at one of South Beach’s many clubs, bars, or night spots. Finally, catch a Florida sunrise before you drive the final stretch of road on the east coast to Key West. Visit the Southern Most Point, then find somewhere with delicious margaritas and let your worries melt away. What better way to reward yourself after six days and nearly 600 miles on the road.
Georgia: North Georgia Mountain Loop
Georgia is a big state full of places to take a great road trip. However, a smaller and more compact road trip is what’s making this list of best places to road trip in America thanks to everything you can pack into it. Over just four days, you can visit some truly stunning and amazing locations.
This trip will start in the city of Tallulah Falls. The nearby state park has features one of the most amazing canyons east of the Rockies in Tallulah Gorge. You can take the towering stairs down into the gorge for a tough but rewarding hike. After you’ve done that hike, take the back roads towards the town of Helen, Georgia. Spend a day among it’s “Bavarian” themed buildings and take a tube ride on the Chattahoochee River.
After two days visiting Tallulah and Helen, you’ll head deeper into the mountains of Georgia. You can hike to the top of Brasstown Bald near Hiawassee, visit apple orchards across the northern part of the state, check out the cute town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, and make a visit to the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies at Amicalola Falls. In fact this loop around North Georgia features a number of awesome waterfalls you can visit! Finally, you’ll make your way back around to Helen!
Hawai’i: Looping Around the Big Island
Contributed by Tom and Katie from Trekking the Dream
With eight of the world’s thirteen climate zones, Hawaii’s Big Island packs a lot of punch into its relatively compact size. If you’re looking for variety, you’ve found it right here! A complete circuit of the island comes in at less than 240 miles, but to get the most out of your Hawaii Road trip, you’ll want to set aside between 7 and 10 days and explore inland too.
We recommend hiring a Four-Wheel drive to ensure you can tackle everything from river crossings to volcanoes. The Mauna Kea Observatory sits atop a dormant volcano 4,200m above sea level and is a great first stop. It has a 360-degree view of the Island and pitch-black skies at night, perfect for observing the stars and planets!
To the north, you’ll find stunning beaches, clifftop lookouts and beautiful waterfalls. Spend a few days exploring before heading clockwise around the island. Next up is Hilo; meandering lava tubes, Japanese Gardens and a traditional farmers market are just for starters, as it is also the gateway to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Continuing on, you’ll find one of only four green-sand beaches worldwide. Situated on the South coast, Papakōlea can be reached via a 1hr hike from the South Point car park. While the sea may look tempting, be wary of going in as there are strong currents and no lifeguards. The last stop is at Kealakekua Bay. Teeming with colorful fish darting in and out of the coral, the sheltered bay is ideal for snorkeling and a great place to end your road trip.
Illinois: The Great River Road in Illinois
Illinois is a surprisingly large state the a number of different road trips to choose from. However, in my book the most iconic is The Great River Road. The Great River Road is one of the best American road trips, yet often gets less attention than the PCH or Blue Ridge Parkway. The stretch of the road through Illinois offers a variety of landscapes to experience from cliffs and bluffs, to forests and marshes.
It’s entirely possible to simply drive just the Great River Road in Illinois, yet its often done as part of a much larger trip. The direction you choose to travel I think will be highly dependent on where you’re coming from. Both north and south directions will offer a similar experience. Interestingly, this is also the longest stretch of the Great River Road in a single state, so you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
The biggest consideration with this trip is if you’re going to hop the river into St. Louis or not. It is the largest city on the way, and I think it is definitely worth spending a few days there. If you spend the weekend there, then you can probably do the entire trip in 4-6 days and not miss a single stop. Skipping St. Louis means the trip could be as short as three days, making it perfect for a long weekend.
Iowa: The Great River Road in Iowa
The Great River Road in Iowa is just part of a larger trip which is one of the best American Road Trips. Iowa’s portion of the Great River Road takes you away from the bluffs in the north and introduces you to the wide, flat plains that are more prevalent in the southern part of the trip.
You’ll begin this trip crossing the state line from Minnesota into Iowa. Plan to make a stop at Effigy Mounds National Monument which is home to some of the best preserved mound structures in the country. The Great River Road hugs the Mississippi River pretty closely, but you should deviate just a bit south of Gutenburg. That’s because no road trip in Iowa is complete without a visit to the Field of Dreams in Dyersburg.
From there, you’ll spend a day or two cruising along the river. In that time you’ll visit towns like Dubuque, Clinton, and Muscatine which all have neat histories tied to the river. The road trip also takes you to the “Quad Cities” which is one of the more unique urban amalgamations in the country. The four cities really act as one large one, but span the Mississippi River. It’s also home to one of the best minor league ballparks in the country which you can visit on a MLB road trip across the country!
Kentucky: The Bourbon Trail
Bourbon very well could be called America’s national drink. It’s uniquely American crafting and construction are done to their absolute best in the state of Kentucky. Any bourbon connoisseur will view a trip along the Bourbon Trail to be a bucket list trip or maybe even an annual pilgrimage!
There are certainly too many individual distilleries to list for this trip, so it’s all up to you which ones you want to visit. For a break down of all the options, then check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail website. Starting this road trip in Louisville is the smart option. Not only can you indulge in copious amounts of craft bourbon in the city, but there are tons of things to do in Louisville beyond bourbon.
Once you’ve gotten your fill in Louisville, head into the western region of the state first. There are fewer distilleries out here, so perhaps just making a stop at Green River Distilling in Owensboro is the best option. Then you’ll want to make your way back to the Bardstown region, which touts itself as the Bourbon Capital of the World. Iconic brands like Maker’s Mark and Four Roses call this region home.
Continue this iconic American road trip into the Lexington region to see what the masters of the horse know about bourbon. Take your bourbon adventure to the northern region to enjoy a number of smaller craft brands. Finally, you’ll end your tip heading into the central region which is home to some heavy hitters including Bulleit, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve.
Maryland: The Best Sightseeing Road Trip (Assateague to Harper’s Ferry)
Maryland’s unique shape made it hard to plan a multi-day road trip worthy as one of the best places to road trip in America. However, after putting some thought into it, I think it might be one of the most unique trips on this entire list!
It all begins with your feet in the Atlantic Ocean on Assateague Island. Here you can also view from a safe distance the “wild” horses of Assateague. Then this Maryland adventure will take you along US 50, one of the longest roads in the United States. In Maryland it takes you along the Chesapeake Bay and into Annapolis, home of the Naval Academy. A visit to the Naval Academy is a really unique experience you can’t find anywhere else.
Then you’ll head north to the great city of Baltimore. I’d time the trip to take a weekend in Baltimore, allowing you to experience everything the city has to offer. That includes a world class zoo and aquarium, great night life, iconic sports venues, and intriguing history. Finally, you’ll strike out towards Sharpsburg, Antietam, and Harper’s Ferry. These sites are some of the most hallowed ground thanks to their impact on the Civil War. It’s a great way to wrap up a unique trip across the state of Maryland.
Minnesota: The Great River Road in Minnesota
The Great River Road features a lot on this list because it’s whole length is one of the top three iconic American road trips. The Great River Road in Minnesota might be the best stretch of the entire trip. It features small towns and big cities; flatlands and towering bluffs; and a whole lot of river!
This road trip does require a drive to it’s start, but that start just happens to be where the mighty Mississippi River begins! You’ll start at Lake Itasca State Park which features some fantastic camping right near the lake. From there you’ll follow the Great River Road through the town of Bemidji, home of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Big Blue Ox!
Further along the road you can stop in Grand Rapids (the home of Judy Garland) and then Little Falls as well (home of Charles Lindbergh). After your two or three days along this portion of the road, you’ll find yourself in the Twin Cities. Take at least 2-3 days in Minneapolis to enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer you!
Once you’re ready to leave the Twin Cities, it’s onto the Mississippi River bluffs. That’ll involve stops in Red Wing (maybe grab some new shoes), Winona, and maybe some camping at Great River Bluffs State Park. Then you can continue your trip down the Great River Road into Iowa!
New England: Scenic Adventure Through Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont
Contributed by Meghan Elise from Meghan, the Traveling Teacher
One of the best road trips in the America is through New England. Unlike many other states in the USA, you can drive across many of the states in New England in just a few hours! Combining them into one larger road trip is an excellent idea and you’ll get the opportunity to explore some of the prettiest places on the East Coast.
New England comprises six different states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. For this road trip, start in Boston. It has the largest airport and is right in the middle meaning you can make a great loop starting from here. Plus, Boston is home to a lot of early US history and great food.
After a few days discovering the history of Boston, head north along the coast. Visit coastal towns like Rockport and Gloucester, MA, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, before finishing up your time in Maine.
I recommend the towns of Portland and Bar Harbor, plus Acadia National Park. The coastline of New England is extremely beautiful anytime of year, but if you’re visiting in summer, I’d spend extra time along the coast. As someone who lived in Boston, summer here is so special.
After exploring the coast line, head west to Vermont to towns like Stowe and Burlington then through New Hampshire along Kancamagus, Route 302, or drive to the summit of Mount Washington. New Hampshire and Vermont are especially beautiful in the fall, but the mountains in both states at any time of year are enjoyable.
Your last area to explore is Connecticut and Rhode Island before heading back to Boston. Stop in the Litchfield Hills area of Connecticut for the Stars Hollow feel (that’s a Gilmore Girls reference!) before heading to the coast. Hit up Mystic SeaPort and head to Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is one of my personal favorite towns in New England, make sure you see the famous Gilded Age mansions!
Finally, head back toward Boston. Consider doing a stop in Plymouth or Salem if you want one last stop before ending your trip. This is one of the best places to road trip in America with so much to do, whether you want coastal views, great outdoors, history, or cute towns, there’s something for everyone on this road trip.
New York: New York City to Niagara Falls
Contributed by Ossama Alnuwaiser from Awesome Traveler
The best road trip is from New York to Niagara Falls. It is quite rewarding that contains some beautiful sceneries and sightseeing. It is about 400 miles drive, which takes around 7 hours to finish. However, it is quite rewarding that you are able to see some cultural heritage and historical places along the way beside nature.
I would recommend visiting during summer, so you got to enjoy Niagara Falls in an optimal weather condition. You might wonder, what to wear for Niagara Falls in summer? You should wear light and breathable clothes, such as T-shirt and short. You should also bring with you a rain jacket for a possible rain shower. It is also a good idea to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
The road trip starts at New York City, then take I-87 North to New Paltz. It is about 2 hours from New York and worth stopping by. You can relax at Victorian Resort at the shore of Mohonk Lake. It offers hiking and biking opportunities. You can also relax at the lake or enjoy watersports activities. It also holds a beautiful view of Mohonk Mountain House, so bring your camera.
After finishing the tour, you can get back to the road and take I-87 to head to Albany. It situated in the Hudson River, where you can stop by to soak the view. Your next destination is Syracuse, which can be reached through I-90 W highway. Syracuse is a bustling city with green space views in the Finger Lakes region, allowing you to enjoy some skyline mixed with God given nature.
The next stop is Buffalo, which can be reached continue through taking I-90 W. You can explore the city and visit Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, which is home to many exotic flowers. Last stop is taking I-190 N to Niagara Falls.
North Carolina: The Blue Ridge Parkway
Part of a continuing theme among the best places to road trip in America, the Blue Ridge Parkway is another multistate scenic route. It’s one of the most iconic road trips in the world, and it’s a well earned designation. The Blue Ridge Parkway was one of the first purpose-built scenic drives, built with the power of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression. That means there are a number of great campgrounds along the way as well.
Starting in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll head north leaving Cherokee, North Carolina. Many of the highest points on the entire parkway come in these early miles, along with the highest peak east of the Rockies at Mount Mitchell. Beautiful overlooks can be found all along the route north towards the Virginia state line, including the unrivaled Linn Cove Viaduct.
There are also a number of excellent towns worth visiting along the way. Asheville is the largest, and home to a booming craft brewing scene (just no drinking and driving). The twin towns of Blowing Rock and Boone will welcome you with open arms and give you some time off the road. You should spend 4-5 days exploring, allowing you to do some hiking, sightseeing, and small business shopping.
Ohio: Visiting the Three C’s
Contributed by Karen Dawkins from Family Travels on a Budget
For a great Ohio road trip, visit the three big cities: Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. Separated by a total of 250 miles, each has a distinct personality that tells a part of Ohio’s unique story making this drive one of the best road trips in Ohio.
Start with a few days in Cincinnati, exploring its historic riverfront with German influences. Visit the numerous history museums or the American Sign Museum for some kitschy fun. Catch a game at the ballpark or head to Kings Island for theme park thrills.
Next, head north on I-71 for about 90 minutes to Columbus, Ohio’s state capital. Here you’ll find distinct neighborhoods like German Village, the Short North Arts District, The Ohio State University campus area and more. Stay downtown, close to museums, sports parks, the Scioto Mile riverfront park and restaurants and explore on foot.
Next, continue north on I-71 for about two hours to Cleveland, which sits on the shores of Lake Erie. Once a struggling industrial city, Cleveland is now a vibrant city with fabulous restuarants, entertainment districts, great sports teams and museums. Spend a day at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or catch a ball game. Kayak on Lake Erie or hike on trails through the Cleveland Metroparks system.
While Ohio’s three major cities anchor this road trip, travelers might choose to hop off the highway for a bit to drive through Ohio’s Amish country, stop at a presidential museum at the small towns along the route, or to enjoy some great local produce from farms between the cities. Ohio’s rich history, great museums, sports teams and culture are worth a week’s drive, or two if time allows.
Oregon: Western Loop (Andrea Chen)
Contributed by Andrea from Andreagoesplaces.com
Oregon is a beautiful state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and it’s one of the best places to go on a road trip. This road trip route can reach many great cities and towns in Oregon.
This route doesn’t have a formal name, and it’s just a road trip route I took when visiting from California! It starts on the West side of Oregon and returns down the middle. Eastern Oregon mainly has mountains with forests in between, so everything to see is on the west side. It takes about four days to complete the entire route.
First, go to Florence, Oregon, where you can spend the first night. Florence has an incredible coastal drive where you can see great views of the Pacific Ocean. Then, go to Yachats, where you can visit Thor’s Well, filled with natural rock wells that fill with water (and make big splashes). After Yachats, drive to Tillamook and sample all the cheese and ice cream your heart desires. Stop by Cannon Beach before you go to Portland and spend the night there. Enjoy the city of Portland, including the wine, food, waterfalls, etc.
The next day, drive down to Bend and enjoy the breweries! Then, head to Crater Lake National Park to end this amazing Oregon road trip.
South Carolina: Ocean to Mountains
Contributed by Natalie Vereen-Davis from Camping Kiddos
Start your adventures in historic Charleston, where you’ll find colorful antebellum homes, incredible Southern cuisine, and hundreds of shops within easy walking distance of the picturesque harbor. If you fancy a beach day, Charleston offers up 3 islands for swimming and sun bathing: Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach, all less than a 30 minute drive from historic downtown.
From there, jump onto Interstate 26, which will take you into the interior of the state. Along the way, you can stop off at Edisto Gardens in Orangeburg or the Francis Beidler National Forest near Ridgeville. Both offer up beautiful walking trails alongside some of the state’s cypress swamps.
Halfway up I-26 is the state’s capitol, Columbia, where you can find a lively music scene, multiple walking trails alongside the Congaree River, Riverbanks Zoo, and South Carolina’s flagship university, the University of South Carolina. An easy drive from Columbia is South Carolina’s only national park, Congaree National Park, which is the last remaining stand of virgin hardwood forest in the Southeast. It’s well worth a slight detour from I-26 to see the many animals and plants, including the massive champion trees.
As you head further northeast from Columbia on I-26, you’ll enter the South Carolina Upstate, home to Greenville and Spartanburg. Greenville has undergone an incredible transformation in the last 2 decades and is now home to the beautiful Falls Park, a thriving arts scene, and several colleges.
Greenville is also an excellent base from which to explore the Upstate’s many outdoor activities, such as hiking, whitewater rafting, and boating on the many area lakes. If you love a waterfall hike, add on this South Carolina waterfalls road trip, which offers up more than 35 waterfalls, all within an easy drive of downtown Greenville.
South Dakota: Badlands Road Trip
Contributed by Penelope from The Flyaway Girl
Thanks to its unique landscapes and truly spectacular views, one of the best places to road trip in the USA is through the Badlands of South Dakota. The otherworldly landscapes of the Badlands are truly something that needs to be seen to be believed, photos just don’t do it justice!
Starting at Rapid City in South Dakota is the perfect place to begin your road trip. From there, drive via Scenic and Imlay to reach the Badlands Interior Entrance Station, where your Badlands road trip will begin. You can drive the Badlands in one day, but starting early is the best way to make the most of your trip to this part of South Dakota!
Overall, starting and ending in Rapid City and driving through the Badlands will be around 172 miles in total, with an approximate driving time of 3.5 hours. You’ll be making lots of stops along the way – there are 10 stops included on the best Badlands road trip route! From incredible viewpoints over the unique landscape at Big Badlands Overlook, aptly named Panorama Point, and seeing some of the amazing wildlife that lives in the park at Pinnacles Overlook.
The best place to stop off after your Badlands road trip is the small town of Wall, which has a required stop at Wall Drug Store. The food here is excellent, with a delicious hot beef sandwich smothered in gravy and a slice of cherry pie being the perfect reward for all your adventuring through the Badlands earlier in the day.
You can also continue your South Dakota road trip by continuing on from Wall to Mount Rushmore, or you can end your day back in Rapid City and leave Mount Rushmore for another day. There is truly to much to see and explore on a road trip through Badlands National Park and it should be included on any American road trip itinerary!
Tennessee: From the Mississippi to the Mountains
One thing that catches many people off guard is just how long Tennessee is from tip to tip. The state is tailor made for a cross-state road trip, especially with all the different attractions and environments it has. The trip making this list of the best road trips in America takes you from Memphis and the Mississippi River all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains!
Starting in Memphis, you’ll enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the city. Leaving Memphis, you’ll head up the Great River Road in Tennessee to one of the state’s best state parks at Reelfoot Lake. From here, it’s time to tack east through Paris (see their Eiffel Tower), and then along US 70 into Nashville. The Music City will greet you with open arms, and the bright lights of Broadway. Nashville is an awesome city, so plan to spend at least two days in Nashville before heading out.
After leaving Nashville, you’ll head east towards the only dark sky park in all of Tennessee at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. This park has wonderful hiking, a great lake, and excellent dark skies. It’s also your first taste of the mountains on the Cumberland Plateau. Finally, you’ll head towards Knoxville and then onward to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Spend your final available days in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park at a places like Cades Cove!
Texas: Austin to Big Bend National Park
Contributed by Justin Gonzales from Justin Travel
Do you love to see the stars? Maybe natural hot springs, or how about small towns and native villages? Then a trip to Big Bend will be worth the trip! Taking Highway I-10 from Austin to Big Bend National Park takes around 8-9 hours. I suggest starting bright and early around 6 am so you can stop by Fredericksburg for some wine and snacks, Sonora for a natural cave and Fort Stockton along the way, for supplies. 3-5 days is recommended for this trip.
This trip is amazing because of everything you can see on the way and at your destination. Grab breakfast at Bad Rabbit Cafe, as you head into the changing landscapes of Big Bend. Go for a short hike, then cross the border into Mexico to the village of Boquillas. Spend your evening in a hot spring, right before driving up cliffs to watch the stars across the night sky.
In the morning go for another hike before taking a little dip in Santa Elena Canyon, wading your way between two large rock faces. For the afternoon, check the local Ghost town of Terlingua, before settling down in your campground. Your itinerary may differ if you stay in the park itself or in a campground around Terlingua.
Utah: The Mighty Five
When compiling all the iconic American road trips you could take, a road trip to see all of Utah’s Mighty Five had to make the list. Utah is easily one of the best places to road trip in America, and it’s spectacular national parks are a key reason for that. You can start this trip at either end (or even with some awesome sunrises near Salt Lake City), but going east to west is the typical route.
The trip begins in the city of Moab, which just so happens to be closest to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It’s suggested to spend at least three days in this area to explore the parks (including the less visited gem of Dead Horse Point State Park). After you’ve gotten your fill of this amazing scenery, you’ll hop onto I-70 for a few miles before heading down State Road 24 towards Capitol Reef.
Capitol Reef is the least visited of the Mighty Five, but no less impressive. It’s also a great entry point to the rest of the state, as the drive to Bryce Canyon from here takes you through Grand Staircase-Escalante. It’s also one of the more harrowing roads I’ve driven on in all my years of road tripping.
Bryce Canyon and Zion both also deserve multiple days to explore, especially if you’re looking to do some significant hiking. They are two of the most iconic national parks in America, and serve as an awesome way to wrap up a road trip to see the Mighty Five in Utah.
Virginia: Skyline Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway
While you could just drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, you’d be missing out on arguably a better stretch of road in the state. Combining Skyline Drive, which runs through Shenandoah National Park, with the Parkway makes for a serene trip through the Appalachian Mountains.
Unless you’ve started in Cherokee, NC and made the drive north, the preferred way of driving this route is south. You’ll begin your trip on one of the best American road trips in Front Royale, VA. The small town is situated right at the start of Skyline Drive. The road quickly rises into Shenandoah National park and follows the ridge line for over 100 miles of gorgeous views.
The end of the Skyline flows directly into the Blue Ridge Parkway just outside of Waynesboro, VA. There are some fantastic miles of the Blue Ridge in Virginia. However, these are often at lower elevations which gives the parkway a much different feel than in North Carolina or even compared to Skyline Drive. You’ll also pass just outside of Roanoke, which is a great place to spend a day or two. As one of the best road trips in the USA, taking your time will give the best experience. Plan on 5-6 days to cover this scenic route, and connect with the BRP in North Carolina.
Washington: Olympic Peninsula Loop
Contributed by Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveler
The Olympic Loop, which winds 350 miles around the Olympic Peninsula of northwestern Washington state, is any outdoor lover’s dream, offering craggy beaches, ancient rainforests, and towering mountains.
Ideally, you’d have at least four days to explore along the loop, although you could easily spend a week (or more!) enjoying its sites.
Most travelers start in Seattle and make the two hour drive west to the Olympic Peninsula. From here, drive north to the charming Victorian town of Port Townsend, which has a variety of art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques to browse around.
The best stops, however, are found further west, like the town of Port Angeles, which is largely considered the gateway to Olympic National Park. Here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains on top of Hurricane Hill or, if you’re up for more of a challenge, hike to the top of Mount Storm King, where you’ll have dazzling views of the blue waters of Lake Crescent below.
The western portion of the loop stretches for about a hundred miles along the Washington coastline, with beaches lined with rugged sea stacks, like Ruby or Rialto, and incredibly lush rainforests, like the Hoh. Don’t miss the Hoh’s Hall of Mosses Trail, where you’ll wander under the canopy of spruce and hemlock trees towering 300 feet overhead.
Many visitors choose to skip the Quinault Rainforest, located on the southwestern portion of the loop, but this is a huge oversight. This section is home to the world’s largest Sitka spruce, the largest mountain hemlock (by volume), and some of Olympic National Park’s best hikes, like the Enchanted Valley Trail. Plus, given this area is a bit off-the-beaten path, you’ll get to enjoy it largely to yourself!
West Virginia: The Mountain State Loop
Driving a loop of West Virginia is a classic road trip and not only one of the best American road trips, but it’s also one of the easiest. West Virginia is less than a day’s drive from a huge percentage of the American population and you can practically start this loop trip at any point along it. However, it’s suggested that you start it in Morgantown, which is one of the largest cities in West Virginia.
The trip should take you 7-10 days to really maximize your time around the state. From Morgantown, the first few days will be exploring the eastern panhandle. That includes stops at places like Blackwater Falls, Harpers Ferry, and Berkley Springs. After that portion of the trip, you’ll head down the eastern side of the state to see the iconic Seneca Rocks, Green Bank Telescope, and ride the Cass Scenic Railroad.
As you get into the southern portions of the trip, it’s time to enjoy some camping under the beautiful starry skies of Watoga State Park. You’ll then explore the history of coal mining in Beckley, visiting the newest national park at New River Gorge, and snap an iconic photo at Babcock State Park. Then it’s off to Charleston to make a stop in West Virginia’s state capital.
Finally, you’ll wrap up the trip with a drive down the Ohio River. Make sure you stop to see the Mothman in Point Pleasant. On your way up the river, you can check out places like Parkersburg, Moundsville, and Wheeling. Then you can head back to Morgantown to end your Mountain State Loop and one of the best road trips in America!
Final Tips on Undertaking Your Next Road Trip
Now that you’ve got a list of the best places to road trip in America, it’s time to actually start planning it. These trips are all really just rough outlines to get your started. I highly recommend taking some time to plot them out on Google Maps, then working on what sights you’d like to see along the way. This will make sure that the route you take helps you see the important things to you. After that, then work out how far you want to drive each day and find lodging that fits your needs nearby.
However, if you’re not interested in all of that planning on your own, then consider signing up for my newsletter! Each month I’ll send out helpful tips on trip planning, exclusive posts that only subscribers can see, and unique discounts for services or companies I trust for my own trips. In fact, signing up with the box below will even get you a free custom itinerary built by me! So sign up today!
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