Best Road Trips in America

Road trips are an integral part of American culture. Nothing quite says family like five people, their luggage, and their dog crammed inside an SUV on their way to see the world’s largest bottle of shampoo. Wherever you’re going, whatever you’re driving, odds are you’ll have fun (you know, in between all the bickering and strange smells and “I’m not touching you” business).

This great country has so many exciting places to explore. Whether you’re wanting to immerse yourself in the history and culture of a small town or a big city; to see mountains or the ocean; to spend your weekend drinking at renowned clubs, emptying your wallet to eat the fanciest lobster you can find, or just sitting back and enjoying the view while you soak in a hot tub, there’s something out there for you and your entire family.

Below you’ll find two different lists of road trip articles, each detailing some of the best road trips in America. Our first list details some of our favorite destination trips to take in the U.S., like Disney World. Our second examines the best trips to take just for the driving experience and the things you’ll see along the way.

 

Best Road Trips in America: Destinations

 

Boston

There’s no city more New England than Boston, so when you’re looking to get a taste of the East Coast, make sure this city is your final destination. Located on the Massachusetts Bay and considered one of America’s oldest cities, Boston is perfect for history buffs and bar hoppers alike, ensuring… (Read more)

 

Chicago

When adventure begins calling your name, urging you to set out on the road, there’s no better place to end up than Chicago, Illinois. Situated on the southwestern edge of Lake Michigan, America’s third most populated city has all the city-living flair with… (Read more)

 

 

Disney World

_{Photo by Dom497} 

If your family is looking for a touch of magic, look no further than Disney World. Located in Orlando, Florida, this amusement park is considered one of the most visited attractions in the world, with over 52.5 million people enjoying its sights annually. Disney World stretches over… (Read more)

 

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is the perfect road trip destination if you’re looking to be inspired by the sheer power of nature (or for a bit of an adrenaline rush). Carved out by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles across… (Read more)

 

 

Las Vegas

If you feel it’s time for you to get a little bit of sin in your life, there’s no better road trip destinations that Sin City itself. Located in the middle of the Mojave Desert in Southern Nevada, Las Vegas is known for its lavish hotels and… (Read more)

 

 

Mackinac Island

When you need to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday conveniences, there’s no better place to do so than Mackinac Island. Located off the coast of Michigan, this island resides in Lake Huron between the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and prohibits the use of cars and motorcycles, making… (Read more)

 

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has always been the go-to vacation spot for many people along the East Coast. Located in Horry County in South Carolina, it rests right in the middle of a large, continuous stretch of white sand known as the Grand Strand, making it the perfect place to stretch out on… (Read more)

 

Napa Valley

If your favorite way of relaxing after a long day of work is to enjoy a nice glass of wine, then there is no better road trip destination for you than Napa Valley. Known as one of the premier wine regions in the world, Napa Valley is located in North California near the San Francisco Bay Area, making it the… (Read more)

 

New Orleans

If you’re looking for a town with rich history and wild night life, New Orleans might be the destination for you. Nicknamed “The Big Easy,” New Orleans is famous for its night-life, incredible Cajun cuisine, and one-of-a-kind culture. No matter… (Read more)

 

 

New York City

New York City is one of our favorite road-trip destinations for many reasons. No matter where you are driving from, there will be plenty of places to stop along the way—historical sites, natural wonders, and anything in between. (Read more)

 

 

Smokey Mountains, Tennessee

Nestled along the Tennessee-North Carolina boarder and stretching over 187,000 acres, you will find one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world—The Great Smokey Mountains. Whether you’re a hiker looking for a challenge on the Appalachian Trail or a college student wanting to spend… (Read more)

 

Washington, D.C.

When you’re itching for something patriotic, why not hop in your car and take a road trip to the nation’s capital? Considered the epicenter of everything political, Washington, D.C. is such an amazing place, that it’s a district of all its own. Located between Maryland and Virginia, the thriving city… (Read more)

 

Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,468 square miles and includes parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. With a wide range of terrain, views, hiking, geothermal attractions, and camping, Yellowstone has earned a spot on our list of best road trip destinations. (Read more)

 

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park spans 747,956 square miles in central eastern California. Covering a diverse terrain – from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite Valley, elevations range from 2,127 to 13,114 feet above sea level – the park is home to a wide variety of plants and… (Read more)

 

 

Best Road Trips in America: Drives

 

California Coast

One of the most iconic images of California living is driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, taking in the beautiful scenery as the wind whips through your hair. With twisting, cliff-hugging curves, this route meanders along the coastline, offering… (Read more)

 

 

Going-to-the-Sun Road

When you find yourself hankering for a scenic drive that includes not only mountains, but beautiful, glacier-blue lakes, it might be time for you to hit the pavement along Going-to-the-Sun Road. The 47 mile stretch of road is named after Going-to-the-Sun Mountain and… (Read more)

 

Great River Road

The Great River Road is a collection of local and state roads which run parallel to the Mississippi River, following its course through ten states and over 2,340 miles. The series of roads travels through a multitude of both natural and urban landscapes between… (Read more)

 

 

Million Dollar Highway

Photo by Andreas F. Borchert

If you’re looking for a scenic drive that’s not only beautiful, but also a bit of a challenge and might just get your heart rate up a time or two, we highly recommend checking out the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. Stretching… (Read more)

 

Red Rock Scenic Byway

Beginning in the town of Sedona, Arizona, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is the perfect road trip if you’re looking for a short drive that is packed with fascinating geological features. While it might only be twenty minutes long, this stretch of highway offers a number of different… (Read more)

 

Route 66

If you’re looking for a captivating drive through the heart of America, we think Route 66 might be right up your alley. This legendary diagonal drive between Los Angeles and Chicago takes in some of the country’s most… (Read more)

 

 

U.S. Route 1

Interested in taking a road trip that gives you a taste of New England? Then taking U.S. Route 1 through Maine would be perfect for you. Since the mid 1920s, Route 1 has hugged the coast of Maine, providing views so beautiful that the… (Read more)

 

 

Also be sure check out our list of fun road trip games and our road trip safety tips! Happy driving!