How to Do a Road Trip in America

Co-authored by Greg Guiteras and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: March 6, 2023 References

If you’re looking for your next fun vacation, cruising through the USA can be an unforgettable experience. There’s something special to see no matter which state you’re driving through, but taking certain routes can help you hit multiple spots all in the same trip. We’ve put together some of the most popular routes and destinations from the East Coast to the West Coast so you can explore no matter where you are!

1

Fall New England Tour

Take this colorful autumn drive if you want a scenic outdoorsy escape. If you’re traveling in October, don’t miss out on the red, yellow, and orange leaves in the New England forests. Driving through the Green Mountain Byway in Vermont takes you through some cute small towns before opening up to a huge maple forest. Relax on the drive along Route 112 in New Hampshire and on Route 2 in Massachusetts as you pass through all of the fall trees.^{[1]
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- Try stopping in North Adams, Massachusetts in early October for the Fall Foliage festival with celebrations and parades based on the fall’s changing colors. You could also check out the Museum of Contemporary Art while you’re there too.
- If you want to make an adventurous detour, stop at the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour in New Hampshire to zipline through the trees.
- If you want to get out and hike, try checking out the trails at Flume Gorge in New Hampshire.
- Don’t forget to enjoy some authentic New England clam chowder while you’re in the area.

2

East Coast Historical Tour

You’ll love this trip from Williamsburg to Boston if you’re a history buff. If you want to celebrate American history and see where the country started, this 628 mi (1,011 km) trip is perfect for you. Starting in Williamsburg lets you see reenactments of colonial life before moving onto Jamestown and Yorktown, some of the first settlements in the US. Follow I-95 up to stop in Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston to see some of the places important to the Revolution.^{[2]
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- Stop by The Smithsonian, The Capitol building, or the various monuments when you hit DC.
- Pop into New York City to check out Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
- Check out Fort McHenry while you’re in Baltimore where the battle was fought that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- See Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell when you stop off in Philadelphia.

3

Blue Ridge Parkway

Fall in love with the mountains of North Carolina on this beautiful drive. This route runs from Cherokee, NC for 469 miles (755 km) up to the Virginia state border. While you’re on the road, pull aside to view the rolling landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains and the forests between them. Just be careful and don’t go over the speed limit since the roads are a little windy.^{[3]
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- You could lose cell phone service up in the mountains, so bring a map with you so you can still find your way.
- Take a detour in Cherokee to learn more about Cherokee Indian history and culture at the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
- Pop into Mount Mitchell State Park near Burnsville if you want to hike through nature or camp out for the night.
- Stop at any shops you see along the way to find some traditional handmade crafts, like baskets, pottery, and even carved instruments.

4

Florida Keys

Take a vacation to enjoy the beach and island life on the Overseas Highway. The Florida Keys are a group of small islands off of the southern coast, but you can easily drive between them on Highway 1. While it’s only 113 miles (182 km) in one direction, it’s worth it to take your time. As you make the drive, check out the state parks and coral reefs along the way. There are also a ton of resorts and areas to stay so you can plan your trip out for a couple of days.^{[4]
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- Learn more about the history of the Keys on Islamorada in the Keys History and Discovery Center.
- If you’re interested in wildlife, try checking out the Coral Reef State Park or the Dolphin Research Center.
- Enjoy some fresh seafood at the various fish shops and restaurants.
- The Keys are also a great location if you want to try snorkeling, diving, or bird-watching.

5

Great River Road

This trip through middle America offers historic sites and scenic drives. While the full trip is around 1,400 miles (2,300 km), you can tackle any section of the route that sounds the most interesting. Starting in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Great River Road takes you through the Midwest and into the South where it ends in Louisiana. Check out the riverboats along the river, stop in St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch, pass through Memphis for some BBQ and music, and end in New Orleans to explore the French Quarter.^{[5]
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- Other stops you can check out include Graceland, The National Civil Rights Museum, and Hannibal, MO, which was where Mark Twain was born.
- Have some ideas for what you want to do along your drive, but stay a little flexible. If you see something interesting, don’t be afraid to pull off and check it out.

6

Route 66

Cruise down this original interstate for a view of classic Americana. Route 66 stretches for 2,400 miles (3,900 km) across the country through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. If you can’t make a full road trip along a route, just choose a smaller section to try out. Even though interstates are faster, taking your time down Route 66 gives you a taste of some classic Americana.^{[6]
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US National Park Service
Agency responsible for the maintenance and promotion of national parks and monuments
Go to source} Keep an eye out for historic buildings and road signs, classic diners, and art sculptures along the way.
- Route 66 has a ton of roadside attractions, so stop off whenever you see something interesting. Some places along the way include the Grand Canyon, Cadillac Park, Meteor Crater, and the San Miguel Mission.
- End your trip in sunny Santa Monica if you want to enjoy games and food on the pier.
- Be sure to make reservations at hotels along the route before you leave so you can save some money. If you’re driving an RV, there are a ton of campsites where you can stop off.

7

Yellowstone Loop

If you’re outdoorsy, you’ll love this Wyoming route through national parks. You can hit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park following this 482 mi (776 km) loop. You’ll visit some small frontier towns throughout Wyoming, and large plains where you can see bison and elk roaming. As you continue north, visit Jackson Hole before making your way to the parks and spending time in nature.^{[7]
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- Be sure to hike the trails and check out the geysers and Grand Prismatic Spring while you’re in Yellowstone.
- Visit The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole if you really want to embrace the cowboy theme of the frontier.

8

Trail Ridge Road

Take in the size of the Rocky Mountains on this stunning Colorado drive. Even though Trail Ridge Road is only 48 miles (77 km), it’s a stunning view you won’t get anywhere else. Carefully wind through this mountain pass, and look out over the crags and cliffs between the mountains. You may even see some elk or bighorn sheep along the way.^{[8]
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- Since the road passes through the mountains, it could be closed due to bad weather. You can always call (970) 586-1222 to find out the current status of the road.

9

Texas Hill Country

Enjoy the rolling landscapes and art scene through the heart of Texas. The main destinations in Hill Country are San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg. Start by taking in all the art and culture in Austin at the museums and in downtown. In the spring, make your way to Fredericksburg to see some wildflower fields and enjoy fresh wine nearby in Johnson City. When you get near San Antonio, be sure to check out The Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.^{[9]
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- Stick to the backroads rather than the highways since you’ll get better views and scenery.
- If you’re a country music fan, stop at Luckenbach to catch some performers on an outdoor stage.
- If you want to get outside and check out some caves, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns.

10

Pacific Coastal Highway

Get a taste of the Cali lifestyle with beach towns and picturesque ocean views. The Pacific Coastal Highway, or PCH, stretches throughout the entire state of California, but the most popular stretch is from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Since it runs right alongside the Pacific Ocean, you can pop into any small coastal towns you find or visit the sandy beaches along the way. Take your time and enjoy the ocean air while you’re driving for an unforgettable trip.^{[10]
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- The PCH from LA to San Francisco is about 656 miles (1,056 km).
- Check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Santa Monica Pier while you’re in LA.
- San Luis Obispo is a popular area originally founded as a mission and is a great stop to learn about California history.
- Coastal towns like Cuyocos and Morro Bay offer authentic seafood and small coastal shops you can explore.
- In San Francisco, you can visit the piers, take historic cable cars, and check out all the local food and art.

11

Route 50

If you want a full cross-country adventure, take this single highway coast-to-coast. Route 50 starts in Maryland and ends all the way in Sacramento, CA, so buckle in for a trip that takes a couple of weeks to complete. While it may be the longest drive, you’ll get to pass through 12 states and 4 state capitals along the way. Just be sure to plan out a few stops along the way so you have some time to rest in between driving.^{[11]
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- Some notable stops along this route include Washington DC, Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and Arches National Park in Utah.
- The total distance of Route 50 is 3,073 miles (4,946 km) and it takes at least 14 days to complete.
- Always get your vehicle checked out by a mechanic before going on a cross-country trip to make sure it’s safe to drive. Some things to check are the oil, engine, tires, and brakes.

12

Alaskan Scenic Byways

Escape to Alaska for a drive through the beautiful northern mountains. While it may seem out of the way, Alaska has some of the most beautiful wilderness to drive through.^{[12]
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Research source} The Scenic Byways stretch throughout the entire state, but there are smaller sections that you can explore if you don’t want to drive the whole thing. Just be sure to plan your trip in the warmer summer months since road conditions can get pretty bad in the winter.^{[13]
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- Check out the Parks Highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks to see Denali State Park and Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in the country.^{[14]
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- For one of the most scenic experiences, take the Seward Highway near the coast to see glaciers, wildlife like beluga whales, and historic mining towns.^{[15]
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13

Hana Highway

Try out this winding island road if you’re vacationing in Hawaii. The Hana Highway is a 52 mi (84 km) stretch along the northern coast of Maui. Since it follows the coast, you’ll get some beautiful views of oceans, jungles, and rocky cliffs. Even though it may seem like a short trip, there’s a slow speed limit and a lot of sharp turns, so take your time and enjoy the scenery!^{[16]
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- It usually takes about 2½ hours to drive along the Hana Highway.
- Be sure to pull off at the Puaa Kaa Falls or Hanawi Falls to check out some popular swimming holes.

Travel Itinerary for a Road Trip Across the US

Sample Travel Itinerary for a Road Trip Across the US

Expert Q&A

Question

When should I change my oil during a long road trip?

Tom Eisenberg
Auto Technician
Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country.

Tom Eisenberg

Auto Technician

Expert Answer

Change your oil once every 3,500 to 5,000 if you use conventional, less expensive oil. If you have a newer car and use synthetic oil, get it changed once every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Question

What should I check on my car before a long road trip?

Tom Eisenberg
Auto Technician
Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country.

Tom Eisenberg

Auto Technician

Expert Answer

Always check your tire pressure—just keep in mind that it fluctuates with the temperature. If you have an older car with lots of mileage, be sure to check the coolant, too.

Warnings

Always get your vehicle checked by a mechanic before going on a road trip to make sure it’s safe for the drive.^{[20]
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for writing and enforcing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
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