cross country trip routes

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

10 Best Cross-Country Road Trip Routes in the US

The open road, blue skies, fresh air: a cross-country road trip may just be what you need to go somewhere new, spend some time by yourself or with your loved ones, and gain some perspective.

The great American road trip became popular in the 1950s, when there was a rapid increase in the number of families owning cars post-World War II.

With the recent changes in travel and diminished financial capacity, people are looking for different ways to explore new places. It definitely looks like driving cross-country will see a revival.

In this article, you’ll learn about the best routes to travel as well as tips and resources on how to plan a cross-country road trip that you (and your loved ones) will remember for years to come.

The 10 Best Cross-Country Road Trip Routes

These 5 routes are by no means the only ways to go on a cross-country road trip, but these are certainly popular and scenic.

The first three routes are coast-to-coast road trips, while the last two run north to south along the west and east coasts, respectively.

1. America’s Mother Road: Historic Route 66

Who Should Take This Route: Those who long for the nostalgia and romance of small-town America

Don’t mess with a classic.

Route 66 is the legendary cross-country road trip destination for tourists, not only Americans but also foreigners. The Pixar animated movie Cars is greatly responsible for sparking renewed interest in driving this road.

In the 1930s, it was the route of choice for workers who wanted to try their luck in the west, and later in the 1950s and 1960s, for vacationing families to go to the Grand Canyon and Disneyland.

As the road became more popular, tourist traps, motels, diners, gas stations, car repair shops, and other roadside attractions sprang up, earning Route 66 the moniker “Main Street of America.”

Sadly, it was decommissioned in 1985 as motorists favored using I-40; it can get them from one point to another much quicker.

Even though it’s officially decommissioned, more than 80% of the original route can still be driven today thanks to road maps and websites dedicated to reviving the route as well as the small towns and businesses along the road.

The “normal” direction to take this road trip is from east to west, but eastward is good if you want to go coast to coast.

That is, if you start from California and want to continue your trip to the east from Illinois all the way to Massachusetts, you can turn on US-20 from where Route 66 ends on Joliet Road in Countryside, Illinois (more details on US-20 below).

States (West to East)

Notable attractions/stops by state.

• Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
• Pete’s Rt 66 Gas Station Museum, Williams
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Route 66 Monument, Tucumcari
• Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari

• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo
• Pops 66, Arcadia
• Rock Café, Stroud
• Route 66 State Park, Eureka
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Louis
• World’s Largest Covered Wagon, Lincoln, Illinois
• The Start of Route 66, E Adams St., Chicago, Illinois

Miles Covered

2,278 miles (3,665 km) long; recommend setting aside at least 12 to 14 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Best Time To Travel

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to drive this route, when the temperatures are just right and there are fewer cars on the road.

More Information

We’ve previously written about other Route 66 attractions in detail.

2. The Oregon Trail: US-20 Route

Who Should Take This Route: History buffs who love long drives and diverse sights

Historic Route 66 may be the more popular road, but US Route 20 is actually the longest road in the US, earning it the nickname “Big Daddy.”

Not only is it the longest, but US-20 also offers the most contrasting sights and sounds. From mountains, lakes, rivers, and beaches, to “frozen in time” small towns and the most modern urban cities.

Again, east to west is the popular way to go on this road trip, but starting from the west gives you a chance to go parallel to the path formed by the Oregon National Historic Trail , which was followed by pioneer families on wagons from Missouri to Oregon.

• Montana (less than 10 miles)
• Pennsylvania
• Massachusetts

Notable Attractions/Stops

• South Beach State Park
• Willamette Valley
• Cascade Mountains
• Oregon High Desert
• Craters of the Moon National Monument
• Yellowstone National Park

• Carhenge, Alliance
• Field of Dreams Movie Site, Dyersville
• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland
• Presque Isle State Park, Erie
• Finger Lakes Region
• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Park, Canandaigua
• The Tepee, Cherry Valley
• Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
• Kenmore Square, Boston

3,365 miles (5,415 km); recommend setting aside at least 15 to 21 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Summer (June to August) is the best time to travel this road, notwithstanding the weather and crowds. Most places are closed during the winter, as this trail lies mostly in northern states, and spring and fall mean unpredictable weather.

3. The Loneliest Road: US-50 Route

Who Should Take This Route: Those who love solitude

If you look forward to driving alone with nothing but nature around you, you will love driving US Route 50.

The “loneliest road in America” moniker applies to the section of US-50 that goes through Nevada from Ely to Carson City; there’s little more than mountains, skies, and endless desert to see on this 300-mile stretch of road.

Eventually, the entire US-50 became popular enough that Time Magazine featured it in the mid-90s, calling it the Backbone of America, as history, success, failure, and revival are all documented along this long and often winding road.

Portions of the US-50 route overlap with such historic trails as the Santa Fe Historic Trail as well as the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

Along the way, you’ll see towns that have flourished into cities, cities that have collapsed into ruins, and small towns that have bounced back from near-death.

The western end of US-50 lies in Sacramento, California, but if you want to make this a true blue coast-to-coast drive, drive another 100 miles to San Francisco via I-80.

States (East to West)

West Virginia

• Washington, D.C.
• Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane
• Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester
• Capon Bridge
• Tygart Lake State Park
• Chillicothe
• Daviess County Amish Country
• George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, Vincennes
• Carlyle Lake, Carlyle Township
• Gateway Arch, St. Louis
• Lake of the Ozarks
• Whiteman Air Force Base
• Old Drum, Johnson County Courthouse, Warrensburg

• Guy & Mae’s Tavern, Williamsburg
• Midway Sign, Kinsley
• Santa Fe National Historic Trail
• Great Plains
• Madonna of the Trail Monument, Lamar
• The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City
• Gunnison National Forest
• Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Notch Peak, Utah

• Great Basin National Park
• Pony Express Territory
• Spooner Lake–Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Carson City

3,073 miles (4,946 km); recommend setting aside at least 14 to 17 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to drive this route.

Keep in mind that you’re passing through some contrasting landscapes: mountains, deserts, lakes, and seas. Winter will be too cold and the roads may be too slippery for you to drive safely, while summer will be too hot when passing through the desert.

4. The Pacific Coast: US-101 Route to California State Route 1

Who Should Take This Route: Beach bums who like sunny weather, salty air, and breathtaking ocean sunsets

Taking a cross-country road trip along the Pacific Coast is one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take.

Called Highway 101 in Washington and Oregon, and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), California State Route 1 (SR1), or Highway 1 in California, this road takes you right beside the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The I-5 eventually replaced the old US-101 as it passes more major cities and has less dangerous curves to navigate, but for natural beauty and ambiance, you can’t beat the US-101.

US-101 meets up with US-20 in Oregon, so if you want to go north from California to Oregon and then eastward from Oregon to Massachusetts, you can have a west coast road trip and then a coast-to-coast one.

States (North to South)

• Olympic National Park
• Lake Crescent, Clallam County
• Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Ilwaco
• Astoria–Megler Bridge, Washington to Oregon

• Cannon Beach
• Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City
• Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport
• Newport (intersection with US-20)
• Seal Rock State Recreation Site, Seal Rock

• Thor’s Well, Yachats
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Reedsport
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt County
• Leggett (US-101 merges with Highway 1)
• Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
• Point Arena Lighthouse, Mendocino
• Bodega Bay, Sonoma,
• Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
• San Francisco (Start of Highway 1/PCH)
• Half Moon Bay
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero
• Carmel-By-The-Sea
• Pismo Beach
• Santa Barbara
• Malibu Beach, Malibu
• Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica (Where Historic Route 66 begins)
• Los Angeles

1,550 miles (2,500 km); recommend setting aside 7 to 10 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Any time of year gives you great driving weather on this road, though if you want to avoid crowds, you might want to avoid driving in July and August.

We’ve previously described a detailed itinerary for the California portion of this road trip.

5. The Atlantic Coast: I-95 Route

Who Should Take This Route: Tourists who appreciate all types of scenery, from New England’s historic architecture to Florida’s tropical charm

The west coast is gorgeous, but don’t write out the east coast just yet.

Interstate 95 is the longest north-to-south interstate highway that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean.

Driving a cross-country road trip along the I-95 takes you from historic towns to glamorous cities, from wetlands to forests to beaches.

• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Maine: Houlton and Old Orchard Beach
• New Hampshire: Portsmouth
• Massachusetts: Middlesex Fells Reservation
• Rhode Island: Pawtucket or Providence
• Connecticut: Mystic, New Haven or Groton

• New York:  The Bronx, Manhattan, and George Washington Bridge
• New Jersey:  Newark, Elizabeth and New Brunswick
• Pennsylvania:  Philadelphia

• Delaware:  Wilmington
• Maryland:  Baltimore, and Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, Fort Washington
• Virginia:  Occoquan Historic District, Fredericksburg or Richmond
• North Carolina:  Roanoke Rapids, Wilson and Fayetteville
• South Carolina:  South of the Border in Dillon, Florence, and Santee State Park in Santee
• Georgia:  Savannah , Brunswick, or Kingsland

• Florida Georgia State Line, Yulee
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Fuller Warren Bridge, Jacksonville
• Castillo de San Marco National Monument, St. Augustine
• Beaches: Daytona Beach, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach,  Miami , or Dixie Highway in Miami

Worthwhile Detours

These detours will take you away from I-95, and you’ll have to add a few days more to your road trip if you want to explore these attractions.

• Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island
• Central Park, New York
• North Carolina Beaches
• South Carolina Beach Towns
• Georgia Beaches
• Florida Keys

1,920 miles (3,090 km); recommend setting aside 8 to 12 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Beaches are best appreciated in the summer, but any weather is good for taking a road trip through I-95. Winter may mean snowfall in the northern states on this route, while spring and fall give you mild weather and less crowded beaches.

6. TransAmerica Trail

An east-to-west, off-road adventure trail, which lets you take in the scenic beauty of the East Coast to the West Coast while taking you off major highways to discover hidden attractions.

Who Should Take This Route: If you’re a history buff, this road trip takes you to the path pioneers and early settlers followed.

Here are some interesting stops along the TransAmerica Trail:

• Virginia/North Carolina : Pass by Blue Ridge Parkway – one of the most scenic roads in the country with breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Kentucky : Stop by Berea, the heart of Appalachia, for cool arts and crafts mementos. If you have a day or two for this stop, you can explore the world’s longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park.
• Missouri : Visit the Gateway Arch and explore St. Louis’ rich history.
• Oklahoma : See American bison at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and explore the rugged landscapes of the southern Great Plains.
• New Mexico : Discover the art and culture of the historic Taos nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Colorado : Be in awe of the tallest dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park, then visit the charming Telluride mountain town for a laidback stop.
• Oregon : Once you reach the Pacific Coast, you can explore the stunning coastline and visit towns like Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Newport.

7. The Great Northern Road: US-2 Route

The Great Northern Road follows the US-2 Route. It stretches from the northernmost border with Canada to the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast.

Who Should Take This Route: A coast-to-coast road trip through the northern states, which is perfect to embark in during the summer or for people who love visiting charming small towns.

The Great Northern Road offers numerous opportunities to visit rugged parks like the Acadia in Maine or White Mountains in New Hampshire, the lakeside cities of Vermont, and the always-amazing Niagara Falls.

There are also cultural spots in Missoula (Montana), Spokane (Washington), and Michigan’s Mackinac Island.

I recommend you end your Great Northern Road trip at Seattle.

Other Cross-Country Road Trip Routes

I did say there are infinite possibilities depending on where you want to start, where you want to end, what you want to see, and how much time you have.

Here are other cross-country road trip routes you can explore.

8. Southern Pacific: US-80

• Who Should Take This Route:  Another coast-to-coast road trip through the southern states; great to take in the winter

9. Big Muddy: The Great River Road

• Who Should Take This Route: Drive alongside the Mississippi River and explore the 10 states that border it. I wrote about this road trip more extensively on this post .

10. The Road to Nowhere: US-83

• Who Should Take This Route: North to south road trip right through America’s heartland

Tips For Planning A Cross-Country Road Trip

Driving across the country is great fun, but there are plenty of things and factors to consider when planning. Here are some of them so you can arrange a road trip with no hassle.

Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Have everything checked: fluid levels, brakes, tires, lights, drive belts, etc.

Also, make sure you have jumper cables, spare tires, a tire jack, and everything else you need in case of car trouble.

Have a plan, but don’t have a plan. Sounds confusing, but the point is to have a general plan for how many days you want to take, what to do per day (sights and places you can’t miss versus those who want to see but can skip), how many hours you’ll drive, and where you’ll stay per night.

Beyond that, booking hotels and making restaurant reservations way in advance may not be a good idea. You’ll want to have some flexibility in your schedule to make room for emergencies and side trips and detours.

Sign up for emergency roadside services. If you’re not already a member of AAA or any other reputable roadside assistance service, join one before your road trip.

Prepare for areas that don’t have mobile service. Camping in the middle of nowhere? Chances are you won’t have a cellphone signal. If your plan is heavily dependent on having an internet connection, you’re asking for trouble.

Download your maps on your smartphone beforehand or use paper road maps. Take a GPS navigation tool that’s not dependent on a mobile signal.

Have a packing list.

Here are travel essentials you’ll need on your cross-country road trip (or any road trip, for that matter):

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance card
• Emergency car kit
• Gasoline container
• GPS navigation tool
• Cell phone signal booster
• Powerbank and car chargers
• Flashlight/lantern
• Playlist (music/audiobook)
• In-car games and activities
• Hiking shoes
• All-weather set of clothes
• Electronic toll pass or change to pay toll fees
• Tent (if camping)
• Cooler (with plenty of water)
• Sunshades for windshield and windows
• Vitamins and medication
• Pillow and blanket
• First aid kit

Take your time.

Giving yourself an allowance would also allow you to take side trips to charming small towns, cool landmarks, hidden gems, and one-of-a-kind restaurants.

The less rushed you are, the richer your adventure will be.

Must-Use Cross-Country Road Trip Tools and Apps

You’ll get by with a little help from these tools, sites, and apps to plan your road trip.

Road planners

• Roadtrippers
• MyScenicDrives

Navigation and checking traffic

• Google Maps

Find places to eat

Find places to rest or sleep.

• Recreation.gov
• Free Campsites

Go On A Cross-Country Road Trip Soon!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, the memories made on an epic cross-country trip are ones that last a lifetime.

You’ll get to see the magnificent natural beauty of these United States, meet strangers that enrich your lives, visit amazing places you never thought existed, and understand your country better.

Go Out and Explore

7 Places to Go Skiing near Spokane

8 Best Mississippi Beaches to Visit this Summer

13 Best Speakeasies in Denver (And How To Get In)

Gem Mining in Tennessee: 5 Places to Find Gems

4 Colorado Ice Caves You Have to Explore

8 Top Indoor & Outdoor Water Parks in Dallas

Take Back Roads

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

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

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

A Round Trip Itinerary for a Cross Country Road Trip

The round trip road trip.

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

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

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

Fair warning – This post is currently being updated

The Southern Route is being put together as quickly as I can.

However, because I cannot save drafts of edits being made to published posts,

I will have to publish things mid-creation.  It’s not ideal, so please bear with me!

As you can see on the map above, I am reviewing two of the three major routes to drive cross country.   It’s taken two years, but it’s finally occurred to me how absurd it is to not include information on the southern route.  When I first published this post, like on my trips in 2020, I wrote about the central route heading west and then a northern route heading east.  For the southern option, I’m going to roughly follow the west-to-east route I took in 2019 when I drove cross-country in an antique Porsche.

I write about these cross country routes using the east-west orientation I traveled when I took them, but I hope it’s clear that you can use these options when heading either direction.  

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

Plan a Cross Country Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driving West:  the Central Cross Country Route

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

Pennsylvania

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

Places to go in Pennsylvania

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

Back Road Routes across Pennsylvania

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

West Virginia

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

Places to go in WV

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

Back Road Routes across WV

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

Back to Top

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

Places to go in Kentucky

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

Back Road Routes across Kentucky

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

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

Places to go in Missouri

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

Back Road Routes across Missouri

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

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

Places to go in Kansas

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

Back Road Routes across Kansas

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

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

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

Places to go in Colorado

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

Back Road Routes across Colorado

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

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

Places to go in Utah

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

Back Road Routes across Utah

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

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

Places to go in Nevada

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

Back Road Routes across Nevada

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

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

Places to go in Northern California

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

Back Road Routes Across California

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

Driving East:  the Northern Cross Country Route

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

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

Places to go in Oregon

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

Back Road Routes Across Oregon

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

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

Places to go in Idaho

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

Back Road Routes Across Idaho

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

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

Places to go in Wyoming

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

Back Road Routes Across Wyoming

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

South Dakota

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

Places to go in South Dakota

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

Back Road Routes Across South Dakota

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

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

Places to go in Minnesota

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

Back Road Routes Across Minnesota

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

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

Places to go in Wisconsin

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

Back Road Routes Across Wisconsin

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

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

Images courtesy of Illinois DNR

Places to go in illinois.

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

Back Road Routes Across Illinois

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

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

Places to go in Indiana

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

Back Road Routes Across Indiana

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

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

Places to go in Ohio

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

Back Road Routes Across Ohio

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

Another Option for Driving East:  the Southern Cross Country Route

Yes, I’m writing about my adopted home state twice.  Yes, I’m biased.  But more importantly, as the third-largest state by land mass and (in my less-than-humble opinion) most beautiful state in the country, it is definitely deserving of another nod here.  For most cross country road trips, route plans are very likely going to start or stop in the Golden State… and with good reason.  Though very different from climate and terrain perspectives, the southern half of California is just as loaded with things to see as the northern half.

Places to go in Southern California

• Tar Pits Park – Though not as famous as La Brea Tar Pits , these naturally occurring asphalt deposits have the distinct advantage of providing a double-whammy:  it’s also a great place to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Coast.
• Trona Pinnacles – Like the Tufa Towers near Mono Lake in Northern California, these geological abnormalities are stone spires poking through the earth’s crust.  And, like their cousins to the north, they’re located in an intensely dry and potentially formidable desert, so proceed with caution.
• Mojave National Preserve – Though not as well-known as its neighbor to the North ( Death Valley ), the Mojave Desert and National Preserve offers visitors fantastic opportunities to hike, bike, and off-road through some of America’s most otherworldly geography.  As one of the hottest and driest places in the country, though, I  STRONGLY recommend additional research and significant caution when visiting.  However, the desert often greatly rewards those patient and brave enough to visit her.
• Joshua Tree National Park – I’m including JTNP on this list not for the obvious reasons that draw in the vast majority of the Park’s visitors.  Instead, I’m listing it for the sections that most people don’t explore:  the unpaved trails that zig-zag their way throughout the majority of the park.  Bring your 4WD vehicle and plenty of provisions (plus a good GPS locator ) in case you get lost or stuck, and bank an extra day or two to wander through the desert for a while!
• Anza Borrego State Park – As I’m sure you’ve gathered by now, much of the natural beauty in Southern California is in the desert.  Anza Borrego is a state park dedicated to highlighting some of the most beautiful features of the desert, and in the springtime, is home to some of California’s most surprising and breathtaking displays of wildflower super-blooms you’ll ever experience!  BE MINDFUL AND TREAD LIGHTLY – please do not EVER stand, walk in, or take home any of the blooms you witness!

Back Road Routes Across Southern California

• State Route 2 – Also known as the Angeles Crest Scenic Highway, this stunning drive twists and winds across the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest heading east from Pasadena.  Both fun to drive and loaded with scenery, the route is a great alternative for leaving Los Angeles before heading out into the desert or finding Route 66.
• Route 66 – Feels like an obvious option to include, but depending on which direction you’re heading, Santa Monica Pier   in LA is either the beginning or end of one of the most famous back road routes in the world.  Much of the legendary route has been lost to modernization, but there’s still plenty to experience along what’s left!
• State Route 62 – Known as Twentynine Palms Highway, the route runs east to west between Palm Springs and Parker AZ.  The mostly straight road runs across the northern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park, and provides plenty of desert scenery for your eyes to feast on.
• State Route 58 – For those travelling a bit north of LA, CA-58 provides an often stunning drive the almost the whole way across the state.  Starting just north of the Pacific Coast Highway in San Luis Obispo, CA-58 weaves across the coastal range before dropping down into the Central Valley and Bakersfield area.  You’ll cross the Tehachapi Range next (be sure to check out the Railway Loop !) before dropping into the Mojave Desert.

Much like it’s red-rock desert neighboring state to the north, Arizona is home to stunning natural scenery, otherworldly geological formations, and some of my favorite back roads .  It’s also home to several very cool cities, several different deserts, a handful of National Forests, and my all-time favorite National Park.  Oh… and it’s also home to one of the coolest stretches of Route 66!

Places to go in Arizona

• Flagstaff / Sedona – Yeah, I’ll admit it, listing these two places this way, and first, is a bit of a cop-out.  But here’s the truth:  this area is probably my second-favorite place in the country.  Both towns are incredible in their own ways: unique architecture, vibrant art scenes, plenty of food, and friendly locals.  The area is rich with natural beauty to explore.  Hiking, biking, swimming, rafting, skiing, off-roading, camping, and on and on and on.  AND THOSE RED ROCKS!  **swoon**  (Did I mention it’s loaded with great back roads?)
• Canyon de Chelly – I’m a sucker for red rock formations, in case you hadn’t already figured that out.  And this park is loaded with them.
• Superstition Mountains – Your outdoor activity of choice will help drive the best way for you to enjoy the expansive stunning wilderness about an hour east of Phoenix.  There’s a lot to see and do in this area – and the weather can be blistering – so be sure to do research and plan ahead.

Back Road Routes Across Arizona

• Route 66 – Arizona doesn’t have a wide variety of east-west back road routes to choose from, but one major standout is Route 66.  Arizona contains the longest unbroken stretch of 66 in the US, and also has what I would consider to be one of the coolest stretches of the Mother Road .  The stretch between Oatman and Kingman is likely to be the most “kitschy” area still remaining on 66… it’s rife with retro roadside attractions, and the town of Oatman looks and feels like walking onto an old western movie set.  I will say, fair warning, a lot of what Arizona is calling Route 66 is actually now just Interstate 40 paved over top of the original route… but there’s still several really cool parts of the old route as well.
• State Route 89 / 89A – In addition to touting the title of one of my “ Favorite Back Roads in America ,” this northeast-to-southwest route connects a number of really cool towns and incredibly scenic natural areas.

When to Take a Cross Country Road Trip

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

How long does it take to drive cross country?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What time of year should you drive cross country?

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

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

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

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

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

Where should you stay on a cross country road trip?

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

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

AirBNB/VRBO

• Friends and family

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

Hotel/Motel

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

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

Bed n Breakfasts

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

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

Friends and Family

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

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

What should you pack for a cross country road trip?

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

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

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

Road trip tips, suggestions, and other travel advice

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

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

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

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

Road Trip Advice

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

Check out our tips & tricks for back roads travel!

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

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

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13 comments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautiful blog information. Thank you very much for sharing…

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That and a great playlist.

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

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

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

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

CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP GUIDE

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

In this article, we’ll cover:

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE BEST ROAD TRIP ROUTES IN THE US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE LONELIEST ROAD

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE GREAT NORTHERN ROAD

Famous For:  The longest transcontinental highway in the US

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

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

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

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

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

THE OREGON TRAIL

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

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

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

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

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

Book Recommendation : Moon Guide:  Oregon Trail Road Trip

THE ATLANTIC COAST

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

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

Begins and Ends:  Maine to Florida

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

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

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

THE MIGHTY FIVE

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

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

Begins and Ends:  Moab, Utah to Springdale, Utah

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

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

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

THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Famous For:  Stunning Fall foliage display.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP CAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

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

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

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

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

TIPS FOR A CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP

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

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

CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST

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

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

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

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

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

LOOKING FOR MORE CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP POSTS?

17+ Boredom Busting Things To Do On A Road Trip How To Road Trip With A Toddler Like A Boss How We Did A $650 Farmhouse Camper Renovation 160 Questions To Cure Road Trip Boredom 41 Fun and Challenging Road Trip Trivia Questions The Definitive List Of Road Trip Worthy Snacks For Your Next Ride Road Trip Essentials You Need To Pack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2: 460 miles from Pittsburgh to Chicago

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

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

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

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

Day 3: 147 miles from Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin

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

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

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

RELATED: 9 of the Most Underrated National Parks in America

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED: 8 Best Dude Ranches in Montana

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

Days 9-10: 685 miles from Missoula to Seattle

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

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

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

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

What to Pack

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

Wool Runners

Wireless Headphones

High Waist Leggings

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

Half-Zip Sweatshirt

Ascot Slippers

Water Bottle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Digital SIM Cards: Airalo eSIM Travel Insurance: SafetyWing

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

Buy Now: America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

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

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

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

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

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

Major Highways Crossing the US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Epic Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Start: Connecticut

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

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

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

Get a Quote: SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Crayola Experience, Easton PA

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

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

Additional Stop: Gettysburg, PA

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

Book Now: 2 Hour Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

Baltimore, MD- 2 nights

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

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

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

Washington, D.C.- 2 nights

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

National Museum of Natural History

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

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

National Museum of the American Indian

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

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

National Archives

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

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

The White House

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

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

Book Now: 3 Hour “Monuments By Night Tour”

Mount Vernon

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

We highly recommend visiting Mount Vernon with kids !

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

Charlottesville, VA- 1 night

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

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

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

Check Availability: Montfair Resort Farm

Alternate Route: Natural Bridge State Park

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

Colonial Williamsburg

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

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

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

Outer Banks, NC- 2 nights

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

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

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

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

Check Availability: Sea Horse Inn & Cottages

Greensboro, NC- 1 night

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

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

Alternate Route: Willmington, NC, and Charleston, SC

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

Oconaluftee Indian Village

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

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

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

Additional Stop: Rock City and Ruby Falls

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

Cave City, KY- 2 nights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Availability: Days Inn Wyndam Cave City

Nashville, TN- 3 nights

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

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

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

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

Book Now: Backstage Tour of Grand Ole Opry House

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

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

Check Availability: SoBro Guest House Nashville

Memphis, TN- 3 nights

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

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

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

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

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

Check Availability: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown

Hot Springs, AR- 1 night

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

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

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

Ron Coleman Quartz Mining

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

Alternate Stop: Crater of Diamonds State Park

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

Additional Stop: Cherokee Heritage Center

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

Springfield, MO- 1 night

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

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

Deanna Rose Homestead

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

Kansas City, MO- 2 nights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Availability: La Quinta Kansas City Beacon Hill

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop

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

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

Alcove Spring Historic Park

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

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

Fort Cody Trading Post

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

Ogallala, NE- 1 night

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

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

Check Availability: Super 8 Ogallala

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

Additional Stop #1: Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock

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

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

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

Chimney Rock

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

Scotts Bluff National Monument

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

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

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

Additional Stop: Fort Laramie

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

Cheyenne, WY- 1 night

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

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

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

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

Estes Park, CO

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

Additional Stop: Rocky Mountain National Park

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

Denver, CO- 3 nights

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

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

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

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

Check Availability: Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown

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

Check Prices: SpotHero Parking in Denver

Additional Stop: Colorado Springs, CO

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

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

Great Sand Dunes National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Availability: Best Western Alamosa

Taos Pueblo

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

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

Santa Fe, NM- 3 nights

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

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

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

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

Check Availability: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe

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

Check Availability: Santa Fe Motel & Inn

Mesa Verde National Park- 2 nights

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

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

Four Corners National Monument

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

Additional Stop: Monument Valley

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

Moab, UT- 3 nights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Availability: Hotel Moab Downtown

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

Check Availability: Expedition Lodge

Additional Stop: Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

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

Bryce Canyon National Park- 2 nights

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

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

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

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

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

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

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

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

Additional Stop: Zion National Park

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

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

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

Horseshoe Bend

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

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

Grand Canyon National Park- 2 nights

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

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

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

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

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

The Grand Canyon by Helicopter

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

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

Additional Stop: Meteor Crater

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

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

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

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

Additional Stop: El Dorado Gold Mine

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

Las Vegas, NV- 2 nights

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

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

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

Book Now: Emerald Cave Kayak Trip- Half Day

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

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

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

Seven Magic Mountains

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

Los Angeles, CA- 7 nights

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

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

Book Now: Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood

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

Check Availability: Rodeway Inn

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

Book Parking: SpotHero Parking in LA

Ojai, CA- 2 nights

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

Solvang, CA

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

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

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

Check Availabillity: Atterdag Inn

San Simeon, CA – 1 night

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

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

Salinas, CA – 1 night

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

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

Yosemite National Park- 3 nights

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

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

Final Stop: San Francisco, CA

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

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

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

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

Book Now: San Francisco CityPASS

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

Check Availability: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf

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

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

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

Consider Renting a Car

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

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

Check Prices: Car Rental at Discover Cars

How Much do US National Parks Cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQ: Cross-Country Road Trips

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

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

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

There You Have it: Epic Cross Country Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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The Great American Road Trip: A 4-Month Itinerary Around the USA

The Great American Road Trip. It’s the kind of multi-month adventure most dream about, but few actually do.

While many of us have bucket-list goals of exploring this vast and diverse landscape, more often than not, we end up heading abroad instead. International travel just seems more alluring, exotic, and exciting.

But this country has more than enough eclectic cities, small towns, regional culinary traditions, historic sites, fascinating museums, and natural wonders to keep any intrepid traveler busy.

I’ve done five big US road trips (two that completely crisscrossed the country and three in various regions) that cumulatively add up to a year on the road (and that doesn’t count all the “regular” trips, vacations, and weekend getaways). I’ve seen a lot of the United States.

When COVID-19 caused us to consider our backyard more and more, many Americans turned to domestic travel. We finally got to explore all the wonders our own country has to offer.

So, because of that, I’ve created an epic four-month itinerary for traveling around the States. I think it balances time in cities with relaxing in nature.

It may seem like a lot, but four months just scratches the surface. And, since I don’t expect most of you to have four months, you can easily break this trip into smaller portions. It’s much better to concentrate your focus rather than try to see a lot in a short amount of time.

One note before we begin: There are so many routes you could take that it’s impossible to have one “best” route. The US is just too big. The route below is just one of my favorites. Use it as a starting point for creating your own itinerary that mixes realistic drive times, national parks, and fabulous cities.

Table of Contents

Month 1: East Coast, Southern US

Month 2: south, southwestern us, west coast, month 3: pacific northwest, western us, month 4: midwest, northeast us, days 1-3: boston, ma.

• Walk the Freedom Trail – This 2.5-mile (4 kilometer) route links many historic sites, including the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, the State House, and Bunker Hill. To get the most out of your experience, take a guided tour . You’ll be able to ask questions to an expert local guide for a more in-depth experience.
• Relax in Boston Common – This is one of America’s oldest parks and was once used as communal pasture land by Puritan settlers. Today, it’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and picnic.
• See the Bunker Hill Monument – The Battle of Bunker Hill (1775) was one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War. While the British won, the Americans wore British forces down more than was expected. The monument stands 221 feet (67 meters) tall; you can climb to the top to enjoy the best view of Boston.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts – This museum has over 450,000 pieces of fine art, covering everything from the pre-Columbian era to Italian Impressionists. It’s one of the biggest collections in the country. It’s free after 4pm on Wednesdays.

For more things to do, check out my free guide to Boston . And, for places to stay, here are my hostel recommendations.

Days 4-8: New York City, NY

• Take a walking tour – To get a feel for the city, take a walking tour. There are myriad free and paid tours on a variety of subjects. Nothing is too obscure. Here’s a list of suggested walking tour companies in NYC .
• Wander Central Park – This massive, 51-block-long, 843-acre park is the best free attraction in town. There are plenty of places to bike, walk, jog, read, picnic, and people-watch. During the summer, there are free concerts and theater productions too. Free tours are run by the parks service. The “Iconic Views of Central Park” tour is offered daily at 10am from the spring to the fall.
• See the Statue of Liberty – You can pay to visit Ellis Island if you want to see the statue up close . However, you can also take a free ferry to Staten Island instead if you just want to see it while passing by.
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum – At the base of the Freedom Tower is a park commemorating the victims of 9/11. Inside the museum, there are over 14,000 artifacts from that day, as well as 3,500 recordings from survivors, first responders, and family members of those killed. It’s a sobering, eye-opening exhibit. A timed-entry ticket is $19.40 USD.
• Walk the High Line – The High Line is an elevated urban walking park on the west side of NYC. Made from a converted train track, it runs for 22 blocks and is lined with overlooks, gardens, public art, food stalls, and greenery.
• Cross the Brooklyn Bridge – For a view of the Manhattan skyline, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a long walk (around 40 minutes if you stop for photos), but the view is worth it — especially at night. It’s free too!
• Explore the Met – The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the foremost fine art collections in the world. You can easily spend an entire day here if you wanted to see it all.

If you want more ideas for things to see and do in NYC, here’s a detailed suggested itinerary that can come.

For accommodation suggestions, here is my comprehensive list of hostels in NYC , my recommended hotels , as well as a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the city .  

Days 9-11: Philadelphia, PA

• See the Liberty Bell – This bell, which dates to 1752, is an iconic symbol of American freedom. It’s said to have been rung when the Declaration of Independence was read in July 1776. Today, the bell is located in Independence National Historical Park, which you can visit for free.
• Wander around Independence Hall – Learn about the founding of the United States at Independence Hall, and wander around the area’s historic colonial buildings.
• Explore Franklin Court – This is where Benjamin Franklin lived while serving in the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention. While his house was torn down after his death in 1790, a hollow structure stands where it was located, and there’s a museum nearby with information about his life and works.
• Climb the Rocky stairs – The stairs from Rocky , the classic boxing film, are located at the Museum of Art. You can’t visit Philadelphia without running up them and doing your best Stallone impression.
• Visit the Magic Gardens – This quirky art gallery is one of the most unique attractions in town: a collection of indoor and outdoor art and mosaics made from broken tiles, glass, and all kinds of odds and ends. Indoors, there’s a more conventional art gallery and space for events and concerts.

Days 12-14: Washington, DC

• Visit the Holocaust Museum – The Holocaust Museum is informative and heart-wrenching. Its permanent exhibit takes up three entire levels and tells the story of the Holocaust through films, photos, artifacts, and first-person stories. Admission is free.
• Tour the Smithsonian – The Smithsonian Institution is a group of world-class museums and research centers. All of them are free to enter. Some of the best museums are: the Air and Space Museum, the African American Museum, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum.
• See the Lincoln Memorial – This iconic 19-foot statue is located on the National Mall and pays tribute to America’s 16th president. Built in 1914, it’s surrounded by 36 columns, each of which represents a state in the union at the time of his death in 1865.

For tons more ideas on what to see, here’s my free detailed guide to DC!  

Days 15-16: Shenandoah National Park, VA

Days 17-19: Asheville, NC

• The Biltmore Estate – This is America’s largest house. It’s a whopping 178,926-square-foot mansion surrounded by 8,000 acres of land. The massive estate has over 250 rooms (including 33 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms). I love it!
• Enjoying craft beer – Asheville has over 25 breweries (and there are another 50+ outside town too). Take a brewery tour, or just hop around and sample some local offerings. My two favorites are Bhramari and Wicked Weed.
• Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains – Parts of the Appalachian Trail can be found here, and there are lots of day or multiday hikes. You can also climb Mount Mitchell, the highest summit east of the Mississippi River.

Days 20-22: Atlanta, GA

• See the Center for Civil and Human Rights – Opened in 2014, this museum highlights the struggles and accomplishments of the civil rights movement as well as human rights around the globe. (To learn more about civil rights history in Atlanta, take this city walking tour with Unexpected Atlanta. )
• Wander the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a getaway to this 30-acre oasis in the heart of the city. In addition to its orchids and tropical plants, there’s a 600-foot canopy walk that lets you enjoy the gardens from 40 feet in the air.
• Take a street art tour – Atlanta is one of the best destinations for street art. There are tons of murals along the Krog Street Tunnel and the Belt Line. Take a guided tour or use the website streetartmap.org for self-guided suggestions.

Days 23-27: Nashville, TN

• Attend the Grand Ole Opry – Opened in 1925, this is one of the most famous country music venues in the world. Today, the Opry hosts regular live performances, TV broadcasts, and radio shows. You can buy tickets here or book a guided tour of the venue here .
• See the Parthenon – This full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, was built in 1897. It was created to celebrate Nashville’s 100th anniversary and chosen because Nashville is called “the Athens of the South” (due to its historic focus on higher education).
• Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – This museum has one of the largest music collections in the entire world. There are over 200,000 recordings here, including 98% of music released before World War II. Tickets are $29.95 USD.
• Visit Franklin – Located just 25 minutes outside of Nashville, most people assume Franklin is just another suburb. However, it has a lot going for it: it’s bursting with small-town charm, has stellar food and drink (it’s where I discovered my favorite Bourbon, H Clark), is full of history ( there was a major Civil War battle here ), and has one of the best-preserved historic main streets in the country. I’d spend two nights here.

Days 28-30: Memphis, TN

• Visit the National Civil Rights Museum – This museum traces the history of civil rights from the 17th century to today. It’s housed in the former motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It’s powerful and poignant. Don’t miss it. Admission is $20 USD.
• See the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum – This museum highlights the musical pioneers of blues, rock, and soul music from the 1930s to the 1970s. There are costumes and recordings, interactive media, and exhibitions on famous musicians from Memphis. A joint ticket that also includes the Music Hall of Fame is $17 USD.
• Stroll down Beale Street – Known as “America’s most iconic street,” Beale Street features many bars where you’ll find Memphis’s best live music. There are also numerous street buskers. If you’re going out at night, start here. ( Backbeat Tours offers guided tours if you’d like to learn more about the street’s history.)
• Day-trip to Graceland – The home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is located a few miles south of town. Even if you’re not a huge Elvis fan, it’s worth a visit to see just how impactful his life and music have been. You’ll see loads of lookalikes and die-hard fans making the pilgrimage to see the King.

Days 31-32: Natchez, MS

• Visit antebellum homes – Built in the early to mid-19th century, these historic homes are Natchez’s main draw. Longwood, Rosalie Mansion, and Stanton Hall were my favorites. Admission is $20-25 USD at each or there is a joint ticket that includes all three for $65 USD.
• Attend the Natchez Pilgrimage – During the Natchez Pilgrimage in the spring, all of the private historical homes open up to the public. The costumed guides explain the history of the home, their owners, and the region. It’s the city’s biggest annual event, and there are some 20 homes on display.
• See the Emerald Mount – Constructed sometime between the 13th and 17th centuries, this was an elevated place of worship for the Plaquemine Native Americans. All kinds of animal bones have been found nearby, leading researchers to believe it was the site of religious or sacred activity.

Days 33-36: New Orleans, LA

• Visit the National World War II Museum – This is the largest World War II museum in America. It’s also one of the best museums in the world. You can listen to firsthand accounts of the war, which make it all feel that much more intimate and impactful. You can get your tickets here .
• Listen to music on Frenchmen Street – Live music is available every night of the week, and there are innumerable venues to listen to blues and jazz. My personal favorite is the Spotted Cat.
• Wander the French Quarter and Garden District – These are two of NOLA’s most iconic and historic districts, full of old French-influenced buildings and grand mansions. You can either do a self-guided tour or go with Tour Orleans to learn more about this beautiful area.
• Take a ghost or voodoo tour – “The Big Easy” has a creepy past. The best way to learn about it is to take a voodoo or ghost tour . You’ll get to see cemeteries, explore haunted buildings, and hear all sorts of unsettling anecdotes and ghostly tales.

For more things to see and do in NOLA, check out this detailed itinerary .  

Days 37-39: Houston, TX

Houston is home to the Space Center and NASA’s astronaut training complex, as well as countless breweries and museums and a killer food scene (definitely go out for Viet BBQ).

These are some things you can do while you’re in town:

• Visit Space Center Houston – This is Houston’s top attraction, bringing in over a million visitors each year. There are over 400 items in the collection, including moon rocks and three spacecraft that were used during missions. Get your timed-entry ticket here .
• Explore the Museum of Natural Science – Opened in 1909, this museum has four floors of exhibitions (as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theatre). There are displays on wildlife, ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, minerals, and much more! Tickets are $25 USD.
• Wander Buffalo Bayou Park – This 124-acre park has all kinds of walking trails and is a nice spot for a picnic, to relax with a book, or to people-watch. There are also lots of concerts and events here too, so check the local tourism office to see what’s coming up.

Days 40-44: Austin, TX

• Relax at Barton Springs – Barton Springs is a pool/creek that locals flock to in warm weather. It’s fed by a natural cold-water spring in Zilker Park and has manicured lawns that are great for lounging on and relaxing when it’s too hot to do much else. You can also rent kayaks and paddle around.
• Go two-stepping – Two-stepping is a popular country dance — and country dancing is one of Austin’s favorite pastimes. To see it in action (and try it yourself), head to the White Horse, where there are free lessons so you can then dance your way around town.
• Enjoy world-class barbecue — Some of the best BBQ joints in the US are here in Austin. If you’re looking to treat your taste buds (and don’t mind waiting, usually a couple of hours), head to Franklin’s or La Barbecue. For something faster, check out Micklethwait Craft Meats.

For way more activities, check out my free guide to Austin ! Since I lived here for so long, I have a lot of suggestions on how to spend your time.  

Days 45-47: Truth or Consequences, NM

Originally named Hot Springs, “T or C,” as it’s known, got its name from a radio contest in 1950. After winning, the town kept the name. Located 10 hours from Austin, T or C is known for its wellness tourism. The entire town was built over a hot mineral spring, so it’s the perfect place to relax at a spa.

Try to explore some of the nearby ghost towns. Winston and Chloride, located north of T and C, are two mining towns that were abandoned in the early 1900s; some of the original buildings still remain.  

Days 48-49: Phoenix, AZ

• See the Desert Botanical Garden – This 140-acre garden is home to over 50,000 plants, including over 14,000 cacti. It’s super interesting!
• Visit the Heard Museum – This museum focuses on Native American art. There are permanent and rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as cultural artifacts that highlight the history and traditions of the region’s native cultures.
• Hike Camelback Mountain – With an elevation of 2,700 feet, this 2-3-hour hike is a fun way to see Arizona’s stunning and arid landscapes. There are two trails, both of which are challenging but rewarding.

Days 50-51: Joshua Tree National Park, CA

A seven-day vehicle pass is $30 USD. It allows multiple entries in case you stay in one of the nearby towns.  

Days 52-54: San Diego, CA

• See the USS Midway Museum – This aircraft carrier was commissioned after World War II and was the largest ship in the world until 1955. It saw action in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam. After it was decommissioned, it became a museum open to the public. Skip-the-line tickets are $32 USD.
• Visit wildlife at the San Diego Zoo – Located in Balboa Park, this zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and 700,000 plant species. It’s a massive 1,800-acre park, and you could easily spend an entire day here. It’s a fun place to visit with kids (there’s even a Children’s Zoo). A skip-the-line ticket is $72 USD.
• Go whale watching – California gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico between December and April. They are spectacular to see up close, as they grow up to 49 feet long and live for over 70 years. Tours range from around $60-75 USD depending on length and tour company. A 4-hour tour with City Cruises California is $73 USD.

Days 55-58: Los Angeles, CA

• Wander Hollywood Boulevard – Play tourist and visit the Walk of Fame (where stars have their names engraved in the sidewalk) and Grauman’s (now TCL) Chinese Theatre (featuring celebrities’ handprints and footprints).
• Relax on the beach – At iconic Venice Beach, you’ll find all kinds of street performers, surfers, roller-skaters, and locals and tourists alike soaking up the sun. Some other beaches worth checking out are Carbon Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, Huntington City Beach, and El Matador.
• Visit to the Hollywood sign – Don’t just settle for a photo of the sign — go see it up close. The three trails that you can take (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Bring water and sunscreen, as the hike will take a few hours. If you don’t want to go solo, guided hikes to the Hollywood sign cost $25 USD.
• Go hiking – LA is an active city, and locals love escaping the hustle and bustle as often as they can. Some trails worth checking out are the Charlie Turner Trail (90 minutes), Runyon Canyon (45 minutes), Portuguese Bend Reserve (3 hours), and Echo Mountain (3–3.5 hours).

For an even more detailed list of what else you can see and do while in LA, check out my Los Angeles travel guide . For accommodation suggestions, here are my favorite hostels in Los Angeles .  

Days 59-61: Las Vegas, NV

• Explore Fremont Street – Old Vegas is full of sketchy bars, vintage casinos, and a Bourbon Street vibe. It makes for an interesting contrast to the sleek and polished Strip. There are lots of cover bands, buskers, and celeb lookalikes pandering for paid photos, as well as people-watching, cheap slots, and cheap drinks. There’s also an hourly light show on the ceiling above the street. Las Vegas Walking Tours offers a 3-hour tour of Fremont Street if you’d like a bit of a deeper dive.
• Hike Red Rock – Just 30 minutes outside town, Red Rock Canyon offers plenty of hiking and biking trails. Just make sure to arrive early in the morning before it gets too hot. Red Rock Discovery Tours also offers guided hikes starting at $95 USD (includes round-trip transportation from Vegas).
• Visit the Neon Museum – This is essentially an eclectic graveyard for the huge lights and signs that once beckoned to tourists from casinos like the Silver Slipper, Stardust, and El Cortez. It spans three acres and gives you a glimpse into the city’s shining and sinful past. Admission is $20 USD.
• See the Grand Canyon – Rent a car and drive the four hours to the South or North Rim of the Grand Canyon . It’s one of the most epic, iconic sights in the country and absolutely worth the drive. If you can, hike down to the bottom and stay the night. It’s an amazing experience! And if you want to dive deeper into this beautiful area, check out HoneyTrek’s Grand Circle Road Trip .

For more activities (and there’s plenty to choose from that don’t involve gambling), here is my comprehensive guide to Las Vegas .  

Days 62-64: Yosemite National Park, CA

Days 65-67: San Francisco, CA

• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge – When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge. Spend some time walking across to enjoy the view of the bay and the ships coming and going.
• Tour Alcatraz – One of the most infamous prisons in the country, Alcatraz housed some of the nation’s worst criminals (renowned gangster Al “Scarface” Capone spent four years here). Today, it’s a national landmark where you can take tours, step foot in the cells, and learn about its grim history. Tickets are $53.25 USD. There are also many joint ticket options, such as this one that includes a cruise around San Francisco Bay .
• Relax at Golden Gate Park – This gigantic park features a Japanese garden, museums, an arboretum, a carousel, and many hiking and walking trails. It’s a whopping 20% bigger than New York City’s Central Park, so you easily could spend an entire day here relaxing, walking, and lounging.

Again, for even ways to spend your time in SF, here’s my guide to the city . And, for suggested places to stay, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in San Francisco .  

Days 68-69: Redwood National Park, CA

Given the drive time from SF, spend two nights here to make sure you get some good hiking in.  

Days 70-73: The Oregon Coast

• Binge on oysters – I’ve grown to love oysters in recent years and some of the best in the country can be found in Oregon. Some of my favorite places I stopped at were from Shucker’s Oyster Bar (Lincoln City), Oregon Oyster Farm and Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (both in Newport), and Clausen Oysters (North Bend).
• See Thor’s Well – This coastal sinkhole near Cape Perpetua is known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific. While it can be dangerous to get too close (it’s very easy to get swept away into the water or rocks), you’ll nevertheless see tons of tourists posing for pictures near the well. It’s worth a stop to snap some quick pics.
• Relax at Cannon Beach – This iconic beach is long and sandy and is best known for its photogenic Haystack Rock, a giant rock jutting out of the ocean just offshore. There are plenty of tide pools and places to picnic here, and the town itself (also called Cannon Beach) is full of all kinds of cafés and artisanal shops.

Here’s a list of my favorite things to see and do along the Oregon coast to help you make the most of your drive.  

Days 74-76: Portland

• See Pittock Mansion – Built in 1914, this 46-room French Renaissance-style mansion was originally owned by a wealthy couple from England. Today, it’s part of the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you’ll find beautiful artwork and furniture collected by the original owners. Admission is $16.50 USD.
• Devour some donuts – Portland is known for its donuts. Voodoo Doughnuts put Portland on the map with its weird and wonderful combinations, such as Cap’n Crunch and maple bacon. Some argue that Voodoo is for tourists and that actually Blue Star makes better donuts. Try both and see for yourself! You can also take a donut food tour with Underground Donut Tours for $70 USD.
• Hike the Columbia River Gorge – Located east of town, here you’ll find waterfalls (including Oregon’s tallest, Multnomah Falls), scenic vistas, and hiking trails. Some suggested hikes are Dry Creek Falls (easy, 2 hours), Wahkeena Falls Loop (moderate, 3 hours), and Starvation Ridge and Warren Lake (hard, 8 hours). Guided hikes with Wildwood Tours cost around $80 USD (transportation included).

For more suggestions on how to spend your time in Portland, here’s a list of the best things to see and do in the city!  

Days 77-79: Seattle, WA

• Explore the Seattle Center – Seattle Center is home to the Space Needle as well as a complex of entertainment venues: the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the Experience Music Project), the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, the Pacific Science Center, and the outdoor Mural Amphitheater, as well as the International Fountain and the Armory food court. Don’t miss the views from the top of the Space Needle ( get your skip-the-line ticket here )!
• Wander Pike Place Market – Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US. It’s a nine-acre, four-floor sprawl of shops, stalls, galleries, and cafés (including the original Starbucks location) selling everything from crafts to flowers to fresh produce. Wander, eat, shop, and enjoy the ambiance. Show Me Seattle offers food tours of the market for a more guided experience.
• See the Boeing Museum of Flight – This museum highlights planes and spacecraft through the ages, offering insight into how flight has evolved over the decades. You’ll also get a chance to see the original Boeing “factory.” The original Air Force One is here too. Admission is $26.

For more things to see and do, here’s my in-depth guide to Seattle . And here are some budget-friendly accommodation suggestions for your visit.  

Days 80-82: Missoula, MT

• Tour the breweries – For such a small city, there are breweries and bars everywhere (Montana has the third-highest number of craft breweries per capita in the country). Don’t miss Bayern Brewery (the state’s first craft brewery), Draught Works Brewery (which has live music three nights a week), and Imagine Nation (which is also a community center). If you visit in April, you can attend the Missoula Craft Beer Week.
• Hike the M – Mount Sentinel is a small mountain nearby that offers some stunning views. The trail is just 1.2 miles, so it’s not particularly challenging, though you can extend the route for an all-day hike by continuing along the Crazy Canyon Trail at the summit.
• Ski Snowball Mountain – In the winter you’ll find upwards of a thousand acres of skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, the area is open for zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking. It’s just twenty minutes from downtown,

NOTE: While not here, if you have time, you can drive north to spend a few days in Glacier National Park.  

Days 83-86: Yellowstone National Park, WY

Yellowstone is home to the largest volcanic system in North America, which is why geysers like Old Faithful (and the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat) can be found here. Wolves, bears, lynx, cougars, and bison all call the park home as well. Spend some time here hiking, camping, and basking in the park’s magnificent landscapes.  

Days 87-90: Denver, CO

• Visit the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – This museum is housed on an old air base and has a collection of over 50 aircraft on display. Some of the highlights include a supersonic Rockwell Lancer and the massive B-52 Stratofortress. Admission is $19.95.
• Hike Mount Evans – This 14,265-foot peak can actually be summited in under 30 minutes (though there are longer trails too). You’ll see sweeping panoramic views of the region without having to hike for hours. Be sure to visit Like Echo and Mount Goliath on the way here.
• Catch a show at Red Rocks – The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a 9,000-seat outdoor venue that regularly hosts concerts and other events. It’s one of the most beautiful concert venues in the US. Try to catch a show here if you can.

Days 91-93: Kansas City, MO

• Indulge in BBQ – KC is one of America’s best hubs for delicious barbecue. You can find pretty much any kind of meat barbecued here, from brisket to turkey to fish. Kansas City’s barbecue dates back to the 1920s, and the city takes this tradition seriously. Harp Barbecue and Fiorella’s Jack Stack are two of the best in town.
• Wander the Jazz District – The historic 18th and Vine area is known as the Jazz District, owing to the popularity of jazz music from the 1920s to the ’40s and performances here by the likes of Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louie Armstrong. Wander the district and bar-hop to catch some stellar live music.
• See the World War I Museum – The award-winning National World War I Museum and Memorial of the United States sheds light on the history and horrors of the Great War.

Days 94-97: Chicago, IL

• Relax in Grant & Millennium Parks – Located downtown, these two parks provide a relaxing place to hang out, have a picnic, or go for a run. You’ll find people playing chess, and during the summer, there are a lot of free concerts. The famous “Chicago Bean” sculpture is located in Millennium Park.
• Try the pizza – Deep-dish pizza and stuffed-crust pizza were developed in Chicago, and no trip is complete without trying at least one. Deep-dish pizza was invented by Pizzeria Uno, which is now a national restaurant chain. But for something more local, Chicagoans swear by Lou Malnati’s.
• Visit the Art Institute of Chicago – Founded in 1879, this is one of the oldest art museums in the country. It has everything from photography to architecture to textiles, and its permanent collection includes works by Eva Hesse, David Hockney, and Ellsworth Kelly. A skip-the-line ticket is $40 USD.

If you want additional things to see and do (as well as some money-saving tips), consult my comprehensive guide to Chicago!

And here is my list of the best hostels in Chicago for budget-friendly accommodation .  

Days 98-100: Detroit, MI

• Explore the Detroit Institute of Art – This 130-year-old museum is located in the heart of Midtown and has something to offer every visitor. There are more than 65,000 works of art here, ranging from classic to more modern and contemporary pieces, spread out over 100 different galleries. It’s one of the best art museums in the country. Admission is $18 USD.
• Walk the Dequindre Cut – The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a two-mile urban recreational path that offers a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront, the Eastern Market, and several residential neighborhoods in between. Along the path, you’ll find all kinds of street art, as well as buskers in the summer. It’s a nice place to walk or jog and take in the city.
• Shop at the Eastern Market – The Eastern Market is a huge marketplace with local foods, art, jewelry, artisan crafts, and more. It covers 43 acres and is the largest historic public market district in the United States, dating back over 150 years. It is particularly busy on Saturdays, when farmers bring in their fresh produce.

Days 101-103: Cleveland, OH

• See the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – This is one of the largest collections of musical memorabilia in the entire world. John Lennon’s guitar, Elvis Presley’s military uniform, and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust outfits are just some of the items in the massive collection.
• Tour the Museum of Natural History – Founded in 1920, this massive museum is home to over four million specimens. There are exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, primates, animals, and more. It’s super educational, and there are lots of interactive exhibits too.
• Hike the Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Located on the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, this is the only national park in Ohio. Encompassing 32,000 acres, the park has all kinds of hiking and biking trails (camping is no longer permitted).

Days 104-106: Pittsburgh, PA

• Ride the Duquesne Incline – This 140-year-old funicular used to transport workers up Pittsburgh’s steep hills before cars became commonplace. Hop on, ride to the top, and enjoy the view! Tickets are $2.50 USD one way.
• Visit the Warhol Museum – Dedicated to Andy Warhol, Pittsburgh’s best-known artist, this is the largest museum in the country dedicated to a single person. While much of his art is unusual, it’s still worth a visit, as Warhol has had a profound and lasting impact on modern art. Admission is $25.
• See Randyland – Created by a local artist, here you’ll find a section of the north end completely painted in all kinds of bright colors and murals. Buildings, fences, driveways — it’s a massive, bright, and fun spot to visit and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere! Admission is free but donations are encouraged.
• Tour Carrie Furnace – Built in 1884, these former blast furnaces were part of the Homestead Steel Works and produced over 1,000 tons of iron per day. It’s one of the only pre–World War II blast furnaces in existence. Tours are $25 USD.

Days 107-110: Finger Lakes, NY

• Visit the wineries – There are tons of wineries all around the Finger Lakes, most of which offer tours and tastings (some also have live music and serve food). To guide your way, follow the Seneca Wine Trail or the Keuka Wine Trail, which link some of the best wineries in the region.
• See Watkins Glen State Park – Watkins Glen State Park gorge trail is home to 19 picturesque waterfalls spread out over a two-hour hike. It’s not particularly strenuous, and there are lots of spots to relax and snap photos.
• Visit Ithaca – This photogenic small town has over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of the town. There’s also a charming downtown, the beautiful Cornell campus (one of the prettiest in the country), and Cayuga Lake.

Days 111-113: Albany, NY

• Hike in John Boyd Thacher State Park – Located 30 minutes outside of town, this state park has over 25 miles of trails, as well as panoramic views from the Helderberg Escarpment. It’s a beautiful place for a day hike.
• Visit New York State Museum – This museum has a wide range of interesting exhibitions, including on local birds and wildlife, colonial history, and the ice age, among other topics. Admission is free (though a $5 USD donation is suggested).
• Tour the Capitol – The NY State Capitol building offers free daily tours. They’re the perfect way to learn more about the state, the city, and the building (including some ghost stories about the capitol’s haunting). Tours last one hour.

Days 114-120: Buffer Days

Having some padding in your itinerary will let you explore, have serendipitous travel experiences, and dig a little deeper into the regions and cultures you’ll be passing through.

While this is a solid itinerary, please mix it up. Skip some cities and spend more time in nature — or vice versa!

At the end of the day, the United States is an amazing and diverse country. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it. Delicious food, adventure activities, hiking, museums, history — we’ve got it all. You just need to hit the road and see it for yourself.

Need a rental car for your epic adventure? use the widget below to find the best deals!

Book Your Trip to the United States: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money — and I think they will help you too!

Want more information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the USA for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Best Cross-country U.S. Road Trip Itinerary: Northern Route

Here are nine stops you shouldn't miss as you drive across the country — plus what to do and where to eat while you’re there.

Ken Stanback / Getty Images

Nothing beats the experience-of-a-lifetime exhilaration of a cross-country road trip. If you're looking to get lost in adventure and pristine natural beauty, string along a coast-to-coast route that connects these nine destinations. We've mapped out the most quintessential places to check out as you venture across the northern half of the U.S. from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast. The best part? There's no exact science to it, so feel free to begin your journey from whichever coast you prefer and add your own stops. Here are the places you shouldn't miss along the way.

Gautier Houba / Travel + Leisure

Before you depart Seattle, which is known for its skyline featuring the iconic Space Needle, swing by Pike Place Market to pick up a coffee from the Storyville Coffee Company and some fresh pastries from Honest Biscuits or The Crumpet Shop. About a 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a great place to stop for a brief hike, with exceptional views and a stunning 268-foot waterfall. If you're starting your trip from the East Coast, Seattle will be your final stop, so we'd suggest an overnight stay at Inn at the Market — if only for the views of Pike Place and the tranquil waterfront. Save room for the all-day breakfast at Bacco Cafe , one of the three restaurants at this hotel.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

A lakefront dining experience is a must for any visit to Coeur d'Alene. Terraza Waterfront Cafe offers Latin American fusion cuisine and its prime location will ensure you enjoy beautiful views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. After thoroughly soaking up your surroundings and checking out the local shops, pay a visit to Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch for a guided tour with friendly alpacas as you escort them to their daytime pasture.

West Glacier, Montana

Known for its lodging as much as its white-water rafting, kayaking, and fly-fishing opportunities, the Great Northern Resort makes a great base for visiting Glacier National Park . Located near the West Glacier entrance, the property offers cozy log cabins, complete with a kitchen and fireplace, and a hotel for visitors seeking more traditional accommodations. As you depart for the park from West Glacier, head toward Going-to-the-Sun Road . Once inside, spend some time taking in views of picturesque Lake McDonald .

Jackson, Wyoming

The natural beauty of America's first national park needs no introduction — colorful hot springs, gushing geysers, and cascading waterfalls are synonymous with Yellowstone. Make time to watch the famed Old Faithful Geyser erupt and visit the brilliantly colored Grand Prismatic Spring (pictured above). As you wander through the park, keep an eye out for roaming wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, and black bears. After exploring all of Yellowstone's natural wonders, spend the night at Spring Creek Ranch back in Jackson.

Rapid City, South Dakota

In South Dakota, the scenic drive through Black Hills National Forest will leave you feeling in complete awe of your natural surroundings. Stay at the Bavarian Inn , about a 40-minute drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial , one of the most iconic monuments in the U.S. Once you've taken enough photos of the four presidents' impressive 60-foot faces, head into Rapid City for a bite and some local beer at Murphy's Pub & Grill . Continue your journey east through Badlands National Park , home to a surreal landscape featuring otherworldly rock formations and plenty of scenic lookout points, all along a 39-mile loop .

Minneapolis

Johnny Nguyen/Travel + Leisure

Spend some time meandering through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden , which showcases more than 60 pieces, before venturing over the Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. Stay at Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis for a taste of Midwest-style luxury. Grab dinner at Spoon and Stable for French-inspired cuisine by a James Beard award-winning chef, or dine at Murray's , a classic Minneapolis steakhouse. Afterward, stop by Union Rooftop for cocktails with a skyline view.

Jumping Rocks / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

This vibrant city is home to awe-inspiring skyscrapers, urban beaches along Lake Michigan, and a bustling food scene. After taking time to admire the Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park, make your way to Navy Pier for some sightseeing before boarding an architecture-themed river cruise , arguably one of the best things to do in Chicago . Then, dine at Au Cheval , a diner-style eatery known for its gourmet take on a classic burger. Or head to Cindy's Rooftop , a scenic spot atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel featuring seasonal menus and inventive cocktails. Stay at the LondonHouse hotel to enjoy views of the river and the city around you.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Once you arrive in Steel City, check into the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh, a sophisticated homage to the area's creative scene. If time allows, plan a visit to The Andy Warhol Museum , where you can learn all about the artist's life and work. Point State Park — a National Historic Landmark located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers — is just a five-minute drive (or a 15-minute walk) from the hotel. As for dining, head to the Original Oyster House , the oldest bar and restaurant in Pittsburgh, open since 1870.

New York City

Congratulations, you made it! Celebratory drinks are in order, and what better place for them than the Daintree Rooftop and Lounge at Hotel Hendricks ? After checking into your swanky Midtown room, complete with stunning views of the Empire State Building, make your way to nearby Bryant Park for a midday stroll. If you're in search of a classic New York bagel, look no further than Ess-a-Bagel , located right around the corner on West 32nd Street. For dinner, indulge in a comforting Italian meal at Max in Tribeca or Via Carota in the West Village.

If you're beginning your cross-country trip from the East Coast, New York City will be your first stop, so be sure to do some classic Big Apple sightseeing. Go for a walk in Central Park, see a Broadway show, or check out the view from the top of the Empire State Building before heading west.

Related Articles

10 Best Routes To Take On The Ultimate Cross Country Road Trip

Ready for an epic road trip? These are the best cross-country road trip routes, complete with maps and a basic route outline for each epic journey.

• Cross-country road trips offer the opportunity to visit popular cities, national parks, and roadside attractions in one vacation.
• Planning a big road trip can be overwhelming, but these 10 routes provide a basic outline for personalized itineraries.
• From the Oregon Trail to Route 66 to the Continental US National Park Road Trip, there are road trip routes to suit every traveler's interests and preferences.

Road trips are one of the most popular vacation types in the country and one of the best ways to explore the nearly four million square miles that make up the US. While states like California have enough roads and attractions to fill several road trip itineraries , many travelers are looking for something bigger.

The cross-country US road trip is a classic travel experience, creating opportunities to visit popular cities, state and national parks, and unusual roadside attractions in one vacation. Unfortunately, planning such a big road trip can quickly become overwhelming.

Below are 10 of the best cross-country road trip routes, along with important details about distance and states included. Each entry also includes a basic outline to build a personalized cross-country road trip itinerary, giving travelers a head start as they plan their epic adventure.

Related: 10 Tips For Minimalist Packing Before Taking A Road Trip

10 The Oregon Trail Road Trip

For those looking to travel even further back in time than Route 66, the nearly 3,500-mile Oregon Trail Road Trip parallels the original Oregon Trail of the pioneers' wagon companies.

Multiple stops along the road explain the history of the Oregon Trail, particularly where the route intersects with the Columbia River Highway.

Besides the unique history lessons, road trippers can also enjoy the natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park, Niagara Falls, and big cities like Chicago.

Topped with beautiful coastal towns on each end, including Astoria, Oregon, one of the best cross-country stops in the US , and the Oregon Trail is the perfect road trip route for any kind of traveler.

• Oregon Trail Road Trip Distance: 3,441 miles
• Recommended Time for the Oregon Trail Road Trip: 2–3 weeks
• States Visited on the Oregon Trail Road Trip: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts

Major Stops on The Oregon Trail Road Trip

Astoria, OR → Columbia River Gorge, OR → Pendleton, OR → Boise, ID → Yellowstone National Park, WY → Mount Rushmore, SD → Field of Dreams Movie Site, IA → Chicago, IL → Cleveland, OH → Niagara Falls, NY → Cape Cod, MA

Related: These 10 US States Are Best For A Summer Road Trip In 2023

9 Southern Pacific Road Trip

The desert may not be the most obvious location for a cross-country road trip, but there is plenty of beauty to be found across the southern stretch of the US.

The Southern Pacific Road Trip starts with the beauty of coastal San Diego before quickly shifting to the Southwestern desert landscape in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Traveling to the deep south, major cities like Jackson and Atlanta round out a unique and lesser-known US cross-country road trip route.

• Southern Pacific Road Trip Distance: 2,442 miles
• Recommended Time for the Southern Pacific Road Trip: 1–2 weeks
• States Visited on the Southern Pacific Road Trip: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia

Major Stops on the Southern Pacific Road Trip

San Diego, CA → Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA → Tucson, AZ → Roswell, NM → Dallas, TX → Jackson, MS → Birmingham, AL → Atlanta, GA → Savannah, GA

Looking for a smaller-scale drive through the Southwest? Check out one of these scenic drives that explore the best of the Southwest's red rock country .

8 Historic Route 66 Road Trip

There is perhaps no more famous road trip route than Historic Route 66. The subject of songs, museums, and whole movies, Route 66 spans over 2,000 miles through eight states.

What makes Route 66 one of the best cross-country road trips? The historic highway is full of quirky roadside attractions , while also passing through some of the most exciting cities in the country.

• Historic Route 66 Distance: ~2,400 miles
• Recommended Time for a Route 66 Road Trip: ~2 weeks
• States Visited on a Route 66 Road Trip: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California

Major Stops on a Route 66 Road Trip

Chicago, IL → Springfield, IL → St. Louis, MO → Carthage, MO → Tulsa, OK → Oklahoma City, OK → Amarillo, TX → Tucumcari, NM → Albuquerque, NM → Petrified Wood National Park, AZ → Flagstaff, AZ → Williams, AZ → Needles, CA → San Bernardino, CA → Santa Monica, CA

The Grand Canyon is not directly on Historic Route 66, but it is only a 50-mile detour from the main road at Williams, Arizona, and is often considered one of the best stops on a Route 66 road trip .

Related: The Best Stops Along Route 66, Ranked

7 Classic I-80 Road Trip

Slicing right through the middle of the United States, I-80 may be better known for its traffic jams than its cross-country views. For those willing to plan around rush hour traffic, a classic I-80 drive is one of the best road trip routes in the country.

An I-80 cross-country road trip has a number of notable stops along its nearly 3,000 course, including capital cities Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and Des Moines, as well as outdoor havens like Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Near River State Park.

• Classic I-80 Road Trip Distance: 2,901 miles
• Recommended Time for an I-80 Road Trip: 1–2 weeks
• States Visited on an I-80 Road Trip: California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey

Major Stops on an I-80 Road Trip

San Francisco, CA → Sacramento, CA → Reno, NV → Elko, NV → Salt Lake City, UT → Bear River State Park, WY → Lexington, NE → Omaha, NE → Des Moines, IA → Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH → Cleveland, OH → Freedom Falls, PA → Teaneck, NJ

Related: Hit The Road: 14 Unforgettable Adventures Await With These U.S. Road Trip Ideas

6 I-50 - The Loneliest Highway Road Trip

Sometimes a road trip vacation is about enjoying some time alone, just enjoying the sites. With several stretches of over 100 miles with not even a gas station for company, I-50 is a long road of nothing but wide open country .

The source of I-50's nickname, and what makes it one of the best cross-country road trips in America, is the nearly 500-mile stretch in Nevada.

Traversing this desolate highway is going to take some serious planning (and a very reliable car!), but the unique look at the uninhabited corners of the US is well worth the adventure.

• I-50 Road Trip Distance: 3,023 miles
• Recommended Time for an I-50 Road Trip: 2–3 weeks
• States Visited on an I-50 Road Trip: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland

Major Stops on an I-50 Road Trip

San Francisco, CA → Sacramento, CA → South Lake Tahoe, CA/NV → Carson City, NV → Ely, NV → Delta, UT → Arches National Park, UT → Grand Junction, CO → Kansas City, MO → Serpent Mound, OH → Arlington, VA → Washington DC → Ocean City, MD

5 Highway 2 - The Great Northern Road Trip

Planning the perfect road trip is all about determining what kinds of attractions travelers want to enjoy. For some serious time in the great outdoors, a trip across the northern part of the country is a must.

Starting in Olympic National Park, Highway 2 passes through 10 states and two major cities in Canada. The Great Northern Road Trip also intersects with four different National Parks along its over 3,000-mile path, making this cross-country route one of the most scenic road trips in America.

• Great Northern Road Trip Distance: 3,223 miles
• Recommended Time for a Northern Road Trip: 3–4 weeks
• States Visited on a Northern Road Trip: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Canada**, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington

Major Stops on The Great Northern Road Trip (Highway 2)

Olympic National Park, WA → Seattle, WA → Spokane, WA → Glacier National Park, MT → Havre, MT → Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND → Devils Lake, ND → Duluth, MN → Canyon Falls Roadside Park, MI → Ottawa, Ontario, Canada → Montréal, Quebec, Canada → Montpelier, VT → Acadia National Park, ME

Highway 2 enters Canada over the Great Lakes. Passports are required to stay on the route, or travelers can stay state-side by detouring through Michigan.

Related: Wilds Of Maine: 10 Best Acadia National Park Hikes

4 New York To San Diego Road Trip

With major cities and some of the most beautiful national parks in the country , the nearly 3,000-mile journey from New York down to San Diego is an unforgettable cross-country epic journey.

With three national parks, major cities like Chicago, Denver, and Las Vegas, and iconic attractions like Hoover Dam, this cross-country road trip is ideal for those who have a full month. This will leave travelers to explore every hiking trail and bustling downtown along one of the best cross-country road trip routes in America.

• New York to San Diego Road Trip Distance: 2,979 miles
• Recommended Time for a New York to San Diego Road Trip: 3–4 weeks
• States Visited on a New York to San Diego Road Trip: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California

Major Stops on a New York to San Diego Road Trip

New York City, NY → Columbus, Ohio → Chicago, Illinois → Des Moines, IA → Denver, Colorado → Moab, UT → Canyonlands National Park, UT → Arches National Park, UT → Zion National Park, UT → Red Rock Canyon Recreation Area, NV → Lake Mead, NV → Las Vegas, NV → Hoover Dam, NV → San Bernardino, CA → San Diego, CA

3 Highway 83 Road Trip

There are plenty of US road trips that are all about the journey rather than a destination , but the literal Road to Nowhere may just take that to the next level.

Unlike most of the road trips on this list that cross the country from east to west (or vice versa), the Highway 83 road trip runs from north to south, exploring several of the “flyover states” of the Midwest.

At less than 2,000 miles from border to border, the Highway 83 Road to Nowhere is one of the shorter cross-country US road trips, but the unique stops along the way make it one of the best cross-country road trip routes in the United States.

• Highway 83 Road Trip Distance: 1,817 miles
• Recommended Time for the Highway 83 Road Trip: ~1 week
• States Visited on the Highway 83 Road Trip: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas

Major Stops on the Highway 83 Road Trip

Minot, ND → Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, ND → Sitting Bull Memorial, SD → Buffalo Bill Rodeo, NE → OzFest Liberal, KS → Remember the Alamo!, TX → South Padre Island, TX

2 Washington State To Florida Road Trip

Much like the trip from New York to San Diego, a cross-country road trip from Washington to Florida cuts a diagonal path from the northwest to the southeast. Starting and ending with national parks, this 3,400-mile road trip is epic from start to finish.

The Washington to Florida route is one of the best cross-country road trips in the US because it offers a little bit of everything that road trip travelers are looking for: big cities, the great outdoors, and quirky small towns.

• Washington to Florida Road Trip Distance: 3,460 miles
• Recommended Time for a Washington to Florida Road Trip: 2–3 weeks
• States Visited on the Washington to Florida Road Trip: Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida

Major Stops on a Washington State to Florida Road Trip

Seattle, WA → Spokane, WA → Billings, MT → Rapid City, SD → Sioux Falls, SD → Omaha, NE → Kansas City, MO → St. Louis, MO → Nashville, TN → Atlanta, GA → Orlando, FL → Key Largo, FL → Dry Tortugas National Park, FL

Related: Exploring The Beauty Of The Florida Keys On A Road Trip Along The Overseas Highway

1 Continental US National Park Road Trip

One of the most popular destinations along a cross-country US road trip is the nation’s beautiful national parks. If one or two national parks aren’t enough, this epic 14-park road trip is sure to satisfy.

Out of 63 national parks, these 14 create a relatively continuous, over 5,000-mile snaking path across the country.

Given the time it takes to explore each national park, as well as the driving time to get to each destination, this road trip is ideal for those who can work on the road to enjoy a couple of months out in the country.

• Continental US National Park Road Trip Distance: ~5,357 miles
• Recommended Time for a Continental US National Park Road Trip: ~2 months
• States Visited on a Continental US National Park Road Trip: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida

Major Stops on a Continental US National Park Road Trip

Olympic National Park, WA → Crater Lake National Park, OR → Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA → Yosemite National Park, CA → Joshua Tree National Park, CA → Las Vegas, NV → Grand Canyon National Park, AZ → Arches National Park, UT → Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO → Wind Cave National Park, SD → Cuyahoga National Park, OH → Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC → Congaree National Park, SC → Everglades National Park, FL → Dry Tortugas National Park, FL

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Featured Place To Stay In The US

The Beach Club Resort and Spa

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

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

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

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

Acadia National Park, Maine

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Megan Starr – Megan & Aram Travel Blog

More on Acadia and Maine:

Acadia National Park Itinerary [Plus Where To Stay]

15 Amazing Things To Do In Maine

Top 14 Maine National Parks and State Parks To Visit

Check out these awesome farm stays around the US too!

White Mountains, New Hampshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Tamara Gruber – We 3 Travel

More on New Hampshire:

14 Best Things To Do In Lincoln New Hampshire

Berkshire, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Elena Pappalardo – The Carry-On Chronicles

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Melissa – Navigation Junkie

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

More on Massachusetts:

4 Best Amusement Parks in Massachusetts To Visit

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Eileen P. Gunn – Families Go Travel

New York City

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

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

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

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

Shared by Lyndsay Crescenti – The Purposely Lost

More On New York

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

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Derek and Mike – Robe Trotting

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

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

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

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

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

Shared by Cosette – KarsTravels

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

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

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

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

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

Shared by: Darcy Vierow – Plan, Ready, Go

Other fun stops in Virginia:

Things To Do In Charlottesville VA

Charleston, South Carolina

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Lara – The Best Travel Gifts

Savannah Georgia

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Erin Clarkson – Savannah First Timer

Universal Studios, Florida

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

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

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

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

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

There are so many fun activities to do in Orlando!

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

Florida Keys, Florida

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

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

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

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

Destin, Florida

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

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

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

Northern Georgia

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

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

Shared by: Lesli Peterson – 365 Atlanta Traveler

Louisville, Kentucky

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

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

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

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

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

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Paulina – Paulina On The Road

Black Hills, South Dakota

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Julie Espinosa – Family Travel Lifestyle

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

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

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

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

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

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

Read more Yellowstone National Park Tips here!

Shared by: Stephanie – Explore More Clean Less

Bozeman, Montana

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

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

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

Shared by: Gina – Travel Montana Now

Glacier National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Rainier, Washington

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

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

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

Shared by: Michelle – The Wandering Queen

Oregon Coast

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

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

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

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Nicole – American SW Obsessed  

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

San Francisco, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yosemite National Park, California

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Allison Green – California Crossroads

Death Valley, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Dhara – Roadtripping California

Santa Barbara, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more: Incredible Things To Do In Santa Barbara

Shared by: Daria Bachmann – The Discovery Nut

Joshua Tree National Park, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Ale – Sea Salt & Fog 

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

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

Tips For Visiting Hawaii For the First Time

Tips On Visiting Disney Aulani 

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Sam – My Flying Leap

Northern Arizona

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Alanna Koritzke – Periodic Adventures

Zion National Park, Utah

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Rhonda Krause – Travel? Yes Please!

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by Chris – The Aquarius Traveller  

Park City, Utah

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

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

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

Learn more: Best Utah Ski Resorts For Kids

Shared by Jessica Averett – Skiing Kids

Summit County, Colorado

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

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

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

Shared by: Jessica Averett – Bring The Kids

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by: Melissa – Parenthood and Passports

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

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

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

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

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

Shared by Erin – Sol Salute

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

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

13 Things to do in St Louis with Kids

Meow Wolf Review: Which Location is Best?

Castles In America

Best Aquariums In The US

Things To Do In Alaska

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

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

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

15 Absolutely Enjoyable Things To Do In Nashville

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Top Routes for a Cross-Country Road Trip

On the hierarchy of car adventures, the cross-country road trip reigns supreme. Not only is it the journey of a lifetime, it is easily the best way to see everything our great country has to offer. Big, bustling cities and small, charming towns, national parks and fine-art museums, the great plains and towering mountain ranges – it all lies on the open road ahead.

The only question you need to decide for yourself is, which route to take. We lay out four great options, as well as what and where you can expect to visit as you travel from sea to shining sea.

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Interstate 90

If you’re looking to travel cross-country through the northern part of the continental U.S., Interstate 90 is the way to go. Covering more than 3,000 miles from Boston to Seattle, I-90 is the longest interstate in the United States. All told, it crosses through 13 states (the second-most of any interstate) and many of the country’s major northern cities. I-90’s longest single-state stretch is in Montana, where it covers roughly 550 miles. Its shortest trip is the nearly 50-mile-long section along Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie coast.

Starting in the east, you’ll have a chance to visit some of the Northeast’s and Midwest’s major metropolitan hubs like Syracuse, Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland and Chicago. After that, you’ll drive through the wide-open spaces of states such as Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana, before cruising into your Northwest destination of Washington. All told, the journey should take about 50 hours of driving.

Major Cities Along the Route

Top Tourist Attractions Along the Route

• Niagara Falls
• Mount Rushmore
• Yellowstone National Park

Interstate 80

If you want to stick to the northern part of the country but have a few different cities and attractions on your list, you may want to opt for Interstate 80. Running from Teaneck, New Jersey, (a stone’s throw from Manhattan), across 11 states to San Francisco, I-80 is the second-longest interstate in the country.

Much like I-90, Interstate 80 hits many of the Rust Belt’s major cities, like Cleveland, Toledo and Chicago. In fact, the two sister roadways overlap through parts of Ohio and Indiana. As you continue west, I-80 takes on a decidedly historic theme. Through the western half of the United States, you’ll travel along the approximate route of the Lincoln Highway, the first road across the country, as well as the Oregon Trail and the First Transcontinental Railroad.

• Salt Lake City
• San Francisco
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Oregon National Historic Trail
• Alcatraz Island

Interstate 10

What I-90 is to the northern United States, Interstate 10 is to the southern part of the country. The roadway covers 2,500 miles from Jacksonville to Santa Monica. Starting on the Atlantic Coast, you’ll travel along the Florida panhandle and Gulf of Mexico before reaching the vibrant city of New Orleans. (If the Crescent City isn’t enough of a thrill on its own, it’s here where I-10 intersects with the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, one of the country’s most dangerous roads .)

From there, you’ll travel past several of Texas’ largest cities, then the deserts of the Southwest, where you can visit some of the area’s famous national parks . Be careful as you travel along Arizona’s long, straight stretch of I-10. It has also proven to be one of the country’s deadliest highways thanks to aggressive and high-speed driving. Your road trip ends in Southern California, right across the street from the Santa Monica Pier.

• Jacksonville
• New Orleans
• San Antonio
• Los Angeles
• USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
• Space Center Houston
• Saguaro National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Santa Monica Pier

U.S. Route 50

If you prefer the road less traveled, Route 50 is the path for you. Nicknamed the Loneliest Road, it takes travelers through some of America’s most iconic wide-open spaces, such as the Great Plains, the Great Basin and the Appalachian, Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains.

But the route offers more than just picturesque sights – it’s a snapshot of the country’s past, present and future. In fact, TIME magazine once called U.S. 50 the “backbone of America.” Along its path, you’ll pass hundreds of small towns but also flourishing cities like St. Louis, Kansas City and Cincinnati, several state capitals and Washington, D.C. U.S. 50 also takes you from historic paths such as the Santa Fe National Trail to the epicenter of modern technology in the Silicon Valley.

U.S. Route 50 ends in Sacramento. To make it a true coat-to-coast trip, just hop on the I-80 for a quick 1.5-hour drive to San Francisco.

• Washington, D.C.
• Kansas City
• The National Mall
• St. Louis Gateway Arch National Park
• Canyonlands & Arches National Parks
• Great Basin National Park

You’re going to need the right car for these long trips. If it’s not already in your driveway, don’t worry. AAA members can save up to  20% on Hertz rentals .

Have you ever taken a cross-country road trip? Which route did you take? Tell us in the comments. 

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16 Thoughts on “ Top Routes for a Cross-Country Road Trip ”

There is nothing like avoiding the interstates if you want to see country. https://k1oik.angelfire.com/rvusa/

Is anyone familiar with traveling Rt 2 across Montana, South Dakota on on to NY. How was it ?

I traveled Rt 2 from West to East years ago and it was great. I have made many cross country trips on the major interstates 80-90, and 10. If you are not in a hurry, Rt 2 is a wonderful way to see the USA.

Drove xcountry about dozen times. Do route 66, must see Mounument Valley, 4 corners NM, & Grand Canyon. America is truly beautiful if you can get time to see it. It’s not just East &West.

Hi, Very much want to drive to LA from LI NY are there any months that you might say would not be recommended, weather wise? Also I want to pick up Rt 66 where does it start and end. Just be me and my Black Lab Service Dog . Time is not a constraint. We’ll be in a 2023 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid. Thanks. Bob

Cross-country trip? With these gas prices??

Made three cross country road trips in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and they were all fantastic. I made them primarily to see as many National Parks as I could, but lost count of all the side trips I ended up making. I did travel coast to coast on interstates 80 and 90. Also traveled portions of interstates 10, 40 and 70. I took about two and a half weeks for each. I did see most of the attractions and cities you mentioned, and would love to do another. The only caution would be weather. I tuned in every night at the motel I was staying at to the weather channel. It helped. Had to change routes a few times. If anyone is thinking of these trips, be very alert to the weather forecast. Lately I see a lot of bad weather in all the southern states.

We just took a month-long cross-country trip this past summer, but we did not take a single highway straight across. Our itinerary, in a nutshell, was (starting from home in New York City):

Pittsburgh (Carnegie Science Center and a ride up and down the Duquense Incline) Baraboo (Circus World Museum), Woodruff (Scheer’s Lumberjack Show) and Minocqua (Wildwood Wildlife/Safari Park), Wisconsin Dyersville (Field of Dreams) and Altoona (AdventureLand), Iowa Omaha (Henry Doorly Zoo), Nebraska Casper (National Trails Interpretive Center), Thermopolis (Wyoming Dinosaur Center) and Cody (Night Rodeo), Wyoming Yellowstone National Park Blackfoot (Idaho Potato Expo) and Pocatello (Museum of Clean), Idaho Park City (Alpine Slide), Utah Las Vegas, Nevada Escondido (San Diego Zoo Safari Park), California Long Beach (Harbor Breeze Whale Watching Cruise), Beverly Hills and Hollywood, California Yermo (Calico Ghost Town), California and return to Las Vegas Grand Canyon National Park Zion National Park Bryce Canyon National Park Denver, Colorado Dodge City and Hutchinson (Strataca Salt Mine), Kansas Kansas City (Royals game at Kauffman Stadium), MO St. Louis (City Museum, Gateway Arch), MO Clarksville (Old Glory Distillery) and Nashville, TN Lost River Cave and Louisville Slugger Factory, KY Newport Aquarium, KY Cleveland, OH Jamestown (National Comedy Center), NY

And then home.

WOW … !! Very impressive … how long did the entire trip take? Were you using hotels/motels most of the time? This is exactly the kind of x-country trip I would enjoy taking. Thanks for your post … !!

Thanks for the kind words! The trip was 26 days long, and we mostly slept in motels, except for a few nights where were drove through the night and slept in the car in shifts.

Sounds like a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing your itinerary. We live in Massachusetts and are considering doing a similar trip next spring.

It really was, the whole family enjoyed it. Best of luck on your upcoming trip, I’m sure it will be great as well!

When I was a teenager, back in 1963, my father took us on a trip cross country. It took seven weeks and traveled 10,000 miles. I will not list the number of states or National Parks we traveled, too many. I remember the only national park we didn’t go to was Glacier Nation Park, too my grizzly bear attacks! We started from Boston, we took Rt.90 to the Chicago area. From these We took Rt 66, the real Rt 66. all the way to San Diego. You name the National Parks and I saw them. Took the Pacific Highway north to S.F. We took Rt 80 back to Rt 15 and up through Jackson Wyoming And eventually up to RT 90 east. It is an adventure I’ll never forget! And I thank my parents, God rest their souls! Since then, I’ve gone back to Yellowstone three times!

Thank you for sharing your itinerary. It looks amazing. I hope to make a cross-country trip and this is really helpful!

For many years I had travelled on US Route 20, to get to Boston or to get to work at Old Sturbridge Village. I appreciated the fact that Route 20 represented the manner in which folks traveled before the construction of the Interstate network and the gas stations, motels and small restaurants and shops had stories to tell. So, in 2014 my wife and I travelled Route 20 from Boston’s Kenmore Square to the Pacific coast in Newport, Oregon.

It was a great trip, Boston, Albany, Cleveland, Chicago, Boise a great many small towns. Lots of fine parks such as Indiana Dunes National Park, Yellowstone, Craters of the Moon, Wind River Canyon, etc. Many excellent museums and cultural institutions pop up along the way such asThe Museum of the Fur Trade, Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Ashfall Fossil Beds, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Washakie Museum and Cultural Center, The World Center for Birds of Prey, Old Sturbridge Village, etc. And plenty of small Town’s with great people, just living their lives. We traveled with a roof top tent and stayed in great campgrounds all along the route, Shipshewana, IN, Lena, IL, Craters of the Moon campground, Valentine, NE, Lusk, WY etc.

Interstates are fine to get there in a hurry, but a cross country trip should be about the road and the people. If we took a side trip a little off of Route 20, we made sure to come back to the same spot to continue. It’s a ROAD trip and US Route 20 is a great opportunity to explore America.

It was a great trip, Boston, Albany, Cleveland, Chicago, Boise a great many small towns. Lots of fine parks such as Indiana Dunes National Park, Yellowstone, Craters of the Moon, Wind River Canyon, etc. Many excellent museums and cultural institutions such asThe Museum of the Fur Trade, Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Ashfall Fossil Beds, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Washakie Museum and Cultural Center, The World Center for Birds of Prey, Old Sturbridge Village, etc. And plenty of small Town’s with great people, just living their lives. We traveled with a roof top tent and stayed in great campgrounds all along the route, Shipshewana, IN, Lena, IL, Craters of the Moon campground, Valentine, NE, Lusk, WY etc.

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7 Unforgettable U.S. Cross-Country Road Trips

Go from one side of the country to another on one of these journeys..

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Gorgeous natural landscapes and man-made attractions await you on your next cross-country road trip.

Photos by Chloe Arrojado and Mick Haupt

The beloved road trip truly celebrates the journey itself, indulging in the miles upon miles it takes to get from one place to the next. While there are endless road trip options out there—themes include national parks , electric vehicle-friendly travel , and everything in between—the cross-country road trip arguably captures people’s imagination the most, with legendary roadways like Route 66 forming an integral part of the country’s history.

Many landscapes have changed over time, but the love of a small-town diner, quirky roadside attraction, and neon-lit motel is still firmly cemented in American culture. If you’re overdue for an adventure, here are seven cross-country road trips that will hopefully inspire a desire to see part of the United States you haven’t seen before.

1. Route 66

• Start: Chicago, Illinois
• End: Santa Monica, California
• Distance: 2,448 miles

“66 is the mother road, the road of flight,” John Steinbeck wrote in the Pulitzer Prize–winning The Grapes of Wrath . The road from Chicago to California is the most famous drive in the nation, even though it was technically removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985 . Drivers can still make this more than 2,000-mile drive (which celebrates its centennial in 2026) on their own, starting in Chicago and then hitting cities like St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and Santa Fe before finishing in Santa Monica. Along the way, the changing western landscape unfolds—from plains to desert to coast.

Route 66 has plenty of sights, from the artistic Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, to downright breathtaking detours (Grand Canyon, anyone?) The drive is nearly 2,500 miles, so you can tailor it to your interest: One particular itinerary focuses on the American pastime of drinking whiskey, stopping at craft distilleries like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa.

Part of U.S. Route 2 runs through the Cascade Range in Washington.

Photo by Amehime/Shutterstock

2. U.S. Route 2

• Start: Houlton, Maine
• End: Everett, Washington
• Distance: 2,575 miles

Bring your passport or passport card for this one. This cross-country trip mostly parallels the northern border of the United States, with a brief section crossing through Canada in between Vermont and Michigan. Road-trippers start in Houlton, Maine and continue west on U.S. Route 2 until right before the Canadian border near Burlington, Vermont.

Going through Canada, travelers pass through Quebec and then Ontario via the Trans-Canada Highway. This section spotlights some of Canada’s Great Lakes scenery, including Pancake Bay Provincial Park’s beach and the 40-foot Kakabeka Falls in Thunder Bay. But cities like Montreal and Ottawa are also along the way, and warrant a weekend full of exploration in Canada’s historical and cultural hubs.

Once the route rejoins the USA in St. Ignace, Michigan—across from Mackinac Island State Park—there are still plenty of wild spots to see. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin and Montana’s Glacier National Park ( reservations required ) are a couple of highlights travelers hit before ending in Everett. This trip is best during the summer, when scenic places like the Great Lakes can be fully enjoyed.

Time Magazine featured U.S. Route 50 in a 1997 feature, calling it the “backbone of America.”

Photo by AJ9/Shutterstock

3. U.S. Highway 50

• Start: Ocean City, Maryland
• End: Sacramento, California
• Distance: 3,019 miles

When Time Magazine published a story about the U.S. Highway 50 in July 1997, it noted the road’s duality, saying, “The road gossips down Main Street and dresses up for the cities and, when it reaches the desert, stretches to the horizon and falls fast asleep.” From Ocean City, Maryland, it travels through cities like Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati before ending in West Sacramento.

But it’s the more sparsely populated parts of the country that have become associated with this particular road. Nevada’s section of U.S. Highway 50, sporting lone landmarks like a tree covered in shoes and mining towns like Eureka between miles of desert, was what Life Magazine called the “Loneliest Road in America” in the 1980s. While this drive is not for the fainthearted (there are only a few gas pumps between its endpoints in Ely and Fernley), it gives a sense of solace and quiet rarely found on the road nowadays.

Reaching locations like Clarksdale, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana, Route 61 is a road for music lovers.

Photos by James Kirkikis and IrinaK/Shutterstock

4. U.S. Highway 61

• Start: Wyoming, Minnesota
• End: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Distance: 1,407 miles

Bob Dylan wrote about his spiritual connection with U.S. Highway 61 in his memoir , stating that it “always felt like it was in my blood” as the road connected his birthplace in Duluth, Minnesota, through Mississippi Delta Country—the heart of the blues genre—to the music powerhouse city of New Orleans. (His love of the road has been immortalized in his 1965 album, Highway 61 Revisited .) While the highway now starts around 120 miles south in Wyoming, Minnesota, travelers on this road can still drive to New Orleans and find the birthplaces of artists who have been intrinsic to American music along the way: B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley, to name a few.

It’s the blues genre that gave the road its nickname, the “Mississippi Blues Trail.” Explore this part of the road’s history by stopping at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and the Howlin’ Wolf Blues Museum in West Point. Much of Highway 61 is also a part of the Great River Road , a 3,000-mile series of state roads that parallel the full length of the Mississippi River. The road hugs the waterfront of river towns like Red Wing and Hastings in south Minnesota as well as natural areas like the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi, offering scenic excursions to a journey rooted in the cultural history of the United States.

The Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys is a part of U.S. Route 1.

Photo by Noah Densmore/Shutterstock

6. U.S. Route 1

• Start: Key West, Florida
• End: Fort Kent, Maine
• Distance: 2,369 miles

Not to be confused with Highway 1 in California , U.S. Route 1 passes through the East Coast from Florida to Maine. Starting from “Marker 0” in the Keys, the road travels along Florida’s coast before heading inland through Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and New Jersey. But once drivers hit Connecticut, the road snakes by the coast again—and eventually by Maine’s side of the U.S.-Canadian border—before stopping in the small border town of Fort Kent.

The journey covers many of the East Coast’s biggest cities, including Miami, Washington, D.C., and Boston. But it also does a good job of sandwiching other landscapes—like the small towns of the Southeast—in between the grand coastal stretches and urban hubs. Of course, if there’s a part you want to skip, there’s always I-95, the interstate that parallels the U.S. Route 1 from Miami, Florida, to the Houlton–Woodstock Border Crossing in Maine.

Starting in Tybee Island, Georgia, U.S. Highway 80 travels more than 2,000 miles to its endpoint in San Diego, California.

Photos by zimmytws/Shutterstock and Chloe Arrojado

7. U.S. Highway 80

• Start: Tybee Island, Georgia
• End: San Diego, California
• Distance: 2,734 miles

When the Automobile Club of Savannah created the Dixie Overland Highway in 1914, it created the outline for what would become U.S. Route 80. The drive goes through both the Southeast and Southwest regions, connecting Tybee Island, Georgia, all the way to Southern California. The highway was wildly popular in the 1950s until different states started renaming parts of the road in the 1960s , turning pieces of the highway into different interstates.

Many portions of the highway are still considered important; states including Arizona have recognized parts of U.S. 80 as a historic route. The mostly forested, eastern portion until Dallas, Texas, is the largest portion still intact, occasionally going by Deep South cities like Macon, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama. Portions of the original road also exist west of Dallas, like New Mexico State Road 80 and Arizona State Route 80—but for the most part, drivers will need to follow a mix of I-8, I-10, and I-20 to recreate the path of U.S. 80. Nonetheless, the western half of the journey largely follows the red mesas and dry landscapes of the Southwestern region between cities like El Paso and Phoenix before ending in Southern California.

Movies such as The Cannonball Run, Easy Rider , National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Rain Man have one special thing in common: they teach us the most epic and rewarding way to travel cross-country is on a road trip. There are dozens of routes that take you coast-to-coast and north-to-south, passing fascinating places along the way. Here are five of the best road trip routes that will bring you to familiar and newly-discovered corners of the country.

The Great River Road

Cross-country doesn’t always have to mean coast to coast. Follow the meandering course of the nation’s mightiest waterway, the Mississippi River, for 3,000 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Great River Road is a paradise for nature lovers and showcases the diversity of the 10 states it cuts through. You’ll cruise past everything from sprawling prairies and cypress swamps to limestone cliffs and lush meadows. Schedule stops at Lake Itasca State Park , Shawnee National Forest, and the Great River Road State Park . Culture vultures can fuel their thirst for knowledge in Onward, the "Birthplace of the Teddy Bear," and Superman’s hometown of Metropolis.

It’s about a 36-hour straight drive from the northern to southernmost points of the byway, although a minimum of four days is recommended. Guide your way via signs decorated with a picture of a steamboat inside a green pilot’s wheel. The visibility of markers varies from state to state so you should be prepared to get lost, back track, and stumble upon hidden gems . Savor the chance to swap the smokestacks and strip malls that dot traditional Mississippi highways for colorful towns, pristine natural beauty, and wildlife.

Lincoln Highway

Covering 3,142 miles from Times Square to Lincoln Park, San Francisco, the Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway established in the country. The idea for the highway was the dream of entrepreneur Carl Fisher to create a coast-to-coast automobile route. There are 12 states, 100-plus counties, and over 700 cities, towns, and villages to explore and those who complete the full journey can apply for the "Bernie Queneau Coast-To-Coast Lincoln Highway Recognition Award."

There’s no shortage of insights into American history to uncover while traveling east to west. Visit the independence and constitutional landmarks of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Museum. Drive on the highway’s original bricks in Boy’s Town, Nebraska, and converge with The Loneliest Road (US-50) in Nevada. The Roadside Giants are among the quirkiest sights. Among them is the 25-feet-tall Bennett Gas Pump in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. While the entire route is drivable you might be deterred by traffic around Times Square.

The Road to Nowhere - US-83

Here’s another cross-country option for those who don’t want to take a traditional coast-to-coast route. The Road to Nowhere runs 1,885 miles from Canada’s Swan River, in the Manitoba province, to the Mexican border town of Matamoros. If it’s major tourist attractions that you are in search of then perhaps this isn’t the trip for you. This is an all-encompassing embrace of the country’s rural countryside and shifting landscapes. What you’ll get is endless miles of wide open country, including the grasslands of the Great Plain, unique Sand Hills of Nebraska and searing heat of the Texas-Oklahoma Panhandle.

With no busy multilane interstates to drive on and a complete lack of large metropolitan areas, the route really lives up to its name. There are, though, some 125 communities to remind you that you haven’t gone completely off the radar. Washburn’s Lewis and Clark Interpretation Center, Strasburg’s Lawrence Welk Birthplace and Mobridge’s Sitting Bull Memorial are among noteworthy cultural pitstops. Shamrock, Texas, is the historic crossroads of US-83 and Route 66. Roll down your windows, crank up Johnny Cash’s Wide Open Road and start cruising.

TransAmerica Trail

Looking for something more venturesome and unconventional? The TransAmerican Trail is a 5,000-mile-long cross-country route that avoids as many paved roads as possible in favor of off-road dirt, gravel, farm and forest tracks. This isn’t your average adventure to be taken in a convertible Cadillac or RV. Instead you’ll need to embark on the trail in a 4WD off-road vehicle, ATV, or dual-sport motorcycle. Some sections are also suitable for touring bicycles. Those up for the task should prepare to camp and sleep rough in the wild backcountry. There’s extreme weather conditions and muddy, rocky, and snowy obstacles to overcome, too.

If it all sounds exciting then you can look forward to discovering scenic vistas of often unseen majestic landscapes. The route goes through famed national parks such as Badlands, Canyonlands, Great Sand Dunes, and Yellowstone. It crosses remote sections of the Rocky Mountains and isolated areas of the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. Just be ready to cover 200, often strenuous, miles a day and make sure your vehicle is in prime condition.

U.S. Route 6 (Grand Army of the Republic Highway)

For almost 30 years, U.S. Route 6 was the longest coast-to-coast highway. Today, running for 3,205 miles, it’s the second longest and one that throws up a little bit of everything that the country has to offer. Starting in Provincetown, on the northern tip of Massachusetts’s Cape Cod, the route travels diagonally through 14 states to Bishop, California. In between you’ll discover a timeline of America’s natural and cultural history. There’s the revolutionary war sites of New England, modern urban landscape of Chicago, vast Nebraskan plains, rugged beauty of Colorado, and mining camps of Nevada.

At times, driving on U.S. Route 6 feels like exploring lands that time has forgotten. Sal Paradise from Jack Kerouac’s iconic On the Road was discouraged from hitching the highway because "there’s no traffic [that] passes through 6." Yet therein lies the beauty of this historic road. The towns and cities you stumble upon rarely feature in guidebooks but present far more rewarding experiences than those that do. After all, who doesn’t enjoy stops at eccentric roadside diners, museums, and shops?

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8 Epic Cross Country Road Trip Routes in America

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Nothing is better than discovering the freedom of the highway and the joy of spontaneity while exploring some of America’s most dazzling landscapes and iconic attractions. There are so many natural wonders and intriguing man-made landmarks all over the United States of America that offer a unique blend of culture, scenery, and self-discovery.

From iconic Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway , these epic cross-country road trip routes showcase the nation’s beauty, inviting travelers to shape unforgettable memories that only a cross-country road trip can deliver.

I have driven sections of all of these cross country routes and can truly say they are all unique with their own special charm! You can’t go wrong with any of them, although you may find one more appealing than the other based on your interests and goals for your cross-country road trip.

Before you head out on a cross country road trip, pay special attention to the time of year and the weather conditions as you drive across the country. Depending on how long you take, it may be summer when you start and winter when you end. You will want to ensure you are prepared for whatever is thrown your way!

Table of Contents: Jump to

USA Cross Country Road Trips

Great River Road / US 61

• Distance:  3,000 miles; 36 hours
• Starting Point and Ending Point:  Lake Itasca,   MN to New Orleans, LA

Following U.S. Route 61, the Great River Road is best known for tracing the mighty Mississippi River – this is a scenic drive through the heartland of America. Spanning about 3,000 miles from Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota to New Orleans on the Gulf of Mexico, this route crosses ten states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. You can explore charming river towns and relish stunning riverfront landscapes along the way.

This cross-country road trip route would take around 36 hours to complete without stopping. Notable attractions along the way include the musical attractions of Memphis, the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, and the scenic bluffs of the Driftless Area in Wisconsin. You’ll also drive through several small towns along the Mississippi River. 

The best time to drive the Great River Road is from late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild. Fall is particularly beautiful when the foliage showcases a kaleidoscope of colors. The Great River Road caters to diverse interests and is ideal for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a slow pace. 

Points of Interest:

• New Orleans, Louisiana:  Start your journey in the vibrant city of New Orleans, known for its rich culture, jazz music, delicious cuisine, and historic architecture.
• Vicksburg, Mississippi:  Visit Vicksburg National Military Park to learn about the Civil War history and enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River.
• Memphis, Tennessee:  Experience the birthplace of blues music, visit Graceland (Elvis Presley’s home), and explore the vibrant Beale Street.
• Alton, Illinois:  Explore the historic downtown, visit the Alton Museum of History and Art, and enjoy the scenic river views. Alton is known as one of the most haunted towns in America.
• St. Louis, Missouri:  See the Gateway Arch, visit the St. Louis Zoo, and explore the historic neighborhoods along the riverfront.
• Hannibal, Missouri:  Discover the hometown of Mark Twain, explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, and enjoy the scenic views of the river.
• Lake Itasca, Minnesota:  Visit Itasca State Park to see the headwaters of the Mississippi River and walk across the iconic Mississippi Headwaters Aiton Heights Fire Tower.
• Park Rapids, Minnesota:  End your journey in this charming town surrounded by lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Great Northern / US 2

• Distance:  3351 miles
• Starting Point and Ending Point:  Seattle, WA to Bar Harbor, ME

The Great Northern, traversing the length of U.S. Route 2, is renowned for its breathtaking panoramas and a tapestry of landscapes across the northern tier of the United States. This transcontinental route spans from the rugged Pacific Northwest in Washington to the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, beginning in Seattle, Washington, leading through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, then ending in Bar Harbor, Maine . At the end of this drive, be sure to spend some time in Acadia National Park!

Along these 3351 miles, you’ll encounter several incredible national parks and small towns. Drive through Glacier National Park in Montana, where snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes abound, and the charming lakeside town of Duluth, Minnesota. Olympic National Park is the first real stop along this route, where you can enjoy lush rainforests and beautiful waterfalls. The route is best during the summer and early fall when the weather is warm. Avoid this route in the winter, as you’ll likely run into lots of snowfall and icy roads!

If you love nature, there’s no better road trip – you’ll see everything from the Cascade Mountains to the Great Lakes. With opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and embracing the local culture, the Great Northern is perfect for those who crave a scenic escape and an authentic taste of the northern frontier.

• Seattle, Washington:  Start your journey in the vibrant city of Seattle, known for the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the stunning waterfront.
• Leavenworth, Washington:  Experience a touch of Bavaria in the Cascade Mountains. Leavenworth is a charming town with alpine architecture, shops, and outdoor activities.
• Glacier National Park, Montana:  Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Glacier National Park, known for its glacier-carved peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
• Flathead Lake, Montana:  Enjoy the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, offering scenic views and recreational activities.
• Lake Itasca, Minnesota:  See the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park, where the river begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Apostle Islands, Wisconsin:  Discover the sea caves, lighthouses, and unique rock formations in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan:  Admire the scenic waterfalls, particularly the Upper Falls, which is one of the largest east of the Mississippi.
• Acadia National Park, Maine:   Conclude your journey in Bar Harbor, surrounded by the natural beauty of Acadia National Park. Explore Cadillac Mountain, hike the trails, and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Loneliest Road / US 50

• Distance:  3450 miles
• Starting Point and Ending Point:  Sacramento, CA  to Ocean City, MD

While the Loneliest Road, famously known as U.S. Route 50, traverses through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.  it’s mainly known for its long, solitary stretches throughout Nevada (where it earned its nickname!).

Notable attractions on the Loneliest Road include the sand dunes of Sand Mountain, the historic mining town of Eureka, and the otherworldly beauty of the Great Basin National Park. Starting near Sacramento, you can enjoy a few days in Yosemite, just 3.5 hours from this road, before embarking on the rest of your road trip. The best time to drive this 3450-mile cross-country road trip is spring or fall to avoid the scorching summer heat. 

The Loneliest Road appeals to those who are drawn to the raw, untouched landscapes of the Nevada desert. Photographers, stargazers, and anyone yearning for a road less traveled will find solace and inspiration along this route, discovering the open road against a backdrop of rugged terrain and endless skies.

• Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada:  Experience the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe, a picturesque alpine lake straddling the California-Nevada border.
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada:  Explore the rugged landscapes, caves, and ancient bristlecone pine groves in this remote national park.
• Sand Mountain Recreation Area, Nevada:  Witness the unique phenomenon of a singing sand dune at this recreational area.
• Capitol Reef National Park, Utah:  Explore the scenic wonders of Capitol Reef, known for its Waterpocket Fold and stunning rock formations.
• Goblin Valley State Park, Utah:  Marvel at the otherworldly rock formations resembling goblins in this state park.
• Arches National Park, Utah:  Visit one of the most iconic national parks with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches.
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah:  Explore the vast canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado:  Witness the dramatic cliffs and deep canyons of the Black Canyon.
• Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, Kansas:  Discover space artifacts and exhibits in Hutchinson, Kansas.
• St. Louis, Missouri:  Explore the Gateway Arch, the iconic symbol of St. Louis, and visit the city’s museums and attractions.
• Ocean City, Maryland:  Conclude your journey at the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City, known for its beaches, boardwalk, and seaside attractions.

Oregon Trail / US 20 

• Distance:  3,365
• Starting Point and Ending Point:  Newport, OR to Boston, MA

Following the path of U.S. Route 20, the Oregon Trail begins in Newport, Oregon, and ends in Boston, Massachusetts , with a total length of 3365 miles. This historic route retraces the journey of pioneers heading west during the 19th century. Known for its rich history, this road trip offers an intriguing exploration of the American frontier and the challenges faced by early settlers.

This cross-country road trip passes through major areas like Boston and Yellowstone National Park, crossing through Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. However, it is best known for its connection to the Oregon Trail, with landmarks like the Oregon Trail Ruts in Wyoming and the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. 

Late spring to early fall is the ideal time to make this drive – the mild weather makes it easier to enjoy the historical sites along the way. Many roadtrippers also take a 100-mile detour to Badlands National Park in South Dakota – this might sound like a big detour, but what’s 100 miles when driving over 3300 miles?

This road trip is perfect for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those who want to learn more about the roots of American westward expansion. The Oregon Trail blends educational experiences and scenic drives, making it a fun experience for those who want to step back in time while appreciating the landscapes that played a crucial role in shaping the nation.

• Newport, Oregon:  Start your journey on the Pacific Coast in Newport, known for its scenic coastline, historic bayfront, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
• Willamette National Forest, Oregon:  Drive through this expansive forest with opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring volcanic landscapes.
• Bend, Oregon:  Explore Bend’s vibrant downtown, visit the High Desert Museum, and enjoy outdoor recreation in the surrounding area.
• Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho:  Experience a unique volcanic landscape with lava flows, craters, and cinder cones.
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana:  Discover the iconic geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes of the world’s first national park.
• Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming:  Admire the majestic Teton Range and explore the park’s scenic trails and viewpoints.
• Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska:  Explore the historic trails, monuments, and visitor center highlighting the significance of Scotts Bluff on the Oregon Trail.
• Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming:  Visit this former military post that played a crucial role in the westward expansion and served as a key stop on the Oregon Trail.
• Cheyenne, Wyoming:  Experience the Old West charm in Wyoming’s capital, known for its rodeos, historic architecture, and cultural attractions.
• Chicago, Illinois:  Explore the vibrant city with its iconic architecture, museums, and cultural attractions.
• Cleveland, Ohio:  Visit Cleveland’s attractions, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
• Niagara Falls, New York:  Experience the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Niagara Falls.
• Boston, Massachusetts:  Conclude your journey in historic Boston, known for its role in American history, iconic landmarks, and cultural heritage.

The Pacific Coast Highway / CA U.S. 1

• Distance:  655 miles; 12-16 hours
• Starting Point and Ending Point:  Leggett, in Mendocino County to Dana Point, in Orange County

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as U.S. Route 1, is a world-famous West Coast drive offering one of the most spectacular coastal drives on the planet.   Known for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, this road trip spans the California coastline from the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the sun-soaked beaches of Southern California. 

This route begins in Legget, in Mendocino County, and leads to Dana Point in Orange County, spanning about 655 miles and taking approximately 12 to 16 hours to complete. Major attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway include the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the beautiful coastal town of Monterey, and the vibrant city of Los Angeles. The best time to enjoy this coastal drive is during the late spring to early fall when the weather is mild, and the coastal landscapes are at their most vibrant.

From winding cliffside roads to hidden coves and picturesque coastal towns, this route caters to travelers who appreciate glittering ocean vistas and breathtaking views.

• Leggett, California: Drive through the iconic Chandelier Tree, a 276-foot tall coast redwood with a tunnel carved through its base..
• Point Arena Lighthouse: Visit the historic Point Arena Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Mendocino Coast.
• Glass Beach, Fort Bragg: Witness the unique Glass Beach, where colorful sea glass covers the shore, remnants of years of discarded glass.
• Russian Gulch State Park: Discover the natural beauty of Russian Gulch State Park with its coastal trails, waterfalls, and a dramatic ocean cave.
• Point Reyes National Seashore: Explore the rugged landscapes and iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse in this protected area renowned for its natural beauty.
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco: Experience the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and explore the vibrant city of San Francisco with its numerous attractions.
• Monterey and Carmel: Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore Cannery Row, and enjoy the scenic beauty of nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• Big Sur: Drive through the breathtaking coastal cliffs of Big Sur, featuring landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Hike to the McWay Falls overlook for a stunning view of a waterfall cascading onto a pristine beach.
• Hearst Castle, San Simeon: Tour the opulent Hearst Castle, a historic mansion with extravagant architecture and art collections.
• Elephant Seal Vista Point: Witness the massive elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, a popular stopping point for wildlife enthusiasts.
• San Luis Obispo: Explore the charming downtown of San Luis Obispo and visit the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
• Santa Monica Pier: Experience the lively Santa Monica Pier, featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and iconic Ferris wheel.
• Venice Beach and Boardwalk: Stroll along the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk with street performers, vendors, and the famous Muscle Beach.
• Dana Point, Orange County: Conclude your journey in Dana Point, known for its harbor, beaches, and the Ocean Institute.

Historic Route 66 (The Mother Road) 

• Distance:  2448 miles; 30 hours
• Starting Point and Ending Point:  Chicago, IL to Santa Monica Pier, CA

Route 66 goes through eight states; Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas , New Mexico, Arizona , and California. The Mother Road is America’s quintessential road trip route, offering a perfect blend of historical significance, diverse landscapes, and iconic Americana. As one of the original highways in the U.S. highway system, it provides a nostalgic journey through the heart of American history, from the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s to the rise of the American automobile culture.

Iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon (a short detour) and quirky roadside attractions like the Cadillac Ranch and the Road Kill Cafe offer a rewarding journey for those seeking not just a destination but an unforgettable travel experience deeply rooted in the fabric of American heritage.

The direct drive from Chicago to Santa Monica is about 30 hours of non-stop driving. I’d allow 2 weeks to make the trip, with plenty of stops along the way. Afterall, experiencing the historic landmarks, classic diners, quirky attractions, and natural wonders is what Route 66 is all about. 

Late spring and fall are great times to explore this cross-country road trip to avoid heavy snow and dangerous driving conditions and also the intense heat of the summer when crossing the desert.

• Chicago, Illinois: Start your journey at Grant Park and the historic beginning of Route 66 at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue.
• Joliet, Illinois: Visit the Joliet Area Historical Museum and explore the Route 66 Welcome Center.
• Pontiac, Illinois: Discover the Route 66 Hall of Fame and the Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum.
• Atlanta, Illinois: See the famous Paul Bunyon statue and the Route 66 Arcade Museum.
• Springfield, Illinois: Explore the Illinois State Capitol, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Cozy Dog Drive-In, credited with inventing the corn dog.
• St. Louis, Missouri: Cross the Mississippi River and visit the Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion.
• Meramec Caverns, Missouri: Tour the expansive Meramec Caverns, known for its cave formations and historical significance.
• Cuba, Missouri: Enjoy the town’s collection of outdoor murals and the Wagon Wheel Motel.
• St. James, Missouri: Explore the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet.
• Lebanon, Missouri: Visit Munger Moss Motel and the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Museum.
• Springfield, Missouri: Discover the birthplace of Route 66 and explore attractions like the Route 66 Car Museum.
• Arcadia, Oklahoma: Experience the iconic Round Barn and Pop’s Soda Ranch.
• Clinton, Oklahoma: Visit the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.
• Amarillo, Texas: Witness the Cadillac Ranch and explore the Big Texan Steak Ranch.
• Tucumcari, New Mexico: Experience the vintage neon signs and historic motels of Tucumcari.
• Santa Rosa, New Mexico: See the Blue Hole, a natural spring popular for diving, and visit the Route 66 Auto Museum.
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: Explore Old Town Albuquerque and the historic KiMo Theatre.
• Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona: Marvel at the petrified wood and colorful badlands in this national park.
• Winslow, Arizona: Stand on the corner made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy” and visit La Posada, a historic Harvey House.
• Flagstaff, Arizona: Discover the historic downtown and visit the Lowell Observatory.
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Take a detour to experience the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
• Kingman, Arizona: Explore the historic district and the Route 66 Museum.
• Oatman, Arizona: Encounter wild burros on the historic streets of this old mining town.
• Santa Monica, California: Conclude your journey at the Santa Monica Pier, marking the end of Route 66.

Southern Route / I-10

• Distance:  2460 miles
• Starting Point and Ending Point:  Jacksonville, FL to Santa Monica, California

The Southern Route, following Interstate 10 (I-10), spans 2460 miles through the southern United States, showcasing diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, history, and plenty of sunshine. This is one of the best cross-country road trips – spanning from the sandy beaches of Santa Monica in Southern California to the lively streets of Jacksonville, Florida, crossing Arizona , New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

This route passes through major cities like Phoenix, New Orleans, and Houston, each offering its own flair for southern culture and hospitality. You could even take a detour from Phoenix to Grand Canyon National Park to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southwest. The best time to drive the Southern Route is in the winter when the temperatures are milder – a warm escape from the colder northern climates.

If you love cultural diversity, flavorful cuisine, and a mix of metropolitan and natural areas, the Southern Route is an excellent road trip option. From the picturesque deserts of Arizona to the lively music scene in New Orleans and the pristine beaches of the Gulf Coast, this road trip is ideal for those wanting a taste of the deep South and Southwest.

• Jacksonville, Florida: Start your journey in Jacksonville, where you can explore the beaches, historic neighborhoods, and the Jacksonville Landing.
• New Orleans, Louisiana: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of New Orleans, known for its jazz music, French Quarter, and iconic cuisine.
• San Antonio, Texas: Explore the historic sites of the Alamo, stroll along the River Walk, and visit the vibrant markets.
• Big Bend National Park, Texas: Experience the dramatic landscapes of Big Bend National Park, featuring canyons, desert, and the Rio Grande River.
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas: Discover the diverse ecosystems and hiking trails in this mountainous national park.
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico: Explore the stunning underground caverns with unique rock formations and a massive underground chamber.
• White Sands National Park, New Mexico: Witness the surreal beauty of the gypsum sand dunes in this unique national park.
• Tucson, Arizona: Visit Saguaro National Park, known for its giant saguaro cacti, and explore the cultural attractions in Tucson.
• Phoenix, Arizona: Experience the vibrant city of Phoenix, with attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Camelback Mountain.
• Joshua Tree National Park, California: Encounter the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, known for its unique Joshua trees and rock formations.
• Palm Springs, California: Relax in the desert oasis of Palm Springs, known for its mid-century modern architecture and outdoor recreation.
• Los Angeles, California: Visit iconic attractions like Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, LACMA ( Los Angeles  County Museum of Art) and the Griffith Observatory.
• Santa Monica, California: Conclude your journey at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, enjoying the beach, shopping, and the Santa Monica Pier.
• Optional Detour – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Take a detour to experience the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park.
• Optional Detour – Las Vegas, Nevada: Explore the vibrant entertainment and nightlife of Las Vegas with its famous resorts and shows.

The Atlantic Coast / U.S. Route 1

• Distance:  2,390 miles
• Starting Point and Ending Point:  Key West, FL to Fort Kent, ME

Tracing the path of U.S. Route 1, the Atlantic Coast drive winds along the eastern seaboard, boasting a blend of history, coastal beauty, and bustling urban centers. Best known for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, this route spans over 2,300 miles from the northern tip of Maine in Fort Kent to the southern shores of Florida in Key West – also going through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Along this East Coast road trip , you’ll experience iconic cities like Boston , New York City, and Miami. The best time to drive the Atlantic Coast is during the late spring to early fall – the weather won’t be too hot or too cold!

The Atlantic Coast offers something for everyone, ideal for history enthusiasts, beach lovers, and those who appreciate a mix of metropolitan and seaside charm. If you love nature, you can even take a quick 1.5-hour detour to Shenandoah National Park to peak at the Blue Ridge Mountains while driving through Virginia. 

Whether it’s exploring colonial-era architecture in New England, enjoying the lively boardwalks of the Jersey Shore, or basking in the sun on the beaches of the Carolinas, this cross-country road trip has no shortage of unforgettable experiences.

• Key West, Florida: Start your journey in Key West, known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and the southernmost point in the continental U.S.
• Miami, Florida: Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Miami, including South Beach, Little Havana, and the vibrant art scene.
• Everglades National Park, Florida: Experience the unique ecosystem of the Everglades with its wildlife, airboat tours, and nature trails.
• St. Augustine, Florida: Discover the historic charm of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., with its Spanish colonial architecture and historic sites.
• Savannah, Georgia: Explore the picturesque squares, historic homes, and oak-lined streets of Savannah.
• Charleston, South Carolina: Experience the rich history and Southern hospitality of Charleston, known for its antebellum architecture and waterfront charm.
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Enjoy the beaches, entertainment, and golf courses of Myrtle Beach.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina: Discover the scenic beauty and historic lighthouses along the Outer Banks.
• Richmond, Virginia: Visit the capital city of Virginia, known for its Civil War history, museums, and vibrant arts scene.
• Washington, D.C. : Explore the nation’s capital with its iconic landmarks, museums, and historical sites.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other historic sites in Philadelphia.
• New York City, New York: Explore the iconic landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods of New York City, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
• New Haven, Connecticut: Visit Yale University, explore historic districts, and enjoy the cultural scene in New Haven.
• Newport, Rhode Island: Experience the Gilded Age opulence with visits to the Newport Mansions and enjoy the scenic coastal beauty.
• Boston, Massachusetts: Explore the historic sites of Boston, including the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and the USS Constitution Museum.
• Portland, Maine: Enjoy the coastal charm of Portland with its seafood, historic Old Port district, and lighthouses.
• Acadia National Park, Maine: Conclude your journey in Acadia National Park, known for its rugged coastline, hiking trails, and Cadillac Mountain.

If I had to choose, the Arizona section of Route 66, the PCH (CA US 1), and the more northern US 20 are my all-time favorite routes! There is so much to see and do along these routes, from the quirky yet aesthetically appealing Route 66 towns to the stunning landscapes of some of America’s best National Parks; I never get bored driving across the country!

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Meet Sam, a fearless wanderer and avid solo traveler who has made the world her home. Through cross country road trips, car camping in her SUV and solo adventures to far corners of the globe, she has become an expert in crafting itineraries that balance adventure and self-discovery. Through her insightful tales and practical tips, Sam inspires others to embrace the unknown, break free from conventional boundaries, and embrace the beauty of solo exploration.

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Part Travel, Part Misadventures, Part Documentary

United States

From itineraries to trips: best cross-country road trips in the us.

It was way easier to travel across the United States in the past when flights were affordable and accessible.

And for a while, this seemed to reduce the number of people going on road trips simply because it was less of a hassle. Interestingly enough, however, road trips seem to be making a comeback now that travel has resumed.

Just last year, a survey by Harvest Hosts found that 53% of its 10,000 respondents planned to travel on the road using RVs. 

This was mostly due to the perceived risks that came with travelling via airplane. And as restrictions lifted and people finally got the chance to head outdoors, the easiest choice for most people was to hit the road. 

So whether you plan to visit national parks, historical destinations, or simply take in the sights while on the road, there are a few things you should consider!

Here are some of the best cross-country road trips in the US as well as tips for you before you make the trip. 

6 Best Must-See National Parks in Utah

8 Best Scenic National Parks on The East Coast

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.

How to plan the perfect cross-country road trip in america.

In my experience, planning the perfect cross-country trip boils down to one thing: preparation. Planning early can make a big difference in how enjoyable and stress-free your trip is. 

Here are some important things to do and keep in mind before you head out: 

Plan well in advance . I recommend doing this one to three months in advance, especially if you’re planning an extended trip. This will allow you to do all your research and gather the necessary information for your trip. While it’s best to have a detailed itinerary, a general one will do for your trip. Just make sure you have one, especially if you’re planning a coast-to-coast adventure across America. 

Create a list of all the activities and places you most want to visit . The sky’s the limit here — well, as long as it can be reached by car! Your trip can be a combination of historic sites, beaches, food, crafts, or even sports. The road trip will be more satisfying if you plan around your interests.

Research on your interests using as many sources as possible. Start with the internet, but don’t forget to check out books, magazines, and even TV shows. 

Have any of your friends gone on a trip recently ? Ask for their suggestions, especially if you have similar interests!

Weather is a big factor to consider when planning a trip. Some places are better to visit during the fall and winter months while others are definitely summer destinations. For instance, I love going to the New England coast during the hot summer months rather than to Florida, which can be extremely warm and humid between July to August.

List down all the tasks that need to be done pre-trip and calendar them. This might include getting a pet sitter and making sure your health insurance will be accepted in the states you will visit. 

How much you’ll spend on your road trip will depend on several factors , including the length of your trip, the places you want to visit, and what you want to see. The more detailed your itinerary, the better you can estimate how much it will cost. I suggest setting a budget that you are comfortable with and to let this guide the decisions about where to go and what to do. Don’t forget to bring your ATM and credit cards, just in case! 

How Long Will A Cross-Country Road Trip Take? 

As you plan your road trip, you will definitely have to make a decision on how long it’s going to be.

Start by researching the time it takes to get from one destination to another.

For example, driving from Los Angeles to New York City takes roughly 41 hours without stopping. Then you can factor in how much time you’d spend during stops and even just enjoying the ride. 

Decide on a route first before tweaking it to fit your ideal time frame. But at the minimum, I’d suggest allotting a week for your cross-country road trip.

Two weeks would be better, though, since it would give you more time to enjoy each place you visit!

Remember that the US is a large country, so it will take you some time to cover all that ground.

4 Best Cross-Country Road Trips To Take

Where do you begin when planning your cross-country road trip? Choosing a route can be confusing, especially since there’s so much to see! Here are 4 of my suggestions on the best routes to take: 

The Great Northern Route

The Great Northern Route covers highlights of the north and extends for 3,600 miles from Washington to Maine.

If you want to cover the whole route, then I would suggest planning it over a span of three weeks to give you ample time.

Of course, you can always adjust your itinerary depending on what you want to cover, but do be prepared for potentially hazardous road conditions if you decide to go during the autumn or winter months.

Washington. Start your trip in Washington, where you can beach comb the Pacific Northwest beach, have a cup of coffee near the Seattle Space Needle, or enjoy 10 hour day trip to Leavenworth via the Cascade Mountains .

Idaho. As you pass through Idaho, make sure to take in the sights of the water and mountains. You can also go to the local lake and ski communities and buy souvenirs at boutiques. 

Montana. Glacier National Park is one of the best places to visit in Montana as it offers miles of scenery with its numerous lakes, valleys, and glacier spots. This is a great place for wildlife, so don’t be surprised to see bears, wolves, and sheep. There are also museums and archaeological sites along the route. One cool thing about Montana is that you can opt for this cool whitewater rafting adventure as you soak up the beauty of Montana on a floating and rafting tour from West Glacier.

North Dakota. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for great photos in North Dakota. Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the collection of eclectic roadside artwork at Roadside Giants are just a couple of places you can visit. 

Minnesota. This state is known for its lakes, so if you’re into angling, then this is definitely a place to visit. You can also drive along Skyline Parkway for some epic views.

Wisconsin. If farmland and small-town town views are your thing, then Wisconsin should be part of your itinerary. Consider stopping by the Wisconsin Dells, which have over-the-top attractions across several towns!

Michigan. Here you can spend some time exploring Copper Country State Forest and some small towns known for iron and logging. There’s also Mackinac Island, which is a Victorian-era island that can only be accessed via ferry boat. Make it fun and book a tour that takes you on a scavenger hunt !

Canada. Make sure to bring your passport if you’re adding Canada to your itinerary! You’ll see sights like the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and enjoy French-inspired restaurants, among other sites. 

Vermont. Aside from being the home of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Vermont is also worth visiting during the summer for the Champlain Maritime Festival.

New Hampshire. When in New Hampshire, you can’t miss seeing the White Mountains. You can also walk around Flume Gorge or go on a chair lift ride or even a zipline course. 

Maine. The last stop for the leg of this cross-country trip would be Maine. Here you can visit Acadia National Park. The island town also offers many eateries and seafood restaurants. 

Pacific Coast Highway

Also known as Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most well-known drives in the US.

If you’re looking for a scenic coastal drive with beautiful forests and oceans, then this is the cross-country trip for you. 

I find that this route is also best for an all-seasons type of road trip if you have time constraints.

Three to four weeks will allow you to see as many highlights as possible, but if you only have one to two weeks allotted for your trip, then I suggest visiting the major cities in each state before moving on. 

Here’s what you can expect along this beautiful route:

Washington. You can start your trip off in Washington. As I mentioned earlier, it’s always nice to enjoy a cup of Seattle coffee and visit Spokane. 

Oregon. Portland is very much worth a visit for its food scene, shops, and shows, but make sure not to miss out on places like Crater Lake National Park and Haystack Rock.

California. California will take up most of your time on this route because there are so many stops to make. I personally loved passing through Eureka, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles for the beaches and piers, museums, iconic locations, and historical sites. 

Atlantic Coast

For a route that covers many states all in one trip, the Atlantic Coast is your best bet.

While it might be challenging to fit everything in your itinerary, an upside to this route is that you can adjust your trip to fit your starting point, preferences, and season of travel.

This trip can be done in three weeks if you focus on just the highlights of each state.

Here’s what you can look forward to in each region and state:

New England. The New England states are excellent for travelers looking for a variety of landscapes, culture, and food. Whether it’s trying chowder in Rhode Island or touring famous historical sites in Boston, there’s something in New England for everyone. Don’t forget to explore some cool Boston hotels with rooftop pools or take an afternoon cruise in Rhode Island !

Southern states. In the southern part of the Atlantic are North and South Carolina, where you’ll find the Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach. There’s also this hidden gem of North Myrtle Beach with salt marsh and island preserves perfect for kayaking. Savannah in Georgia is also a gorgeous city to visit.

Florida. This state is a great place for families to enjoy different activities. You can visit Dry Tortugas National Park for exciting water activities like taking a day trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park and spending your time snorkelling. You’ll then end your Atlantic Coast tour in Key West.

Visiting the us capitol grounds

Often called The Loneliest Road, this is one of the most popular cross-country trips in the US because it takes you from coast to coast.

I’d recommend this for more seasoned travellers who are ready to take on a road trip challenge.

From Maryland to California, you’ll pass through a total of 11 states where you’ll see farmlands, nature trails, and museums along a beautifully scenic drive. This is the perfect trip if you want to see a little bit of everything!

Here are some highlights from the states you’ll want to visit:

Maryland. You can pay a visit to several museums in Maryland, such as The Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art. But if you’re more of a beach person, then spending a day at Ocean City beach and boardwalk is also ideal. 

Washington D.C. From Maryland, you can head on over to Washington D.C. where you’ll have your fill of historic landmarks, memorials, and art galleries. But out of all the sites, the two that you cannot miss are the Library of Congress and the Washington National Cathedral! It’s also worth scheduling your trip for when the cherry blossoms bloom as they are a sight to behold.

West Virginia. This state boasts several natural attractions, such as Blackwater Falls State Park and Monongahela National Forest and Seneca Rocks. You can also go whitewater rafting if you plan to stay long enough!

Ohio. Visiting Cincinnati is a must when in Ohio! Baseball fans can catch the Cincinnati Reds while eating chili, which is normally served over spaghetti.

Indiana. There are all sorts of museums to visit in Indiana, but you can also hike in places like West Boggs Park and Jackson-Washington State Forest. 

Illinois. This part of Route 50 will take you through small towns, fields, and flat farmlands. Chicago is, of course, a popular destination that you won’t want to miss either!

Missouri. Stopping by St. Louis is worth it to see the magnificent Gateway Arch, which is often called the Gateway to the West. For more historic sites, you can also go to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. 

Kansas. There are plenty of things to see in Kansas, including the Tallgrass Prairie Natural Reserve and Botanica Wichita Gardens. If you want to have an 1800s style Wild West experience, then make sure you stop by Boot Hill in Dodge City for great photo ops and a lesson or two in history!

Colorado. When in Colorado, it is absolutely worth checking out Rocky Mountain National Park for a fantastic view of nature and wildlife. You can also go dune boarding in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve or learn about the plants, history and animals on this hiking trip in Colorado .

Utah. Utah is where you’ll find the famous Arches National Park, which is absolutely stunning. For those who are travelling during the wintertime, there are also great ski resorts about an hour away from Salt Lake City. You can also get a self-guided audio tour while driving to explore on your own time.

Nevada. Nevada is actually where The Loneliest Road got its name, but it is anything but lonely today! You can view the sand dunes, stargaze, and watch for magnificent wildlife. You can also plan a trip to Las Vegas for a more luxurious and entertaining experience or visit Nevada’s famous landmarks or spend the most perfect weekend in Las Vegas touring budget-friendly spots!

California. Last but not least on this route is California. You can end just about anywhere you like in this state, but it’s nice to end your journey in San Francisco. It has breathtaking sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island which is also great for biking around.

Tips for your cross-country road trip

Cross-country trips take a lot of planning and preparation. Here are some tips that have personally helped in my travels that might make your journey a little easier and more fun! 

Get a good map (I recommend the Road Atlas ) , whether that’s physical or digital. I like having a traditional map with me because I can visually see where my general route is going to be. Circle each place you want to go with a pencil and see if any routes are marked as scenic. This will help you make the most out of your trip, most of which will be spent on the road. Remember that while it’s good to plan out every detail of your trip, leaving some room for spontaneity will lead to pleasant surprises along the way!

Check each state’s policy on vaccination and COVID regulations. Some municipalities may not allow you to enter restaurants, sports venues, or theatres without proof of vaccination. 

Pack lightly while having enough for any emergencies. It’s pretty easy to buy most of what you need on the road, but it’s always best to be prepared. I would take the following extras on my trip:

Shoes (including hiking boots)

Prescription glasses

First aid kit

Bathing suit

Sleeping bag

Also Read: The Best Road Trip Food Ideas: 46 Delicious Meals & Snacks

Get your car serviced and checked by a trusted mechanic ; you want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape for the long trip ahead. Change the air filters and check the fluid levels. It’s also important to ensure your tires are balanced and have sufficient tread. Always make sure your spare tire is in good condition in case of a breakdown. 

Remain flexible — things won’t always go as planned! Weather might not cooperate and sometimes you’ll see something more interesting along the way. It’s good to have a general route to follow and be spontaneous along the way.

Stop frequently, but not too frequently ! This gives you a chance to stretch your legs and take in the scenery, which you can easily miss when it whizzes past your car windows. You can also grab a snack from a local shop and just enjoy being present wherever you

Hope this covers you all for all that you need for an amazing road trip across the US!

Got a favourite? Share with me in the comments below.

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The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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Gaza hostage rescue latest: 210 killed in IDF operation, Hamas says - as it claims some hostages were also killed

Israel announces it has rescued four hostages on Saturday in an operation that took place in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry says 210 people have been killed by Israeli operations in the area of the rescue.

Saturday 8 June 2024 20:25, UK

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• Hamas suggests it could take more prisoners
• Who are the rescued hostages?
• Analysis:  Hostages rescue will be cathartic for Israelis - but Netanyahu is under pressure and infuriating the US
• Live reporting by Jess Sharp  and (earlier)  Josephine Franks  

This is the moment two of the four freed hostages arrived back in Israel. 

Almog Meir Jan can be briefly seen on the right and Andrey Kozlov is on the left. 

The pair touched down in a helicopter after being rescued from Hamas captivity in Nuseirat earlier today. 

Iran appears to have blamed the 200 reported deaths of Palestinians after an Israeli operation to free four hostages on "inaction" by world governments and the United Nations.

According to Reuters, it was not immediately clear whether the hostage rescues and an Israeli air assault were part of the same operation.

Both took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up area.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said: "These horrific and shocking crimes are the result of the inaction of governments and responsible international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, in the face of eight months of war crimes and violations by the Zionist regime (Israel)."

The number of Palestinians killed was 210, according to Dr Khalil Al-Dakran, spokesman for Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah.

A further 400 people have been wounded, the doctor added.

The foreign secretary has echoed the prime minister (see previous post) in saying that the rescue of Israeli hostages will be a "huge relief to their families".

In a statement on X, Lord Cameron has called for a ceasefire agreement to "secure the release of all hostages and end the fighting".

He added: "My thoughts [are] also with [the] families of those still captive, and all the innocent lives affected by the conflict." 

Rishi Sunak has said it is a "huge relief" that four Israeli hostages have been freed.

The prime minister said they had been through an "unimaginable ordeal" and it was "heart-warming to see the pictures of them reunited with their families".

He added on X: "We will continue to strive towards an end to the fighting as well as safety and security for all."

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah says it has fired Falaq 2 rockets at a military command centre in northern Israel.

A security source said it was the first time the group had used that type of rocket after firing the Falaq 1 on dozens of previous occasions, Reuters reported.

Hezbollah said it was acting in retaliation.

Lebanon's state news agency, NNA, said two people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese town of Aitaroun. 

The Israeli military said its soldiers identified a Hezbollah militant in the Aitaroun area.

An Israeli aircraft conducted an airstrike that hit the individual, it added.

Thousands of people have gathered in London for a pro-Palestinian protest today. 

Those who marched from Russell Square to Parliament included children, parents, elderly and the disabled.

One speaker on stage estimated at least 150,000 people were there.

Marching outside Downing Street, protesters waved flags and placards and chanted slogans including "free, free Palestine" and "in our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians".

Various speakers, including the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, gave speeches from a stage outside parliament.

"I am running out of words not only to describe the horror we are witnessing every single day, I am running out of words to help me understand how world leaders, how mainstream media cannot see, cannot report, cannot act," he said. 

"I have questions. How do they sleep when they see the pictures of skeletal children shaking with fear?"

Protesters could be heard chanting and clapping in agreement.

The parents of Sharone Lifschitz were both kidnapped by Hamas during the 7 October attacks. 

While her mother was freed earlier this year, her father remains in captivity. 

Ms Lifschitz spoke to Sky News after the release of four hostages earlier today. 

She said she was "very, very delighted" by the news, but she was "more concerned" about the hostages left behind. 

"At this rate, the hostages will be there forever if we wait only for military operations to rescue them," she added. 

Speaking about her 84-year-old father, she said it has been hard without him, and she hasn't heard any news about him for "more than 200 days". 

"I'm very concerned for him," she added. 

"My mum was of course very happy for the hostages that have been returned... but it gets harder and harder for you to keep your humanity about you and to keep hope alive." 

Some hostages were killed during Israel's rescue operation, the armed wing of Hamas has claimed. 

In a post on Telegram, al Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida said: "The enemy was able, by committing horrific massacres, to free some of its prisoners, but at the same time it killed some of them during the operation." 

He also warned other hostages could be in danger. 

"The operation will pose a great danger to the enemy prisoners and will have a devastating impact on their conditions and lives," he said. 

Cheers erupted on a beach in Israel after the news of four hostages being released reach sunbathers. 

People stood up from their sun loungers, clapped, cheered and through their fists in the air after their release. 

Columbia will suspend coal exports to Israel in retaliation to the war in Gaza. 

The country's President confirmed the move on X, saying exports would be halted "until the genocide is stopped." 

Colombia, the world's fifth-largest coal producer, sent 56.7 million metric tons of coal abroad last year, including 3 million tons to Israel, according to government data.

Israel is a key destination for Colombian coal and shipments there generate about $165m a year in taxes, royalties and other contributions.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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