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The Gemini Giant

Wilmington, IL

World's Largest Catsup Bottle

Collinsville, IL

Blue Whale of Catoosa

Catoosa, ok.

Golden Driller

Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM

You’re always a short detour from an

Extraordinary place.

Our collection of more than 300 Extraordinary Places will take your trip to the next level. Look for the illustrations on our maps and read our takes on what make these places so special. We’ve been there, and we think you should go, too.

Yellowstone National Park

Mammoth, wy.

Salvation Mountain

Walt Disney World

Lake buena vista, fl.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Keystone, sd.

Graceland Mansion

Memphis, tn.

Glacier National Park

West glacier, mt.

World's Largest Buffalo Monument

Jamestown, nd.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite valley, ca.

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo, tx.

Acadia National Park

Bar harbor, me.

Mothman Statue

Point pleasant, wv.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand canyon village, az.

Statue of Liberty

Liberty island, ny.

Las Vegas Strip

Paradise, nv.

The Fremont Troll

Seattle, wa, build your perfect road trip.

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9 ultimate weekend road trips you can take from major U.S. cities

You've got the perfect playlist, a kick-ass new pair of shades, and the wide open road to explore. Now for the escape plan. We mapped out the quickest getaways within driving distance of top American hubs, from California’s West Coast to New York’s East End. As if you needed another reason to look forward to Friday.

Ojai, CA: 83 miles from LA

A quick 90-minute jaunt from LA, this Californian Shangri-La has all the essentials: palm tree-dotted landscapes, Spanish Revival architecture and a laid-back local culture. Recharge with a mud cleanse or an outdoor yoga class at the Mission-style Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, which overlooks the rolling green Topatopa Mountains. For lunch, try the garden fresh plates at Suzanne’s Cuisine or the Mexican-inspired dishes at Farmer and the Cook, where the organic ingredients are grown at the owners’ 16-acre farm. The Ojai Farmers’ Market (open Sundays) is the place to score regional gourmet goodies—get yours to go and have a picnic while watching the sunset from Meditation Mount.

Montauk, NY: 117 miles from New York City

With fewer crowds and a low-key boho-chic vibe, the relaxed surfer haven of Montauk is the antithesis of see-and-be-seen Hamptons—the perfect East Coast road trip for anyone based in the big city. Shack up at Solé East Resort , which has a chill garden of fire pits, hammocks, and Adirondack chairs as well as outdoor yoga and live acoustic music on Sundays. If you didn't bring your own wheels, rent one of the hotel's ZipCars and grab an Aloha smoothie (fresh pineapple, coconut, mango and banana) to go from Joni's Kitchen before driving to Ditch Plains to hang ten with the surfer dudes and Montauk Point Lighthouse for a killer Instagram shot. Eat dinner al fresco at The Crow's Nest —we love the Montauk Dayboat scallops and local sea bass—or nosh on mouthwatering sushi (the crunch calamari roll with avocado and spicy tuna is a must) at Inlet Seafood Restaurant, the best spot to watch the sun set over the water. Later in the evening, head across the pond (to the other side of Fort Pond, that is) to check out the The Surf Lodge's preppy party scene.

Charlottesville, VA: 116 miles from Washington D.C.

Beyond the capital lie the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains filled with pine and oak trees and bathed in a dark blue hue. Make your base The Graduate Charlotsville , a handsome boutique hotel in a town cloaked in Colonial charm and known for its former presidential residents, James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson. Although Jefferson’s Monticello estate tops many a sightseeing list, set time aside to stroll the Historic Downtown Mall , a brick pedestrian hub in the heart of C-ville that’s a foodie paradise: there’s the Spanish small plates at Mas Tapas , Southern soul food at Ace Biscuit & Barbecue , and upscale French cuisine at Fleurie Restaurant . Some of Virginia’s best vintages are produced at the area’s more than 20 wineries. Among those worth a visit: Barboursville , Pippin Hill , and White Hall . Prefer hops? Don’t miss South Street Brewery on the Brew Ridge Trail.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: 123 miles from San Francisco

Just off California’s Highway 1 is the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea , a strip of windswept coastline popular for its dramatic beaches and thriving arts scene. Check into La Playa Carmel hotel before heading to San Carlos and Dolores streets to tour eye-popping galleries like James J. Rieser Fine Art , Gallerie Amsterdam , and Classic Art Gallery . A 20-minute drive southeast, you’ll find Carmel Valley , where stylish boutiques and bistros line the streets. Sip flights of wine at the Georis Winery , then continue the wine crawl at L’Auberge Carmel’s intimate restaurant, which, despite its small size, hides a 4,500-bottle-strong cellar downstairs.

RELATED: Explore America's Good Outdoors

Grand haven, mi: 171 miles from chicago.

When you live in a landlocked state, a coastal vacation is not exactly on your drive-distance radar. Lucky for Chicagoans, Grand Haven's stretch of sugary sand is a damn good substitute. Most days are spent swimming in Lake Michigan's turquoise water, but if you want a break from the beach, the charming town has plenty to offer. Follow the locals to the divey Morning Star Cafe and make sure to order the Hawaiian ham crepe (thinly sliced ham, onion, cilantro, and habanero cheese topped with homemade pineapple salsa and honey mustard hollandaise) with a side of chorizo hash browns. For lunch, suck down plates of fresh oysters at The Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar , then walk three blocks to Snug Harbor and refresh with a martini on the rooftop deck. In the evening, there's no better place to catch the sunset than on the pier attached to the picture-perfect Grand Haven State Park Lighthouse.

Key West, FL: 160 miles from Miami

Not far from the brazen bodies of the hot Miami scene is this quiet four-mile island that's packed with history and a surprising number of top-notch restaurants. Stay at Casa Marina Resort , and start the morning off with a café con leche at White Street Sandwich Shop . A five block walk leads to El Siboney Restaurant , an authentic Cuban spot in a low-key residential hood where you can tuck into a heaping plate of black beans, plantains, roast pork, and yellow rice. Afterwards, get a feel for Key West’s literary history with a visit to Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum , then head to Duval Street for some boutique-hopping: Wanderlust and Lippy's Hot Hats are two favorites.

Breckenridge, CO: 80 miles from Denver

If you picture the Rockies as a winter-only escape, think again. Come summer, Breckenridge morphs into a playground for adrenaline junkies. Ride Peak 8 Fun Park’s luge-style SuperSlide or hop on the new two-stage zipline. The Adventure Company offers full moon whitewater rafting trips, complete with glow sticks and a fajita feast at the end of the white-knuckling trip. Looking for more relaxed pursuits? There’s free, weekly outdoor concerts in the Arts District, culminating with the 10-day Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in August. Or, you could spend your days sampling local brews. Start at Canteen Tap House and Tavern, followed by Après Handcrafted Libations , or [Warming Hut]. It's also worth checking out Broken Compass and Breckenridge breweries. Don’t worry—the Free Ride bus can take you home if you’ve had one (or two or three...) too many.

Kennebunkport, ME: 84 miles from Boston

This classic waterfront town has all the trappings of a quintessential New England escape, from the sleepy harbor and sandy beaches to fresh lobster and postcard-perfect views. Settle in at Nonantum Resort , which dates back to 1884, before exploring Dock Square’s charming boutiques. We love Coastal Jewelers for its Tourmaline gems mined in Maine and Sea Glass Jewelry Studio , which sells pendants in vibrant emerald green, milky white, and hazy aqua hues. Hop on a cruiser from Kennebunkport Bicycle, and make your way to Goose Rocks Beach, an ideal place to kick-back with a summer read. For dinner, there's the upscale Earth at Hidden Pond . What to order? The wood-fired lobster pot pie for two with minted peas and potatoes has become a cult favorite.

Bend, OR: 163 miles from Portland

Despite its rainy reputation, Bend is coveted by Portlanders as one of the West Coast’s best-kept secrets due to its glorious summers and craggy terrain. The Old Mill District, a historic area comprised of shops, restaurants, and galleries, is intersected by a calm strip of the 252-mile Deschutes River, where families paddle-board and tube under pedestrian bridges. Summer jams play from the riverfront Les Schwab Amphitheater , which hosts headliners like Alabama Shakes. Nosh on West Coast sushi and innovative Thai plates at Five Fusion & Sushi Bar , helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Joe Kim. We recommend the shogun roll with unagi, escolar, spicy salmon, tempura, and avocado. Do like the locals do and hit the trails: Smith Rock is a hardcore climber’s heaven thanks to its challenging spires, while South Canyon Reach is ideal for novice hikers. Just don't forget your camera.

This article was written by Chelsea Bengier and originally appeared on Jetsetter, a TripAdvisor company.

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21 Great American Road Trips Around the US

Jessica Spiegel

August 8, 2023

Road trips in the US come in all flavors—from looping journeys perfect for a long weekend to epic point-to-point trips ideal for a week or more. There are routes through National Parks, to historic and archaeological sites, and designated drives themed around traditional arts and crafts or local cuisine. And being behind the wheel means you can let spontaneity be your guide, stopping for quirky roadside attractions and breathtaking vistas.

Skip the highways and look instead for those little squiggly lines on the map—you never know what you’ll find.

Note that the timeframes listed are just starting points, since part of the appeal of a road trip is being able to adjust the schedule as you go, and there’s no requirement to drive the entirety of any route listed—especially the two-week trips.

Day Trip Routes

Road to hana.

• State(s) included: Hawaii (island of Maui)
• Miles: 64.4
• Minimum days needed: 1
• Best time to go: Year-round; start early in the day (7:00-7:30am)
• Highlights: Wai’anapanapa State Park; Hamoa Beach; Keanae Peninsula; Ho’okipa Beach Park; Twin Falls; Garden of Eden; Hana Town; Wailua Falls
• Airports: Kahului Airport (OGG)

The Road to Hana is among the shorter road trips on this list in terms of distance, but it’s so jam-packed with reasons to get out of the car that attractions are identified by individual mile markers. It’s also nowhere near a straight line, with hairpin twists and turns that enforce slower speeds. The tiny road grips the edge of the island and is often shrouded by dense rainforest. 

There are dozens of gorgeous waterfalls, picturesque beaches, botanical gardens, and viewpoints at regular intervals so you can admire the lush beauty. All this to say that yes, you could drive the Road to Hana in a day, but you should spend more time if you can. Extend an out-and-back trip with an overnight in Hana to maximize sightseeing. You still won’t see everything in two days, but you’ll be far less rushed.

Sample deals to Maui: 

• Phoenix nonstop to Maui for $188 roundtrip
• Honolulu or Kona nonstop to Maui for $58 roundtrip
• San Diego nonstop to Maui for $259 roundtrip   

>>Read more about the Road to Hana in our Maui guide

Trail ridge road.

• State(s) included: Colorado
• Best time to go: June-September
• Highlights: Rocky Mountain National Park; Milner Pass; Fall River Pass
• Airports: Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 77 miles from Estes Park at one end of the road

The most famous scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park is Trail Ridge Road, which connects the park’s gateway towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. The fact that it climbs a staggering 4,000 feet almost immediately, coupled with 11 miles of the road being above the treeline, means drivers are treated to expansive views in all directions. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass (10,120 feet), but the highest point of the road is a whopping 12,183 feet. 

Be on the lookout for wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and ptarmigans, and stop at the Tundra World Nature Trail to see colorful carpets made of hundreds of tiny alpine flowers. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore on foot, either at the many scenic viewpoints and trails, but keep in mind that conditions can be pretty windy at these elevations—bring along warm gear even if it’s summer.

Sample deals to Denver:

• Los Angeles nonstop to Denver for $49 roundtrip 
• Charlotte nonstop to Denver for $151 roundtrip 

Historic Columbia River Highway

• State(s) included: Oregon
• Miles: 74.1
• Best time to go: May-October
• Highlights: Crown Point; Multnomah Falls; Bonneville Lock and Dam; city of Hood River
• Airports: Portland International Airport (PDX) is a little more than 16 miles from the western end of the highway

The original road built on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, completed in 1922, was the first US road specifically designed to be a scenic highway—and it remains the prettiest route through the gorge. The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its many waterfalls, including one of the tallest in the country: Multnomah Falls. 

Dozens of hiking trails at all skill levels spread like spiderwebs away from the highway and up to lofty viewpoints overlooking the river, such as the challenging hike from Angel’s Rest to Devil’s Rest, but even non-hikers can enjoy spectacular views from Crown Point (don’t miss a peek inside Vista House and its tiny museum). Stop at Bonneville Lock and Dam to see Herman the Sturgeon (he’s about 10 feet long and 60 years old). And, if you’re visiting during the late summer or early fall, a detour from Hood River through what’s known as the “Fruit Loop” is a great way to stock up on freshly-picked pears, peaches, and apples.

Sample deals to Portland: 

• San Francisco nonstop to Portland for $99 roundtrip
• Los Angeles nonstop to Portland for $115 roundtrip

Beartooth Highway

• State(s) included: Montana, Wyoming
• Miles: 68.7
• Best time to go: Late May through mid-October
• Highlights: Absaroka-Beartooth Mountain Range; Yellowstone National Park
• Airports: Red Lodge Airport (RED) is near one end of the road; the nearest airport on the other end will depend on where you exit Yellowstone (Yellowstone Regional Airport is near Cody, Wyoming to the east of the park, Yellowstone Airport is near West Yellowstone, Montana to the west of the park)

Planning a road trip to Yellowstone National Park gives you a chance to add another day to your itinerary to take in what’s been called one of the most scenic drives in the country—the Beartooth Highway. This stretch of US Route 212 not only crosses the highest highway points in both Wyoming and Montana (10,947 feet and 10,350 feet respectively), it also dips into Yellowstone itself, making it an ideal prelude to the park. 

Viewpoints along the way entice drivers with truly epic views of national forests, alpine lakes, snow-covered mountains, and—if you’re lucky—wildlife like bears, moose, mountain goats, and wolves.

Sample deals to Yellowstone:

• San Francisco to West Yellowstone for $161 roundtrip
• Austin to Jackson Hole for $164 roundtrip

Going-to-the-Sun Road

• State(s) included: Montana
• Best time to go: July-October
• Highlights: St. Mary Lake; Jackson Glacier Overlook
• Airports: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell

Most National Parks have scenic drives enclosed entirely within their borders, but few are as spectacular as Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. Built in the early 1930s, this scenic byway cuts the park nearly in half from northeast to southwest, giving visitors a look at a variety of landscapes. 

Take your time, stopping frequently to see the many glaciers that give the park its name, not to mention all the mountain peaks and dramatic valleys between them. Pack some provisions and go for a hike, or spend the night at one of the five park campgrounds located along the route. And while the Going-to-the-Sun Road is technically a one-way trip, many visitors turn around and go back the way they came—the scenery changes depending which way you’re headed.

Sample deals to Kalispell: 

• Chicago or Denver nonstop to Kalispell for $197 roundtrip 
• Portland to Kalispell for $166 roundtrip 

Overseas Highway

• State(s) included: Florida
• Minimum days needed: 1-2
• Best time to go: Spring
• Highlights: Key Largo; Pennekamp Park; Seven Mile Bridge; Dolphin Research Center; Bahia Honda State Park; Key West
• Airports: Miami International Airport (MIA) is a little more than 63 miles from Key Largo, near the start of the Overseas Highway; Key West International Airport (EYW) is at the end if you don’t want to backtrack

While US Route 1 extends all the way from the Canadian border with Maine to Key West, Florida, it’s the southernmost hundred miles that are arguably the most interesting. Dubbed the “Overseas Highway,” this two-lane engineering marvel seems to cross more water than land on its journey from the southern tip of mainland Florida to Key West. 

There are more than 40 bridges en route, including one that’s seven miles long. It’s not all watery scenery, though—there are white sand beaches, lots of places beloved by snorkelers and divers (just don’t touch the coral), and even a place where you can swim with dolphins. At the end of the road (literally), eclectic Key West is an excellent place to watch sunsets.

Sample deals to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West: 

• San Francisco nonstop to Fort Lauderdale for $197 roundtrip 
• Portland to Key West for $206 roundtrip 
• Boston to Key West or Miami for $123 roundtrip 

>> Read more about finding cheap flights to Miami

High Road to Taos

• State(s) included: New Mexico
• Best time to go: May-September
• Highlights: Chimayó; Córdova; San José de Gracia Church; Taos Pueblo
• Airports: Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF); flights are usually cheaper into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) which is located around 60 miles southwest of Santa Fe

There are two roads connecting Santa Fe and Taos—but only one of them is designated a scenic byway. The High Road to Taos isn’t very long, but you’ll need at least a day for all the stops you’ll make en route to check out the unique arts and crafts and to explore New Mexico’s Spanish history. 

Stop in Chimayó to visit the diminutive santuario , where pilgrims come by the thousands every Easter, and see examples of traditional weaving. Look for wood carvings in Córdova, visit the 18th-century adobe San José de Gracia Church in Las Trampas, and wander among the traditional adobe homes in the UNESCO World Heritage Taos Pueblo. If you’re making this a day trip from either Santa Fe or Taos, returning via the Low Road offers a change of scenery as it snakes along the Rio Grande.

Sample deals to Albuquerque and Santa Fe: 

• Austin nonstop to Albuquerque for $138 roundtrip 
• Atlanta to Santa Fe for $199 roundtrip 

Road Trips Perfect for Long Weekends

Bluebonnet trail.

• State(s) included: Texas
• Miles: ~145
• Highlights: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area; Willow City Loop; Lyndon B. Johnson State Park; Inks Lake State Park
• Airports: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is just over 54 miles from Burnet.

The bluebonnet is Texas’ state flower, and while the state government has designated the city of Ennis as the official bluebonnet city, one the best scenic drives through bluebonnet country doesn’t include Ennis at all. Instead, it follows Route 29 in Texas Hill Country from Burnet west to Llano, then south to the Willow City Loop and Fredericksburg, then east to Johnson City and back up to Burnet. Burnet and Llano say they’re the bluebonnet “co-capitals,” and the aforementioned Willow City Loop is particularly well-known for wildflowers. During the spring, you’ll see vast fields of the signature blue blossoms—and plenty of other colorful blooms—in all directions. It’s a feast for the eyes and your Instagram followers.

Sample deals to Austin:  

• Raleigh nonstop to Austin for $178 roundtrip
• Chicago nonstop to Austin for $81 roundtrip  

Blue Ridge Parkway

• State(s) included: Virginia, North Carolina
• Minimum days needed: 3-4
• Best time to go: Autumn
• Highlights: Natural Bridge; Mabry Mill; Blue Ridge Music Center; Moses Cone Manor; Grandfather Mountain; Mile High Swinging Bridge; Craggy Gardens; Biltmore Estate
• Airports: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) in Virginia; Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs, appropriately enough, along the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian range) and connects two of the best National Parks in the east—Shenandoah to the northeast and Great Smoky Mountains to the southwest. 

Far from being a simple route to get visitors from one park to another, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a road trip destination all its own. In addition to the natural beauty and scenic stops along the way, there are also noteworthy cultural attractions. Tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center to learn about Appalachian music and stay to hear a performance. And don’t miss Asheville’s Biltmore Estate; the largest private home in the United States, it’s now open to visitors.

Sample deals to the Blue Ridge Parkway: 

• Austin to Asheville for $163 roundtrip ‍
• Austin, Houston, Denver, Phoenix, Portland, or SF open-jaw to the Blue Ridge Parkway for $186-$203 roundtrip

Natchez Trace Parkway

• State(s) included: Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee
• Minimum days needed: 2-3
• Best time to go: Spring or Autumn
• Highlights: Sunken Trace; Jackson Falls; Emerald Mound; Cypress Swamp
• Airports: Nashville International Airport (BNA) is at the northern end of the parkway; Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) is the nearest major airport to the southern end at 73 miles away

The original Natchez Trace was something of a bison superhighway, expanded and frequently used by native peoples for thousands of years. Today, the Natchez Trace Parkway roughly follows the original trail’s route between Nashville, Tennessee, and Natchez, Mississippi. Parts of the “Old Trace” remain and are open for visitors to walk on the historic trail, and there are also ancient burial mounds along the route. 

Among the other attractions, don’t miss the fantastic Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, the elevated boardwalk through Cypress Swamp (look for alligators in the water below) and the gravesite of famed explorer Merriweather Lewis—he died on the Trace in 1809.

Sample deals to Nashville and Baton Rouge : 

• Boston nonstop to Nashville for $167 roundtrip 
• San Francisco to Baton Rouge for $206 roundtrip 

Utah Route 12

• State(s) included: Utah
• Miles: 122.9
• Highlights: Capitol Reef National Park; Dixie National Forest; Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument; Escalante Petrified Forest State Park; Bryce Canyon National Park
• Airports: Cedar City Airport (CDC) is a little less than 69 miles from Panguitch, the southern end of the road, but only has service from Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) is 213 miles from Torrey, Route 12’s northern end, and 245 miles from Panguitch

Technically, you might only need a day to drive the entire length of Route 12 in Utah, but there are so many places to stop and explore along the way that you probably won’t even see it all with three days to spare. The road is bookended by two National Parks—Capitol Reef just outside Torrey in the north and Bryce Canyon near the other end of the road in Panguitch. 

Between the two, Route 12 winds through the canyons and cliffs of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, often hugging the edge of red rock cliffs (it even goes right through two red rock arches in Red Canyon). There is no shortage of hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, and campgrounds to make it worth lingering.

Sample deals to Salt Lake City: 

• Portland nonstop to Salt Lake City for $157 roundtrip
• Phoenix nonstop to Salt Lake City for $77 roundtrip 

Green Mountain Byway

• State(s) included: Vermont
• Miles: ~200
• Minimum days needed: 2-4
• Best time to go: Autumn, for the fall foliage
• Highlights: Green Mountain National Forest; town of Stowe; Ben & Jerry’s factory tour (Waterbury)
• Airports: Albany International Airport (ALB) at the southern end and Burlington International Airport (BTV) at the northern end (if you don’t want to backtrack)

Nearly every road in New England is awash with riotous foliage colors in the fall, but Vermont’s Route 100—the Green Mountain Byway—is among the best “leaf-peeping” scenic drives in the region. It stretches the length of the state for about 200 miles, with offshoots like beautiful Route 125 (or the “Middlebury Gap”) and the Green Mountain National Forest, making it ideal for a long weekend of exploring. Take your time, stopping to browse art galleries and farm stands in between short hikes to admire the views.

Olympic Peninsula Loop

• State(s) included: Washington
• Miles: ~430
• Best time to go: Summer
• Highlights: Olympic National Park; Hurricane Ridge; Hoh Rainforest; city of Port Townsend; Lake Quinault; town of Forks; Cape Flattery
• Airports: Seattle International Airport (SEA) is a little more than 103 miles from Port Townsend via car on the Hood Canal; from Seattle, you can also take a car ferry to Bainbridge Island and then drive to Port Townsend from there

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its wet weather, and there may be no better place to see all that rain put to good use than Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Part of the route around the peninsula is Highway 101—the Pacific Coast Highway—but this part is unlike anything you’ll see further south. 

Start your loop in pretty Port Townsend and meander along the coastline. Stop at Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge for a hike and to admire the views of the mountains. Take a detour to Cape Flattery (the northernmost point of the lower 48) before continuing on the loop to the town of Forks for a bit of “Twilight” kitsch. Keep going and Mother Nature shows off her majesty again at the spectacular Hoh Rainforest and Lake Quinault. If you’re headed back to Port Townsend along the Hood Canal and you like oysters, don’t miss a stop at the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon in Lilliwaup.

Sample deals to Seattle: 

• Dallas nonstop to Seattle for $187 roundtrip
• Denver nonstop to Seattle for $147 roundtrip  

Nome’s 3 Scenic Highways

• State(s) included: Alaska
• Miles: ~460 (this is round-trip; each drive is out-and-back on the same road)
• Minimum days needed: 3
• Highlights: Inupiat town of Teller; Pilgrim Hot Springs; Salmon Lake; “Last Train to Nowhere”
• Airports: Nome Airport (OME) has service from Anchorage on Alaska Airlines

The city of Nome, Alaska, is about as remote as you can get in the United States, sitting near the western-most point of the state. While Nome might be well-known in winter as the finish line for the famous Iditarod, three (gravel!) roads serve as scenic drives for summer adventurers . 

Base yourself in Nome and choose a different leisurely drive each day. Take the Nome-Teller Highway to get within 55 miles of Russia across the Bering Strait. Detour off Nome-Taylor Highway to visit Pilgrim Hot Springs. Wind along the coastal Nome-Council Highway. Bird-watching is particularly fabulous in this area, with several species not often seen in the lower 48.

Sample deals to Anchorage: 

• Chicago, Phoenix, LA, or SF nonstop to Anchorage for $197 roundtrip 
• Minneapolis to Anchorage for $294 roundtrip 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

• State(s) included: Kentucky
• Miles: ~260
• Best time to go: September-October
• Highlights: Louisville; Bardstown; Lexington
• Airports: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)

Assuming you’ve got a designated driver, this loop starting and ending in Louisville is a great way to learn about Kentucky’s bourbon history as you sip. Don’t miss the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey in Bardstown and some non-bourbon sights like the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum. There is an official “Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” but even some of the bourbon distilleries that aren’t on that list have tasting rooms and offer tours—so if you’ve got a favorite tipple, check their site for open hours.

Sample deal to Louisville: 

• Austin to Louisville for $166 roundtrip 

One Week Road Trips

Black hills & badlands.

• State(s) included: South Dakota
• Miles: ~300
• Minimum days needed: 4-6 days
• Best time to go: Late August through September
• Highlights: Badlands National Park; Black Hills National Forest; Mount Rushmore; Crazy Horse Memorial, Devil’s Tower
• Airports: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

Rapid City sits between the Black Hills and the Badlands , with plenty of interesting and quirky detours along the way. Head east to stop at the funky Wall Drug store before exploring the stark beauty of Badlands National Park. To the northwest of Rapid City, fans of the HBO series, “Deadwood,” can walk the streets of the actual town before turning south to meander through the dense forests of the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for bison, antelope, and other wildlife. Take a brief detour into Wyoming to check out Devil’s Tower, one of the most unique rock formations in the country.

Sample deal to Rapid City:

• Austin to Rapid City for $164 roundtrip 

Pacific Coast Highway: Seattle to San Francisco

• State(s) included: Washington, Oregon, California
• Miles: ~1,100 (includes the Olympic Peninsula)
• Minimum days needed: 5-6
• Best time to go: April-May (south to north) or September-October (north to south)
• Highlights: Olympic National Park; town of Astoria; Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area; Redwood National Park; Point Reyes National Seashore
• Airports: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on the northern end and your choice of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), or Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)  at the southern end

Highway 101, called the Pacific Coast Highway in California, stretches all the way up the West Coast. From Seattle, first head northwest to take in the lush rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula before starting your drive south along Highway 101. In Oregon, stop in Astoria for a “Goonies” tour or explore the cheese factory in Tillamook in between beach walks. Some of Oregon’s most popular beaches are in Newport, but the small towns of Bandon and Brookings aren’t to be overlooked—and be sure to check out the huge and ever-changing sand dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. 

Once you cross the border into California, you’re in redwood country. Redwood National Park is the obvious draw, but stop in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (outside Crescent City) for a less crowded walk among giant trees. You can drive through a tree in Klamath before taking in the adorable and artsy towns of Arcata and Eureka. Further down the coast, explore the gorgeous Point Reyes National Seashore on foot or two wheels before a contemplative walk through Muir Woods National Monument and making your way into San Francisco.

Sample deals to Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose: 

• Chicago nonstop to Seattle for $129 roundtrip
• Nashville to San Francisco for $83 roundtrip  
• Detroit to San Jose for $96 roundtrip 

>> Read our travel guide to Seattle

Pacific coast highway: san francisco to los angeles.

• State(s) included: California
• Miles: ~500
• Minimum days needed: 3-5
• Best time to go: 
• Highlights: Big Sur; Hearst Castle; town of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo
• Airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) at the northern end; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), or Ontario International Airport (ONT) on the southern end

If ever a road trip screamed for a convertible and the perfect playlist, this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway is it. The highway hugs the coast, giving you plenty of options when you want to soak up some California sun right on the beach. Along the way, there are also lots of non-beachy attractions to lure you out of the car. Visit the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and nearby Hearst Castle, and stop to check out some of the California Missions, including one in charming Santa Barbara.

Sample deals to San Francisco and Los Angeles: 

• Boston nonstop to San Francisco for $197 roundtrip 
• Phoenix nonstop to Los Angeles for $90 roundtrip
• Salt Lake City nonstop to Los Angeles over Christmas/New Year’s for $167 roundtrip

Road Trips Ideal for Two Weeks (or More)

Historic route 66.

• State(s) included: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, California
• Miles: 2,448
• Minimum days needed: 10-14
• Best time to go: May-June or September
• Highlights: Lincoln Home National Historic Site; Ozark Mountains; Cadillac Ranch; Petrified Forest National Park 
• Airports: Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) is near the eastern end of Route 66; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), or Ontario International Airport (ONT) are all near the western end; if you’re only driving the section detailed below, fly into Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) and out of Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA)

Route 66 is perhaps the most famous American road, inspiring a jazz standard and countless road trips. If you know the song, you’ve already got a good idea of the path the “Mother Road” traces across the country from Chicago to Los Angeles. Some parts of the historic road have been co-opted by newer highways, but some parts have been maintained as “National Scenic Byways” for maximum road trip nostalgia. 

The segment between Springfield, Missouri and Tulsa Oklahoma is a favorite, or you could just concentrate on the roughly 400 miles of Route 66 that cut diagonally across Oklahoma itself—more than any other state. The National Route 66 Museum is in Elk City, Oklahoma, and there are some quirky roadside attractions along the way, including a huge blue whale made of cement in Catoosa and the world’s largest concrete totem pole in Chelsea.

Sample deal to Route 66: 

• Denver, Phoenix, or San Francisco nonstop open-jaw to Route 66 for $137-$147 roundtrip

The Road to Nowhere

• State(s) included: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas
• Miles: ~1,800
• Minimum days needed: 7-10
• Best time to go: Fall
• Highlights: Wall Drug; Badlands National Park; Sitting Bull Memorial; the Alamo
• Airports: Minot International Airport (MOT) is near the northern point of US-83 in North Dakota and McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE) isn’t far from the end of the road in Brownsville, Texas; you can also detour a bit to fly out of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Austin (AUS), or San Antonio (SAT)

Ignore the ominous nickname given to US Route 83 ( some prefer to call it the Great Plains Highway ) and think instead of driving from the Canadian to the Mexican border along what used to be the only paved road connecting the two. The road, finally completed in 1959, is almost a straight shot through quintessentially Midwestern plains and farmland into the heart (and heat) of Texas. 

Optional detours (like Badlands National Park and the memorial to Sitting Bull) are plentiful, but the true appeal of this under-appreciated road trip is that it’s not a list of attractions strung together by highways—which makes it perfect for travelers who love serendipity and have nowhere in particular to be.

Great River Road

• State(s) included: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana
• Miles: ~2,500
• Minimum days needed: 10-14 days
• Best time to go: Fall (Drive the Great River Road Month is September)
• Highlights: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium; Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum; Gateway Arch National Park
• Airports: Hector International Airport (FAR) is about two hours from the headwaters though you could also start from Minneapolis (MSP), St. Louis (STL), or Memphis (MEM); Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is near the end of the river

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River and it serves as the border of most of the ten states along its route. The full length of the river, from the headwaters in northern Minnesota to where it spills into the Gulf of Mexico on the Louisiana shore, is more than 2,500 miles, and the diversity of landscapes the river informs is impressive. There are lots of river-related interpretive centers, scenic overlooks, and attractions in every state (just look for the “pilot’s wheel” road signs), including locks and dams.

Sample deals to New Orleans: 

• Charlotte to New Orleans for $87 roundtrip ‍
• Dallas nonstop to New Orleans for $81 roundtrip

‍ Save up to 90% on domestic flights within the US. Join Going and get alerts for amazingly cheap flights delivered right to your inbox.

Freelance Writer

Published August 8, 2023

Last updated December 19, 2023

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Blue Ridge Parkway

California highway 1, natchez parkway, mohawk trail, overseas highway, the loneliest road in america, coast to coast north, coast to coast south.

• Top Related Locations
• Toronto , Canada ( Toronto Airport ): Embark on scenic road trips from Toronto to explore the picturesque landscapes of Ontario, from the Muskoka Lakes to the stunning Niagara Falls.
• Calgary , Canada ( Calgary Airport ): Calgary is your starting point for epic road journeys through the Canadian Rockies, where you can discover pristine mountain scenery and charming alpine towns.
• Vancouver , Canada ( Vancouver Airport ): Hit the open road from Vancouver to experience the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia, including its rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities.
• Denver , Colorado ( Denver Airport ): Road trips from Denver lead to the Rocky Mountains, offering adventures in outdoor recreation, from hiking and skiing to exploring charming mountain towns.
• Cancun , Mexico ( Cancun Airport ): Begin your road trip from Cancun to uncover the Yucatan Peninsula's archaeological wonders, pristine beaches, and cenotes hidden in the jungle.
• Guadalajara , Mexico ( Guadalajara Airport ): Take to the Mexican highways from Guadalajara to explore the rich cultural heritage, historic towns, and tequila distilleries of Jalisco.
• Merida , Mexico ( Merida Airport ): Merida opens the door to road trips across the Yucatan Peninsula, where you can delve into Mayan ruins, colonial cities, and natural cenotes.
• San Francisco , California ( San Francisco Airport ): Road trips from San Francisco lead you along the iconic California coast, showcasing dramatic cliffs, majestic redwoods, and vibrant seaside towns.
• Minneapolis , Minnesota ( Minneapolis Airport ): Embark on road trips from Minneapolis to explore the picturesque landscapes of Minnesota, from serene lakes and lush forests to charming small towns and cultural attractions.
• Orlando , Florida ( Orlando Airport ): Discover the magic of road trips from Orlando, where you can visit world-famous theme parks, enjoy beautiful lakes, and explore Florida's diverse natural beauty.
• Miami , Florida ( Miami Airport ): Embark on scenic road trips from Miami, where you can experience vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches and reach the Overseas Highway.
• Cairns , Australia ( Cairns Airport ): Set out on road trips from Cairns to explore the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the lush rainforests of Far North Queensland.
• Pula , Croatia ( Pula Airport ): Begin your journey from Pula, Croatia, to discover ancient Roman ruins and the stunning Adriatic coastline along the Istrian Peninsula.
• Vienna , Austria ( Vienna Airport ): Take scenic drives from Vienna to explore the charming villages and vineyards of the Austrian countryside.
• Geneva , Switzerland ( Geneva Airport ): Start your Swiss adventure from Geneva, where you can enjoy road trips around the stunning Lake Geneva, explore charming Swiss villages, and take in panoramic views of the Alps.
• Agadir , Morocco ( Agadir Airport ): Hit the road from Agadir to uncover Morocco's coastal beauty, from sandy beaches to historic towns.
• Wellington , New Zealand ( Wellington Airport ): Embark on road trips from Wellington to experience New Zealand's diverse landscapes, from mountains to coastlines.
• Kos , Greece ( Kos Airport ): Discover the Greek island of Kos by driving along scenic coastal routes and exploring ancient ruins.
• Birmingham , United Kingdom ( Birmingham Airport ): Birmingham is your gateway to discovering the cultural heritage of the UK's Midlands, with historic sites, museums, and scenic countryside drives.
• Izmir , Turkey ( Izmir Airport ): Set out on a road trip from Izmir to uncover the rich history, beautiful coastal landscapes, and vibrant culture of the Aegean region.

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• 1 Ojai, CA: 83 miles from LA
• 2 Montauk, NY: 117 miles from New York City
• 3 Charlottesville, VA: 116 miles from Washington D.C.
• 4 Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: 123 miles from San Francisco
• 5 Grand Haven, MI: 171 miles from Chicago
• 6 Key West, FL: 160 miles from Miami
• 7 Breckenridge, CO: 80 miles from Denver
• 8 Kennebunkport, ME: 84 miles from Boston
• 9 Bend, OR: 163 miles from Portland

9 Ultimate Weekend Road Trips You Can Take From Major U.S. Cities

You've got the perfect playlist, a kick-ass new pair of shades, and the wide open road to explore. Now for the escape plan. We mapped out the quickest getaways within driving distance of top American hubs, from California’s West Coast to New York’s East End. As if you needed another reason to look forward to Friday.

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.

See recent posts by Chelsea Bengier

Ojai, CA: 83 miles from LA

A quick 90-minute jaunt from LA, this Californian Shangri-La has all the essentials: palm tree-dotted landscapes, Spanish Revival architecture and a laid-back local culture. Recharge with a mud cleanse or an outdoor yoga class at the Mission-style Ojai Valley Inn & Spa , which overlooks the rolling green Topatopa Mountains. For lunch, try the garden fresh plates at Suzanne’s Cuisine or the Mexican-inspired dishes at Farmer and the Cook , where the organic ingredients are grown at the owners’ 16-acre farm. The Ojai Farmers’ Market (open Sundays) is the place to score regional gourmet goodies—get yours to go and have a picnic while watching the sunset from Meditation Mount .

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Ojai, CA hotels

Montauk, NY: 117 miles from New York City

With fewer crowds and a low-key boho-chic vibe, the relaxed surfer haven of Montauk is the antithesis of see-and-be-seen Hamptons—the perfect East Coast road trip for anyone based in the big city. Shack up at Solé East Resort , which has a chill garden of fire pits, hammocks, and Adirondack chairs as well as outdoor yoga and live acoustic music on Sundays. If you didn't bring your own wheels, rent one of the hotel's ZipCars and grab an Aloha smoothie (fresh pineapple, coconut, mango and banana) to go from Joni's Kitchen before driving to Ditch Plains to hang ten with the surfer dudes and Montauk Point Lighthouse for a killer Instagram shot. Eat dinner al fresco at The Crow's Nest —we love the Montauk Dayboat scallops and local sea bass—or nosh on mouthwatering sushi (the crunch calamari roll with avocado and spicy tuna is a must) at Inlet Seafood Restaurant , the best spot to watch the sun set over the water. Later in the evening, head across the pond (to the other side of Fort Pond, that is) to check out the The Surf Lodge 's preppy party scene.

RELATED: The Best Hotels in the Hamptons

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Montauk, NY hotels

Charlottesville, VA: 116 miles from Washington D.C.

Beyond the capital lie the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains filled with pine and oak trees and bathed in a dark blue hue. Make your base the Graduate Charlottesville , a handsome boutique hotel in a town cloaked in Colonial charm and known for its former presidential residents, James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson. Although Jefferson’s Monticello estate tops many a sightseeing list, set time aside to stroll the Historic Downtown Mall , a brick pedestrian hub in the heart of C-ville that’s a foodie paradise: there’s the Spanish small plates at Mas Tapas , Southern soul food at Ace Biscuit & Barbecue , and upscale French cuisine at Fleurie Restaurant . Some of Virginia’s best vintages are produced at the area’s more than 20 wineries. Among those worth a visit: Barboursville , Pippin Hill , and White Hall . Prefer hops? Don’t miss South Street Brewery on the Brew Ridge Trail .

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: 123 miles from San Francisco

Just off California’s Highway 1 is the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, a strip of windswept coastline popular for its dramatic beaches and thriving arts scene. Check into La Playa Carmel hotel before heading to San Carlos and Dolores streets to tour eye-popping galleries like James J. Rieser Fine Art , Gallerie Amsterdam , and Classic Art Gallery . A 20-minute drive southeast, you’ll find Carmel Valley, where stylish boutiques and bistros line the streets. Sip flights of wine at the Georis Winery , then continue the wine crawl at L’Auberge Carmel ’s intimate restaurant, which, despite its small size, hides a 4,500-bottle-strong cellar downstairs.

RELATED: 10 Incredible Places to Visit in California

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Carmel, CA hotels

Grand Haven, MI: 171 miles from Chicago

When you live in a landlocked state, a coastal vacation is not exactly on your drive-distance radar. Lucky for Chicagoans, Grand Haven's stretch of sugary sand is a damn good substitute. Most days are spent swimming in Lake Michigan's turquoise water, but if you want a break from the beach, the charming town has plenty to offer. Follow the locals to the divey Morning Star Cafe and make sure to order the Hawaiian ham crepe (thinly sliced ham, onion, cilantro, and habanero cheese topped with homemade pineapple salsa and honey mustard hollandaise) with a side of chorizo hash browns. For lunch, suck down plates of fresh oysters at The Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar , then walk three blocks to Snug Harbor and refresh with a martini on the rooftop deck. In the evening, there's no better place to catch the sunset than on the pier attached to the picture-perfect Grand Haven State Park Lighthouse .

Key West, FL: 160 miles from Miami

Not far from the brazen bodies of the hot Miami scene is this quiet four-mile island that's packed with history and a surprising number of top-notch restaurants. Stay at Casa Marina Resort , and start the morning off with a café con leche at White Street Sandwich Shop . A five block walk leads to El Siboney Restaurant , an authentic Cuban spot in a low-key residential hood where you can tuck into a heaping plate of black beans, plantains, roast pork, and yellow rice. Afterwards, get a feel for Key West’s literary history with a visit to Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum , then head to Duval Street for some boutique-hopping: Wanderlust and Lippy's Hot Hats are two favorites.

RELATED: Florida's Secret Beach Getaways

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Key West, FL hotels

Breckenridge, CO: 80 miles from Denver

If you picture the Rockies as a winter-only escape, think again. Come summer, Breckenridge morphs into a playground for adrenaline junkies. Ride Peak 8 Fun Park ’s luge-style SuperSlide or hop on the new two-stage zipline. The Adventure Company offers full moon whitewater rafting trips, complete with glow sticks and a fajita feast at the end of the white-knuckling trip. Looking for more relaxed pursuits? There’s free, weekly outdoor concerts in the Arts District , culminating with the 10-day Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in August. Or, you could spend your days sampling local brews. Start at Canteen Tap House and Tavern , followed by Après Handcrafted Libations , or Warming Hut . It's also worth checking out Broken Compass and Breckenridge breweries. Don’t worry—the Free Ride bus can take you home if you’ve had one (or two or three...) too many.

Kennebunkport, ME: 84 miles from Boston

This classic waterfront town has all the trappings of a quintessential New England escape, from the sleepy harbor and sandy beaches to fresh lobster and postcard-perfect views. Settle in at Nonantum Resort , which dates back to 1884, before exploring Dock Square’s charming boutiques. We love Coastal Jewelers for its Tourmaline gems mined in Maine and Sea Glass Jewelry Studio , which sells pendants in vibrant emerald green, milky white, and hazy aqua hues. Hop on a cruiser from Kennebunkport Bicycle , and make your way to Goose Rocks Beach, an ideal place to kick-back with a summer read. For dinner, there's the upscale Earth at Hidden Pond . What to order? The wood-fired lobster pot pie for two with minted peas and potatoes has become a cult favorite.

RELATED: America's Most Underrated Beach Towns

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Kennebunkport, ME hotels

Bend, OR: 163 miles from Portland

Despite its rainy reputation, Bend is coveted by Portlanders as one of the West Coast’s best-kept secrets due to its glorious summers and craggy terrain. The Old Mill District , a historic area comprised of shops, restaurants, and galleries, is intersected by a calm strip of the 252-mile Deschutes River, where families paddle-board and tube under pedestrian bridges. Summer jams play from the riverfront Les Schwab Amphitheater , which hosts headliners like Alabama Shakes. Nosh on West Coast sushi and innovative Thai plates at 5 Fusion & Sushi Bar , helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Joe Kim. We recommend the shogun roll with unagi, escolar, spicy salmon, tempura, and avocado. Do like the locals do and hit the trails: Smith Rock is a hardcore climber’s heaven thanks to its challenging spires, while South Canyon Reach is ideal for novice hikers. Just don't forget your camera.

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23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

• News & Updates
• The Best US Road Trips

With temperatures warming up and summer on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning for a quintessential American pastime: the road trip. Here are six of the best road trip ideas for your next getaway.

6 Best American Road Trips

• Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most scenic highways in the US. Curving along California’s coast, it starts in Dana Point and winds past picturesque towns like Long Beach, Malibu, Big Sur, Monterey, and San Francisco. The 72-mile stretch passing through Big Sur, the Big Sur Coast Highway , is designated an All-American Road . The PCH boasts intrinsic beauty and national significance. Experience dramatic cliffs, majestic redwoods, and various marine life as you drive along the crashing blue Pacific.

• Zion National Park to Grand Canyon National Park (Grand Circle)

This road trip , often called the Grand Circle, takes you through an incredible line-up of National Parks in the southwest. From Zion to Bryce Canyon, Arches, and even the iconic Grand Canyon, you’ll get to see some of America’s finest landscapes in one unforgettable trip. Explore Zion National Park on the Zion Scenic Byway, which earned a national scenic byway designation in February 2021.

• Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Yet another of the most scenic drives in America, the Blue Ridge Parkway is an All-American Road that leads you through breathtaking Appalachian views. The parkway passes through the Great Smoky Mountains and leads you up to the stunning Shenandoah National Park .

4. San Juan Scenic Skyway, Colorado

The San Juan Scenic Skyway All-American Road traverses 235 miles of Colorado landscape. Explore mountain scenery, pueblo ruins, mining towns, and even hot springs as you go

5. Overseas Highway US 1, Florida Keys Scenic Highway

If you’re looking for a drive that’s novel and exciting, the Overseas Highway Florida Keys Scenic Highway is for you. As the name suggests, this highway that leads to the Florida Keys takes you right over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. Feel like you’re driving on water as you cross this awe-inspiring 113-mile roadway.

6. Kancamagus Scenic Byway, New Hampshire

Kancamagus Highway , affectionately known as “the Kanc,” is a Scenic Byway that offers gorgeous views year-round. In autumn, though, it’s one of the best places to view fall foliage . Drive its forested path and take in the White Mountains, the Swift River, and various waterfalls and hiking trails.

Here at Scenic America, we’re working to preserve these iconic Scenic Byways and the many other roads, landscapes, and towns that define our nation’s visual character. Read about our principles of conservation , see what we’ve accomplished in 2021, or sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our work and how you can help .

Scenic America’s mission is to preserve and enhance the visual character and scenic beauty of America. Donate today to help us protect our beautiful places and the heart of our country’s character!

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23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.

From Hawaii to the Florida Keys, these are 23 of the best road trips in the U.S.

Sarah Rose is a journalist and the author of two best-selling novels. She was a news columnist at The Wall Street Journal and her features have appeared in Outside , The Washington Post , Travel + Leisure , Bon Appétit , and more.

Loki1100/Getty Images

From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the U.S. is brimming with scenic drives, some more stunning than others. Take the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway for example, meandering past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty, offering different panoramic vistas depending on the season.

Sometimes it's not just the nature but also the human-made sights that make the trip. As you cruise along Chicago's Lake Shore Drive, the view to the west includes such iconic feats of American architecture as the Willis Tower, better known as the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world. And on U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West, travelers pass over coral reefs on the Seven-Mile Bridge to arrive at marinas where they can hand-feed tarpon and drink margaritas at beach bars blaring Jimmy Buffet hits.

Those road trips and more around the U.S., ahead.

Hana Highway, Maui

The T-shirts all say: "I survived the road to Hana." It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside stalls and take in the Jurassic vistas at every turn. In tiny Hana, a town on eastern Maui, a cinder cone shields a red-sand beach where nudists and endangered monk seals bake idly in the sun. Just beyond where the Road to Hana terminates, about 30 minutes further, are the must-visit Pools of Oheo, a gently cascading, seven-tiered gulch in Haleakala National Park .

Blue Ridge Parkway, the Carolinas and Virginia

Andre Jenny/Alamy

The nearly 469 miles of blacktop twisting through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks. It's a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in autumn, a bounty of forest canopy in summer, and ski resorts in winter. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for emeralds, amethyst, rubies, topaz, and gold. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, with hundreds of bird species and more types of trees than the whole continent of Europe.

Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

The rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive. Chicago's buildings are decidedly showstopping, from the blocky staircase of the Willis Tower — formerly the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world — to the Belle Époque elegance of Burnham and Root's Rookery, to the stark post-Bauhaus boxes of Mies van der Rohe. It could easily be called the greatest road for architecture-spotting on earth. Lake Shore Drive is just 15 miles long, but you'll want to break up the brief journey with a stop at Millennium Park to visit the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as "The Bean").

17-Mile Drive, California

The so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the towns of Pacific Grove to Carmel , the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs through the parts of the Del Monte Forest belonging to an exclusive golf community. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the $11.25 entry fee to drive it. Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has sunlit kelp-forest tanks, a petting pool, and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles.

U.S. 1, Florida Keys

M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy

Leaving the mainland for Florida's Keys, travelers enter a paradise of beach bars, water sports, and Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffett fans). From Key Largo to Key West, the Overseas Highway strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the Seven-Mile Bridge, among the longest bridges in the world. On the docks at Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed bait fish to tarpon more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the National Key Deer Refuge .

Route 12, Utah

The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12 winding between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks. The 124-mile strip has funky small towns and very few entry and exit points, so it takes some commitment to witness the steep sandstone canyons and bluffs of purple sage, and to tackle the narrow cliff-hanging ridgeline road called The Hogback around the halfway point. Stop in at Escalante's artsy log-and-sandstone Kiva Koffeehouse , open Wednesdays to Sundays April through October, to get your caffeine fix with a stunning view of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument .

Bluebonnet Trail, Texas

Bluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the U.S. Southwest. They're especially abundant in Texas (where they're the official state flower) from March to May. Start this road trip in Austin, home of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority. Stop by to admire the native flower, then embark on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit Brenham's official tourism website for up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou and Hermann parks.

North Shore Drive, Minnesota

Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of glacial beauty. In Duluth, a walking path along the lake's edge shows off the city highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out to the world. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out to the right, birch and northwood maples climbing high on the left. At your destination, you'll find the Split Rock Lighthouse , now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

Welcome to the highest continuously paved road in the U.S. Trail Ridge Road begins at the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took) visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural body of water, which is also home to a historic town and year-round lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is not a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Though the White Mountains are a year-round sportsperson's paradise, the autumnal fireworks are the undisputed highlights of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway. Serious leaf-peepers visit in October to see the maples, alder, and birch blazing in full technicolor glory. In the spring, expect yellow violets and wood anemone.

This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa) and takes about two to three hours to drive. However, you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a three-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

One of America's most inspiring public works projects runs along the spine of the Rockies past Glacier National Park's snow-covered peaks, sub-alpine meadows, and lakes across the Continental Divide. The 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. Snowdrifts threaten to top 100 feet in winter, so Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open only when conditions allow (typically in the summer months). To learn more about the geology of glaciers, local Native American customs, or the park's ecosystem, supplement your road trip with a class at the Glacier Institute .

Highway 101, Oregon

Unlike the rest of the West Coast, Oregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The 400-or-so miles of beaches off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive, fierce sea cliffs stand in contrast to the pastoral farmland and roaming cattle of Oregon's small towns . Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the Prehistoric Gardens, where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape.

Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, Highway 101 loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. From the base of the peninsula, drive counterclockwise to climb into the Hoh Rain Forest, dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. You can spy the San Juan Islands from the top of Hurricane Ridge, 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish, sand dollars, and crabs. Take a break in the spooky logging town of Forks, a must for Twilight fans, but travel onward to Lake Quinault Lodge if you're looking for a place to stay. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops.

Route 6, Massachusetts

The easternmost portion of Route 6 — which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California — links together Cape Cod's network of sand dunes, beaches, marshes, tidal ponds, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to Provincetown's music festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the Cape Cod National Seashore . Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between May and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale).

Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska

The trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with so many peaks a lot of them haven't even been named. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez includes a 30-mile drop from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon, opening into Prince William Sound.

Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho

Meriwether Lewis came to the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass (7,323-foot elevation) in 1805. Instead of the fabled Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean, Lewis looked west over the mountains and saw more mountains. Determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on single-lane Forest Service roads from either Beaverhead Rock State Park in Montana or the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho.

For the full experience, go in July to see men dressed in buckskin traveling on dugout canoes at the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from Beaverhead Rock State Park.

Silverado Trail, California

Here's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by dozens of vineyards and wineries, the Silverado Trail on the eastern edge of Napa Valley gives the California road tripper endless vino options and perhaps some of tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting flight at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars , where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star French Laundry restaurant in Yountville is a highlight.

Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island

This 10-mile coastal route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded-Age "cottages" of Ocean Drive — which confusingly follows Ocean Avenue , not Drive — compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of fin de siècle industry, the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which remained an active United States Army post from the early 19th century up until World War II.

Park Loop Road, Maine

The loop through Acadia National Park can be completed in an hour — when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the high ridgelines, sheer rock precipices, and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside cavern dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper.

Highway 143, Tennessee

Set out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in heather — and purple rhododendron blossoms come early summer. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its "balds" (summits covered in thick grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan

Only 7.4 miles long, this short-and-sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant Sleeping Bear Dunes , dense forest canopies, and a freshwater lake so wide you won't be able to see the opposite shore. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the '60s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake from the top of the " Dune Climb ," a sand mound estimated to be about 450 feet tall.

The High Road to Taos, New Mexico

The 77-mile route between Santa Fe and Taos delivers one photo op after another: ancient pueblos, deserts, forests, wildflower meadows, and artists' colonies in 17th-century adobe towns. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history, and provides canyon views over Truchas Peak at 13,102 feet. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the Santa Fe Opera .

Highway 2, Nebraska

Sandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) make up nearly one-fourth of Nebraska, undulating in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2, stretching 52 miles from the South Dakota border to Grand Island, for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. The sand dunes are smack in the middle of the Central Flyway Migration Corridor ; look out for cranes at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center just off Highway 2 in Wood River.

11 best road trips

Road-tripping is the ultimate way to see the USA. You can drive up, down, across, around or straight through every state in the continental US.

Revel in yesteryear along Route 66, marvel at spectacular sunsets on the Pacific Coast Hwy, or take in sublime scenery in the Appalachian Mountains or along rocky Massachusetts coastline.

Pacific Coast Highway – California, Oregon and Washington

A drive along America's stunning western coastline is road-tripping at its finest.

In California, Hwy 1 (also called the Pacific Coast Highway), Hwy 101 and I-5 pass sea cliffs, idiosyncratic beach towns, laid-back San Diego, rocker LA and beatnik San Francisco.

North of the redwoods, Hwy 101 swoops into Oregon for windswept capes, rocky tide pools and, for Twilight fans, Ecola State Park, the stand-in for werewolf haven La Push, WA.

Cross the Columbia River into Washington for wet-and-wild Olympic National Park.

Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia and North Carolina

There's not one stoplight to spoil the ride on this 469-mile roadway traversing the southern Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina.

Along its nearly 217 miles in Virginia, you can watch sublime sunsets, scan for wildlife and lose all sense of the present while gazing at the vast wilderness. Hikes take you deeper into nature.

Camp or spend the night at forest lodges. Don’t miss the bluegrass and mountain music scenes of nearby towns such as Floyd and Galax.

Zion and Bryce National Parks – Utah

Meet red-rock country in all its heart-soaring, sculpted splendor. From the sheer wall of Zion to the sentinels of hoodoos that form Bryce Canyon, these are the landscapes that no one should miss.

This trip takes in the parks' classic highlights as well as tiny Western towns and off-the-beaten-path nature sanctuaries where the screech of a hawk breaks the silence of the trail.

The April 8 solar eclipse is almost here, North Jersey. Here's your complete viewing guide

On April 8, parts of the United States, Mexico, and Canada will get a glimpse of a celestial rarity: a total solar eclipse  that will pass over a swath of North America. It will be the last full eclipse of the sun to be visible anywhere in the U.S. until Aug. 23, 2044.

Unfortunately for those of us here in North Jersey, you'll have to travel out of state  to get the best view of the eclipse . While most Americans will get a glimpse, the Garden State is at least a 4 to 5 hour drive from areas of upstate New York and northwest Pennsylvania that will be in the path of totality, which will stretch in the U.S. from Texas into Maine.

New Jerseyans will still get a great show, weather cooperating . About 90% of the sun will be covered in our area, blocking out all but a sliver of the star. That's still enough light to do serious damage to your eyes, so take precautions .

Here's what you need to know. Don't miss out. The next total eclipse in New Jersey skies won't arrive until May 1, 2079.

What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?

USA TODAY compiled a database of the best times to view the eclipse based on your ZIP code. Based on those calculations, the partial eclipse will start at about 2:09 p.m. and peak at 3:24 p.m. in North Jersey.

How long is the solar eclipse going to last?

The show will end around 4:35 p.m.

The latest eclipse weather forecast

Forecasts can change, but things are looking pretty good. As of Friday evening, the National Weather Service was predicting mostly sunny skies for Monday with a high near 63 degrees.

Where can I watch the eclipse?

Can't get outside? Clouds covering the sky? No problem! USA Today will be livestreaming the eclipse on YouTube.

Here's a look at more or our coverage:

What are the odds of seeing the eclipse? Depends on the time, the place − and the weather

Serious sky-watchers have their eyes on the prize: the total eclipse. That's the 100% blackout that occurs when the moon's shadow completely overspreads the sun's disc, creating the breathtaking image of a black circle with the fiery corona at the edges (which viewers should  not  look at directly).

"There's almost a mystical quality," said Amie Gallagher, director of the Raritan Valley Community College planetarium. "The totality experience is amazing."

More: Earthquakes, eclipses and floods, oh my! Social media is buzzing about ‘end times’

What will the April solar eclipse look like from North Jersey? Expect a ‘visual spectacle’

Residents of the Garden State can still get a good view without venturing outside its borders. Virtually all of North Jersey will see 90 to 95% of the sun obscured by the moon on the afternoon of Monday, April 8, while most of South Jersey will be in the 85 to 90% range,  according to this NASA map .

En espanol: ¿Cómo se verá el eclipse solar de abril desde el norte de Nueva Jersey? Un 'espectáculo visual'

Where to get solar eclipse glas ses in NJ

Science museums, libraries, department stores and online retailers all have sales on eyewear designed and certified to let you watch safely. Here’s what to look for and where to get them.

More: With April 8 solar eclipse coming, NJ doctors talk about eye damage, best ways to watch

North Jersey, here’s where you can go to a have a great view of the April eclipse

If you're up for a road trip, cities within the path of totality closest to North Jersey include Buffalo and Syracuse in New York; Burlington, Vermont; and Erie, Pennsylvania, each roughly a four to six-hour drive from the area. Residents willing to travel farther can head to major cities like Dallas, Cleveland and Indianapolis.

Check out these solar eclipse events in New Jersey scheduled for April 8

Even though New Jersey is not in the eclipse's direct path, there are multiple events around the state that you can attend for a fun and educational experience. Keep an eye out for tickets at places like the  Liberty Science Center website .

Viewing glasses, watch parties: Is your child's school ready for the eclipse?

The eclipse offers a rare opportunity for K-12 schools to inject wonder into the school day and their science classes.

More: Celebrate the solar eclipse with a celestial-themed doughnut at Krispy Kreme

It's not just the eclipse. You might see ‘devil comet,’ other cosmic treats

Other astronomical rarities will be visible in the darkened sky. Things you wouldn't normally see in the daytime. Things you might not see, ever. The rare spectacle of Baily's Beads . Four − count 'em − planets. And not least, the diabolical "devil comet." But be aware: You have to go to where the eclipse is total, not partial.

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Think the solar eclipse is thrilling? To our ancestors, it was terrifying

Think of it as if you were an ancient Mesopotamian. Or someone from the Zhou Dynasty. Someone with no almanacs, no search engines. No science, as we know it today.

How loudly would you scream? What would you sacrifice? What would you promise the gods if they would only please,  please,  not leave the world in darkness? "It was pretty terrifying to many cultures," said Gallagher, of the Raritan Valley Community College planetarium. "People would be absolutely terrified that the sun was starting to disappear and they didn't understand why."

NJ’s next total solar eclipse is in 2079. But these other eclipses are coming soon

Don’t think you have to wait until 2079 for some celestial entertainment over North Jersey skies. There are plenty of other partial solar eclipses − as well as total and partial lunar eclipses −that North Jersey will experience over the next two decades. Here's the list.

In NJ, W iccans and witches have big plans for 'supercharged' energy of the sola r eclipse

The number of Americans who identify as Wiccans, witches or with other branches of paganism has been growing. They see the eclipse as a source of powerful energy and will greet it with meditation, rituals and prayer. "It is a time supercharged for transformation," said Hackensack's Alexa Branco.

NASA-funded project helps people with vision loss enjoy solar eclipses though 'tactile graphics'

Think blind and visually impaired people won’t be able to appreciate the  solar eclipse on Monday ? Think again.

This is how you can keep your pets safe during the April 8 eclipse

As warnings not to stare at the eclipsed sun abound, many are wondering: What do you have to do to protect your pets? We've got the answers.