trip to america 2024

United States Tours & Vacations

With coastlines, forests, deserts and mountains, the United States is an explorer's paradise.

Magical moments are waiting around every corner in The States. From the rugged wilderness and glacial fjords in Alaska to the winding coastal highways in California , the wide array of national parks to the musical streets of New Orleans , this country is simply sprawling. So whether you're hiking, biking, toe-tapping or road-tripping, you can't go wrong exploring the USA the Intrepid way.

Our United States trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

United States tour reviews

Filter by rating

Western USA National Parks Loop

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Adventure

South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer

Articles of United States

The 7 best places to go on a hot air balloon ride  

Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park to visit?

California or Florida? Which US state should you travel to?

Make a paw-sitive impact at Utah’s Best Friends Animal Sanctuary  

This astronomer is chasing his 21st solar eclipse in 2024 (and bringing some lucky Intrepid travellers with him)

10 ways to get closer to nature with Intrepid  

10 awesome places to go for your 21st birthday

Canada or Alaska? Which natural wonderland should you travel to?

United States departures by month

Browse usa trips by region, browse usa trips by state, browse usa national park tours, united states at a glance, capital city.

Washington DC (population, 712,816)

331.9 million

English, Spanish (although the US has no official languages)

(GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about United States

Best time to visit united states.

Being such a large country, the weather in the US is different depending on which area you are in. Summer (June to August) is the peak travel season due to school holidays, but it can be uncomfortably hot in the desert areas and the south.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best times to visit, but the weather is still highly variable and these may be the wettest times in some parts of the country (such as the Pacific Northwest ). Winter can be cold in the northern states, but quiet in other areas, which can make it a pleasant time to visit.

Read more about the best time to visit the United States

Culture and customs

With immigration playing a major part in the development of America, today the country is made up of many different cultures. It’s no wonder modern America is rich with a variety of cultural traditions, cuisines, religions and festivals. Because of this, a large diversity of holidays are celebrated in America. Annual holidays like  Independence Day  and Thanksgiving are usually celebrated by all regardless of religion or political persuasion, and give people a chance to reconnect with family and friends around the dinner table or grill.

From sports to soul music, popular culture to philosophy, and fine art to folk art, the tastes and desires of Americans vary around the country. A love of sport unifies the nation - it doesn’t matter if you live in a city loft or out in the country, sports like ice hockey, basketball, baseball and football all attract a strong following.

Many Native Americans live on reservations and fight to retain their traditions and preserve their heritage, although when visiting reservations don’t be surprised to see Native Americans wearing modern clothing. With much of the language and many of the customs lost over the years, Native Americans strive to live a life of deep spirituality and in connection with the earth, as their ancestors did for centuries.

Check out our range of  experiences in the United States that amplify BIPOC cultures .

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring cheap eats or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

With a variety of international influences, try Creole cuisine in New Orleans, traditional Jewish fare like bagels and pastrami sandwiches in New York, and barbecue in Texas. America’s got everything, from burger joints to taco shacks, organic cafes to refined Michelin-starred restaurants.

Learn more about food in the USA

Geography and environment

From the lush everglades of Florida, through the red-hot deserts of Nevada and on to the urban jungles of New York and Philadelphia, the United States has many different environments and ecosystems within its boundaries. Sharing borders with Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, the United States has deserts, glaciers, freshwater lakes, rapid-filled rivers, mountain ranges, sprawling plains, forested national parks , beaches and bays.

The major national parks of America – Yellowstone, Zion, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Denali and Joshua Tree offer a glimpse into what much of America looked like before development. Lush vegetation, majestic mountains and sparkling lakes give deer, moose, bears, bison and many other species of wildlife a fertile home to live in. 

When traveling, you’re likely to see modern cities filled with traffic, skyscrapers and high-density housing, as well as sleepy towns, trailer parks and Native American reservations. A complex network of highways connect the major cities, making overland travel a popular choice with visitors and locals alike. The great American road trip is still alive and well.

History and government

As one of the world’s most influential nations, major moments and events in American history ripple throughout the rest of the world. The American people are known for their resilience and irrepressible nature, and it is this spirit that allows them to continue to contribute to the world economically, scientifically and creatively.

In recent history, America has enjoyed the historic highs of the moon landings and the devastating lows of Hurricane Katrina. The world has seen American companies like Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Starbucks change the face of the world. And people like Steven Spielberg, Lance Armstrong, Maya Angelou and Sidney Poitier create masterpieces, break records and win countless awards.

Top 10 must-see cities in the US

1. new york.

You can be anyone you want to be in NYC. Indulge your artistic side at MoMA, mingle with the Gordon Geckos on Wall Street, cheer like a pro at a Yankees game or kick back at a bar with a Manhattan and a new pair of Jimmy Choos.

2. San Francisco

San Francisco is made of sunshine, seafood and a whole lot of hills. This is the place to embrace your inner (or outer) bohemian. But it's not all 'flowers in your hair' and free thinking, be sure to take a ferry to Alcatraz and scoff down a clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf.

3. New Orleans

The Caribbean meets France and Africa in New Orleans. Music is everywhere, and so are the friendly faces. The city comes to life after dark so have an afternoon nap, get some comfortable shoes on and get ready to bar hop the night away.

4. Las Vegas

Hello Lady Luck! Days somehow disappear in the hedonistic blitz of color, light, showgirls, casinos and offers too good to refuse. Try to escape the endless buffets to catch a real Las Vegas show; there's everything from death-defying acrobats to Elvis on offer.

The financial and political powerhouse of Chicago has been the home of two of the most influential people in the world - President Obama and Oprah. Famed for its distinctive architecture, booming performing arts scene and sports-mad locals, the 'Windy City' shouldn't be missed.

The air is warmer, the clothes smaller and the colors are somehow brighter in Miami. Jewish, Latin and Caribbean cultures blend to make a heady mix of great food, even better music and a nightlife filled with the spirit of fiesta. Hang out on perfect beaches, spot classic cars and gaze at the beautiful people as they strut their stuff.

7. Los Angeles

Search beyond the stardust of Hollywood and the excessive price tags of Rodeo Drive, to find the true essence of Los Angeles. Home to a melting pot of cultures, uber-cool restaurants, a hip art scene and the eclectic vibe of Venice Beach, LA is so hot right now!

The birthplace of grunge music and iconic super-companies like Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks, Seattle offers so much more than great coffee. Markets packed with fresh produce, a harbor perfect for boating, vibrant public art and a thriving live music scene combine to make Seattle a must-see city.

History comes alive in the heritage-filled streets of Memphis. Whether it's at Elvis Presley's Graceland, the lively blues clubs and restaurants of Beale Street or the moving Civil Rights Movement Museum, it could be said that the soul of America lives in Memphis.

One of America's oldest cities, Boston is evolving. Working class neighborhoods are being gentrified, the industry is giving way to tech start-ups and modern architectural treasures sit alongside brown-stone buildings. Despite the change, get chatting to locals about the Red Sox and you'll soon find you're definitely in Boston.

It’s no wonder many people choose to do their clothes shopping in the United States. With iconic department stores offering a wide range of labels, and vintage/charity stores stocking American fashion classics like distressed denim jeans and leather cowboy boots, shopping in America is fun. Known for having great sales and even better customer service, it’s well worth leaving room in your backpack for a few extras. Please note that unlike in many other countries, tax isn’t included in the ticketed price.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Festivals and events

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, marks the end of the Carnival season in New Orleans. Witness a chaotic collision of lively music, colorful costumes, masquerade masks, soul food and joyful 'krewes' at the parades, parties and masquerade balls in late February every year.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Presidents' Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving Day

Please note dates of  United States public holidays  may vary.

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips, and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from all major cities in the United States. The options below may be of interest:

Tours from Los Angeles to San Francisco  

Tours from New York to New Orleans

New Orleans to Atlanta Tours

Tours from Los Angeles

Tours from Las Vegas

Thinking about traveling to California or Florida but need help deciding?

California or Florida?

Top USA travel highlights

1. venture to the wilds of alaska.

Alaska  may be part of the USA, but it feels like another world. With stunning mountain ranges, eclectic wildlife, immense glaciers and an interesting history, this off-track destination is well worth the journey north. Whether you want to go hiking in  Denali , snowshoe across Matanuska Glacier, kayak in  Kenai Fjords  or see the northern lights, adventure awaits.

Explore the Last Frontier on our  10 day Best of Alaska tour.

2. See San Francisco through local eyes

With vibrant, multi-cultural neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a city you could spend weeks exploring. But to really get a feel for the place, you need to explore with a local. Sample the freshest seafood in Fisherman's Wharf, discover the North Beach and Little Italy districts, and dine at some of the locals' favourite spots for dinner.

Roam around Northern California and beyond on our  9 day San Francisco to Seattle trip.

3. Explore phenomenal national parks

From larger-than-life Yosemite to the great gaping chasms of the Grand Canyon , national parks in the States are big, bold and beautiful. Escape the hustle of everyday life and uncover the natural beauty, diverse wildlife and Native American history in the likes of Bryce Canyon, Zion and Yellowstone. Whether you want to hike or cycle, stay in comfy lodges or camp in the wilderness , US national parks offer something for all kinds of adventurers.

4. Track wolves in Yellowstone National Park

The world’s first national park positively brims with more hot springs, mud pots and geysers than you can possibly see in one trip. But one of the most memorable things you can do is rise before dawn to join a  wolf-tracking excursion  with a local guide. As well as learning about one of nature's most intriguing animals, if you're lucky, you may see multiple wolves playing together, eating, or looking after young cubs.

Try your hand at wolf tracking on our  6 day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Adventure  or our  Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday .

5. Visit the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins… what legend hasn’t recorded here? Sun Studio in Memphis is one of the pinnacles for music lovers traveling in the States. It’s where rock and roll was born, and where soul music hit the big time via Stax Records. After checking out the studio, head to Beale Street to grab a drink and have a boogie in traditional blues clubs.

Scoot your boots on our  6 day Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans tour.

6. Take a Navajo jeep tour of Monument Valley

Learn about the cultural heritage and sacredness of Monument Valley from those who know it best. After a jeep adventure with a local Navajo guide, join the locals for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and listen to traditional songs and stories passed down through the generations.

Discover the American West's most iconic landscapes on our  5 day Western USA National Parks Loop tour.

Further reading

United states travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to United States?

It depends on where you’re from. Many countries now operate under the United States Visa Waiver Program, meaning a visa isn’t required for stays of up to 90 days for travel purposes. There are 40 participating countries, including the United Kingdom , Australia , New Zealand, Germany and Spain.

If you're eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must obtain a letter of authorization before you travel to the States. This can be obtained by submitting an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ).

If you’re a national from a non-participating country of the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a non-immigrant visa. Please see the Department of State website for more information.

If you have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on or after 1 March 2011, you are ineligible and must apply for a non-immigrant visa instead.

People from a participating country who are also citizens of Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan must also apply for a non-immigrant visa.

Last updated: 6 March 2024 

Is tipping customary in the US?

Tipping is very much a part of the culture in the United States. Tips are expected at restaurants, cafes and diners, as well as by taxi drivers, valet attendants, porters and hotel maids.

People working in the service industry generally receive low wages and therefore rely upon tips as a major source of income.

In general, leave 15 to 20% of the bill at places serving food and a few dollars to bartenders and hotel staff who provide a personal service like carrying bags or cleaning your room.

What is the internet access like in the US?

Internet access is excellent in the US, and internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my cell phone while in the US?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in most parts of the US although coverage may be patchy in remote, mountainous areas like national parks and canyons. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in the US?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in the US.

Can I drink the water in the US?

Drinking water from taps in the US is considered safe unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the US?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in the US. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in the US?

ATMs are common in the US, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

What kind of transport will I use in the United States?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. 

Depending on which trip you're on while in the US, you may find yourself traveling by:

Be amazed by enormous glaciers and stunning, icy landscapes while traveling on a ferry in Alaska.

Use pedal power to see the best of Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Cycling is a great way to see the sights and be active at the same time.

Take in the sights while enjoying a ride on one of San Francisco’s icons – the streetcar.

What sort of accommodation will I stay in while traveling in the United States?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible. 

When traveling with us in the US you may find yourself staying in a:

Spend a night sleeping in a hogan – a traditional Navajo structure made of logs, mud and stone and built with an open roof to view the sparkling night sky.

Reconnect with nature and enjoy staying in quaint log cabins throughout the country's beautiful national parks. Fall asleep to the rustling of trees and wake up to the sounds of birds.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip to the United States support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to the United States directly support our foundation partners, Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) and the Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA)

Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) create inclusive, equitable opportunities for small Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) tourism businesses in the USA. Donations help CHEA provide access to industry-specific technical assistance, capacity building, and industry networks for small BIPOC travel and tourism businesses through their Diversity Tourism Academy (DTA). Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Find out more or make a donation

The Grand Canyon Conservancy

The Grand Canyon Conservancy is on a mission to protect the Grand Canyon National Park for future generations. With almost 6 million visitors to the park annually, the Grand Canyon Conservancy runs educational programs and immersive experiences that teach people about the park's cultural and environmental significance. Donations support trail restoration and maintenance, conservation and preservation of native vegetation and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

United States

See all USA Tours

Last Minute Deals

Travelling soon? Book now & save up to 15%* on 2024 tours & $400† off per couple on flights>

See More United States Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Capital City

Washington D.C.

Good morning

GMT-5 to GMT-10

Good evening

"With 50 states to choose from, your US holiday can be anything you want it to be. I love showing our guests all sides of the country, from the beautiful national parks to the buzzing city streets".

Travel Director

Explore the neighborhoods of New York

You’ll feel like you’re hopping between countries as you roam the streets of New York. Wander Central Park in Manhattan, experience the city’s cultural diversity in Chinatown and Little Italy, see some of the oldest architecture in the Historic District, and ‘Dive into Culture’ with a visit to Brooklyn’s vibrant hip hop scene.

Take in the beauty of the Grand Canyon

We’ll reveal the majesty of the Grand Canyon in ways you could never imagine, with our Local Specialists sharing a different story at every viewpoint. As you pause to soak up the sunset over one of the world’s seven natural wonders, watch how the light dances over the cascading cliffs - it’s a truly mesmerising experience.

Embark on a boat ride to the base of Niagara Falls

You have to see it to believe it, and we’ll take you up close to the mighty Niagara Falls, the biggest waterfall in North America. We’ll take you on a cruise to Horseshoe Falls where you can see both the American and Canadian sides, and watch over 680,000 gallons flow over the falls every second.

Visit Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco

Set on the scenic waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf is filled with treasures. Stroll along Pier 39, sample fresh seafood like the famous Dungeness crab and clam chowder, watch the resident sea lion colony lounging on the docks, visit the quirky museums, or take a ride on the San Francisco Carousel.

Take a helicopter ride over Las Vegas

See Vegas in style with a dazzling helicopter ride at night. You’ll get a bird's eye view of the city illuminated in lights, with your pilot pointing out the iconic casinos and resorts along the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll also get an incredible view of the 1,1490-foot Stratosphere Tower and the Luxor space beam.

Our top 5 things to do in the United States

Our USA tour packages will show you all the iconic highlights plus the unexpected gems, from the streets of New York to the vast depths of the Grand Canyon.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Known as ‘the Met’, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the world’s third most-visited art museum and the biggest art museum in the United States. Founded in 1870, the Met houses over two million works, from antique weapons and ancient Egyptian art, to European sculptural masterpieces and contemporary American art.

Art Institute of Chicago

Founded in 1879 in Chicago’s Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the United States. With a permanent collection of around 300,000 works, from Pablo Picasso’s The Old Guitarist to Grant Wood’s American Gothic, you can spend hours wandering the collections.

American Museum of Natural History

Located in Theodore Roosevelt Park across from Central Park in New York, the American Museum of Natural History is a massive display, with 45 exhibition halls, a planetarium and a library. The museum has over 33 million specimens, ranging from plants, animals, fossils and meteorites to human remains and cultural artefacts.

Best museums in the United States

When you tour the states with Trafalgar, we’ll show you the best museums and galleries across the country, from the famous ‘Met’ to the art of Chicago.

New York Bagels

Boiled then baked and fluffy yet dense, with a glossy, crunchy crust, the New York bagel has been perfected to an art. Our Local Specialists will take you to a 100-year old Jewish deli in the Upper West Side, where you can sample the best of these New York delicacies.

The American lobster is a species found on the Atlantic coast, with the state of Maine being the largest suppliers. The lobster is steamed or boiled and commonly served whole, and you’ll be given a lobster bib and a set of nutcrackers for your glorious lobster eating experience.

Beef Burger

A juicy beef patty, served with cheese, onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and all the special sauces you could want for - burgers are the quintessential American dish. They’re big business in the United States, and we’ll show you where to find the best burgers in town.

Best food in the United States

With a blend of influences from the finest cuisines from all over the world, American food is absolutely yummy. We’ll show you our favorite places for a feast of classic burgers, bagels, peanut butter sandwiches, cakes and more.

What to pack for United States

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Comfortable shoes

From roaming the endless streets of New York, to exploring the Grand Canyon, you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes on your adventures.

Dollar bills

Tipping is customary in the United States, and you’ll be expected to tip at least 15% (although 20 - 25% is appreciated), so be sure to keep some US bills on hand.

Big appetite

The United States is the land of the supersized, and their diverse cuisine comes in big portions with big flavor and plenty of soul.

Adaptor plug

In the United States, the standard voltage is 120 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Layered clothing

From the snowy east to the sunny west, the United States experiences a myriad of seasons and climates, so come prepared with layered and versatile clothing.

Our North & Central America destinations

US National Parks

San Francisco

South Dakota

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

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..

• Copy Link copied

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Month 1: East Coast, Southern US

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

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

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

Days 4-8: New York City, NY

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

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

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

Days 9-11: Philadelphia, PA

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

Days 12-14: Washington, DC

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

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

Days 15-16: Shenandoah National Park, VA

Days 17-19: Asheville, NC

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

Days 20-22: Atlanta, GA

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

Days 23-27: Nashville, TN

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

Days 28-30: Memphis, TN

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

Days 31-32: Natchez, MS

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

Days 33-36: New Orleans, LA

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

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

Days 37-39: Houston, TX

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

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

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

Days 40-44: Austin, TX

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

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

Days 45-47: Truth or Consequences, NM

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

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

Days 48-49: Phoenix, AZ

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

Days 50-51: Joshua Tree National Park, CA

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

Days 52-54: San Diego, CA

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

Days 55-58: Los Angeles, CA

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

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

Days 59-61: Las Vegas, NV

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

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

Days 62-64: Yosemite National Park, CA

Days 65-67: San Francisco, CA

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

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

Days 68-69: Redwood National Park, CA

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

Days 70-73: The Oregon Coast

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

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

Days 74-76: Portland

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

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

Days 77-79: Seattle, WA

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

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

Days 80-82: Missoula, MT

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

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

Days 83-86: Yellowstone National Park, WY

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

Days 87-90: Denver, CO

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

Days 91-93: Kansas City, MO

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

Days 94-97: Chicago, IL

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

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

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

Days 98-100: Detroit, MI

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

Days 101-103: Cleveland, OH

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

Days 104-106: Pittsburgh, PA

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

Days 107-110: Finger Lakes, NY

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

Days 111-113: Albany, NY

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

Days 114-120: Buffer Days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

United States Tours 2024 Cruises

• Start Date Select Month July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 OR, More specific start
• Easy Active
• Challenging
• Most Popular
• River Cruises
• Scheduled Group Tour
• Solo Travel
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Adventure Options
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Helicopter Tours
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Local Market Visits
• Rainforest Exploration
• Small Ship Cruises
• Small Ship Sailing
• Spa Relaxation
• Stand Up Paddle Boarding
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• Whale Watching
• Whitewater Rafting
• Wilderness Lodge Exploration
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wine Tasting
• Admiralty Dream
• Alaskan Dream
• American Constellation
• American Constitution
• American Glory
• American Heritage
• American Independence
• American Jazz
• American Liberty
• American Melody
• American Serenade
• American Song
• American Symphony
• American West
• Baranof Dream
• Chichagof Dream
• Hanseatic Inspiration
• Le Champlain
• Le Commandant Charcot
• MS Fridtjof Nansen
• National Geographic Quest
• National Geographic Resolution
• National Geographic Sea Bird
• National Geographic Sea Lion
• National Geographic Venture
• Safari Endeavour
• Safari Explorer
• Safari Quest
• Silver Muse
• Silver Shadow
• Silver Wind
• Sylvia Earle
• Viking Great Lakes
• Viking Mississippi
• Wilderness Discoverer
• Wilderness Legacy
• United States

Last Frontier Adventure

• Explore Glacier Bay National Park
• See marine life in Frederick Sound
• Participate on hiking in Sitka
• Kayak along the Waterfall Coast

America’s Great River

• Explore St. Louis' arts scene
• Enjoy American music styles
• Learn Civil War history
• Experience New Orleans' culture
• Visit the Quad Cities

Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise

• Enjoy Canada’s Inside Passages
• Visit Glacier Bay National Park
• Discover LeConte Bay
• Watch for whales at Frederick Sound

Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn

• Watch glaciers calve giant icebergs
• Journey through Tracy Arm Fjord
• Kayak along the Alaskan coastline
• Visit the highlights of Juneau

Wild Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands, and Tracy Arm Fjord

• Journey by kayak into dramatic bays
• Raft the Chilkat River with guides
• See Haines by raft, bike, or foot
• View glaciers and icebergs

Remote Alaska Adventure

• Adventure on flight-safari tours
• Stay in comfortable cabins
• Spot a variety of wildlife
• Adventure on foot, by kayak, or ski

Heart of the Delta

• Enjoy the music of Memphis
• Get a taste of Cajun cuisine
• Discover Civil War history
• See the historic homes of Natchez

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure

• Discover Glacier Bay National Park
• Admire Alaskan wildlife
• Visit Grand Pacific Glacier
• Hike down Fairweather Mountain

Alaska Backcountry Adventure

• Hike the Wrangell-St. Elias Park
• Basecamp in an alpine magic-land
• Walk and ice climb Root Glacier
• Stay in the historic Kennicott town

Northern Passages & Glacier Bay

• Attend Park Ranger presentations
• Hike at Glacier Bay National Park
• Spot bears, otters, and whales
• See Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds
• Observe puffins and sea lions

Alaska Bear-Viewing Lodge

• Watch bears up-close with a guide
• Spot otters, seals, and foxes
• Enjoy the rustic comfort of a cabin

Tutka Bay Wilderness Lodge

• Fish the deep sea for salmon
• Visit Katmai National Park
• Kayak around Tutka Bay
• Tour an oyster farm in Sedovia

Grand National Parks: Las Vegas to LA

• Discover Bryce Canyon National Park
• Hike to Emerald Pools in Zion Park
• Enjoy a traditional Navajo meal
• See the Grand Canyon

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

• View unique wildlife such as orcas
• Visit Tracy or Endicott Arm fjords
• Explore Alaskan ecosystems
• Hike & kayak in Icy Strait

Hawaiian Seascapes

• Enjoy a paʻina and jam session
• Take part in exploration activities
• Visit the Puu Waawaa Sanctuary
• Snorkel among coral gardens
• Explore the island history

Ultimate Alaska

• Hike & camp Alaska's backcountry
• Kayak & camp near Columbia Glacier
• Walk and ice climb on Root Glacier
• Raft down the Kennicott River

North to True Alaska Expedition

• Visit Glacier Bay
• Explore Baranof Island
• Stroll the town of Skagway
• Cruise Chatham Strait & Lynn Canal

United States Travel Guide

• All United States Trips
• Atlantic Coast
• Mississippi River
• New England
• Great Lakes
• Columbia River
• Saint Lawrence River
• New Orleans
• Pacific Northwest
• Best Time to Cruise East Coast of US
• Top Cruise Ports in the US East Coast

Favorite United States All Trips

• Rivers of Adventure and Wine
• Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands
• Boston to St. John

Top United States Travel Destinations

• Baton Rouge
• Cape Girardeau
• Chattanooga
• Chichagof Island
• Cumberland River
• Denali National Park
• Endicott Arm
• Frederick Sound
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Illinois River
• Inside Passage
• Lake Michigan
• Lake Superior
• Mississippi
• Misty Fjords National Wilderness
• New Hampshire
• North America
• Rhode Island
• Snake River
• Stephen's Passage
• Tennessee River

United States Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 United States trips (115)
• 2025 United States trips (94)
• 2026 United States trips (38)
• July 2024 (47)
• August 2024 (65)
• September 2024 (69)
• October 2024 (25)
• May 2025 (36)
• June 2025 (45)
• July 2025 (43)
• August 2025 (47)
• September 2025 (53)

Top Experiences in United States

• United States Cruises (110)
• United States Wildlife & Safari Exploration (43)
• United States River Cruises (28)
• United States Cultural (26)
• United States Land Tours (23)
• United States Luxury (17)
• United States Active (16)
• United States Trekking (12)
• United States Scheduled Group Tour (9)
• United States Most Popular (5)
• United States Solo Travel (4)
• United States Family (3)
• United States Beaches (3)

United States Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (8)
• 6 day trips (19)
• 7 day trips (8)
• 8 day trips (39)
• 9 day trips (18)
• 10 day trips (3)
• 11 day trips (6)
• 12 day trips (8)
• 13 day trips (7)
• 14 day trips (4)
• 15 day trips (6)
• 16 day trips (3)
• 23 day trips (3)

United States Trips by Activity

• United States wildlife viewing (85)
• United States small ship cruises (72)
• United States kayaking (56)
• United States hiking (52)
• United States whale watching (46)
• United States village visits (45)
• United States urban exploration (21)
• United States archaeological site visits (17)
• United States wilderness lodge exploration (11)
• United States stand up paddle boarding (8)
• United States wine tasting (8)
• United States camping (8)
• United States local market visits (7)
• United States biking (7)
• United States fishing (7)
• United States adventure options (6)
• United States land & sea exploration (5)
• United States snorkeling (4)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » North America » USA » Best Road Trip

20 Best USA Road Trips • Famous Driving Destinations in 2024

Many will say that going on an epic road trip is the best and really the only way to experience America. This is the land of the open road, the roadside attraction, the roadside diner. If all roads lead to Rome, they must eventually make a detour in the United States, I say.

There is a lot that goes into planning a road trip in the USA. What to pack, what kind of car to rent, and, most importantly, where to go. There are a million routes out there and they all have their own merits and, in some cases, oddities.

I’ve assembled a list of some of the best and most classic road trips in the country. From East Coast to West Coast and Sea to Shining Sea, the finest stretches of good ol American-made asphalt are all found in this article. Through the desert, over the mountains, into the past, doesn’t matter; we’ve got them all covered right here.

So which Great American road trip will you take?

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

20 Greatest Road Trips in the USA

Renting a car in the usa.

Let’s get down to brass tacks and start talking about the top American road trips there are! Here are twenty for you to choose from!

Don’t have a car yet? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use rentalcars.com to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

1. California Route 1 – Pacific Coast Highway

The road trip in the usa to take before you die.

• States : California
• Start: San Diego
• End : Mendocino
• Total Distance: 656 miles
• Best Part: Camping in Big Sur

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

What’s a trip to California without visiting the coast or the beach? The beach is one of the most important aspects of California livin’, after all. It is talked about during just about every other conversation in the state. Who could blame the natives for loving their coastline so much when you have superlative stops like Malibu, San Luis Obispo, and Point Reyes all there?

For the ultimate road trip in California , consider driving the entire stretch of the Pacific Route 1. This epic route, which should take at least a week (two for maximum enjoyment), seriously pulls out all the stops. Gorgeous coastline, bustling metropolises – like San Francisco and Los Angeles – and more than enough In n’ Out Burger joints all combine to make the perfect road trip itinerary. This is some of the best California has to offer.

Since you’ll be starting in San Diego, why not book a nice place to stay and soak up the city before departing?

2. Route 66

The classic road trip across america.

• States: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
• Start: Chicago, Illinois
• End : Santa Monica, California
• Total Distance:  2448 miles
• Best Part: The Americana

Route 66 is probably the first thing that springs to people’s minds when they think “Great American road trip.” Over the years, Route 66 has been practically immortalized – by Hollywood films, musicians, novels, etc – so much so that it is practically synonymous with the very idea of going on a road trip around the USA.

Since it passes through eight different states and four different regions, Route 66 offers a somewhat abridged version of American culture. You’ll get to see roadside attractions, antique gas stations, and eccentric diners; all staples of American weirdness.

One of the best parts of Route 66? Watching the landscape shift from the Great Plains and Mississippi wetlands to the deserts and mountains of the West Coast’s roadside landscapes . Entering Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona is a particularly surreal experience, as there is nowhere else quite like the American Southwest. If you have time, be sure to stop by Monument Valley for an iconic American backdrop.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

3. Skyline Drive

The most scenic mountain road trip on the east coast.

• States : Virginia
• Start: Front Royal
• End : Rockfish Gap
• Total Distance: 105 miles
• Best Part: Parking the car and going for a quick hike

It’s a favorite day trip for those visiting Washington DC for a simple reason: the Skyline Drive is one of the most accessible mountain drives in the USA. In just over an hour, one could easily escape from the politics and actions of the nation’s capital and be in the heart of Appalachian Country. For those who like long-winding mountain roads, this will be one of the best road trips in the USA.

The Skyline Drive traverses the entirety of Shenandoah National Park. This means that, besides offering breathtaking views, the route also affords access to many local trails. The epic and grueling AT (Appalachian Trail) runs parallel to Skyline Drive. Those who’ve dreamed of hiking (a section of) the thru-hike can do so at many points of the road.

For those looking for a more docile couple of days in Shenandoah, there are lots of campsites and little towns around worth visiting. Winchester has a rich Civil War history while sleepy Staunton is generally considered the prettiest town in the region.

Stay in Washington DC a few days before heading out and be sure to check out all the spectacular museums.

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road

The best way to see one of the best american national parks.

• States: Montana
• Start: West Glacier
• End : Saint Mary
• Total Distance: 50 miles
• Best Part: Seeing Saint Mary Lake for the first time

Glacier is one of the best national parks in the USA . It’s the kind of place that, once you’ve visited, makes you want to pack up your bags and move to Montana. I’ve dreamt of doing this before and I’m sure a lot of people share this dream with me.

The main road that traverses Glacier is called the Going-to-the-Sun Road and it is, without question, one of the most beautiful roads in the US. Firstly, it passes right next to the stunning Saint Mary Lake, which is one of the highlights of the park. It also provides quick access to some very good trails in the park, like Hidden Lake Lookout. This 3-mile round-trip hike starts at Logan’s Pass and offers views of the uniquely-shaped Bearhat Mountain.

It should be noted that the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens late in the season and closes early due to heavy snow. The road is closed for 7-8 months and crazy busy the rest of the year. There are quite a few hair point turns as well so remember to keep your cool out there when driving.

5. Olympic Peninsula Loop

Rainforests, glaciers, and beaches (oh my).

• States: Washington
• Start : Port Angeles
• End : Port Angeles
• Total Distance: 330 miles
• Best Part: Feeling the carpet in the Hoh Rainforest

Very few places to see in the USA are as geographically unique as the Olympic Peninsula. Here, you’ll find a huge diversity of landscapes, from glaciers to rainforest to rugged coastline. This is a paradise for outdoorsy types or, at least, those who can’t quite decide what kind of outdoor adventure they want to go on during their road trip in the USA.

There are too many cool spots on the Olympic Peninsula to talk about. Hurricane Ridge offers the most spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and also offers solid skiing in the winter. Rialto Beach is famous for its sea stacks that resemble those found commonly in Iceland. The Enchanted Valley is a very remote portion that requires an overnight hike but rewards visitors with, supposedly, 10,000 falls.

The best part about the Olympic Peninsula is exploring the Hoh Rainforest. Thanks to constant rain, the woods of the peninsula are overgrown, towering, and constantly lush. Go for walk here and you’ll see more shades of green then you previously thought possible.

If you’re passing through, then take a couple of nights booking a stay in Seattle before visiting the Olympic Peninsula!

6. Kancamagus Highway

For fall foliage fanatics.

• States: New Hampshire
• Start : North Woodstock
• End : Conway
• Total Distance: 56 miles
• Best Part: Being there in autumn

New Englanders are very proud people and there are certain things that you don’t talk shit about with them. Dunkin’ Donuts, lobster rolls, Tom Brady; even a whisper of ill will about any of these things is a sure way to piss of a local. Just as important to the New Englander identity as any of these though is it’s most noticeable natural phenomenon: the fall foliage.

From late-September to middle-October, the Patriots become slightly less talked about (until they eventually go to the Super Bowl) in lieu of the changing colors of the trees. New Englanders go crazy for the reds, oranges, and golds of the season; some plan whole weekend excursions in search of the best colors. Admittedly, it is pretty damn cool when you travel outside after staying in Boston and are hit by all those hues.

One of the most famous fall foliage road trips in New England is the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. When the time is right (early-October), a cold fire hits the hills and they explode with color. The 56-mile stretch of the Kanc is never-ending foliage and shifting colors; it’s like driving through the barrel of a kaleidoscope. Just be warned: you and everyone else will be there – it gets busy in October!

7. San Juan Skyway

Colorful colorado at it’s best.

• States: Colorado
• Start : Durango
• End : Durango
• Total Distance: 233 miles
• Best Part: Dallas Divide Viewpoint

The San Juan Skyway is the best road trip in Colorado ! Nestled in the far southwestern corner of the state, this route offers some of the finest Rocky Mountain views you could hope for. The road twists and turns through the valleys of the San Juan Mountains, arguably the prettiest part of the Colorado Rockies, and visits many historical towns and viewpoints along the way.

This itinerary begins and ends in the former mining town of Durango. There’s not much to do here besides ride the old gauge railroad, which is admittedly pretty damn cool if you like old-school trains.

As you head north from Durango to Silverton, the scenery really starts to unfold. To the east, the rugged Weminuche goads avid climbers and hikers. To get the best views of the Weminuche and the nearby Grenadiers, be sure to stop at Molas Pass for a break.

Beyond Silverton is the remote resort town of Ouray and the Sneffels Wilderness. The Dallas Divide, which overlooks the Sneffels, is very popular with photographers, especially in autumn when the leaves change color.

After the Dallas Divide, it’s straight onto one of the most famous mountain towns in Colorado: Telluride. If you’re staying in Telluride during the summer, be sure to check for local festivals. During this time, there’s one almost every weekend.

Just got off the plane at Denver and need somewhere to crash? Check out our comprehensive accommodation guide for Denver and find something you like!

8. The Cascade Loop

The best of the “american alps”.

• States : Washington
• Start: Everett
• End : Everett
• Total Distance: 440 miles
• Best Part: The North Cascades to the San Juan Islands

This is THE ULTIMATE Pacific Northwest road trip! Seriously, there are few itineraries that offer such a huge array of activities. Alpine hiking, whale watching, breweries; these are just a few of an adventurer’s favorite things!

The Cascade Loop begins in Everett, which is just north of Seattle. Everett is a pretty little town although you will not want to miss out on visiting Seattle. From Everett, you’ll head east over Stevens Pass before turning north along the Columbia Basin until looping back west across the Washington Pass and the astounding North Cascades. You should end your road trip through Washington by spending a few days relaxing in the idyllic San Juan Islands.

If the previous paragraph felt like an oversimplification, I’m sorry; but the Cascade Loop is too grand to fit in this section. To learn more about the route, be sure to visit the official Cascade Loop website for heaps of more information!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

9. Florida A1A – Overseas Highway

340 miles, almost all beaches.

• States : Florida
• Start: Amelia Island
• End : Florida Keys
• Total Distance : 340 miles
• Best Part: Driving across the Caribbean Sea

Knock it all you like for its douchey spring break parties and invasive retirees, but Florida still has some of the best beaches in all of the USA. As you may have gleaned from the subtitle of this particular USA road trip, almost all of them are accessible via a single highway.

The Florida A1A runs the entire length of the Atlantic Floridian Coast AND even further into the Caribbean Sea. The portion that connects the mainland to the Florida Keys (The Florida Key Scenic Byway) is considered an engineering marvel and this is one of the highlights of the trip. Gliding across the Caribbean and into the likes of Ernest Hemingway’s home on Key West is just too good.

But there is more to this Florida road trip than just the Keys. Fort Lauderdale is shedding its MTV beach party reputation (for a more laid back vibe). Cocoa Beach and Vero Beach still surf central. Plus, there’s always hedonistic and culturally rich Miami to demand your attention (probably too much).

Use our Miami travel guide to learn more about the city!

10. Lassen Scenic Byway

A “lasser-known” road trip in california.

• States : California, Oregon
• Start : Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
• End : Chemult, Oregon
• Total Distance: 500 miles
• Best Part: Ending at Crater Lake aka Heaven on Earth

The Lassen Scenic Byway is one of the most unknown and underrated road trips in America. The route can’t be faulted either – it’s located in the relative unknown of Northern California, which, unfortunately, only enters the news when there’s a forest fire or a rebellious splinter-nation about to spring up. Yet, Northern California and Lassen are just as beautiful as anywhere else in the state.

The Lassen Scenic Byway, which takes its name from the National Park where it starts, gives a grand overview of the region. Dormant volcanoes, bubbling springs, and waterfalls are just a few of the sights you’ll see along the way. Mt Shasta, which marks the beginning of the Cascade Range, is the most prominent landmark in the area. The Park boasts some of California’s best camping spots ; enjoy the breathtaking views at Heart Lake, or kayak around Manzanita’s calm waters.

The Lassen Scenic Byway also extends across the state border into Oregon. This means you can visit one of my all-time favorite places in the USA: Crater Lake. It is an enormous body of water, perfectly serene and close to fathomless. Every time I see it, Crater Lake reminds of Thoreau and what he said about lakes in general: “(they are) the Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

11. The Oregon Coast – USA Route 101

For those who like to wear sandals and sweaters (at the same time).

• States : Oregon
• Start: Brookings
• End : Astoria
• Total Distance: 363 miles
• Best Part: Southern Oregon Coast

Having spent much of my life in Portland, I’ve been on more than a few road trips in Oregon and there’s a special place in my heart for the Oregon Coast.

When I needed to get away from the city and work, I would run away to the coast. When my girlfriend and I wanted a romantic dinner, we’d skip the restaurants and instead buy fresh oysters from the local fishermen in Netarts. To me, the coast was my playground, my church, and my home away from home.

I’m not the only person who loves the Oregon Coast though – lots of people go on vacation here to get away from the madness of their lives (including everyone’s favorite Midwestern melodist, Sufjan Stevens). Apparently, the charm of old coastal towns and the particular moodiness of a cool, cloudy day is not lost on the others.

Mine romanticizing aside, the Oregon Coast is just a beautiful place to visit. The Southern portion, around Bandon, Langlois, and Samuel H. Boardman, is particularly notable as the scenery around here – rocky towers, jagged promontories, and enormous cliffs – are quintessential.

Given how sheer flippin’ magnificent the Oregon Coast is, make sure you know what areas to stay in as you drive through!

12. The High Road to Taos

The magical highway to everyone’s favorite hippy town.

• State: New Mexico
• Start : Sante Fe
• Best Part: The old Spanish architecture

New Mexico is like the weird aunt that always drives up to the family gatherings in her converted VW bus and talks about gemstones all night long. Not that this is a bad thing: we all love them for doing this and hope they never change. After all, these conversations are far more interesting than the ones we have with that one overly conservative uncle (I’m alluding to you, North Dakota).

New Mexico loves art, culture, and the surrounding nature that, in turn, inspires art and culture. People from all over the country, whether native or tourist, are inspired by landscapes and old Indian pueblos of the state (even the esteemed George R.R. Martin has drawn inspiration from this landscape).

One of the best ways to experience the magic of New Mexico is via the High Road to Tao scenic byway. Starting from the city of Santa Fe and ending in Taos, this road trip not only connects two of the most artistic cities in the state, but it also features a lot of interesting stuff in between.

Chimayó makes for a very interesting stop thanks to its namesake church, which promises to heal the sick. The San Francisco de Asís Mission Church is one of the most iconic buildings in the American Southwest and could easily serve as a prop for Tarantino or Sergio Leone western.

Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

13. Texas Hill Country

The “green” part of texas.

• States: Texas
• Start : Austin
• End : Austin
• Total Distance: Depends
• Best Part : The natural pools

Texas isn’t just desert and oil fields; there is plenty of greenery around if you know where to look. In fact, there are heaps of waterfalls and grottos to be found! Texas Hill Country is full of hidden wonders that most would’ve never thought could be found arid ol’ Texas. If you’re looking for some top-notch hiking in the States and want to try some of the tastiest BBQ in the state, then consider going on a trip here.

Texas Hill Country roughly refers to the elevated areas west of Austin. Many roads that go through this area; to visit a decent chunk of it will require you to take many different routes.

Generally speaking, the best parts of Texas Hill Country are around Highway 290. Locally beloved waterholes like Hamilton Pool, Pedernales Falls, and Jacobs Well are all within about 30 minutes detour.

There are many BBQ joints and spirit distilleries spread throughout Hill Country as well. If you want some of the most legendary BBQ in Texas, be sure to drop by Cooper’s Old Time Pit in Llano.

Austin is a bit of an underrated gem, so check out our insider travel guide and make sure you experience it fully.

14. Beartooth Highway

One of the most beautiful highways in america.

• States: Wyoming, Montana
• Start : Red Lodge, Montana
• End : Wyoming/Montana border via US 212
• Total Distance: 69 miles
• Best Part : Arriving at Beartooth Pass

For being one of the prettiest roads in America, it’s amazing how few people have probably heard about the Beartooth. When talking about what to do in Wyoming, most people talk about staying in Yellowstone or the Tetons more than anything. (Rightfully so! Those places are spectacular in their own right!)

Yet, just 2 hours away from the center of Yellowstone lies this stunner of a road trip, so stunning some say that it could easily compete with the aforementioned national park. Not to be taken lightly, this road starts at 5000 ft and climbs to a maximum height of nearly 11,000 ft. By the time you reach Beartooth Pass, you’ll be driving through high-alpine plateau; barren, humbling, and, most of all, awe-inspiring.

The drive is the show-stealer here but there’s still lots to do outside of the car on the Beartooth Highway. Lakes for fishing, trails for hiking, and kitschy shops for souvenirs all abound. Though the drive itself only takes 2-3 hours, one could easily spend several days here. Don’t just look at this as a way to connect Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks; think of this route as a park to be explored onto itself.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

15. The Hana Highway

A must-do on your hawaiian vacation.

• State: Hawaii
• Start : Kahului
• End : Haiku-Pauwela
• Total Distance: 64 miles
• Best Part: Playing “Spot the Waterfall”

Some people find the word “highway” in Hana Highway to be a gross exaggeration. “This isn’t a highway!” they might say; “this is a crooked alley in the middle of the jungle!” Fair enough fictional angry tourist I say.

The Hana Highway is not a typical highway: it’s narrow, winding, and sometimes scary to drive on. What would normally take an hour to drive will take more like two or three. The road is so small that parking on the side of the road is very difficult; sometimes it even turns into a single lane of traffic.

But the Hana Highway is worth the extra effort, of course. Waterfalls are everywhere along this road trip; during heavy rain, falls may spring up out of nowhere (be careful in this case actually). That quintessential Hawaiin lushness will be omnipresent as you coast through different areas of Maui , and you’ll even the opportunity to visit the beach! Pullover at Waianapanapa State Park just before Hana to see one of the better beaches on the island.

If you end up doing this Hawaiin road trip, just be sure to leave Kahului with a full tank of gas and snacks. There isn’t a whole lot in the way of food and gas stations along the way.

To be honest, Hawaii is yummy, expensive, and worthy of a proper adventure. Check out our budget travel guide for Hawaii and extend your trip a bit longer !

16. Charleston to Savannah

Southern comfort at its finest.

• States: South Carolina, Georgia
• Start : Charleston, NC
• End : Savannah, GA
• Total Distance : 108 miles
• Best Part : Comparing the two cities

It’s a well-known fact that there’s a long-standing rivalry between the cities of Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. Both are competing against each other for the title of “most charming cities in the South” and the competition is fierce. Thanks to their close proximity, one could easily visit one on a weekend road trip!

Charleston is the smaller city; not so hectic and pretty down-to-Earth by many standards. It’s mostly known for its old plantations and Southern hospitality. A lot of people – especially the locals – like to say that Charleston is much more laidback than Savannah and consequently much more hospitable. You can find plenty of great Airbnbs in Charleston too, so it’s definitely a place to stop over for a bit longer.

Savannah, on the other hand, is the larger of the two cities. It was formerly and economic center of the region and, as such, expanded quite fast. The original Southern architecture is very well preserved, the best examples being the cobblestone streets themselves, the old-school neighborhoods of Savannah , and the nearby plantations. Fun fact: public drinking is also legal in Savannah, which does lead to the occasional, spontaneous block party 🙂

17. The Best of the American Southwest

Take a trip through one of the most beautiful parts of the usa.

• States : Nevada, Utah, Arizona
• Start: Las Vegas
• End : Las Vegas
• Total Distance: 1200 miles
• Best Part: Doing acid somewhere you love

This isn’t an established route; there is no single road that you’ll stay on over the course of this trip. What this is a collection of highways that together form without question one of the most phenomenal road trips around the USA.

The American Southwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the world; a dreamscape filled with surreal arches, bottomless canyons, and rocks painted by the passage of time. Hiking through the arid landscapes of Arizona or Utah is more fantasy than reality sometimes and, to me at least, a more appropriate place for Gods to inhabit than humans.

My mind reels when I think about how many wonders there are on this Southwestern road trip. The Grand Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, Antelope Canyon, Havasupai; all of these could be considered amongst the most beautiful places in the world. Yet, I haven’t even talked about the national parks of Utah either! Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, my god – it’s all too much to think about at once.

Love it or hate it, you’ll be visiting Las Vegas for this road trip, so you may as well make the most of it!

18. Route 61 – The Blues Highway

Visit some of the most significant musical sites in america.

• States: Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa , Wisconsin, Minnesota
• Start : New Orleans
• End : Wyoming (Minnesota)
• Total Distance: 1,400 miles
• Best Part: Finding out where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil

A good American road trip doesn’t ALWAYS have to be about pleasant scenery or heritage sites. Sometimes, all a good road trip takes is an appreciation for our musical forefathers and a really good playlist to go with it.

Route 61 is called the Blues Highway because it has been a part of so many American musicians’ lives. Bastions of classic American music, like Memphis, Des Moines , St. Louis, and the classic southern destination New Orleans are all connected by this road.

That means the greatest blues singers, rockers, country wailers, and more have all, at one point in their lives, driven on this road. It goes without saying that a lot of shit has probably happened here then.

Route 61 is full of interesting and sometimes strange attractions. The BB King Museum, Heartbreak Hotel, and some of the most hallowed music venues and concert halls in the country are all along this route.

The coolest place to visit on this USA road trip? The infamous “crossroads” where Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil for fame (at the intersection of Highway 1 and 8).

For a shorter version, road trippers can instead drive from New Orleans to Memphis and experience many of the same attractions.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

19. Seward Highway

A wild road trip in the usa’s most wild state.

• States: Alaska
• Start : Anchorage
• End : Seward
• Total Distance: 125 miles
• Best Part: The Kenai Fjords

Choosing between this and the George Parks Highway is a tough call. The option of seeing the monstrous Denali is possible with the latter, and that alone should be enough to entice people. But overall, the Seward Highway is probably the best road trip in Alaska .

Why is the Seward Highway great? Well, it’s not too long, not too far away from civilization, and it offers a little bit of everything. The drive itself is remarkable as you’ll be afforded views of both the Chugach Mountains and the rugged Alaskan coastline at the same time, plus a bear or two (or more) as well.

For those very adventurous folk, the Kenai Peninsula offers more than just road thrills. Kayaking in the fjords among the glaciers is available as is hiking in the Kenai Mountains. Just remember: if you do decide to go off into the wilderness, don’t forget to exhibit the usual bear safety.

Now things are getting wild! You’ll be starting with a stay in Anchorage so make sure you book an awesome place in an awesome spot… it’s cold up there!

20. Park Loop (Acadia National Park)

Rugged new england coastline.

• States: Maine
• Start : Hulls Cove Visitor Center
• End : Hulls Cove Visitor Center
• Total Distance: 27 miles
• Best Part : Sunset beers at Cadillac Mountain

Maine is one of the most popular road trip destinations on the East Coast during the summer. People travel here over the weekend from as far as New York City or Philadelphia in search of some far more positive vibes. The Maine coastline, long beloved for its lighthouses and sandy beaches, for one reason or another, has long been therapeutic to these city slickers.

When it comes to coastal routes, few can compare to the Park Loop at Acadia National Park. Towering conifers, fine beaches, and that rough coastline that defines New England are all featured here; all are accessible from your car. There are several hikes around that will take you to some pretty solid viewpoints as well. The sunset at Cadillac Mountain is particularly good with friends and brews.

Because everyone wants to travel to Maine these days, it can get pretty crowded during the summer. Traffic will be bad and accommodation will either be limited or expensive. Autumn, though only slightly less busy, is a nice time to visit because of foliage. Spring is a great time though you should definitely have a coat with you. Visiting in winter should only be for the mad or photographically-inclined.

BONUS: The Ultimate USA Road Trip (According to Science)

For niiieerrrdddsss (kidding).

• States : All 48 lower states
• Start: New York
• End : New York
• Total Distance: 13,700 miles
• Best Part: The end.

Does anyone remember when that viral image of the GREATEST ROAD TRIP ACROSS AMERICA EVER was making rounds on the web? How many people made plans to do the damn thing?

Admittedly, this road trip was more notable for its use of data, specifically using a genetic algorithm, which already sounds super cool. In lamens, this genetic algorithm allowed the whizzes behind this to see the greatest amount of American destinations with as little backtracking as possible.

So are you ready to tackle this bad boy? Are you really in the mood for the most epic USA road trip imaginable? Then put in that vacation time and pack the car up as much as you can. Don’t skimp on the Red Bull either – there are going to be a lot of long drives here folks.

With all of those competing companies and exorbitant deposits, renting a car in the USA can seem scary. Frankly, I don’t blame people if they ever felt intimidated in this country while trying to rent a car – there’s a real learning curve.

But booking a rental car can be much more manageable if you know a few things beforehand. Here’s what you need to know:

• You need a credit card to rent a car in America – They rental company will use it to take a deposit for the car.
• You have to be 18 – Even then, you’ll get charged more if you’re under 28. Younger drivers are seen as liabilities.
• Don’t book rental insurance with the rental company – Use a third party because they’re cheaper and have better protection. Rentalcover is a great choice.
• Do your research – Use search engines, like Rentalcars.com , to find the best prices. Sedans are usually the cheapest options. SUVs will cost much more.
• Gas prices are different in every state – Use ViaMichelin  to chart gas prices in each state. As a rule of thumb, gas is cheaper the closer you get to Texas and the South.
• Some credit cards offer rental insurance – Be sure to check if your credit card company will cover you in the case of an accident. If they do cover you, you’ll save heaps of money. You’ll need to book the car with THAT card to qualify, of course.
• Almost all American cars have automatic transmissions – I honestly think it might actually cost more to rent a manual…
• Check to see if there is a cleaning fee – If you made a small mess, most companies won’t charge you anything. Some shady ones will charge you a fortune for a gum wrapper though.

What to Pack for a Road Trip in the USA

First off: your road trip packing list is going to vary wildly depending on how long the itinerary is. If you’re just going for a weekend, then your list is going to be much trimmer and less demanding. But some road trips can last weeks or even months. If you’re like my friends, Kevin and Liz, you’ll eventually end up living out of your car at which point it may be time to consider investing in the vanlife .

When packing for a shorter road trip, go minimal . Take the essentials, like a roadside safety kit and some form of navigation for example, and then add more as needed. If you’re camping, take the appropriate gear. If you have a toddler, take a doona car seat stroller (it’s a seriously cool piece of engineering). If you want to save money, take lots of snacks and pre-made meals to avoid stopping at diners. Easy peasy.

On the other hand, if you’re planning a truly epic American road trip route, the likes of which would make Jack Kerouac or Alexander Supertramp jealous, then you’ll need much, much more stuff. I cannot cover everything in this single section of the article but I can suggest that you check out our road trip packing checklist for more ideas and suggestions.

Aside from knowing what to pack on your road trip in the USA, you’ll also need to know how to pack . If you have a lot of stuff, you will need to be conscious of how you organize everything, especially if you have a smaller, passenger-style vehicle. Get a system in place – use packing cubes and plastic bins to keep everything separated; bungee cables will be your best friends.

For more information on how to pack a car, check out this informative article at USA Today .

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

What to do in Case of Trouble while Road Tripping in the USA

It should go without saying that you need to be prepared for your road trip in the USA. I would like to make a friendly reminder here to do so. Prepare thyself before embarking on your asphalt odysseys by having the following, at a minimum: a roadside emergency kit and some form travel insurance for the USA . 

A lot can go wrong on a road trip: tires can pop, accidents can happen, engines can stutter and stop. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere because someone forgot to do something essential like change the oil could ruin your trip real fast.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

A roadside assistance kit will contain everything that you could need to fix small problems on the road. They can’t fix everything (you’ll need a mechanic for that) but at least you’ll be able to recharge a dead battery and arrest a bumper on the fly.

If the shit really hits the fan and your vehicle is really in trouble, that’s when the insurance comes in handy. If there’s a fatal problem with the car, trust me, it will be expensive, and having insurance means that you’ll have a bit of financial help.

Now you could invest in two types of insurance: regular travel insurance or special rental car insurance.

Some travel insurance providers provide basic vehicular coverage and will cover you in certain circumstances. World Nomads insurance is a good example. Granted, there is at times some fine print regarding who qualifies. For example, drivers from some US states cannot qualify for vehicular assistance with World Nomads. Always be sure to double-check.

If you want total protection, go with an independent rental insurance company like Rental Cover. Most offer excellent coverage at very reasonable rates, more so than the rental car company will give you.

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Share or save this post

Beartooth highway tops out at just shy of 11,000 feet…. not 8000.

Thanks for pointing this out. I’ve changed the detail now.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Vacation Travel Across America in 2024

Many travelers want to know " What is there to see and do while in America ?"

North America features hundreds of exciting vacation travel destinations, attractions, parks and resorts! Discover the open roads and scenic byways, and enjoy a cross-country trip on Route 66 The Mother Road and a quiet weekend journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway .

When cruising the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado or the Burr Trail in Utah, excitement lies around every curve.

For those planning a trip to Canada, be sure to read travel reviews of a recent tour of Victoria , one of the favorite destinations in British Columbia. And don't miss the popular Banff and Lake Louise areas in the Canadian Rockies.

Vacation and Travel Information on this Website

Travel guides on this website include first-hand travel experiences, personal road trip recommendations, travel tips, maps, lodging options and original photographs from popular travel vacations and destinations.

The vacation experiences on this website are designed to assist travelers in planning their ultimate travel itineraries.

This website also features travel guides, trip planners and reviews on the most popular national parks such as  Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other museums and monuments, such as Mount Rushmore .

Enjoy your 2024 vacation and travel adventure!

Scenic Roads

Travel on popular scenic roads around North America in 2024, such as Historic U.S. Route 66, the Loneliest Road in America, Going to the Sun Road, the Burr Trail and many more!. 

National Parks

Reviews, maps and photos of popular national parks such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yosemite, Death Valley and others. 

Popular Trips

Explore vacation ideas and tips for destinations across the USA, such as Newport, Juneau, San Diego, Santa Fe and Tucson.

View our travel map of popular travel destinations in 2024 across the United States and Canada.

Beach Vacations

Looking for an escape to the beach or seashore? Visit Destin, San Diego, Ocracoke, Kennebunkport, Sanibel, and other locales.

128 Staycations

Planning a trip close to home? Check out our list of 128 staycations around the country in 2024.

Trending Travel Spots in 2024

There is lots of new and popular content to explore on this website, like these trending 2024 articles and travel reviews ...

Favorite Road Trips Dalton Highway in Alaska Estes Park in Colorado Pikes Peak Highway Million Dollar Highway: U.S. 550 in Colorado Joshua Tree National Park Romantic Getaway Trips for Couples Top 10 Beach & Seashore Vacations Top Remote Vacation Travel Destinations in the USA Popular Vacation Ideas

SITE MAP | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE | CONTACT US

Copyright © 2024 • RoadTravelAmerica.com • All Rights Reserved

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2024

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 —find more travel inspiration here .

The reasons why we travel are as varied and divergent as the places we choose to visit. One day, we’re seeking natural landscapes that leave us breathless and adventures that push our boundaries; the next, we’re craving the slickest hotels and buzziest nightlife. In a region as vast as North America, boasting everything from undulating plains to mossy rainforests and towering peaks, the biggest question is: How does one choose?

Certainly, there’s the draw of what’s fresh. In Detroit , for instance, the much-anticipated Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park project will be a game changer for the city’s western riverfront come summer 2024; a short drive away, the iconic Bonstelle Theater will get reimagined as an event and bar space, ready for any reason to celebrate. In Riviera Nayarit, along Mexico ’s Central Pacific Coast, ritzy new hotels from the likes of Rosewood and St. Regis are adding a sheen of luxury to its laid-back surf beaches .

Equally, there’s novelty in the rebirth of old favorites. In Tucson, long a draw for foodies and backcountry adventurers, the culturally rich neighborhood of Barrio Viejo will receive a National Historic Landmark designation in 2024, anchored by the soon-to-be-restored Teatro Carmen and a flurry of upcoming restaurants and cafés. And over in Mobile, Alabama, a new Amtrak route will link the port city with its sibling-rival New Orleans , just in time for a year-long spotlight on its African American history and a new Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District.

But perhaps there’s nothing as filled with anticipation as the opportunity to forge a connection with untrammeled land—like in Nunavik, Quebec ’s northernmost region, where, in the year ahead, ​​Inuit-led adventures in the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay will offer priceless access to a bonanza of wildlife .

All that and so much more await in our list of the Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2024: the vibrant, pristine, and restorative destinations that celebrate this continent in all of its diversity. We hope you use it to plot your travels—and stumble upon entirely unique ways to enjoy them once you arrive. — Arati Menon

For the Best Places to Go in Central and South America, head here .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Barrio Viejo, Tucson, Arizona

Go for : a historic melting pot galvanized by delicious dining and cultural programming

Teatro Carmen, a historic performing-arts venue and important community gathering spot, will soon unveil a new look.

One-of-a-kind, hand-glazed tiles at the studio of local artist Carly Quinn—a must-visit when exploring Tucson's Barrio Viejo.

Sitting in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, on the ancestral lands of the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui tribes, Tucson has always drawn travelers looking for outdoor adventure. And now, they will have a whole new reason to visit: a revitalized downtown. In particular, Barrio Viejo, which has a significant mix of cultural influences, will receive a National Historic Landmark designation in 2024. Originally home to Mexican and Chinese immigrants, among others, the neighborhood boasts one of the largest concentrations of stylistically unchanged 1880s adobe buildings in the US, some of which have been converted into all-day cafés and restaurants. The new designation will likely light the fuse on even more restaurant and gallery openings.

Barrio Viejo is also where Tucson's oldest performing arts venue, the 300-seat Teatro Carmen , is currently being restored, with plans to reopen for live performances, film screenings, dining, and outdoor programming on its 8,000-square-foot patio. When in Barrio Viejo, shop for hand-glazed tiles at Carly Quinn Designs , sip a mesquite cold brew at Exo Roast Co. , or learn about agave spirits at Crisol Bar , all within walking distance from the cool new Leo Kent Hotel that opened in summer 2023.

A 20-minute walk away from Barrio Viejo, the Tucson Museum of Art marks its 100th anniversary in 2024 with an exhibition titled Time Travelers: Foundations, Transformations, and Expansions at the Centennial, which offers new interpretations of significant artworks collected by the museum over the past century, followed by the Arizona Biennial in October, which spotlights some of the most exciting new artists across the state—and all of that will be topped off by a celebratory centennial block party. — Amber Gibson

Big Sky, Montana

Go for : a new version of luxury in a beloved mountain resort

As Big Sky Resort readies itself for its 50th anniversary, a growing downtown and burgeoning five-star experiences bring new energy to the much-loved winter escape.

In 1973, Montana’s Big Sky Resort opened 44 miles south of Bozeman with 4 lifts and around 20 trails. Now, the resort is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with more than 300 runs and 38 state-of-the-art lifts (and weekly après-ski dance parties all season long)—the resort already boasts the most technologically advanced lift network in North America. The centerpiece of this celebration will be the new Lone Peak Tram debuting this winter and traversing the iconic 11,166-foot summit at 22 miles per hour, with views of Montana , Idaho , Wyoming , and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks waiting at the top.

In addition, over the last few years, nearly every hotel and restaurant at Mountain Village has undergone renovations, and Big Sky’s growing downtown provides plenty of watering holes and restaurants. Newer hotels like Montage Big Sky and the upcoming One&Only Moonlight Basin , scheduled for the winter of 2024-25, bring a five-star experience to the mountain—how much that impacts the delightfully rugged personality of the destination in a bigger way remains to be seen. Looking ahead, though, Big Sky Resort has also committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, with active work underway toward that goal: 100 percent of the resort’s electrical use has been carbon-free since 2021, and in summer 2023 the resort switched entirely to renewable diesel.

Development has also moved beyond Big Sky: About 70 miles away, Under Canvas Paradise Valley , near the north entrance to Yellowstone, debuted in July 2023. A tip: Combine a ski trip with a winter visit to Yellowstone and be rewarded with zero crowds. — Devorah Lev-Tov

Detroit, Michigan

Go for : a transformed waterfront, stylish downtown, and fresh digs

Detroit is creating its own blueprint for urban renewal—a revitalized waterfront, stylish hotels, and exciting new public spaces await.

The Motor City is making a comeback. In 2024, Detroit will welcome a host of new hotels, green spaces, and cultural attractions—not to mention the NFL Draft, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The highly anticipated Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park project, which the state likens to Chicago’s Millennium Park , will introduce new ways to play along Detroit’s western riverfront. Walking trails, a water garden, expansive playgrounds, and a sports center are among the park’s many features. Its goal—to give more Detroiters access to the outdoors—could be realized as soon as summer 2024.

Fresh digs like an AC Hotel, opening in midtown in 2024, put travelers in the heart of Detroit’s developments. The century-old Bonstelle Theater next door is getting its own facelift: the green-domed icon will reopen as an event and bar space alongside the AC Hotel (both the hotel and event space are expected to debut in time for the draft). Downtown’s Courtyard by Marriott in the Millennium Center will complete a $9.5 million renovation by 2024. And Corktown, Detroit’s oldest and arguably trendiest neighborhood, unveiled the hip new Godfrey Detroit, Curio Collection by Hilton in August 2023.

Other 2024 milestones catalyzing Detroit’s rebound: the completion of the $1.5 billion Hudson’s Site , a stylish downtown retail, residential, and dining hangout with a to-be-announced hotel; and the opening of the Ford-backed Michigan Central , a historic train depot turned innovation center featuring restaurants, retail, maker hubs, and public art. – Stephanie Vermillion

Go for : showstopping nature, secluded villas, and immersive wellness

New villas at six-star Secret Bay come with expansive views over the mountain peaks of Dominica and the Caribbean Sea.

Dominica's three lush national parks are rife with native birds like the blue-faced Amazon, not to mention show-stopping scenery.

Dominica doesn’t have to do much to impress. One look out of your plane as it approaches the eastern Caribbean country, with its blanket of lush rainforests and towering mountains, and you’ll understand why it’s called the Nature Island. With three national parks perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and swimming in crystal clear lakes—as well as black sand beaches and natural hot springs—there’s little that an outdoor enthusiast can’t do here.

In 2024, Dominica will make it even easier to enjoy its show-stopping landscape, as it builds towards a more sustainable future—the island’s first geothermal plant will be commissioned in 2025, and will dramatically reduce its dependence on fossil fuel energy. In the first half of 2024, Dominica will become home to the world’s longest cable car system, with a 4.1-mile long route transporting riders from Roseau Valley to the top of Boiling Lake in just 20 minutes for extensive island views. It follows the 2022 opening of the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, a 37-mile marine route that takes hikers through a vibrant coastline to the western side of the island.

On the hotel front, six-star, all-villa Relais & Châteaux Secret Bay recently unveiled eight new villas, an energy-efficient funicular that zips guests through lush rainforests, and a chef’s table experience set in the resort’s organic gardens. The waterfront Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort has also completed an $18 million renovation, adding 60 new rooms, an art gallery, and a retail space—a rooftop wellness garden and immersive experiences that include hiking and shore-diving will be ready for guests next year. — Kristin Braswell

Go for : new direct flights, luxe resorts, and a spicy carnival celebration

All-new direct flights will mean Grenada will get all the attention it deserves—perfectly timed for the luxury hotels and resorts that are on their way.

While it may have traditionally been overlooked in favor of, say, St. Barts or Turks and Caicos , Grenada has more than proven itself a worthy contender—especially for travelers based on the East Coast. Starting in November 2023, JetBlue is making it easier to get there, with the launch of a direct service from Boston to join existing nonstops out of JFK. Air Canada also recently ramped up service and now has up to four flights per week between Toronto and Grenada.

Several new hotels and resorts are also on their way. Six Senses has picked Grenada for its first resort in the Caribbean: La Sagesse is set to open in early 2024 and will spread out over 38 acres of land with unparalleled access to the ocean and a range of adventures, from shipwreck dives to waterfall trails. Also in January 2024, Beach House by Silversands will open its doors to a mix of 28 beachfront and cliffside villas and suites ( Silversands Resort opened on the island in 2018 and boasts a 100-meter infinity pool, said to be the longest in the Caribbean). Further out, IHG has broken ground on a 150-room, 30-private-suite resort that will sit next to Six Senses and is projected to open in 2025.

August is a popular time to visit: Spicemas, Grenada’s Carnival and the island’s largest cultural event, shimmies in during this time and brings with it weeks of parades, food, dancing, and performances. This year, JetBlue added a second daily flight from JFK during the days of the festival to accommodate the diaspora and the growing number of travelers heading to the Spice Island. Things are only going to get busier in 2024. — Madison Flager

Mobile, Alabama

Go for : an all-year celebration of the city’s African American history

Remembering the Avenue , an exhibition that enlists the local community to map the past and future for historic Davis Avenue, will run through 2024.

Clotilda: The Exhibition at the new Africatown Heritage House is part of a wave of significant new cultural programming in Mobile, Alabama.

Not since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast and damaged much of the railway infrastructure, have passenger trains rolled through Mobile, Alabama. That changes in 2024, when Amtrak officially unveils its Gulf Coast service, connecting the southern port city to New Orleans , Louisiana, with a string of charming Mississippi towns in between.

The long-awaited service is particularly well-timed for the flurry of recently unveiled and soon-to-come cultural moments in Mobile. July 2023 marked the opening of Clotilda: The Exhibition , a landmark show telling the story of the last ship carrying enslaved people (which arrived in to the US in 1860, 52 years after international slave trade was outlawed) through the lens of its survivors, as well as the story of the community they created, called Africatown. It’s one of a host of new sites aimed at honoring and interpreting the city’s African American history. Also among them, the Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park is planned for early spring 2024, with several public artworks, including one honoring the late labor leader and Civil Rights pioneer for which the pocket park is named. Located along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, it will be a gateway to the currently in-development Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District. On the same stretch, in 2023 the new Historic Avenue Cultural Center unveiled Remembering the Avenue , an exhibition in conjunction with the Alabama Contemporary Art Center that chronicles the history of Black Main Street through the lens of its community—and will run through 2024.

Mobile’s hotel landscape will get an update too. Though The Admiral originally opened its doors in 1940, the 156-room boutique hotel will unveil a top-to-bottom refresh in early 2024, with a new restaurant and reimagined communal spaces and rooms, including a jewel-toned palette inspired by the city’s Mardi Gras heritage. Speaking of, the country’s oldest Mardi Gras celebrates its 321st anniversary in 2024, floating through town—and tossing signature MoonPies along the way—and culminating in Fat Tuesday on February 13. — Regan Stephens

Nayarit, Mexico

Go for : design-forward stays amid breathtaking landscapes—and prime surf conditions

NICO is a new micro-hospitality concept in Sayulita designed to offer ocean and jungle views in every direction.

The stylish interiors of just five suites at NICO echo the laidback design found in the surrounding area of Riviera Nayarit.

From the manicured hills of Punta Mita to the laid-back surf beaches near Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit is poised to be one of the most enticing areas to visit in 2024. Extending for nearly 200 miles along Mexico's Central Pacific Coast, the region is full of natural wonders, from breathtaking cliffside perches to a dense jungle canopy where jaguars and sea turtles flourish. And while Riviera Nayarit was once known for its sleepy fishing villages and off-grid surf breaks, it’s now synonymous with luxury thanks to newcomers such as Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita , which opened at the end of 2022, and bespoke boutique properties like NICO , a new five-suite, micro-hospitality concept in Sayulita that opened in 2023.

Development shows no sign of slowing in the year ahead. Fresh off a multimillion dollar renovation is W Punta de Mita , which is also scheduled to debut the restaurant Rubra , by celebrated Mexican chef Daniela Soto-Innes, sometime this winter. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is also set to put the finishing touches on an ambitious refresh, spearheaded by Guadalajara-based designer Bibiana Huber, which includes a refresh of the resort’s 120 guest rooms, suites, and villas, as well as its restaurants and Remède Spa.

Further north, the Rosewood Mandarina is slated to welcome guests by the end of 2024. The property joins the 600-acre One&Only Mandarina development as Rosewood’s fourth property in Mexico. The resort will be situated amid lagoons, rivers, volcanoes, abundant vegetation, and almost 200 miles of beach along the Pacific Ocean. Beyond 2024, the region will welcome the Montage Punta Mita and Pendry Punta Mita , as well as an Edition which plans to offer 120 guest rooms, a sophisticated spa, and a robust culinary program overlooking the Pacific Ocean between the towns of Sayulita and San Pancho. — Michaela Trimble

Northwest Territories, Canada

Go for : unmatched stargazing through an Indigenous lens

The Northwest Territories, with its clear skies and flat lands, is made for sky-gazing vacations—in 2024, a rare solar maximum will bring further delight.

In the Northwest Territories , traditions have roots as ancient as the land itself. The region is inhabited by 33 Indigenous communities, each possessing a unique tapestry of history, culture, and sacred sites—and all awaiting exploration. Embark on an unforgettable journey with  Narwal Northern Adventures , where guests set out on a twilight voyage up the Yellowknife River in a 29-foot canoe, as the aurora illuminates the sky above. Alternatively, opt for the wildlife experience offered by  Beaufort Sea Adventures , kayaking alongside bearded seals while immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Inuvialuit people along the shores. For those craving an adventure on solid ground, join  Weber Arctic  who operates in the greater area, for a wildlife safari that promises spotting Canada’s “Big Five:” polar bear, caribou, moose, musk ox, and wood bison.

While the Northwest Territories has long captivated the hearts of Northern Lights enthusiasts thanks to its perfect combination of clear nights and flat landscape, in 2024 it promises to further delight with a rare solar maximum. This celestial phenomenon occurs over a period of 11 years, and 2024 marks the zenith of solar activity observable from Earth, making it the perfect time for a sky-gazing vacation . Embark on an aurora journey through an Indigenous lens with North Star Adventures , B. Dene Adventures , or Aurora Village to explore their spiritual connection with the skies—some Indigenous peoples believe the lights are spirits of ancestors—and see the jeweled hues dance across the sky, which they do, on average 240 nights of the year. — Megan Honan

Quebec, Canada

Go for : off-the-beaten-track nature and cultural immersion

Come summer, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will explore unpopulated islands like Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay.

From musk ox sightings to some of the highest tidal elevations, Quebec's northernmost regions offer unparalleled natural immersion.

The largest of Canada’s 10 provinces, Quebec offers a vast stage for wide-ranging Indigenous-led experiences, from sipping beer at a Mohawk-run brewery near the US border to polar bear–watching with Inuit guides in the far north. Nunavik, Quebec’s northernmost region and homeland of the Inuit, has long been off most travelers’ radars, but new experiences offer immersion into both nature and culture.

Starting in summer 2024, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will offer five-day adventures to the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay. There, visitors will be able to spot wildlife from polar bears to musk ox and caribou, as well as experience some of the highest tidal elevations in the world. Even more wildlife-viewing experiences will become available in the summer when the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation opens the Putep 't-awt observation site, providing a one-of-a-kind land-based location to view a beluga whale nursery on the St. Lawrence River.

Visitors to the Quebec City region can look forward to refreshed experiences in the Huron-Wendat community of Wendake, where, in summer 2023, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations opened 24 new and renovated suites, and Sagamité restaurant in Old Wendake reopened after a nearly five-year closure and with plans to add a microbrewery and pub in 2024. While you’re in Quebec, definitely don’t miss the Contemporary Native Art Biennial , which will be held across Montreal throughout the year. — Karin Gardiner

Go for : Indigenous design spotlights, a brand new museum, and the 100th anniversary of a beloved cultural event

Old Man Gloom meets his fiery end at the Burning of the Zozobra, Santa Fe's beloved annual cultural event that turns 100 in 2024.

Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film Oppenheimer may have sparked new interest in Santa Fe , the closest town of note to Los Alamos, but the New Mexican capital has held its own for centuries. One of the oldest cities in the country, it’s known for its adobe-style architecture, storied arts institutions (including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ), and vibrant mix of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures.

Fresh art and cultural programming with an emphasis on Indigenous efforts makes 2024 a banner year to visit. From May 2 to 5, the Southwestern Association for American Indian Arts will launch the inaugural Santa Fe Indigenous Fashion Week to showcase Indigenous designers, artists, and runway models. Indigenous Art Fair Contemporary , a gallery show spotlighting present-day Native American art, is slated to roll out August 15 to 18 as well, timed to the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market; and a two-block walk away, FaraHNHeight , a Native American–, First Nations–, and Indigenous-forward gallery, is new on the scene and well worth a visit. Travelers visiting before the end of April can catch “Shadow and Light,” the debut exhibition at Vladem Contemporary , the first major museum building to open in The City Different in more than a decade. (Part of the New Mexico Museum of Art , the 38,000-square-foot space is the latest anchor to join the Santa Fe Railyard arts district.)

Furthermore, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Burning of the Zozobra , a beloved cultural tradition that brings to mock-trial a 50-foot effigy known as Old Man Gloom. The marionette, which is stuffed with paper “glooms” such as old love letters, speeding tickets, and divorce summons, is dramatically set ablaze after dark—a moment of catharsis that encourages locals and visitors alike to release their worries and start anew. — Ashlea Halpern

Upstate New York

Go for : bucolic lodging, winter adventures, and exceptional stargazing

Exceptional new lodgings like Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection make the Hudson Valley a top draw for travelers from further afield.

Sought out year-round for its vibrant small towns, nature preserves, culinary hot spots—and its proximity to New York City —the region is humming with new opportunities for travelers to surrender themselves to its legendary landscapes in 2024.

In the Hudson Valley , New York State Parks will celebrate the centennial of the founding of the statewide park and historic-site system. Community events and special performances are on the calendar, plus discounts on park admission fees and new opportunities to volunteer. Also in 2024, the much-loved Storm King Art Center debuts new hospitality pavilions, a conservation and fabrication facility, and ADA-accessible pathways. And in the summer, the 160-acre Klocke Estates will open its doors, with artisanal brandy and stunning views of the Catskills.

When it comes to exceptional lodgings, the Hudson Valley has seen a wave of hospitality projects since 2020. From Inness , the chic all-in-one getaway in Accord, to Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, a bucolic escape in the shadow of the iconic Shawangunk Mountains, the region has gone from being a New Yorker-favorite to a top draw for travelers from further afield. And there are fresh digs to look forward to in the year ahead. The Front Boutique Hotel in Port Jervis is opening in May with a 120-seat restaurant and easy access to 50 miles of trails; and in the spring, famed wellness haven The Ranch opens its first East Coast property.

About three hours away by car, the Adirondacks ' towering peaks replace the Hudson river valleys. Its majestic forests, farmlands, mountains, and meadows make up a fifth of the state, and the region will be in the path of totality of April’s solar eclipse. Go stargazing at the Adirondack Sky Center , or use the website of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism for self-guided viewing. You can also walk, bike, snowshoe, or snowmobile along the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail , which will be completed over the course of 2025. And on Whiteface Mountain, one of the five Adirondack High Peaks, a detachable quad lift launching just in time for ski season allows you to access more slopes than ever before. For a peaceful getaway, stay at the Lodge at Schroon Lake , which reopened in June 2023 after an extensive $21 million renovation, or NewVida Preserve , a new members club meets traveler’s oasis on 2,000 acres with 360-degree mountaintop views. — Robin Catalano

Washington D.C.

Go for : a transformed dining scene led by culinary heavy hitters

The Square, an ambitious food hall, is aiming to flip the script on DC's dining scene.

Oysters, crab cakes, and cocktails are on the menu at Cashion’s Rendezvous in The Square.

The year of 2023 was a blockbuster for the culinary landscape of Washington, DC . In February, The Bazaar by José Andrés debuted at the Waldorf Astoria , with a menu of American classics intended as an homage to the capital’s history. In July, Chef Makoto Okuwa’s fast-casual Japanese food hall, Love, Makoto , unveiled its sprawling space in the East End, near Chinatown, with a sushi bar, a yakiniku, and a sake-and-snack-dishing izakaya. The same month, Death & Co . brought its meticulously crafted libations to the city, aptly located in the spot that had been home to now shuttered local favorite Columbia Room. Stephen Starr’s latest, El Presidente , opened its doors in September, as did The Square , a 25,000 square-foot food hall that dishes out tacos, oysters, gumbo, and everything in between, and is helmed by restaurant veterans Richie Brandenburg and Rubén Garcia.

The hits keep rolling in. This winter, Keith McNally & Stephen Starr will bring New York City hot spot Pastis to the city’s vibrant Union Market neighborhood, which will also become home to McNally’s Minetta Tavern this winter. Next year, Palestinian chef Michael Rafidi of Michelin-starred Albi fame will be opening La’ Shukran, a restaurant and rooftop bar, in Union Market. Another outpost of his casual eatery Yellow will follow. And über-buzzy chef Kwame Onwuachi , who currently helms Tatiana (one of New York City’s most impossible-to-get tables), will partner with Salamander Hotels & Resorts on a new dining concept at its waterfront property , expected to begin service in the spring. Whatever follows, and plenty will, is only likely to punch up DC’s reputation as an exciting culinary destination—with ambition to match. — Rima Suqi

Recommended

Thompson Denver

The Oxford Hotel

North America Travel Guide

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Where are you flying from?

• London Heathrow
• Manchester International
• Inverness Airport
• Cardiff Airport
• Norwich Airport
• Humberside Airport
• London City Apt
• Belfast International
• Bristol Airport
• Teesside Airport

Fly direct from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic during our seasonal service.

From 27th October 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate daily flights to the Maldives.

Book your holiday today!

From 26th October 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate daily flights to Dubai.

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 4 direct flights, will operate until the 19th May 2024.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 28th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Flights include a short touchdown in Barbados.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 29th March 2024. From the 2nd April, this service will reduce to Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Our seasonal service will recommence on the 29th October 2024, with flights operating on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 3 direct flights, will operate until the 11th May 2024. Flights will commence from 23 May 2024 - 24th October 2024 on Thursdays and include a short touchdown.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 29th October 2024.

Daily direct flights from London Gatwick to New York with our partner airline, Delta, operates between 10th April and 26th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service with direct flights, will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays until the 30th March 2024.

Our direct service will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the 2nd April 2024.

Our new direct, daily Virgin Atlantic service to Toronto commences 30th March 2025

1 room / 2 adults

Please enter all child ages

There must be 1 adult per child under two years of age travelling, please adjust your passenger number

To book online please select a maximum of 9 passengers, to book 10 adults or more please call 0344 557 3978

Please note: Drivers must be over the age of 21 to hire a car unless otherwise specified. Drivers between 21 and 24 years of age may be subject to additional costs.

Holidays in the USA

Float into an american dream, usa from  £660pp.

The USA is a cultural powerhouse where everything is big and bold, from the buildings, to the smiles, to the food!

From the beautiful beaches of California, to the made-for-movie skylines of New York or Vegas, there really is something for every kind of traveller. Kids (both big and small) will love Florida's world-famous theme parks, while nature-lovers will be bowled over by canyons, sand dunes, rivers and mountain ranges. For a slice of true American culture, visit a laid-back jazz club in the Deep South, check out the iconic historical landmarks of DC or go see a baseball game in Boston.

The USA promises a range of truly unique and diverse experiences for everyone who visits, so wherever you go and whatever you do, you'll be sure to have a trip of a lifetime.

Which part of the USA is right for you...

Best for shopping...

• New York  has everything you need, from the glamour of 5th avenue to the premium outlets at Woodbury Common. Make sure you leave some space in your case!
• In Boston  there's no sales tax on clothing under $175, so you can get even more for your dollar

Best for family fun...

• From the magic of  Walt Disney World  Resort to the hair-raising 'coasters of Universal Orlando Resort,  Orlando  is full of fun to be had
• With tons of family magic at  Disneyland  Resort and world-class thrills at Knott’s Berry Farm®, LA is a great alternative for theme park thrills

Best for music...

• Austin  is known as the 'live music capital of the world', so you won't have a problem finding a bar in which to dance the night away
• In Las Vegas  there's plenty of resident performers, all on one street! From pool parties with big-name DJ's to evening concerts from some legends!

Best for beaches...

• West Coast is the best coast when it comes to sun, sea and sand, Visit  Los Angeles and hit up Santa Monica or Pismo Beach for a beach day
• Fly to  Tampa  and take the short drive to Clearwater or St Pete's beeach, both of which are in the top 25 beaches in the US!

Best for foodies...

• If you're a seafood lover then you will love  San Francisco . Enjoy clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf as you look out over the bay
• With Little Italy, Chinatown, and plenty more countries within a city, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food in  New York

Best for history...

• Atlanta  is home to Martin Luther King Junior’s birthplace, and the historic site will leave you fascinated 
• Home of the White House and an array of iconic memorials, Washington, DC  is a political and cultural powerhouse of the USA.

So where will it be...

Holidays in New York

Holidays in Las Vegas

Holidays in California

Holidays in the Deep South

Holidays in New England

Holidays in Washington, DC

Holidays in Boston

Holidays in Hawaii

Holidays in Texas

Holidays in Chicago

Holidays in Seattle

Holidays in Utah

Holidays in Arizona

Holidays in Bryce Canyon

On a budget?

Visiting New York City can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it's no secret that the city can be expensive. However, with careful planning and smart decision-making, you can make the most of your trip without emptying your wallet. We've got the hints and tips to turn your dream holiday into a budget-friendly reality.

Multi-destination holidays

Can't make your mind up on one place - then don't! It's a big, beautiful world – and we're here to help you see more of it. Our twin and multi-centre holidays make it easy to visit more than one place in a single trip. Experience several stunning destinations during your trip with our multi-destination holiday packages and get ready for a jam-packed adventure.

Best of the west

• 4 nights in  San Francisco
• 4 nights in  Las Vegas
• 4 nights in Los Angeles

From the Big Apple to Sin City

• 4 nights in  New York
• 4 nights in Las Vegas

Three cities in one

• 4 nights in New York
• 3 nights in Las Vegas
• 4 nights in San Francisco

See more multi-destination itineraries

Hotels in the USA

See our USA hotel special offers

The United States of Awesomeness: Highlights of the USA

A trip to the States is a big tick on the bucket list. From taking a road trip along the iconic Route 66 to catching the  sights in NYC  and taking in  Florida 's stunning Gold Coast, there are always new places to discover and experiences to be had.

Make treasured memories with the family at a thrill-fuelled theme park in  Orlando . Relax on a honeymoon to  Hawaii . Stay up all night in  Vegas . Whenever you decide to go, whoever you decide to travel with, take holidays to the USA at your own pace.

You’d be hard-pushed to visit every famous landmark in the USA in your lifetime – and we can guarantee that at least one of these breath-taking sights has made its way onto your must-see list.

Las Vegas Strip

Take in the famous casinos and theatres and stop by the Bellagio for a view of the world-famous fountains.

Grand Canyon

If you go to Las Vegas, you have to take in the natural wonder of the gigantic Grand Canyon. You can either rent a car or book yourself onto a helicopter tour.

Golden Gate Bridge

Opt to walk the 1.5-mile stretch rather than drive for the best views. If you’re trying to pack a lot in, rent bikes and cycle across.

Statue of Liberty

No trip to NYC is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty. Either take the full tour, or book the Circle Line Cruise to get close for photo ops without leaving the boat.

The White House

When in Washington DC, the White House is a must-do. Tour tickets are difficult to obtain for non-US nationals, but you can get a good close-up from Pennsylvania Avenue.

Hollywood sign

The best place to see the famous Hollywood sign is to head to Griffith Park where there are plenty of hiking trails from the Observatory car park.

Holidays to America aren’t all about shopping in NYC and shows in Vegas – there are plenty more quirky attractions and buzzing cities to see off the usual tourist trail.

The Freedom Trail

Brush up on your knowledge of the American Revolution and take the Freedom Trail along 16 of Boston's most important historic sights.

Lady Bird Lake

Part of the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake is the perfect place to enjoy Austin's 300 days of sunshine. Hike, bike, paddle board or hop on a sunset cruise.

Napa Valley

Visit the USA's most famous wine region. Bask in the Californian sunshine, have a tour of a vineyard and, of course, sample a glass (or three) of delicious wine. 

As the largest alpine lake in North America, this expanse of blue that straddles the California and Nevada border is a sight to behold.

If your idea of the perfect break involves sun and sea air, holidays to the USA have plenty to offer with golden coastlines and white sand beaches.

The ultimate tropical beach destination. Head to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for snorkelling – the fish swim close to the shore, so there's plenty to see.

La Jolla Shores Park in a picturesque natural beauty spot ideal for hiking. Follow the Coastal Trail for views of the Pacific Coast. If you're lucky, you might spot some harbour seals.

With historic lighthouses and stunning vistas, Cape Cod joins the USA’s list of best seaside spots. Aside from top seafood and whale watching tours, ferry cruises to Martha's Vineyard and the dune-fringed beaches of Nantucket make for a top-notch coastal escape. 

Laguna Beach

As one of Orange County’s most stylish towns, Laguna Beach boasts one of the best beaches on the California coast.

The USA is home to a range of world-class skiing destinations, whether you're a seasoned pro or heading to the slopes for the first time. Teach your family the sport or master the art of après-ski with friends at one of these destinations:

Lake Tahoe hosts the stunning ski resorts of Heavenly and Squaw Valley. Stay at the luxurious Harrahs for breath-taking views of the lake at sunset.

New England

In New England, you can look forward to 1,845 kilometres of slopes: the ski resorts are served by 459 ski lifts. You will be sure to find your favourite!

Mammoth Mountain

If you want to tie in a visit to the slopes and the coast, try California's Mammoth Mountain where crystal clear lakes and bright blue skies frame the slopes.

Whether it’s exploring dramatic coastlines, being entertained on the Strip or dining at high altitude in one of the lesser-explored cities, our package holidays to America have something to offer everyone. Plan your trip today and book at one of our  USA hotels .

Customers who like the USA also like...

10 of the best road trips in the USA

Jan 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Take to the open road and discover a different side to the USA monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

While a plane may get you there faster, road-tripping across the US is one of the most iconically American things you can do.

Get up close and personal with the country’s most striking landscapes – dense eastern forests, windswept plains, red rock canyons, dramatic Pacific coastlines – and make pit stops at some of its most famous cities all in one go.

Crisscrossed with an extensive network of pretty well-maintained highway systems, the US is remarkably easy to traverse by car . Some distances may be long, but gas, food and accommodations are largely easy to come by (except in some of the most rural locales), and a set of wheels gives you the freedom to do extra side quests along the way.

Here’s a list of our favorite routes across America’s wide open spaces, along with some tips on how to make the most of your journey.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Best road trip for Pacific views San Diego–Seattle; 1600 miles; 8–12 days

The Pacific Coast Highway delivers one of the US’ most iconic road trip experiences, linking together the West Coast’s most notable metropolises, quirky California beach towns, ancient redwood forests, and the dramatic capes and pools of the Pacific Northwest . The route includes Hwy 1, Hwy 101 and I-5, starting in San Diego ; it winds up the coast through LA , Big Sur , San Francisco and Redwood National & State Parks , eventually terminating in Seattle .

Planning tip: Always check for road closures, particularly in the Big Sur area, where rockslides are common along the sea cliffs.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

Best Appalachian road trip Cherokee, NC–Waynesboro, VA; 469 miles; 2–5 days

This spectacular route takes you through the heart of the US’ oldest mountain range, delivering view after view of rolling green mountains chock full of enchanting hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, ancient rock formations and prolific wildlife. The Parkway – part of the NPS system – begins adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and passes through the spectacular Pisgah National Forest, a number of state parks and recreation areas, and Roanoke, VA, before ending at the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park .

Detour: In addition to state and national parks , many one-off hikes originate along the parkway. Consult trail maps to avoid missing some of Appalachia’s top routes.

3. Route 66

Best road trip for American kitsch Chicago–Los Angeles; 2250 miles; 1–2 weeks

Nicknamed the Mother Road, Route 66 has permanently ingrained itself in the international psyche as the original US road trip. Starting in Chicago , it crosses eight different states and connects travelers to national parks, weird-but-wonderful roadside attractions and tons of vintage Americana.

Planning tip:  The route can be driven in pieces or all at once, but we suggest allotting plenty of time to explore – distances are long, and the activities are numerous.

4. Natchez Trace

Best road trip for Southern history Pasquo, TN–Natchez, MS; 444 miles; 2–3 days

The path for the Natchez Trace was originally carved not by humans, but by buffalo that wandered the region from middle Tennessee to Natchez, MS. Indigenous hunters and traders soon followed, and later the route became a full-fledged thoroughfare for European colonists, soldiers and dignitaries. Today, a trip down the Trace yields gorgeous scenery, historic towns and the experience of traveling one of the most storied roads in the country.

5. Florida Highway 1

Best road trip for Gulf Coast culture Amelia Island–Key West; 475 miles; 6 days

Florida’s Hwy 1 runs the length of the state’s Atlantic Coast before banking east at Miami  and ending in stunning Key West . This sublime multi-day journey takes you through tons of Florida ’s most iconic stops: historic St Augustine , windswept Canaveral National Seashore , Nascar-fueled Daytona, laid-back Fort Lauderdale and the glam and glitter of Miami and South Beach.

Planning tip: Hurricane season lasts from June through October – with the most active months being August and September – and has the potential to significantly affect Florida. If you’re visiting during this window, keep your eyes on the forecast.

6. Badlands – Black Hills Loop

Best road trip to experience the Great Plains Badlands National Park–Badlands National Park; 330 miles; 2 days

If you want to get a taste of how expansive the Great Plains really are, head to South Dakota for this fascinating road trip through a state of huge ecological and cultural importance. Start your trip at the mind-bendingly beautiful Badlands National Park before looping over to the Black Hills, home to the Crazy Horse Memorial , Mt Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park . Along the way, take in views of thriving buffalo herds, fascinating rock formations and plenty of rolling hills.

7. San Juan Skyway

Best road trip for Rocky Mountain peaks Durango–Durango; 236 miles; 1–3 days

The San Juan Skyway delivers some of the Rockies ’ biggest views in high definition. This route – which includes the renowned Million Dollar Highway – leapfrogs across central Colorado’s mountainous core connecting Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Mesa Verde National Park , known for the cliff dwellings left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans.

Whether you’re a history buff, ski bum, landscape photographer or simply someone who enjoys a thrilling drive, San Juan Skyway has something for you.

Planning tip: A fact that can be deduced by its name, the San Juan Skyway runs through high-altitude terrain, and that makes road conditions somewhat unpredictable, particularly during shoulder season. Always check for closures or local warnings before heading out.

8. Richardson Highway

Best road trip for Alaska outdoors Fairbanks–Valdez; 364 miles; 2–4 days

No road trip list would be complete without a journey through the country’s largest, northernmost state. The Richardson Highway, Alaska’s oldest highway, connects Fairbanks with Valdez, winding past dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers and giving travelers a front seat to some of the country’s most jaw-dropping natural attractions. Be sure to make pit stops for hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting.

9. Scenic Byway 12

Best road trip through red rock country Bryce Canyon National Park–Capitol Reef National Park; 122 miles; 1 day

Southern Utah feels like an entirely different planet, and this backroads route takes you through the best scenery this geologically diverse state has to offer. Start your journey in the town of Panguitch – right outside of Bryce Canyon – and follow the road through red rock canyons, historic towns and pine forests until you finish your journey in Torrey, gateway to Capitol Reef National Park , one of the west’s best-kept secrets.

Detour: From Torrey, it’s an easy 2.5-hour drive to Moab , Canyonlands and Arches , making these routes the best way to see Utah’s Big 5 . And the road itself takes you through some amazing lunar-like scenery that contrasts sharply with the red rocks – wild.

10. Coastal New England

Best road trip for Atlantic maritime vibes New York City–Portland, ME; 430 miles; 3–5 days

Prep yourself for seafood chowder, picturesque oceanside towns and all the lobster you can handle – this coastal New England trip will definitely help you find your sea legs. Start in New York City and make your way north along the coast, stopping to enjoy the lovely beaches in Rhode Island , Massachusetts’  wealth of historical heavy hitters and New Hampshire’ s lighthouses before arriving in culinary-minded Portland, ME .

This article was first published May 22, 2019 and updated Jan 5, 2024.

Explore related stories

Jun 2, 2024 • 12 min read

Go through all of Utah’s "Mighty 5" national parks - Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches - on this epic road trip.

May 28, 2024 • 8 min read

May 27, 2024 • 7 min read

May 5, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 11 min read

Apr 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 10, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 29, 2024 • 6 min read

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best
• World's Best Awards 2024

This City Was Voted Best in the U.S. for the 12th Straight Year by T+L Readers, Who Say It ‘Can Compete With Any European Capital’

See the No. 1 pick and 14 more top cities in the United States, according to our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2024.

How Voting Works

What readers loved.

• The Full List

Wherever Travel + Leisure readers go in the United States, they look for cities with palpable history, walkable downtowns, regional cuisine, and robust cultural and artistic institutions. Many states in the South and West were highly represented this year, but readers did recognize a few classic Northeast destinations this year. One characteristic that seemed to capture readers’ hearts, no matter the destination? A strong identity, and a sense that the city was unlike others elsewhere in the country.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Sights/landmarks
• Friendliness

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. 

Readers rewarded past favorites like Chicago (No. 9), Honolulu (No. 4), and New Orleans (No. 9), all of which returned to the list, and once again showed their love for Charleston, which ranked No. 1 for the 12th year in a row. But for the first time, Annapolis (No. 12) and Aspen (No. 10) appeared in the rankings, indicating that readers are increasingly drawn to new regional culture and outdoor hubs. New Mexico and Texas also had a strong showing this year — each state claimed two spots on the list, for Sante Fe and Taos, and Fort Worth and San Antonio, respectively. 

The Full List 

1. Charleston, South Carolina

The Holy City earned the top spot yet again, thanks to its combination of historic architecture, walkability, and Southern hospitality — and, as many readers noted, its unbeatable culinary scene. “Charleston can compete with any European capital for its arts, entertainment, active lifestyle, and food,” said one voter. Many visitors noted that they had come to the city several times for different types of trips, such as couples’ weekends, family vacations, or friends’ getaways, and that they found new things to experience each time. Another reader chimed in that Charleston was, “a great example of a city that holds to their roots, but also strives to be current and welcoming to everyone.”

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 87.99

2. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

This artsy Southwestern destination has ranked high on our list for nearly 20 years, and it’s not just because of the 320 days of sunshine it receives each year, though it certainly doesn’t hurt. “Santa Fe is like its own country within a country,” gushed one reader. “It’s such a unique blend of culture and history that you don’t see in the rest of the USA.” Another visitor called its downtown, with Pueblo-style buildings and independent galleries, “a photographer's dream and a shopper's delight.”

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 87.43

3. Savannah, Georgia

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

Readers adore Savannah for its leafy parks, great shopping, carriage rides, and cemetery tours. “This is one of my family's favorite cities,”said one reader, adding “We try to get to Savannah and Tybee Island each year.” The Starland District, in particular, is thriving these days, with the debut of Hotel Bardo and must-visit restaurants like Brochu’s Family Tradition.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 85.27

4. Honolulu, Hawaii

okimo/Getty Images

This island capital earned top marks for the natural beauty of its beaches, volcanoes, and hiking trails. But travelers also praised its shopping and Native Hawaiian traditions. “Aloha spirit abounds!” explained one visitor. “You can relax, go to a luau, go for a hike, go shopping, dive with turtles and dolphins. There is something for everyone.” Another traveler appreciated their interactions with locals, saying, “The people are the friendliest I have found on any of my travels, and the culture is mesmerizing.”

Reader Score: 85.17

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

“It is ALL about food and drink in NOLA,” declared one reader. It’s a sentiment that’s widely shared — visitors most often praise the city’s eclectic mix of cuisines (like Creole, Vietnamese, Filipino, and barbeque) and its legendary bars and restaurants. Many travelers also appreciated the city’s laid-back vibe (it is the Big Easy, after all.) “New Orleans is a great walking around, let's-pop-into-this-place-kind-of-city,” according to one visitor. Others noted its superb history tours, festivals, and markets.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 84.53

6. San Antonio, Texas

dszc/Getty Images

Historic sites like the Alamo and the Mission are two notable entry points into this south Texas city. But contemporary attractions also abound — Museum Reach, a three-mile pedestrian park along the San Antonio River, has many public art installations. Readers also love strolling along the River Walk, which one reader said was “probably one of the nicest places we have ever visited in the States. It was exceptionally maintained and absolutely beautiful.”

Reader Score: 83.20

7. Fort Worth, Texas

benedek/Getty Images

“Cosmopolitan meets ranch” is how one reader described this thriving metropolis, whose slogan is “Where the West Begins.” Though Fort Worth retains its cowboy image with one of the country’s best rodeos and a daily cattle drive through the streets of the stockyard district, it’s not all ten-gallon hats — the cultural institutions, such as The Kimbell Art Museum, are world-class. “There are almost 20 theaters. You can attend the ballet, the opera, and symphony orchestra concerts,” noted one visitor.

Reader Score: 83.19

8. New York, New York

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

The city that never sleeps lives up to its name: from Broadway shows, to iconic museums, to next-level shopping, to some of the world’s best restaurants, you’ll never be bored in the Big Apple. As one reader summed it up: “What can one say that hasn't already been said? NYC is a great place to visit. Costly, yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Reasonably clean? Yes. Fun? That goes without saying.”

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 83.16

9. Chicago, Illinois

tunart/Getty Images

Whether you want to take in some of America’s great architecture on a Chicago River tour, catch a baseball game at Wrigley Field, or find the best deep-dish, you can do it all in this dynamic, walkable city, which also received praise for its easy-to-navigate public transportation. “I love Chicago. The food, the sports. Did I mention the food? From a cultural perspective it’s fantastic because of how many people are from all over the world. Multiple parts of town have different vibes that keep it fresh and exciting to visit,” said one reader.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 82.44

10. Aspen, Colorado

DCrane08/Getty Images

While this mountain town is mostly known for its first-rate skiing (and celebrity-spotting at Hotel Jerome,) T+L readers also noted its year-round appeal and spectacular scenery. From hitting the trails, to checking out the renowned Baldwin Gallery, to having a drink at the legendary Woody Creek Tavern, readers found Aspen to be “a very well-rounded town full of great shops, museums, and restaurants.”

Reader Score: 82.41

11. Taos, New Mexico

Mona Makela Photography/Getty Images

This small city packs a punch. Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it’s an adventure paradise for hiking and skiing, as well as rafting the Rio Grande. It’s also home to Taos Pueblo, a 1,000-year old continually inhabited Adobe community, and a rich Indigenous culture. Readers were also charmed by the town’s many independent galleries and shops. “Taos is for athletes, artists, and open minded travelers,” said one reader.

Reader Score: 81.36

12. Annapolis, Maryland

Richard T. Nowitz/Getty Images

Appearing on our list for the first time, this coastal city — known as “the sailing capital of the United States”— received top marks not only for its nautical charms, but also its historic sites, walkable downtown, and of course, crab cakes. Annapolis is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy, and many readers touted football games as a can’t-miss activity. “I love the culture and activities available in Annapolis. Whether you're visiting for educational purposes or coming to enjoy the Navy football games, you will definitely have a good time,” said one voter.

Reader Score: 81.26

13. Nashville, Tennessee

Readers can’t get enough of the nightlife in Music City. Whether it’s a lively honky tonk on Broadway, a Grand Ole Opry performance, or an open mic night at a quiet cafe, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to hearing top-notch artists. And while things can certainly get rowdy, “it’s not all bachelorette parties and cowboy hats,” as one reader notes —  there are dozens of places to catch great theater and art. The city’s strong culinary scene and efficient airport also received praise.

Reader Score: 81.18

14. Boston, Massachusetts

Violet Smirnova/Travel + Leisure

This New England capital captivates all types of travelers, whether you’re a history buff intent on walking the Freedom Trail, a baseball lover looking to catch a game at Fenway Park, or a gourmand seeking the best Italian food in the North End. “It's a perfect mix of old and modern,” claims one reader. Visitors also appreciated that the highly walkable city has distinct neighborhoods, each with a unique feel. Plus, Boston has welcomed several noteworthy hotels in recent years, including the first Raffles property in North America, which opened this September.

Reader Score: 80.75

15. Alexandria, Virginia

Photos by Coyle/Getty Images

This historic city, which is just five miles from Washington D.C. but feels worlds away, strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and small-town. Readers were drawn to its picturesque waterfront of Old Town, and also praised attractions like the The Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Mount Vernon Trail, ideal for bird watching and easy bike rides.

Reader Score: 80.44

Related Articles

• Cast & crew

Captain America: Brave New World

Sam Wilson, who's officially taken up the mantle of Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident. Sam Wilson, who's officially taken up the mantle of Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident. Sam Wilson, who's officially taken up the mantle of Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident.

• Julius Onah
• Dalan Musson
• Matthew Orton
• Malcolm Spellman
• Harrison Ford
• Giancarlo Esposito
• Rosa Salazar
• 1 Critic review

• Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross

• Rachel Leighton …

• Ruth Bat-Seraph …

• Sam Wilson …

• Samuel Sterns …

• Joaquin Torres …

• Isaiah Bradley

• Presidential Aide

• Secret Service Agent #2

• White House Press
• (uncredited)
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia Announced the same day The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) finale premiered.

Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross : [from trailer] You may be Captain America, but you're not Steve Rogers.

Sam Wilson : You're right. I'm not.

• Connections Featured in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: The D23 Expo 2022 Special (2022)
• When will Captain America: Brave New World be released? Powered by Alexa
• February 14, 2025 (United States)
• United States
• Captain America 4
• Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Marvel Studios
• The Walt Disney Company
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• IMAX 6-Track
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Atmos

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed.

Lionel Messi has ligament injury in right ankle, Inter Miami announces. Here’s the latest

Lionel Messi suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle, Inter Miami announced Tuesday . 

Messi’s future availability “will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery,” the club said in a press release. 

Essentially, rest, rehabilitation and recovery all on the horizon for Messi after Copa America 2024, where he sustained the injury during the final. 

The Argentine national soccer team, winners of Copa America , returned home to Argentina late Monday night to a hearty welcome from fans and a celebration filled with white and sky-blue confetti and fireworks in the sky. But Messi was missing from the festivities.

Messi, the most famous player in the sport, did not travel back to his home country to celebrate the Copa America title.

Instead, he remained in South Florida where treatment and evaluations have begun with Inter Miami .

Messi will not play in Inter Miami home matches Wednesday against Toronto or Saturday against Chicago , coach Tata Martino told reporters on Tuesday.

“An ankle injury is unpredictable, it was a twist in a very specific play. And then what usually happens, especially with an ankle issue, and in a final, any player, especially Leo, wanted to stay on the field,” Martino said of Messi.  

“He went to the dressing room and tried to continue in the second half but couldn’t go on anymore. But when it’s a final like the Copa América, it’s very difficult to take a player off the field because no one wants to leave such an important match, especially one that is so close.”

Messi’s right ankle inverted to its left side in the 36th minute of the first half of Sunday's match. He endured a long delay with Shakira performing the halftime show, and tried to play in second half until he fell over while running and immediately signaled toward the Argentine bench.

Messi was forced to tears and left the Copa America final in the 64th minute, watching from the bench as teammate Lautaro Martinez scored the game-winning goal in the 112th minute .

“Copa America is over and the first thing I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I'm doing well, thank God, and hopefully soon I can be on the court again enjoying what I love doing most,” Messi said in an Instagram post on Monday.

Depending on the injury severity, Messi also has the potential to miss the MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio on July 24, and Inter Miami’s first two Leagues Cup matches on July 27 at home and Aug. 3 in Houston.

Follow Safid Deen on X (formerly Twitter) @Safid_Deen and on Instagram @safid_deen .

Advertisement

Supported by

An Attempt to Kill an Ex-President, Caught in Real Time, Stuns the Country

The shooting targeting Donald J. Trump was the first of its kind in the era of social media, and was followed by a flood of striking images, rich eyewitness accounts and furious, fearful reaction.

• Share full article

By Jonathan Weisman

Follow the latest news on the Trump assassination attempt .

It was the first attempted assassination of a current or former American president in the era of social media, and the conspiracy theories, finger-pointing and campaign gamesmanship moved at the speed of the internet, far faster than the actual facts of what transpired at former President Donald J. Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pa.

The assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963 left the nation in bewildered grief. Conspiracy theories would proliferate, of course, and Abraham Zapruder’s film of Kennedy’s last moments would be studied for decades. But first, there was mourning. The assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 would rock the public consciousness again, leaving Americans wondering what would become of their country.

But in the era of memes, X posts, Truths, Threads and TikTok, introspection was never going to be the dominant mood. Rage, blame, even comedy were the watchwords of 2024. A picture of Mr. Trump, fist aloft, American flag fluttering overhead, became iconic in an instant.

Within minutes of the first televised images of Mr. Trump grabbing his wounded ear on Saturday, voices on the left were calling it staged, though they were hardly household names.

Not long after, far bigger names on the right, including Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, a finalist to be Mr. Trump’s running mate, had settled on the argument that Democrats had set the stage for an attempted assassination by framing the 2024 election as a battle between the forces of democracy and the soldiers of fascism. Of course someone was going to take a shot, these conservatives said.

Before anyone knew a thing about the man who had pulled the trigger, Mr. Trump’s most senior surrogates, including Mr. Vance and Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, were blaming President Biden and Democrats.

“Today is not just some isolated incident,” Mr. Vance wrote on the social media site X, owned by the right’s favorite billionaire, Elon Musk . “The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”

Mr. Scott picked up the cue: “For years, Democrats and their allies in the media have recklessly stoked fears, calling President Trump and other conservatives threats to democracy,” he wrote. “Their inflammatory rhetoric puts lives at risk.”

The information that ricocheted around the internet in those first hours after the shooting was at once richly detailed and strangely lacking in substance. The BBC’s interview of a man who was on hand for the rally was stunning: He recounted how he had seen a man with a rifle crawling on a nearby rooftop and, for several minutes, tried to warn the police. Still photographs appeared to show the body of the gunman on the roof after he was killed.

Another rallygoer recounted taking lifesaving efforts on the person who died at the scene.

Yet the motives of the gunman, much less his identity, remained unconfirmed by the authorities for hours. In addition to the rally attendee who was killed, two others were critically injured. But the world did not know who they were.

(Early Sunday, the F.B.I. said the gunman was a 20-year-old man from Bethel Park, Pa.)

Democratic leaders, including Mr. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama, broadly condemned political violence. An AR-15-type rifle was found near the man believed to be the shooter, which could have fueled more Democratic calls for an assault weapons ban, but the party’s leaders held their tongues.

But in the internet era there is always someone who doesn’t.

Republicans dug deep to find more obscure voices on the left, such as London Lamar, a Democratic state senator in Tennessee, who framed a different message. Ms. Lamar wrote, then deleted, “the extremism from the MAGA regime has brought us to this moment,” but not before conservatives had grabbed screen shots and sent them flying around the internet.

An obscure aide to Representative Bennie Thompson, Democrat of Mississippi, became a casus belli for some on the right for suggesting, “please get you some shooting lessons,” even as actual members of Congress were lobbing their own fire bombs from the right.

“The Republican District Attorney in Butler County, PA, should immediately file charges against Joseph R. Biden for inciting an assassination,” wrote Representative Mike Collins, Republican of Georgia.

A fellow Georgian, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, suggested, “Democrats wanted this to happen.”

Arch conspiracy theories came from heroes of the far right, like the activist James O’Keefe, who suggested that the Secret Service was somehow in on it through the “Deep State Intel Community.” X posters and internet sleuths even named the shooter — incorrectly. The man was in fact a soccer journalist in Italy.

Among younger social media users, an image of Mr. Trump’s face photoshopped into a famous portrait of Vincent van Gogh with a bandaged, partly amputated ear was widely shared, often with an ironic “too soon?” attached.

In some quadrants of the political right, the mood was almost celebratory, as supporters shared images of a bleeding Mr. Trump, fist aloft.

Within minutes after the news of the shooting broke, Mr. Musk took the moment to officially endorse Mr. Trump to his 189 million followers on X, something he had only flirted with previously. He then spent the evening amplifying pro-Trump sentiments and castigating a liberal tech billionaire, Reid Hoffman, for once saying he wished he had made Mr. Trump “an actual martyr.”

Another billionaire, the hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, followed suit in endorsing Mr. Trump. Even Jeff Bezos, who has shied from politics, weighed in, declaring on social media that “our former President showed tremendous grace and courage under literal fire.”

In the Trump camp, the triumphalism was palpable less than four months from Election Day.

Above the instantly famous photo of Mr. Trump raising his fist with an American flag flying overhead, his campaign chief, Chris LaCivita, likened the moment to Old Glory raised over Iwo Jima, summing up his apparent glee with an obscenity .

The same photo was the backdrop for Donald Trump Jr.’s conclusion about his father: “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”

Jonathan Weisman is a politics writer, covering campaigns with an emphasis on economic and labor policy. He is based in Chicago. More about Jonathan Weisman

Our Coverage of the Trump Rally Shooting

The Investigation : The motives of the 20-year-old gunman who tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump remain a mystery , even after the F.B.I. gained access to his cellphone .

Secret Service Under Scrutiny : The agency is facing questions  about why the building from which the gunman fired was left out of the security perimeter.

The Gunman : In interviews, former classmates of the suspect described him as intelligent but solitary , someone who tried to avoid teasing by his classmates.

Trump Devotees React : Some of Trump’s followers had long viewed him as handpicked by God. The attempted assassination has only increased such quasi-religious rhetoric .

Online Conspiracy Theories : Soon after the shooting, claims that President Biden and his allies ordered the attack on Trump, or that Trump staged the shooting, spread fast across social media .

South America Tours & Trips

• Choose from 3,400+ South America tours
• 12,000+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best South America tour packages

Compiled by

Nina South America travel expert at TourRadar

Cafe Colombia

The best of peru and bolivia, top attractions uyuni salt flat ,machu picchu high experience from chile or perú, lima to rio: coast to coast, the great south american journey: quito to rio adventure, peru express - 10 days (lima- cusco & puno) with domestic flights, south america: glaciers, water falls & world wonders, epic patagonia, brazil and argentina with iguazu falls 4 star, buenos aires to rio explorer.

• In-depth Cultural
• Food & Culinary
• Christmas & New Year
• Get acquainted with the raucous nightlife of Medellin
• Learn how to roast the perfect blend at a coffee plantation
• Admire the beauty and vibrancy of enigmatic Colombia

“great tour with lots of activities and variety, we used to travel for ourself but this way give us lots of free time.”

“The tour was amazing. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to visit all these countries.”

“Overall tour planning was good and the experience was enjoyable. Bus transport between major places was surprisingly enjoyable.”

• Sightseeing

“Amazing tour, I will keep great memories from it.”

• Meet the locals and learn about the life in Amazonia
• Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Buenos Aires
• Enjoy the scenery as you climb the famous Inca Trail

“G was very organised and reasonably priced. I would however advise them there are lots of hidden costs.”

“Agent was informative and prompt, showed all the places promised.”

“What an amazing organisation. The prompt reply to any queries we had and the coordination of our pickups and delivery, made our trip extremely comfortable and trouble free.”

• Hiking & Trekking
• Marvel at the impressive and mesmerising Grey Glacier
• Climb through a beautiful lenga forest to the Las Torres Towers
• Trek in Patagonia's famous Torres del Paine National Park

“Everything, from accommodations, meals, flights, pickups and transfers went so smoothly. The weather was kind to us and the scenery so beautiful.”

“Your daily messages on WhatsApp were so helpful. The prompt reply to any queries we had and the coordination of our pickups and delivery, made our trip extremely comfortable and trouble free.”

“Good variety of experiences and excellent guides.”

Travel Styles

Discover TourRadar

After assassination attempt, Trump and Biden seek calm, unity

• Medium Text
• LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
• Biden orders review of how gunman got so close
• Gunman worked as a dietary aide at a nursing home
• Four-day convention gets under way on Monday
• Trump to name his vice presidential running mate

SUSPECT A NURSING HOME AIDE

SPECTATOR KILLED PROTECTING FAMILY

Sign up here.

Reporting by Nathan Layne, Gabriella Borter and Soren Larson in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; Additional reporting by Katharine Jackson, Sarah N. Lynch, Richard Cowan, Caitlin Webber, Nandita Bose, Ismail Shakil, Joseph Ax, Andrew Hay and Kanishka Singh; Writing by Frank McGurty, Scott Malone and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Howard Goller and Lincoln Feast.

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Washington-based correspondent covering campaigns and Congress. Previously posted in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Santiago, Chile, and has reported extensively throughout Latin America. Co-winner of the 2021 Reuters Journalist of the Year Award in the business coverage category for a series on corruption and fraud in the oil industry. He was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard College.

Helen Coster is a U.S. Presidential Election Correspondent at Reuters, where she writes a mix of spot news, enterprise and analysis stories, with a focus on the Republican Party and conservative media. Prior to 2024 she covered the media industry for Reuters, and was also a Senior Editor on Reuters’ Commentary team. A graduate of Princeton University, she has reported from six countries, including Pakistan, India, and Greece.

Former Trump rivals to pay tribute on second night of Republican convention

Donald Trump's former rivals for the Republican presidential nomination will voice their support for his candidacy at the party's convention on Tuesday, a deliberate display of unity after a divisive primary campaign.