One of the best ways to explore the USA is on a good old-fashioned road trip. Cruise along Route 66, road trip through the Florida Keys, explore the American Southwest, or even drive from coast to coast. In this guide, we share 18 of the best USA road trips…18 great ideas for your next big adventure.
Table of Contents
About these USA Road Trips
These road trips range from just a several days to two weeks in length. Most them are written as 7 to 10-day itineraries.
This is not a list of scenic drives, which are drives that can be done in a few hours or a full day (for example, Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or Beartooth Highway). However, these scenic drives are included in the itineraries below.
For each road trip, we list the approximate distance you will travel and the best time of year for each trip. Most of these can be done all year, but like any travel destination, there are ideal times for each of them.
Most of these road trips include at least one national park. We are on a quest to visit all 63 national parks, and they make perfect road trip destinations.
We have done all but a few of these USA road trips…several are still on our bucket list. And on this list we have a few favorites, what we think are must-have experiences in the USA, and I’ll share those with you at the end of this guide (or you can skip ahead now).
While visiting the national and state parks, national monuments, and public places, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring with you, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
#1 Route 66
Distance: 2,448 miles
Length of Time: 1 to 2 weeks to drive the entire distance, or you can drive a section of Route 66
When to Go: All year
Highlights: Chicago, ghost towns in New Mexico and Texas, quirky roadside shops and restaurants, Petrified Forest National Park, Santa Monica. If you drive the entire length of Route 66, you will drive through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in the USA. This historic road is also called the Main Street of America and the Mother Road.
This road runs from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, totaling 2,448 miles. In the 1930’s, it was the route used by those migrating west to escape the Dust Bowl. And in the 1950’s, this route was used by vacationers on their way to Los Angeles.
In the 1960’s, as more direct highways were constructed, traffic along Route 66 declined, leading towards its demise. Portions of Route 66 were bypassed and neglected, although in recent years, there has been revitalization along this route.
As far as planning your road trip, you can drive the entire distance, which takes one to two weeks, depending on what you do along the way. Or, just road through a portion of Route 66.
We have driven Route 66 in Arizona. With quirky roadside stands and several great places to visit along the drive (Petrified Forest National Park, the Meteor Crater, and Flagstaff) this is one of the most iconic sections of the drive.
Holbrook, Arizona | Best USA Road Trips
Plan Your USA Road Trip
The Route 66 Road Trip website has lots of information about what to do and see along the way.
#2 California: The Pacific Coast Highway
Distance: 650 miles
Time: 7 to 10 days
When to Go: spring and summer
Highlights: San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Tim and I did this over 20 years ago, and it still remains one of my favorite USA road trips.
The Pacific Coast Highway, also called California State Route 1, runs north to south from Leggett to Dana Point. The classic Pacific Coast Highway road trip runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but you can also add on San Diego in the south or continue the drive north into northern California.
This road trip is done point-to-point and can be done in either direction.
The drive between San Francisco to Los Angeles, as the road winds along the rugged coastline in Big Sur, is one of the most beautiful drives in the USA. It takes 8 to 10 hours to drive this stretch of road, but most people break the drive up into several days, spending the night in either Santa Barbara, Solvang, Morro Bay, and/or Monterey.
There are also some great nearby destinations to add on to this road trip. Napa Valley, Pinnacles National Park, and San Diego all make great additions to a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
Here is a sample 7-day Pacific Coast highway itinerary heading south to north.
Day 1: San Diego
Day 2: Los Angeles
Day 3: Santa Barbara, Solvang, and Morro Bay
Day 4: Big Sur State Park and Monterey
Day 5: San Francisco
Day 6: San Francisco
Day 7: Napa Valley day trip from San Francisco
With more time, you can continue the road trip by heading north to northern California, add on more time in each city, or add on Pinnacles or Yosemite National Parks.
Bixby Bridge at Big Sur: Phitha Tanpairoj/shutterstock.com
Cable cars in San Francisco
Plan Your USA Road Trip
SAN FRANCISCO: 25 Best Things to Do in San Francisco
SAN DIEGO: 10 Best Things to Do in San Diego
YOSEMITE: Yosemite for First Timers: Best Hikes, Best Views, & the Best Things to Do
#3 American Southwest
Distance: Varies, 1,000 – 1,500 miles
Time: 7 days to 2 weeks
When to Go: Best during the spring and fall months
Highlights: The Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks
American Southwest Route | Best USA Road Trips
Admire the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon, hike the thrilling trails in Zion National Park, and photograph the millions of hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. The list keeps going, with the sweeping views of Monument Valley, dusty, off-road adventures in Grand Staircase-Escalante, and numerous slot canyons to scramble through. With more time, you can extend the road trip and head farther into Utah, exploring Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks.
Monument Valley | Best USA Road Trips
Zion National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Antelope Canyon | Best USA Road Trips
If you have the time, I recommend planning a two-week road trip through this region. On just one road trip, you can visit the Grand Canyon, Utah’s Mighty 5, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, and Las Vegas.
Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas, Drive to the Grand Canyon
Day 2: Grand Canyon National Park
Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park
Day 4: Page, Arizona: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Day 5: Monument Valley
Day 6: The Needles, Canyonlands National Park
Day 7: Arches National Park
Day 8: Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky
Day 9: Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon
Day 10: Capitol Reef National Park
Day 11: Capitol Reef or Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Day 12: Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 13: Zion National Park
Day 14: Drive to Las Vegas and fly home
With less time, we have a great 10-day road trip that includes several highlights and wonderful off-the-beaten-path destinations in the American Southwest, and a 7-day road trip that includes Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. We are frequent visitors to the American Southwest and have a lot of different road trip itineraries on this website.
American Southwest Road Trip Itineraries
TWO WEEK ITINERARY: Two Week American Southwest Road Trip: Grand Canyon & Utah’s Mighty 5
10 DAY ITINERARY: 10 Days in the American Southwest: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary
5 TO 10 DAY ITINERARIES: Grand Canyon Road Trip: 5 Itineraries from Las Vegas
#4 Grand Teton, Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks
Distance: 900 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: Early July through mid-October, when all of the roads in the national parks are open
Highlights: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks
Day 1: Arrive in Jackson, Wyoming
Day 2: Grand Teton
Day 3: Grand Teton & Yellowstone
Day 4: Yellowstone
Day 5: Yellowstone
Day 6: Yellowstone
Day 7: Drive to Glacier
Day 8: Glacier
Day 9: Glacier
Day 10: Fly Home
This is one of the best USA road trips if you want to visit three popular national parks. We like this road trip so much that we have done it twice.
This USA road trip is done point-to-point. It can be done in either direction, but most people start in Grand Teton and then head north to Glacier National Park.
In Grand Teton National Park, visit Jenny Lake, hike to Inspiration Point or head farther into the Teton Range, go wildlife spotting at Oxbow Bend, photograph the mighty Teton Range, and spend some time in Jackson.
Then head to Yellowstone, where the wildlife sightings are some of the best in the national parks and you can visit bubbling mud pots and technicolor hot springs.
Finally, the trip ends with its grand finale in Glacier National Park. Drive the beautiful Going-to-the-Sun Road, take your pick between short and long hikes, and marvel at this gorgeous national park.
Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton National Park
Hayden Valley, Yellowstone
Glacier National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Plan Your USA Road Trip
READ THE FULL ITINERARY: Grand Teton, Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary
WITH LESS TIME: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: How to Plan Your Road Trip
GRAND TETON: 15 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
YELLOWSTONE: 18 Amazing Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
YELLOWSTONE: Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park
GLACIER: Top 10 Things to Do in Glacier National Park
#5 Washington State Road Trip
Distance: 1,225 miles
Time: 7 to 14 days
When to Go: July through September
Highlights: Olympic, Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks, Leavenworth, Lake Chelan
Day 1: Arrive in Washington, drive to Port Angeles
Day 2: Olympic National Park
Day 3: Olympic National Park
Day 4: Mount Rainier National Park
Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park
Day 6: Leavenworth
Day 7: Lake Chelan
Day 8: North Cascades National Park
Day 9: North Cascades National Park or Mount Baker
Day 10: Fly Home
Washington state makes an excellent road trip destination, especially for outdoor lovers, hikers, and families. Three national parks are located in Washington.
Mount Rainier National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Olympic National Park | Best USA Road Trips
North Cascades National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse national parks in the United States. In just one national park, you can climb peaks as high as 8,000 feet, walk through old growth temperate rainforests, and stroll along beaches littered with driftwood.
For hikers, Mount Rainier is one of the best US national parks to visit. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails loop around Mount Rainier, a glacier-capped active volcano. For an epic experience, you can also climb to the summit of Mount Rainier on a multi-day hiking trip.
North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, and we also think that it is one of the most underrated. It’s also another great spot to go hiking.
On a road trip through Washington state, you can also add on the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, go wine tasting at Lake Chelan, visit Mount Baker, go on a day hike in the Enchantments, and visit Seattle.
Plan Your USA Road Trip
READ THE FULL ITINERARY: 7 to 14 Day Washington Road Trip Itinerary
WASHINGTON PARKS: Washington National Parks: Travel Guide & Itinerary
MOUNT RAINIER: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park
NORTH CASCADES: The Complete Guide to North Cascades National Park
OLYMPIC: Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park
#6 Las Vegas to San Diego
Distance: 640 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: fall, winter and spring
Highlights: San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park (the cover photo for this article)
This USA road trip is great in the wintertime. Joshua Tree and Death Valley tend to be some of the hottest spots in the USA, so it’s best to visit this area when the weather is cool.
Since this road trip is done point-to-point, it can be done in either direction. Here is a sample 10-day itinerary, starting in Las Vegas and ending in Las Vegas. For more information, plus an alternative route that includes the Mojave National Preserve, read our Las Vegas to San Diego Itinerary.
Day 1: Las Vegas
Day 2: Valley of Fire day trip from Las Vegas
Day 3: Red Rock Canyon or more time in Las Vegas
Day 4: Death Valley National Park
Day 5: Death Valley National Park
Day 6: Drive to Joshua Tree National Park
Day 7: Joshua Tree National Park
Day 8: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Day 9: San Diego
Day 10: Fly home
For a shorter version of this itinerary, skip Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the day trips from Las Vegas.
Death Valley National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Las Vegas | Best USA Road Trips
Valley of Fire | Best USA Road Trips
Joshua Tree National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Plan Your USA Road Trip
SAN DIEGO: Best Things to Do in San Diego, California
JOSHUA TREE: Top 10 Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
DEATH VALLEY: The Complete Guide to Death Valley National Park
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT: How to Spend One Day in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
LAS VEGAS: Best of Las Vegas: Things to Do, Day Trip Ideas & Sample Itineraries
VALLEY OF FIRE: 16 Amazing Things to Do in the Valley of Fire
RED ROCK CANYON: 2 Short, Fun Hikes in Red Rock Canyon
#7 Florida Keys Road Trip
Distance: 200 miles
Time: 7 to 10 days
When to Go: All year but this road trip is best from November through March, when the weather is cooler, rainfall is low, and there is no threat from tropical storms or hurricanes.
Highlights: Miami, Key West, Florida Keys, Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas National Parks
White sandy beaches, warm sunny skies, palm trees, key lime pie, warm sunny skies…sounds nice, right?
Driving from Miami to Key West is one of the best USA road trips.
The Florida Overseas Highway connects mainland Florida with Key West. As you road trip through the Florida Keys, you can visit state parks, beautiful beaches, animal conservation centers, breweries, and boutique shops. Dine al fresco, on the beach, in the shade of palm trees.
Spend some time in Miami and Key West and you can also add on three national parks: Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas.
Seven Mile Bridge | Best USA Road Trips
Key West | Best USA Road Trips
Dry Tortugas National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Day 1: Arrive in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Day 2: Everglades National Park
Day 3: Biscayne National Park
Day 4: Florida Keys road trip to Key West
Day 5: Key West
Day 6: Key West
Day 7: Dry Tortugas National Park
Day 8: Key West
Day 9: Florida Keys road trip to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Day 10: Fly home
If you have less time, this itinerary can easily be shortened to one week. Travel point-to-point through the Florida Keys. In our Florida Keys Itinerary, we give suggestions on how to do this.
Plan Your USA Road Trip
READ THE FULL ITINERARY: 7 – 10 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Miami, Key West & the National Parks
FLORIDA KEYS: Florida Keys Road Trip: 25 Awesome Things to Do between Key Largo and Key West
KEY WEST: 18 Best Things to Do in Key West
DRY TORTUGAS: The Complete Guide to Dry Tortugas National Park
EVERGLADES: One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park
BISCAYNE: Best Things to Do in Biscayne National Park
#8 Northern California & Oregon
Distance: 650 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: Summer and early fall
Highlights: Redwood State and National Parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Crater Lake National Park
On this loop, visit three national parks: Crater Lake, Redwood, and Lassen Volcanic National Parks. This road trip is still on our to-do list. When we were planning one of our big summer trips, we had to choose between the Washington road trip (listed above) and this one. Washington won but we are hoping to do this one soon.
Since this USA road trip is done as a loop, there are several different spots to start this trip. Medford, Oregon is the most convenient location that I have found, since it has one of the largest airports in the area.
Below is a 10-day road trip itinerary starting and ending in Medford.
Day 1: Arrive in Medford, drive to Crater Lake National Park
Day 2: Crater Lake National Park
Day 3: Crater Lake National Park, drive to Lava Beds National Monument
Day 4: Lava Beds National Monument, drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Day 5: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Day 6: Drive to Redwood National Park visiting Whiskeytown on the drive
Day 7: Redwood National & State Parks
Day 8: Redwood National & State Parks
Day 9: Redwood National & State Parks
Day 10: Drive to Medford and fly home
Crater Lake National Park: Nature’s Charm/shutterstock.com
#9 Washington DC to Asheville, North Carolina
Distance: 700 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: May through October
Highlights: Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, New River Gorge National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville, Gatlinburg
If you are looking for a USA road trip to do in the fall, this is one of the best on this list. In October, all three national parks are ablaze in fall colors, making this one of the most beautiful times to visit this part of the USA.
Spend a day or two in Washington DC, visiting the Smithsonian Museums, national monuments, and iconic landmarks. Then, leave the city behind, as you road trip through Shenandoah National Park, driving the beautiful Skyline Drive.
Next, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to Natural Bridge. Take a detour west, spending a few days in one of the USA’s newest national parks, New River Gorge. After New River Gorge, resume the drive south, visiting Asheville, North Carolina, before ending the trip with a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Shenandoah National Park in October | Best USA Road Trips
New River Gorge National Park | Best USA Road Trips
The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina | Best USA Road Trips
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Day 1: Washington DC
Day 2: Washington DC
Day 3: Shenandoah National Park
Day 4: Blue Ridge Parkway, Natural Bridge, New River Gorge National Park
Day 5: New River Gorge National Park
Day 6: New River Gorge National Park
Day 7: Drive to Asheville, North Carolina
Day 8: Asheville
Day 9: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Day 10: Gatlinburg and fly home
To turn this into a 7-day itinerary, eliminate New River Gorge National Park and do this as a road trip from Washington DC to Asheville, North Carolina.
Plan Your USA Road Trip
WASHINGTON DC: One Day Walking Tour of Washington DC
SHENANDOAH: Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
NEW RIVER GORGE: 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park
NEW RIVER GORGE: 6 Great Hikes in New River Gorge National Park
ASHEVILLE: How to Plan a Weekend Getaway to Asheville, North Carolina
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS: A Weekend in Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg
#10 Arizona Road Trip
Distance: 1,080 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: Fall, winter and spring
Highlights: Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley, Saguaro National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend
On this Arizona road trip itinerary, you will visit three national parks, drive past the buttes and mesas of Monument Valley, walk through magical Antelope Canyon, and hike the desert hills of Sedona. Arizona is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States and this road trip is the perfect way to see them.
Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park
Day 2: Saguaro National Park
Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park
Day 4: Monument Valley
Day 5: Antelope Canyon
Day 6: Grand Canyon
Day 7: Grand Canyon
Day 8: Grand Canyon & Sedona
Day 9: Sedona
Day 10: Fly Home
Arizona is a large state with a lot to do. This road trip focuses on the national parks, Sedona, and Monument Valley, but if you have more time, you can also add on Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and Scottsdale.
Grand Canyon National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Sedona, Arizona | Best USA Road Trips
Saguaro National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Plan Your USA Road Trip
READ THE FULL ITINERARY: The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
SEDONA: The Complete Guide to Sedona, Arizona
GRAND CANYON: The Complete Guide to the Grand Canyon
SAGUARO: 8 Amazing Things to Do at Saguaro National Park
PETRIFIED FOREST: Petrified Forest Travel Guide & Itinerary
ANTELOPE CANYON: Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
MONUMENT VALLEY: The Complete Guide to Monument Valley for First-Time Visitors
#11 Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Distance: 100 to 300 miles
Time: 1 to 7 days
When to Go: All year
Highlights: Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail (KBT) is a collection of eighteen bourbon distilleries located in and around Louisville. If you want to tour all eighteen distilleries, you need a minimum of seven days. For those who just want a taste of the KBT, this area also makes a great weekend getaway.
There is a lot more to do in this part of Kentucky than just tour bourbon distilleries. Enjoy the nightlife in Louisville, watch a horse race at Churchill Downs, drive through scenic bluegrass Kentucky, visit the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, or spend the night in a historic tavern.
Maker’s Mark | Best USA Road Trips
Horse Racing at Churchill Downs | Best USA Road Trips
Kentucky Bourbon Trail in a Weekend
Friday: Arrive in Louisville, evening distillery tour and dinner
Saturday: Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Bardstown Bourbon, sleep in Bardstown
Sunday: Lux Row, Maker’s Mark, fly home
Kentucky Bourbon Trail in One Week
Day 1: Louisville distilleries
Day 2: Louisville: museums, distillery tours and Churchill Downs
Day 3: Distilleries near Owensboro
Day 4: Bardstown distilleries
Day 5: Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and the Kentucky Cooperage
Day 6: Wilderness Trail, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve
Day 7: Distilleries between Lexington and Louisville
One week is a long time to spend on the bourbon trail and it will get repetitive. I only recommend doing this if you are a BIG fan of bourbon. It took us several different trips to Kentucky to visit all of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries.
Plan Your USA Road Trip
KBT ITINERARY: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Itinerary: Suggestions for 1 Day to 1 Week
KBT GUIDE: The Ultimate Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
DISTILLERIES: Best Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
LOUISVILLE: Best Things to do in Louisville, Kentucky
#12 Alaska Road Trip
Distance: 700 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: May through September
Highlights: Anchorage, Seward, Valdez, Kenai Fjords and Wrangell – St. Elias National Parks
There are many different ways to put together an Alaskan road trip, and in our Alaska Itinerary post, we share three detailed itineraries.
Our favorite is a 10-day trip that includes Anchorage, Seward, Valdez, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell – St. Elias. It’s our favorite for two reasons.
For one thing, Wrangell – St. Elias is one of the most underrated US national parks. This place blew us away, with its multiple ranges of mountain peaks, glacier hiking, and flightseeing.
The second reason is that Denali Park Road, in Denali National Park, is closed at about the halfway point, while a bridge is constructed around a landslide. Until this road fully reopens (2023 or later), I think it is best to save Denali and visit the other Alaskan national parks instead.
In our article 10 Day Alaska Itinerary: 3 Road Trip Ideas, we provide three different road trip routes through Alaska, but below is the 10-day itinerary with Wrangell – St. Elias and Kenai Fjords National Parks.
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Day 2: Drive to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Day 3: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Day 4: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Day 5: Drive to Valdez
Day 6: Valdez
Day 7: Cruise to the Kenai Peninsula
Day 8: Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 9: Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 10: Fly home
With more time, you can add on Denali or add on a day trip to Lake Clark or Katmai National Parks.
Kenai Fjords National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve | Best USA Road Trips
Plan Your USA Road Trip
READ THE FULL ITINERARY: 1o Day Alaska Itinerary: 3 Epic Road Trip Ideas
WRANGELL – ST. ELIAS: 10 Best Things to Do in Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve
ANCHORAGE TO VALDEZ: Driving from Anchorage to Valdez: Best Things to Do, Map & Photos
DENALI: 16 Best Things to Do in Denali National Park
KATMAI: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Katmai National Park
#13 New England Road Trip: Acadia to Boston
Distance: 700 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: Late spring through fall; October is the best time for fall colors
Highlights: Acadia National Park, Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch State Park, Stowe, Lake Champlain, the Berkshires, Boston
This is a road trip that is very high on our to-do list. We have been to Acadia National Park and Boston, the starting and ending points of this itinerary, and loved both experiences. Our visit to Acadia coincided with peak fall colors and it’s breathtaking.
We live in the mid-Atlantic region of the US so we get to see some beautiful fall colors in our backyard, but there is something extra special about New England in October. Not only do the fall colors seem more vibrant, but the small towns and state parks make this region one of the most beautiful destinations in the USA for a fall road trip.
In the summer of 2023, Kara and a friend took a 12 day road trip through New England, visiting Providence, Cape Cod, Isle au Haut in Acadia National Park, Franconia Notch State Park, and the Kancamagus Highway. You can see the full itinerary in our 12 Day New England Itinerary.
Day 1: Acadia National Park
Day 2: Acadia National Park
Day 3: Portland, Maine
Day 4: Drive to Conway, then drive the scenic Kancamagus Highway, visit Franconia Notch State Park, and sleep in or near Franconia
Day 5: Stowe, Burlington, and Lake Champlain
Day 6: Drive to Lenox, Massachusetts in the Berkshires
Day 7: Drive to Boston
Day 8: Boston
Day 9: Boston
Day 10: Fly home
Acadia National Park in October | Best USA Road Trips
Boston | Best USA Road Trips
Plan Your USA Road Trip
Since we have not done this road trip yet, we have limited information. But here are a few posts which will be helpful:
ACADIA: The Complete Guide to Acadia National Park
BOSTON: Best Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts
BOSTON: Tips for Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston
KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY: Top 10 Stops Along the Kancamagus Highway
CAPE COD: 2 Days on Cape Cod: Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown, and Falmouth
PORTLAND, MAINE: Portland, Maine: Things to Do, Day Trip Ideas, Where to Stay and Eat
#14 Utah’s Mighty 5
Distance: 900 miles
Time: 7 to 10 days
When to Go: Spring and fall
Highlights: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
If you like rugged, desert landscapes, it is hard to beat the beauty of Utah. If you are a hiker, there are enough trails in these parks to keep you busy for weeks. And if you like a good road trip, Utah is the perfect place to explore from behind the wheel of a car.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best USA road trips. We can’t get enough of this part of the USA…Utah keeps calling us back.
Hike the bucket list worthy trails at Zion, explore the fantasyland of hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, photograph the arches and unique rock formations at Arches National Park, explore the waterpocket fold in Capitol Reef, marvel at the landscapes at Canyonlands Island in the Sky, and hike through the unique landscape in The Needles at Canyonlands.
This is just a short list of things to do on a Mighty 5 road trip. You can spend weeks here and never run out of new things to do.
Arches National Park | Best USA Road Trips
The Needles, Canyonlands National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Bryce Canyon National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Capitol Reef National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Below is a 7-day road trip itinerary through Utah’s Mighty 5. In this guide, also have alternate 7-day itinerary, plus a 10-day itinerary that gives you more time in the national parks and gets you off-the-beaten-path to several of Utah’s underrated state parks.
Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City, drive to Moab
Day 2: Arches National Park
Day 3: Canyonlands National Park
Day 4: Drive to Capitol Reef, visit Capitol Reef, sleep in Torrey or near Bryce Canyon
Day 5: Bryce Canyon, drive to Zion, sleep in Springdale
Day 6: Zion National Park
Day 7: Drive to Las Vegas, fly home
Plan Your USA Road Trip
MIGHTY 5: Utah’s Mighty 5: Travel Guide & Road Trip Itinerary
UTAH ITINERARY: The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
ZION: The Complete Guide to Zion National Park
BRYCE CANYON: One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park
CAPITOL REEF: 14 Amazing Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park
CANYONLANDS: Top 10 Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
ARCHES: One Perfect Day in Arches National Park
#15 Colorado Road Trip
Distance: 1,050 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: Summer and early fall
Highlights: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks, Aspen and Snowmass, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and numerous scenic drives.
With four national parks, numerous national forests and state parks, plus historic towns scattered throughout the Rocky Mountains, Colorado makes an awesome road trip destination.
Our 10-day road trip itinerary includes all four national parks, which are linked together with some of Colorado’s best scenic drives (the San Juan Skyway, the Million Dollar Highway, Top of the Rockies, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park).
Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Day 1: Arrive in Colorado, drive to Colorado Springs
Day 2: Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak
Day 3: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Day 4: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Day 5: Mesa Verde National Park
Day 6: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Day 7: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 8: Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 9: Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 10: Fly Home
This itinerary is done as a loop, starting and ending in either Denver or Colorado Springs. It’s a great road trip for families, hikers, and those who love the great outdoors and scenic drives.
Plan Your USA Road Trip
READ THE FULL ITINERARY: The Perfect Colorado Itinerary: National Parks & Scenic Drives
COLORADO PARKS: Colorado National Parks: Travel Guide & Road Trip Itinerary
ROCKY MOUNTAIN: The Ultimate Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
GREAT SAND DUNES: 8 Amazing Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
MESA VERDE: Top 10 Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park
BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: How to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
SCENIC DRIVES: 9 Spectacular Scenic Drives in Colorado
#16 Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore
Distance: 1,400 miles
Time: 10 days
When to Go: May through October
Highlights: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Badlands and Wind Cave National Parks, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, Beartooth Highway, Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, Custer State Park
With 10 days, you can visit Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore, but that’s not all. You also have enough time to visit the highlights of Grand Teton, day trip out to Badlands National Park, spend some time at Wind Cave National Park, and cruise the scenic drives and spot wildlife at Custer State Park.
That’s four national parks in one road trip, not to mention two national monuments, one incredible state park, and several very scenic drives.
Day 1: Arrive in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park
Day 2: Grand Teton National Park
Day 3: Yellowstone National Park
Day 4: Yellowstone National Park
Day 5: Yellowstone National Park
Day 6: Bighorn Mountains & Devils Tower
Day 7: Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Lead & Mount Rushmore
Day 8: Custer State Park
Day 9: Badlands National Park
Day 10: Wind Cave National Park & Fly Home
It’s possible to do this in 7-days, although you will have to give up a few destinations. Get the details on how to do this by clicking here.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park
Beartooth Highway | Best USA Road Trips
Mount Rushmore National Monument | Best USA Road Trips
Badlands National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Plan Your USA Road Trip
READ THE FULL ITINERARY: Yellowstone, Devils Tower and Mount Rushmore: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary
ROAD TRIP GUIDE: How to Drive between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone: Road Trip Routes
YELLOWSTONE: Complete Guide to Yellowstone National Park
BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY: Beartooth Highway: Things to Do, Map, Photos & Travel Tips
GRAND TETON: Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
DEVILS TOWER: The Complete Guide to Devils Tower: How to Plan Your Visit
MOUNT RUSHMORE: Mount Rushmore: 10 Things to Know Before You Go
BADLANDS: 15 Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park
WIND CAVE: 6 Great Things to Do in Wind Cave National Park
#17 California National Parks
Distance: 700 miles
Time: 7 to 10 days
When to Go: May through October; some roads in Yosemite are only open from mid to late-May through mid-October
Highlights: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks
This itinerary starts in San Francisco, travels through three national parks, ending in Los Angeles.
This road trip skips Death Valley National Park. Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are best in the summer and fall, when the roads are open. This happens to be the worst time to visit Death Valley, since it is so hot. You can add on Death Valley, just be prepared for scorching temperatures if you plan to do this from May through October.
We did this road trip in 2017. At that time, there was a road closure on the Pacific Coast Highway, so we drove through Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, rather than taking the coastal route. This also makes a very nice USA road trip, particularly for those who are trying to visit all of the US National Parks.
Day 1: San Francisco
Day 2: San Francisco
Day 3: Drive to Yosemite
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
Day 5: Yosemite National Park
Day 6: Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
Day 7: Drive to LA or San Diego
You can turn this into a longer national park road trip by adding on Channel Islands National Park when you are in LA. And if you can brave the heat, spend a day in Death Valley. That totals five national parks in one road trip.
Yosemite National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Sequoia National Park | Best USA Road Trips
Plan Your USA Road Trip
SAN FRANCISCO: Best Things to Do in San Francisco
YOSEMITE: Yosemite for First Timer’s: Best Views, Best Hikes & the Best Things to Do
YOSEMITE: How to Hike Half Dome: A Step-By-Step Guide
KINGS CANYON & SEQUOIA: One Perfect Day in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
#18 The All-American Cross Country Road Trip
Distance: 3,000 miles
Time: 10+ days
When to Go: best in the spring, summer, and fall
Highlights: The USA
Driving cross country is the ultimate USA road trip. Crossing the country by car, visiting small towns, big cities, national parks, and numerous landmarks along the way is definitely a bucket list kind of trip. In fact, it’s still on our travel wish list.
There are many different ways to drive across the US. It takes about 5 days to do this drive, averaging 8 hours a day, without making any stops. Once you start adding on time for sightseeing and detours, the distance and amount of time spent gets much longer.
Ideally, plan on doing this over a minimum of 10 days, although more time is better. Some people set aside a full month, or the entire summer, to road trip across the United States.
Here are a few cross-country road trip ideas:
Connect two big cities, New York and LA, visiting the Las Vegas, Moab, Denver, Nashville, and Washington DC on the drive (3,200 miles).
On a northern route, start in Boston, visit Niagara Falls, drive through Chicago, South Dakota, visit Yellowstone, and end in Seattle. (3,300 miles)
If you are looking to do this in the winter, you can drive across the southern US, starting in San Diego, going through Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, visiting New Orleans and the Florida panhandle, ending your trip in Savannah, Orlando, or going all of the way to Miami (2,700 miles).
Which One(s) Should You Do?
If you need help trying to decide which road trip to do, here are a few suggestions.
Our favorites are the American Southwest, Utah’s Mighty 5, and Alaska.
Best Road Trips for Families
- Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks
- American Southwest
- Utah’s Mighty 5
- Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore
Best Road Trips for Hikers
- Washington road trip
- Colorado road trip
- American Southwest
- Utah’s Mighty 5
- Alaska road trip
- California national park road trip (Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia)
- Northern California and Oregon loop
Best Road Trips for Non-Hikers
- Florida Keys road trip
- New England road trip
- Utah’s Mighty 5
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail
- Pacific Coast Highway in California
- Route 66
Best Road Trips for Fall Colors
- New England road trip
- Washington DC to Asheville
Best Road Trips in the Winter
- Florida Keys
- Arizona road trip
- Las Vegas to San Diego
You can also visit Utah’s Mighty 5 or do an American Southwest road trip, but it can be cold and there is a chance of snow.
There are many more ways to plan a USA road trip than what we list above. In the comment section below, share your favorite road trips…we are always looking for new ideas and our readers would like to see them too. Thanks!
And if you have any questions about these road trip itineraries, you can also let us know in the comment section below.
You Might Also Like:
- US NATIONAL PARKS: The Complete Guide to the US National Parks
- US NATIONAL PARKS: 20 Epic Day Hikes to Do in the National Parks
- TRAVEL INSPIRATION: 10 Cool Travel Spots to Put on Your Travel Wish List
- TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: Our Travel Photography Gear Guide
- HIKING GEAR: Hiking Gear Guide: Essential Hiking Gear
Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide.
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Comments 29
Hi we are a family of 5 with 3 teeneger we are planning to visit at the end of October
Flight booked from san francisco 28 oct to 9 November los angeles
We would like to visit big sur
Yosemire park
Sequoia
Death valley
Zion and brace canyon
Monument valley
Sedona
Moyave
joushua tree
Just wondering if we can do it
1st time in 🇺🇸
Much appreciated
Author
With 12 days you can definitely visit all of the places in California. To add on Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and Sedona is a big detour east and even if you moved fast, would need roughly 6 days minimum just to visit those places. With your time frame, in my opinion it would be best to visit San Francisco, then Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Death Valley, Mojave, and Joshua Tree. It is a nice balance between getting to visit a lot of places but not have to travel from place to place every day, which gives you several days each for Yosemite, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree, which is ideal. Cheers, Julie