We have driven back and forth across the country a handful of times over the years and we like to take different routes as much as possible just to change up the scenery.
It also depends on where we’re headed, but sometimes we take the scenic route instead of the most direct route.
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Best Cross Country Routes East To West
These are the best cross country routes East to West that we most recommend.
1. The Classic Route 66 Road Trip (From Chicago To Santa Monica)
Route 66 stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, in the east to Santa Monica, California, in the west.
This iconic highway was officially established in 1926 as part of the U.S. Highway System.
Route 66’s motels, diners, and roadside attractions became iconic landmarks over the years.
Many portions of the original route are still drivable.
Highlights Of Route 66
Route 66 starts in Chicago and along the way you’ll pass several roadside attractions like the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum, and Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch.
We usually stop along the way at Petrified Forest National Park and Winslow, Arizona.
The Grand Canyon is also a great stop if you’ve never been.
Sunrise in winter is so different from any other time of year I’ve visited.
As you make your way into California, you can stop at Joshua Tree and the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino.
Finally, the road trip concludes in Santa Monica, California, at the famous Santa Monica Pier, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
2. The Great Northern Road Trip (From Maine To Washington)
The Great Northern Road Trip begins its 3,500-mile path in Kittery, Maine.
Highlights Of The Great Northern Road
- Canada
- Great Lakes
- Glacier National Park
- Rocky Mountains
- Idaho
- Montana
The road trip ends once you’ve made it to Seattle.
3. The Oregon Trail Road Trip (From Cape Cod To The Oregon Coast)
The Oregon Trail Road Trip is a 3,500 mile trip starting in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Highlights Of The Oregon Trail Road Trip
As your road trip begins, you’ll visit places like Niagara Falls, Cleveland, and Chicago.
When you begin your way out West, you’ll stop at places including the Black Hills of South Dakota.
This includes sites like Mt Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Devils Tower and more.
As the route continues, it leads from Yellowstone to the Rocky Mountains.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Oregon coast, hence the “Oregon Trail”.
4. The Loneliest Road Trip (From Maryland To San Francisco)
The “Loneliest Road” Trip is a 3,000 mile journey across the middle of nowhere.
It begins in Ocean City, Maryland and winds its way to Sacramento, California.
The name “Loneliest Road” originates from a 1986 Life Magazine article that described a stretch of U.S. Route 50 through Nevada as desolate and remote.
5. The Highway 80 Road Trip (From Georgia To San Diego)
The Highway 80 Road Trip is shorter, at just a 2,400 mile journey.
Originating in Tybee Island, Georgia, this route winds its way to San Diego, California.
Originally known as the “Dixie Overland Highway,” Highway 80 was one of the earliest transcontinental routes.
6. The I-10 Southernmost Road Trip (From Jacksonville To Santa Monica)
Stretching over 2,400 miles, this cross-country route begins in Jacksonville, Florida, and ends in Santa Monica, California.
Interstate 10 is often referred to as the “southernmost transcontinental highway”.
It was established as part of the U.S. Interstate Highway System in the 1950s to provide a seamless and efficient connection between the east and west coasts.
We’ve personally driven this route about a half a dozen times.
My sister used to live in San Antonio, Texas and much of my family lives in Florida, so we would make this cross country drive 1-3 times a year to visit everybody and do some sightseeing along the way.
Highlights Of The I-10 Southernmost Road Trip
Our favorite places to stop along the way begin with Mobile, Alabama, Biloxi, Mississippi, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
From there, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso are the best places to stop when driving across Texas.
A short detour through New Braunfels, Texas is highly recommended.
It’s home to the number one water park in America, historic downtowns, authentic German foods, and wine tasting.
During the last segment of the drive, you’ll want to stop in Tucson and Phoenix as you’re driving through Arizona.
Once you’ve made it to California, Palm Springs is an essential stop before finishing off your drive to Santa Monica.
How Long Does It Take To Cross The Country From East To West?
The duration can vary based on factors such as route, stops, and driving speed.
On average, a cross-country road trip typically takes around 4 to 7 days of driving, covering approximately 2,400 to 3,000 miles.
We’ve personally done some of these drives across as little as 3 days when we do 12-14 hour driving days.
Our preference now though is not driving any more than 8 hours in a day, so that makes these drives take 4-5 days.
If you’re driving straight through with the help of 1 or 2 other drivers, you can make your way across the country in about 36-40 hours.
What Is The Best Month For A Cross Country Road Trip?
The best month for a cross-country road trip in the US depends on personal preferences and the specific regions you plan to travel through.
However, generally, the months of late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October) tend to be popular choices.
During these months, the weather is generally milder.
July and August are also great months for many of these routes as long as your car has air conditioning.
They may be busier, but you don’t usually have to worry about natural disasters during these times of the year as much as during other months.
Keep in mind that weather patterns can vary across different regions of the country, so it’s important to research the specific areas you’ll be traveling through and plan accordingly.
Additionally, consider factors like popular tourist destinations and peak travel seasons, which can impact road congestion and accommodation availability.
Almost all of these routes are not recommended during the Winter months.
Most of the time, you can drive I-10 during the Winter without encountering any snow, but the other routes all pass through mountainous regions that regularly get snow storms and close their roads.
Conclusion: Best Cross Country Routes East To West
These are the best cross country routes East to West no matter where you want to travel in the US.
They all take you to a variety of National Parks, historical sites, major cities, and more.
Depending on the time of year you want to travel, the types of destinations you want to visit, and where you ultimately want to end up, there are some great road trips that can be taken in the US.
