The 16 Best Road Trip Destinations in the US

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Want to know all the best road trip destinations in the US? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!

Best Road Trip Destinations In The US

Are you craving a thrilling road trip, eager for an unforgettable adventure?

The possibilities are endless, catering to every taste, starting from everywhere.

From the streets of New York City to the peaceful beaches of Ogunquit, Maine, and from the wilderness of Yellowstone to the untouched beauty of Alaska.

These road trips promise excitement, natural wonders, and cultural experiences that will leave you in awe.

Pack your bags, and let’s hit the road to these captivating road trip destinations in the US that await!

1. New York Road Trip

Ah, the Big Apple is a perfect road trip destination.

In under seven hours from Montreal (and two hours from Hudson Valley), you can venture to New York and discover the wonders of Brooklyn, indulge in the finest restaurants, shop along Fifth Avenue, visit extraordinary museums, or unwind in Central Park.

Not to be missed here is the panorama of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty from the ferry to Staten Island, and the evening Times Square – perhaps the most eager attention of New York.

Either visit the must-see attractions or get lost in the charm of the city’s unique neighborhoods.

We have the perfect one day itinerary for visiting New York City.

view of Manhattan from the Statue of Liberty

2. From Boston to Cape Cod

Boston, a beloved city among many, never fails to captivate with its stunning architecture & rich historical significance.

It’s no wonder that many find themselves smitten by its allure.

Moreover, Boston offers many free activities, allowing visitors to indulge in delightful experiences while saving their budget for savoring delectable meals at local restaurants.

Just a quick five-hour drive from Montreal, it serves as an ideal weekend getaway destination.

You’ll first immerse yourself in the enchanting streets of Boston.

By exploring the narrow and winding paths of Beacon Hill, where grand red brick houses stand as hidden dollhouses, preserving the stories of early immigrants who shaped the city’s identity.

We have the perfect one day itinerary for exploring Boston.

Boston Common

And what better way to explore this beautiful city and its surrounding areas than by living in a car and experiencing the freedom that comes with it.

And just a hundred kilometers away lies their vacation haven, Cape Cod, the most stylish peninsula in the United States.

We have a great itinerary for visiting places like Salem, Plymouth, and Nantucket.

Endless white dunes invite you to stroll along the shore, while winding trails lead you through coastal meadows, revealing shimmering green lakes and enchanting pine forests, it boasts breathtaking landscapes where land and sea merge.

We also have a great itinerary for spending several days in Cape Cod and visiting Martha’s Vineyard.

Martha's Vineyard

3. Portland, Beaches, and Volcanic Lands – The Oregon Road Trip

In the northwest of the country lies Oregon, a hidden gem that few people genuinely know.

But its name is whispered by everyone.

It’s a surprising territory, off the beaten tourist path, where mountains mingle with wild rivers, lakes, and volcanoes.

While miles of untouched beaches are adorned with lighthouses & fishing villages.

Along the way, you’ll encounter small towns immersed in nature and outdoor activities, indulge in wine and seafood tastings, and explore some of the world’s richest paleontological sites.

If you’re visiting in Spring, we have a great itinerary for you.

Crater Lake National Park

4. Yellowstone to Glacier National Parks: Unforgettable Road Trip

From the towering peaks of Grand Teton to Yellowstone’s bubbling geothermal wonders and Glacier’s breathtaking vistas, this road trip promises beautiful sights and unforgettable experiences.

I’ve enjoyed this road trip’s magic once, and it has become one of my absolute favorites.

You can begin in the captivating Grand Teton National Park.

Grand Teton National Park

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will be thrilled by the opportunities to spot majestic creatures at Oxbow Bend.

At the same time, photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in capturing the awe-inspiring vistas.

And also, don’t forget to spend some time exploring the town of Jackson, a perfect blend of Old West charm & modern amenities.

Next, go to the legendary Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park

There you have wildlife encounters like no other; Yellowstone is a wildlife lover’s paradise, from herds of bison to the elusive gray wolves and the iconic grizzly bears.

As you reach the finale of your road trip, Glacier National Park with its pristine wilderness and jaw-dropping beauty.

Prepare to be captivated by the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, an engineering marvel that offers breathtaking views at every turn.

Also, take your pick from various hiking trails, ranging from short strolls to challenging treks that lead to hidden lakes and panoramic viewpoints.

5. Road Trip to Burlington, Vermont

Burlington City, nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, is truly delightful to explore, especially during the autumn colors.

You can shop along the main street, enjoy an ice cream by the water’s edge, or extend your road trip and head to Shelburne.

Also, Stowe Town in Vermont, between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, is renowned as the go-to ski destination in the Eastern United States.

Visit Stowe for its slopes and explore its charming downtown with numerous boutiques and art galleries.

6. From Chicago to New Orleans, the Blues Highway

Bob Dylan sang about the mythical Highway 61, and now, here you can cruise freely along this road traversing America’s heart, urban and raw.

It begins with the blues of Chicago, explores the rock studios of Memphis, embraces the blues once again in Clarksdale, and finally indulges in jazz within the clubs of the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Beyond the VIP jazz concert, you’ll experience in New Orleans, your journey includes experiences such as an architectural boat tour in Chicago and a detour to explore the Louisiana plantations.

Oak Alley Plantation

The selected addresses that mark your journey were primarily chosen for their privileged locations, allowing for a few personal favorites, such as the historic residence in Natchez and the breakfast in New Orleans.

Jackson Square in New Orleans

7. Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit (between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River) is located less than six hours from Quebec City.

It is often described as a little paradise by the sea, and once you visit, you’ll understand why.

This inshore town can offer you a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of your life.

This seaside town can offer you a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of your life.

Its untouched beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and natural beauty have made it a beloved destination.

8. Yukon and Alaska: Northern Road Trip

Start your 700 miles road trip from Yukon to Alaska.

The adventure begins in the vast expanse of Yukon, where towering mountains, pristine lakes, and untamed rivers paint a picture of untouched beauty.

Explore the historic gold rush town of Dawson City, paddle along the Yukon River, and witness the mystical phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

Then, traverse the rugged terrain of Alaska, encountering towering glaciers, lush rainforests, and remote coastal.

9. Los Angeles To San Antonio Road Trip

The drive on a Los Angeles to San Antonio road trip can be long and tedious, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way to make it more exciting.

If you drive straight through it’ll take you about 18 1/2 hours or more depending on the traffic.

We usually split this drive into about 3-4 days – Los Angeles to Palm Springs, Palm Springs to Tucson, Tucson to El Paso, then El Paso to San Antonio.

10. Houston To New Orleans Road Trip

The ultimate Houston to New Orleans road trip itinerary takes you through popular towns like Lake Charles and Baton Rouge along the way.

The drive from Houston to New Orleans is about 350 miles, depending on your exact start and end point.

This drive takes about 5 hours as long as there are no major traffic backups or inclement weather.

11. New Orleans To Savannah Road Trip

The drive from New Orleans to Savannah is about 9 1/2 hours if you drive straight through.

This comes out to about 640 miles depending on your exact start and end points of your road trip.

It’s definitely do-able in one day, but there are several cities along the way where you can stop and make the drive a true road trip.

We enjoy stopping in Biloxi, Mississippi, Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama, along the way.

12. 9 Days In Florida

Florida is the perfect road trip destination because you can just drive in one big loop.

This Florida road trip itinerary goes through Orlando, St. Augustine, the entire East Coast, Biscayne National Park, Key West, Everglades National Park, Tampa, and then back to Orlando.

13. The Perfect Road Trip Out West

This itinerary goes to some iconic National Parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Badlands, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Great Basin.

There are lots of other cool spots on this itinerary too like Dinosaur National Monument, Mt Rushmore, Devils Tower, Deadwood, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Craters of the Moon, Shoshone Falls and more.

The Perfect Road Trip Out West

14. Utah’s Scenic Byway 12

Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 starts in Panguitch, Utah near Bryce Canyon National Park and ends in Torrey, Utah near Capitol Reef National Park.

You can drive it in either direction though.

In total, it’s a 122 mile drive.

There are a handful of places you can stop along the way to enjoy the scenery or some hiking.

Utah's Scenic Byway 12 Map

15. 7 Day Midwest Road Trip Adventure

This road trip itinerary takes you from Cincinnati, Ohio to Louisville, Kentucky, to St. Louis, Missouri, to Omaha, Nebraska, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Traverse City, Michigan, and finally to Detroit, Michigan.

16. The 52 Day Ultimate US Road Trip Itinerary

This epic road trip is the ultimate of the road trip destinations in the US.

It took us 52 days to visit all of these destinations since we were also work-cationing.

Some city highlights were San Antonio, New Orleans, Savannah, Charleston, Washington DC, New York City, Boston, Branson, and LA.

Conclusion: Best Road Trip Destinations In The US

These road trip destinations in the US offer gripping and unique experiences.

So, fuel up your car, and hit the road to these mesmerizing destinations that await.

Happy travels!