places to visit driving cross country

37 Stops For The Best Cross Country Road Trip [Map Included]

Taking a cross country road trip in the US is something everyone should do at least once in their life! We have traveled the country back and forth on multiple occasions and asked our fellow professional travelers for help on this post as well, to get you the best of the best when it comes to doing a cross country road trip.

We share top destinations , route planning ideas, attractions and activities you don’t want to miss and some great food options .

The US is filled with so many unique and different places to visit. The hard part is picking where to go. We will take you from the East Coast and places like Maine and New York down to the Florida Keys and up to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park before heading to California!

Below you will find 37 amazing places to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.

Table of Contents

Featured Place To Stay In The US

The Beach Club Resort and Spa

If you are looking for an awesome beach resort vacation in the US you are going to want to check out The Beach Club Resort and Spa in Gulf Shores, Alabama !

6 pools, restaurants on site, beach bonfires and more!

Buckle up and let’s start this drive cross country! If you want to add more adventure we recommend renting an RV for your trip. RVing cross country is an awesome way to travel!

Below we share our recommendations and recommendations from fellow travel bloggers on can’t miss places to visit on the best cross country trip. We kick it off in the East coast and take you down to Florida up to the midwest out to the pacific northwest down the west coast and across to Texas!

Acadia National Park, Maine

If you’re heading on a road trip across the United States, one of the first places you should start (pending you’re on the East Coast) is one of the most visited US national parks – Acadia in Maine. Acadia National Park is the only national park located in the northeastern US and it is home to a variety of different landscapes ranging from coastlines to bogs and more.

If you’re visiting Acadia in winter , you will be pleased to find fewer people in the park and some of the best cross-country ski trails on the eastern seaboard. During the Acadia summers, hiking is a must and some of the most famous trails are the Precipice Trail, Great Head Trail (which offers coastal walks), and Bubble Rock.

The number one sight in Acadia National Park is Cadillac Mountain and there are a variety of ways to experience it, but hiking is definitely the best way. Be sure to also not miss Schoodic Point, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and Jordan Pond.

There are plenty of camping opportunities within Acadia or you can opt to stay on Mount Desert Island (the island where the park is located) in Bar Harbor . Otherwise, Acadia is an easy day trip from Bangor on the mainland. Acadia National Park will be a stellar first stop on your road trip across the wild and diverse country!

Shared by: Megan Starr – Megan & Aram Travel Blog

More on Acadia and Maine:

Acadia National Park Itinerary [Plus Where To Stay]

15 Amazing Things To Do In Maine

Top 14 Maine National Parks and State Parks To Visit

Check out these awesome farm stays around the US too!

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer scenic views, epic hikes, rocky rivers and gorges, and some of the best leaf peeping in the country. While you can technically make the 100-mile loop in a day, you will want to take at least a weekend to take your time and explore this road trip.

Start off in the charming town of North Conway, where you can enjoy some of the local ski resort mountain activities or take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. From there, travel west across the Kancamagus Highway , one of the prettiest scenic by-ways in New England. Be sure to stop off at popular spots like the Albany Covered Bridge, Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Sabbaday Falls, Sugar Hill Overlook, C.L. Graham Wangam Overlook, and Lincoln Woods on your way to Lincoln.

Near Lincoln, spend some time hiking through the Lost River Gorge and exploring some of the caves, or visit Flume Gorge to gawk at the waterfalls. Travel north along Interstate 93 and Highway 3 through Franconia State Park. Leave time to enjoy Echo Lake Beach and make the hike up to Artist’s Bluff for stunning views of the lake and mountains beyond.

You will then want to head north east on Route 3 towards Twin Mountain until you get to Rt. 302. You will then want to head south to Bretton Woods, stopping to look at the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort. As you pass through Crawford Notch State Park, take a hike up Mt. Willard for amazing views of the notch, or to Arethusa Falls, the second tallest waterfall in New Hampshire.

Finish your road trip by following Rt. 16 back to North Conway for some outlet shopping. If you have time, make a detour toward Pinkham Notch and drive the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road, or in Bartlett, take Bear Notch Road down to the Kancamagus Highway for a beautiful backwoods drive.

If you are looking for some cool places to stay check out these cool glamping In New England options!

Shared by: Tamara Gruber – We 3 Travel

More on New Hampshire:

14 Best Things To Do In Lincoln New Hampshire

Berkshire, Massachusetts

The Berkshires of Massachusetts is a breathtaking region located between New York City and Boston. This stunning area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a bevy of hiking and biking opportunities as well as spectacular ski areas. Although the region is notably beautiful year-round, it’s particularly spectacular in autumn, with vibrant foliage decorating the mountainous landscape. Leaf peepers gather each fall to witness the spectacle from atop Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, around the Stockbridge Bowl, and down secret winding backroads.

In addition to various opportunities for physical fitness, there are numerous cultural amusements in The Berkshires as well. For instance, the charming town of Stockbridge is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, a site that pays homage to the famous American illustrator. This popular town also features Naumkeag, a stunning Gilded Age mansion that sits atop 48 acres and offers a range of seasonal events. Travelers will also enjoy a visit to the sweet neighboring town of Lenox, home to Edith Wharton’s former estate, The Mount. Here, self-guided tours are available of the impressive mansion and gardens through Mid-November.

Additionally, for a journey back in time, head to Santarella. This unique storybook property dates back to 1739 and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Although the grounds are private, this dream home is available to rent for a special event or an unforgettable Berkshires getaway.

Learn more: Most Breathtaking Places to Experience Fall in The Berkshires

Shared by: Elena Pappalardo – The Carry-On Chronicles

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod, Massachusetts is the perfect beach destination for some relaxation or adventure. Begin your visit in Sandwich on the western end of Cape Cod with a visit to the Sandwich Glass Museum or enjoy nature at the Heritage Museum and Gardens. Continue with your drive through Cape Cod with a stop at some of the many lighthouses, including the Nauset Light and Chatham Lighthouse.

Drive along the Cape Cod National Seashore where you will have a plentiful selection of sandy beaches to choose from. Spend a couple hours or all day relaxing in the sand, viewing the sand dunes, and jumping over the waves.

Depending on how much time you allot for the area, a whale watch is highly recommended! Head to Provincetown, the end point of Cape Cod, and hop aboard for a ride along the shores of Cape Cod featuring the famous sand dunes before heading out to the Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary.

After the whale watch take a stroll along Commercial Street and enjoy the quaint, local shops and tasty seafood options. Visit the Pilgrim Monument for breathtaking views of Provincetown and the surrounding area. Hang around until sunset and catch the famous Cape Cod sunset from Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown.

When visiting Cape Cod be prepared to eat your share of seafood-the options are endless! You can expect to find oysters, scallops, clams, mussels, and lobster. If you aren’t a seafood person don’t worry! You will find a great selection of international foods, including Asian, Middle-Eastern, and Italian.

Learn more: Provincetown With Kids: 11 Must Do’s

Shared by: Melissa – Navigation Junkie

You will also want to check out all the awesome Cape Cod towns .

More on Massachusetts:

4 Best Amusement Parks in Massachusetts To Visit

One of my favorite places in the Hudson Valley is Hyde Park, the National Historic Site that encompasses Franklin Roosevelt’s childhood home, his presidential library , historic Top Cottage and Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill estate. There are also gardens and enough property for a good long walk. You can’t see the whole estate in one day, especially with kids. So, I recommend you start with the library.

FDR was the first president to establish a presidential library and he did so on the estate while he was still in office. The public portion of the library is a nicely done, kid-friendly museum. You can sit at a model 1930s kitchen with a radio playing his fireside chats or follow the arc of WWII on interactive maps.

The highlights for me are his oval office desk cluttered with knick-knacks and the car he had adapted for his polio. Eleanor gets her own wing, where you can see her manual typewriter and letters from people across the country who wrote to ask for her help and her personal advice. My favorite place is Top Cottage, FDR’s hideaway on the estate. He hosted a barbecue for the King and Queen of England here and sat on the porch with several world leaders including Winston Churchill.

You can only see the three houses by ranger tour and a highly recommend taking this one because the history and anecdotes make this little stone house fascinating. Eleanor led a long public life after Franklin died and you’ll learn a lot about her interests and accomplishments at Val-Kill. In the family home you learn about Franklin’s boyhood, entry into politics and his polio.

Kids who know something about 20th century history will get the most out of a visit, but there’s enough to engage younger school-age children. The town of Pougheepsie, six miles south has restaurants, but on a nice day I recommend bringing a picnic or buying sandwiches at café and eating outside on the grounds.

Shared by: Eileen P. Gunn – Families Go Travel

New York City

If you’re planning an epic road trip through the United States, you absolutely need to stop in New York City. Phenomenal restaurants, world-class museums and architecture, stunning entertainment, beautiful parks, and more await you in the City that Never Sleeps.

New York City was first established in 1624, when the island of Manhattan was purchased from the native peoples who inhabited the land by the Dutch for a mere $24. As the Dutch, and then English, settlements grew and developed, it served as an important place during the American Revolution, and became the newly born United State’s first national capital. Manhattan was incorporated with the other four boroughs–Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island–in 1898 to form the full New York City.

The City is home to tons of awesome museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History, as well as Broadway theatre. Make sure you catch a performance in the Theatre District, which includes many of the theaters in the famous Times Square.

There are so many free things to do in New York City , in addition to paid activities. Wander through any of the City’s parks, walk the High Line and explore the newly developed Hudson Yards, or visit the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan. You can even head to the beach, all without leaving the five boroughs. Even just simply walking through the many different neighborhoods will give you incredible insight into the diverse, mesmerizing experience that is New York City.

Shared by Lyndsay Crescenti – The Purposely Lost

More On New York

If you plan to head to New York check out this awesome New York to Maine road trip too! And if you want to go with kids check out our tips on New York City With Kids . If you are looking for a romantic getaway check out these romantic hotels in New York State !

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of the best road trip stops in America is the northeastern city of Philadelphia. The city is full of fascinating history, world class museums and the delicious Philadelphia food scene.

There are so many worthwhile activities to enjoy in Philadelphia, like touring the historical buildings in Old City. Visitors love to explore Independence Hall, the site where Americans signed the Declaration of Independence and debated and signed the American Constitution. It’s steps away from other historical attractions like the Liberty Bell and President’s Mansion. Nearby you can also visit museums like the Constitution Center and The Museum of the American Revolution.

The Franklin Institute of Science is another favorite museum, especially for visitors with children. Still, the most famous museum in the city is probably The Philadelphia Museum of Art and its famous steps from the movie Rocky.

Philadelphia is also a foodie destination with famous local foods like the cheesesteak, soft pretzel and water ice. These treats alone are worth the stop in the city of Philadelphia. One of the best destinations to try these favorites is Philadelphia’s famous food hall, Reading Terminal Market. There you can visit rows of open air food stands and enjoy them in the central dining area.

In the warm weather, visitors can enjoy the food at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a recreational area built on the bank of the Delaware River. It hosts entertainment, food trucks and is one of the most popular places to try the local cuisine and relax along the waterfront. No matter when you visit Philadelphia, it’s a must-stop destination with so much to explore.

Shared by: Derek and Mike – Robe Trotting

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is worth a stop on any road trip across the US. There are beautiful, endless views on the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley to admire. Stop for the many waterfalls, the hiking opportunities, both short and longer. The Skyline Drive is easy to include in your trip through the US. Stop to see all the animals in Shenandoah, like the butterflies and maybe a brown beer. When making your trip in the Fall, Shenandoah is perfect for seeing the fall foliage.

When going to Shenandoah National Park the top thing to do is driving the Skyline Drive, it’s 105 miles and takes you along all the viewpoints. The views are so mesmerizing, you’ll want to stop at every viewpoint there is. The viewpoints are also the starting points for the hikes in the park, another top thing to do in Shenandoah.

There’s over 500 miles of marked trails. 20 of the hikes are to the waterfalls in the park. Not to be missed is the Stony ManNature Trail. A 1.6 mile hike to the highest point in the park, the Stony Man’s Summit. The most popular hike is the hike to Old Rag Mountain, it’s however a hike that will take a day and is not easy.

Come also for night sky watching and stargazing, which is a thing you have to see in the park. The Big Meadows Area and The Amphitheater in the Skyland area are perfect for this.

Shared by Cosette – KarsTravels

You may also want to check out these great off the beaten track destinations in the US !

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is definitely a must-stop place on a USA road trip. It’s the world’s largest living history museum as well as being the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. Thanks to the generosity of those who are committed to preserving American history, you can explore the restored and reconstructed historic center of Colonial Williamsburg.

Your Colonial Williamsburg ticket grants you entrance to important and historic buildings like the Governor’s mansion and homes of other prominent residents of the town, mostly by guided tour. The excellent guides will not only discuss important features of the buildings, but the background of those who lived there providing important historical and cultural context. In addition, the historic center is full of trade shops where you can talk to historical interpreters about paper making, book binding, ironwork, wig making, sites important to the everyday economy and culture of the town.

Special programs like evening ghost tours, historical re-enactments, and concerts also give visitors a glimpse of what life might have been like there in the 18th century. When considering where to eat at Colonial Williamsburg , plan to treat yourself to at least one dinner at one of the historical taverns like Christiana Campbell’s. You’ll enjoy a great meal surrounded by history.

Shared by: Darcy Vierow – Plan, Ready, Go

Other fun stops in Virginia:

Things To Do In Charlottesville VA

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston in South Carolina is a must-stop on any US cross country road trip! Why you may ask?

Well, mostly because Charleston is a super cute and beautiful town where road trippers can easily entertain themselves for a day or two.

A Charleston walking tour is a great way to see some of the city’s highlights such as the pineapple fountain, Charleston harbor, the city market, and of course the rainbow houses. These colorful houses make Charleston a very picturesque place to visit. Besides some sightseeing, you can also explore one of the many beaches around Charleston (if the weather permits).

South Carolina may not be most famous for the beaches, but let Charleston try and prove otherwise. Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms Country Park are three beaches that are worth checking out!

After a full day at the beach, you can eat your heart out at one of the many restaurants in Charleston. Some of the all-time favorite restaurants include The Darling Oyster Bar at King Street and The Macintosh a little bit further down the same street.

The last reason why Charleston is an awesome stop for a road trip is because of the great number of delicious breweries that are located there. Head over to Charleston Distilling CO, Highwire Distilling, Palmetto Brewing or one of the many other breweries and find out for yourself what makes Charleston so amazing!

Shared by: Lara – The Best Travel Gifts

Savannah Georgia

Be careful adding Savannah as a stop on your cross-country road trip; you might not want to leave once you’ve seen it! People from all over the country visit Savannah to get a peek at its charming squares and picturesque streets – and to sample all of the delicious Southern-style cooking.

First, plan to walk as much as possible! The city looks prettiest on foot where you can appreciate its beautiful details. Begin at River Street and watch the ships sailing into port while sampling some yummy pralines at River Street Sweets, then head to City Market for live entertainment, art, and a giant slice of pizza at Vinnie Van Go Go’s. Afterwards, do some shopping along Broughton Street, and then head deeper into the Historic District to visit the squares and stroll along Jones Street. It’s known as one of the prettiest streets in America. Make sure you stop by Forsyth Park to see the famous fountain!

If you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner, try The Olde Pink House. It’s a classic in Savannah and offers fine dining inside a beautiful historic (and reportedly haunted!) mansion. Prefer something more casual? Treylor Park is always a good bet. Finally, wind down your evening with a ghost tour — since Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the US.

Can’t-miss sights include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Bonaventure Cemetery, and a tour of the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters or Pin Point Heritage Museum.

Shared by: Erin Clarkson – Savannah First Timer

Universal Studios, Florida

A Cross Country US road trip won’t be complete without a stop to Orlando, Florida. Of course you could go to Disney World and if you have never been you should at least make time for Magic Kingdom . But don’t spend all your time there! Instead be sure to head over to Universal Studios .

Not sure where to go? Check out this post: Should You Choose Disney World Or Universal. 

Our kids much prefer Universal Studios and the kind of rides they have here – with their favorites being the Harry Potter rides. And of course you can’t beat visiting Harry Potter world in Universal. It is a truly special places especially if you have read the books and watched the movies.

Make sure to try all the different kinds of butter beer – hot, cold, ice cream they have a lot of options!

Once you are done with Universal Studios you will want to head to Volcano Bay ! This is our favorite waterpark in all of the US. You are in the middle of busy Orlando but when you are there you feel like you are on a tropical island filled with fun water rides and an awesome wave pool with a volcano.

There are so many fun activities to do in Orlando!

Between Orlando and the Florida Keys you can make a stop at the gorgeous Marco Island! Check out this post with a great list of things to do in Marco Island .

Florida Keys, Florida

If you are looking for the most tropical place in all of the US then you will want to make the trek down to the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys remain one of our favorite destinations in the US after traveling full time in an RV for over 6 years around the US. We love the tropical feel, the beautiful water and all of the fun things that you can do while you are there.

Most people think of the Florida Keys and only picture Key West. Yes Key West is amazing but there are so many really cool things to do all up and down the Keys. The Keys stretch over 100 miles so plenty of other places to stop and things to do.

We love the middle keys and the fact it is a lot more slower paced and less busy than Key West. Rent a Pontoon, go to the turtle hospital , animal encounters. and more! While on your cross country road trip be sure to set time aside for a Florida Keys road trip . It would also be a great place to try car camping – since the weather is usually so nice.

If getting outside with your family is high on your list be sure to check out these awesome outdoorsy vacations with kids!

Destin, Florida

Another of our top destinations in the US is Destin, Florida ! You can’t beat the white sand beaches and gorgeous aquamarine colored water. We love coming here for a beach break to just kick back relax and hang out on the beach.

That being said we also love all of the fun activities that you can do from fishing to renting a pontoon to Jet Skiing. There are so many options for amazing family fun while you are in Destin, Florida.

We really enjoy camping at Grayton Beach when we are there and visiting the Surf Hut restaurant that is located right on the beach. And you want to be sure you don’t miss the beautiful sunset from the beach out over the ocean.

Northern Georgia

Every US road trip should include the North Georgia Mountains . Take the hike to Springer Mountain in Dahlonega, where the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail begins. Ride an open-air car on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or take a hike on Blue Ridge’s swinging bridge- both letting you adventure over the Toccoa River. Visit the Alpine town of Helen, Georgia known for the Bavarian Village, delicious German food and festivals galore.

In Blairsville, take the short walk to Brasstown Bald for sensational 36-degree views at Georgia’s tallest point. Want more views? Add a stop at Bell Mountain in Hiawassee for a birds-eye view of Lake Chatuge. Ellijay is home to apple picking, but if you miss an early Fall visit then enjoy their wine trail instead. Finally, the Northeast mountains near Clayton and Rabun County are known for their waterfalls, magnificent trails, and charming small towns.

Shared by: Lesli Peterson – 365 Atlanta Traveler

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville , Kentucky is one of the most fun cities to visit in the entire United States. But it is especially a dream come true for sports lovers. Start by learning about legendary boxer and Louisville native Muhammad Ali at the Muhammad Ali Center. Next, baseball fans will love visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to see how Major League Baseball’s favorite bat is manufactured.

But the most famous sports-related landmark in Louisville is Churchill Downs. This hallowed spot is where the most famous horse race in the world, the Kentucky Derby, is run every year. Even when the race isn’t on, you can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum.

But Louisville isn’t just for sports fans. Art lovers will adore the amazing collection at the Speed Art Museum. Bourbon fans will want to learn about how the famous American spirit is made at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Or for a more low-key activity, wander around the Old Louisville neighborhood and admire the Victorian homes. You might even spot Louisville’s famous Witches’ Tree in this area.

Louisville is famous for several delicious and decadent foods. The most famous is probably the Hot Brown sandwich served at the Brown Hotel. It’s an indulgent warm, open-faced turkey sandwich slathered with bacon and rich Mornay sauce. And don’t miss the chance to try a yummy slice of chocolate and walnut Derby pie when you visit the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs.

Shared by: Stella Jane – Around the World in 24 Hours

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

While taking a trip across the US, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a place you must visit. Situated on Lake Michigan’s western shore, it is famous for its breweries and cheese. Even if there’s no other reason left to visit the city, you should stop here for the beer. If you are a beer fan, Milwaukee will not disappoint you. The city has beer stores on every third step. One of the reasons why tourists come and stop at this place to buy and taste the breweries.

It is great for a family vacation as there are a lot of things you can do. Start your trip by treating your taste buds to the city’s famous dishes. Milwaukee is famous for its beer, no doubt, but you will find a lot of eateries around the corners of the city’s street. There are vegetarian, vegan-friendly, as well as non-vegetarian restaurants. One of your must-visit stops should be Centro Cafe that offers rustic Italian food.

After filling your stomach, there are places you must visit. Visit the Public Museum which is the home to world history. Explore some amazing scientific innovations and collections from zoology to photography. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum to witness one-of-a-kind objects including the very first Harley-Davidson bike.

The city has a lot more to offer from its history to great food. If you have a pet as your company, find the best pet-friendly cabins in Wisconsin and enjoy the sites with your furry friend.

Shared by: Paulina – Paulina On The Road

Black Hills, South Dakota

Any cross-country U.S. road trip should include a stop in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In addition to over 8000 square miles of natural beauty, these hills host some of our nation’s most iconic monuments and parks.

Located right off of interstate 90, the Black Hills are easily accessible. Most people know this area because of Mount Rushmore, which is a must-see, but there is much more to see and do here. Half an hour away from Mount Rushmore is the Crazy Horse Memorial. This monument, also carved into the mountains, is still in progress and it’s awesome to watch the work being done. There is a Native American museum at the memorial and they often hold live performances.

Just south of Mount Rushmore is Custer State Park. There’s camping, hiking, kayaking and more at this sprawling park. Travelers who are short on time can take one of the scenic drives to see giant herds of buffalo and adorable prairie dog towns.

On the north end of the Black Hills lies Spearfish Canyon. The winding road that runs along the river reveals lush canyon walls. Bring a picnic, take a hike to one of the many waterfalls and just enjoy the natural wonder.

Lastly, a visit to the Black Hills wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic town of Deadwood. Step back in time while you lounge at a saloon, take an historic home tour or visit the gravesites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane!

Shared by: Julie Espinosa – Family Travel Lifestyle

Another great location in South Dakota is Wind Cave National Park .

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a must-see; this huge US National Park is home to some of the most thrilling natural sights in the country! It is so large that it covers three different states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming (which houses the bulk of the park). First time visitors are often surprised to learn that it can take hours to drive just within the park between the distance, crowds, and bison traffic jams so it’s important to have mapped out the highlights you’re planning to hit.

While you’re driving, be sure to keep an eye out along the roads for wildlife. Often called the “serengeti of the west”, Lamar Valley is famous for its wolves, bison, coyotes, and grizzly bears. If there is a crowd of cars pulled over, it’s a good sign to join them and ask what’s been spotted.

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser among the over 10,000 thermal features within the park, stop by for one of the predicted eruptions and then browse the dedicated visitor center nearby to learn more about this geological wonder. The photogenic Grand Prismatic Spring is also nearby, where visitors can walk on a boardwalk within inches of the thermal pool’s vivid hues.

Visitors also can’t miss the roaring Yellowstone Falls from one of the famous overlooks, as the most stunning waterfall inside the park. Wrap up your days in one of the gateway cities that have plenty of delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, and spots to unwind after the natural thrills!

Read more Yellowstone National Park Tips here!

Shared by: Stephanie – Explore More Clean Less

Bozeman, Montana

Beautiful Bozeman is one of the jewels of Montana; it balances both powerful and sprawling nature with a dynamic city center and cultural institutions. This dichotomy makes it well worth a stop on any road trip going through Montana.

Bozeman is situated in the Gallatin Valley and framed by the peaks of the Absaroka, Bridger, Madison, and Gallatin mountain ranges. The ski runs of two of Montana’s best ski resorts, Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort, are within easy driving distance. The natural surroundings aren’t just prone to world-class skiing; you’ll also find excellent hiking at Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area and kayaking and rafting adventures waiting to be had along the Madison and Gallatin Rivers.

Moving closer to the center of the city, you’ll find downtown Bozeman as well as Montana State University. The latter helps run the esteemed Museum of the Rockies, which is a museum that can’t be missed while in Bozeman. It is easily one of the top things to do in Bozeman thanks to its incredible collection of dinosaur bones, many of which were found right in Montana. After a day exploring the museums or having adventures in the wild land surrounding Bozeman, head downtown for a pint at one of Bozeman’s excellent breweries or to enjoy some farm to table cuisine.

Shared by: Gina – Travel Montana Now

Glacier National Park

You can’t have a list of places to visit in the US without having Glacier National Park ! This place is unbelievably beautiful. From the glacial lakes to the mountains at every turn you are awe-struck by the beauty.

There are a few must do things like visiting Lake McDonald and driving the Going To The Sun Road. But some of our favorites are more of the off the beaten path things. Like visiting Polebridge Mercantile or the Many Glacier section of the park.

Our favorite hikes in Glacier are Grinnell Glacier where we say ice bergs floating in the lake at the top and Avalanche Lake with its mountain lake and greenery surrounding it.  Glacier is a place that is best to visit in late July, August or early September. This time of year gives you the best chance to really see everything it has to offer.

The Going To The Sun Road doesn’t even open until mid July sometimes and you want to do that when you are here. If you are questioning making the drive this far north don’t. Just do it! You will be glad you did!

Check out our post on Unique Montana Airbnbs you will want to stay in on your trip.

Mount Rainier, Washington

One of the best places to stop during a road trip through Washington State is Mount Rainier, National Park. This park has mountains galore, lakes, waterfalls, and old grove trees. It is a beautiful park with so much to see.

One of the best things to do is to stop by the Paradise visitor center to do the skyline trail. Even if you are not a hiker, you need to experience this area. Mount Rainier looks stunning, and there is a waterfall called Marymere Falls. The hike is moderate and has fantastic views throughout. If the weather is iffy, Comet Falls hike is a great place to experience a gargantuan waterfall. It is one of the best waterfalls in Washington State and is worth the 3.8-mile trek.

There are also multiple fire lookouts in Mount Rainier National Park . Fremont lookout is probably the most popular lookout, followed by Tolmie Peak. You have to hike to get to either of the lookouts, but the effort is well worth it. Many people do these hike for sunset and are sometimes rewarded with a stunning cloud inversion. No matter what you do at this national park, you will fall in love with its natural beauty.

Shared by: Michelle – The Wandering Queen

Oregon Coast

The Oregon coast is a magical and unique place. There is so much lush green in Oregon. With the green contrasting with the ocean cliffs and water it is a sight to see.

There are jet boat rides to take and sand dunes to 4 wheel on. Plus hours of tide pooling and amazing hiking. Oregon really is a nature lovers paradise. If possible make multiple stops along the coast. And don’t miss Cannon beach and Astoria – where they filmed Goonies.

The Oregon coast is a unique place and definitely somewhere that has you thinking waterfalls, lush green forests and fairies. If fairies exist they are in Oregon!

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit all year round. Whether you are heading there in the winter for skiing or you want to spend the summer playing water sports and hiking – Lake Tahoe has something for everyone.

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake and it straddles both California and Nevada. It sits in a basin at over 6,000 feet surrounded by the Sierra Mountains. The views around the lake are stunning.

One of the best things to do around Lake Tahoe is to go hiking. If you are looking for a short, scenic hike why not try the Vikingsholm Trail. This trail is only 3.2 miles long and ends in Emerald Bay. From the start you have amazing views of Emerald Bay the whole way down. Just remember you have to get back up again!

In the summer, you can take a scenic gondola ride up to the Heavenly Mountain for epic views. The gondola ride is 2.4 miles long to the Observation Deck where you can have panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. You can also check out the cafe there.

Lastly, why not take a scenic drive around the lake. It takes about an hour to drive from North Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe. You will notice quite a difference in the North where it is more serene and the South which is more popular. Either way the scenery is gorgeous and you can see the Sugar Pines and White Firs.

Shared by: Nicole – American SW Obsessed  

Another fun place to visit in Nevada is the Great Basin National Park. 

San Francisco, California

It’s not a true road trip around the United States if you don’t stop in San Francisco. Is it any wonder this stunning and unique city has been mentioned in so many song lyrics?

For starters, you need to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s some excellent vantage points at either end to stop and take a photo, with one of my favorites being the dog-friendly Baker Beach. The beach is also perfect for taking in a west coast sunset.

Another top attraction to visit in San Francisco is the prison island of Alcatraz, accessible on a ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf. (Don’t forget to book well in advance!) While you’re at Fisherman’s Wharf, stop by Pier 39 to gaze at the resident sea lions. Also nearby is the famously crooked Lombard Street, with its eight hairpin turns. Naturally the street is one-way only; drive down the street from the upper end.

While you’re in San Francisco, don’t also miss visiting Haight-Ashbury, the hippie heart of the city and home to an eclectic collection of boutiques. Or else head to the Mission District for some affordable tacos and to check out its plentiful street art. Balmy Alley is lined with murals, many reflecting the Latino links of the district.

And for a final classic San Fran experience, leave your car behind for a ride on the old-school cable cars!

Learn more: Dog-Friendly Things To Do In San Francisco

Shared by: Shandos Cleaver – Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel

Yosemite National Park, California

On a cross-country trip across the U.S., there will be several national parks vying for attention. One absolute must-visit is Yosemite National Park, which is in my opinion the most beautiful national park in California!

While you’re there, be sure to indulge in plenty of hiking: that is why you come to Yosemite, after all! If you are traveling with kids or people who want easier trails, there are several easy hikes in Yosemite that are worth taking, but two top ones are the Lower Yosemite Falls loop and the Cooks Meadow loop. For more advanced hikers, hiking to Taft Point is absolutely worth it as well as Upper Yosemite Falls.

You should also drive around Yosemite and see several of the best views in Yosemite from easy vantage points that require little walking or hiking. A few favorites are the view from Tunnel View, Washburn Point, The Three Brothers, and Olmsted Point.

Also, don’t miss Mariposa Grove and the beautiful giant sequoias which define this area, which was one of the first protected areas in Yosemite. There are both easy and moderate hikes in this area surrounded by beautiful towering redwoods, an absolute must-do!

Whatever adventure you choose for your Yosemite trip and however long you choose to stay, it won’t feel like enough, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself returning to Yosemite time and again!

Shared by: Allison Green – California Crossroads

Death Valley, California

If you are looking for fun places to stop on a US road trip, consider Death Valley National Park in California! The largest national park in the contiguous US, Death Valley holds the record for the highest temperature recorded on earth.

The desert views at Death Valley are majestic, and they are varied as well. So if you go expecting nothing but sand, prepare to be awestruck by colorful canyons, vast white salt flats, and even snow covered mountains at the fringes of the valley.

Drive up to Dante’s View to look out over the valley. On a clear day you may be able to see Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, as well as Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.

If you enjoy local history, the park has old mine sites and charcoal kilns you can visit. At Harmony Borax Works, you can even take a photo of a double wagon used in the days of 20-mule teams! There are lots of hiking trails in the park: the Mosaic Canyon hike is one of the most popular hikes in Death Valley.

Up in the north of the park, visit the Ubehebe Crater, a Maar volcano. Or zip out of the park a short distance to view the ruins at Rhyolite, a Gold Rush town.

There are three hotels inside Death Valley National Park, as well as a number of campgrounds. Each hotel has an onsite restaurant.

Visit Death Valley National Park in the cooler months of the year, especially if you want to hike!

Shared by: Dhara – Roadtripping California

Santa Barbara, California

Located along California’s Central Coast, Santa Barbara is a perfect destination year-round.

What makes it a great place to visit is the combination of unique cultural landmarks and great outdoor opportunities that could be explored year-round thanks to California’s mild climate.

Early morning, head to Old Mission Santa Barbara to get a lesson in the area’s history and later take a walk through El Presidio – a former military settlement that was built by the early Spanish settlers to protect their military outpost.

El Presidio is home to El Cuartel, one of the oldest buildings in the state of California and the oldest building in the city of Santa Barbara. It also has a distinction of being the last building that was built by the Spanish in the New World.

After touring the city’s historic landmarks, explore Santa Barbara’s beaches where you can surf, rent a kayak or if you don’t want to get into the water, just ride a bike along the coast at your own leisure.

Downtown Santa Barbara is walkable and boasts many outdoor venues. One of the main hallmarks of the area is Paseo Nuevo, an outdoor mall built in the Spanish colonial style with plenty of stores and restaurants where you can grab a take-out and quickly head toward the beach.

After you finish shopping and dining, check out Santa Barbara Botanic Garden located against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains or soak in the views of the Pacific Ocean from the Stearns Wharf in the harbor of Santa Barbara – the oldest working wharf in California!

Learn more: Incredible Things To Do In Santa Barbara

Shared by: Daria Bachmann – The Discovery Nut

Joshua Tree National Park, California

No trip across the US can exclude California and its many natural wonders. There’s no shortage of beautiful places in the state, but there’s no better way to experience the California desert than by visiting Joshua Tree National Park.

Located less than three hours east of Los Angeles, the desert landscape in this national park is dotted with stunning, out of this world Joshua Trees, for which the park is named after. These “trees” stand tall and proud, with spiky arms that twist and turn upwards and outwards.

The park is beautiful and offers plenty to do and see, even if you only have one day to spend here. If you’re pressed for time, drive the main park road and stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden for a pleasant stroll through fuzzy, teddy bear-like cholla cactus.

More into cool desert rocks? Joshua Tree does not disappoint! Large boulders stand tall in the desert landscape, including Arch Rock, a famous boulder shaped like an arch. Skull Rock looks like (you guessed it) a human skull, and is another popular stopping point. A personal favorite is Split Rock, a giant boulder broken perfectly in two (and with less crowds!)

Of course, no trip to Joshua Tree is complete without photographing the famous Joshua Trees themselves. You’ll find them in the northern part of the park, just pull over and start snapping photos!

Joshua Tree is stunning, and makes for a perfect addition to a US road trip!

Shared by: Ale – Sea Salt & Fog 

Ok you are right Hawaii wouldn’t really be considered on a cross country road trip – BUT – hear me out. When you reach the west coast you can usually get air flight to Hawaii a lot cheaper compared to other parts of the US. Plus there are more flights and it is a shorter flight!

For those reasons it may be a location you want to consider! Here are some great posts on Hawaii to help you plan that trip:

Tips For Visiting Hawaii For the First Time

Tips On Visiting Disney Aulani 

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon and with good reason — not only is it one of the seven natural wonders of the world, but it’s a truly awe-inspiring place to see. If it’s not already on your bucket list, it should be!

The best way to see the Grand Canyon is to hike it. Whether you choose a day trip or to hike down to the Colorado River with a stay at Phantom Ranch, it’s all breathtaking. Most of the hikes are considered difficult as the switchbacks to get down to the river are quite steep, though there are some moderate hikes as well that still provide incredible views.

For those not up for the adventure of hiking, you can easily take in the spectacular views wandering along the rim. If you’re feeling daring, the Grand Canyon Skywalk over the canyon offers views to the bottom with a glass skyway that is sure to amaze.

Whether you hike into the canyon or walk along the rim, enjoy how the light changes the colors of the canyon. The shifting sun provides a kaleidoscope of natural colors that seem unreal and it really lights up with the most incredible shades of color throughout the day and into the evening.

This is a popular tourist destination and people come from around the world to see it. The Grand Canyon is a great overnight trip from Phoenix, Arizona , and worth a spot on your bucket list.

Shared by: Sam – My Flying Leap

Northern Arizona

The dramatic desert landscapes of Northern Arizona have to be seen to be believed! Top stops on a US road trip through the Southwest include Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Page , Arizona.

Sedona is a great first introduction to the red rocks of the desert. Take the popular Cathedral Rock trail, Devil’s Bridge trail, Little Horse trail, and visit Slide Rock State Park to slide down the slippery rocks, which become a popular slide in the summer! While there are numerous luxurious spa resorts in Sedona, there are plenty of incredible Airbnb’s with pools and views!

Traveling north, stop in Flagstaff, Arizona and make it your base for exploring the Grand Canyon. Located an hour and 15 minutes away, it’s the closest city. Stay at the Drury Inn & Suites on Northern Arizona University’s campus and make sure you eat at NiMarco’s, Flagstaff’s best pizza place with an incredible pesto pizza!

Lastly, Page, Arizona  is one of the most beautiful parts of the Southwest (a bold claim, I know). Here you’ll see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Horseshoe Bend is a free part of the Grand Canyon with a river that dramatically wraps around a plateau. The trail is short but it can get extremely hot, so be prepared. Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation. You need to book a tour for it, but the views are unbeatable!

Shared by: Alanna Koritzke – Periodic Adventures

Zion National Park, Utah

Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers will not want to miss visiting Zion National Park during a cross-country road trip. Located near Springdale, Utah, Zion National Park is famous for its steep sandstone cliffs soaring up from the canyon floor.

The main thing to do in Zion is go hiking, as there are several scenic trails in the heart of the park ranging from challenging and adventurous full-day hikes, to short and easy nature walks.

Some of the park’s most notable hikes are also the longest and most difficult, including Angels Landing, Observation Point, and the Narrows. More moderate, but equally scenic options include the hike to Canyon Overlook and Watchman Trail. For an easy hike, you can follow along the Virgin River on Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk, or set out to visit Lower Emerald Pool.

Even if hiking is not your thing, you can still enjoy Zion National Park by going on a sightseeing drive through the park. The park provides shuttle buses to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the most popular part of the park), but private vehicles are allowed on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway where you can drive through the sandstone cliffs via a historic tunnel.

Learn more: How to Spend 3 Days in Zion National Park- Hikes, Walks, and Scenic Drives

Shared by: Rhonda Krause – Travel? Yes Please!

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

This is one stop you don’t want to miss when you are road tripping cross country in the United States. Bryce Canyon will simply amaze, inspire and wonder how such a thing exists in the world. Located near the Zion National Park in Utah and in an area where hikes and exploration are at an abundance.

Ever heard of a Hoodoo, this is what Bryce Canyon is made up of and makes you think you have landed on another planet. These columns of rocks are formed by steam erosion and frost weathering and it’s the one place in the world with the largest collection.

It’s really worth checking out some of the view point like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise & Sunset point. While on the other hand you can burn off some energy completing any of the many hikes that vary from 1 mile to 23 miles. A couple you might like to try are “Navajo Loop Trail” & “Fairyland loop Trail”, but plenty of others to suit your time frame and situation.

April to October tends to be the busiest season with temps ranging from 75 to 98 degrees F, this is also when a shuttle service is offered around the park to help you get around. Visiting in winter in January or February could have you enjoying a very different views with snow topping all the peaks.

If anything, don’t forget to catch a sunrise view – you won’t regret it!

Shared by Chris – The Aquarius Traveller  

Park City, Utah

Are you looking for an amazing stop on your cross country road trip that’s full of action and adventure? Then make sure to stop in Park City Utah. Located right off of I-80, and only 20 miles from I-15, Park City is a quick stop on the way to most mountain west destinations, but will still make you feel like you’ve just discovered the perfect mountain town.

All throughout the year, the mountains are the real show stopper, and the opportunities to recreate there seem limitless. If you really want to soak in all that the mountains have to offer, make sure to head hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. Our favorite trails are Silver Lake for hikers and Gamble Oak on snowshoes. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can’t go wrong with the ropes course or bobsled rides at the Olympic Park, or a class at Woodward Action Sports Complex.

If you’re visiting Park City on a winter road trip, you’ll want to plan to stay for a while since there is so much to do. The obvious winter activity of choice in Park City is skiing, so plan on skiing at least 2 days during your winter visit to Park City. After that, the absolute best activities in Park City is dog sledding with Luna Lobos, and you’ll also want to see if you can fit in a snowmobiling trip into the Uintah mountains, to wrap up the perfect trip to Park City.

Learn more: Best Utah Ski Resorts For Kids

Shared by Jessica Averett – Skiing Kids

Summit County, Colorado

If you’re looking for a place where you can pack a lot of Colorado mountain adventure into one place, then you absolutely need to plan a stop in Summit County Colorado. Luckily, I-70 runs right through it, so you won’t even have to go out of your way to see this road trip stop. Plan on staying for a few days, and if you want to be centrally located and not pay resort prices, plan on staying in Silverthorne or Frisco.

In the summer, hiking and mountain biking shine here. If you’re in good shape, and have adjusted to the altitude, be brave and go out and hike a 14er (Colorado term for a mountain over 14,000 ft). You can hike both Greys and Torreys peaks in only a 9 mile trek, so start getting in shape now so you can knock this off your bucket list (your legs will thank you for training in advance).

If you are road tripping in the winter, Summit County is a winter paradise. With 4 ski resorts within a 15 minute radius, skiing in Colorado is a must do. If you want a big resort feel, head to Breckenridge, but if you want a smaller resort that has incredible terrain, Arapahoe Basin is the place to ski and our personal favorite Colorado ski resort for skiing with kids. At the end of a long day of skiing, make sure to head into Dillon to visit the Colorado Ice Castles . These ice structures are incredibly amazing, so make sure to add this to your Summit County winter bucket list.

Shared by: Jessica Averett – Bring The Kids

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is a perfect stop on any cross country road trip. Situated about halfway from either coast, this vibrant and fun city in the central plains is a flourishing metropolitan area that somehow maintains a small town feel.

There are a lot of unique and fun things to do in Oklahoma City . The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is one of the most beautiful yet sombering places in the whole metro. The attraction, which is dedicated to the victims of the 1995 bombing of the federal building, is a must-see when visiting OKC.

Not far from the memorial, in the heart of downtown OKC, Bricktown is a lively commercial district filled with restaurants, arcades, and other fun activities. The district, which is named for its historic red brick buildings, lines a picturesque river walk. Visitors wanting to learn about the history of the area, can take a boat ride through the canal. The boat tour guide walks you through the not-so-distant history, detailing how this area of OKC was transformed from a blighted, crime-ridden neighborhood with boarded up buildings to a bustling entertainment district.

Finally, no stop to Oklahoma City is complete without a brief visit to Wheeler Riverfront Plaza to commemorate your visit with a photo. In this up-and-coming area, you’ll find a large OKC sign that makes for a perfect photo opportunity, as well as a ferris wheel, outdoor games, and food trucks.

Easily accessible from Interstate 40, these fun attractions are not only worth visiting, they are exceptionally convenient for anyone making a cross country trek along the third longest interstate in the United States.

Shared by: Melissa – Parenthood and Passports

The state of Texas is bigger than the entire nation of France, so it’s likely that any cross-country road trip will have you traversing the Lone Star State at some point. Plug in the isolated desert of West Texas into your GPS to see natural, isolated beauty.

There are so many things to do in West Texas that its isolated location, not its lack of offerings, that keep it off the beaten path.

Visit Texas’ only two national parks, Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, for the best hiking and outdoor trails in the entire state. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy camping, rock climbing, and rafting down the Rio Grande.

Art enthusiasts, big-city gallery lovers, and foodies will appreciate the quirky things to do in Marfa . This tiny town has become an artists’ enclave with abandoned dancehalls and gas stations being converted into modern art galleries. Restaurants and wine bars worthy of Manhattan line the streets next to farmers’ pickup trucks. On your way out of Marfa, don’t miss the priceless photo opportunity at Prada Marfa, an art exhibit in the middle of nowhere.

Other small towns worth a stop nearby include Alpine, Marathon, and the ghost town Terlingua (which serves as the gateway to Big Bend). Visit big city El Paso before bidding adieu to the Lone Star State and continuing onwards to New Mexico.

Shared by Erin – Sol Salute

There you have it! If you can visit all of these amazing places on your cross country road trip you will have an awesome trip. There are your typical classic American road trips like route 66 from Chicago through St. Louis and west but we thought it would be fun to throw in a different road trip route.

Of course this post doesn’t list all of the places you could visit. So here are a few other you may want to consider:

13 Things to do in St Louis with Kids

Meow Wolf Review: Which Location is Best?

Castles In America

Best Aquariums In The US

Things To Do In Alaska

15 Fun and Exciting Things To Do In San Diego With Kids

18 Fun Things To Do In Big Sur California [Maps Included]

East Coast Road Trip 25+ Stops You Don’t Want to Miss!

15 Absolutely Enjoyable Things To Do In Nashville

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25 Best Stops on an Epic Cross-Country America Road Trip

The Great American Road Trip is just as much a part of Americana as the stars and stripes. While in yonder years, Route 66 dominated as the iconic drive, today, the cross-country road trip reigns supreme. We mapped out a 10-day itinerary—including top city sights and national parks between Washington, D.C. to Washington State—so you can make the best of your journey west.

Chelsea is Brooklyn-based travel writer, editor, and photographer. When not home eating her way through NYC, she's gallivanting across the globe, sailing the coast of Croatia or hiking the peaks of Peru. Her superpowers include booking flight deals and sleeping in small plane seats.

See recent posts by Chelsea Bengier

Day 1: 263 miles from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh

Once you’ve gotten your fill of America’s capital, it’s time to hit the road heading west. About three and half hours in, you’ll pass by Fallingwater , the renowned residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that sits cantilevered over a bucolic waterfall in rural Pennsylvania. The grounds are maintained year-round, with the original 1930s custom furniture and artwork still on display. From here, you’re just 75 minutes outside Pittsburgh. Upon arriving in Steel City, drop your bags at the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh —a refurbished century-old YMCA turned hip hotel in the up-and-coming East Liberty neighborhood—then follow the in-the-know crowd to Smallman Galley , a restaurant incubator with four rotating food concepts from a line-up of rising chefs. This season, there’s Detroit-style pizza, Vietnamese cuisine, Latin-fusion tapas, and innovative takes on American classics.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Pittsburgh, PA hotels

Day 2: 460 miles from Pittsburgh to Chicago

While the second half of this cross-country adventure focuses on the scenery, the eastern side is all about the cityscapes. Divide today’s day-long trek to Chicago with a pitstop in Cleveland, just two hours west of Pittsburgh. Here, grab a bite to eat at the West Side Market before wandering through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to see guitars and paraphernalia from music legends like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Mick Jagger.

You’re going to want to pick up some gift shop snacks, because it’ll be another five hours before you pull into the Windy City. In Chicago, bed down at the Viceroy Chicago on the glitzy Gold Coast, whose opulent interiors are done up in Art Deco elements that nod to the hotel’s past as the 1920s Cedar Hotel. The real showstopper is the 18th-floor rooftop overlooking the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan.

RELATED: 9 Ultimate Weekend Road Trips You Can Take from Major U.S. Cities

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Chicago, IL hotels

Day 3: 147 miles from Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin

A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago brings you to Wisconsin’s charming college town of Madison. This untapped Midwest gem is home to locavore restaurants, indie boutiques, and contemporary art galleries. Follow the locals to Sophia’s Bakery & Café , where mouthwatering cottage cheese pancakes are served in a cozy dining room. The nearby Chazen Museum of Art and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art have impressive collections, but if you’d rather spend the day indulging in some retail therapy, check out Upshift for flirty vintage dresses or Anthology for quirky handmade crafts. There’s no better place to have dinner than the James Beard award-winning L’Etoile Restaurant , where chef Tory Miller—you may have seen him on Iron Chef Showdown —serves locally sourced dishes like Blue Valley Gardens duck breast with Swiss chard and soubise.

Day 4: 775 miles from Madison to Rapid City, South Dakota

Today is the longest stretch you’ll be on the road, so crank those tunes and prepare to cruise straight through Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Dakota on I-90. Stretch your legs in Badlands National Park , an otherworldly expanse of jagged pink pinnacles, grass prairies, and ancient fossil beds. While rhinos, wild horses, and saber-toothed cats used to roam this wild terrain, today you’re more likely to spot bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Backcountry camping is available for the truly adventurous; others can set up at Cedar Pass Campground (which offers running water, toilets, and covered picnic tables) or the park’s eco-friendly cabins , which come outfitted with pine-wood beds, flatscreen TVs, and mini-fridges and microwaves.

RELATED: 9 of the Most Underrated National Parks in America

Day 5: 533 miles from Rapid City to Jackson, Wyoming

It’s early to rise on day five if you want to beat the crowds for an early-morning visit to Mount Rushmore national monument, just 20 minutes away. After taking in the Presidents’ massive granite profiles, continue on through the gorges, canyons, and cliffs of the Black Hills National Forest . Once you’re out of South Dakota, you’ll cut through the heart of Wyoming, passing endless plains and the sprawling Wind River Reservation. Tucked between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountains, Jackson blends Wyoming’s rustic, rough-and-tumble side with a refined resort town vibe. The Anvil Hotel is a perfect example of this fusion: the redesigned 1950s motel reflects the region’s rugged past with a mountain-modern twist. Stylish interiors, courtesy of Brooklyn-based firm Studio Tack, are done up with brass fixtures, custom iron bed frames, and Woolrich blankets. After settling in, make a dinner reservation at Glorietta if you’re in the mood for Italian. The roasted acorn squash; ricotta cavatelli with spicy sausage, brown butter, and fried sage; and zeppole topped with mascarpone and strawberry compote come highly recommended.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Jackson, WY hotels

Days 6-8: 426 miles from Jackson to Missoula, Montana

Get your cameras ready: the next few days are all about epic Rocky Mountain scenery, from Wild West backcountry to lush, lakeside meadows. Before leaving Jackson Hole, fuel up with homemade pastries or bread pudding french toast at Persephone Bakery , then set your GPS for Grand Teton National Park . This 310,000-acre swath encompasses Jackson Lake, Snake River, and the entire Teton range, which is webbed together by more than 200 miles of hiking trails. Just 10 miles north on 191, you’ll enter Yellowstone —America’s first national park famous as much for its rainbow-colored hot springs, mud pots, and spewing geysers as it is for picture-perfect wildlife sightings (keep your eyes peeled for bison, moose, black bears, elk, and the rare wolf pack).

After Yellowstone, cross the border into Montana’s Big Sky country and continue north past dude ranches, whitewater rapids, and vast cerulean skies as far as the eye can see. Home for the night—the Resort at Paws Up , a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch and luxe retreat in the Blackfoot Valley—is just a half hour east of Missoula. Take your pick between a private log cabin or riverfront glamping tent, which comes with its own chandelier, copper soaking tub, and on-call butler and chef, who will happily cook up whole-roasted rainbow trout or chili-dusted Black Angus prime rib. Although there’s world-class fly fishing, ATVing, and rock climbing on offer, horseback riding is the resort’s beating heart. Embrace your inner cowboy (or girl!) at the Saddle Club, whose 29,000-square-foot arena and more than 100 miles of trails make it the largest private equestrian center in Montana. The on-site wranglers can also arrange rodeo lessons, cattle drives, and dinners aboard traditional chuckwagons.

RELATED: 8 Best Dude Ranches in Montana

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Greenough, MT hotels

Days 9-10: 685 miles from Missoula to Seattle

Before heading west to your final destination, it’s worth making one last detour to see Montana’s stunning Glacier National Park . You can take in the scenery—crystalline, glacier-fed lakes; sheer, snow-capped peaks; untouched alpine meadows—along the gorgeous Going-to-the-Sun Road , a 50-mile route that crosses the Continental Divide and winds through Logan Pass alongside Saint Mary Lake. Heads up: be prepared to pull over to make way for mountain goats!

After (reluctantly) leaving the mountains of Montana, hop back on I-90 to enter the northern tip of Idaho. This short sprint overlooks steep gorges and straddles the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene before entering Washington via Spokane. The final four-hour leg to Seattle is pretty barren, so make sure you have your road trip playlist queued up for some carpool karaoke. You know you’re getting close to the coast when you hit Snoqualmie Pass, just 55 miles outside the Seattle. The drive cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range, home to towering evergreen forests, misty mountaintops, and thundering waterfalls.

Once you reach the city, you deserve to put your feet up at The Nest , Thompson Seattle ‘s rooftop bar, for sundowners and sweeping views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle cityscape. Cheers!

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Seattle, WA hotels

What to Pack

Women’s cozy winter outfit to wear on the train, shop the look.

Wool Runners

Wireless Headphones

High Waist Leggings

Men’s cozy winter outfit to wear on the train.

Half-Zip Sweatshirt

Ascot Slippers

Water Bottle

• 14 Best Stops on a Road Trip from Las Vegas to L.A.
• 20 of the Most Beautiful Places in America
• 9 Reinvented Motels We Love

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Take Back Roads

Seeking authentic travel experiences, one back road at a time, the great american road trip: an itinerary for driving cross country.

I’ve taken a handful of cross country road trips over the years.  However, there are still a few cross country road trip ideas that remain on my bucket list:  riding a motorcycle cross country, taking one of America’s historic highways the whole way from coast to coast (US-50 is the most likely candidate), driving cross country on one of the northern routes, and driving a back roads loop around the country.  During the summers of 2020 & 2021 – in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic! – I managed to cross the latter two items off my list.

Well, sort of…  While the majority of these trips were on back roads, I must admit up front that we did also do a fair share of interstate driving across the Midwest.  With my sincerest apologies to residents of the flyover states , the time constraints for these trips forced us to take the highway across some of the center of the country, leaving very little time for sight-seeing.  Like our time in Las Vegas , we were going to have to prioritize.

A Round Trip Itinerary for a Cross Country Road Trip

The round trip road trip.

Technically, I’ve only done one coast to coast cross country road trip, and that was when I was 18.  All of my other cross country road trips have either started or ended in Pennsylvania (instead of the Atlantic coast).  While there is no formal definition for what qualifies as a cross country road trip, I feel confident that a trip covering 2,600 of the 3,000 mile span from coast to coast definitely fits the bill!  In fact, on our drive heading west, we zig-zagged our way across nearly 8,000 miles during just one road trip!

This post is going to examine routes to consider, destinations to include, and a few other great pieces of cross country road trip advice… so buckle up, because it’s going to be a long ride!

Generally speaking, there are three main routes to drive cross country:  northern, central, and southern.  Mostly self-explanatory, the northern route stays on a path across the northern states like Minnesota, Montana, or Idaho.  The central route follows a path across the middle states, like Kansas and Colorado.  The southern route stays mostly south, crossing states like Georgia, Texas, or Arizona.

As you can see on the map above, I am reviewing two of the three major routes to drive cross country.  In this post, like on my trip in 2020, I’m following a central route heading west and then a northern route heading east.

• Driving West: the Central Route
• Driving East: the Northern Route
• When to Travel (including insights on how long your road trip should be)
• Where to Stay Along the Way
• What to Take With You
• Additional Insights, tips, and road trip advice

Plan a Cross Country Road Trip

As you might imagine, when planning a road trip that’s going to encompass 6,000 miles or more, you’re going to need a significant amount of time to travel.  Even in a situation like ours, where the first or last 1,000 miles or so are on the interstate, you can still anticipate at least 125 hours of time behind the wheel.  If you’ve never taken a long road trip – or even if you have – that’s a lot of time to be driving.  When creating road trip plans for travelers, I suggest limiting actual driving time (“butts in seats” time) to 6 hours a day ; this allows you to still explore things you find along the way… and won’t completely burn you out to the experience of driving.

In my mind, there are two main categories of road trips :   trips in which you immerse yourself deeply into one region, and trips in which you experience a lot of different regions at once.  In the first category, immersing yourself deeply into one region, you spend your entire trip exploring all of the various things you can see in do in that particular region.  You delve into the intimate nuances which make that region unique, spending hours or even days exploring single areas.

A cross country road trip, by its very nature, is going to fall under the second category.  Instead of spending the majority (or entirety) of your trip exploring a single area, you are going to spend a little bit of time experiencing multiple different areas.  I like to call it an appetizer adventure :  you experience a proverbial sampler platter of a number of different regions of the country, getting a small taste of what that area has to offer.

Think of your cross country drive as a scouting trip of sorts;  you’re going to find areas where you’ll have a powerful desire to return and explore in greater depth, and you’ll also discover that other areas are places where you have no interesting in returning.   Do no go into the process of planning a cross country road trip expecting to explore many areas in depth.   Unless you are retired and/or have all the time in the world, you are going to find yourself disappointed if you go into your trip with this mindset!

As you might imagine, prioritizing the places you want to see is crucial to this process.   The very first hours of your planning process should be spent talking with your travel partner(s), discussing the places you absolutely must see, the places you’d really like to visit if there’s enough time, and the places you’re not particularly interested in visiting.  This will lay the groundwork for planning your route, and if you’re lucky, might actually make the process very simple.

Last thought:  While this itinerary will mostly follow my own recent trips, it will not be an exact match.   As I already mentioned, we had some time constraints that forced us to limit our itinerary a bit.  I’m going to add in a few destinations that we simply did not have time to explore, and let you decide what best fits your priorities!  As always, you can email me directly if you have additional questions!

Driving West:  the Central Cross Country Route

In case you missed it, our trip started in Pennsylvania , so that’s where this itinerary will start as well.  From there, we drove nearly straight west across the middle of the country and then dipped south.

Pennsylvania

There are many things that I could recommend for you to see and do in my home state, and it’s highly dependent upon what your interests are.  Because I’ve dedicated a number of posts to the things you can do here, I’m going to focus on just a few broad highlights and options to consider.

Places to go in Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia :  America’s first capital city is LOADED with historical experiences to explore
• Pittsburgh :  One of America’s original industrial cities, my hometown has undergone a complete makeover, and is now loaded with fascinating things to see and do
• Allegheny National Forest :  One of several outdoor enthusiast meccas in PA, ANF has a dynamic range of activities available year round… with plenty more nearby!
• Laurel Highlands :  Another outdoor enthusiast mecca, the Laurel Highlands is ALSO home to a number of homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Back Road Routes across Pennsylvania

• US Route 6 – a storied transcontinental route which cuts across the heart of the PA Wilds, you could take Route 6 the whole way to California if you so desire!
• US Route 30 – one of America’s most famous historical cross country highways, the Lincoln Highway takes travelers from New York City to San Francisco

West Virginia

America’s primary coal-mining state is well-known for its numerous mines and heavily wooded mountainous terrain.  Chock full of natural scenery, sweeping hilltop vistas, and twisting back roads, West Virginia is a great state to include on your route!

Places to go in WV

• Morgantown :  As the home of WVU , Morgantown is likely the most well-known city in the state, and offers plenty of places worth checking out
• Monongahela National Forest :  A MASSIVE National Forest that encompasses hundreds of thousands of acres of rugged mountain terrain, including…
• Dolly Sods Wilderness area :  A rocky and isolated wilderness area with plenty of places to hike and camp
• The Talon :  A twisting and winding mountain back road , especially popular with motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts

Back Road Routes across WV

• US Route 50 – Another historic cross country highway, Route 50 cuts across the northern woods of West Virginia
• US Route 250 – A zig-zagging route that runs diagonally across West Virginia, Route 250 cuts you through the heart of some of the wildest places in the state
• US Route 19 – Though it runs north to south, this historical route cuts across some of the most beautiful parts of the state, including the rock climbers’ heaven, New River Gorge

Back to Top

The Bourbon State.  The Bluegrass State.  Home of the Kentucky Derby.  Another major coal mining state.  No matter what description you use, the bottom line here is that Kentucky is one of my favorite states on the East Coast, and is home to some absolutely gorgeous back roads.

Places to go in Kentucky

• Bourbon Trail :  a conglomeration of destinations, Kentucky’s bourbon trail is an easy way to visit any number of distilleries creating the state’s most famous export.  My favorites (to visit, not necessarily to drink):  Maker’s Mark , Woodford, and Buffalo Trace
• Louisville :  Kentucky’s largest city is home to the Kentucky Derby , the world’s most famous baseball bats , and much more
• Daniel Boone National Forest :  Like MNF In WV, DBNF is home to dense woods, rugged terrain, rock climbing, cliffs, and plenty of places to hike
• Land Between the Lakes National Rec Area – a narrow strip of wilderness located between two lakes, full of hiking, camping, and water-based activities

Back Road Routes across Kentucky

• US Route 62 – a diagonal shot across the state, Route 62 cuts across the gorgeous heart of bourbon country and the well-groomed thoroughbred territory
• Kentucky Route 80 – Cutting across the southern edge of the state, KY-80 is filled with scenic beauty and plentiful options for exploration

Missouri is widely known as the Gateway to the West .  It’s largest city is home to the Gateway Arch, and because it sits centrally on the western banks of the Mississippi River, Missouri is often the first “western” state road trippers encounter.

Places to go in Missouri

• St Louis :  the state’s most famous city sits on the banks of the mighty Mississippi and features numerous tourist destinations:  Gateway Arch , Budweiser Brewery , and the National Transportation Museum are a few highlights.  This will also be the first place you’ll cross Route 66 on your trip west.
• Branson :  one of the cheesiest cities in the country, Branson is home to countless country and other live music venues, wax museums, and other various & sundry attractions.  Oh, and it sits at the northern edge of the Ozark Mountain wilderness.
• Dogwood Canyon & Hickory Canyon State Parks:  relatively small but jaw-droppingly gorgeous (see what I did there?), these two parks offer lots to see and do for the lover of natural scenery
• Mark Twain National Forest :  much larger than the previous parks, MTNF is home to thousands of acres of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and densely wooded rolling hills

Back Road Routes across Missouri

• US Route 160 – Running along the very southern edge of the state, Route 160 (who we’ll be seeing again..!) winds its way across the rolling foothills of the Ozarks
• US Route 60 – Only a couple dozen miles north of Route 160, Route 60 also cuts you across the hills of southern Missouri, albeit in a slightly more “refined” fashion:  Less rugged, fewer hills, and more open panoramas… but still a far more interesting and relaxing option than US Route 50, which cuts across several metro areas and long stretches of open plains

No sense in candy-coating the truth here:  Kansas is going to be one of the most boring, difficult states on this adventure.  That’s going to be nearly unavoidable, though, as it’s next to impossible to drive cross country without crossing one of the flat central plains states.

Places to go in Kansas

• Kansas City :  Located partially in Missouri and partially in Kansas, America’s most confusing city spans the Missouri River, Kansas River, the state border, and significant BBQ-based disputes !
• Little House on the Prairie Museum :  A replica of the tiny cabin where Laura Ingalls Wilder & her family lived
• Dodge City :  One of America’s most famous cowboy towns boasts a couple of excellent museums and a handful of old school taverns & saloons (plus its fair share of casinos)
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve :  some of the last natural tallgrass prairie acreage left in America

Back Road Routes across Kansas

• US Route 50 – If you really feel inclined and/or dedicated to do the entirety of your cross country trip on back roads, US 50 is probably your best option – especially if you’re stopping in Kansas City for some BBQ!
• US Route 400 – If you would rather have a rural route, US 400 takes you across the southern portion of the state, and connects with Route 50 in Dodge City

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(EDITOR’S NOTE:  The highlight lists from Colorado west will not include the most obvious tourist destinations that people are already aware of)

Things are about to get really, really incredible… well, eventually, once you’ve crossed over the 100 miles or so of Eastern Colorado that looks a whole lot like Kansas!  Once you hit the mountains, though, the scenery is simply remarkable.  Colorado is easily in my top five for most jaw-dropping back roads in the country (bear in mind, I’ve not been to Alaska or Hawaii yet).  The state is just absolutely loaded with incredible scenery… more than I could ever hope to capture or describe.  S electing only a handful of places to highlight (or roads to choose from) is going to be challenging from here going forward!  

Places to go in Colorado

• Pike’s Peak :  one of Colorado’s highest peaks also features some of Colorado’s best mountaintop driving… and it’s very close to one of my favorite cities in the state…
• Colorado Springs :  an awesome mountain city that is surrounded by utterly jaw-dropping natural beauty.  It also features several natural attractions in or near the city, and an awesome bohemian shopping district .
• Great Sand Dunes National Park :  an unusual and lesser known National Park (I hadn’t heard of it until Wanderlust Photography published their blog about it) centrally located in the southern tier of the state, Great Sand Dunes offers the unusual combination of desert and mountain scenery.  The San Juan Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop for the tallest sand dunes in North America.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP :  I hesitated about whether to include Black Canyon on this list.  Though the view from the North Rim was both impressive and uncrowded (we were the only ones there), and the drive to get there on CO-92 was genuinely stunning… the place felt somehow menacing to us.  The winds whipped and howled through the canyon, and the steep drop-offs were dizzying to behold.  The drive back to the North Rim also featured several unmarked & unfenced drop-offs, and was confusing and poorly marked.  It added at least 90 minutes each way to get there.  So if you’re going to go see it, I recommend the South Rim , which offers similar perspectives and is much closer and more easily accessible.
• Million Dollar Highway and Telluride :  I considered including the Million Dollar Highway as a route across the state, but the truth is, it’s one of the few places in America where the drive actually is the destination.  The scenic vistas are simply jaw-dropping – miles and miles of rugged mountain peaks and dense forests stretch in every direction – and the drive itself is thoroughly enjoyable, if perhaps a bit white-knuckle at times… There are also the historic mining towns of Ouray (pronounced “YOUR-ray”), Silverton , Durango , and Telluride, with their adorable downtown shopping districts surrounded on all sides by towering peaks.  I could spend weeks exploring here.

Back Road Routes across Colorado

• US Route 50 – Cutting a consistently scenic path across the central portion of the state, Route 50 provides convenient access to many of the best destinations in Colorado while also providing a natural boundary of sorts between the Rocky Mountains to the North and San Juan Mountains to the South.
• US Route 160 – As prefaced in Missouri, it’s back on US-160 again for an incredibly scenic way to drive across Colorado, providing easy access to Great Sand Dunes NP, a handful of destinations in the San Juan mountains, the Million Dollar Highway, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument… plus is a great way to head towards Monument Valley.

As is the case with Colorado, it’s critical to remember that this trip is the sampler platter, not the full entrée.  There is so much natural beauty to witness in Utah that you couldn’t see it all in a week or more.  The state’s most familiar features are its red rock desert formations, Canyons and Arches, and of course the massive salt flats .  The scenery is ethereal and often otherworldly, and can often spring up at you out of nowhere.  Be prepared to stop often, and often stop unexpectedly as you traverse the Beehive State .

Places to go in Utah

• Monument Valley :  One of a handful of “bucket list” locations that I finally crossed off my list on this trip is Monument Valley.  I feel, to be completely honest, like we need to come back and explore the area more to get a better appreciation for it.  The stone pillars were incredibly neat to see, but it felt like it was over fast – I think we might’ve missed some?
• Zion National Park :  I said I wasn’t going to include obvious tourist destinations, and here I am, a mere two states later including obvious tourist destinations.  But Zion is without question in my top five favorite National Parks in the country.   It will completely blow your mind the first time you drive through it.  If I had a nickel for every time my wife breathlessly exclaimed “Whoooaaaa…” as we weaved our way across the park, I could pay for someone to write this post for me!
• Glen Canyon National Rec Area :  An absolutely massive park that stretches south across the border into Arizona, Glen Canyon has over a million acres of stunning desert landscapes and water features to explore.  The twisting shores of Lake Powell carve jaw-dropping curves into the brilliant orange rocks, and the iconic Rainbow Bridge is nearby as well.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante :  Immediately adjacent to, and nearly double the size of Glen Canyon, Grand Staircase is yet another collection of diverse and awe-inspiring arid landscapes.  With arches, pillars, dunes, slot canyons, and a number of other features to discover, you could easily spend a week hiking across the depths of this enormous National Monument.
• Little Sahara Rec Area :  In a state that is world-famous for its off-roading opportunities , the Little Sahara rec area is a hidden gem of sorts for thrashing your UTV or SXS.  Hiking and fat biking trails are also available, as are places to camp.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls (and trailhead ):   Not to overuse a cliche or anything, but the Falls are just absurdly stunning, and the moderate hike to get there ain’t shabby either!
• Kanab :  One of several renowned outdoor adventurist towns in Utah, Kanab is a great place for launching a plethora of desert-based activities.  It’s also home to the BLM visitors center where you can attempt to get walk-in permits for The Wave in Arizona.  The town itself is really cool, with a handful of unique shops, restaurants, marketplaces, and museums.

Back Road Routes across Utah

• US Route 89 – Utah’s intensely rugged and deeply carved geography make it particularly challenging to traverse east to west using strictly back roads. US-89 weaves an unusual course into the state from Arizona, then heads east-west for a stretch near Glen Canyon and Grand Staircase, before turning north again.
• US Route 6 – The aforementioned storied east to west transcontinental route winds its way across Utah, intermingling with several other well-known US Routes along the way.
• US Routes 40 & 50 – I mention both in the same breath here because they run similar courses not far from each other across the state… though both will try to run you along the interstate for a stretch if you’re not careful!
• Utah Route 12 – It’s not included in the list of The Best Back Roads in America for no reason!  Though short, Utah’s State Route 12 carves a panoramic path across some of the most rugged, mind-bending rock formations and desert geography that I’ve ever witnessed.

It was hard to skip over one of my favorite states in the country – Arizona – but again, for the sake of miles on a trip of this size, you have to make cuts somewhere .  Nevada is one of the most imposingly beautiful states you’ll ever visit.  It’s also contains some of the most desolate places you’ll ever visit – certainly some of the most remote places in the lower 48.  The landscape is often severely harsh and inhospitable, and will provide you with the longest “human-free” stretches of driving on your journey …. so make sure you have plenty of gas , and fill up whenever you have the opportunity!  But fear not, because those same imposing and inhospitable landscapes will also provide you with countless uninterrupted natural panoramas, stretching as far as the eye can see without a single man-made structure in sight.  It truly is a wonder to behold, and if you’re open to it, it might just change your perspective on humanity .

Places to go in Nevada

• Valley of Fire State Park :  Intense reds and oranges will fill your vision as you make your way into and around Valley of Fire.  The sandstone formations jut out of the ground in unusual angles all around you, and there is plenty of petrified wood to discover.  With an incredible Off-Road Park feeding into the northern edge of the state park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here.
• Nelson Ghost Town and Nelson’s Landing :  I found these gems by sheer happenstance while looking for outdoor activities for our adventure in Las Vegas a few years ago, and we absolutely fell in love.  The ghost town is super cool, populated by ancient-looking wooden structures, and the landscape is littered with old cars.  There is an old abandoned mine, and even an airplane… and let’s not forget about cliff jumping into the Colorado River at Nelson’s Landing!  An all-around amazing day trip!
• Goldfield :  Speaking of old mining towns, Goldfield is another great historical destination in the desert.  For such a small town, it has a surprising amount of things worth seeing – historic saloons, museums, shops, and even a car forest !  Being fairly isolated in the sparsely populated center of the state, and surrounded by stark natural beauty, the area around Goldfield is also prime real estate for stargazing .
• The Loneliest Road in America :  In addition to being one of the most direct ways to drive east-west across the state, US Route 50 in Nevada also sports the rather depressing moniker of being the loneliest road in the country.  It’s true in a lot of ways:  there isn’t much life in any direction at any point on Route 50, human or otherwise.  Once you leave Ely, none of the few small towns you’ll come across in the next 250+ miles heading west have more than 500 residents.  But, as I’ve already mentioned above, there’s incredible beauty in all of that loneliness.
• Great Basin National Park :  One of the smaller, more remote – and maybe most underappreciated and unknown – National Parks in the lower 48, Great Basin sports some absolutely stunning mountain peaks and desert valleys.  Sitting at the eastern end of the Loneliest Road in America, Great Basin offers plenty of hiking trails, scenic drives, and snow-capped mountain peaks.  Make sure to swing southeast from there to pick up Utah Route 12 across Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase, Escalante, and Capitol Reef!
• Black Rock Desert :  In addition to being the home of Burning Man every August, the BRD is also a place to find incredible natural scenery.  Loaded with abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping, this area is known as being one of the darkest – and best – stargazing spots in the whole country.
• Paradise Valley :  Located smack in the middle of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest – a bit of a misnomer, as we didn’t see any trees until we drove up over the mountain pass – Paradise Valley is indeed an arid wonderland.  In addition to being a good spot for hunting out abandoned buildings, the desert valley is partially ringed to the North & West by a string of jagged mountain peaks.  The rugged terrain is perfect for dispersed camping opportunities, though the isolated nature of the area forces me to only suggest this for experienced campers.

Back Road Routes across Nevada

• US Route 50 – as mentioned above, Route 50 offers one of the simplest ways of driving east to west across this arid state.  I would be remiss if I did not repeat my advice:  MAKE SURE you always have gas in your vehicle.  There are countless places where you are going to be 30-50 miles or more from the nearest gas station, and it’s entirely plausible you could wait several hours before seeing another human.
• US Route 6 – coming into the state joined with Route 50 from Utah, the two routes diverge in Ely, with 50 heading on a more northerly course towards Lake Tahoe, and Route 6 cutting south towards Tonopah and Mono County CA.  Nearly as lonely as Route 50, Route 6 is another place to not mess around with being safe – an overabundance of caution with regards to maintaining your vehicle and fuel is crucial.
• US Route 95 – As with Route 19 in West Virginia, Route 95 deserves mention in spite of being a north-south route.  As one of my favorite back roads in the country, 95 is chock full of natural scenery, and it connects you with several of the best destinations in the state.

California is easily the most intimidating state on this entire list to try to tackle.  As the third largest state in the country, superlatives are abundant in my favorite state for back road driving.  I described California to my wife as having similar natural features as other states in the country – forests, mountains, deserts, rivers, the ocean, etc – but on grander, exaggerated scale.  The state’s terrain takes on mythical proportions:  the mountains are more dramatic, the deserts more dry, the coastline totally defies description, and the trees tower above you in startling size.  California has been lionized in American mythology, and with good reason.  I’m not even going to attempt to scratch the surface of everything there is to see and do – not to mention the countless amazing back roads to explore.  I’m only going to address a handful of things we saw and did on our cross country adventure, and leave the rest for you to fill in the blanks!

Places to go in Northern California

• Mono Lake & Tufa Reserve :  Looking like an eyeball on the map, Mono Lake appears to stare back at you as you ogle open-mouthed at its mountain-lined shores.  In addition to its striking panoramas, Mono Lake also features a number of otherworldly Tufa Towers along its shorelines.
• Mountain Gate Park :  Small and seemingly uninteresting on its face, this “park” – in reality, more of a rest area than a park – is a fantastic place for the hot and road-weary traveler to stop and refresh themselves in the frigid rush of the West Walker River.  Surrounded by steep and arid canyon walls, the melt-water river is shallow, clear, and crisp, its bottom lined with countless smooth stones for walking across.  Whether you sit on the shoreline and dunk your feet, or go whole hog and cross into its “depths,” it’s a relaxing place to rest up before continuing on your journey.
• Monitor Pass :  This white-knuckle mountain pass winds its way east across the Sierra Nevada chain, providing countless dynamic panoramic vistas … for the passengers!  Drivers beware:  This road, while gorgeous, is dangerously distracting.  Keep your eyes on the road, and use the numerous pull-offs to do your viewing.  The Lake Alpine area in particular is gorgeous, and loaded with outdoor activities to explore!
• Calaveras Big Trees State Park :  Calaveras Big Trees is just one of many, many places in California where you can walk among towering sequoia and redwood trees.  We appreciated the approachability and relaxed nature of the park, and found plenty of things to see and explore while we were there.  The campgrounds were affordable, clean, spacious, and provided easy access to numerous scenic hikes, and the sky was dark enough at night to make viewing the Milky Way easy.
• Yosemite National Park :  I know, I’m breaking my own rule about obvious tourist destinations, but come on!  How can I not include one of the most dramatic scenic drives in America and one of the most dramatic back road vista points in America, all within a park that is laden with a plethora of both?  I could spend at least a week there, finding new angles to capture the natural beauty of the landscapes, and I would strongly recommend you do the same.  If nothing else, make sure to do the drive through Yosemite Valley , and the drive up to Glacier Point .  Though they are less than a mile apart as the crow flies, it’ll take you about an hour to drive from one to the other!
• Napa Valley :  More specifically, I suggest you drive the loop around Napa Valley .  Though a very short drive, you could easily spend a couple days meandering your way from winery to winery – the route is lined with several dozen  excellent  ones – and it’s ringed on all sides by absolutely stunning natural splendor.  The diversity of the scenery alone – the flat valley floor, surrounded by rugged green and sand mountain peaks, rows and rows of grape arbors capped at each end with gnarled prickly pear cacti, all lined by lush evergreen and palm forests – makes this drive worthwhile… And of course, it’s easily America’s most celebrated wine region.  Again, I’m breaking my own rule a bit by including a fairly touristy destination, but the beauty of the drive – and the back road nature of the route (and the small towns and villages along the way) make it more than worthy of inclusion on this list.  Oh, and just over the western ridge is Sonoma County ,  ANOTHER  excellent wine region!
• Russian River Valley :  Most widely known as an excellent wine and beer region, driving through the Russian River Valley makes me absolutely swoon.  The scenery, driving west from US-101 along River Road, is absurdly diverse and dynamic in a relatively short stretch of miles…. and it will leave you gawking nearly the entire way.  I’m building a full-length post specifically devoted to this drive, but I’ll say this – it’s the only place in the half-million or so miles I’ve driven where you can experience palm trees, vineyards, dense redwood forests, a deep winding river, rolling hills and mountains, adorable bohemian villages, AND a gorgeous ocean coastline … all contained within a less-than-30-mile drive .

Back Road Routes Across California

• CA State Route 4 – Twisting and winding its way across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, CA-4 starts near the state’s eastern border at Topaz Lake , and terminates near the western coast at San Pablo Bay .  In the interim, you’ll cross mountain passes, desert floor, dense forest, the scorched expanse of the Central Valley, and the dense congestion of East Bay.
• CA State Route 120 – Though CA-120 barely makes it halfway across the state, terminating at I-5 in the middle of the Central Valley, it more than makes up for its short distance with its stunning scenery.  Starting near the bone-dry border with Nevada, 120 will quickly leave you gasping as you make your way past Mono Lake and into the jagged peaks of the Eastern Sierras.  Before long, the alpine beauty of Tuolumne Meadows is whizzing past, and you’ve found yourself crossing the heart of Yosemite National Park.  Wind your way down the foothills of the Western Sierras, across Don Pedro Reservoir, and into the spartan beauty of the Valley.
• CA State Route 89 – Yeesh!  Another north-south route, AND another state route!  I’ll be honest – the US Routes aren’t great options for east-west crossings of California.  They are often multi-lane highways that cut quickly across the less-scenic areas of the state, and don’t make for enjoyable driving.  I digress.  CA-89 is a mountain lovers paradise!  Towering mountains line nearly all of this route as it winds north from Topaz Lake along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada range.  The road is just loaded with some of the most stunning mountain vistas I’ve ever seen in my life.  You’ll pass through a handful of kitschy mountain towns, along the eastern edge of Lake Tahoe , Donner Pass , across Plumas National Forest , and into the Cascade Mountains .  Don’t forget to stop at Lassen Volcanic National Park and National Forest .  The route terminates at the base of Mount Shasta .
• US Route 395 – Like US Route 95 in Nevada, US 395 deserves mention here because it connects so many of the beautiful places in California.  It threads its way up the eastern edge of the state and the Sierra Nevada range , connecting one scenic spot after another like a spine holding the body together.  In addition to connecting so many beautiful spots, 395 itself is a rather fantastic drive even without stopping.  Start out at the bottom, just north of the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests, and roll nearly straight north through the arid valley that makes up one of my favorite back roads in the country.

Driving East:  the Northern Cross Country Route

Heading home, I was finally able to hit up several northern states I’d never explored before.  My primary goals for the return drive were to explore Idaho, experience Yellowstone, and drive Beartooth Pass – all of which I was able to do!   NOTE :  Though we drove across the northwestern corner of Nevada and had our first campsite in Paradise Valley, there’s no point in duplicating the state in the list.  Instead, I’m going to start the list in Oregon, a state which rivals California in many ways, and would also make a great starting point for a east-bound cross country road trip!

Officially the start of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon rivals its southern neighbor in biodiversity and geographic landscapes.  Though not as large, and often not as sunny and warm as California, Oregon is still an absolutely beautiful, enchanting and unique state to visit:  dense, lush forests grow right up to the very edge of the jagged Pacific Coastline, and the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains separates the coast from a surprisingly vast and arid desert in the southeastern corner of the state.  National Forests abound, and there’s even a pretty excellent wine region!

Places to go in Oregon

• Three Sisters :  Three 10,000+ foot volcanic peaks (plus the nearby Broken Top peak ), laden with glacial ice and alpine lakes, all located within less than five miles of each other?  What more could an outdoor adventure explorer ask for?
• Oregon Redwoods Trail :  Located less than a mile from the California border and less than five miles from the coast, this hiking area makes for a beautiful place to walk amongst the towering coastal redwood trees.
• The Rugged Volcanic Peaks of the Cascade Range :  Running from south to north, and loaded with year-round outdoor activity options, this list includes some of the most prominent and well-known peaks in the west:  Mount McLoughlin , Mount Scott & Crater Lake , Mount Thielsen , Mount Bachelor , The Three Sisters, Mount Washington , Mount Jefferson , and Mount Hood .
• Smith Rock State Park :  What this park lacks in overall size, it more than makes up for with its stunning natural beauty.  Though primarily known as a rock climbing destination , the park also has abundant hiking trails and primitive campsites.
• An abundance of State Forests and National Forests
• Willamette Valley :  a world-class wine region, on par with the more widely known Napa and Sonoma valleys, lining the Willamette River and primarily centered in the region between Portland and Salem .

Back Road Routes Across Oregon

• US Route 20 – Starting at the Pacific Coast at Route 101 in Newport , Route 20 winds its way east through the heavily wooded hills of the Oregon Coast Range and the southern end of the Willamette Valley.  After passing through the city of Bend , Route 20 crosses the surprisingly desolate and remarkably flat expanse of eastern Oregon before joining US Route 26 near the Idaho border.
• US Route 26 – Like Route 20, US Route 26 starts near the Pacific Coast at Route 101.  After a brief pass through the dense coastal woods, Route 26 cuts across the heart of Portland before heading east.  From Portland, the route passes in the shadow of Mt Hood and cuts nearly straight south past two remarkable state parks , then across a rolling scenic valley between Ochoco National Forest and John Day Fossil Bed before uniting with US 20.  Because the two routes run in parallel and join together at the eastern edge of the state, if you are making your way across Oregon, US 26 is clearly the better choice for an enjoyable drive.
• OR State Route 140 – Though the route does not cut the entire way across the state, it does cut a very scenic path across the southern edge of Oregon.  Running east from Medford to roughly halfway between US Route 395 and 95 in the desolate southeastern corner of the state, the route’s scenery ranges from the Cascade Mountains , the waterways and woodlands of the Klamath Falls area , and into the desolate desert east of Goose Lake .
• US Route 395 – Though not quite as beautiful as its counterpart in California, US 395 in Oregon similarly cuts through the arid, desolate beauty in central Oregon.  Winding a north-south course across the entire state, the route passes near or through several National Forests along the way.

Idaho is definitely the next-most intimidating state to write about on this list, after California.  That might seem a bit ostentatious for a state most widely known as the home of the lowly potato.  Merely brushing Idaho off as a bunch of boring farmland, however, would be to miss one of the most jaw-dropping states in America.  I had never really given Idaho much thought as a state worth visiting, and I almost wonder if that’s how they want it to be.  There’s really not much of a tourism vibe in the state, and I wonder if they want to keep their natural splendor a guarded secret.  I quite unexpectedly tripped over the allure of Idaho while working on a road trip plan for someone back in 2019, and the more I looked into it, the stronger my desire to explore the state became.  Even with a ton of build-up and seriously high expectations, the rugged mountains of Idaho did not disappoint!  Like California, picking which pictures to share – especially from the back road drone shots – was incredibly challenging.

Places to go in Idaho

• Sun Valley :  Technically considered a town, Sun Valley is more of a place or a geographic area… but who really cares what it is, aside from the fact that it’s jaw-droppingly, heart-stoppingly beautiful!  Near the top of the list of my favorite things we saw in Idaho.
• Coeur d’Alene :  Apparently some of the most beautiful parts of Idaho are known by the names of the town that’s nearby?  Either way, if you’re venturing this far up north, this mountains and lakes area can’t be missed!
• Snake River :  OK so given that the Snake River runs roughly 1/3 of the length of the western border of the state AND THEN meanders its way across the state over to Wyoming, it’s hard to pick a single place to link to here.  We cut across the river several times during our drive across the state, and it always provided us with gorgeous sightlines and panoramic views… and if you’re a fisherman, this one is gold!
• Payette River : Since my Places for Idaho weren’t weird enough already, let’s toss another river into the mix!  Consisting of a North & South Fork that merge at ID-55 just north of Banks , the Payette River runs through some of the most beautiful, rugged parts of the state, making long stretches of its raging waters ideal for white-water rafting!
• Sawtooth Mountains and National Forest : – OK, so I know that geographically this encompasses a pretty huge area, but between Sawtooth & the neighboring Salmon Challis NF , you could spend a full year exploring its beautiful mountains and dense evergreen forests without seeing everything the area has to offer.

Back Road Routes Across Idaho

• US Route 12 – As an oddly shaped state that’s much “taller” than it is “wide,” finding East-West back road routes across the state is surprisingly difficult.  That said, US 12 is an amazing option to consider, cutting an incredibly scenic path across the rugged northern third of the state.  Lewiston is the “biggest” city along the sparsely populated route, which eventually cuts through Nez Perce National Forest along the Lochsa River Valley , adjacent to countless natural hot springs.
• ID State Routes 17, 21 and 75 – This is a bit of a tough one to weave together, since it doesn’t follow any of the routes completely, and it’s not the full Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway either.  This route, however, starting from where the two forks of the Payette merge and running east to west along the Southern Fork for most of the way, cuts through some of the most stunning canyon and mountain driving I’ve ever done.  The route is lined with abundant opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, natural hot springs, dispersed camping and much more… and offers you options to drop into additional outdoor activity havens like Sun Valley.
• US Route 20 (and 26) – Eventually merging with US Route 26, US Route 20 cuts a long, often flat, often straight line across the southern tier of the state.  Running from I-84 south of Boise all the way up to the Wyoming border and into Yellowstone , US 20 is actually quite reminiscent of driving across Nevada :  vast open valleys (with stick-straight driving) surrounded by gorgeous jagged mountain peaks along the way.  You’ll also pass right by Craters of the Moon National Monument .
• ID State Route 55 and US Route 95 – Running North and South from Boise to the Canadian border, this route will wind you through some of the most stunning open landscapes in the state.  Much of the route runs parallel to the Northern Fork of the Payette River, from the outlets on the southern edges of Payette Lake and Lake Cascade all the way down to Boise.  Continue further north across a handful of National Forests , Coeur D’Alene, and the fabulous Lake Pend before hitting the Canadian border.

Dear Western United States:  Please stop having so many absolutely gorgeous states.  Sincerely, no one ever.  Honestly, though, it’s a real coin-flip, choosing whether to head from Idaho into Montana or Wyoming.  Both states have long stretches of absolutely gorgeous mountain driving, and both also have long stretches of teeth-grindingly boring open plains to cross.  What sealed the deal for us was the opportunity to finally check Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks off the list, so we headed a little south into Wyoming and had our minds blown by all of the gorgeous rugged scenery the state has to offer.  The fact that we could shoot briefly up into Montana on Beartooth Pass definitely helped!  Although back road options are somewhat limited in this vast state, I’ve definitely enjoyed every time I’ve driven across it!

Places to go in Wyoming

• Yellowstone and Grand Teton :  OK look, I know that I said that I wasn’t going to hit the most widely known tourist destinations in each state, but honestly, how can I write about Wyoming and not include Yellowstone and Grand Teton ?  Aside from taking up like 15% of the state’s total area, the mountains and hot springs in both parks just simply define the state.  Just don’t get caught in the traffic on US-191 (like we did) travelling from one park to the other.
• Medicine Bow National Forest :  Absolutely stunning mountains surround deep blue alpine lakes and lush evergreen forests at this northern edge of the Rocky Mountain chain.  Often snowed-in well into the late spring and beginning again in early fall, the area can be difficult to access at times, and has a surprising lack of ski resorts.  That said, the gorgeous mountain vistas along many of the hiking trails are worth the extra effort.
• Beartooth Highway :  Though it does briefly cross over into Montana at the northern edge of Yellowstone, the vast majority of Beartooth Highway and Beartooth Pass traverses the northern edge of Wyoming.  Crossing a vast brigade of mountain peaks and National Forests, this twisting road will take you on some of the most stunning cliff’s edge driving this side of the Million Dollar Highway!  Though it’s primarily about the drive – and the panoramic vista points at the pull-offs – there are a handful of drop-dead gorgeous dispersed campsites to be had… if you can find them !
• Palisades Reservoir :  Surrounded by mountains and straddling the border between Wyoming and Idaho, this stunning man-made reservoir is situated just ten miles south of Jackson on the Snake River… and if that sweet alliteration doesn’t convince you to go check it out, maybe my drone video from there will!
• Big Horn National Forest :  An absolutely sprawling park, filled with more mountain peaks, alpine lakes, densely wooded trails, and a boatload of other outdoor activities.  If you’re making your way across from Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills, this is a great place to break up the drive and spend a day.
• Curt Gowdy State Park :  Both little-known and little in size, what this park lacks in stature, it makes up for in scenery and activities. With spectacular rock formations, fantastic hikes, boating & fishing, horseback riding, an archery range, a waterfall, and a lot more, this park has something for everyone!

Back Road Routes Across Wyoming

• US Route 14 – Starting in Chicago and terminating in Yellowstone, this historic route weaves a drunken path meandering from one side of the state to the other.  Running parallel (and now concurrent) with I-90 for a stretch from the South Dakota border, it heaves north of the interstate twice (including around Big Horn) before levelling out on its way into Cody and towards the eastern gate of Yellowstone.
• US Route 26 – Roughly following the original path of the Oregon Trail and North Platte River across the desolate central plains of the state, US-26 comes into the state in the southeastern corner near Fort Laramie, then slowly meanders its way northwest toward Grand Teton and the Idaho border.

South Dakota

Coming from the west, central South Dakota is where the Great Plains really begin in earnest.  Once you’ve made your way across the twisting maze of granite and pine that make up the Black Hills, the landscape flattens out rapidly.  The Missouri River cuts a massive gash down the middle of the state, looking almost like a piece of paper that’s been ripped in two.  Interestingly (at least to me), the Black Hills is the first – and only – place I’ve witnessed a mountain lion in the wild.  On the plus side, hey, at least it’s not North Dakota.  I kid, I kid!

Places to go in South Dakota

• Custer State Park :  Full of towering otherworldly granite formations and gnarly winding roads, this large park is a great place for outdoor activities, bikers, and sports car enthusiasts!
• International Vinegar Museum :  OK, so this is one of those little oddball places that I love to discover.  Admittedly, I’ve not been there, and it looks relatively small, but if you happen to be in this relatively distant and obscure corner of South Dakota, it’ll certainly break up the monotony!
• Badlands National Park :  Yes, I know, another tourist destination.  But the jagged ridgelines and brilliant orange and red colors of the geological formations here seem starkly out of place in an otherwise green, pastoral state.  Loaded with wonderful hiking trails and insane scenic overlooks, the Badlands definitely feels like they were plucked out of Utah and dropped into South Dakota by some “ Wizard of Oz ” like tornado.
• Ingalls Homestead :  There are several different Laura Ingalls Wilder related locations spread throughout the Midwest, but quite a few of them are located in and around De Smet, SD .

Back Road Routes Across South Dakota

• US Routes 14 – Though the last 40-50 miles of the western portion of the route merges with I-90 near the town of Wall (home of the kitschy Wall Drug ), it winds its way east to west across the majority of the state.  In addition to Wall, US-14 also passes through the capital city of Pierre and the aforementioned De Smet.
• State Route 44 – Running nearly the full east to west length of the state and cutting across the Badlands and Black Hills, Route 44 is a great option for avoiding the highway on a cross country road trip!

You’ve now solidly entered the heart of the Great Plains, kids… the rugged aura of the wild west is a long distant memory in the rear view mirror.  While the pastoral miles of America’s breadbasket have a peaceful beauty to them, I recommend downloading a few interesting podcasts for each day’s drive to keep your mind active as the road stretches endlessly towards the horizon in front of you.  The Land of 10,000 Lakes (nearly 12,000, actually) is a nature lover’s paradise in many ways though, and is also home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River .

Places to go in Minnesota

• Gooseberry Falls :  One of a long list of excellent parks on the western shore of Lake Superior (several of which are featured here), this relatively small park has a number of hikes, shoreline trails, and of course, a pretty gnarly set of cascading waterfalls.
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park :   Like Gooseberry Falls, what this Lake Superior shoreline park lacks in size, it more than makes up for in stunning natural beauty.  Featuring its namesake historic cliffside lighthouse, the park also has lots of hiking opportunities and waterfalls to explore.
• Tettegouche State Park :  Can’t get enough of Lake Superior yet?  Who can blame you!  The largest of the Great Lakes shows its glacial history in its numerous lakeside cliffs, and Tettegouche State Park boasts some of the most stunning cliffs in the state.  As with most of the local parks, Tettegouche features a plethora of hikes, waterfalls, fishing opportunities, and even rock climbing.
• Voyageurs National Park :  If you’re venturing towards the northern end of the state and the Canadian border, a stop at this large and secluded National Park is well worth your time.  The park features sprawling, often-interconnected water features and is a boating fanatic’s wonderland.  Be sure to stop and check out the rock sculptures at Ellsworth Rock Garden .
• Kabetogama State Park :  This park is paradise for fishing, snowmobiling/ATV riding, hiking, boating and kayaking.  It’s a great place for slowly paddling your way northwards through the interconnected waterways, meandering towards the southern boundary of Voyageurs NP.

Back Road Routes Across Minnesota

• State Route 61 – I can’t mention all of those glorious shoreline parks on Lake Superior without also mentioning the fabulously scenic lakeshore drive , can I?  Though the majority of Route 61 runs north to south, the section of the route running parallel to the lake takes a more southwest to northeast course… and while it terminates at the Canadian border, the stunning scenery along the way makes the detour well worth your time.  After all, it wouldn’t be one of the best back roads in America if it wasn’t!
• State Route 210 – Given that this east to west route runs across the heart of Lake Country and through several state parks and state forests, finally terminating after weaving across Jay Cooke SP south of Duluth, I was shocked by the dearth of tourist information about the route online.
• US Route 14 – For those who aren’t interested – or don’t have time – for a northern adventure, US-14 offers a good option for meandering across the southern end of this tall state.  The route passes through a handful of farming towns and villages, small cities, and passes near the stunning Minneopa State Park .

Cheese!  As the home to plentiful cheese & dairy products, as well as the state where Harley-Davidson and OshKosh B’Gosh started, you’ll definitely find plenty to do in this gorgeous northern plains state.  And because it’s the first state you’ll encounter after crossing the Mississippi River, it’s the “beginning of the end” of your cross country trip.  You’re now starting back into the eastern side of the country .

Places to go in Wisconsin

• The Dells (Wisconsin Dells) :  These fascinating riverside rock formations can only be accessed by boat, so make sure to review your trip options and choose your tour carefully!
• Rocky Arbor State Park :  Not far from the aforementioned riverside rocks is Rocky Arbor, this peaceful park is loaded with campsites and hiking trails.  You can explore the woods, or hike down for a few views of the sandstone cliffs.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum :  The world-famous author bounced around quite a bit during her prolific life and writing career, setting up camp in several locations across the Midwest.  This museum, near the Mississippi River in Pepin, is located at her birthplace.
• Five Mile Bluff Prairie :  Located near Pepin along the Chippewa River, Five Mile Bluff offers hikers several sweeping panoramas of both rivers and nearly uninterrupted natural vistas.
• Taliesin Estate :  Located in the southeastern corner of the state is one of Frank Lloyd Wright ‘s architectural masterpieces, and was his long-term home and studio.  The site of a brutal multiple-homicide and arson attack, Wright quickly re-designed and re-built his destroyed estate before his own death.  Don’t forget to stop at the quirky Romeo & Juliet windmill while you’re there.
• The House on the Rock :  Speaking of quirky buildings, the House on the Rock is a must-see attraction while you’re in the Spring Green area.  With a cantilevered section of the home extending more than 200 feet out over the valley floor below it, it’s an architectural masterpiece that you have to see in order to believe!  Sadly, both Taliesin and House on the Rock were closed due to COVID restrictions during our drives, or I would have more photos of each to share!
• Apostle Island National Lakeshore :  A water-lover’s paradise, this chain of sandstone islands features plenty of stunning landscapes and rock formations, as well as a number of historic lighthouses.  While the islands are best experienced from the seat of a kayak, a sea kayak is the only safe/recommended method to explore the area.

Back Road Routes Across Wisconsin

• US Route 14 – Running northwest to southeast across the southern portion of the state, US-14 cuts across the capital city of Madison and Spring Green, but mostly runs across the scenic rolling hills of Wisconsin farmland.
• US Route 18 – Heading nearly straight east to west from Milwaukee, US-18 runs across the southern tier of the state towards Iowa and South Dakota.  Route 18 also cuts across Madison, then diverts along a more southern and rural track.
• US Route 10 – As one of only two US historic routes that includes a designated ferry as part of the actual route, US-10 starts on the eastern edge of the state on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Running along a more northern track, there are several short detours from US-10 to enjoy cities like Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Eau Claire while also relishing the diverse natural scenery.

And here we finally meet the states that were a bit more difficult to get excited about.  I’ll be the first to admit it:  I bag on the flyover states, and that’s not fair.  The midwestern states have plenty of interesting destinations to offer.  My feeling comes from the sense that the vast majority of the land is open, flat, and tends not to inspire words like “stunning” or “breath-taking” or “awe-inspiring.”  I digress.  The land of Lincoln does have it’s fair share of enjoyable back road drives, and several rather unique features worth finding and exploring!

Images courtesy of Illinois DNR

Places to go in illinois.

• Starved Rock State Park / Nature Preserve :  This long, narrow park and adjoining preserve along the southern shore of the Illinois River is loaded with excellent natural features to explore.  With a handful of elevated river overlooks, a bunch of waterfalls and hikes, and more canyons than Arizona, this small park packs a punch!
• Matthiessen State Park :  Literally right down the road from Starved Rock is another small State Park that is full of natural beauty worth exploring.  With multiple bridges and waterfalls, you could easily spend a couple hours hiking the park and … soaking … in all the scenery! (Dad jokes are free for those who’ve made it this far!)
• Peru IL:  I haven’t included virtually any “indoor” sights on this post, but the city of Peru has two that are worth exploring.  The Westclox Museum looks like it will be a fascinating place to spend a few hours perusing the displays (especially if, like me, you love old clocks).  A few blocks down the road is the absolutely jaw-dropping Hegeler Carus Mansion .  Given that Peru is just across the river from the two aforementioned state parks, you could easily spend a couple days exploring everything this part of Illinois has to offer!
• Villa Katherine :  Speaking of absolutely stunning architecture, perched on the banks overlooking the Mississippi River near Quincy is the incredible Moorish-style Villa Katherine.  The building is currently used as the city’s tourist information center, and guided tours of the structure can be taken on an appointment basis.  Make sure to explore the city’s historic district and Log Cabin Village .
• Lincoln Home :  As the first and only home that President Lincoln ever owned, this memorial site is a must-visit spot for any history buff in your group!

Back Road Routes Across Illinois

• US Route 6 – America’s longest contiguous historic route runs nearly cross country (coast to coast), and is now mirrored by Interstate 80 in many states.  Cutting across the northern portion of the state into Chicago, Route 6 also runs through several of the highlighted locations above!
• US Route 24 – One of America’s original federal routes, dating back to the start of the US highway system in 1926, runs the heart of the auto manufacturing corridor in Michigan west to central Colorado.  Heading west to east, the route crosses the Mississippi into the state at Quincy and heads northeast along the Illinois River to Peoria, where it makes a sharp turn to head directly east into Indiana.
• US Route 50 – After leaving St Louis and hooking a left at O’Fallon, US-50 quickly opens up to become a mostly straight shot across the rural flatlands of Illinois corn country.

The Hoosier state, like it’s eastern and western neighbors, is primarily known to travelers as being home to millions of acres of corn fields.  However, like all of the midwestern states, Indiana is home to a handful of hidden gems for travelers to unearth.  One merely needs to know where and how to find them!

Places to go in Indiana

• Turkey Run State Park :  Though less than half a mile square, this tiny park is absolutely packed with diverse natural beauty.  Canyons, creeks, a covered bridge, camping, horseback riding and historical sites abound, with plenty of relatively easy hikes to explore throughout the park.
• Shades State Park :  Just a few miles up the road, also along the meandering path of Sugar Creek, Shades State Park is another fantastic location filled with natural beauty and outdoor activities.  Sandstone cliffs set the scene for most of the hiking and water sports in the park, and it too sports a historic covered bridge.
• Circus Hall of Fame :  This one is pretty self-explanatory!  Make sure to also check out the surprising Miami County Museum in nearby Peru.
• Salamonie River State Park :  Another very small park located about 20 miles east of Peru, the real highlight of the park is the hike to the wide drop of Kissing Falls .  Make sure to also check out Hanging Rock National Landmark while you’re there.
• Studebaker Museum :  Located in the heart of South Bend – home of the glorious campus of Notre Dame University – the Studebaker Museum houses three floors of displays featuring the historic cars manufactured there, as well as American car culture in general.

Back Road Routes Across Indiana

• US Route 24 – Cutting a similar path across Indiana as it did in neighboring Illinois, US-24 parallels the Wabash River across much of the state, and will drop you close to several of the parks listed above.
• US Route 36 – Like US-24, US-36 was one of the original federal highways commissioned in 1926.  Running mostly straight east to west across the most rural stretches of the state, it also brings travelers close to Turkey Run and Shades State Parks before crossing downtown Indianapolis .
• US Route 50 – The southern option for crossing the state on a historical federal route, US-50 runs through largely rural and relatively isolated areas of the state, eventually bearing northeast towards Cincinnati.

The Buckeye State will be the final stop on our cross country road trip itinerary.  Ohio is a relatively interesting state on the East Coast, made up of an unusual mix of large swaths of flat open farmland to the north and west, and thick forests and rolling hills to the south and east.  When looking at a satellite image of the state, it’s almost as if there’s a slash running diagonally across the state, separating the two different geographies contained within.

Places to go in Ohio

• Cuyahoga Falls National Park :  The only National Park in the state, Cuyahoga Falls is a relatively new, absolutely gorgeous place to stop smack in the middle between Cleveland and Akron.  The long and narrow park, centered around the Cuyahoga River, features numerous hiking trails and is most widely known for the cascading Brandywine Falls .
• May 4th Memorial :  Though the Kent State shooting in 1970 might be widely known, it’s absolutely worth seeing the memorial and learning more about the history of the four students murdered and nine more injured by the US National Guard during protests against the Vietnam War.
• The Ohio State Reformatory :  Most obviously known as the site where the vast majority of Shawshank Redemption was filmed, the prison is also home to paranormal activities/ghost hunting , events, and other tours.  Make sure to check out the Shawshank Tree (on private property, only view from the road!) and Shawshank Woodshop .
• Mohican State Park / State Forest :  This large park area is host to a number of excellent hiking & biking opportunities, a large river gorge, sizable woodlands, camping, and a massive covered bridge.
• Hocking Hills State Park :  One of the state’s largest and most beautiful parks – if you ask me, it should’ve become the state’s National Park over Cuyahoga Falls – Hocking Hills features absolutely stunning rock formations, cliffs, caves, waterfalls, wooded areas, camping, hiking, gorges and a boatload of other incredible outdoor activities.  This absolute gem of a park was definitely overlooked when the time came to nominate a National Park for Ohio.
• Historic Roscoe Village :  An entire historic town, preserved in time, features guided tours by costumed “villagers,” plus preserved buildings, old-timey shops, and boat rides on the canal.

Back Road Routes Across Ohio

• US Route 36 – US-36 weaves and winds its way across central Ohio, passing through a handful of historic farming towns and villages, while also completely circumnavigating the insanity that can be downtown Columbus traffic.
• State Route 32 – Starting at the outskirts of Cincinnati and twisting its way east, OH-32 quickly transforms from its urban start to a very rural, very scenic way to cross southern Ohio.
• US Route 250 – US-250 cuts a diagonal path across the state, starting at the shores of Lake Erie at Sandusky (home of the sprawling Cedar Point amusement park) and taking a rather scenic track across rural Ohio farmland before hitting the foothills of West Virginia

When to Take a Cross Country Road Trip

The question of when to take a cross country road trip can be a very tricky one.  In addition to the amount of time required to drive cross country, one also has to factor in things like climate, elevation, and local weather extremes.  It is especially challenging due to the fact that the climate in areas along the way can vary drastically during the exact same months.  Toss in the fact that most of the highlighted places will be very busy during the summer months, and picking a time to take this trip can be an unenviable task!

How long does it take to drive cross country?

The first step in the process of choosing when to travel is determining how long you have!  Driving cross country can take as long or as short as you want, based upon how much time you have to take it slowly and explore.  In April of 2021, I drove from Pittsburgh PA to Sonoma CA – almost 2,600 miles – in 63 hours, completely by myself.   I had virtually no time to get the drive done, so I spent no time stopping and enjoying the trip.  On my very first cross country road trip, however, after my best friend Dietmar and I graduated from High School, we took over five weeks to drive a loop across the middle & southern parts of the country!

My point here is that how long you need for your road trip depends entirely upon how much time your schedule will allow.  Once you’ve determined this most crucial fact, you can start to build your itinerary around this knowledge.  For example, if you are retired and have no time constraints, you can take as long as you want, drive as slowly as you want, and stop as frequently – and for as long at each destination – as your heart desires.  Conversely, if you still work full time and have two kids in school, your trip is going to be a lot shorter and more constrained by your time off work.

What I personally advise people who are working with limited time is the following process:

• Get together with whoever you are travelling with and pick your top 3-5 most important destinations or priorities – the absolute must-see locations along the way.  Allot these top priorities more time in each day to explore, with as little driving time on those days as possible.
• Pick secondary priority destinations – places you are interested in seeing, but won’t be devastated if you don’t get much time to explore them.  Allot these secondary priorities less time on location, with more driving time on these days.
• For the rest of the trip, which doesn’t matter to you and doesn’t involve destinations of great interest, these can be the days where you do the bulk of your driving.  If possible, what you can do on these days is try to pick a scenic route that allows you to pass through interesting areas without stopping to explore.  Seeing it through the windows of your car is good enough.

Once you’ve completed this rough outline of your trip, I’d recommend the following driving times for each of the three “levels” or categories of destination:

• Top priority destinations – limit your driving time on these days to less than four hours per day.
• Secondary priority destinations – limit your driving time on these days to approximately 6-8 hours per day.
• Unimportant areas – drive as much during these days as you are physically capable; for most people, this should be at least 8-10 hours of driving per day.

A few thoughts on drivin g time :    I advise all of my road trip planning customers that when I say driving time, I mean butts in seats, behind the wheel actually driving time .  This does NOT include time sleeping, eating, getting fuel, using the restrooms, etc.    My personal rule of thumb is that you should factor in 30-60 minutes of non-travel time for each four hours of actual driving .  So if I say 8 hours of actual driving, you should anticipate approximately 9-10 hours of travel time.  If it’s 12 hours of driving, anticipate 14-15 hours of actual travel time.  You absolutely should give yourself at least 8 hours of rest each night.

The other driving time factor to consider here is that driving on back roads is substantially slower than driving on the interstate.  In my experience, when driving strictly back roads, you are going to average approximately 40 miles for each hour of driving time .  That is a rough estimate, but again, in my many years and many thousands of miles of driving experience, it has consistently been very close to exactly correct.  So if you are planning to drive 200 miles on back roads, anticipate it’s going to take you approximately 5 hours of driving .

LONG STORY SHORT (TL/DR):    If you are planning on driving cross country and back, or round trip, you should allow yourself at least 20 total days for your trip.  For a 6,000 mile trip, that means you’ll average 300 miles per day.  That’s a lot, but if you break it up well, it’s absolutely manageable.

What time of year should you drive cross country?

Because the weather can vary so dramatically in different regions of the country, this too can be a very tricky question to answer.  This will be an especially important consideration if you are camping :  when you’re sleeping outdoors, the weather conditions you’ll likely encounter become a critical part of your planning process.  If you’re going to be sleeping indoors, weather becomes less important, but still worth considering.

If you are travelling with children , you’re immediately limited to the summer months for your trip.  It’s the only time of year that your kids will be out of school long enough to enjoyably complete a journey of this type.   If you are not travelling with children , you have a lot more flexibility, and quite frankly, should strongly consider avoiding the summer months if possible.  The summer months are going to be crowded by the aforementioned families with kids, and more importantly, are likely going to be unpleasantly hot in the vast majority of the country.

So when  should you travel if you’re not going in the summer?  My personal favorite times to travel are late spring and mid-fall .  Most destinations will have the least amount of visitors in these timeframes, and generally speaking, they are the best times of year weather-wise.  Daytime temperatures in most of the country are pleasantly mild, and in most places, it does not get terribly cold overnight.  To be even more specific, if possible, you should try to plan your trip for either  the middle of May or the middle of September.

A word of warning about these travel times :   You’re going to have to be careful when travelling in high elevations, or at the northern edge of the country at these times of year.  I’ve experienced severe snowstorms in the High Sierra in May, and I’ve experienced freezing rain and snow in Idaho in late August (granted, we were ALSO at a higher elevation when that happened, but still).  So if you know that you’re going far north, or up high in altitude,  be prepared for a little bit of cold weather.   If you’re camping,   you absolutely must be prepared to spend the night in below-freezing temperatures.

Aside from those two caveats, though, late spring and mid-fall are the best times of year to drive cross country!

Where should you stay on a cross country road trip?

You have a couple basic options to choose from for overnight stays on a cross country road trip:

• Hotels/motels
• Bed n Breakfasts (actual BNBs)

AirBNB/VRBO

• Friends and family

I’ve utilized all of the options over the years, and in some cases, a blend of more than one at a time.  Frankly, if you are flexible and can mix and match the options, based upon weather and financial considerations, that’s going to usually be your best option.  I give brief thoughts on each option below.

Hotel/Motel

A hotel or motel is most likely going to be the easiest and most comfortable option for you.  In most places, there are a number of options to choose from.  If you pay for a nicer hotel, you’ll get a clean room and comfortable bed, with a hot breakfast in the morning.  The biggest downside is the cost, and the inability to prepare meals unless you really pony up and get a suite with kitchen.  My personal favorite affordable chain hotels are Holiday Inn and Best Western .

Camping is the second cheapest option, and if you are willing to find dispersed or wild campsites like I typically do, will often provide you with some extraordinary scenery and surroundings.  I’ve written a couple posts about how to find excellent campsites already, so I won’t rehash that here.  The biggest downsides are the exposure to weather, and the fact that finding a campsite during daylight hours really limits how far you can drive each day.

Bed n Breakfasts

This is the option I’ve utilized the least, but it is one that I should probably start doing far more often.  True BNB’s were once a dying breed, though they’ve experienced a resurgence in popularity recently.  BNB’s are typically unique and enjoyable experiences, especially when you have a great host.  They are often found in historic buildings with incredible architecture, and many include one or more hot meals.  The biggest downside is that they are often the most expensive option per night.

A modernized version of the old BNB system, AirBNB and VRBO are websites where property owners can offer up their homes – or a portion of their home – for rent to travelers.  There is an unfathomable amount of variety and diversity in the types of places and the types of amenities available to travelers, from the most bare bones single bedroom in the owner’s house to some of the most elaborate and unusual overnight accommodations I’ve ever seen.  Prices for places to stay can also vary dramatically, giving travelers a great deal of control over budget, amenities and quality.  The biggest downside, if you can call it that, is the amount of skill and experience needed to find and figure out how to choose the right places to fit your needs.  We’ve stayed in some real stinkers over the years, but we’ve mostly had really incredible experiences.

Friends and Family

Staying with friends or family members is, of course, the lowest cost option for overnight accommodations.  Not only will F&F not charge you (I should hope!), many will often also provide you with meals and – critically important on a long trip – a place to wash your clothing!  My very first cross country road trip, all the way back in 1999, was primarily spent staying with friends & family.  Even with paying for hotels and meals in quite a few locations, that particular trip – 5 weeks, 9,000 miles – only cost my friend and I around $900 each!

You should try to mix in at least one or two F&F stops spread out over the course of your trip for this exact reason, unless you have the space or interest in packing enough clothing for 2-3 weeks of travel.  F&F will also be able to provide you with excellent insights about local places you should check out, from restaurants and shopping to parks, museums, and other activities.  The biggest “downside” of staying with F&F is the logistical restrictions of basing a trip around where your friends and family live… and when they are available and can host you!

What should you pack for a cross country road trip?

This might just be the toughest section to tackle.  In addition to being heavily dependent upon the time of year that you’re travelling, how long your trip will be, and the destinations you’ll be exploring, it will also vary wildly based upon the size and storage of your vehicle, where you’ll be sleeping each night, who is travelling with you, etc.  As such, my suggestions are going to be fairly generic in nature.   Though I do have a couple posts dedicated to gear for camping trips , my intent here is to provide you with a  basic must-have list suitable for virtually any trip.

What I would recommend is start by working with a handful of categories, and working your way from there:

• Clothing – pack enough for a full week of outfits, plus at least one or two “extreme weather” options
• Shoes – spend a lot of time walking and hiking in your current boots and shoes before your trip to determine if they’re comfortable – on the road is not when you want to realize you need better footwear
• Food/Food Storage – this is addressed in detail in my camping posts , but you’re going to want water-tight and long-lasting food storage options
• Safety/Medical gear – though I list this fourth, having a  medical kit , fire extinguisher , flashlight Fix-A-Flat , jumper cables , and other safety items easily accessible should be your first priority
• Camera gear – in addition to the gear you’ll need for night sky photography , I also recommend having a nice zoom lens on hand for taking incredible landscape photographs – I use a Nikon 55-300mm lens
• Tools – addressed in depth in my camping gear  and motorcycle gear posts, just a few simple hand tools will get you through a lot of potentially unpleasant situations
• Music/Entertainment/books – the drive and various attractions are going to be amazing, but I’d be lying if I said you’re not going to also have long and boring stretches of time to kill on your trip.  Having various forms of entertainment – especially if you’re traveling with family – will be crucial.  I recommend having books, magazines, playing cards, and a couple travel-size board games on hand.  Oh, and don’t forget your playlist !

Road trip tips, suggestions, and other travel advice

In addition to my own advice for taking a cross country road trip, I’ve gathered insights and suggestions from dozens of other road trippers over the last year

in anticipation of creating this post.  Though I’ve taken dozens of road trips and driven countless thousands of miles over the last 25 years, I certainly haven’t experienced everything.  I reached out to other travelers and collected their suggestions for taking long road trips.  One thing I’ve learned about people who travel a lot – they love to help other people get out on the road!

I’m going to start off with one of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned in all my years of taking road trips.

Download offline   maps – LINK (make sure to click on Android or iPhone at the top) – I cannot stress the importance of this step strongly enough.  One of the very first recommendations I make to every road trip planning client I’ve worked with is to download offline Google maps .   Every cross country road trip will include driving in areas with no cell service.   If you’ve not prepared ahead of time by downloading offline maps for those areas, you might lose your route plans at the worst time possible.  If you aren’t sure where your cell providers don’t have coverage, start with this FCC Map , downloading maps in areas where no service is available.

Road Trip Advice

• Have a general plan, but allow for spontaneity & choices along the way
• Pack items that can serve multiple purposes
• Get a car power adapter (turns your car’s cigarette lighter into an outlet with USB ports)
• Bring reusable items (water bottles, coffee mugs) instead of disposable ones
• Bring a water bottle with filter , or a filter straw
• Build in time for stops at local shops, farmers markets, antique stores and other ways to incorporate local culture
• Opt for healthy snacks (trail mix, triscuits) and avoid soda and candy
• Bring your recreational wheels along:  MTB, bicycle, scooter, rollerblades etc
• Visit more than just National Parks!  State and county parks often provide excellent natural scenery and local history.
• Hang a shoe rack behind your seats for convenient and organized access to your stuff
• Buy a camp toilet and keep TP in your vehicle
• Utilize a small “grab bag” with a couple days’ of clothing & supplies so you’re not hauling your suitcases in at every stop, rotating stuff in or out as needed
• Be sure to hydrate & consume electrolytes, especially in the desert
• If camping, be sure to practice setting up your tent at night using only your headlamp, just in case
• Drive less than 12 hours per day – 7-8 hours is OK, but 4-5 hours is ideal if possible
• Buy a national parks pass before you leave!
• Always stop to visit friends and family whenever they will be near your route
• Ask older bikers where the prettiest local drives are
• Don’t drive long distances at night – it’s not worth the risk, and you miss out on the scenery!
• Eat your meals somewhere scenic whenever possible, whether by a window or at a picnic table or on an overlook
• Get and maintain roadside assistance – AAA or some other similar service
• Freeze bottles of water to use as ice packs and to give you something cold to drink
• Search for weird local destinations on Atlas Obscura / Roadside America / Factory Tours
• Be aware that there will be remote areas in the western states with no gas stations for 30-50 miles in any direction and plan accordingly – as old bikers say, don’t pass gas on a road trip!
• Always double-check the weather conditions at the next day’s destination when you’re stopped at night
• Watch for road closures and plan alternative routes if needed
• Open a credit card a month or two before you leave, only use that card, then cancel it at the end of your trip to prevent fraud / identity theft
• Be flexible – plans can change quickly due to unforeseen emergencies like a wildfire (or pandemic!)
• Maximize your bathroom stops – get gas, walk the dog, buy fresh supplies, etc
• Start your day early – beat rush hour traffic, maximize sunlight hours, etc

Check out our tips & tricks for back roads travel!

Don’t forget that there’s an entire category on our website dedicated solely to road trips!

And, if all else fails, you can always ask us for help .

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13 comments.

Wow! This is excellent on so many levels! The road trip advice is really valuable no matter how long or short your trip will be!

Thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, and found the advice to be useful!

Marvelous and helpful series of articles. Thank you, Scott! You’ve taken the sting out of how to get started and helped to make it fun and manageable!

Thank you so much Tracy! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the blogs! Check out the “Road Trip Resources” category for more helpful posts!

[…] switched tents!  After trying a couple different tents over the multiple camping trips we took during and after the pandemic, we settled on a Coleman Four Person tent with a Screened-in […]

Really great and informative articles/posts! I’ve done a couple cross-country trips, and am about to begin the long trip back to WA State (am currently in the Sullivan County Catskills) and was debating doing the Northern route or middle route. I am now better able to make a more informed decision. Thanks. If you have any info re: Glacier National Park, I’d love to read it.

Hi Amy! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I’m glad that you found my post to be informative and helpful!

Sadly, Glacier still remains on my to-do list, so I don’t have anything to share unfortunately. I’m sorry!

[…] visited the Jenner Wine Bar, it was August of 2020.  Not long after completing our first massive cross country drive together, my wife and I were looking for an outdoor venue to be able to sample the world-renowned […]

Beautiful blog information. Thank you very much for sharing…

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

I missed any info on Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, New York and pretty much both the entire South and the entire northeastern U.S., especially Florida, Tennessee, Vermont, Georgia and Louisiana. There are so many amazing, off-the-beaten-path sites in those states, including in the Appalachians… I get there’s a lot of coverage on those places, and I appreciate the nod to Minnesota, but it’s a little misleading to call this article a “cross-country road trip itinerary” when you miss so many key parts of a cross-country road trip….

Hi Jonathan! Thank you for your comment. I clearly did not do as good a job of communicating my intent in creating this article as I had expected. I actually am feeling a little bit called out that, while I addressed the fact that I was only outlining information on the northern and central routes in this particular post (in part because it’s intended to follow very closely to one of the loop trips that I’ve taken)… it makes more sense for me to include information about the southern route here as well…. or at the very least, include links to the other, more detailed posts discussing the southern route. I’ll be correcting that, so I appreciate your criticism and feedback there.

That being said, this is not intended to be and never will be an all-encompassing post. That’s one of the very first things that I address in this post: reread the section near the top, entitled “Plan a Cross Country Road Trip.” By default, this post is NOT going to cover every state, because no one who is taking a cross country road trip is going to be able to drive in every state. As is stated multiple times throughout the post, when you take a cross country road trip, you’re going to have to prioritize where you drive. I’ve driven across this country roughly a dozen times, which I believe puts me in a very small group of people who have had similar experiences…. and I’ve still not gotten to all 48 of the inter-connected states. Sorry, North Dakota.

I am going to leave the “misleading” part of your comment up, because I strive for authenticity and integrity, but we’re just going to have to agree to disagree on that part. Quite frankly, you’re wrong. **One of the most critical parts of putting together a cross country itinerary is choosing what to leave out.** This is another point that I discuss in detail in this post. No one – and I mean, NO ONE – has the time or financial wherewithal to take a cross country drive that hits every state. One of the PRIMARY points of this post is to help people to choose what to pick, and what to avoid. I’m going to expand the post, because you’re right – I should discuss options for the southern route. But it’s not going to hit all of the states that you list, because… well, I’ve beaten that horse enough already for this comment.

I see what you mean yea! And thank you for the comment, especially mentioning you’re working on something with the southern route. That part, like I mentioned, is filled with so many great things to see and explore on a road trip. I think it would be great to see those options here with everything else to give a good lay of the land for planning a trip or itinerary that doesn’t get too overwhelming. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

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10 Best Cross-Country Road Trip Routes in the US

The open road, blue skies, fresh air: a cross-country road trip may just be what you need to go somewhere new, spend some time by yourself or with your loved ones, and gain some perspective.

The great American road trip became popular in the 1950s, when there was a rapid increase in the number of families owning cars post-World War II.

With the recent changes in travel and diminished financial capacity, people are looking for different ways to explore new places. It definitely looks like driving cross-country will see a revival.

In this article, you’ll learn about the best routes to travel as well as tips and resources on how to plan a cross-country road trip that you (and your loved ones) will remember for years to come.

The 10 Best Cross-Country Road Trip Routes

These 5 routes are by no means the only ways to go on a cross-country road trip, but these are certainly popular and scenic.

The first three routes are coast-to-coast road trips, while the last two run north to south along the west and east coasts, respectively.

1. America’s Mother Road: Historic Route 66

Who Should Take This Route: Those who long for the nostalgia and romance of small-town America

Don’t mess with a classic.

Route 66 is the legendary cross-country road trip destination for tourists, not only Americans but also foreigners. The Pixar animated movie Cars is greatly responsible for sparking renewed interest in driving this road.

In the 1930s, it was the route of choice for workers who wanted to try their luck in the west, and later in the 1950s and 1960s, for vacationing families to go to the Grand Canyon and Disneyland.

As the road became more popular, tourist traps, motels, diners, gas stations, car repair shops, and other roadside attractions sprang up, earning Route 66 the moniker “Main Street of America.”

Sadly, it was decommissioned in 1985 as motorists favored using I-40; it can get them from one point to another much quicker.

Even though it’s officially decommissioned, more than 80% of the original route can still be driven today thanks to road maps and websites dedicated to reviving the route as well as the small towns and businesses along the road.

The “normal” direction to take this road trip is from east to west, but eastward is good if you want to go coast to coast.

That is, if you start from California and want to continue your trip to the east from Illinois all the way to Massachusetts, you can turn on US-20 from where Route 66 ends on Joliet Road in Countryside, Illinois (more details on US-20 below).

States (West to East)

Notable attractions/stops by state.

• Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
• Pete’s Rt 66 Gas Station Museum, Williams
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Route 66 Monument, Tucumcari
• Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari

• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo
• Pops 66, Arcadia
• Rock Café, Stroud
• Route 66 State Park, Eureka
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Louis
• World’s Largest Covered Wagon, Lincoln, Illinois
• The Start of Route 66, E Adams St., Chicago, Illinois

Miles Covered

2,278 miles (3,665 km) long; recommend setting aside at least 12 to 14 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Best Time To Travel

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to drive this route, when the temperatures are just right and there are fewer cars on the road.

More Information

We’ve previously written about other Route 66 attractions in detail.

2. The Oregon Trail: US-20 Route

Who Should Take This Route: History buffs who love long drives and diverse sights

Historic Route 66 may be the more popular road, but US Route 20 is actually the longest road in the US, earning it the nickname “Big Daddy.”

Not only is it the longest, but US-20 also offers the most contrasting sights and sounds. From mountains, lakes, rivers, and beaches, to “frozen in time” small towns and the most modern urban cities.

Again, east to west is the popular way to go on this road trip, but starting from the west gives you a chance to go parallel to the path formed by the Oregon National Historic Trail , which was followed by pioneer families on wagons from Missouri to Oregon.

• Montana (less than 10 miles)
• Pennsylvania
• Massachusetts

Notable Attractions/Stops

• South Beach State Park
• Willamette Valley
• Cascade Mountains
• Oregon High Desert
• Craters of the Moon National Monument
• Yellowstone National Park

• Carhenge, Alliance
• Field of Dreams Movie Site, Dyersville
• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland
• Presque Isle State Park, Erie
• Finger Lakes Region
• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Park, Canandaigua
• The Tepee, Cherry Valley
• Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
• Kenmore Square, Boston

3,365 miles (5,415 km); recommend setting aside at least 15 to 21 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Summer (June to August) is the best time to travel this road, notwithstanding the weather and crowds. Most places are closed during the winter, as this trail lies mostly in northern states, and spring and fall mean unpredictable weather.

3. The Loneliest Road: US-50 Route

Who Should Take This Route: Those who love solitude

If you look forward to driving alone with nothing but nature around you, you will love driving US Route 50.

The “loneliest road in America” moniker applies to the section of US-50 that goes through Nevada from Ely to Carson City; there’s little more than mountains, skies, and endless desert to see on this 300-mile stretch of road.

Eventually, the entire US-50 became popular enough that Time Magazine featured it in the mid-90s, calling it the Backbone of America, as history, success, failure, and revival are all documented along this long and often winding road.

Portions of the US-50 route overlap with such historic trails as the Santa Fe Historic Trail as well as the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

Along the way, you’ll see towns that have flourished into cities, cities that have collapsed into ruins, and small towns that have bounced back from near-death.

The western end of US-50 lies in Sacramento, California, but if you want to make this a true blue coast-to-coast drive, drive another 100 miles to San Francisco via I-80.

States (East to West)

West Virginia

• Washington, D.C.
• Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane
• Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester
• Capon Bridge
• Tygart Lake State Park
• Chillicothe
• Daviess County Amish Country
• George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, Vincennes
• Carlyle Lake, Carlyle Township
• Gateway Arch, St. Louis
• Lake of the Ozarks
• Whiteman Air Force Base
• Old Drum, Johnson County Courthouse, Warrensburg

• Guy & Mae’s Tavern, Williamsburg
• Midway Sign, Kinsley
• Santa Fe National Historic Trail
• Great Plains
• Madonna of the Trail Monument, Lamar
• The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cañon City
• Gunnison National Forest
• Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Notch Peak, Utah

• Great Basin National Park
• Pony Express Territory
• Spooner Lake–Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Carson City

3,073 miles (4,946 km); recommend setting aside at least 14 to 17 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to drive this route.

Keep in mind that you’re passing through some contrasting landscapes: mountains, deserts, lakes, and seas. Winter will be too cold and the roads may be too slippery for you to drive safely, while summer will be too hot when passing through the desert.

4. The Pacific Coast: US-101 Route to California State Route 1

Who Should Take This Route: Beach bums who like sunny weather, salty air, and breathtaking ocean sunsets

Taking a cross-country road trip along the Pacific Coast is one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take.

Called Highway 101 in Washington and Oregon, and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), California State Route 1 (SR1), or Highway 1 in California, this road takes you right beside the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The I-5 eventually replaced the old US-101 as it passes more major cities and has less dangerous curves to navigate, but for natural beauty and ambiance, you can’t beat the US-101.

US-101 meets up with US-20 in Oregon, so if you want to go north from California to Oregon and then eastward from Oregon to Massachusetts, you can have a west coast road trip and then a coast-to-coast one.

States (North to South)

• Olympic National Park
• Lake Crescent, Clallam County
• Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Ilwaco
• Astoria–Megler Bridge, Washington to Oregon

• Cannon Beach
• Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City
• Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport
• Newport (intersection with US-20)
• Seal Rock State Recreation Site, Seal Rock

• Thor’s Well, Yachats
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Reedsport
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt County
• Leggett (US-101 merges with Highway 1)
• Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
• Point Arena Lighthouse, Mendocino
• Bodega Bay, Sonoma,
• Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
• San Francisco (Start of Highway 1/PCH)
• Half Moon Bay
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero
• Carmel-By-The-Sea
• Pismo Beach
• Santa Barbara
• Malibu Beach, Malibu
• Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica (Where Historic Route 66 begins)
• Los Angeles

1,550 miles (2,500 km); recommend setting aside 7 to 10 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Any time of year gives you great driving weather on this road, though if you want to avoid crowds, you might want to avoid driving in July and August.

We’ve previously described a detailed itinerary for the California portion of this road trip.

5. The Atlantic Coast: I-95 Route

Who Should Take This Route: Tourists who appreciate all types of scenery, from New England’s historic architecture to Florida’s tropical charm

The west coast is gorgeous, but don’t write out the east coast just yet.

Interstate 95 is the longest north-to-south interstate highway that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean.

Driving a cross-country road trip along the I-95 takes you from historic towns to glamorous cities, from wetlands to forests to beaches.

• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Maine: Houlton and Old Orchard Beach
• New Hampshire: Portsmouth
• Massachusetts: Middlesex Fells Reservation
• Rhode Island: Pawtucket or Providence
• Connecticut: Mystic, New Haven or Groton

• New York:  The Bronx, Manhattan, and George Washington Bridge
• New Jersey:  Newark, Elizabeth and New Brunswick
• Pennsylvania:  Philadelphia

• Delaware:  Wilmington
• Maryland:  Baltimore, and Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, Fort Washington
• Virginia:  Occoquan Historic District, Fredericksburg or Richmond
• North Carolina:  Roanoke Rapids, Wilson and Fayetteville
• South Carolina:  South of the Border in Dillon, Florence, and Santee State Park in Santee
• Georgia:  Savannah , Brunswick, or Kingsland

• Florida Georgia State Line, Yulee
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Fuller Warren Bridge, Jacksonville
• Castillo de San Marco National Monument, St. Augustine
• Beaches: Daytona Beach, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach,  Miami , or Dixie Highway in Miami

Worthwhile Detours

These detours will take you away from I-95, and you’ll have to add a few days more to your road trip if you want to explore these attractions.

• Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island
• Central Park, New York
• North Carolina Beaches
• South Carolina Beach Towns
• Georgia Beaches
• Florida Keys

1,920 miles (3,090 km); recommend setting aside 8 to 12 days for 3 to 5 hours of driving a day

Beaches are best appreciated in the summer, but any weather is good for taking a road trip through I-95. Winter may mean snowfall in the northern states on this route, while spring and fall give you mild weather and less crowded beaches.

6. TransAmerica Trail

An east-to-west, off-road adventure trail, which lets you take in the scenic beauty of the East Coast to the West Coast while taking you off major highways to discover hidden attractions.

Who Should Take This Route: If you’re a history buff, this road trip takes you to the path pioneers and early settlers followed.

Here are some interesting stops along the TransAmerica Trail:

• Virginia/North Carolina : Pass by Blue Ridge Parkway – one of the most scenic roads in the country with breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Kentucky : Stop by Berea, the heart of Appalachia, for cool arts and crafts mementos. If you have a day or two for this stop, you can explore the world’s longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park.
• Missouri : Visit the Gateway Arch and explore St. Louis’ rich history.
• Oklahoma : See American bison at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and explore the rugged landscapes of the southern Great Plains.
• New Mexico : Discover the art and culture of the historic Taos nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Colorado : Be in awe of the tallest dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park, then visit the charming Telluride mountain town for a laidback stop.
• Oregon : Once you reach the Pacific Coast, you can explore the stunning coastline and visit towns like Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Newport.

7. The Great Northern Road: US-2 Route

The Great Northern Road follows the US-2 Route. It stretches from the northernmost border with Canada to the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast.

Who Should Take This Route: A coast-to-coast road trip through the northern states, which is perfect to embark in during the summer or for people who love visiting charming small towns.

The Great Northern Road offers numerous opportunities to visit rugged parks like the Acadia in Maine or White Mountains in New Hampshire, the lakeside cities of Vermont, and the always-amazing Niagara Falls.

There are also cultural spots in Missoula (Montana), Spokane (Washington), and Michigan’s Mackinac Island.

I recommend you end your Great Northern Road trip at Seattle.

Other Cross-Country Road Trip Routes

I did say there are infinite possibilities depending on where you want to start, where you want to end, what you want to see, and how much time you have.

Here are other cross-country road trip routes you can explore.

8. Southern Pacific: US-80

• Who Should Take This Route:  Another coast-to-coast road trip through the southern states; great to take in the winter

9. Big Muddy: The Great River Road

• Who Should Take This Route: Drive alongside the Mississippi River and explore the 10 states that border it. I wrote about this road trip more extensively on this post .

10. The Road to Nowhere: US-83

• Who Should Take This Route: North to south road trip right through America’s heartland

Tips For Planning A Cross-Country Road Trip

Driving across the country is great fun, but there are plenty of things and factors to consider when planning. Here are some of them so you can arrange a road trip with no hassle.

Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Have everything checked: fluid levels, brakes, tires, lights, drive belts, etc.

Also, make sure you have jumper cables, spare tires, a tire jack, and everything else you need in case of car trouble.

Have a plan, but don’t have a plan. Sounds confusing, but the point is to have a general plan for how many days you want to take, what to do per day (sights and places you can’t miss versus those who want to see but can skip), how many hours you’ll drive, and where you’ll stay per night.

Beyond that, booking hotels and making restaurant reservations way in advance may not be a good idea. You’ll want to have some flexibility in your schedule to make room for emergencies and side trips and detours.

Sign up for emergency roadside services. If you’re not already a member of AAA or any other reputable roadside assistance service, join one before your road trip.

Prepare for areas that don’t have mobile service. Camping in the middle of nowhere? Chances are you won’t have a cellphone signal. If your plan is heavily dependent on having an internet connection, you’re asking for trouble.

Download your maps on your smartphone beforehand or use paper road maps. Take a GPS navigation tool that’s not dependent on a mobile signal.

Have a packing list.

Here are travel essentials you’ll need on your cross-country road trip (or any road trip, for that matter):

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance card
• Emergency car kit
• Gasoline container
• GPS navigation tool
• Cell phone signal booster
• Powerbank and car chargers
• Flashlight/lantern
• Playlist (music/audiobook)
• In-car games and activities
• Hiking shoes
• All-weather set of clothes
• Electronic toll pass or change to pay toll fees
• Tent (if camping)
• Cooler (with plenty of water)
• Sunshades for windshield and windows
• Vitamins and medication
• Pillow and blanket
• First aid kit

Take your time.

Giving yourself an allowance would also allow you to take side trips to charming small towns, cool landmarks, hidden gems, and one-of-a-kind restaurants.

The less rushed you are, the richer your adventure will be.

Must-Use Cross-Country Road Trip Tools and Apps

You’ll get by with a little help from these tools, sites, and apps to plan your road trip.

Road planners

• Roadtrippers
• MyScenicDrives

Navigation and checking traffic

• Google Maps

Find places to eat

Find places to rest or sleep.

• Recreation.gov
• Free Campsites

Go On A Cross-Country Road Trip Soon!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, the memories made on an epic cross-country trip are ones that last a lifetime.

You’ll get to see the magnificent natural beauty of these United States, meet strangers that enrich your lives, visit amazing places you never thought existed, and understand your country better.

Go Out and Explore

6 Best Things to Do at White Sands National Monument

8 Best Mississippi Beaches to Visit this Summer

Here Are the 10 Best States to Retire in the US

How to Visit the Hidden Green Sand Beach Hawaii

Guide to the 4 Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu

8 Best Virginia Golf Courses To Try On Your Next Trip

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76 Attractions to See While Driving Across the Country

Artur Debat/Getty Images

Route Awakening

Cross-country road trips are as much a summer tradition as barbecues, fireworks, and clambakes. Packing up the car and heading off for adventures unknown  makes for some of the fondest travel memories, especially if the trip involves stopping to explore attractions  along America's iconic roadways. In honor of the great American road trip, here's a guide to some top cross-country road trip stops along Interstates 10, 40, 70, 80, 90, and 95, as well as the legendary former Route 66, much of which was later replaced by Interstates 40, 44, and 55. Most are cheap or free; the others may be worth a splurge.

Related:   30 Under-the-Radar Road Trips You Can Take in a Day

I-40 | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Where:  Nashville, Tennessee Miles from highway:  1.5 

Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017, the 350,000-square-foot Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum  showcases rare music artifacts and memorabilia from legends including Charlie Daniels, Alabama, the Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, and more. 

Related: Bucket-List Destinations for Music Lovers

I-40 | Ryman Auditorium

Where:  Nashville, Tennessee Miles from highway:  1 

Known as "the Mother Church of Country Music," Ryman Auditorium  celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2022. Visitors get to peek at costumes, memorabilia, and dressing rooms used by celebrities. 

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I-40 | Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Where:  Oklahoma City Miles from highway:  2.8

Before 9/11, there was April 19, 1995 — the day Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols attacked the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building with a truck full of explosives, leaving hundreds dead or injured. Today, the site hosts the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum  dedicated to the victims, survivors, and responders.

I-40 | The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Where:  Amarillo, Texas Miles from highway:  1

The Big Texan Steak Ranch , legendary along Route 66, has hosted a 72-ounce steak challenge  since the 1960s. Even vegetarians might enjoy the gift shop, or at least stay at the motel at this historic property.

I-40 | Meteor Crater

Where:  Near Winslow, Arizona Miles from highway:  5

Measuring about 4,000 feet across, Meteor Crater  is one of the best-preserved meteor impact sites on Earth. The crater was formed about 50,000 years ago by an asteroid traveling about 26,000 miles an hour. There's an interactive discovery center at the site and a walkway that allows visitors to explore the crater rim.

I-40 | Petrified Forest National Park

Where:  Arizona Miles from highway:  1.1

Visually stunning, Petrified Forest National Park  is most famous for having large deposits of petrified wood dating back to the late Triassic period (225 million years ago). Activities at this 230-square-mile park include hiking, horseback riding, guided tours, and geocaching.

Related:   Explore the Best National Parks in Every State

I-40 | Lowell Observatory

Where:  Flagstaff, Arizona Miles from highway:  9.1

Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, a descendent of one of the wealthiest families in Boston, Lowell Observatory  is where Pluto was discovered in 1930. It sits atop a mesa overlooking downtown Flagstaff and offers guided tours, films, and the opportunity to view the sun and other stars through a specially equipped telescope.

I-70 | Summer Tubing Hill

Where:  Granby, Colorado Miles from highway:  About 38

Take Interstate 70 west out of Denver, then hop on the U.S. 40 exit near Idaho Springs and head north. You'll see some eye-popping mountain scenery as you drive along the switchbacks and pass through Winter Park. The Snowflex summer slope  in Granby offers a refreshing break from the long drive. The first of its kind in Colorado, the hill has a snow-like surface and misters to keep riders cool. Operated by the YMCA of the Rockies, the hill is open to all.

I-70 | National World War I Museum & Memorial

Where:  Kansas City, Missouri Miles from highway:  1

Designated by Congress as the nation's official World War I Museum  in 2014, this attraction holds the world's most diverse collection of objects and documents related to the war. Exhibits include life-size trenches, recovered tanks, photo exhibits, and films.

I-70 | James Whitcomb Riley House

Where:  Indianapolis Miles from highway: < 1

A veritable rock star in his day, “Hoosier Poet” James Whitcomb Riley gave the world a taste of Indiana life and its dialect through his volumes of poetry and his performances that drew thousands. His home  in the historic Lockerbie Square district of Indianapolis is a showcase of his life and era with artifacts such as his writing desk and his top hat and cane. Admission is $10 for adults and $1 for kids 7 to 17.

I-70 | Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Where:  Farmington, Pennsylvania Miles from highway:  45 

There are several cross-country road trip stops worth seeing in Pennsylvania, all a bit off the beaten path. Exit I-70 at State Highway 51, the head south to the town of Oliver, picking up U.S. 40 for the rest of the drive. The 900-acre site of young George Washington's first military engagement and the battle that marked the beginning of the French and Indian War, Fort Necessity  is home to an interpretive education center with interactive exhibits, a playground, museum bookstore, and more than 5 miles of hiking trails. There's a recreated fort where the original once stood. You can also reach the battlefield from Interstate 68, which cuts through Maryland to the south.

I-70 | Frank Lloyd Wright's House on Kentuck Knob

Where:  Fayette County, Pennsylvania Miles from highway:  About 50

One of the most famous homes by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and one of the last properties he built, Kentuck Knob  is said to be a work of genius. Set atop a bluff overlooking the Youghiogheny River Gorge, the home blends architecture, nature, and sculpture seamlessly in an illustration of Wright's iconic "Usonian" architecture. The property's woodlands and grounds display a collection of sculptures. It's also not far from Wright's more famous home, Fallingwater . For a scenic drive, pick up U.S. 40 outside of Washington, Pennsylvania, and head southeast, or take I-70 a little farther east to New Stanton and head south on State Route 119 until it hits U.S. 40 near Uniontown.

I-70 | Laurel Caverns Park

Where:  Fayette County, Pennsylvania Miles from highway:  40 

Laurel Caverns Park  is the largest cave in Pennsylvania. There's a 3-mile labyrinth of sandstone passages to explore, as well as guided tours, panning for gemstones for the kids, and even cave rappelling for beginners. Come winter, the caverns are the state's largest natural shelter for bats. You can reach the park by exiting I-70 and heading south on State Route 43 to Uniontown, then picking up U.S. 40, which meanders southeast to the cavern's entry off Skyline Drive.

I-95 | Nemours Mansion & Gardens

Where:  Wilmington, Delaware Miles from highway:  3.3

Road trippers can explore the legacy of the du Ponts, one of America's wealthiest and most legendary families, at this opulent 77-room mansion  built in 18th-century French style. The property is home to the largest formal French gardens in North America, and the chauffeur's garage houses a collection of vintage cars.

Related:   21 Great Car Museums and Car Shows Worth The Drive

I-95 | Mount Cuba Center

Where:  Hockessin, Delaware Miles from highway:  7.8

The du Ponts were nothing if not prolific when it came to building jaw-dropping estates. Another example of the family's immense wealth open to the public, 500-acre Mount Cuba Center  is the former home of Lammot du Pont Copeland and Pamela Cunningham Copeland. It's known for its gardens, native plantings, meadows, and wood canopies.

I-95 | Winterthur

Where:  New Castle County, Delaware Miles from highway:  5.6

Another legendary du Pont property, Winterthur (pronounced "winter-tour") is the childhood home of collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont, who lived from 1880 until 1969, and is open to the public as a museum of American and decorative arts. Nearly 90,000 objects that were made or used between 1640 and 1860 are on display throughout the 175-room house.

I-95 | Washington Crossing Historic Park

Where:  Bucks County, Pennsylvania Miles from highway:  3.5

Visit the place where George Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River in 1776 to help win the Revolutionary War, and climb to the top of Bowman's Tower for panoramic countryside views. Washington Crossing Historic Park  is an ideal place for an impromptu picnic on a road trip.

I-95 | Sesame Place

Where:  Langhorne, Pennsylvania Miles from highway:  2.4

For those with kids in tow, Sesame Place  is a must. The nation's only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street offers water rides, shows, parades, and character photos. Single-day prices can be as low as $40 for select events. Prices may vary by season ranging from $45 to $70 with discounts for buying online.

I-95 | College Park Aviation Museum

Where:  College Park, Maryland Miles from highway:  7.3

This 27,000-square-foot museum , on the site of the world's oldest continually operating airport, displays unique and historic aircrafts and tells the stories of its aviation innovations — including being the first airport dispatching U.S. airmail flights. There are hands-on activities and interpretive areas for children.

I-95 | Ava Gardner Museum

Where:  Smithfield, North Carolina Miles from highway:  1.9

Dedicated to the glamorous actor, who lived from 1922 until 1990, the Ava Gardner Museum  showcases original scripts, photos, costumes, and personal effects in her hometown. The star's grave is two miles from the museum, at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

I-95 | Venetian Pool

Where:  Coral Gables, Florida Miles from highway:  5

What better way to break up a road trip then a dip in a spring-fed pool? This 820,000-gallon public pool , created in 1923, gets its water from an underground aquifer. Stop in early to ensure admission.

I-95 | Butterfly World

Where:  Coconut Creek, Florida Miles from highway:  4.1

Walk amid butterflies at this three-acre park  with aviaries, botanical gardens, and a working butterfly farm. It's the largest such attraction in the Western Hemisphere, and charges like it: $32.50 for adults and $22.50 for children 3 to 11.

I-95 | South of the Border

Where:  Hamer, South Carolina Miles from highway: < 1

One of the most iconic sights off I-95, this attraction  is famous for its giant roadside statue of a man wearing a sombrero. Operating for more than 50 years, the kitschy rest stop includes restaurants, a motel, a video arcade, and mini golf.

I-95 | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Where:  Richmond, Virginia Miles from highway:  2.3

Named one of the top five botanical gardens in North America by USA Today, this 50-acre attraction  includes more than a dozen themed gardens, including a Children's Garden, Rose Garden, Edible Display Garden, and Asian Valley. There's also a 63-foot classical domed conservatory.

Related:   Gorgeous Botanical Gardens in All 50 States

I-80 | American Philatelic Center

Where:  Bellefonte, Pennsylvania Miles from highway:  7.3

Stamp collectors will be in heaven at the home of the American Philatelic Research Library . The center contains one of the world's largest collections of philatelic literature — three miles of shelving with more than 23,000 books and 5,700 journals about stamps and postal history. The building itself, a restored match factory from the 1800s, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

I-80 | Bellefonte Historic District

Where:  Bellefonte, Pennsylvania Miles from highway:  6.5

Established in 1795 and on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic district has nearly 300 original Victorian buildings. They include the Colonel James Dunlap House , dating back to 1795, and the Crider Exchange, from 1889.

I-80 | Studebaker National Museum

Where:  South Bend, Indiana Miles from highway:  4

Roadtrippers traveling across the Hoosier State can soak up a dose of transportation history at the Studebaker National Museum . The museum is housed in a 55,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility and has permanent exhibits of presidential carriages dating back to the 1800s, stylish cars from the company’s glory years, and a look at Studebaker’s wartime vehicles. Admission is $11 for adults, $7 for kids 6 to 17.

Related:   Dead Car Brands That American Drivers Miss (and a Few They Don't)

I-80 | Iowa 80, The World's Largest Truckstop

Where:  Walcott, Iowa Miles from highway: < 1

Iowa 80  has served more than 18.2 million eggs and three million cups of coffee since opening more than 50 years ago. There's a movie theater, a dentist, a barber, a chiropractor, multiple places to eat, a laundromat, a library, exercise facilities, and even a "Dogomat." Don't miss the super truck showroom.

I-80 | John Deere Pavilion

Where:  Moline, Illinois Miles from highway:  7

The John Deere Pavilion  is about more than getting close with shiny farm equipment, although kids are encouraged to climb around. State-of-the-art simulators let visitors experience what it's like to operate an excavator or dozer — and admission is free.

I-80 | Squirrel Cage Jail Museum

Where:  Council Bluffs, Iowa Miles from highway:  4.4

One of three remaining examples of what's known as a rotary cell jail, this three-story brick building — built in 1885, used as a jail until 1969, and now on the National Register of Historic Places — has three floors of revolving cells inside a cage.

I-80 | Danish Windmill

Where:  Elk Horn, Iowa Miles from highway:  6.4

This windmill  was built in 1848 in Denmark and moved to Iowa in 1975 for rebuilding. The mill grinds wheat and rye, and its museum has information about Denmark and its customs. A neighboring gift shop sells Danish items such as dishware and collectibles.

I-80 | Living History Farms

Where:  Urbandale, Iowa Miles from highway:  1.6

An open-air museum spread over 500 acres, Living History Farms  illustrates how Native Americans grew crops in the 1700s, as well as how farmers began using oxen in the 1850s and horses in the 1900s to revolutionize agriculture. There are three distinct farms on the property, representing each era, and a town with blacksmith, general store, and more.

Related:   The 40 Best Places in America to Travel Back in Time

I-80 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Where:  West Branch, Iowa Miles from highway: < 1

Explore the humble early life and remarkable career of Herbert Hoover at this national historic site , home to Hoover's presidential library and museum as well as his two-room birthplace cottage and gravesite. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the historic buildings.

I-80 | Figge Art Museum

Where:  Davenport, Iowa Miles from highway:  5.8

One of the Midwest's most extensive and varied collections, the Figge  showcases American, Spanish, and Haitian art and hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. The building, on the banks of the Mississippi, is a striking glass structure by British architect David Chipperfield.

I-80 | Mississippi River Distilling Co.

Where:  Le Claire, Iowa Miles from highway:  2

Learn how vodka, gin, and whiskey are handcrafted from local ingredients harvested just up the hill from this distillery . There are samples included at the end of the tour; tickets to the tour, which sell quickly, are $5.

I-10 | Falling Waters State Park

Where:  Chipley, Florida Miles from highway:  3

A unique 73-foot waterfall  flows deep out of sight to an underground labyrinth of rivers and lakes from a cylindrical pit, following a path no one has been able to definitively trace. Viewing the waterfall  requires walking along a boardwalk known as Sink Hole Trail — a reference to fern-covered sinkholes surrounding it.

I-10 | Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Where:  Los Angeles Miles from highway:  2.9

A world-class museum of art, LACMA  can hardly be bypassed when headed through Los Angeles. Opened in 1965, it is the largest art museum in the western United States. Its collection includes more than 135,000 objects, ranging from antiquity to the present — some still on view while the museum prepares for reconstruction. The iconic “Urban Light” display and “Levitated Mass” public art are still there too.

I-10 | Getty Center

Where:  Los Angeles Miles from highway:  5.8

Another must-see museum in Los Angeles, the Getty Center  displays its collection — from pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, and sculpture to 19th- and 20th-century American, European, and Asian photographs — in pavilions around a central garden. The entire campus is on a bluff overlooking the city.

I-10 | Cabazon Dinosaurs

Where:  near Palm Springs, California Miles from highway:  3.3

This roadside stop  and 50-dinosaur display will be familiar to many visitors from films such as "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." There's also a dinosaur dig and fossil panning.

I-10 | Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Where:  Palm Springs, California Miles from highway:  9.7

Ride along the cliffs of Chino Canyon in the world's largest rotating tram car. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ($31 for adults, $19 for kids 3 to 10) rises about 2.5 miles in 10 minutes, depositing riders at Mount San Jacinto State Park, where there are restaurants, a natural history museum, two theaters, and miles of hiking trails.

I-10 | Pima Air & Space Museum

Where:  Outside Tucson, Arizona Miles from highway:  1.5

There are more than 300 historical aircraft spread over 80 acres at this museum . It includes individual hangars dedicated to World War II aircraft, space travel, and more. In addition, there are tram tours of the boneyard, which includes more than 150 aircraft.

I-10 | Desert Botanical Garden

Where:  Phoenix Miles from highway:  5.3

The 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden  is home to a sprawling collection of more than 50,000 plants, including hundreds of rare, threatened, and endangered succulents from throughout the Southwest. Admission is $25 to $30 for adults and $15 to $17 for kids 3 to 17.

I-10 | San Antonio River Walk

Where:  San Antonio Miles from highway:  1.8

There's so much to do along the tree-lined San Antonio River Walk  that it's hard to know where to begin. Some of the larger attractions include the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center and Tower of the Americas, a 750-foot landmark with an observation deck, revolving restaurant, and adventure ride.

I-10 | Balmorhea State Park

Where:  Toyahvale, Texas Miles from highway:  7.4

A highlight of this park (particularly on a long, hot drive through the desert) is its 1.75-acre, 25-foot-deep swimming pool. The spring-fed water is 72 to 76 degrees year-round. Other activities at this historic park include camping, bird watching, and picnicking.

I-10 | Fort Lancaster State Historic Site

Where:  Crockett County, Texas Miles from highway:  9.4

The site of what was once a bustling 25-building settlement, Fort Lancaster  was built in the 1850s to provide guides for people on the San Antonio-El Paso Road trail to California. Visitors can see ruins of some of the original blacksmith's shop, hospital, and general store.

I-10 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Where:  San Antonio Miles from highway: < 1

For road trippers who can make time and room in the budget for an amusement park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas  offers roller coasters, a water park, live music, and kids rides. Tickets start at $45.

Related:   How Six Flags and Other Popular Amusement Parks Have Changed Over Time

I-10 | The Alamo

Where:  San Antonio Miles from highway:  1.1 The site of a pivotal siege and battle in the Texas Revolution in 1836, this 300-year-old landmark  is now the site of history demonstrations and talks.

I-10 | Mardi Gras Museum

Where:  Lake Charles, Louisiana Miles from highway: < 1 Traditions, history, and artifacts tied to Louisiana's famous annual Mardi Gras celebration are showcased at this museum . The six-room exhibit houses the largest collection of costumes in the South — which you can see in April 2022 after its latest round of renovations.

I-90 | New England Aquarium

Where:  Boston Miles from highway:  2.2 There are thousands of animals at the New England Aquarium , including sea lions, penguins, and harbor seals. Don't miss the shark and ray touch tank, or a feeding in the four-story Giant Ocean Tank. There's also an IMAX theater. Admission is $34 for adults and $25 for kids 3 to 11.

I-90 | Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Where:  Boston Miles from highway:  2.2 One of the most famous sites in Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace  was built in 1742 by one of the city's wealthiest merchants. Today it includes four structures — Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market — for shopping and dining enlivened by street entertainers.

I-90 | A Christmas Story House and Museum

Where:  Cleveland Miles from highway: < 1 Fans of the movie "A Christmas Story" can tour Ralphie's home and a museum  across the street filled with the props, costumes, movie memorabilia, and hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos.

I-90 | Olde Avon Village

Where:  Avon, Ohio Miles from highway:  1.2 Get a little escape from 2021 at Olde Avon Village , a community of restored homes from the 1850s. Visitors can walk to unique shops; lunch at the Tree House Tea Room Restaurant, in a historic farmhouse filled with antiques; or visit the Avon Train Depot, which dates back to 1882.

Related:   America's Most Beautiful and Historic Train Stations

I-90 | Birthplace of Michael Jackson

Where:  Gary, Indiana Miles from highway:  4.7 For those who grew up listening to "Thriller" and "Beat It," Michael Jackson's first home is a chance to glimpse the humble beginnings of a pop god. The tiny home is a far cry from the fabulous mansions the icon later inhabited. August typically brings events celebrating Jackson.

I-90 | Circus World Museum

Where:  Baraboo, Wisconsin Miles from highway:  9.7 Everything you've ever wanted to know about circus history is on display at this 64-acre, 30-structure museum — once home to the Ringling Brothers. There are artifacts, exhibits, and daily live performances in the summer, when ticket prices double to $20 for adults but cost $14 for kids 5 to 11.

I-90 | Witches Gulch

Where:  Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Miles from highway:  6.1 This attraction (which has nothing to do with the sort of witches celebrated on Halloween) is a natural geological wonder — a slot canyon like those found in Zion National Park. It's accessible by boat tours.

I-90 | Fast Fiberglass Mold Graveyard

Where:  Sparta, Wisconsin Miles from highway:  4.9 File this one under quirky roadside attractions  that make fun photographs. This company is famous for crafting everything from giant apples to cows, elephants, and fish. The molds used for the many roadside signs and attractions the company has made over the years are part of sprawling graveyard visitors can explore.

I-90 | SPAM Museum

Where:  Austin, Minnesota Miles from highway:  1.1 The SPAM Museum  looks at the history of the processed meat and displays a comprehensive collection of spiced pork artifacts. Visit the gift shop to stock up on goodies for the road.

Related:   Circus World and Other Weird Museums Across America and Beyond

I-90 | The World's Only Corn Palace

Where:  Mitchell, South Dakota Miles from highway:  2.2 Built in 1892 to prove the state had a healthy agricultural climate, this "palace"  looks like a cross between a circus tent and an exotic temple and houses corn murals, drawing 500,000 people a year.

I-90 | Chapel in the Hills

Where:  Rapid City, South Dakota Miles from highway:  7.1 Built in 1969, this attraction  reproduces a chapel in Norway known as the Borgund Stavkirke. The surrounding grounds provide a peaceful place to stretch your legs and explore. There's a meditation trail, gift shop, and museum onsite as well.

I-90 | Custer's Last Stand: Little Bighorn

Where:  Crow Agency, Montana Miles from highway: < 1 A solemn site from a tragic chapter in history, this battlefield  is where the Sioux and Cheyenne mounted one of their final armed efforts to defend and preserve their way of life from encroaching settlers, killing Lt. Col. George A. Custer and 262 other soldiers June 25-26, 1876. There's a museum with historic photos and an audio tour visitors can take while driving the site, retracing the battle.

I-90 | Our Lady of the Rockies

Where:  Butte, Montana Miles from highway:  2.5 This 90-foot statue atop the Continental Divide is filled with messages visitors have left for loved ones. The statue, built in the likeness of the Virgin Mary, overlooks Butte and is visible from nearly anywhere in the city. (A gift shop is a few miles off the highway.)

I-90 | Old Prison Museum

Where:  Deer Lodge, Montana Miles from highway:  1.3 Visitors can tour the cell house and even the "black box" once used for maximum-security prisoners at this prison , which operated from 1871 until the 1970s. See guns, shackles, and restraints used within, as well as the work of the inmates: their art and lethal weapons made from forks.

Route 66 | Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum

Where:  Pontiac, Illinois Miles from highway: < 1 Immerse yourself in all things Route 66 at this museum  showcasing thousands of relics and memorabilia. Opened in 2004, the exhibit includes photos, license plates, and more. It's about 100 miles southwest of Chicago on Interstate 55.

Related: Route 66, Then and Now

Route 66 | Route 66 Arcade Museum

Where:  McLean, Illinois Miles from highway: < 1 For anyone who grew up in the 1980s, this is an essential trip down memory lane. Bring a pocket full of quarters to this tiny museum, home to a collection of vintage but still playable games. It's just blocks west of Interstate 55.

Route 66 | Route 66 Drive-in Theater

Where:  Springfield, Illinois Miles from highway: < 1 The historic Route 66 Drive-In Theater  is still open for business and a great place to pass a few hours. The theater shows double features every night starting in April and continuing through Labor Day weekend. 

Related:   The Best Drive-In Movie Theaters in America

Route 66 | Henry's Rabbit Ranch

Where:  Staunton, Illinois Miles from highway: < 1 A classic Route 66 stop, this ranch  with both hopping rabbits and VW Rabbits is home to a vintage gas station, a collection of memorabilia from America's "Mother Road," trucking memorabilia, and more. Historic Route 66 is just west of Interstate 55.

Route 66 | Laumeier Sculpture Park

Where:  St. Louis Miles from highway:  1.5 In St. Louis, Interstate 44 follows much of the same path as Route 66. This 105-acre, open-air museum  includes a giant eyeball among its quirky art displays. It's one of the first and largest sculpture parks in the country, and it's free.

Route 66 | Route 66 State Park

Where:  Outside Eureka, Missouri Miles from highway:  6.7 Park displays and memorabilia detail Route 66 history in a roadhouse built in 1935. Route 66 State Park  also offers walking, biking, and equestrian trails.

Related:   The State Park You Don't Want to Miss in Every State

Route 66 | Missouri S&T Stonehenge

Where:  Rolla, Missouri Miles from highway:  1.2 If you can't see the real Stonehenge, visit this partial replica on the campus of the Missouri University of Science and Technology — the largest monument ever to be cut with waterjet. About 160 tons of granite were used, with each rock cut to match the exact dimensions of the original structure.

Route 66 | Fantastic Caverns

Where:  Springfield, Missouri Miles from highway:  4.1 Discovered in 1862 by an Ozarks farmer when his dog crawled through an entrance, Fantastic Caverns  can now be toured via tram. On the hourlong tour ($30 for adults, $17 for kids 6 to 12), participants get to see a wild variety of cave formations including stalactites and stalagmites, as well as unusual "soda straws" and "cave pearls."

Route 66 | Route 66 Car Museum

Where:  Springfield, Missouri Miles from highway:  4.5 Nearly 70 American and European cars are on display at the Route 66 Car Museum , some dating back to the early 1900s. The privately owned collection includes seven Jaguars, two Rolls-Royces, the truck from the movie "The Grapes of Wrath," and a 1963 Morgan owned by Desert Storm Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.

Route 66 | Pops Soda Ranch

Where:  Arcadia, Oklahoma Miles from highway: < 1 Consider Pops Soda Ranch  an American tribute to soda. The classic diner serves 700 kinds. There's a 66-foot-tall soda bottle out front to add to a photo collection. The ranch is just a few miles north of Interstate 44 or east of I-35 and about 20 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.

Route 66 | Lucille's Service Station

Where:  Hydro, Oklahoma Miles from highway: < 1 Don't tour Route 66 without stopping at one of its classic service stations. There's not a ton to see at Lucille's, which opened in 1929 — it's simply a great photo opportunity of a vintage piece of Americana.

Related:   How Gas Stations Have Totally Transformed Over the Past Century

Route 66 | Cadillac Ranch

Where:  Amarillo, Texas Miles from highway: < 1 Yet another quirky, roadside art installation, this display of Cadillacs — half-buried, nose first, in the ground — was created in 1974. Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark by spray-painting the vehicles.

Route 66 | Tee Pee Curios

Where:  Tucumcari, New Mexico Miles from highway:  1.9 Tee Pee Curios , which began as a gas station and grocery store in the 1940s, is one of the few remaining classic tourist tchotchke shops along Route 66 in New Mexico since I-40 offered travelers a bypass. The shop sells pottery, T-shirts, jewelry, and more.

Route 66 | Santa Monica Pier

Where:  Santa Monica, California Miles from highway: < 1 Famous in its own right, the Santa Monica Pier  is a great place to end a Route 66 trip (or start one). The pier has restaurants, shops, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and rides including a historic carousel from 1922. 

Related: 40 Iconic and Beautiful Boardwalks in the Country

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

How to Plan a Perfect Cross Country Road Trip in USA: 20 Travel Tips to Know Before You Embark

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There’s no denying that the pandemic has changed the way we travel. With cruises and airports being high risk areas, many of us are starting to look at different ways to explore new places. When sea and air are out of the picture, car travel seems like a much safer option. In fact, more than a third of us are planning (or thinking) about embarking on a cross country road trip in the next 12 months!

But how do you get started with planning a great American road trip? In this article, we invited Karen Gershowitz, an experienced roadtripper, traveler, and the author of Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust , to share her golden tips for driving cross country. You’ll learn about the best routes to travel as well as all the essential things to consider before embarking on your USA road trip!

20 Tips to Plan a Successful Cross Country Road Trip in USA

I’ve been taking road trips across the United States for decades. Exploring by car allows me the flexibility to meander and stop where I like. I can go far off the beaten path and experience places far from crowds or focus on city centers filled with museums, sports, restaurants and nightlife.

While driving, I can step on the brake or make a U-turn when something catches my attention. Those unplanned stops have led to memorable moments, including spectacular gardens, an enormous craft fair, a free country music festival and much more. I like road trips so much that for my fiftieth birthday I gave myself the gift of a sabbatical; I spent nine months traveling around the country.

These experiences have taught me a lot about how to make cross country trips fun, affordable and memorable. Here are some suggestions if you’re planning a cross-country road trip or any trip longer than two weeks that includes truly seeing the country. These ideas are for people who want more than seeing the view whiz by as they speed down the highway.

Important things to do BEFORE your cross country road trip:

• Make a list of the activities and places in which you are most interested and/or have always wanted to visit. This can be anything. I love gardens, crafts, historic sites and architecture. But if you’re into sports, fashion, railroads, beer or anything else, plan around those interests.
• Check out those interests on as many sources as possible —the internet, books, magazines, TV—find places that appeal to you and make a list.
• Ask for suggestions from anyone who shares the same interests.
• Consider the weather when you are planning. Some destinations that are appealing during the winter, like Florida and other southern states or Hot Springs National Park may be extremely hot and humid in July and August. Conversely, I love Maine with Acadia National Park and the New England coast, but wouldn’t consider going there in January.
• Let’s talk about money – you might ask “how much does a cross country road trip cost?” It depends on a few factors: the length of your trip, where you want to go, what you want to see…etc. Some people could spend as little as $2500 for a 15-day trip. I would suggest setting a budget that you are comfortable with for your trip . This will help you make decisions about where you will go and what you will do. To help with expenses, you can look for discount coupons at State visitor centers, online at Groupon and Retailmenot. Credit cards and an ATM card are essential.

• Try glamping – If you want to experience “sleeping under the stars” on your trip, but roughing it in a tent isn’t really your style. Companies like Under Canvas offer outdoor experiences with all the comforts of home. Your stay in one of their tents includes a bed, bathroom, and even cafe-style dining. Some glamping companies are pet friendly and include WiFi. They are frequently located near National Parks and many of the other attractions you will find on your cross country road trip.   

• Pacific Coast Highway : aka California State Route 1. From Washington’s Olympic National Park to sunny San Diego in California, you can see the ocean for your entire trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. You can also visit some beautiful seaside villages like Monterey and Carmel, CA !
• Historic Route 66 : “Get your kicks on Route 66” and drive through rustic Americana from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. 
• The Loneliest Road : Running from one coast to another, you can see the entire country on the Loneliest Road aka US-50. Some of its sights include Lake Tahoe, Arches National Park in Utah, and Washington D.C. 
• The Oregon Trail : you played the computer game when you were a kid, now drive the path of pioneers for real following US-20. Check out sights like Yellowstone National Park and Mt. Rushmore on this route.
• The Great Northern : One of the longest road trips in the USA, US-2 features gorgeous stops like Glacier National Park and Tumwater Canyon. 
• The Appalachian Trail : paralleling the hike, this driving route takes you from New England all the way to Maryland, featuring beautiful scenery full of forests and mountains. You can find more information about the roads you will take and sights you will see here .  
• The Great River Road : of course this route travels along the Mississippi River, the largest and longest river in the US. You can start where the river begins in Minnesota and follow it all the way down to New Orleans, following signs with a green pilot’s wheel and steamboat in the middle. 
• Atlantic Coast : it doesn’t have a name quite as fun as the Pacific Coast Highway, but there is still plenty to see and do along the Atlantic Coast route, including the Statue of Liberty in New York City and the wild ponies on Assateague Island in Maryland. 
• Border to Border : satisfy your urge for driving cross country with this trip stretching from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada all the way down to Nogales, Mexico all on US-93. Hoping to spot something out of this world? This route includes some time on the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada! 
• The Road to Nowhere : You won’t find any conventional tourist destinations on route US-83 – but you will find interesting, out-of-the-way stops like the Sitting Bull Memorial and Badlands National Park in South Dakota, and the Paint Rock Pictographs in Texas. 
• Southern Pacific : If you’re looking for a variety of cultural experiences, old US-80 is the route for you. It has everything from deserts and swamps, to Tex-Mex barbecue, to the Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail in Alabama. 

• Download Roadtrippers . Roadtrippers is a useful, free road trip planner app for those who prefer to use technology rather than paper for cross country road trip map. You can plan your trip, collaborate with friends or family, and learn about places to stop along your route. Another fun and useful app, if you like quirky attractions, is Roadside America . I use it to find offbeat places worth a stop.
• Make a list of tasks that need to be done pre-trip and give yourself plenty of time to complete them. This might include making sure your health insurance will be acceptable in other states, arranging for online bill payment, finding a house or pet sitter, and so on.
• Bring your proof of vaccination card with you. If you aren’t vaccinated, you should check on state and local Covid regulations. Many municipalities will not allow you to enter restaurants, theaters or sports venues without proof of vaccination.

• If the cost of gas is a consideration, consider a hybrid.
• If you plan to be driving on backroads and rough terrain, consider an off-road-ready truck or SUV.
• If you aren’t comfortable putting a ton of miles on your own car, consider renting instead. Just be mindful that most car rental companies are short on cars right now, so be sure to book far in advance.
• Have your car serviced and checked by a trusted mechanic if you are using a car you already own. Change the air filters and fluid levels, make sure the tires are balanced and have sufficient tread. Check that your spare tire is in good condition. You don’t want to worry about having your car break down. But if you do break down, be sure you have a roadside assistance option in place, like AAA.

• Create custom playlists and/or download podcasts to keep you entertained when driving long distances through uninspiring landscapes and/or poor reception. If you are considering stops like Yellowstone National Park or the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can be sure cell phone reception will be non-existent in some places. In addition to having listening options downloaded onto your phone, consider checking in with a friend or family member so someone knows generally where you are if you can’t be reached by phone. 
• Cellphone and car charger
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Non-perishable food items, like granola bars for your road trip snacks .
• And now, during Covid—hand sanitizer, extra masks and gloves, disinfectant wipes

• Join hotels’ frequent traveler clubs. You could earn enough points for a free night or two. I belong to seven different clubs which cover most major chains, but if possible, I’ll stick with one or two brands. That isn’t my major consideration however, I select any specific property based on location, price and ratings.

Things to keep in mind DURING the Cross Country Road Trip

• Take it slow . Determine in advance how far you’re willing to drive in a single day. I set a limit of 250 miles (402 km) and usually drive less. You want to have time to enjoy the places you’re in.
• Visit Welcome Centers. The staff are helpful and provide tons of free information, brochures, maps, even discount coupons. Don’t be shy about taking a fistful of printed material. I’ve saved money using their coupons and learned about unique restaurants and attractions.
• Tell everyone you meet what you are doing —you never know what they’ll suggest or how they’ll help. Americans are friendly and curious. Hearing you are driving cross-country will get people talking.
• Be flexible. Things won’t always go as planned. The day I was intending to hike in the Smoky Mountains it poured. Instead, I drove to Knoxville and spent a fun day there, visiting the Knoxville Museum of Art and eating barbecue. 
• Plan frequent stops – maybe as many as once an hour – to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. You can stop for gas or grab coffee from a local shop. Hopping out of the car frequently will help you avoid a stiff back, and it will keep your mind fresh so you can focus on driving safely.
• Which brings me to food. Eat the local cuisine. What would a trip to Maine be without eating lobster or clam chowder? Louisiana without gumbo? Or anywhere in the south and not indulging in barbecue? Much like you wouldn’t want to miss a sight you can’t see anywhere else, like the Grand Canyon National Park you also don’t want to miss unique local cuisine. If you’re in an area that has a specialty, look for brochures on wine trails, cheese trails or maps of other food producers. In New England I’ve sampled maple syrups and visited Ben & Jerry’s for ice cream. In Wisconsin I ate fabulous cheese from local dairies. Your entire road trip route could be based around the various and distinctive foods in the US.  The United States is a country of immigrants and each group brings their cultural heritage and cuisine with them. If you’re a foodie, you don’t have to cross an ocean to taste the best the world offers. Some of the best Vietnamese food I’ve ever eaten, including in Viet Nam, was in Minneapolis. Go on a food tour in New Orleans and take a cooking class while you’re there. In Miami sample authentic Cuban food. Charleston has great seafood—go for crab, bouillabaisse, oysters and grouper at a riverfront restaurant. In San Francisco or New York eat specialties from across China. The list is endless and the possibilities delicious. 

• Traveling as a couple is safer than traveling alone, but there are a few things you should be on the lookout for. When you park your vehicle make sure that nothing of value is visible. If a motel doesn’t look properly maintained or is in an area that looks iffy, find another. Make sure any campsite or trail is safe, especially if bad weather is predicted.  You don’t want to be flooded or blown away.

I’ve taken three road trips this summer, each with a different goal—following a wine trail in the NY Finger Lakes, exploring parts of Vermont and New Hampshire I’d never seen, and seeing small towns on the New England coast.

I mostly drove on back roads and often wandered aimlessly. I got lost for a while, but with GPS I wasn’t lost forever. While “lost” I found pristine beaches, diners straight out of the fifties, the Pez Museum, plus gorgeous scenery. Be prepared to slam on the brakes and make U-turns if you spot something, you just never know what you’ll find.

A road trip can be exciting, fun, romantic, challenging, or just about anything else you can imagine. My best advice for road trippers is to be open to adventure.

There you have it! Now, you have all the knowledge to start planning your own adventure driving across the USA! We can’t wait to hear about your upcoming trip!

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1 comment leave a comment ».

This is a great read and thanks so much for the advice! I’ve been in the states for a roughly 2 months now and It takes some getting used to the different rules of the road!

Thanks for sharing your insight and it looks like you had the best time on your road trip!

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Hi, we are Cat + Kev , an adventure-loving couple committed to help young couples find daring adventures, food encounters, and luxury escapes unique to a destination. Let us show you how to eat like a local, travel like a pro!

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The Best Cross-country U.S. Road Trip Itinerary: Northern Route

Here are nine stops you shouldn't miss as you drive across the country — plus what to do and where to eat while you’re there.

Ken Stanback / Getty Images

Nothing beats the experience-of-a-lifetime exhilaration of a cross-country road trip. If you're looking to get lost in adventure and pristine natural beauty, string along a coast-to-coast route that connects these nine destinations. We've mapped out the most quintessential places to check out as you venture across the northern half of the U.S. from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast. The best part? There's no exact science to it, so feel free to begin your journey from whichever coast you prefer and add your own stops. Here are the places you shouldn't miss along the way.

Gautier Houba / Travel + Leisure

Before you depart Seattle, which is known for its skyline featuring the iconic Space Needle, swing by Pike Place Market to pick up a coffee from the Storyville Coffee Company and some fresh pastries from Honest Biscuits or The Crumpet Shop. About a 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a great place to stop for a brief hike, with exceptional views and a stunning 268-foot waterfall. If you're starting your trip from the East Coast, Seattle will be your final stop, so we'd suggest an overnight stay at Inn at the Market — if only for the views of Pike Place and the tranquil waterfront. Save room for the all-day breakfast at Bacco Cafe , one of the three restaurants at this hotel.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

A lakefront dining experience is a must for any visit to Coeur d'Alene. Terraza Waterfront Cafe offers Latin American fusion cuisine and its prime location will ensure you enjoy beautiful views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. After thoroughly soaking up your surroundings and checking out the local shops, pay a visit to Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch for a guided tour with friendly alpacas as you escort them to their daytime pasture.

West Glacier, Montana

Known for its lodging as much as its white-water rafting, kayaking, and fly-fishing opportunities, the Great Northern Resort makes a great base for visiting Glacier National Park . Located near the West Glacier entrance, the property offers cozy log cabins, complete with a kitchen and fireplace, and a hotel for visitors seeking more traditional accommodations. As you depart for the park from West Glacier, head toward Going-to-the-Sun Road . Once inside, spend some time taking in views of picturesque Lake McDonald .

Jackson, Wyoming

The natural beauty of America's first national park needs no introduction — colorful hot springs, gushing geysers, and cascading waterfalls are synonymous with Yellowstone. Make time to watch the famed Old Faithful Geyser erupt and visit the brilliantly colored Grand Prismatic Spring (pictured above). As you wander through the park, keep an eye out for roaming wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, and black bears. After exploring all of Yellowstone's natural wonders, spend the night at Spring Creek Ranch back in Jackson.

Rapid City, South Dakota

In South Dakota, the scenic drive through Black Hills National Forest will leave you feeling in complete awe of your natural surroundings. Stay at the Bavarian Inn , about a 40-minute drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial , one of the most iconic monuments in the U.S. Once you've taken enough photos of the four presidents' impressive 60-foot faces, head into Rapid City for a bite and some local beer at Murphy's Pub & Grill . Continue your journey east through Badlands National Park , home to a surreal landscape featuring otherworldly rock formations and plenty of scenic lookout points, all along a 39-mile loop .

Minneapolis

Johnny Nguyen/Travel + Leisure

Spend some time meandering through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden , which showcases more than 60 pieces, before venturing over the Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. Stay at Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis for a taste of Midwest-style luxury. Grab dinner at Spoon and Stable for French-inspired cuisine by a James Beard award-winning chef, or dine at Murray's , a classic Minneapolis steakhouse. Afterward, stop by Union Rooftop for cocktails with a skyline view.

Jumping Rocks / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

This vibrant city is home to awe-inspiring skyscrapers, urban beaches along Lake Michigan, and a bustling food scene. After taking time to admire the Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park, make your way to Navy Pier for some sightseeing before boarding an architecture-themed river cruise , arguably one of the best things to do in Chicago . Then, dine at Au Cheval , a diner-style eatery known for its gourmet take on a classic burger. Or head to Cindy's Rooftop , a scenic spot atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel featuring seasonal menus and inventive cocktails. Stay at the LondonHouse hotel to enjoy views of the river and the city around you.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Once you arrive in Steel City, check into the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh, a sophisticated homage to the area's creative scene. If time allows, plan a visit to The Andy Warhol Museum , where you can learn all about the artist's life and work. Point State Park — a National Historic Landmark located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers — is just a five-minute drive (or a 15-minute walk) from the hotel. As for dining, head to the Original Oyster House , the oldest bar and restaurant in Pittsburgh, open since 1870.

New York City

Congratulations, you made it! Celebratory drinks are in order, and what better place for them than the Daintree Rooftop and Lounge at Hotel Hendricks ? After checking into your swanky Midtown room, complete with stunning views of the Empire State Building, make your way to nearby Bryant Park for a midday stroll. If you're in search of a classic New York bagel, look no further than Ess-a-Bagel , located right around the corner on West 32nd Street. For dinner, indulge in a comforting Italian meal at Max in Tribeca or Via Carota in the West Village.

If you're beginning your cross-country trip from the East Coast, New York City will be your first stop, so be sure to do some classic Big Apple sightseeing. Go for a walk in Central Park, see a Broadway show, or check out the view from the top of the Empire State Building before heading west.

I drove cross-country and these were the 16 coolest places I stopped along the way, plus 3 spots I'd skip next time

• My partner and I drove 6,036 miles from New York to San Diego and back during the pandemic.
• On our road trip, we stopped for regional food, incredible nature, and quirky roadside attractions.
• If I were to drive cross country again, these are the places I'd return to and those I would skip.

Driving cross-country was never something I planned on doing. But it was my partner's life-long dream, and we recently road-tripped from New York to San Diego and back.

Driving cross-country is an ambitious journey that always sounded a bit more romantic to me in theory than in practice.

But when my partner convinced me to expand my horizons, we started planning with the Ralph Waldo Emerson adage "it's not the destination, it's the journey," as our guiding principle. I figured we might as well see as many cool and quirky things along the way as possible.

Here are the places we stopped that I would go to again and the places I would skip next time.

After leaving New York, our first stop was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where we ate pizza and visited The Andy Warhol Museum.

I married a Pittsburgher and have visited the Steel City many times. And while there always seems to be a new spot to check out in Lawrenceville or South Side, after a requisite stop to the Strip District to try Pizzeria Davide , we headed over to the Andy Warhol Museum .

After touring the exhibits, I thought it was an absolute must-visit for anyone to Pittsburgh to witness more than seven stories of some of Warhol's (a Pittsburgh native) most seminal works of art. The museum was also well-placed to follow with a stroll to The Point downtown where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers merge into the Ohio River.

We left Pittsburgh en-route to Cincinnati, Ohio, stopping at Buckeye Lake State Park to stretch our legs and grab lunch.

The halfway point between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, Buckeye Lake State Park in southern Ohio is touted as Ohio's oldest State Park .

It's also home to a local winery, brewery, and beer pier, which sounded intriguing and looked to be an ideal spot to stop and refuel.

However, we found the food options and lack of masks and mask compliance in general to be a bit off-putting, and while it was a good enough place to get out and stretch our legs, we would skip a stop to Buckeye Lake in favor of another park or town if we could do it over again.

From Cincinnati, we drove to Nashville, Tennessee, where we had drinks at a Dolly Parton-themed restaurant.

The road to Nashville was peppered with so many cool pit stops, but due to bad weather, we bypassed places we'd been looking forward to like Louisville and Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Instead, we went straight for Nashville, arriving hungry and ready for a drink at White Limozeen , a Dolly Parton-themed rooftop restaurant located just off the Vanderbilt University campus.

We sat alfresco overlooking a giant Dolly Parton bust and didn't miss a chance to try the signature champagne Jell-O shots, which come topped with sprinkles.

Along with the pink décor and convivial rooftop vibes, the stop was a pleasant and completely unexpected surprise. It was definitely well worth a visit, but next time, I would come here just for drinks and save dinner for The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden , which was hands down the best burger we had on our trip.

Next, we stopped at one of my all-time favorite BBQ joints in Memphis, before driving through Ozark National Forest to a memorable hotel in Northwest Arkansas.

After a quick stop at one of my all-time favorite BBQ joints, Rendezvous in Memphis, we headed straight through the wilds of Arkansas Ozark National Forest, one of the greenest and most scenic stretches of our drive.

Along the way, we paid a last-minute visit to Fayetteville, a charming college town tucked away in the northwest pocket of the state.

There, we enjoyed a casual dinner on the patio of a former post office called Cheers at the O.P.O (for Old Post Office) and decided to tuck in for the night next door at a quirky local hotel .

The Fayetteville-themed lobby along with camouflage carpets and Arkansas ephemera all over the walls was a fun touch, and we loved the hometown pride that this place had to offer.

We continued along Route 66 and spotted an unusual roadside attraction in the shape of an 80-foot-long blue whale on the way to Oklahoma City.

The ride through the plains of Oklahoma provided a stark contrast to the lush and wild landscapes in Arkansas.

We made our way through Tulsa, home to architectural marvels such as The Philbrook Museum of Art and one of the largest collections of art deco architecture in the country. But our stop at The Blue Whale of Catoosa left a lot to the imagination.

We learned that this giant 80-foot sperm whale was built as a diving platform and slide for kids in the early '70s and has been basically marooned ever since.

While I can see the appeal if you have young kids in tow, and indeed, there were a few families with children who could not have been more delighted by this unique waterside sculpture off Route 66, it wasn't a must for us.

Just off Interstate 40, Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo, Texas, was Instagram-worthy surprise.

It was windy and dusty the day we visited Cadillac Ranch , a public art display that's free to check out and well worth a quick visit to walk around and snap some photos.

Comprised of a colorful collection of upended Cadillacs covered in paint, you can even bring your own spray paint or buy some from one of the local vendors just outside the entry point to tag the cars if you're so inclined.

While we didn't partake, I'm glad we stopped to check it out for the photos alone. But one time was sufficient and we didn't feel the need to return on our way back to New York.

When we drove through Texas on our return, we stopped in Odessa to see a Stonehenge Replica.

Set on the University of Texas at the Permian Basin Stonehenge campus, "mini-Stonehenge" is made up of 19-foot tall slabs of limestone and was donated to the school in 2004.

It's designed to serve as a teachable moment for students and visitors here, but because I've visited the original Stonehenge , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back some 5,000 years when I was traveling across the UK, I would skip this next time as nothing can truly compare to the original.

We skipped Dallas in favor of Fort Worth, Texas, where we saw dozens of longhorn cattle walking through town.

The daily cattle drive in Fort Worth happens twice a day and was one of the coolest things we witnessed on our trip. It also made us feel like we were front and center in an old Texas Western as Fort Worth is full of honky-tonk restaurants and old-timey boutiques, plus Stockyard Station , which is lined with fun shops.

There's also the Cowtown Coliseum, which is home to the country's only year-round rodeo which we didn't get to visit but would definitely check out on our next visit.

After Texas, we continued west to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where we stopped at a thermal spa.

Tucked in the foothills just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ojo Santa Fe Spa is known as one of the country's oldest natural health spas dating back to 1868. With its spa and spring-fed thermal pools , it was a much-needed stop for a little rest and relaxation.

The spa was closed due to COVID-19 during our visit, but we still soaked in the geothermal mineral water, which is said to have healing powers. After spending a full day here, I'm a believer in the healing properties of that water and would definitely stop here again.

In Santa Fe, we also paid homage to Georgia O'Keeffe Museum before checking out the galleries and boutiques found along Canyon Road , both of which were worthwhile stops.

Along Route 66, Petrified Forest National Park in Northeastern Arizona was a last-minute stop that I wouldn't hesitate to go back to.

Driving into the Petrified Forest National Park  felt like driving through one of Georgia O'Keeffe's abstract paintings .

The Mars-like landscapes with red and beige sandstone rock formations were utterly surreal and one of the best-unplanned stops we made along the way.

More than 200-million years old, there are many places to stop and walk around throughout the park. We decided on The Painted Desert Inn , an adobe building dating back to the 1930s, and Newspaper Rock , with the park's largest concentration of petroglyphs that were carved into boulders by the ancestral Puebloan population that dates back as far as 2,000 years ago. The carvings at Newspaper Rock can best be seen through binoculars or a telephoto lens, the latter of which I was glad to have on hand.

It's definitely worth a visit to witness this awe-inspiring landscape.

On the home stretch, we couldn't leave Arizona without seeing the Pillar at Cathedral Rock in Sedona up close.

There's no shortage of ways to see and experience Sedona's vast landscapes, but one place we couldn't leave without seeing was the view of Sedona from the summit of Cathedral Rock .

I will admit, we were not well-prepared for the intensity of this 1.2-mile out and back hike. It's labeled as "moderate-to difficult" by AllTrails.com and "popular for hikers of all ages," but I will say, the nearly vertical climb and slippery rocks were challenging for a lot of people on the trail that day, ourselves included.

However, the views from the top were out of this world. I would definitely stop here again, although I would plan accordingly and bring more water and better shoes next time.

Cathedral Rock's nearly vertical climb and extremely slippery rocks made the trail challenging.

On our way out of Sedona, we stopped at Yavapai Apache Fry Bread & Jewelry.

Just off Route 17 outside of Sedona, the selection of Native American jewelry, crafts, crystals and sweet and savory fry bread at $4 a pop was a great place for a quick break.

Located outdoors under a tent, there were tons of unique souvenirs including a dream catcher that I now have hanging above my bed.

The made-to-order fry bread topped with powdered sugar was delicious, and an added bonus.

The final stop of our road trip was in Temecula, California, to try chocolate wine.

The Temecula Valley is a burgeoning wine region in Southern California and while it's often overlooked for the wineries to the north in Napa and Paso Robles, their Italian and French grape varietals and tasting experiences are definitely worth checking out.

We stopped by Thornton Winery for a very special case of wine. Considered "the original champagne house," Thornton is known for their old-world Champenoise-method of winemaking, along with their coffee and chocolate wine flights.

I couldn't help but partake in a quick tasting, and after driving more than 3,000 miles across the country, my horizons had been broadened, and a case of wine called Milk Chocolate Kiss was the very sweet cherry on top.

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7 Unforgettable U.S. Cross-Country Road Trips

Go from one side of the country to another on one of these journeys..

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Gorgeous natural landscapes and man-made attractions await you on your next cross-country road trip.

Photos by Chloe Arrojado and Mick Haupt

The beloved road trip truly celebrates the journey itself, indulging in the miles upon miles it takes to get from one place to the next. While there are endless road trip options out there—themes include national parks , electric vehicle-friendly travel , and everything in between—the cross-country road trip arguably captures people’s imagination the most, with legendary roadways like Route 66 forming an integral part of the country’s history.

Many landscapes have changed over time, but the love of a small-town diner, quirky roadside attraction, and neon-lit motel is still firmly cemented in American culture. If you’re overdue for an adventure, here are seven cross-country road trips that will hopefully inspire a desire to see part of the United States you haven’t seen before.

1. Route 66

• Start: Chicago, Illinois
• End: Santa Monica, California
• Distance: 2,448 miles

“66 is the mother road, the road of flight,” John Steinbeck wrote in the Pulitzer Prize–winning The Grapes of Wrath . The road from Chicago to California is the most famous drive in the nation, even though it was technically removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985 . Drivers can still make this more than 2,000-mile drive (which celebrates its centennial in 2026) on their own, starting in Chicago and then hitting cities like St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and Santa Fe before finishing in Santa Monica. Along the way, the changing western landscape unfolds—from plains to desert to coast.

Route 66 has plenty of sights, from the artistic Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, to downright breathtaking detours (Grand Canyon, anyone?) The drive is nearly 2,500 miles, so you can tailor it to your interest: One particular itinerary focuses on the American pastime of drinking whiskey, stopping at craft distilleries like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa.

Part of U.S. Route 2 runs through the Cascade Range in Washington.

Photo by Amehime/Shutterstock

2. U.S. Route 2

• Start: Houlton, Maine
• End: Everett, Washington
• Distance: 2,575 miles

Bring your passport or passport card for this one. This cross-country trip mostly parallels the northern border of the United States, with a brief section crossing through Canada in between Vermont and Michigan. Road-trippers start in Houlton, Maine and continue west on U.S. Route 2 until right before the Canadian border near Burlington, Vermont.

Going through Canada, travelers pass through Quebec and then Ontario via the Trans-Canada Highway. This section spotlights some of Canada’s Great Lakes scenery, including Pancake Bay Provincial Park’s beach and the 40-foot Kakabeka Falls in Thunder Bay. But cities like Montreal and Ottawa are also along the way, and warrant a weekend full of exploration in Canada’s historical and cultural hubs.

Once the route rejoins the USA in St. Ignace, Michigan—across from Mackinac Island State Park—there are still plenty of wild spots to see. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin and Montana’s Glacier National Park ( reservations required ) are a couple of highlights travelers hit before ending in Everett. This trip is best during the summer, when scenic places like the Great Lakes can be fully enjoyed.

Time Magazine featured U.S. Route 50 in a 1997 feature, calling it the “backbone of America.”

Photo by AJ9/Shutterstock

3. U.S. Highway 50

• Start: Ocean City, Maryland
• End: Sacramento, California
• Distance: 3,019 miles

When Time Magazine published a story about the U.S. Highway 50 in July 1997, it noted the road’s duality, saying, “The road gossips down Main Street and dresses up for the cities and, when it reaches the desert, stretches to the horizon and falls fast asleep.” From Ocean City, Maryland, it travels through cities like Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati before ending in West Sacramento.

But it’s the more sparsely populated parts of the country that have become associated with this particular road. Nevada’s section of U.S. Highway 50, sporting lone landmarks like a tree covered in shoes and mining towns like Eureka between miles of desert, was what Life Magazine called the “Loneliest Road in America” in the 1980s. While this drive is not for the fainthearted (there are only a few gas pumps between its endpoints in Ely and Fernley), it gives a sense of solace and quiet rarely found on the road nowadays.

Reaching locations like Clarksdale, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana, Route 61 is a road for music lovers.

Photos by James Kirkikis and IrinaK/Shutterstock

4. U.S. Highway 61

• Start: Wyoming, Minnesota
• End: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Distance: 1,407 miles

Bob Dylan wrote about his spiritual connection with U.S. Highway 61 in his memoir , stating that it “always felt like it was in my blood” as the road connected his birthplace in Duluth, Minnesota, through Mississippi Delta Country—the heart of the blues genre—to the music powerhouse city of New Orleans. (His love of the road has been immortalized in his 1965 album, Highway 61 Revisited .) While the highway now starts around 120 miles south in Wyoming, Minnesota, travelers on this road can still drive to New Orleans and find the birthplaces of artists who have been intrinsic to American music along the way: B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley, to name a few.

It’s the blues genre that gave the road its nickname, the “Mississippi Blues Trail.” Explore this part of the road’s history by stopping at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and the Howlin’ Wolf Blues Museum in West Point. Much of Highway 61 is also a part of the Great River Road , a 3,000-mile series of state roads that parallel the full length of the Mississippi River. The road hugs the waterfront of river towns like Red Wing and Hastings in south Minnesota as well as natural areas like the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi, offering scenic excursions to a journey rooted in the cultural history of the United States.

The Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys is a part of U.S. Route 1.

Photo by Noah Densmore/Shutterstock

6. U.S. Route 1

• Start: Key West, Florida
• End: Fort Kent, Maine
• Distance: 2,369 miles

Not to be confused with Highway 1 in California , U.S. Route 1 passes through the East Coast from Florida to Maine. Starting from “Marker 0” in the Keys, the road travels along Florida’s coast before heading inland through Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and New Jersey. But once drivers hit Connecticut, the road snakes by the coast again—and eventually by Maine’s side of the U.S.-Canadian border—before stopping in the small border town of Fort Kent.

The journey covers many of the East Coast’s biggest cities, including Miami, Washington, D.C., and Boston. But it also does a good job of sandwiching other landscapes—like the small towns of the Southeast—in between the grand coastal stretches and urban hubs. Of course, if there’s a part you want to skip, there’s always I-95, the interstate that parallels the U.S. Route 1 from Miami, Florida, to the Houlton–Woodstock Border Crossing in Maine.

Starting in Tybee Island, Georgia, U.S. Highway 80 travels more than 2,000 miles to its endpoint in San Diego, California.

Photos by zimmytws/Shutterstock and Chloe Arrojado

7. U.S. Highway 80

• Start: Tybee Island, Georgia
• End: San Diego, California
• Distance: 2,734 miles

When the Automobile Club of Savannah created the Dixie Overland Highway in 1914, it created the outline for what would become U.S. Route 80. The drive goes through both the Southeast and Southwest regions, connecting Tybee Island, Georgia, all the way to Southern California. The highway was wildly popular in the 1950s until different states started renaming parts of the road in the 1960s , turning pieces of the highway into different interstates.

Many portions of the highway are still considered important; states including Arizona have recognized parts of U.S. 80 as a historic route. The mostly forested, eastern portion until Dallas, Texas, is the largest portion still intact, occasionally going by Deep South cities like Macon, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama. Portions of the original road also exist west of Dallas, like New Mexico State Road 80 and Arizona State Route 80—but for the most part, drivers will need to follow a mix of I-8, I-10, and I-20 to recreate the path of U.S. 80. Nonetheless, the western half of the journey largely follows the red mesas and dry landscapes of the Southwestern region between cities like El Paso and Phoenix before ending in Southern California.

A Fantastic Road Trip Visiting Interstate 40 Attractions – 1 Week Itinerary

By: Author Corinne Vail

Posted on Published: 14 Jul 2019  - Last updated: 3 Jan 2024

Taking an epic classic American cross country road trip on I-40 is amazing. There are so many I-40 attractions and fantastic stops along the way. We’ve got all the best listed on this 1 week itinerary.

As teachers, Jim and I get one week of spring break each year. It’s a decent amount of time for a trip. It’s just about the right amount for one epic road trip to cross the country. We drove from Atlanta to L.A., in nine days. Only taking one week wasn’t our first choice, because there is so much to see, but Devon initially needed to move a car from one side of the country to the other and naturally thought her parents would just love to do it with her.

We made a plan , bought our air tickets, and wouldn’t you know it? The car fell through and we ended up having to rent a car to do the trip. We decided to take Interstate 40, hitting as many attractions as we could on Old Route 66. Can it be done in only a week? It sure can, and we had lots of fun to boot!

You can listen to our podcast on this episode here:

In this article you’ll visit:

Our I40 Road Map and Itinerary for 1 week Interstate 40 Facts Memphis, Tennessee Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Amarillo, Texas Albuquerque, New Mexico Grand Canyon, Arizona Las Vegas, Nevada

I-40 Road Trip Map (1 Week)

Interstate 40 Facts

Created in 1964, I-40 is the third longest coast to coast highway in the U.S. There are only three others (I-10, I-80, and I-90), all worth a trip sometime. For us, however, the I-40 route gave us the most efficient bang for our buck. We had a very limited time, and we were not going to get to see everything. We had to be picky, but we were going to take advantage of this trip and not just drive either, we wanted to do some serious sightseeing on I-40 ( source ).

We weren’t going to be able to do anywhere near the route from start to finish, which would have been 2,556 miles, during which we were able to play lots of our favorite road games. The eight states that it crosses are North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and ending in California ( source ). For us, due to commitments, we missed North Carolina all together, and picked up the highway just east of Memphis, our first stop.

We veered off-piste a few times, like when we did the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, but we did drive past Barstow and ended our trip in Los Angeles. In all fairness, we put on quite a few more miles as we rounded out our trip.

Road Trip  – Atlanta to L.A. in 1 Week on I-40

Devon met us at our Atlanta airport hotel. We’d flown in from Germany, picked up our car, went to dinner and then to sleep. Our overall plan was to get up early each day, drive until early afternoon, and then spend the rest of the time sight-seeing and having some great food before we knocked off and started up the next day.

It turned out to be a pretty good way to cover a lot of ground, see some amazing things, and not get too crabby. Road trips are great for family bonding, but they also have the potential to blow up into some epic fights if someone gets too tired, too cramped from sitting, too hungry, or whatever. We were trying to balance our necessary driving hours with some fun, and I think it worked.

Note: If we mention a restaurant or hotel, it’s because first we researched and chose it, then we ate or stayed there, we loved it, and we recommend it. The others maybe…not so much.

I-40 Attractions and Stops

There are so many things to do on I-40 that you just can’t do them all in one trip. We picked out our favorites and came up with this itinerary. I’m not worried about seeing other things, because it’s the drive we often take to cross the country.

One of the best things about I-40 is it’s the new Route 66, so it’s easy to get on and off at exits that still have a lot of old-timey, nostalgic Route 66 buildings, cars, and signs for sightseeing.

Our route looked basically like this: Atlanta – Memphis – Oklahoma City – Albuquerque – Grand Canyon – Las Vegas – Los Angeles

I-40 Tennessee – Memphis

As we approached the on ramp for I-40, we knew this was the true beginning of our road trip. Interstate on-ramps are nothing special. They all look alike, but for us, we were excited…and ready!

Memphis is a city we’d never been to before, we wanted to do a couple of key things like watch the duck parade at the Peabody Hotel, check out the amazing pyramid housing a Bass Pro Shop, walk around Beale Street, and eat some of their famous fried chicken.

We accomplished all this and had a great time wandering around looking at all the music placards and information as well. We enjoyed a gorgeous sunset under the highway bridge, and decided our formula of morning drive – afternoon and evening fun was working.  A good first day, that’s for sure.

Where we ate: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Where we stayed: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown

Additional Reading: Top 10 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip

I-40 Arkansas – No Stopping!

Heading out of Memphis in the early morning gave us the opportunity to enjoy crossing the mighty Mississippi River in the golden light of sunrise. The sun was shining bright, and our new day dawned with us crossing the border into Arkansas.

Green and lush, the countryside views pleased us for the entire 248 miles that we were in the state. However, we needed to keep on a schedule and even though there are some great things to see and do, they didn’t make the cut. We needed to get to Oklahoma, our next stop.

I-40 Oklahoma – Tulsa and Oklahoma City

After the brilliant green ride through Arkansas and the Ozark mountains, we crossed over into Oklahoma. Almost immediately the landscape turned shallower. It was more like driving on rolling hills, and you could see miles ahead of you. The greens became more muted, still green, but a little less so than before. We were heading west, young man, and we had 331 miles of I-40 to enjoy in the Sooner State.

Oklahoma City was Devon’s choice. She went to school there and wanted to catch up with her college buddies, which actually meant we started in Tulsa. We made an exception to the driving formula since one of her college mates lives in Tulsa, and we wanted to meet up with her and have lunch. We ate Mexican (always the right choice in my opinion) and drove through town. In all, we may have spent two hours here, far from enough. It’s now on our list of must-dos in the future.

Boy that list is getting long. We checked in at our hotel and Devon went off with a group of friends, leaving Jim and I to hit the sights. We took in the National Cowboy Museum, the Stockyards, and a couple of Route 66 icons. We’d been to this city a couple of times before, and it felt like home. I always think of it as the beginning of the wild, wild west from days gone by, and the city embraces its Native American and cowboy heritage.

That evening we hung around the hipster Bricktown and found a good pizza for dinner. We were saving ourselves, because on our way out of town, we had plans for our favorite breakfast at Cattlemen’s, steak and eggs as near to the Stockyards as you can possibly get!

Where we ate: Tulsa lunch: Calaveres

Bricktown: The Wedge Pizzeria

Stockyards: Cattlemen’s

Where we stayed: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oklahoma City Downtown – Bricktown

I-40 Texas – Amarillo and Cadillac Ranch

Interstate 40 really only drives through the panhandle of Texas, a mere 177 miles. This is a very small piece of land in the northern part of the state. It used to be a lively area, but now the only real place that still exists is Amarillo. It’s dusty; it’s a bit beat up, but it had its charm.

Unfortunately, we could only stop for lunch. We wanted barbecue ribs. Who goes through Texas and doesn’t eat ribs? We found them and we loved them, and we tried their fried pickles as a bonus. We decided we probably wouldn’t need to eat another thing all day because boy, those portions were big. Texas style. I tip my hat to that grill master, I do.

Where we ate: Dyer’s Bar-B-Que

After lunch, we stopped at the famous Cadillac Ranch. Can I just say, this was probably my biggest let down on the whole trip. I was looking forward to taking some colorful photos, but well, that didn’t happen.

First of all, the cars are a bit further off the road then we anticipated and we’d arrived after a big rain, so it was pretty muddy. That didn’t stop the majority of Route 66-ers, though, they were there with their spray paint having a blast. Maybe we need to go back…at sunrise.  We’ll see.

I-40 New Mexico – Albuquerque

The Texas panhandle was the beginning of the full-on west and as we crossed into New Mexico, you could tell that we were in for the hot, dry, and expansive part of the trip, 374 miles of it, in fact. It wasn’t flat, but with very few, short trees to break the monotony, it was hard to tell.

We did cross the Continental Divide in New Mexico. There was a sign with the elevation clearly marked at 7,275 feet, but the view was a bit underwhelming. I lived in the Land of Enchantment for a year, and the landscape always reminded me of a toy train setting with its stubby bushes and brown earth.

At first, it seems like there’s not much to look at, but I found that New Mexico is one of my favorite states. It is beautiful. I’m just not sure you can get it all from only traveling on the interstate.

Albuquerque is one of our favorite cities in the U.S.A. It’s cowboy charm added to the best Mexican food this side of the border has Jim and I checking it out as a place to retire. This time around, though, we wanted to visit the Old Town and enjoy the shops, some old adobe buildings and homes, and some great food.

Many of the places I used to frequent are long closed, but the cuisine of New Mexico remains number one for me. I needed some green and red Christmas chile sauce …stat!

Where we ate: Dinner: Frontier Restaurant

Breakfast: The Range Cafe

Where we stayed: Hotel Chaco

I-40 Arizona – Grand Canyon

There is something about a western road trip that compels you to go to the Grand Canyon. No matter how many times you’ve been, it draws you back like a siren calling to you from the mesas, again, and again, and again…I’m not sure how many times I’ve been, I just can’t stop going.

To say it’s amazing, majestic, beautiful, really just doesn’t capture it. It’s one of those places you just have to see, to be there, to feel the hot, dry wind in your face, and after sunset the inevitable shivering as you can’t believe how damn cold it gets.

At any rate, we weren’t passing by and not stopping, so we took that right turn off of I-40 and north we drove. It took a huge chunk out of our 359 miles we should have driven in the state on the interstate, but I think we got the better part of the bargain. What we didn’t get to do is go to Scottsdale , which has been on my list for ages. Sigh. Next time.

Where we stayed: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn

Detour – Las Vegas

Detour indeed. I-40 doesn’t even go through Nevada at all. Right under the apex of the state, it sneaks right over and gets into California. Vegas is someplace we’ve also been a number of times, but this was a commitment, we had to go.

So, we headed a bit north and found ourselves in the midst of casinos and strip malls. In the day time, Vegas is really not a pretty city; it’s fun, but it’s not pretty. By the twilight blue of early evening it begins to liven up and the fountains and lights are lit, making it a happier place.

Sin City is just one of those places that is always changing, and it draws in visitors of all kinds, gamblers and non-gamblers alike. We couldn’t wait to have some family fun where we played Black Jack, checked out the Rock n’ Roll mini golf, took in the show at the Neon Museum, and even ate at Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen.

We couldn’t afford to stay in Vegas long, so after 2 nights we moved on, mainly because we had a flight to catch back to Germany.

Where we ate: Hell’s Kitchen

Where we stayed: Caesar’s Palace

I-40 California – End of the Road

Our final destination was L.A. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to do much other than turn in the rental car and head to the airport for our early flights. We wouldn’t see Devon again for a few months when we planned to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, so we just had a great prime rib dinner and spent the last few hours of family time together before heading home.

Where we ate: The San Franciscan

Where we stayed: Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel

If you are looking for a convenient and easy route to take cross-country, I-40 is it. With fantastic cities and sights to see along the way, you can have that classic American road trip experience, and you can do it one week! Have you traveled I-40? Got any tips or hints for us?

Author Bio – Corinne is an avid camper and traveler. She’s been to all 50 of the US states and has four more Canadian provinces to visit. However, she’s not stopping yet. There’s always more to see of this great continent! Corinne loves local foods, getting outdoors, landscape photography, and road trips.

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Sydney Daniel

Monday 15th of June 2020

Hi! I am making a cross country road trip next week to Las Vegas from South Carolina! If you have any tips or places that are a MUST with any dining options, I would greatly appreciate it!

Corinne Vail

Sunday 28th of June 2020

I highly recommend all the places we mentioned in the article. We ate at other places as well, and wouldn't recommend them. LOL.

31 Tips For Driving Cross Country Alone & Having An Amazing Trip

By Anna Cook. This guide to driving cross country solo contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for tips for driving cross country alone and having an amazing trip?

Then you’re in the right place!

When you begin considering driving cross country alone, it can be a little intimidating.

From choosing a car and preparing your vehicle to planning the route and anticipating speed bumps—literally and figuratively—there are many things to consider.

But, I’m here to ease your mind. As a full-time travel blogger and lover of road trips, I’ve taken many long-distance solo road trips and have driven cross country alone.

It’s actually not as difficult as you may think, especially with the right tips and strategies to set you up for success. I’ll be sharing those below!

Solo road trips take a little bit of extra preparation, but it is absolutely worth it as they are incredibly liberating.

On that note, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable cross country road trip !

⏳ Short on time? Here are some helpful resources for planning a solo cross country road trip: 🚗 Car Rental: Save up to 70% with DiscoverCars 🗺️ Solo Road Trip Planning: Roadtrippers (get 15% off with code BTR5QTP ) 🤳 Helpful Apps: – Campendium and The Dyrt to look up campsites – AllTrails for finding hikes – Atlas Obscura for offbeat attractions ☔ Safety Essentials: Along with a first aid kit , get a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini 2  if you’ll be solo hiking , driving, or camping in remote areas where there may not be cell service 🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing 📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Confidently Drive Cross Country Solo [Free Course]

But first, before we go over how to drive long distance alone and have a great time, I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , keep reading for important driving cross country alone tips that will help make your road trip safe and unforgettable!

Is It Safe To Drive Cross Country Alone?

Yes, it’s safe to drive cross country alone! However, it’s still always smart to take precautions and plan for emergencies.

I’ll go over many tips for staying safe while driving across the country alone, but the biggest thing to remember is to trust your instincts, have an emergency plan (like AAA or a satellite communicator ), and be prepared.

As someone who has taken many 10+ hour road trips, one of the biggest safety concerns is getting too tired. You’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated and well-rested by getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night while traveling alone.

Renting A Car For Your Solo Road Trip

Need to rent a car for driving cross country? Check out Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Tips For Planning A Trip Cross Country Alone

The planning part can be the most fun; but, it can also be the most overwhelming. There are so many options and it’s hard to choose what to do and which route to take. To help, let’s go over some important tips for long road trips alone cross country.

1. Set realistic goals

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is planning to drive way too far in a single day. Not only can this be exhausting, but it leaves little room to actually explore as you drive across the country.

I recommend planning to drive a maximum of 8 hours each day unless you are very short on time. If you want to visit attractions one day, then plan on driving even less than that.

Realistic goals will help you stick to the itinerary that you create so you don’t get burnt out and aren’t scrambling to make up time at the end.

2. Consider the time of year

The time of year that you plan on traveling has a huge impact on your road trip and having as amazing journey. As someone from the southern US, I am not accustomed to driving in the snow.

I would be pretty nervous road tripping alone through the Rockies in the winter. If you’re like me, then you’d want to take a southern route in the winter.

On the flip side, if you’re traveling in the summer, consider taking a more northern route as driving through desert climates of the southwest might be too hot.

You’ll also want to think about timing in terms of crowds. During peak fall leaf-peeping season places like New England, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and even Colorado will be very busy with increased accommodation prices.

3. Create a balance

To really have fun on your solo trip , plan for a balance of longer driving days mixed with shorter driving days meant for exploring and even a rest day every so often depending on how long your trip is.

This allows you to enjoy more of your trip instead of just seeing the sites from behind the wheel. Try to plan a few guided tours in cities or National Parks so you can see the major points of interest quickly.

In my opinion, these exploration days are what make the road trip extra special!

4. Have an emergency plan

When I knew that I was going to be taking more solo female road trips, my husband and I agreed that we would sign up for AAA Roadside Assistance .

This way if anything happens to my car while I’m traveling I can easily get a tow. Just make sure to read the fine print on the membership options about towing distance.

I’ve also set up my emergency contacts in my phone so anyone can contact my husband in case of an emergency.

If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can set your phone to automatically alert your emergency contacts and emergency services in case of an accident. Here is how to set this up .

Tips For Creating A Solo Cross Country Road Trip Itinerary

Assuming that you have your starting and ending point chosen, there are still many options for routes you can take when driving cross country solo.

Just as there are pros to solo travel in general, there are benefits to a one person road trip—the biggest being that you get all the say in where to stop and what to do. In this section, we’ll go over how to really take advantage of this perk.

5. Utilize road trip planning tools

First, familiarize yourself with popular routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Route 66, or the Mighty 5 in Southern Utah. Here are more of the  best solo American road trips  if you’re looking for ideas.

Once I have a general idea of my route, I love getting on the Roadtrippers app to look around at what’s along those paths.

🎁 Bonus: You can get $5 off an upgraded Roadtrippers membership with code BTR5QTP .

You can filter what it shows you by interests like the outdoors, sights & attractions, and activities & experiences.

From there, I start saving things—the free plan allows you to add 7 stops—but you can also just write them down or save them in your Google Maps under a dedicated list.

There aren’t a lot of reviews on Roadtrippers so I use Google Maps to check those plus Campendium and The Dyrt to look up campsites.

Other helpful road trip apps and websites I use include AllTrails , which is great for finding hikes, and Atlas Obscura for offbeat attractions.

6. Prioritize “must-sees” vs “would be nice”

Once you have an idea of the route you’ll take and some things you are interested in along the way, you’ll want to start prioritizing them.

Which ones appeal to you most that make sense between your start and end points? Start making a list of your “must-sees” vs the things that “would be nice.”

Your “must-sees” will become your route. Keep a list of your “would be nice” spots though in case you have extra time or something comes up and you aren’t able to visit one of your “must-see” spots.

For example, when I’m traveling I always look for National Park sites as my “must-see” locations then add in other outdoorsy spots or cute small towns nearby.

7. Stay flexible

While it’s always good to have a plan, no matter how much time you spend planning a cross country road trip alone, there is always a chance for the unexpected.

Weather, car issues, closed attractions, and more can cause you to have to pivot. This is why it’s important to stay flexible and be willing to change course if you need to.

8. Consider if you are comfortable with remote areas

The last thing I would consider when you plan a cross country road trip is how comfortable you are in remote areas. This is especially true if you’re planning a solo US road trip .

Many areas from the West Coast to the middle of the USA (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, etc) can be sparsely populated.

If you don’t like the idea of being in remote locations, you’ll want to stick near major interstates throughout this part of the country.

I am in remote areas often, so I decided to buy a satellite communicator for peace of mind. More on that later.

Budgeting For A Cross Country Road Trip Alone

Of course, there are pros and cons to traveling alone , and this includes road tripping by yourself. While it can be empowering, it can also take a hit on your budget when there’s no one to split gas and accommodation costs with.

With that in mind, here are some tips for budgeting for a solo cross country road trip.

9. Research accommodation options in advance

Where are you comfortable staying and what types of accommodations do you prefer? If you are okay camping then your solo travel budget for places to stay will be much lower.

Personally, on my most recent cross country road trip, I camped every other night at campgrounds and stayed in hotels the rest of the time.

Some people stay in Cracker Barrel, Walmart, or Bass Pro Shops parking lots for free. Personally, I wasn’t comfortable with this as a solo female traveler , though you might be. Just double-check with store managers to make sure it’s okay.

Out west, you can find many free wilderness areas to camp; however, when camping on the East Coast , it’s not that easy.

You’ll want to sit down and look ahead of time at what the accommodation options are for the places you’ll be traveling through so you can find the cheapest rates.

While I personally don’t book accommodations in advance, many people don’t like the uncertainty that brings.

If you do like to book things last minute, you can use the HotelTonight app or website to find deals on last-minute hotel rooms. I find it to be hit or miss.

10. Join fuel rewards programs

A great way to save on gas is by joining fuel reward programs at large gas stations like Pilot, Shell, and Love’s. These programs usually save you between $0.05 – $0.10 per gallon.

The rewards programs can also help you save on snacks, drinks, or other items you might buy at the gas station for extra savings.

11. Limit eating out

I love eating at restaurants while traveling, but it adds up quickly. If you bring a cooler with you and stop at grocery stores a few times then you can make meals yourself with healthier options too.

I ate a lot of sandwiches on my trip and you can keep fruits and veggies in your cooler. Just make sure to add ice regularly.

Cheese and nuts are great snacks to keep on hand, and if you have time to make homemade protein balls or granola bars before leaving, those are fantastic too.

Another way to cut back on costs is picking up pre-made food at a grocery store. My favorite strategy is eating at the salad bar or deli at a grocery store, which is relatively cheap and healthy.

12. Download cash-back apps

I use the Upside app to get cash back on gas but you can also get cash back at some restaurants. It only works at certain gas station chains though.

Typically I pull up the app once I’m at a gas station to see if cash back is available and if it’s not, I don’t worry about it.

Ibotta is another option where you can earn cash back at grocery stores for specific products but you can earn at other retailers as well like Walmart or Sam’s Club.

13. Have a contingency fund

I’ve already mentioned this, but no matter how much you prepare, things happen. Please have a contingency plan for when unexpected things pop up!

For example, I got a flat tire during a California road trip . Thankfully, it only cost $35 to patch up; but, it would have been much more expensive if I’d had to buy a completely new tire.

Choosing Accommodation When Driving Across Country Solo

Choosing your accommodations is completely dependent on your comfort level—not only with camping vs hotels, but also with last-minute booking vs things planned out in advance.

Here are some tips for solo road trips that apply no matter what type of accommodation you plan to book.

14. Choose safe areas

Once you have an idea of the cities or towns you’ll be staying in, do some preliminary research to determine if those locations are safe or which neighborhoods are safest in the city.

If I’m booking things last minute, I typically look at Google Reviews to see if anything mentions safety and I’ll pull up the area on Google Maps to look at street view.

No matter what, if you get to where you are supposed to stay and get bad vibes, do not be afraid to leave. It’s not worth sacrificing your safety.

15. Look at convenience from the highway

If I’m short on time, this is one of the biggest factors that I look at. How far is a hotel off the highway? Is it easy to get off the highway and back on?

In addition to the distance from the highway, I also look at what else is around the hotel. If I need food, will I be able to easily grab something nearby?

These are questions you should ask yourself before choosing your accommodation.

16. Don’t overlook amenities

Free breakfast, laundry facilities, free WiFi, and free parking are typically the amenities that I look for. Others are just an added bonus.

Free breakfast means that’s one more meal that I don’t have to pay for and I’ll grab a banana or apple to eat on the road as a mid-morning snack.

Before booking campgrounds, I’m looking at what their bathroom situation is and if there is laundry and WiFi available. Make sure to check if you need specific amenities before booking.

How To Prepare Your Vehicle For A Solo Road Trip

These are some of the most important tips for solo road trips and they are also usually the most overlooked. Driving cross country is a long way, so you want to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape by taking the following steps.

17. Get your oil changed & a full vehicle inspection

While everyone needs to do this, it’s especially important if you are driving an older car long distance. When you take your car in for an oil change, make sure they also check fluid levels, tires, and lights.

They will let you know if they see anything that needs to be fixed before you hit the road. Make sure they check your spare tire too, as you may need it along the way.

Not sure how to change a spare tire? Ask your mechanic for a lesson or check out this guide on changing a tire . You’ll definitely want to know how to do this before embarking on your cross country road trip!

18. Do a deep clean of your vehicle

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel a lot better when I’m starting out with a clean car. Because at the end of a long road trip, my car is in complete disarray.

Cleaning out your car gives you a fresh start for the trip. Make sure you keep a small trash can in there or at least a trash bag where you can collect garbage along the way.

19. Double-check your insurance & registration

Make sure your driver’s license and tags are up to date and double-check that your insurance card and registration are in your glove box.

I know most people typically keep them in their vehicle, but I took mine out just the other day to take to the DMV and forgot to put them back in my car for a few days. It’s always good to check.

Tips For Driving Cross Country Alone

If you’re wondering how to drive long distances alone, it’s actually not as hard as you might think—especially if you keep the following tips in mind.

20. Start small if you’re nervous

If it’s you’re first time embarking on a long distance solo road trip and you’re feeling uneasy, consider starting with a smaller road trip near home.

For instance, if you live in NYC, you might do a New York state road trip before embarking on a solo Midwest road trip or a coastal Maine road trip .

This will help you gain the confidence to go longer distances without feeling anxious.

21. Download plenty of entertainment

One of my best tips for driving cross country alone is to have plenty of entertainment downloaded. When a trip is really long, I like to have multiple types of entertainment downloaded as well so I can switch it up.

I typically download music, podcasts, and audiobooks to my phone just in case. When taking a road trip alone, singing in the car can be fun for the first few hours, but eventually gets boring.

And because being bored can lead to you feeling tired or restless, you’ll want to make sure you have ways to stay entertained and engaged.

22. Take a nap when tired

If you don’t listen to any of the other tips for driving long distances alone, please listen to this one: take a nap when you are tired.

Driving while tired is incredibly dangerous. According to the National Safety Council , about 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur annually, with about 109,000 of those resulting in an injury and about 6,400 being fatal.

To help combat this, the CDC recommends getting at least 7 hours of sleep, avoiding alcohol, and developing good sleep habits (try to create a sleep schedule before your road trip).

If you start feeling drowsy or getting “white line fever,” pull off at a rest area or a gas station in a safe area and take a quick nap. If it’s late at night, find a place to stay if needed.

23. Make stops more often

When driving solo, I find that I like to make stops more often. This helps me to stay awake and alert by getting my body moving. Plus, I get plenty of bathroom breaks since I try to stay hydrated on road trips—which helps me stay alert.

Hopefully you are also stopping to explore different attractions, but if you have a long day of driving, it’s still important to get out and stretch your legs regularly.

How To Stay Safe While Driving Alone Cross Country

Travel safety is always important to consider—though it’s extra important when driving cross country alone as a woman.

Unfortunately, it’s something we have to keep in mind at all times. Here are some ways to help protect yourself while driving cross country solo.

24. Share your itinerary with family or a close friend

Once you’ve planned out your road trip itinerary, share it with a close friend or family member. I love spontaneous road trips alone, but even then I give my husband my planned route and let him know each day where I plan to stay that night.

Which brings me to my next point: check in with someone often—preferably daily—so they’ll know as soon as possible when something isn’t right.

25. Consider taking a satellite communication device

Not everyone needs one of these, especially if you plan on staying within cell service range for most of your trip.

However, typically on my solo road trips I do a lot of hiking in remote areas and know I’ll be driving through smaller towns instead of taking the interstate out west.

The  Garmin inReach Mini 2  (which you can also get on Amazon ) is what I have and thankfully I haven’t had to use it, but it does give me peace of mind just in case.

I have a friend who has had to use it twice and it has saved her life, so it really is an invaluable travel safety essential .

26. Only stop in well-lit areas at night

Ideally, you won’t drive after dark when traveling cross country by car alone, but I know sometimes that can’t be helped.

I try to only stop at well-lit areas at night and I don’t run my gas tank down too far in case I get a bad feeling about a place I want to stop.

Additionally, I try to find gas stations that have other things around so they’ll be populated and I won’t be totally alone outside of my car.

27. Trust your instincts

When you get a bad feeling about something, don’t ignore it. If your gut is telling you that you need to get out of a situation, always trust it.

I’ve driven many different routes around the country and only had one case where I felt uneasy. I got out of there and, to this day, know that I made the right choice.

While in Texas, hiking in a very remote area, I noticed a truck get right up on my bumper and then back off while driving down a dirt road. After I pulled into the trailhead parking lot, the truck slowed down almost to a stop while passing the lot, and then took off.

I walked out onto the trail but had a really bad feeling so after I took some photos of the plants I came to see, I decided to turn back and leave instead of hiking the full trail.

That same truck was in the parking lot when I got back with a lone male driver sitting there with the windows down. Thankfully, another family had pulled in and they were getting their kids out to go on the trail but I left as quickly as possible.

Am I sure that he had bad intentions? No. But I am thankful that I listened to that nagging feeling in my gut and got out of there.

Tips For Packing For A Solo Cross Country Road Trip

In addition to all the regular stuff like clothes and toiletries, there are a few additional things I throw in the car for long road trips as well.

Also, don’t forget the camping gear if you plan on camping at all—which can help save you money on your solo road trip. Other road trip packing tips include:

28. Pack an up-to-date atlas

One of the best tips for a solo road trip that I’ve ever gotten is to pack an atlas—and make sure it’s up to date!

If you don’t know how to read a map, you’ll want to get familiar with it before heading out. I also recommend familiarizing yourself with the route you plan on taking.

This has come in handy for me many times, particularly when driving through areas with little cell service or where I’ve had to make an unplanned stop.

Yes, you can download maps on Google Maps, but that can take up a lot of memory on your phone. Plus, technology seems to always glitch on me when I need it most, so I like to have my route down on paper so I never have to worry.

29. Keep snacks in easy reach

Pack lots of snacks, and try to make them healthy ones. I keep snacks in a bag in my front seat so they are in easy reach when I need them.

Nuts, granola bars, and fruit are just a few good options when you are on the go. Here are also some healthy and energizing snack recommendations .

30. Bring clothes for a week & do laundry

While I love road trips because I can throw anything in my car that I might need, I prefer packing light when it comes to clothes.

There are typically plenty of opportunities to do laundry when you’re on a road trip. Plus, this means fewer decisions to make when getting ready in the morning.

Alternatively, you can use a Scubba Portable Wash Bag —which has a washboard in the bag—to do laundry on the go.

31. Don’t forget the essentials

So what are the solo road trip essentials you should pack? Here are some things you want to be sure to have in addition to your usual travel items:

• Blanket (this sustainably-made Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket can also be used as a waterproof poncho; get 15% off with code JESSIE15 )
• Extra water and a water filter / filtering bottle if you’ll be hiking
• First aid kit
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Portable digital air compressor & tire plug kit
• Jumper cables or portable battery jump starter
• AAA card (or other discount cards)

Travel Insurance For Driving Cross Country

When driving cross country alone— or traveling anywhere else in the world—it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage—including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Cross Country Alone 

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best tips for a solo road trip, let’s answer some frequently asked questions:

Q) Can you drive cross country alone?

You absolutely can drive cross country alone! I’ve done it and know many other women who have made the trip as well. Traveling cross country by car alone isn’t as difficult as you may think, especially with proper planning.

Q) Is it safe to drive cross country alone?

Yes, it’s safe to drive cross country alone. Follow important solo road trip tips like having an emergency plan, keeping family or friends updated, and trusting your instincts to minimize risks.

Q) Is it safe for a woman to drive cross country alone?

It is safe for a woman to drive cross country alone. While you do need to stay vigilant, I look at it as no different than taking day trips or weekend trips solo. I recommend starting with those kinds of trips and building your comfort level up. 

Q) What are the dangers of driving cross country alone?

Some of the biggest dangers of driving cross country alone are drowsiness and potential car trouble or accidents. That’s why one of the biggest tips for long drives alone is to pull over for a nap when you are tired and have your car inspected before leaving.

Q) Should I drive my own car cross country?

This is a personal preference. I like having my own car when driving cross country; however, if you don’t want to put the miles on your car, then you can rent one to make the trip.

You also might consider renting if your car doesn’t get good gas mileage. Price out what it would cost to rent a car and see if you think it’s worth it.

Q) How long does it realistically take to drive cross country?

Depending on your start and end point, you should plan at least 5 days minimum to drive cross country. This would not include much time to stop and explore anywhere and assumes driving approximately 8 hours each day.

If you want to stop and see some sights then you’ll want to give yourself a week or more to make the trip.

Q) How many miles can a person drive in a day?

If you are driving on the interstate, you can cover a lot more miles in a day and I would recommend setting a maximum of 500 miles per day. If you are taking backroads, I recommend even less.

This is also a personal preference, but 500 miles is about 8 hours of driving so hopefully you won’t get too uncomfortable on the trip.

Q) Can you drive cross country in 2 days?

No, you cannot drive cross country in 2 days on a solo road trip. Cross country road trips are 40+ hours of total driving time depending on your start and end points. This does not include any bathroom or food stops nor does it account for traffic slowdowns.

Q) What is the best time of year to drive cross country?

Summer is the most popular time to take a cross country road trip, as the weather is best in most parts of the country; however, if you don’t like the heat, you may want to avoid the desert in the Southwest. Spring and fall are also great times of year to do this if you have the flexibility.

If you choose to travel in winter, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the weather and avoid a northern route through the country if you aren’t comfortable driving in snow.

Q) Is it cheaper to drive across the country or fly?

Typically, it is cheaper to fly across the country vs drive when you are solo. The costs of gas, food, and accommodations add up quickly and are considerably more than what you would pay for a flight. Driving is only cheaper when you have multiple people in the car splitting costs.

Q) Can you drive cross country with a dog?

Yes, you can drive cross-country in the U.S. with a dog, but it requires careful planning to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet, including regular stops for exercise, water, and bathroom breaks, as well as making sure pet-friendly accommodations are booked in advance.

Final Thoughts On Driving Cross Country Alone

Whether you are driving by yourself for the first time or have done it before, I hope these tips have helped you plan your epic road trip and realize that it’s totally doable !

These drives are so freeing and I dream about taking more solo cross country road trips every day. The US is beautiful and diverse and this is an amazing way to appreciate the country.

What would you add to these tips for driving cross country alone?

About The Author

Anna is a travel blogger and photographer at Stuck On The Go where she loves writing about outdoor adventure and small town USA. She created her blog to help busy people incorporate more adventures into their lives and inspire them to try new things—even if it’s scary. You can typically find her out on a trail or in a kayak and she’s always in search of the best restaurants in town. She is based in North Carolina with her husband and German Shepherd who often tag along on weekend trips but she’s known to take off on long solo road trips often.

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I Survive a Cross-Country Road Trips By Making My Car Feel Like Home

A fter doing it six times in three years, my dog and I have become experts in figuring out what we need to be happy when on the move.

When asked "have you ever driven cross country?" many people may say sure, once or twice. You may have either embarked on a chaotic, stressful drive in a packed U-Haul with a screaming cat or hit a bunch of national parks on a meandering road trip, but is there really anyone who—truck drivers and van lifers excluded—is insane enough to make that coast-to-coast trip routine?

Well, yes, and that person is me. For each of the past three years, I have headed west for the winter from my home in upstate New York. The tradition began out of a bit of cabin fever, literally: in the fall of 2021, the world was creaking open but I was still living in my peaceful, lovely, but very rural home. I did not long to return to Brooklyn, nor did I particularly long to uproot my life and move to the West Coast. Instead, I wanted to live what so many of us aspire to—the bicoastal dream, for as long as I could get away with it. I am also a big skier. Driving west meant I could hit mountains in several different states. I could visit friends and family across California. And, perhaps most importantly, I could bring my 70-pound dog, Basa.

Now, as spring arrives in Los Angeles and I am about to drive cross country for the sixth time in three years, and the eighth overall, I feel equipped to say that those 20,000 miles have made me, if not an expert, than uniquely well-versed in both the practical and philosophical tools needed to make the journey safely, how to live out of your car for several weeks without losing it (your mind, or the car), and how to do all of this with a faithful canine companion.

You need to be organized (or at least try to be)

Despite decades of a desperate desire to be more organized, and a classic flirtation with a possible late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, my natural state tends towards outward disorder: I am responsible but messy. I always begin my trips with an organizational system that inevitably falls apart by the end, but beginning with one ensures it will take longer to fully unravel.

I don’t drive an SUV or even a Subaru, but a Prius, so space is at a premium. Hatchbacks are generally more versatile than sedans, but the ability to fold the seats down is moot when your dog gets a nice little " hammock " all across the backseat to herself (How nice for her! Her travel bed also rolls up easily.)

Luckily there are a lot more places you can stow your gear than just the trunk: the narrow space underneath the two front seats are my "library," where I stack my books. I slot anything small enough between the front seats and the backseat: a bin with toiletry refills, a bag of cleaning supplies (all purpose cleaner, dishtowels, a designated towel for Basa on the days she decides to take a dip in the muddy Rio Grande).

In the front passenger seat is my cooler, which gives me easy access to La Croix and snacks on a long driving day. In the console I store essentials I need easy access to while driving: Tums, ibuprofen, hand cream and gum, so I don’t just snack mindlessly when I’m bored. I am begging car manufacturers please stop competing to create bigger and bigger touch screens using awful proprietary software and to please just build in a sturdy phone mount because every one I’ve bought has been completely mediocre, so much so that I won’t even link to the one I currently have. I would say that those that slot into the radiator seem sturdier than the dash mounted or magnet ones, although that of course comes with the side effect of blocking air flow.

Soft-sided suitcases are generally the move when you’re trying to force a lot of luggage into a small space. I allow myself to bring one bag into the hotel every night: The Patagonia Black Hole 55 , a duffel with backpack straps that has plenty of room for my overpacking and toiletries and laptops and cords and three books from the "library" that will never get read. A larger duffel gets stowed in the very back of the trunk, with everything I don’t need for the road-rat segment of my journey: nice clothes, heels, any remotely restricting pants. I have a separate smaller bag for Basa’s bowls and food and, with luck, these two bags are all that end up with me in the hotel room. This also reduces my opportunity to accidentally leave things behind. "Upstairs" is my cargo box, which stores all my ski, camping and sporting gear.

When I first decided to head cross country, I knew that there was no way the Prius itself would fit all of my important cargo! (read: crap). But cargo boxes are shockingly expensive when bought new, especially considering that they seem to mostly be made of plastic. Thule and Yakima are the two brands that generally crop up as the best in the business; I bought my Yakima second-hand from a woman who left Northern California for Connecticut because her son had asthma and couldn’t handle the wildfire smoke. Delightful! And despite the fact that every time I unlock it, it feels like it is going to snap, the big plastic box has worked without fail for three years and counting.

Absolute necessities or game changers are a hand vac , for when you inevitably spill a bag of kibble in the backseat, a trash can ; air tags or tiles for your wallet, car keys and car itself; chains if you will be driving anywhere with elevation during the winter months, a physical road atlas and offline map downloaded on your phone, at least a gallon of water, and a handy portable car jumper . I know I’m jinxing myself here, but in my 20,000 cross country miles, I haven’t had a single flat tire or a single ticket (please clap), and though I’ve made three calls to AAA in the last year, every one of those incidents were due to me locking my keys in my car or my battery dying in my home driveway. Still, it is important to be prepared. These are not the trips to skimp on an oil change or, maybe more importantly, a tire rotation. Make sure your wipers are adequately wiping before you are hit with a torrential downpour in Iowa. Basically: think of any car maintenance the loudest man in your life has harassed you about that you’ve ignored and, in an unfortunate win for the patriarchy, do it.

Finally, though this tip might not apply to anyone who is preternaturally blessed with the ability to keep spaces clean and organized, I make sure to do a reorg at least twice on the trip. The deep clean comes when I get back home and wash the mats and seats and wipe down the doors, but an occasional sweep to grab errant socks (it’s always the socks) and throw away string cheese wrappers (it’s always the string cheese) goes a long way. 

The dog of it all

The real road warrior on these trips is Basa, who has logged every single one of those miles with me, sleeping in tents and tiny homes and Motel 6’s and Best Western Pluses. Basa’s presence is at once the reason for the long drives—I have no interest in faking a service dog certification to fly with her, nor should you —and another logistical hurdle.

I book almost all of my hotel rooms with points and then pay for the pet fees. Though several chains are pet friendly, fees will vary widely: from Pets-stay-free (rarer now, but Kimpton for the spenders and and Motel 6 for the thrifty) to almost as much as the cost of the hotel room (I’ve seen as much as $150 per night). I’ve had good luck with low fees at Best Western’s, La Quintas, and Holiday Inns, but many of these chains are franchised, which means the quality of individual hotels will vary widely. I had one of the most haunting hotel stays of my life at a La Quinta in Ohio, and a near-flawless stay at a La Quinta in Utah, save for Fox News blaring in the breakfast room. A Nebraskan Best Western Plus with an Applebees in the lobby almost made me give up on the yearly schlep entirely, but a Best Western Plus in Utah helped me find the light.

With a few exceptions, most national parks restrict pet access on all but paved roads, campsites, and small trails near the visitor center. Please do not ignore those rules, which exist for a reason, namely that pets can be a disturbance to wildlife. But the beauty of the natural world is that it doesn’t follow man made borders: rarely do the sublime vistas and stunning views make a hard stop at the edge of a national park. Usually, there’s an equally-beautiful state park or national forest nearby, both of which are likely to be less crowded and more pet friendly.

 If Basa has one flaw (impossible to imagine) it’s her sometimes mediocre, sometimes awful recall; a treat will never be as appealing to her as treeing a squirrel, which I find, depending on the day, at turns endearing and deeply annoying. That, coupled with varying leash rules on trails at various national parks have made an investment in several biothane leashes a game changer.

Sure, retractable leashes are a great option when used appropriately, and a safety nightmare most of the time.  Biothane acts like a synthetic leather: when it inevitably gets muddy, it can be wiped or washed clean, knots are easier to remove than in nylon and it is less likely to cause you rope burn. It doesn’t seem to have caught on with many major brands yet, but several Etsy shops make these leashes in varying length, buckle type, and color. I have a 15 and 30 foot leash. Sometimes I hold the looped end, but often I let Basa drag it behind her.

Basa is also a secret weapon, my solace. She forces me to stretch my legs and helps me find walking trails I never would have; she’s a conversation starter on a bar patio in an overpriced ski town. Though I can’t think of a time when I felt my personal safety was threatened while traveling on my own, I admit she might act as a deterrent, even i f the reality is that, if someone actually threatened me, she would probably just ask for a belly rub. She’s by my side, in countless hotel rooms and on cold mornings when I wake before dawn and take a pre-dawn stroll through small town Nebraska.

Accept that things will go wrong

Last year, I had a relatively short day of driving, through Rabbits Ears Pass, as a snowstorm was percolating over the mountains. When I checked the weather, the snowfall looked mild and chain restrictions were not in effect. When I got on the pass, the conditions quickly turned to white out. We crawled along at 5 miles an hour, and I had to tailgate close to the headlights of the car in front of me, because if that car disappeared from sight, I would have no idea where the road was. Basa, cranky that she couldn’t stick her head out the window in the middle of a blizzard, panted in the backseat.

Something about my psyche allowed me to shake off that experience by the time I pulled back onto the main highway, while forgetting my laptop in an Airbnb in Houston left me rattled for days.

For whatever reason you’re making the drive, whether or not you like transience or just need to get to your destination, a days or weeks long road trip is not easy on the body or the mind. Different things will set different people off: I generally keep calm in crisis and spiral out about the little things, because the little things feel more like a reflection on me and what I should be able to control. It’s hard to not be hard on yourself when you feel like you should just be grateful for the adventure you’re having. But this will not keep you safe, nor will it help you feel better. What helps, no matter the incident, is what therapists have unfortunately been telling you and me and us for years: slow down, take a breath. Take a day off if you need. Don’t get back on the road if you’re out of sorts. Take a look at what the land around you has to offer. The road will still be there tomorrow.

  Top photo by Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

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Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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The total solar eclipse is Monday: Here's everything to know, including time, path, safety

On Monday, a total solar eclipse will cross North America – a phenomenon that has not taken place in the United States in seven years, and astronomers say will not take place again in the U.S. for another two decades.

Millions will likely gaze into the sky on April 8 for the rare experience to witness three celestial spheres − the sun, moon and Earth − line up partially or fully depending on where you are viewing it.

What time will the total solar eclipse begin? What path will it take across the nation? How do I safely watch it without damaging my eyes?

Here's a list of important things you should know about Monday's potential once-in-a-lifetime event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create  an eclipse  by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears as the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk from Earth, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," whereby observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere known as the corona, confuses animals – causing nocturnal creatures to stir and bird and insects to fall silent.

A recent study even found that clouds activity is altered by eclipses as shallow cumulus clouds were observed vanishing when the moon obscured the sun.

A driving no no during the eclipse: The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

What states are on the path of totality?

The total solar eclipse will chart a 115-mile-wide path of totality across portions of Mexico, the United States and Canada.

In the U.S. alone, hundreds of cities and smaller towns in 13 states  lie along the path . An estimated 31 million Americans already live on the path, while millions more tourists are already making travel plans – sure to snarl traffic – to catch a glimpse of what is sure to be a spectacular sight, according to eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

Additionally, small parts of Tennessee and Michigan are also expected to experience the eclipse,  NASA says .

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality in the United States (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

What time is the solar eclipse?

Mexico's Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which will occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT,  according to NASA .

As the moon's shadow travels northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin at 1:27 p.m. CDT in Eagle Pass, Texas. From there, the path will cut diagonally across the country before ending its time in the U.S. around 3:35 p.m. EDT in Lee, Maine, and entering Canada's maritime provinces, according to  nationaleclipse.com .

Decoding the sky: A definitive solar eclipse guide for kids (adults also welcome)

How long will the total solar eclipse last?

Along the way, periods of darkness could last a mere few seconds or, in some cities, could surpass four minutes.

If you want to see the time and duration for when totality would occur near you, enter your zip code below to find out. You can also search for specifics on your location using this interactive map .

How to safely view the solar eclipse

Unlike partial solar eclipses, a total eclipse offers spectators a unique opportunity to gaze upon it with the naked eye, but only when the moon completely blocks out the sun and darkness falls – referred to as totality.

While you're unlikely to go blind , gazing directly at the sun's rays can do some serious damage to your retinas. So until the moment that totality occurs,  proper safety eyewear  is still a must, according to  NASA .

While some welding goggles may work, the best option for eclipse viewing remains certified eyewear, which is held to an international safety standard and is 100,000 times darker than most sunglasses to block nearly all visible, infrared and ultraviolet light.

Solar eclipse glasses are readily available from plenty of vendors across the internet, but if you want to save some cash, there's a good chance your local library or another public institution is giving them away for free.

Just watch out for cheap imitations. To make it easy while you're shopping online, the American Astronomical Society maintains  a curated list of approved vendors .

Another simple method is to create your own pinhole projector to project the sun onto a nearby surface. The American Astronomical Society offers helpful  instructions  to set them up as well.

When was the last solar eclipse?

The last solar eclipse took place on Aug. 21, 2017 . In October, skygazers were delighted by a rare "ring of fire" solar eclipse , where the moon slides in front of the sun but doesn't totally obscure it, creating a halo effect.

When is the next total solar eclipse after 2024?

Whether you live on the path of totality or need to find the nearest city that will be enveloped in daytime darkness, one thing is for sure: Now is the time to make your plans to see it.

For North America,  the next total solar eclipse  won't be until Aug. 23, 2044,  according to NASA .

Unfortunately, the 2044 total solar eclipse won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse.

The Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy, says that during the 2044 eclipse, the path of totality will only touch three states.

The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Contributing: Gabe Hauari

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund. Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

2024 solar eclipse map: Where to see the eclipse on April 8

These 2024 solar eclipse maps will help you make the best decision about where and how to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8).

It's finally here: Today, (April 8) a total solar eclipse will pass across the skies North America, giving more than 33 million people living in 15 U.S. states a rare view of the totally-obstructed sun, and — weather permitting — a taste of some seriously strange eclipse phenomena .

If you’re wondering where the total and partial phases of the eclipse will be visible, the good news is that almost everyone in the contiguous U.S. will be able to see the celestial spectacle to some extent. But for a more detailed view of the eclipse’s path, take a look at these handy eclipse maps, courtesy of GreatAmericanEclipse.com. 

Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality map

Totality is the moment that every eclipse-chaser lives for: The moment when the moon completely covers the sun’s face, resulting in a brief but eerie darkness in the daytime. The path of totality , shown in the map above, is the path of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface. 

On Monday (April 8), totality will begin in Sinaloa, Mexico, then move northeast up to Texas, ultimately crossing 15 states before moving on to Canada. The states where totality will be visible are: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glanced by the moon's shadow.

Related: April 8 solar eclipse: What time does totality start in every state?

Viewers MUST be within the path of totality to witness the total phase of the eclipse; if you are off the path by even a mile, you will only see a partial eclipse, and miss out on the spooky daytime darkness. Furthermore, the closer you are to the center of the path of totality, the longer totality will last for you — up to a maximum duration of 4 minutes, 27 seconds in Torreón, Mexico.

Note: Totality is the ONLY TIME when it is safe to view the sun without protective eyewear like certified solar eclipse glasses . You must protect your eyes during the entire partial phase of the eclipse, no matter where you are.

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Solar eclipse 2024 partial eclipse map

If you live in the U.S. and can’t make it to the path of totality, a partial eclipse still awaits you on April 8. The entire contiguous U.S. will have some view of the partial eclipse, ranging from 99% coverage of the sun just off the path of totality to about 15% coverage far to the northwest of the path.

The map above shows how much of the sun’s disk will be blocked from your location. Watching the partial phases of the eclipse — which last about an hour and 20 minutes before and after totality — means wearing protective eyewear at all times. Failure to do so could result in permanent eye damage, according to NASA .

If you want to experience the celestial spectacle but don’t have a pair of eclipse glasses handy, there are many other ways to safely enjoy the partial eclipse . These include making a homemade pinhole projector , using a pasta strainer to project the shadow of the moon onto the ground or watching one of the various eclipse live streams available.

2024 eclipse travel maps

If you want to see totality but don’t live within the path, driving or taking public transit to a city within the path may be possible. The map above shows how far the drive is to the path of totality, based on where you’re coming from. Meanwhile, the map below shows the most populated cities within the path of totality — many of which are expected to be flooded with millions of eclipse tourists on April 8.

The biggest cities within the path of totality include: San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth in Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hamilton and Montreal in Canada; and Torreón and Mazatlan in Mexico.

Wherever you are on April 8, we wish you clear skies and protected eyes during this rare, wondrous eclipse over North America.

Brandon is the space/physics editor at Live Science. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, CBS.com, the Richard Dawkins Foundation website and other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona, with minors in journalism and media arts. He enjoys writing most about space, geoscience and the mysteries of the universe.

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality

A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States on April 8, 2024, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon.

The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Here's what to know about the path of the eclipse and where you can see it.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Where can you see the total solar eclipse?

The eclipse will cross through North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Much of the eclipse's visibility depends on the weather. A cloudy day could prevent visitors from seeing the spectacle altogether.

When does the solar eclipse start and end?

The solar eclipse will begin in Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The longest duration of totality—which is when the moon completely covers the sun — will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Read More : The Eclipse Could Bring $1.5 Billion Into States on the Path of Totality

Where’s the best place to see the total solar eclipse?

The best place to witness the event is along the path of totality. Thirteen states will be along the path of totality, and many towns across the country are preparing for the deluge of visitors— planning eclipse watch parties and events in the days leading up to totality.

In Rochester, NY, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting a multi-day festival that includes a range of events and activities. Russellville, Arkansas will host an event with activities including live music, science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides, and telescope viewings.

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The 3 essential places to visit in Moscow.

Places to visit in Moscow

Places to visit in Moscow during your journey through the capital of Russia. Exciting Moscow is fascinating and cannot be missing in your itinerary. What to do on a holiday in Moscow, GuiaRus offers you many alternatives.

Places to visit in Moscow: Red Square

One of the emblems of Moscow; Located in the heart of the city, it may be the place of greatest tourist traffic in all of Russia.

The Red Square must be visited by all tourists; not only because of its importance worldwide in terms of recognized world points is said; at the name level recognized as the Chinese Wall or the Eifell Tower; but because of its importance throughout history. Places to visit in Moscow is this magnificent square where you can not stop going.

Red or pretty square

The Red Square, or the Plaza Bonita as it is also known; It is part of the history of Moscow from almost its foundation, being in its beginnings a place of commerce for all the people who lived in the city since the twelfth century; forming part of the neighborhood of Kitay Gorod (Chinatown). It is a place to excuse Moscow.

At the moment the Red Square has been like a zone of leisure for tourists to which few Muscovitas decide to go to spend their free time. Although they do congregate there for festivals and concerts that are often organized in this same square; It is also notable for the Military Parade that is organized for May 9 every year that in 2015 turned 75 years old.

In summary, the Red Square must be part of the indispensable route of your visit to Moscow, for these and other reasons.

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Places to visit in Moscow: Some stations of the Moscow Metro

The Moscow metro is not only the main means of public transport of the Russian capital, but clearly and decidedly one of its great reasons for pride and one of its biggest tourist attractions, which amazes visitors to this great city of about 15 millions of inhabitants.

In the Moscow metro we find more than 180 stations in its system, although not all of them stand out for their beauty, but it is the common element in their entire system. Muscovites are proud of their subway, and they have to be, considered one of the most effective meters in the world, the Moscow metro is a marvel. From its beginnings it was already conceived as an “underground palace”. It is without a doubt one of the places to visit in Moscow.

The construction of the Moscow metro began in 1935, inaugurated only as a single-line system and with only 6 stations running through the city below it has been extended to a system of 12 lines and more than 180 stations. Exciting Moscow on the subway will give you an incredible visual spectacle.

If you travel to Moscow I could not stop seeing the stations of:

• Komsomólskaya
• Novoslobodskaya
• Beloruskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Kropotkinskaya
• Ploschad Revolutsiy

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Excuse for Moscow: The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer

The Temple of Christ the Redeemer is the largest cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church, it can gather up to 10,000 people. In horizontal section of the Temple it evokes an equilateral cross, with a width of more than 85 meters. The overall height of the construction is 103 meters; the height of the dome with the cross of 35 meters; the thickness of the walls reaches 3.2 meters; The volume of the building comprises 524000 cubic meters.

The area of ​​the murals is more than 22000 square meters, of which more than 9000 meters is a golden tinsel. This cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church is a faithful copy of the temple erected in the 19th century and destroyed in the 20th century.

Brief history

The temple was conceived as the monument to the value of the Russian people in their fight against the Napoleonic invasion of 1812. The cathedral was built with donations from the people. The building to be built was so large; and the works so expensive that the building was developed over decades, and only on April 10, 1883; during the coronation of Emperor Alexander III the consecration of the temple took place. Exciting Moscow will give you information about this type of temple.

However, in 1930 the public monument was destroyed and instead it was planned to build the Palace of the Councils (Palace of Soviets). The Council Palace project did not come alive. Subsequently the excavated pit was used for the construction of the Moscow open pool; which came into operation in 1960.

The diameter of the pool was more than 130 meters, the maximum depth was 6 meters. In 1994 the pool was closed, and in January 1995 the solemn act of initiation of the temple’s rebirth works took place.

In a record period the Temple of the Christ Redeemer was rebuilt almost in its original appearance. Unlike the initial one, the modern temple has a ground floor, where the church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the dependencies of the Sacred Synod and the Academy of Spiritual Formation, the plenary council hall and a series of other services have been located. At the bell tower level there is a viewpoint.

On the eve of the second millennium of the birth of Jesus Christ; on December 31, 1999, the temple was consecrated, and in it the religious offices began.

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What to do on a holiday in Moscow

In short, places to visit in Moscow have a lot to offer their visitors and tourists. If what you want is to know the highlights and not so prominent, keep up to date and follow our blog.

Also on our website you will find several more places that are not on this list but that you will love. How:

• Kolomenskoe park
• The Victory Park
• Tsaritsino State Park

What to do on a holiday in Moscow, now you know, for more information contact us!

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse