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The Ultimate Cross Country Road Trip Packing List

last Updated: September 12, 2020 packing list road trip

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Looking for the ultimate cross country road trip packing list? You’ll find all the road trip essentials right here, so make sure to bookmark this page for safe keeping and proper planning!

This past summer, we traversed the country from New York to San Francisco in 7 long days.  It was the ultimate week long road trip en route to our new home  in California .

I’d always wanted to take a cross country road trip .  I feel like it’s the ultimate American thing to do.  So when we had the choice between flying out to SFO (and shipping all our stuff and car) or driving out on the ultimate USA road trip, of course I chose the later.  

Since then, we’ve road tripped to Mendocino and Fort Bragg , down to Big Sur, and most recently, a whirlwind of a road trip to all 5 of the National Parks in Southeastern Utah . We’ve driven part of the way from San Francisco to Seattle ,

When packing for a road trip, it’s important to bring those things you absolutely cannot find on the road, as you can most likely find most forgotten items on the way.  That being said, I prefer packing my own stuff and knowing exactly what I have in the car.  Check off these items on the ultimate cross country road trip packing list!

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List

The absolute essentials // what you really need.

Any cross country road trip packing list wouldn’t be complete without these items!

cell phone car charger

first aid kit (band aids, tylenol, tums, ibuprofen, benedryl, antacid tablets)

personal medications – more than enough for your road trip

fleece blanket

cell phone mount (stay safe when using GPS!)

a few gallons of gas (you never know – here’s the can! )

cash, including change (I’d bring a roll of quarters for any tolls and/or parking meters)

Easy Pass/Fast Track for those pesky tolls you’ll inevitably encounter

mini cooler (for drinks and snacks)

lots of water

For Fun // Entertainment

It’s inevitable that you’ll be bored for at least a bit of your journey, so it’s best to come prepared beforehand.

AUX power adapter for music to stream right through the car stereo!

cute travel notebook

travel games –  Rubbernecking Cards , Spot It! , 6-in-1 magnetic boards , License Plate Game (a classic!)

adult coloring book and some colored pencils

podcasts/books on tape

pre-loaded iPod/phone with music

iPad with preloaded movies/TV series ( THIS is perfect if you’ve got kiddos)

stamps, and address book , for mailing home goofy postcards

When Hunger Strikes // Food + Drink

I mean, you could totally eat fast food all day every day, but it’s probably not the best thing for your body (especially with all that sitting around you’re doing in the car).  Add a few (healthy) snacks to your cross country road trip packing list! And I totally recommend grabbing a picnic blanket and picnic kit – eating in the middle of a grassy field on a sunny day is always welcome!

mini garbage pail / plastic bags for garbage

snacks – and lots of ’em! Take along things that are relatively non-perishable.  Make at least some of them healthy.  😉

• cheese sticks (eat these first and put in the cooler)
• turkey jerky
• vegetable sticks
• single-serve nuts
• dried fruit
• apples, oranges, and bananas – these stay ok for a few days in the cooler
• dry cereal // cereal bars
• packets of oatmeal for a quick breakfast/snack
• granola bars
• fruit snacks

water bottles / preferably reusable and with a straw (no spills in the car!)

drink flavorings

picnic blanket and mini picnic kit (with a bottle of wine and a corkscrew !)

Safety // Best be Safe than Sorry

spiral bound road atlas (even if you have a GPS, as in some places you’ll inevitably lose service…)

copy of your own car insurance card  if you’re renting a car

For the Body // You Only Have One

chapstick (my faves here ,  here , here , and here )

hand/face Lotion – it tends to get pretty dry in the car

sunscreen  (so important!)

hand sanitizer

bug spray and anti-itch lotion/cream

body wipes   (for when you just feel gross)

Other Recommended Items

car organizer

mini portable speakers for picnics

a roll of toilet paper – you never know what the conditions may be like!

camera – I suggest a DSLR so you can really capture the all that stunning scenery on the road!

instax camera – so fun!

go pro   – for fun road trip videos!

air freshener for the car

roll of quarters : that way you’ll be well supplied for laundramats, tolls or whatever

ice scraper (depending on where you’re going, this may be necessary)

tire chains (again, depending on where and when, it may be essential)

Wet wipes and paper towels

ALWAYS: A good sense of humor and lots of patience! 🙂

Anything else you’d add to this cross country road trip packing list?!

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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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An Epic Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary: 8 Weeks Coast to Coast

This epic cross-country road trip itinerary is for an all-American family road trip from coast to coast! This USA road trip itinerary includes 21 states, 9 National Parks, 3 National Monuments, and 1 National Memorial and takes approximately 8 weeks.

This route starts in New England (Connecticut specifically) and heads down to North Carolina, through Denver, across to Los Angeles, then up to San Francisco, with lots of fun family road trip stops along the way!

When possible, we’ll include alternate routes or additional road trip stops that may be of interest as you move coast to coast.

Pick and choose which stops sound like fun for your family to craft your own ideal cross-country family road trip.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. All our recommendations are independent and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of the post, Download a free License Plate Game to play on your cross-country road trip!

Lodging: Booking.com Flight Deals: Skyscanner Rental Cars: Discover Cars Airport Transfers: Welcome Pickups

Digital SIM Cards: Airalo eSIM Travel Insurance: SafetyWing

Table of Contents

How Do You Plan a Cross-Country Road Trip for Families?

Summer road trips in the United States are a family right of passage- a lot of families can only tackle these long drives during the summer months, making it a busy time for driving cross-country!

We advise booking all hotel and motel rooms well in advance, with particular emphasis on the national parks, which have seen record crowds in the last few years. Many major attractions and museums require timed tickets for entry, yet another reason to plan ahead.

Don’t forget to buy an Annual Park Pass – it pays for itself in three parks! The pass is good for one year from purchase.

Buy Now: America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

Since we had a 4 and 6-year-old, we limited our time in the car to 4-5 hours a day. If you have older kids, you could do a similar route in a lot less time.

Planning a trip with kids? We put together our best advice for road trip tips specifically for families with kids and toddlers. We’ve covered everything from planning to bathroom breaks so you can learn from our hours on the road.

What is the Best Cross-Country Road Trip Route to Take?

There are many routes you can take cross-country from the all-American Route 66 to the northern route via rt 90, or the most southern route via Route 10. What route is best for you depends on what you’d like to see along the way and where you’d like to end your trip.

We traveled cross-country over a mix of the below routes. We started by mapping out where we have friends we’d like to stop and see, and then added in bucket list stops like the Grand Canyon.

Major Highways Crossing the US

These are the most famous highways crossing the US, many families use these as a start to their road trip planning.

Route 66 , also called the Will Rodgers Highway, runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. It is one of the original US highway routes and was used extensively during the 1930s during the Dust Bowl. This road trip route is now known for its kitsch roadside attractions and instagram-able photo opportunities.

Route 90 , the most northern route, starts in Boston as the Mass Pike, crosses to Chicago, then through Sioux Falls, to Billings and Missoula, then Spokane, and finally Seattle. This is the route you’d take to see Mt. Rushmore , the Badlands, and Yellowstone National Park .

Route 80 is a middle route that starts in New Jersey, also goes through Chicago, then runs through Omaha to Cheyenne, on to Salt Lake City, then to Reno, ending in San Francisco.

Route 70 starts in Baltimore, then Pittsburgh, on to Columbus, Indianapolis, then St. Louis, Kansas City, and over to Denver before heading through Utah with its famous National Parks of Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, and Zion, then on to Los Angeles.

Route 40 is a mid-southern route starting in Wilmington, NC, heading through Nashville, to Oklahoma City, to Albuquerque, then Flagstaff, close to the Grand Canyon, and ending in Los Angeles.

Route 10 is the most southern route which starts in Jacksonville FL, heads to New Orleans, across to Houston, to Tuscon, and then on to Los Angeles.

Epic Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary

This cross-country road trip is the first leg of our Family Year Out . From California, we headed overseas to continue our Gap Year journey in Mexico , Peru , Colombia , Brazil , Italy , Croatia , Morocco , and more. If you’ve got questions, start with what exactly is a Family Year Out ?

Since we were traveling with a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old, so all activities and stops are appropriate for families with young kids. Due to the health environment at the time, we mostly focused on outdoor activities, with a few exceptions.

Worried about keeping the kids entertained and happy during long rides in the back seat? We recommend a combination of fun kid’s car activities and lots of road trip snacks .

This is the map of our full cross-country road trip- since it’s hard to see the details in this full USA map, we’ve added screenshots below of sections of the trip.

Start: Connecticut

We started this family cross-country road trip in Connecticut, where we’d been living for the last few years. We sold our house, and all our things were packed up into either a Pod storage container or into our car.

What did we pack into our not-so-huge Subaru Outback? All the road trip essentials , a few books for the kids, and lots of food.

Don’t forget travel insurance! We use SafetyWing for our long-term travel needs.

Get a Quote: SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Crayola Experience, Easton PA

First stop, the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA. This colorful attraction covers 65,000 square feet, with 27 different experiences. We were able to see how crayons are made and name our own crayons among lots of other crafty activities. Some of the attractions, including the character appearances, and the playground, were closed due to restrictions, but should now be open again.

We had a great time at the Crayola Experience. As you can see in our review of the Crayola Experience , we highly recommend it for families. In fact, our kids still sometimes talk about it!

Additional Stop: Gettysburg, PA

Continue southwest to Gettysburg, PA to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and learn about this famous battle in the Civil War. See where Abraham Lincoln stood to give the Gettysburg Address, and don’t forget to stop by the Cannonball Malt Shop!

Book Now: 2 Hour Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

Baltimore, MD- 2 nights

We spent our first two nights with friends in Baltimore. While we mostly hung out in their backyard catching up, there’s plenty for families to do in “Charm City”.

Take a hike through Lake Roland Nature Center and Park or explore the children’s fairy garden there. Take a Chessie dragon paddleboat out on the Chesapeake harbor, or upgrade to an electric pirate boat. Dress like a pirate and fire a water cannon on an Urban Pirates Family Adventure Cruise.

We loved exploring Fort McHenry – where the Star-Spangled Banner was written during the War of 1812. It was a very manageable size for the kids, with lots of bite-sized bits of information, and plenty of space to run around.

Washington, D.C.- 2 nights

We were in DC for a few days in 2019, so this visit was focused on a few places we didn’t get to on that trip. Washington DC is a very family-friendly city, with tons to do!

National Museum of Natural History

First on our list was the National Museum of Natural History ! S(6) was really excited to see the rocks and gems, and both girls will love dinosaurs.

We were able to see the Hope Diamond, and some really large crystals, so the kids loved it. We spent a little time in the Hall of Oceans, but the gems were really our highlight. With timed tickets, the museum felt empty, and we had lots of space to ourselves.

National Museum of the American Indian

We also went to the National Museum of the American Indian . I’ve heard great things about it, and was hoping it would set the stage for some other educational stops farther along the trip. Also, their cafe with native foods is supposed to be terrific.

However, I would not recommend this museum for kids. It was very cerebral and involved a lot of reading plaques. They were not at all entertained. We were there for the last day of an exhibit on the Inka Trail (leading to Macchu Pichu) which should have been riveting but was not accessible enough for the kids. The cafe was closed, so we weren’t able to try it.

National Archives

I’m was also hoping to visit the National Archives Museum to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. As part of S’s 2nd-grade curriculum, she will be learning about the Constitution, so this seemed like a great way to jumpstart that part of her education.

The timed tickets for the National Archives sold out fast- we were not able to get tickets on this visit. Plan way ahead if this is on your list!

The White House

Lastly, I emailed our representative to see if we can tour the White House. As of late June 2021, the White House was still closed. We tried to get a photo in front of the White House and found that we could barely get close enough to see it, due to a sudden security lockdown.

A lot of the monuments are lit up at night, this tour makes it really easy to see this other perspective of the National Mall.

Book Now: 3 Hour “Monuments By Night Tour”

Mount Vernon

We realized at the last minute that many of the main attractions in D.C. are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays- so we drove down to Virginia to explore George Washington’s family estate of Mount Vernon.

We highly recommend visiting Mount Vernon with kids !

Affordable Hotels close to the National Mall: Hotel Harrington (not luxury, but amazing location), or Hyatt Regency Washington (walking to Union Station).

Charlottesville, VA- 1 night

We are stopped for one day in Charlottesville to hang out with some friends at a local park.

Don’t Miss Cabins : Montfair Resort Farm . If you are passing by Crozet, VA, don’t miss a stay at the Montfair Resort Farm! Our kids loved staying in a rustic log cabin with bunk beds.

We didn’t have time to check out all the activities around the lake but would have loved a few quiet days to canoe and explore the area.

Check Availability: Montfair Resort Farm

Alternate Route: Natural Bridge State Park

From Washington DC, head south to Colonial Williamsburg before driving west to Charlottesville. From Charlottesville continue west to visit Natural Bridge State Park . Walk the Ceder Creek Trail to the natural bridge, then continue to the Monacan Village.

Colonial Williamsburg

We spent a day at Colonial Williamsburg . It was hot. The distances between buildings were long. We faded. Our favorite part with the maze behind the governor’s house. I think we may have made a mistake starting on the quieter end near the markets, rather than at the visitors center.

Overall it reinforced some of the things we learned at Mount Vernon but was just too much for us on a muggy 90+ degree day.

Depending on your timing you can also visit Historic Jamestowne – the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

Outer Banks, NC- 2 nights

We wanted to dip our toes in the Atlantic Ocean before heading to the West Coast to dip our toes in the Pacific! We spent two nights exploring the beaches in Nags Head, North Carolina .

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is just down the beach- visit to see where the first powered flight took place! We were also looking forward to some time just relaxing and digging in the sand.

We almost skipped the Wright Brothers Memorial, but I’m so glad we went! Don’t miss visiting the Wright Brothers Memorial with kids – this small park is the perfect place to learn and explore.

Affordable Place to Stay: Sea Horse Inn & Cottages , Nags Head. These are simple rooms, but right across the street from the beach, with beach access at Jeanette’s Pier. Small grocery deli, burgers, and ice cream are all within an easy walk.

Check Availability: Sea Horse Inn & Cottages

Greensboro, NC- 1 night

Take a one-night stopover in Greensboro, North Carolina to break up a long drive.

Budget Hotel: Fairview Inn, Greensboro Airport . This hotel is nothing amazing, but they have an outdoor pool, and coin laundry, so it does the trick.

Alternate Route: Willmington, NC, and Charleston, SC

Instead of heading west to Greensboro, continue south to Wilmington, NC, and then to Charleston, SC. In Charleston visit the aircraft carrier U.S.S Yorktown . Head northwest to Cherokee, NC. Heading through Charlotte, NC? Check out all the things to do in Charlotte in winter !

Oconaluftee Indian Village

Next, we headed to Cherokee, NC to visit the Oconalutfee Indian Village . The visit starts with a guided tour introducing traditional Cherokee crafts, then you’ll move through a living history village from the 18th Century at your own pace.

This Cherokee village was so engaging! We highly recommend it if you are in the area.

You can read a full review of our Oconaluftee Village visit and why we so highly recommend it!

Additional Stop: Rock City and Ruby Falls

If you have a little more time in this area, head west to Chattanooga, TN to tour Ruby Falls – the tallest and deepest waterfall open to the public in the United States. Visit Rock City (technically in Georgia) where you’ll see the Fairyland Caverns, and walk the Enchanted Trail.

Cave City, KY- 2 nights

We based ourselves in Cave City, KY to visit two attractions- Mammoth Cave, and Dinosaur World.

Mammoth Cave National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest-known cave system with over 400 miles of mapped passageways. We took the Historic Modified Tour, which is the classic tour covering about 2 miles.

Visiting Mammoth Cave with kids was amazing! We decided to skip Dinosaur World and instead had a picnic and worked on our first Junior Ranger packets. The kids were thrilled to get their official badges!

Which tour of Mammoth is best for you? We’ve recommended the best cave tour of Mammoth for everyone from families with young kids to those looking for an adventure.

Next stop- Dinosaur World Kentucky ! This attraction normally includes a 15-minute Fossil Dig with every ticket, but in 2021, each child will be given a bag with three fossils when they enter. There are 150 life-size dinosaurs to see, a big dinosaur playground, and a museum of dinosaur bones and eggs. There is no food service, so bring a picnic.

Budget Hotel: Days Inn Wyndham Cave Cit y. This hotel happens to be very close to Dinosaur World, so we had an amazing view of their Fourth of July Fireworks from the parking lot! The kids enjoyed the pool here. A decent, no-frills, clean hotel.

Check Availability: Days Inn Wyndam Cave City

Nashville, TN- 3 nights

In Nashville, wander down Broadway (Honky Tonk Highway), check out the Nashville Farmers’ Market , and have some playground time at Cumberland Park.

You can also feed the lorikeets, pet the kangaroos, and play on the jungle gym at the Nashville Zoo .

We highly recommend dinner and a show at the Listening Room Cafe . The show started at 6 pm, which was very family-friendly. This venue showcases up-and-coming songwriters, singing their own songs. Tickets are just $5 per person, with a $15/person food and drink minimum.

Tickets to the Grand Ole Opry were sold out where we were there but we’ve heard amazing things about this backstage tour.

Book Now: Backstage Tour of Grand Ole Opry House

Don’t Miss This Hotel: In Nashville, we stayed at the SoBro Guest House run by Black Swan. We had a one-bedroom apartment, so we slept in the bedroom and the kids slept on the pull-out couch in the small, modern living area.

It was great to have a little more space and a full kitchen for a few days. The location was fantastic, an easy walk to almost everything we wanted to do in Nashville. We also loved that check-in was with door codes, so it was super simple and convenient.

Check Availability: SoBro Guest House Nashville

Memphis, TN- 3 nights

Memphis has so much to do! We celebrated E’s 4th birthday here, by taking a river cruise down the Mississippi River on a paddlewheel boat.

We also visited the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum which is in the Lorraine Motel where MLK Jr. was shot.

We also explored Beale Street, and visited the Big River Crossing where you can put one foot in Tennessee and one in Arkansas. Don’t miss the Stax Museum of American Soul Music where you can dance to some vintage Soul Train episodes.

I had hoped to visit Graceland , but we were put off by the high ticket prices.

Affordable Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown . This hotel is an easy walk to Beale Street and a lot of popular Memphis attractions. Also an easy walk to a trolley station. A mid-tier, clean hotel in a fantastic location.

Check Availability: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown

Hot Springs, AR- 1 night

Hot Springs, Arkansas is the home of Hot Springs National Park , a unique national park that exists in the middle of town. There are ancient thermal springs, and 9 historic bathhouses you can visit.

You can fill a bottle at thermal spring fountains around town as well as two cold springs fountains. There are two places you can touch the thermal springs coming out of the ground. This town is adorable, but it was packed with people when we were there.

Affordable Hotel: You’ll want to stay within an easy walk of downtown Hot Springs. We recommend Hotel Hot Springs .

Ron Coleman Quartz Mining

In Jessieville, AR, just outside of Hot Springs, you can visit Ron Coleman’s Crystal Mines . Take a tour of the commercial mining operation, then start digging in the public area. You can dig as long as you like, and take home anything you find. This was one of our favorite experiences on the whole trip. Digging is hard work, bring gardening gloves to avoid blisters!

Alternate Stop: Crater of Diamonds State Park

You could visit Crater of Diamonds State Park , in Murfreesboro, AR where you can dig for diamonds and other precious gems in their original volcanic source. Keep anything you find! These gems tend to be quite small, and hard to find, so we opted for the crystal mines with the hope that it will be more rewarding for our little diggers.

Additional Stop: Cherokee Heritage Center

On your way to Springfield, head slightly west to stop at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK. Here you’ll find a replica 1710 Cherokee village and village stations that teach you about blowguns, dugout canoes, and more.

Springfield, MO- 1 night

Next on this cross-country trip, we started heading north, up through Missouri. We stopped in Springfield for a visit to Fantastic Caverns . This is the only cave in North America that you ride through- a jeep-drawn tram pulls you through the cave. Springfield is also home to the largest fork in the world!

Budget Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Springfield South . A simple room with an indoor pool and breakfast included.

Deanna Rose Homestead

This homestead in Overland, KS has a one-room schoolhouse from 1900, a barbershop, a blacksmith, a dairy barn, and more. Visit a Kanza Indian encampment, play on one of the playgrounds, or feed the baby goats. This is best for young kids- we found it to be more playground and petting zoo than particularly educational.

Kansas City, MO- 2 nights

We chose Kansas City as a stop on our cross-country road trip because 20 minutes to the east is Independence, Missouri. Independence was the starting point for the Oregon Trail. We recently read this Oregon Trail series and are excited to visit some of the original stops along the trail.

The National Frontier Trails Museum is dedicated to the history of the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California trails. Check out some original wagon ruts, and take a ride around town in a covered wagon!

Don’t Miss Tour: When we were planning this trip, the museum was open, but upon arrival in Independence, MO, it has been closed due to an uptick of cases here.

We ended up taking a fabulous covered wagon tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures , who were waiting outside the 1859 jail with their two mules, Frankie and Annie. Find them at 217 Main Street, Independence, MO.

We all learned a ton and got to drive through part of the original Oregon Trail. Book online to make sure they’ll be there!

Other things to do in Kansas City include the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art- both are free of charge. The sculpture park at the museum is a great place for little ones to stretch their legs. Affordable Hotel: The La Quinta Kansas City Beacon Hill has a good location, free parking, and a great breakfast.

Check Availability: La Quinta Kansas City Beacon Hill

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop

Visit a working 1860s farm at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm in Olathe, KS. This is the last public stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Explore the grounds, see the old stagecoach stop dining room, and take a ride in a real stagecoach.

This place is fantastic- we tried writing with quill and ink pens, chatted with the (female) blacksmith, and learned about life in the 1850s. And of course, took a ride in a real stagecoach!

Alcove Spring Historic Park

Many travelers on the Oregon Trail camped in Alcove Spring, KS for a few days while waiting to cross the Big Blue River.

Check out the wagon swales (grooves in the earth from many wagons passing) and take a short hike to the waterfall of Alcove Spring . You’ll be on dirt roads on your way here, don’t worry, you’re on the right path!

Fort Cody Trading Post

Stretch your legs in North Platte, NE at this popular roadside attraction . It’s been open since 1963! See Buffalo Bill memorabilia, and explore the stockade out back with a jail, wagons, and more.

Ogallala, NE- 1 night

Stop over in Ogallala (say that ten times fast!) to break up the drive. Start out early, as you’ll have a long day ahead of you full of Oregon Trail stops, ending in Cheyenne.

Budget Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham Ogallala offers simple, clean rooms with fun large-scale black-and-white photos of the surrounding landscape. We enjoyed sleeping under a photo of Courthouse Rock!

Check Availability: Super 8 Ogallala

Ash Hollow and Windlass Hill hill are famous pieces of the Oregon Trail. It was here that pioneers has to use ropes to lower their covered wagons down the steep hill.

Additional Stop #1: Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock

Before Chimney Rock, take Highway 88 two miles south of Bridgeport, NE to spot Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock – two landmarks on the Oregon Trail.

Additional Stop #2: Carhenge and Dobby’s Frontier Town

From Courthouse and Jail Rocks take Rt 385 an hour north to the pop culture icon of Carhenge , and stroll through Dobby’s Frontier Town .

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is a distinctive landmark along the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails that signaled to travelers that they were on the right path! Many pioneers climbed the spire to carve their names. This rock even appears on the 2006 Nebraska quarter. Find it at 9822 County Road 75, Bayard, NE.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff in Gering, NE is another landmark on the pioneer trail. Hike a trail or drive the Scotts Bluff Summit Road, the oldest paved road in Nebraska.

Walk the Oregon Trail Pathway to see replicas of covered wagons and walk through Mitchel’s Pass, which used to be called “Devil’s Gap”. When the trail changes to dirt, you are on the real Oregon Trail!

Don’t forget to ask for your Junior Ranger packet, if you don’t have time to complete it while you are there, you can mail it back.

Additional Stop: Fort Laramie

If you’d like to continue on the Oregon Trail, continue one more hour north on rt 26 to visit Fort Laramie in Wyoming. Fort Laramie was the largest and most well-known fort along the pioneer trail. Stagecoach lines, the Pony Express, and the transcontinental telegraph all passed through here. The fort was abandoned in 1890, you can now visit restored structures.

Cheyenne, WY- 1 night

There’s a lot to do in Cheyenne, especially if you are there in July for Frontier Days , the world’s largest outdoor rodeo! Visit Gunslinger Square (15th and Pioneer) Saturdays during the summer at high noon to see a performance by the Cheyenne Gunslingers- a non-profit group keeping the Old Western gunfight tradition alive.

Don’t Miss Lodging: Head straight to Terry’s Bison Ranch where you can stay in one of the cabins. Take the Bison Train Tour to hand feed the bison and then go on a pony ride.

The kids had the best time here- there were lots of RVs parked, so lots of kids to play with on the two playgrounds.

The Bison Train at Terry’s is very cool- go first thing in the morning so the animals are hungry. The pony ride is actually a horse on a lead, not a pony, which made it even more fun for our novice riders.

Estes Park, CO

Stop in Estes Park for lunch (or a cinnamon roll at Scratch or Notchtop Bakery) and take the aerial tram to the summit of Prospect Mountain. This is a great town to stretch your legs in and just window shop for a bit.

Additional Stop: Rocky Mountain National Park

From Estes Park, you can easily explore Rocky Mountain National Park . Take the Trail Ridge Road which has many overlooks and peaks at over 12,000 feet, or hike to Emerald Lake, a round trip hike of 3.5 miles.

Denver, CO- 3 nights

Next stop, the “Mile High City”! Check out the trolley that inspired the trolley in Mister Rogers Neighborhood, take a tour of the Denver Mint to see how coins are made (ages 7+), and watch a performance at Casa Bonita .

We were excited to visit Dinosaur Ridge in nearby Morrison, CO. This is where the first Stegosaurus was discovered. Take the Dinosaur Ridge Trail to see more than 15 fossils and sites along a two-mile track. There are more than 250 dinosaur tracks that can be seen here.

We took our kids to their first MLB game in Denver! As Red Sox fans, we planned to take them to Fenway, but that hasn’t happened. The Rockies played Seattle in an afternoon game- it was hot, but they have a play area for kids who need to get their wiggles out.

Affordable Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown . Good location, a good breakfast, and is within a five-minute drive or walking distance of a lot of the sights.

Check Availability: Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown

Pre-book Parking: We parked in downtown Denver to check out Union Station, only to realize the parking garage one block down was $10 cheaper. Doh! Take the stress out of parking by booking ahead with SpotHero , where you can see a map of nearby prices. Perfect for cities where parking spots on the street are tight.

Check Prices: SpotHero Parking in Denver

Additional Stop: Colorado Springs, CO

An hour and a half south of Denver, Colorado Springs has a lot to offer. Explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings of the Anasazi people, drive up Pike’s Peak, or go floating or rafting down the Arkansas River.

Visit the Garden of the Gods – a free nature preserve and series of hiking trails. Hike among large sandstone formations with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Climb the 224 steps to the Broadmoor Seven Falls , some of the most impressive waterfalls in Colorado.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Time for sand sledding on the tallest sand dunes in North America in Great Sand Dunes National Park ! Older kids can go sandboarding (like snowboarding), but sleds are recommended for smaller kids, as it’s easier to get the hang of it. Sand sledding takes some figuring out, but with a few tips for sledding it’s a lot fun for the whole family.

There’s a lot of things to do at Great Sand Dunes including nearby hiking trails. We visited in the summer, which is one of the best times to visit Great Sand Dunes , but there are advantages to other seasons as well.

Head to the dunes early before the heat sets in, then cool off in Medano Creek or with a hike to Zapata Falls (where the water is freezing).

No reservations are needed to visit the park, there is only camping within the park, no hotels or lodges. We’ll recommend staying in nearby Alamosa, Colorado.

Don’t Miss Calvillos Mexican in Alamosa, we got take-out from here and Waker still talks about it!

Budget Hotel: Best Western Alamosa fits the bill. Clean, simple, and close to restaurants and shopping.

Check Availability: Best Western Alamosa

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo , near Taos, New Mexico is the traditional adobe village of the Taos people- ancestors of the Taos lived in this area almost one thousand years ago. No electricity or running water is allowed in the pueblo, so most people live outside the village walls and use the pueblo for ceremonial purposes.

You can take a guided tour around the pueblo. Now Open Thursday to Monday!

Santa Fe, NM- 3 nights

Head south to Santa Fe! Stroll through Santa Fe Plaza and see the Palace of the Governors . While you’re there grab an ice cream from La Lecheria . Spend some time wandering through the Santa Fe Farmers Market .

We highly recommend a visit to Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return – which has been described as a “surrealist funhouse” and “dreamlike”. It is an “explorable art experience” that gets rave reviews. This was So. Much. Fun.

Don’t miss El Rancho de Las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the Swallows), a living history museum just outside Santa Fe. Josephina , one of the American Girl Dolls, was inspired by the rancho here. The ranch worked with the company to create the doll and book series and ensure its accuracy.

Affordable Hotel: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe is a great hotel outside of the city center, close to Meow Wolf, with a pool.

Check Availability: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe

Downtown Hotel: Santa Fe Motel & Inn . I didn’t realize how much time we’d spend in downtown Santa Fe, and how tight the parking there is. For our next visit, I’d trade the pool for a convenient downtown location at this adorable hotel.

Check Availability: Santa Fe Motel & Inn

Mesa Verde National Park- 2 nights

Mesa Verde National Park protects the cultural heritage of 26 tribes who build their ancestral pueblos in this area. Most cliff dwellings can only be entered on a ranger-led tour.

Plan ahead to take the Cliff Palace Tour to see the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and hike the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (1.2 miles roundtrip) for views of the Balcony House. Mesa Verde is a terrific park for families with layers of history told across the park.

Four Corners National Monument

This is the monument where you can stand in four states at once: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. This monument is on Navajo land and was closed during our trip.

Additional Stop: Monument Valley

Continue two hours west to Monument Valley. Take a guided tour through this land that is sacred to the Navajo. Most tours drive a 17-mile Valley Drive loop of the park, famous for appearing in many Western movies.

Moab, UT- 3 nights

Moab is the base for two National Parks- Arches, and Canyonlands. For a different perspective, take a riverboat cruise on the Colorado River.

Arches National Park is very family-friendly with a series of hikes that are two miles or less. Start with an easy walk to Sand Dune Arch, then take the 2-mile hike to Landscape Arch from the Devil’s Garden Trailhead.

The hiking trails in Arches are often short, making this a great place for families with different levels of hiking abilities. The best time to visit Arches is when it’s not stifling hot. If you do visit in the summer, get as early a start as you can to avoid the worst of the heat.

Canyonlands National Park is divided into sections each with its own entrance and visitor center. Coming from Moab, the Island in the Sky section of the park is the closest. If you have more time, venture farther south to the Needles section of the park.

Here are our two top picks for where to stay near Arches and Canyonlands but there are many options. Book early as the best places sell out well in advance.

Budget Hotel: Hotel Moab Downtown . Great location, you can walk all around downtown Moab, which is full of shopping and restaurants. Good outdoor pool as well.

Check Availability: Hotel Moab Downtown

Super Fun Family Hotel: Expedition Lodge . Our kids eyeballed this place every time we drove past. It has a pool with a tube waterslide, a game room, and even rooms with bunk beds.

Check Availability: Expedition Lodge

Additional Stop: Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

150 miles north of Moab, this quarry has the densest concentration of Jurassic Dinosaur bones ever found. You can visit some of the excavation sites.

Bryce Canyon National Park- 2 nights

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its Hoodoos- tall irregular columns of rock. There are many hiking options- we started with watching the sunrise at Inspiration Point and then walked a bit of the Rim Trail.

We also hiked the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop- it’s 3 miles overall, which sounds fine, but ends with a steep uphill, which can be tough. There are Starry Night Telescope Viewings at the visitor center, and even full moon ranger-led night walks!

Watch for “I Hiked the Hoodoos” medallions throughout the park- kids who bring three rubbings or photos to the visitors center get a reward! There is a shuttle that runs through the park to reduce traffic. We stayed inside the park at Bryce Canyon Lodge. We spent two days in Bryce Canyon and it remains one of our favorite National Parks !

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

This National Monument covers almost one million acres. It has three areas- Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits, and Escalante Canyon. This area is less visited than its neighboring parks, so it should be less crowded. Some of the trailheads involve driving slowly over rutted roads.

The most popular hike here is the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. The path through these slot canyons can get quite narrow and involves scrambling over rocks, and sometimes using knotted ropes to pull yourself up a rock. The loop created by combining these two trails is about 4 miles round trip. Accessed from Hole in the Rock Road from Escalante, with a turn-off at mile 30.

Peek-a-Boo Gulch sounds a bit too intense for our four-year-old, so instead, we planned to try Willis Creek. Willis Creek is a slot canyon hike accessed from Cannonville. This is a fairly flat, shaded hike leading to a waterfall. This hike is about 4 miles roundtrip- but you can turn around wherever you like. You’ll see the trailhead 6 miles down Skutumpah Road.

Unfortunately we ran out of time to hike Grand Staircase-Escalante, it’s on our list for next time!

Additional Stop: Zion National Park

Zion was the first National Park in Utah and is extremely popular. We skipped Zion on this trip because of the crowds, and because you can’t do everything! There are stories of long waits for shuttles (tickets in advance are now required). We’ll circle back to the park when the kids are old enough to tackle part of the Narrows.

One of the most popular hikes in Zion is the Narrows, which is currently closed due to a Toxic Cyanobacteria Bloom. This hike going “top-down” requires a permit and reservation. The “bottoms up” hike does not need a permit and can be up to 9 miles, though you can turn around wherever you like. Much of this hike involves walking or wading through cold water.

A more family-friendly version of this is the Riverside walk- a 2.2 mile round trip to the entrance of the Narrows.

Horseshoe Bend

This 270-degree bend in the Colorado River is stunning. Just south of Page, Arizona, look for mile marker 545. There is a 3/4 mile walk out to the lookout point. Sunrise and sunset are supposed to be amazing here if you can make it work- be wary of the midday sun, especially in summer.

It’s a beautiful site, however, we had to ask ourselves, is it worth it ?

Grand Canyon National Park- 2 nights

The Grand Canyon looms large in the canon of All American Family Road Trips! While I had stopped at the main lookout point, I’d never stayed in the park and explored further.

We stayed inside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the Yavapai Lodge so we could see sunrise along the rim at Mather Point.

You can explore the rim trail or take the Hermit Road shuttle bus to explore seven miles of the rim with nine overlook stops.

The Bright Angel Trail heads down into the canyon, with turnaround points at 1.5 and 3 miles.

This was not our favorite park. While it’s considered a National Treasure, we’d consider skipping the Grand Canyon on our next trip.

The Grand Canyon by Helicopter

After we left the park, we headed to the Grand Canyon Airport for a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon! We were excited for the thrill of the ride and to see the Grand Canyon from a different perspective.

We took the North Canyon Tour with Papillon. It’s 25-30 minutes in the air, and the views are spectacular! You can also book rides that involve landing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon or upgrade to an Ecostar helicopter which is quieter than a traditional one.

Additional Stop: Meteor Crater

South of the Grand Canyon, if you head east from Flagstaff, you’ll find Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum . See the meteor impact crater that is a mile wide and 500 feet deep. Visit the discovery center to learn about the science behind the crater.

The Hoover Dam is the next stop on the way to Las Vegas! The Hoover Dam was built on the border of Nevada and Arizona, in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It was finished in 1935- it is 726 feet high, and 660 feet thick. It holds back Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States, and supplies water to cities as far away as Los Angeles.

While you can see a lot from the road, we were hoping to take the Guided Powerplant Tour- a half-hour of exploring the insides of the dam. However, the dam was closed on our date. If your group is 8+ you can take the longer Guided Dam Tour.

In the end, we totally missed the dam! Tours are not running currently, but we didn’t realize that the main highway now bypasses the Hoover Dam completely. Don’t be like us- set your GPS to stop at the Hoover Dam!

Additional Stop: El Dorado Gold Mine

Head south from the Hoover Dam about 45 minutes on route 95 to tour this real gold mine. The Techatticup Mine is the most famous mine in Nevada. It was accessed by steamboat along the Colorado River and was one of the most lawless places in the West in the 1880s. Take a tour to walk through the old tunnels, see the gold veins and hear stories of the mine’s history.

Las Vegas, NV- 2 nights

There is so much to see and do in Las Vegas that’s family-friendly!

Check out the latest floral art installation at the Bellagio Botanical Gardens, and watch the fountains perform out front. Explore the canals of the Venetian, and see live flamingos at the Flamingo Hotel. Stop by the Midway at Circus Circus to see various live circus acts.

Looking to escape the heat and chaos of the Vegas Strip? This Kayak trip to Emerald Cave on the Colorado River sounds amazing! Beginners welcome, tandem kayaks are available, which is perfect for families.

Book Now: Emerald Cave Kayak Trip- Half Day

We stayed off the strip at the Tahiti Village Resort and Spa – this family-friendly resort has a lazy river, lots of kids’ activities, and no casino. All of the rooms are suites with a kitchenette. They also run shuttles into The Strip to make getting around easy.

However, the lazy river was broken, so the pool was packed. We ended up spending a lot of time on shuttles, next time I’d stay on the strip, somewhere central.

Affordable Hotels on the Strip: Paris or Aria – both are in good shape, Paris is more centralized, with great views of the Bellagio fountains, but doesn’t have a pool. Aria has a nice central location and good pools.

Seven Magic Mountains

Stop on your way out of Las Vegas at this art installation of stacked, painted rocks, some up to 35 feet tall! Approx. 10 miles south of Las Vegas on Rt 15. This was originally a temporary art installation, but it has been extended indefinitely.

Los Angeles, CA- 7 nights

We visited Los Angeles primarily to see family (hello new cousins!) and friends but also to explore the city. Make sure to spot the famous Hollywood sign, and explore the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.

For kids 5+, this tour of Warner Brothers will be a big hit. Fans of DC Universe or Harry Potter will be especially thrilled.

Book Now: Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood

Favorite Hotel: Rodeway Inn Near Melrose Ave . We’ve now stayed several times. We love the Queen rooms with added balconies. The rooms face an inner courtyard so it’s quiet, and includes a small breakfast. You can walk to a grocery store and pharmacy.

Check Availability: Rodeway Inn

Pre-Book Parking: Parking in LA is the worst! We’ve circled parking garages for waaay too long looking for spots. Book ahead with SpotHero and take the stress out of finding parking.

Book Parking: SpotHero Parking in LA

Ojai, CA- 2 nights

Ojai makes a lovely stop on your way north. Exploring the town, grab an Ojai Ice Cream, and heading to Libbey Park and Playground.

Solvang, CA

The next stop on this cross country road trip, Solvang is known as “Little Denmark”, complete with four windmills, five Danish bakeries, and a Hans Cristian Andersen Park. We love the treats in this small town, it’s become a regular stop for us on our treks up and down the California coast.

You can take a tour with Solvang Trolley – see the highlights of the town while being pulled by Belgian draft horses, and listen to your guide dressed in traditional Danish garb.

Affordable Hotel: Atterdag Inn . Super modern decor, a great walkable downtown location. Some rooms have bunk beds for the kids.

Check Availabillity: Atterdag Inn

San Simeon, CA – 1 night

Head up the coast along Route 1 to San Simeon. Visit the historic Hearst Castle , then head out to see the Elephant Seals at Elephant Seal Vista Point .

Affordable Hotel: The Morgan Hotel San Simeon . Some rooms with ocean views, lovely landscaping. Limited restaurants in the area.

Salinas, CA – 1 night

Nearby Monterey or Carmel-By-The-Sea would also make great road trip stops along this area of the coastline.

Budget Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham Salinas . Simple rooms just off the Highway.

Yosemite National Park- 3 nights

Our last National Park on this long cross-country family road trip is Yosemite ! We “camped” in Curry Village- in big canvas tents with beds. Remember to bring a combination lock for the bear boxes!

Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and the monoliths of El Capitan and Half Dome. Yosemite is great for kids – hike to Bridalveil Falls, the Mist Trail, and Lower Yosemite Falls. Aim to reach Glacier Point for sunset if you can.

Final Stop: San Francisco, CA

The City by the Bay! Visit the Ferry Building then take a cable car down to Fisherman’s Wharf and the sea lions at Pier 39.

Grab a treat from Ghirardelli and take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Stroll down Lombard Street with its famous hairpin turns, or take a boat out to Alcatraz.

Want to cut down on walking? Take a “Love Tour” of San Francisco in a colorful VW bus while learning about hippie culture in the city! This tour looks like so much fun.

If you’ll be checking out a lot of attractions, consider getting San Francisco CityPASS. It saves you 45% on attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences, a Bay Cruise, and 2 others that you choose from the list, including the Aquarium or the Zoo!

Book Now: San Francisco CityPASS

Affordable Hotel: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf . Great location in easy walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf area. Rooms are comfy with extra sitting areas. Some room even have views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Check Availability: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf

Considering Christmas in California? You can see the best of Christmas in San Francisco in just one day.

We’ll end our epic cross-country road trip by staying with family in Santa Rosa, California just north of San Francisco.

After 60 nights on the road, we’ll be ready to put our feet up for a bit! Which stops are you most excited about? Did we miss anything?

Consider Renting a Car

If you are flying to the start of your cross-country road trip, you’ll need to rent a car. If you’d prefer to not add a ton of mileage to your current car, or need room for your family to comfortably hang out together, consider renting a larger vehicle.

We recommend Discover Cars – they show you a great selection of rental companies, are always upfront about what is included, and best of all, offer free cancellation if your plans change.

Check Prices: Car Rental at Discover Cars

How Much do US National Parks Cost?

Entrance fees vary at each park, but fees at larger parks are between $35 and $40. If you will be visiting a few National Parks, be sure to get an America the Beautiful Pass – this annual pass costs $80 and gets everyone in your car into unlimited National Parks for one year. This pass covers entrance fees, it does not cover tour fees or lodging fees.

Don’t forget 4th graders also get a free park pass for their whole family.

When visiting National Parks, look for Junior Ranger packets in the visitor centers. The kids complete the packets, and return them to be sworn in as Junior Rangers complete with a badge! You may also want to get a family National Park Passport Book to stamp at each park.

Don’t forget to download the National Park Service app , it allows you to download important information for any of the parks so you can access it when offline. From maps to parking and bathrooms, this app will come in handy.

How Much Money do you Need for a Cross-Country Road Trip?

How much money you will spend driving cross-country depends on your family and your comfort level.

Camping is one of the best ways to save money (make reservations early!). We are not comfortable camping, so we will be staying with friends when possible, and in hotels or motels the rest of the time.

The faster you move (the fewer days on the road), the less money you will spend on your cross-country road trip. Including staying with friends, we averaged $125/night during the summer high season of 2021.

Staying inside National Parks is more expensive, but allows you to see the park at sunrise, and without waiting in line to get in each morning. On average, we paid $200 per night to stay at lodges inside the parks.

Outside the parks, our hotels averaged $140/night . That includes 5 nights at an Airbnb in LA and two nights in Las Vegas over a weekend.

Packing breakfast foods and snacks will save you a lot of money. Don’t miss 40+ Easy Road Trip Snacks for Kids & Toddlers which includes breakfast and lunch suggestions.

A note about hotels – prices have increased over the last year or two. We found that even in more remote areas, hotels under $100 a night were often not as clean as we would like. We have included hotel recommendations- many of these are places we stayed. When we weren’t happy with our original choice, we edited the post to reflect where we would stay next time.

FAQ: Cross-Country Road Trips

The best time to drive for a cross-country road trip is in the fall or spring- you’ll have the mildest weather and avoid the summer crowds. Like a lot of families, we didn’t have that option- we are heading out into the summer crowds. We will start our epic road trip cross-country at the end of June 2021, ending in California in late August.

Yes, you can do a cross-country road trip in two weeks! From Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA is approximately 40 hours of driving. Driving just 3 hours a day, you could complete the drive in two weeks. Many people prefer to drive more hours in one day, then spend a full day at their location.

The minimum for a cross-country road trip is one week- you’ll drive between 40 and 45 hours in total. How many hours per day you prefer to drive and how many stops you make is up to you!

There You Have it: Epic Cross Country Road Trip Itinerary

A long list of stops from our two-month-long cross-country family road trip, complete with big and small attractions. Pick and choose the stops to create the best cross-country itinerary for your family!

Need more family road trip ideas? We also road-tripped through the American Northwest with stops including Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park .

Thinking of driving across the Southern border? We road tripped into Baja, Mexico , and later spent six weeks in Mexico including stops in Puerto Vallarta , Oaxaca , and San Miguel de Allende .

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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THE BEST ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST: 41 Essentials You Need For a Smooth Ride

The ultimate road trip packing list.

Post Summary: Be prepared with this thorough road trip packing list that includes basic road trip essentials, entertainment for the road, and what to pack for winter road trips.

Are you hitting the open road and wondering about what to put on your road trip packing list ? As a family that has lived on the road for over a year, we’ve learned a lot about what are true road trip travel essentials and what’s just a gigantic waste of space.

Based on our own experiences of driving cross country , we’ve come up with a few road trip packing lists to cover your basic road trip needs, fun entertainment for the road, and what to pack for driving in harsh winter conditions.

Read on to get the full scoop.

Need More Road Trip Tips? Check Out Our Other Road Trip Articles:

Road Trip Trivia To Impress Your Friends With Road Trip Food Inspiration: 50 Delicious Snacks For A Road Trip All The Tips And Tricks To Survive A Road Trip With A Toddler 160 Fun, Deep, and Sometimes Silly Road Trip Questions 17 Boredom Busting Things To Do On A Road Trip 50 Items That Need To Be On Your Camper Must-Haves Packing List

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we truly think are helpful.

Road Trip Essentials: 40 Things To Bring On A Road Trip

Essential Road Trip Items

1. Cooler – Since I’m obsessed with eating at all times of the day, I think a cooler is top on the list for things you need for a road trip. If it’s a short trip and all you need is a small cooler for drinks and snacks, you can opt for a soft-bodied Arctic Zone Cooler .

The above is an affordable option, but we do have a special love for the top-of-the-line coolers from Yeti . Yes, they are a big investment and most will balk at the price. But, you’ll buy a cooler once and be done for life. It’s mainly worth it if you’ll be road tripping or camping a lot and want a durable, high-end cooler that’s guaranteed to keep your stuff ice cold. The Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler is perfect for road trips.

2. Road Trip Food + Snacks – Resist the urge to buy Slim Jims at the gas station by having your car stocked with delicious snacks and beverages. If you’re looking for some snack inspiration, be sure to check out our road trip food list post with 50+ snack ideas.

3. Water Bottle – Having a reusable water bottle is top on the list for road trip must-haves. Staying hydrated keeps you feeling energized and can help ward off those hankerings to buy a coke at the gas station. We are die-hard fans of Hydro Flask and love that they can keep your drinks ice cold or piping hot for over 12 hours.

4. Roadside Emergency Kit – While you can buy roadside emergency kits that come with a surplus of things, the most important thing is having a high-quality set of jumper cables . If you’ll be driving in a remote area where other cars might not be able to help you out, you might want to consider a mobile battery jumper that allows you to jumpstart your car on your own.

5. Flashlight – While we’re on the topic of road trip safety, pack a flashlight. It’s one of those tools that should always be in your glove compartment along with extra batteries. Don’t have one? We like this small portable one here.

6. License and Registration – It goes without saying, but make sure your license is up to date, and your registration is in your glove compartment.

7. Insurance Cards -Most insurance companies have apps now, so download the app for your car insurance so you can have your insurance number and phone numbers easily accessible just in case you need them.

8. Phone Chargers – Make sure to have all your phone chargers, power banks, and any necessary dongles so your phone can hook up to your car. In addition to our basic phone charger that goes into the cigarette lighter, we also bring a splitter so multiple people can plug in their device and a solar power charger, so we’re never left without something to charge our devices. It’s handy when traveling with many people so everyone can have a way to charge a device.

9. Sunglasses – Avoid that harsh late afternoon glare with some stylish sunglasses.

10. Sunblock – While you’re protecting your eyes, don’t forget to protect your skin! Just because you’re inside your car doesn’t mean the sun can’t get through. I like to buy a new sunblock every year and store it in my glove compartment box for when I need it.

11. Lip Moisturizer – The sun plus excessive air conditioning means you’ll want your chapstick with you at all times. I’m in love with Weleda’s moisturizing lip balm and don’t use anything else.

12. Hand Sanitizer – Not all rest stops will have soap, so it’s wise to bring a bottle of hand sanitizer for those times you don’t have access to hand soap. I like this gentle hand sanitizer with a soothing lavender scent.

13. Cash – While credit cards are generally accepted everywhere, there have been times that we’ve been passing through a small town, and cards were not accepted. This happened most often at small family-run restaurants. Be sure to have a little bit of cash for the rare chance you end up in a place that doesn’t accept cards.

14. Umbrella – Rain. It happens. Have an umbrella in your trunk for when the inevitable shift in weather happens.

15. Blanket – A cozy blanket is great when you’re doing a long day of driving, and passengers might want to take a car nap. We have a soft spot for sherpas and think they’re the best napping blankets .

16. Travel Pillow – To go with your cozy blanket, bringing a travel pillow can help to alleviate sore necks. Bring your own pillows from home or buy a specially made travel pillow. The BCOZZY travel pillow is great for kids, and this one here is great for adults .

17. Slip-On Shoes – A pair of easy slip-on shoes like the Teva Reember Shoe are ideal for a road trip, so you can be shoe-free in the car and easily slip them back on when you have to pop out for food or gasoline. If traveling in the summer, flip-flops are the perfect road trip shoe.

18. Cozy Clothes – Along with comfortable shoes, we always wear clothes we can easily move around in and have breathability. Elastic is your friend on a long car ride. Our driving outfits are always a pair of joggers and a soft top. These joggers from Amazon are my go-to driving pants. They’re basically cozy pants that can pass as regular clothes.

19. Garbage Bags – You’ll want to have a designated bag to put your trash into. Old grocery or produce bags are what we bring on the road.

20. First Aid Kit – Having a kit ready for any events that arise on your road trip is always a good idea. You can buy a pre-made kit or make your own. We always have bandaids, antibacterial ointment, ibuprofen, Dramamine, bug spray, itch cream for bug bites, and gauze pads for our basic first aid kit.

21. Tissues, Wipes, Paper Towels – Having something for spills, runny noses, and sticky hands is always a necessary staple for road trip essentials.

22 . Downloaded Maps – Make sure you have all the necessary maps downloaded onto your phone. If you know your route, you can go onto google maps and download the map and the directions, so you don’t have to rely on good cell service to get directions. If you’re going on a long road trip and don’t have a definitive route, it’s a good idea to buy a paper map so you’ll always have something to guide you. The Rand McNally Atlas is considered one of the best road maps and is a great choice if you’re going on a cross-country road trip.

23. Tide Pen – This is a must-have item if you’re on a road trip with young children. Life on the road can mean eating on the go in the car, which inevitably means stains all over their clothes and yours. The Tide Pen has saved me from losing many beloved outfits.

24. Air Freshener – Such a necessary item on your road trip packing list when traveling with kids! When it’s feeling “not so fresh” in the car, I like to use the hand sanitizer spray I mentioned above. I love that it’s fresh smelling and can double up as a hand sanitizer.

25. Sun Shade – If you’re traveling in the summer, you’ll want to get a sunshade for your windshield to keep your car from becoming a scorching hot oven. Anyone who has leather seats knows how uncomfortable it is to get back into a car that’s been baking in the sun. If you’re traveling with a toddler or baby, you’ll want to get sun shades for your side windows so the sun doesn’t irritate them or get in the way of nap time. These sunshades from REACHS are also a great privacy and shading option. We like them because you can still open your back windows for airflow.

26. Phone Holder – If you don’t already have one, make sure to get a proper phone holder like this one here so you can have both hands free for driving.

27. Roadside Assistance Plan – If you’re going on a long road trip and you’re not too confident in your car, buying a roadside assistance plan is a great idea, so you don’t have to worry about being stranded in the middle of nowhere. It’s one of those road trip necessities that you don’t like paying for but are happy to have when you need it. AAA has several different options that should suit different kinds of travel. You can check here for current AAA prices .

28. Spare Tire – Make sure your car is equipped with a spare tire, tire jack, and lug-wrench so you can always be prepared to change your own tire.

29. Day Bag – I like to have a day bag that is easily accessible for packing any road trip items that I want close by to pull out as I need. Any backpack or large purse will do, but I’m partial to Fjallraven and their cute line of colorful backpacks. We also enjoy The Northface backpacks .

30. Travel Gear – Obviously, you’ll need suitcases to pack your belongings in, but depending on what kind of road trip you’ll be taking, you might want to consider duffle bags instead of standard roller luggage. They pack up easier in the car and can fit in tight spaces.

31. Car Organizers – I don’t know about you, but it gets messy in our car. Having an organization system will help to create order amongst all the road trip supplies. There are many different organizers that you can choose from, but we have two that we particularly like. We like this back seat organizer with SO MANY pockets for all your gadgets, notebooks, and snacks. It’s a fantastic option if you’re traveling with young kids. We particularly like that it has a tablet holder. You can put a movie on without them having to hold the device the entire time. We also like this car seat gap organizer that sits in the gap between the console and the passenger or driver’s seat. You know that little bit of space where you always drop your phone, and you’re like “$%^&*!” because it’s so difficult to fit your hand in there. Well, this organizer stops anything from falling in that gap while also providing extra storage. Brilliant!

32. Roof Racks – If you are going on a long road trip and need to create extra space because of all the road trip essentials you’ll be packing into your car, adding a roof rack cargo carrier can be a great way to create extra space. When we took a month to drive through Montana, Wyoming, and Yellowstone National Park , we added roof racks to hold all our camping gear on top of our car. You can browse different varieties here to find the one that will fit your car. We also used a trailer hitch cargo carrier to further maximize space.

Fun Things To Pack For A Road Trip

Now that you’ve got your basic needs met let’s talk about what to bring on a long car trip, so you aren’t bored out of your mind.

33. Travel Games – Have some fun games ready for when you’re looking to pass the time. Pull up our post of 160 road trip questions and 41 road trip trivia questions for hours of fun conversation.

34. Road Trip Playlist – Having a great playlist ready to cue up is EVERYTHING. You can make your own on Spotify. If compiling your own playlist doesn’t sound fun, you can browse through the thousands of playlists already curated by someone else. Make sure to download the playlists before you leave!

35. Notebook – A road trip is a perfect time to journal, write, draw, or dream up your next big adventure. One of our favorite things to do on a road trip together is to pull out a pen and paper and write lists of all the places we want to travel to next.

36. Kindle or Book Reading Device – If you don’t get car sick, having some books or magazines cued up on your Kindle or any book reading device is a great way to catch up on all those books you’ve been meaning to read. You can also try out Kindle Unlimited for free for one month to test out if you want to add the subscription service.

37. Audible – If you do get car sick, you can also opt to do Audible books. A great way for everyone to listen to a book together. Like Kindle Unlimted, you can do a free trial run of Audible to see if it’s a service you would want to subscribe to monthly.

38. Podcasts – Another great source of entertainment is to listen to Podcasts on the drive. Just like with songs, make sure to download the podcasts before you leave so you don’t have to rely on a good signal. My husband loves to listen to Armchair Expert and Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and I love to listen to On Being.

39. iPad – If you’re doing a road trip with a toddler or kids, a tablet is a necessary item on any family road trip packing list. We like to download kid-friendly movies on Netflix and savor two quiet hours in the car.

40. Headphones – If not everyone wants to watch or listen to the same thing, make sure to bring your headphones so everyone can do their own thing. We like to use these soft headphones for our toddler and our Bose Noise Cancelling headphones for ourselves.

41. Portable Speaker – We bring our portable speaker with us when we travel in our vintage camper since the sound quality is better. Having your own speaker is great for anyone who doesn’t have a high-quality sound system in their car. Even if you have a good sound system, we love our Ultimate Ears speaker since it’s lightweight, waterproof, can fit in the cup holder, and is compatible with Alexa.

READ NEXT : Check out our post on 17 fun things to do on a road trip for ideas on what to do while you’re in the car.

Winter Road Trip Packing List

If you are driving in the winter months or in high elevation areas where cold weather is of concern, you’ll want to be sure you’re comfortable and adequately prepared for any hazardous cold weather conditions that could arise. In addition to everything mentioned above, you’ll want to add the following to your road trip essentials list.

Ice Scraper – An ice scraper is a must-do when making a winter road trip. We got caught in an early snowstorm in Tennessee and tried in vain to use a kitchen spatula. Don’t be like us. Have an ice scraper in your car.

Snow Chains – Snow chains are a must when traveling through mountain towns where snowy weather can become dangerous quickly. Make sure to get the right fit for your car.

Warm Blankets – Blankets can be a literal lifesaver if you get stuck in a snowstorm and need to pull over till the weather passes. While the above-mentioned sherpa blankets can keep you warm, it would be wise to pack a sleeping bag or packable down blanket that can provide excellent insulation and warmth. We always keep this blanket from Horizon Hound in our trunk and love that it packs down to a small size and keeps us super warm

Hand Warmers – I love rechargeable hand warmers. You’ll absolutely want these if you have to wait out a snowstorm and need some warmth.

You’re ready to hit the road and have an epic adventure! Did we miss anything on our road trip packing list? What’s on your road trip essentials list? Let us know in the comments below.

Want Some Inspiration For Where To Road Trip To Next? Check Out Our Travel Guides Below:

17 Amazing National Parks In The West Two Amazing Hot Springs To Discover Near Boise, Idaho How To Spend 36 Hours In Asheville, NC An Adventure Itinerary In Yellowstone National Park

Hi, we’re Christina and Brad, Idaho based writers and photographers who live to explore. We did a short stint of traveling full time with our two year old and discovered we're much happier as part time nomads. What does that mean? We travel a lot! And then we go home. We love helping fellow parents and everyday adventurers discover new places and experiences.

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What to pack in a cross country road trip: Your questions answered

Driving holidays and road trips is always a great opportunity for those who imbibe aesthetic riches. From the breathtaking beauty of the mountainous nature to the fine detail of the off-the-beaten-track villages, you get to enjoy everything at your own pace. Just imagine having a drive along the coastline by car or by motorbike while contemplating the scenery on the go and feeling the breath of cool autumn air on your face, isn’t it the most perfect holiday experience? 

Such an experience should not be hampered by the hustle of packing up your stuff, especially when you are on a last-minute move and everything just becomes so overwhelming. If you often find yourself behind on deciding which essentials to bring each time you pack for a road trip, you’re not alone. We’ve all been through that. 

So let’s dig deep and see what essentials should be included in your baggage the next time you hit the road and which type of baggage is the most commonly used for cross country road trip

Basic Road Trip Essentials Checklist

First off on the list are all the important documents that may be used to prove your person's identity, such as birth certificates, driver's licence, and social security cards. Without these necessities, things may become pretty troublesome, so it’s crucial to organise these important documents at home beforehand. 

Electronics and chargers

If you attempt to document every day of your cross country road trip, make sure you bring your phone or tablet and add a portable charger as well to keep your devices charged at all times and capture every moment. 

Medication Box

A small bag with the most essential pills and medicine is definitely a must-have item for every traveller. A migraine trigger, high-climate fever, upset stomach or three of them happening all at once during your journey would be a nightmarish scenario. So keep these pills accessible wherever you go to prevent any possible inconvenience during your trip.

Toiletries bag

Simple essentials like toothbrushes, razors, deodorants, and cotton swabs are often left unnoticed when you need to prepare for an urgent trip or just try to get it all done ASAP. To deal with that, it's a good idea to prepare in advance a small toiletry bag packed with all the essentials you'll need for your trip. It doesn't solve all the problems, but it does take care of a fair amount of packaging. But remember not to pack too much. You wouldn’t want to bring an entire wardrobe with you on your road trip, would you? 

Hygiene essentials

Make sure you get a toiletries bag and toss your essential hygiene products into your travel-size luggage. Here’s the list we recommend:

• Dental floss
• Moisturiser
• Conditioner
• Hairbrush or comb
• Cotton swabs
• Skincare products (only the essentials)
• Lotion for body and face

Bare Minimal Clothings

Here's everything you absolutely can’t get by without bringing: 

• 1-2 pair of jeans, pants or trainings for travelling
• 1 pair dress pants
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 light jacket or dressy jacket
• 2 polos or button-down short-sleeve shirts
• 2 long sleeve button-downs
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of walking shoes or sandals
• 8 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• Pyjamas/sleepwear

Be selective about which clothing to take and packing light to save space in your suitcase to ensure an ideal and comfortable travel experience.

Only pack the clothes you need. Image from Unsplash

Journal and pen 

Some may think these are just simply pesky space-fillers, yet it may be more necessary than you think. Who knows when you will come up with a new idea when travelling? Or, when you are in a rush and need to jot down some important information? Keeping these essentials at hand for more enjoyable and convenient travelling.

A pair of sunglasses is a must-have road trip accessory for keeping the sun out of your eyes while you’re driving. You can also consider bringing other essential items such as eye drops, a packet of eyelid wipes or a spare pair of glasses to avoid eye-related problems along the way. 

Hand sanitiser

Make sure to bring hand sanitiser in your pack on every ride and throughout your travel day. It is highly likely that you will be moving around constantly and seeing lots of new faces during your journey. It’s a must that you have a hand sanitiser accessible any time to avoid getting sick, especially when there are still trademarks of the pandemic of coronavirus that once loomed over our heads.

A smartphone is undoubtedly a must-have item in your baggage. It can be used as a camera, entertainer, and for other purposes — from listening to music in the car, to ordering food upon arrival, to navigating your location via GPS, etc. So make sure to keep your phone in your pocket and always at hand.

Type of backpacks

When you’re on a road trip, it’s crucial to pick the right baggage to pack your essentials so it won’t feel like your luggage is weighing you down. Yet, there are multiple options available out there, varying from durability, packing space to value for money. Attempting to make a decision on the right one can be pretty much of a problem, especially when you have neither time nor experience in this type of shopping. So where do you even start?

Well, scroll down to check out our recommended list of expert-approved road trip bags to make the most of what you can carry with you while staying organised on the go. 

You can also visit our website to see some of the best backpacks and packing cubes, designed to accompany you on your cross country road trip. Here at CabinZero, it is our priority to advocate for our clients with our versatile, minimalist and lightweight products.

A carry-on sized travel backpack would be a perfect choice for any enthusiastic road trip traveller, especially when you’re planning on hiking. It will keep your gear safe when you get caught in a sudden downpour, and also make transporting your stuff a breeze. So choose a backpack that is made of waterproof sailcloth so you won’t have to be too concerned about clothes — or more importantly, your electronics devices — getting wet.

Go with a CabinZero Classic backpack for a versatile option. Image from CabinZero

A rolling duffel bag in your favourite colour or pattern is a great option for road trip luggage. It’s both stylish and soft-sided to allow the ultimate flexibility with necessary function in a packed trunk. This type of bag makes a great option for storing things in the car and will help keep everything you need in your car organised. You, your kids, or your travel companions know exactly where to grab something from and where to put it back in.

Packing cubes

If you’re about to head on a cross country road trip and contemplating whether a packing cubes would best suit your needs, you’ve landed in the right place. Packing cubes are another must when it comes to travelling. Make sure you divide your clothing into packing cubes  so you can locate things easier.

Tip For Cross Country Road Trip Packing

For those times when we don’t really know what to bring on our journey, here are some simple steps to help you get over packing problems and make wiser choices with your preparation.

Obvious and boring as it may seem, we can guarantee that you will never regret researching information related to the destination and plan everything in advance, from places you would like to visit, a few hotel options that will be in your vicinity to the things you would like to obtain. When you fully make sure about the road plan and meeting information, you will save plenty of time for yourself and find the way to a hassle-free vacation.

Have a car check-up

On a day-to-day basis, we generally just assume our cars are ready to take us anywhere without a second thought. However, going on a road-trip means you definitely do not want to get into the situation in which your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of nowhere. It’s important to make sure your car is in tip-top condition for the road, or at least do some quick tire-pressure and oil checks before you go. Another important thing to take notice of is whether the spare tire in your car is properly inflated, and prepare a jack on hand as well.

Prepare a grab-and-go toiletry bag

All too often, people have a tendency to forget some of the essential items such as toothbrush, razor, deodorant or cotton pads, especially when they are in a rush and trying to get everything done as soon as possible. For this matter, we advise you to get a small bag designed for toiletries and fill it with all the essential things beforehand so that you won’t have to think long about what to bring the next time you go out.

Categorise your essentials

No matter where you go, there will always be so many things to remember. That’s why separating your essentials with desires should be a must whenever you’re about to hit the road. This will lessen the hustle of thinking long and hard about what you need to bring with you while also ensuring an enjoyable business trip .

Check the weather forecast while packing clothes

Depending on your destination, checking the weather forecast in advance and packing your essentials accordingly is definitely a must to ensure an ideal road trip experience. For example, if it’s often rainy, keep a jacket or some waterproof items — like travel umbrellas and backpack rain covers — in easy reach, and light layers if it might get cold. That way, you will be prepared for anything to come. So pack carefully the day before your trip to make sure everything goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible.

Double check

Last but not least, double check your travel packing list to make sure you get everything you need. Packing lists are useless if you don’t give it a quick check before you leave.

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10+ Practical Items You Don’t Want to Car Camp Without

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It can be overwhelming to know what to pack when car camping, especially if it’s your first-time. I had no idea what I was doing when I first started car camping, but it is amazing what you pick up when forced to learn by doing.

When I was packing for my first cross-country  car-camping road trip ,  I scoured the internet for weeks searching for the perfect car camping essentials and car camping packing lists only to find they were all different, and the amount of things these guides said to pack was more overwhelming than the trip itself, not to mention expensive.

I ended up buying a lot of car camping gear and did not use hardly any of it. I learned that a lot of the suggested gear was best suited for tent camping or backcountry car camping on public lands which I was not doing at the time. I was sleeping in public parking lots most of the time, moving around frequently through small towns and across highways. You don’t need to bring traditional camping gear for this kind of car camping. Some purchases were worth the cost, but in retrospect, I could have gotten by with much less.

In this post, I’m sharing my car-camping essentials and the items I rarely used, but you might find helpful on your next camping trip. The best thing about the car camping essentials is that your investment will last for years to come. You will be able to use the big ticket items on this packing list repeatedly on your next car camping trip or adventure into the great outdoors. 

Table of Contents: Jump to

What is Car Camping?

The biggest thing to consider when packing for a car camping road trip is, what kind of car camping will you be doing. 

There are a few different answers to the question,   What is car camping?   This post dives a little deeper into answering that question.

In short, car camping means either sleeping inside your car parked legally (in a neighborhood, at a Walmart, Cracker Barrel, travel center or public land) or driving up to a campsite and sleeping in a tent next to your car. There are major differences between sleeping in a tent and  sleeping in a car  and the gear you need is also different. 

Car Camping is a great way to bring heavier items. Set up a full camp site complete with camp kitchen, big tents and plenty of space to spread out and is a perfect way to introduce someone to camping. Since I mostly travel solo, I never set up a full on camp site while car camping. I try to be discrete and not advertise that I am solo.  Unless I am at a National Park, I usually sleep in parking lots and explore new areas during the day and drive somewhere new at night just to sleep inside my car. 

In this post, I’ll touch on what to pack for both kinds of car camping. 

The Car Camping Essentials

If you are car camping at a campsite, in a state park, on BLM (bureau of land management) public land or in national parks, you will need to bring more camping essentials including a sleeping bag , sleeping pad, camp stoves, camp chairs, a tent, and table if a picnic table is not available. 

When I car camp, I sleep inside my car and am usually only in the same place for a night or two. I don’t set up a full campsite and hardly ever use a tent, sleeping bag, table, chair or propane stove. I’d love to stay in more state parks and national parks but because I do not plan far enough in advance, I miss out on many campsites inside the parks. Some require bookings months in advance. 

If booking a campsite in a state park or national park, I always look for a drive up campsite which tells me my car is next to the tent site. In some developed campgrounds and national parks, you are not allowed to sleep in your car even with a tent site reservation. I am not sure how strict they are with enforcing this rule, but I know it exists at certain parks.

Fresh Water 

Fresh water is a must-have survival item and at the top of my car camping essentials list. Drinking at least 2 liters (about 64oz) of water a day is recommended, especially in hotter climates. I always bring a r efillable 5-gallon jug  and refill at grocery stores or campsites with potable water as needed. I bring a 32 oz refillable water bottle that is leak proof as well and a hydration day pack and collapsible water bottle for hiking. I recently purchased the 40oz Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler and love it for long car rides. It is not leak proof so it is best used while in the car, not while hiking or putting in a bag or backpack.

I also use a 3.5 gallon  Rinse Kit , a portable pressurized water system that can be used for a variety of washing needs. I mainly use it for washing hands, face, brushing teeth and rinsing dishes. Although it was initially designed for  showering while camping,   I’ve never used it as a shower. I don’t take daily showers while camping but I do wash my face and brush my teeth 2x a day. To get a full shower, I drive to a Planet Fitness gym a few times a week. 

The Rinse Kit has become one of my top car camping essentials to help me stay fresh while on the road. 

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Cooking Supplies

You may want a full on camp kitchen set up if you are car camping at a campsite for a long time. A portable propane stove is a great option for a campsite set up.

Since I move frequently and often eat on the go, I now rely on  my travel size electric kettle and cooler the most and I enjoy tasing the local cuisine when traveling through new cities so rarely use a propane stove, but if you do not have access to electricity, a propane stove is the best option. 

Jet Boil Mini Cooking System

Very portable, great for heating water and cooking small portion sizes. You have to purchase a small propane tank and use a lighter to cook.

Dual Burner Propane Camping Stove

I have this compact  double burner camping  stove, (that I never use) best for sautéing and preparing larger portions. You have to buy propane tank and use a lighter to cook.

• Electric Kettle

I recently purchased this portable kettle so I could heat water inside my car quickly. I use it in the morning for oatmeal and dehydrated soups and noodles, it works great in combination with my Jackery portable power system . You have to plug it in to use it so you could also use your car battery with a outlet converter . Just make sure to purchase one that works with the watts and voltage of what you want to use it for.

For those of you that can’t survive without coffee, try the  AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press . I can’t vouch for it as I do not drink coffee, but one thing my backpacking friends love. 

If you plan on cooking your own food, don’t forget the kitchen utensils. You can absolutely cook gourmet while camping if you want to, just bring a burner stove and add all of these must-have kitchen utensils. It is also good to have a water source nearby to make clean-up a breeze. You’ll need a flat surface to set your stove on, picnic tables are usually available at campgrounds but if you are car camping in the back county you need to bring your own portable table. 

• Foldable Table  or picnic table to set a stove on
• Collapsible chair  to relax, sit in while cooking
• Camp Stove + Fuel + lighter   for cooking on a propane stove at a campsite
• Includes: plate, bowl, utensils, mug
• Cooking utensil set  
• Paring knife or knife set
• Cutting Board
• Reusable bags (for food scraps or leftovers) or compostable resealable bags
• Biodegradable dish soap
• Towels, napkins, or paper towels
• Camping cookware sets
• Camping utensil sets  or try this  all-in-one cooking set

Don’t forget to add food to your car camping packing list. I have tried many different food and snack options throughout my road trips and finally narrowed down my favorite brands. I often stop in towns to try local foods but stick to the below when that isn’t an option. I use many dehydrated foods (add boiling water) or pre-cooked meal packets because when I am on the road, I love quick, easy, and no clean-up meals to leave more time to explore.

Easy On the Go Car camping foods

• Dehydrated soups
• Boxed soups (refrigerate after opening)
• Maya Kaimal Foods, precooked Everday Dal
• Good to Go Food Kits
• Protein Cookies
• Gummy Bears
• Tuna Lunch Kits

If you are setting up camp with a camp stove then your food list will look a bit different. When I stay for longer trips at campgrounds I use my camp stove, and Wild Wind water boiler to make some  delicious and easy car camping meals . I’m working on a blog post with some of my favorite easy car camping meals that should be live in two weeks. 

Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler

If you like cold drinks like me,  a well-made cooler is a must . I was tempted to skip this one to save space in my car (and money), but I am glad I didn’t. Instead, I bought a  Yeti Roadie 24  after trying a few other brands and sizes. This one fit perfectly behind my front seat when pulled forward to give additional space, and has a fabric handle which made it easy to fold down. I store yogurt, drinks, fruit, vegetables, cheese, milk and hard boiled eggs in my cooler.

At first I used it with the  Yeti ice pack   to help keep it cool, but the ice packs need to be re-frozen often, and since that is not possible while car camping, I stopped using it.

I also purchased two Yeti cooler dry baskets which are really helpful when the ice starts to melt. They keep things elevated from the water so they don’t become water logged but still stay cool. I bought two but only need one. Two does not fit when my cooler is full. 

Pro Tip: Coolers work better if you chill them before use. I loaded my Yeti Roadie with a 1lb of ice 72 hours before I needed it. Then, before I left, I dumped the old ice and replaced it with fresh ice to keep my food chilled longer.

UPDATE: While I still use my Roadie 24 on every road trip, I’ve started to use it to store dry food (anything that does not need refrigeration) because dealing with ice become a pain. To keep food cool I started using an Icemule Back Pack cooler . Although, it does not hold as much, it makes emptying ice a lot easier.

Bedding and Sleeping Pad 

To make the car camping experience better, I recommend using a comfortable mattress , blanket, sleeping bag , cozy pillows, and a bed platform. All of these things work together to make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

I used a DIY bed platform to make a level sleeping area in my car. The  2010 Hyundai Santa Fe  has foldable back seats that do not lay completely flat. I tried sleeping with the incline, but it was not comfortable.

Depending on the size of your car, you may or may not need a sleeping platform, but you will need a comfortable mattress. I chose a  foldable memory foam mattress  that I cut down to size. It was incredibly comfortable, but there are many options, including air mattresses and less bulky sleeping pads great for tent camping. 

To keep warm in temperatures in the 30s and below, I use a  20 degree sleeping bag  but I only need a sheet and summer weight blanket when temperatures are warmer.

Pillows are my favorite things so I use two regular size feather pillows  when sleeping in a car. Because you are covered, you don’t have to worry about early morning dew or rain destroying your favorite pillow, so if you are a pillow person like me and you want to  sleep in a car comfortably,   bring as many cozy pillows as you want.

If you are sleeping in a tent, and don’t want to use a fabric pillow consider a blow up camping pillow or this popular HEST Camp Pillow.

Window Coverings

Another must-have item on my car camping packing list are  black-out window coverings .  These are important for a few reasons, window coverings help block out light, regulate inside air temperature, add privacy and help protect against theft.

I DIY-ed by cutting a pattern of my window shape from newspaper and then cut out the shapes from  Double Reflective Insulation  I found at Home Depot. I spray painted one side black and secured them to the windows with duck tape. For a more refined approach, check out  Weathertech.  They custom-make window shades for every car on the market. 

Pro Tip: After a few car camping trips the spray paint begins to peel and flake off of the window coverings. You may want to glue fabric to one side to avoid the tiny specks of spray paint that get everywhere. I also learned that a thicker insulation is best as they fit snugly into the windows without having to use duck tape to secure them but the thicker cut is hard to find. You can also cut the insulation out slightly larger than the window to help hold them in place.

Airflow Device

If you want to  sleep comfortably in a car,  add mesh window coverings or a  portable fan  to your car camping packing list. These are the best ways to increase airflow when your car is parked and keep you comfortable through the night. Idling the engine or worse, leaving your keys in the ignition to crank the A/C are two things you should never do. You’ll be breathing in the dirty exhaust, wasting gas and oil, and draining your car battery.

I have a magnetic mesh sunroof covering  that is great at preventing bugs from flying in while giving a little fresh air. However, airflow is still a struggle, especially on warm, humid nights (I don’t recommend car camping in hot temperatures). I also have mesh window coverings . These work by rolling your window down which gives a breeze but also lets in light and noise. I only use these when I sleep in a dark quiet place. Public parking lots and Travel Centers are just too noisy.

I use  this portable fan  the most during warm temperatures. I really don’t need it often because I prefer to car camp in cold temperatures. 

Portable Power Device

If you are planning a long road trip and want to bring some electronics with you, you should pack a portable battery. I love the Jackery 500 . It is great for one person and works like a champ charging a phone, camera, lab top, and other small devices simultaneously and fast. The Jackery’s compact size fits so well in my car, and its charge lasts for days with multiple phone and computer charges. For reference, my electric kettle burns bout 10% charge each time I use it. 

I almost didn’t spend the money on this one, but I tested charging my devices on my car power outlets, and it took them so long to charge that I knew I needed a better way. The Jackery was it! The Jackery also comes with and optional solar panel in different sizes to charge itself. I purchased these but have never used them. They are great for anyone camping long term with direct sunlight otherwise they are extremely slow to charge.  Since I am able to re-charge my  Jackery 500 while driving I didn’t need the solar panel. If you are camping for a few days without the ability to charge up the Jackery you might want to go with a lager power like the 1000.

Lighting Source

I love a  hands-free headlamp , but I also use these  pop-up lanterns  and this  solar-powered lantern.  I hang them with an S hook to the handrail in my car for easy access or set them on a picnic table when eating. These lanterns are compact but come in handy to illuminate your car in the evening when your window shades are up, plus the LED light lasts for ages. They are also great for hiking at night or walking to a campground bathroom in the dark. 

Safety Must Haves for Car Camping

You never know what you will run into, so of course, it’s always best to be prepared. Here are a few car protection and personal safety items I carry with me on my car camping road trips; but the most important thing is to have your car serviced regularly. 

• AAA Membership
• Flat tire kit
• Jumper Cable or Battery Starter
• Car user manual
• First aid Kit
• Offline Google Maps or paper maps

In addition, I follow these  car camping safety tips . As a solo female traveler, it’s imperative to be aware of your surroundings and always have a plan B if plan A doesn’t feel right. Besides a dead battery and flat tires, I’ve never had any real car trouble or scary situations while camping. That’s not to say it won’t ever happen but knowing car basics and sticking to a sold safety routine gives me (and my family) peace of mind while on the road.

Personal Hygiene Items

Thanks to my Rinse Kit and gym membership, showers and staying fresh and clean while car camping is a lot easier. Some car campers may not mind that gritty “natural” feeling, but I can not go too long without a shower before it becomes unbearable if its warm outside or I have been sweating. I usually never go more than three days without a shower, but when showers aren’t possible, I use the following items and a  Rinse Kit   to keep myself feeling fresh while camping.

• Full Body Wipes
• Deodorant wipes
• Biodegradable Campsuds soap 
• Environmentally friendly toiletries (face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo)
• Shower shoes
• Quick Dry towels, for face and body
• Biodegradable bathroom wipes or toilet paper
• Go Anywhere Toilet Bags

I have a stash of   Go Anywhere Bags , just in case. I’ve only used them a few times over three years but if I am in a parking lot (no bushes or forest around) and have to go to the bathroom so bad in the middle of the night and there are no public restrooms open I have no other choice. 

Handy Tools

The following items are a few little things that always seems to come in handy. 

• Bendable wire
• Hand Sanitizer
• Scissors 
• Extra batteries

Recap of my Top 10+ Car Camping Essentials

I explained a lot, so here is a recap of what I always pack for my car camping road trips. Remember these items work best for me because I sleep inside my car in public lots or developed campgrounds and do not go to one remote location for long periods of time.

• 5 Gallon refillable water jug or this more budget friendly option
• Rinse Kit 3.5 Gallon
• Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler + one dry basket
• Jackery 500
• Memory Foam mattress on a sleeping platform
• Pillows 
• Sleeping bag or comforter (depending on weather)
• Reusable kitchen utensil kit
• Black out window covers
• Hands Free headlamp or lantern
• Bear Spray + First aid Kit
• Biodegradable body wipes
• Go Anywhere Bags

Remote Car Camping checklist

This checklist covers the items you will need if you are car camping at a remote campsite or on BLM land for multiple nights without access to supplies. 

• Portable camp stove
• Cooking pot or pan
• Foldable Table
• Camp chairs
• 5 Gallon refillable water jug
• Jackery 500 + solar panel or larger
• Biodegradable wipes

Remember to follow  Leave No Trace Principles  when camping. To avoid contamination, always bathe at least 200 feet from a water source and use biodegradable soap. Avoid using scented items and environmentally unfriendly materials such as deodorant, perfume, hairspray, and shampoo that contain harmful chemicals such as sodium Laureth sulfate, parabens, phthalates, ammonium chloride, formaldehyde, and fragrances. 

I hope this car camping packing list and PDF checklist are beneficial when planning your next car camping road trip. Some items are pricey, but you will be able to hit the road many times to come with your initial investment.

If you aren’t sure if car camping is for you, this article  “15 most popular car camping questions answered”  has some great insight into what it is like on the road. I love how easy, freeing, and inexpensive car camping can be. Of course, it is not for everyone, but car-camping is an adventure and an experience you may not realize you love until you try it. 

Additional Car Camping posts you may like:

49 Essentials for a road trip packing list you shouldn’t leave home without (FREE Checklist) | How to plan a cross country Car Camping Road Trip | The 15 most popular car camping questions answered | How to sleep comfortably in a car while car-camping

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Meet Sam, a fearless wanderer and avid solo traveler who has made the world her home. Through cross country road trips, car camping in her SUV and solo adventures to far corners of the globe, she has become an expert in crafting itineraries that balance adventure and self-discovery. Through her insightful tales and practical tips, Sam inspires others to embrace the unknown, break free from conventional boundaries, and embrace the beauty of solo exploration.

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10 Comments

hey are you still out there patrolling the world?

Still out there road tripping across the country! Looking forward to another fall road trip this year, but this time I’m heading west

Your article has inspired me to plan a car camping trip with my kids this summer. I’m excited to create lasting memories in the great outdoors at a campsite near manila

That is so wonderful to hear! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have an amazing time, making a ton of life long memories! I know I sure have 🙂

Hi, my name is Wahab, and I am a camper for 3 years now. Your guide on car camping packing list is so effective for campers and me Aswell packing was like headache to me. Thank you so much.

I am so glad to hear that article was helpful! It can be overwhelming, but the more you do it the easier it gets!

Hello! This is a great article it’s exactly all the info I need as a solo female about to start this journey. Thank you!

Oh I am so glad this article is helpful to you! Have a great experience. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Just found your site today, love the practical advice you offer. Our family (of 3) have car camped out of our 2005 Prius and it was great! We could leave the a/c on overnight and it did not take a gas hit. We had a full tank when we went to sleep (around 9pm) and woke up (around 8am) with still a full tank of gas. We’d loved it! Our round trip was 21 days from Texas to New York and back to Texas. We were so stressless and just took our time. It was truly wonderful and we plan to do it again going the other way. Thank you for your site! Very useful information!

WOW what a trip! I am so glad you found my site helpful. It sounds like you are a car camping pro. I never leave my air on but I now only car camp when its cold enough out so I don’t need it either. I hope you continue with your road trips! Some of my best memories are from road trips with my family when I was young. Cheers!

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9 Things I’ve Learned Road Tripping Solo 

• Destinations
• Solo Travel
• Types of Travel

Many of the things that make road trips so great — the feeling of freedom, the focus on the countryside, the solitude — are magnified when you set out on a solo trip. For a brief interlude, it’s just you, your car, and the road. It’s wonderful, but it can be daunting too.

Looking back, I realize I’ve always had a soft spot for road trips, starting with a magical trip to the Oregon Coast in the family station wagon when I was 7 years old. I remember gazing up at giant redwoods, splashing in the ocean for the first time, and climbing massive sand dunes.

Since then, I’ve taken road trips to virtually every western-U.S. state, and to the Canadian Rockies and Mexico’s Sea of Cortez .

Up until recently, though, my road trips were somewhat sporadic and often taken with family or friends when flying wasn’t practical. That changed in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic severely limited travel options for me and everyone else. All of a sudden, the only reasonable way to travel seemed to be by car. For me, that meant solo road trips.

I’ve since taken road trips to every corner of my home state of Arizona , the California coast , Nevada’s Great Basin National Park , southern Utah’s many state parks and national monuments , New Mexico’s White Sands National Park , Texas’s Big Bend , and the Guadalupe Mountains national parks.

My trips have all been great adventures, but there have been a few lessons as well. Here are 9 things I’ve learned road tripping solo.

1. Pre-Planning Is A Must

Without navigational input from a fellow traveler, I’ve found that it’s imperative to identify my routes and study the details (the main highways, major turns, and interesting points) before I head out.

I usually start by searching point A to point B on my laptop computer, check out the two or three alternative routes, and then program my preferred route into my phone’s mapping app. I use the Apple Maps app, but many people prefer the Google Maps app.

Another obvious reason for having a set itinerary is safety. By letting someone know your route before you go, you have some backup in case you run into trouble along the way. It’s also wise to check in with those people when you arrive at your destination.

2. Booking Hotel Stays In Advance Is Advisable

Central to a solo traveler’s pre-planning should be hotel, campsite, or short-term rental reservations along the way.

These days, especially in the summer, you’re likely to find yourself with no place to stay without proper planning. Road trips are more popular than ever, and many hotels along major highways become booked weeks in advance, while camping at national parks sometimes requires booking months in advance. The stress of looking for accommodations en route is compounded when you’re alone because you don’t have another person to research vacancies while you drive.

Pro Tip: I’m a big fan of my Marriott Bonvoy rewards card and I usually try to find a Marriott brand hotel for my nights on the road. There are plenty of other loyalty and rewards programs to check out as well, along with VRBO for short-term rentals, and Hipcamp for camping sites.

3. Frequent Gas Ups Provide Peace Of Mind

My car gets about 40 miles to the gallon, so I could conceivably drive more than 500 miles before I need to gas up. For my peace of mind, I never wait anywhere that long and usually stop to fill gas every 250 miles or so.

Part of the reason is that gas station stops give me a chance to stretch my legs, get a cold beverage, and take a restroom break. Another part is the uncertainty of when I’ll be able to fill up again. Especially when I’m driving on remote roads in Texas , Arizona , or Nevada . I never take a chance on waiting for the next gas station.

Pro Tip: Cellphone apps like Gas Guru can help you determine where the next gas stop will be, and the lowest prices.

4. Having Complete Control Over Your Trip Is A Blessing And A Curse

Yes, solo road tripping offers a feeling of freedom by giving you complete control over your route, your stops, and the length of your stays. Remember that the tradeoff is that it also means you have total responsibility for all of the driving and little decisions along the way.

There are definitely times when I’d like a second opinion on a route or become bored with the drive. That’s when pre-planning comes in handy.

5. In-Car Entertainment Is Crucial

Whether it’s music, audiobooks, or podcasts, having something to keep my mind occupied as I drive makes all the difference in the world on my solo drives.

For me, nothing beats an audiobook to help pass the hours. Not only do I become immersed in a fascinating story, but I’m able to transport myself to faraway places. Some recent audiobooks I’ve loved for road-tripping are Amor Towles’ The Lincoln Highway , Elin Hilderbrand’s 28 Summers , and Lucy Foley’s The Paris Apartment .

I also like to check out the channels on my SiriusXM subscription. On one memorable summer trip through Arizona and Nevada in 2020, I listened to the entire countdown of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Top 100 hits on the Tom Petty Channel. I’ve also been known to tune in to Comedy Central Radio’s hilarious sets and The Pulse’s recent hits.

Listening to podcasts is another entertaining option that many travelers swear by. Two fascinating choices to check out are Serial and This American Life .

Pro Tip: Free loans of audiobooks are available with a library card at many public libraries, via the Overdrive or Libby apps. I always keep my Overdrive account stocked with books so that I have plenty of choices on my long drives.

6. A Well-Serviced Car Is A Life Saver

As a road trip approaches, I make a point of getting my car in for service — if possible, by timing my regular oil changes with my trips. Then, I always mention to the service technicians that I have a big road trip coming up and ask them to check out crucial elements like the tires, brakes, windshield wipers, air conditioning, and fluids.

If and when unforeseen emergencies do come up, having a roadside assistance policy is crucial. To cover all my bases, I have towing coverage through my car insurance and also have a membership with AAA (American Automobile Association).

7. It’s Important To Pack Strategically

Although I typically subscribe to the mantra that it’s best to pack light, I believe a solo road trip is an opportunity to overpack a bit in the interest of being well-prepared. After all, you have the whole car to yourself!

I usually pack a jacket or two, along with an assortment of jeans, capris, blouses, sweatpants, a hat, and swimming suits. As a hiker, I like to have plenty of shoe choices, including hiking sandals, hiking boots, sneakers, flip-flops, and a couple of hiking packs.

I don’t like to carry everything into my hotel room each night, so I keep the shoes, jackets, and packs in separate large-size packing cubes that I leave in my car where they’re easy to grab, as needed.

Pro Tip: To deal with issues that come up on the road, I keep a supply of handy gadgets and products in my car, including jumper cables, a solar flashlight, disinfectant wipes, bandages, and duct tape. I also pack camping gear, including a tent, a sleeping bag, a pillow, and an air mattress — just in case.

8. Don’t Forget The Snacks And Drinks

To ensure that I have a supply of cold drinks, fresh fruit, and veggies for snacking, I keep a large 5-day ice retention Igloo Max cooler in the cargo area of my car, and a small cooler in the front seat where I can easily access it while I’m driving. I regularly replenish things from the larger cooler into my small cooler and add ice to both.

I like to stock my coolers with bottled water, sparkling water, soft drinks, and snack-size baggies full of grapes, orange slices, and mini carrots.

9. Finding Your Comfort Zone Enhances Safety

I’ve found that I can comfortably drive 8 to 10 hours in a day, but anything beyond that becomes taxing. As I map my route, I keep that in mind and make my hotel reservations accordingly.

It’s important to find your road-tripping rhythm, personal comfort zone, and never continue driving when you’re tired. Sometimes a quick nap in your car at a rest area can do wonders, but always remember to choose your spots with safety in mind. I carry small window shades that attach using suction cups to the glass to provide some privacy.

Pro Tip: The adage of “it’s more about the journey than the destination” is never truer than on a road trip. For that reason, I remind myself to be present, take it all in, and stop often to smell the roses (or the daisies or sunflowers or lupine). I recommend programming at least two hours of leeway into each day’s schedule to allow time to explore unexpected scenic byways and charming downtowns you encounter along the way.

For more tips on solo travel, check out these articles:

• 13 Inspiring Books Every Solo Female Traveler Should Read
• 16 Reasons House Sitting Is Perfect For Solo Women Travelers
• Lessons Learned On My Journey To Becoming A Solo Traveler

Cindy Barks is an Arizona-based newspaper reporter, freelance travel writer, and travel blogger. Her blog, NearandFarAZ gives readers an insider's view of the wonders of the U.S. Southwest, and a traveler's take on far-off locales from Panama to Hong Kong to the Czech Republic. Regardless of the destination, her goal is to find the perfect scenic hike, city walk, beach stroll, or road-trip jaunt, and bring it to life in her blog. Cindy's articles about outdoor adventures have appeared in numerous regional and national publications.

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41 Things You Need for Your Next Road Trip

Hit the highway in comfort and style with these travel heroes.

Related To:

Before you hit the open road, make sure you have all the essentials you'll need for a stress-free trip. From comfortable good-to-haves (like pillows and blankets) to safety just-in-cases (like first aid and emergency kits), you'll be glad you traveled prepared. Whether you're hitting the road for a day or two weeks, make sure these easy-to-pack items are in tow.

ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Adjustable Car Cup Holder Expander

Long road trips require large water bottles, but many standard car cup holders aren't large enough to fit larger reusable water bottles from popular brands like YETI, Hydroflask, Stanley and more. This adjustable handy gadget from the brand Swigzy allows you to expand the size of your cup holder and works in almost any cup holder and can fit a variety of styles of bottles and mugs, including those with handles.

Phone Mount

Texting and driving is never an option. And in some states, just holding your phone to talk while driving is against the law. If you want to stream a Spotify playlist or run Google Maps, invest in a phone mount to ensure those hands remain at "10 and two."

Car Power Strip

Going on a long road trip with multiple passengers? You need this 200W power inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and has four USB ports and two standard plugs. Plus, it features full-protection with short-circuit, low-voltage, over-charge, over-voltage, over-load and over-temperature protection.

Tablet Headrest Mount

There won’t be a peep from the backseat with this tablet headrest mount. It adjusts to fit any size tablet and is compatible with nearly all headrests. The kids (or adults) in the back won’t be asking “are we there yet?” because they’ll be too absorbed in their movie or game.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

This mobile hotspot features super-fast Wi-Fi internet speeds and long-lasting battery life, providing the ultimate internet experience from anywhere right when you need it most.

Flexible Phone Tripod

Roadside photo-ops will be a breeze with this handy mini tripod . This flexible tripod grips to any surface — from a tree to a fence — and has a reliable rubber grip that secures a smartphone.

Portable Phone Charger

You’ll probably bring several gadgets on your road trip, including smartphones, tablets and e-readers. So gather them up, then power them up. There’s nothing worse than getting an hour into an all-day trip and having the iPad in the backseat run out of juice. We suggest bringing one or more portable chargers for the car, and make sure they work with the devices you plan to charge. Despite what’s written on the packaging, not every charger will power up all the devices they claim they can charge.

Emergency Car Kit

Before you plan your road trip itinerary, you should pack your emergency roadside kit. It’s not the fun part of road trip planning, but it’s the most important. A good car kit should include, at the very least, jumper cables, a spare tire, signal flares and a flashlight. Emergency items such as spare socks, a blanket and granola bars are good, too.

Fire Starter

Building a fire just got a lot easier with this handy fire starter that produces sparks in any weather or altitude. It has an ergonomic thumb guard for comfort and an attached emergency whistle, in case you need to call for help.

First Aid Kit

Road trip or not, keeping a first aid kit in the car is always a good idea. This 100-piece kit includes essential wound care supplies, like cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch-stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack and much more.

You can’t always depend on Google Maps, especially when driving in rural areas. Even popular National Parks and National Forests can have spotty cell service. As a backup, you can download maps to use offline from Google Maps, and tucking an actual map in the backseat pocket isn’t a bad idea either.

Travel Pillow

Never struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position in the car again with the Trtl Travel Pillow. This neck pillow combines hypoallergenic fleece with hidden internal neck support to hold your head and neck in the best position for sleeping, preventing stiff necks and sore shoulders.

Travel Throw

Meet the hardest-working travel throw in the business: Unpacked, it’s a 52-by-75-inch insulated comforter that's lightweight, washable and super cozy.

Travel Hammock

After hours of driving, take a break in this lightweight travel hammock. It’s quick to hang after a long day on the road and packs down into a small pouch for easy storage.

Microfiber Towel

Whether you're washing off at your campsite or at a rest stop, this soft, microfiber towel will dry quickly and can be used over and over during your trip.

Air Freshener

With all due respect to those mysterious rear-view mirror trees, when you plan on spending serious time on the highway, you need a substantial and sustainable air scrubber. The porous activated charcoal in this baby will purify the stale air in your car instead of hitting it with chemicals, and it'll combat the effects of left-behind takeout for up to a year.

Car Window Shades

Block out 97 percent of harmful UV rays on long road trips with window shades that easily attach to your car's windows, keeping backseat riders cool and comfortable the whole trip.

HEALTH + HYGIENE

Car Diffuser

Fill this diffuser with water, add essential oils and plug it in to make your car smell amazing. Featuring automatic shut-off, t he diffuser emits a cool mist that adds moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, lips, sinuses and coughs.

Nausea-Relief Wristbands

Nip motion sickness in the bud with these acupressure wristbands that provide effective relief from all forms of travel sickness without causing drowsiness or other side effects. There are even Sea-Bands for kids that come in cool patterns and colors.

Foaming Hand Sanitizer

Keep everyone's hands clean with this alcohol-free foaming sanitizer that's safe and gentle enough for babies. We love Babyganics for the whole family because the formula kills 99.9 percent of common bacteria; it's made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances and dyes; and it's dermatologist-tested and non-allergenic.

Essential Oil Towelettes

This assortment of towelettes is a league of essential oil superheroes: Defeat gas-station bathroom germs, freshen up after the A/C kicks out in the middle of nowhere, combat carsickness and wind down at the end of a long day with their aid.

Tissue Holder

Spare yourself the stress and strain of blindly reaching into the backseat, and snag this seriously convenient tissue holder. The chic black case clips right onto your passenger-side visor, so you can reach it without taking your hands off the wheel.

Insect Repellent

Whether you're spending a little time outside or a lot of time outside, it's always smart to keep insect repellent nearby. This 100-percent DEET formula offers more than 10 hours of protection against insect-transmitted diseases, including Zika and West Nile viruses.

Sleeping away from the comforts of home can come with some restless nights. Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed. And since Natrol is a drug-free sleep aid, you won't wake up feeling groggy.

ORGANIZATION

Car Seat Headrest Hook

Free up seat space and foot room with these handy hooks that attach to the back of headrests. They'll keep purses, lunchboxes, backpacks and more out of the way but still easily accessible.

Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket

Out of space? This sleek cargo net adds more packable space to your car's ceiling. Use it to store pillows, blankets, food and more.

Car Trash Bin

Keep your car clean and organized with this hanging trash bin with a 1.85-gallon capacity and leak-proof interior bag.

Packable Daypack

You may not need it, but you'll be happy it's there if you do. This ultra-light packable daypack has a 25-liter capacity, multiple pockets and adjustable, breathable straps for comfortable all-day use. Plus, it can be stuffed into its own zippered pocket for space-saving storage and compact portability.

Laundry Bag

Truth be told, every trip calls for a laundry bag — hunting for clean undies is nobody’s idea of a good time. That said, a pre-sorted discard pile is especially important when you find a laundromat in the middle of nowhere and want to take care of business ASAP. Tuck one of these into your glove compartment and thank us later.

These Genius Items Will Keep Your Car Clean + Organized on Family Road Trips

A clean car? With kids ? Yes, it's possible.

FOOD + DRINK

Saucemoto Dip Clip

Never spill your sauce again! Sometimes, a drive-thru food stop is the highlight of a road trip after hours of driving. Keep your favorite sauce easily accessible and avoid spills with this handy sauce cady. It clips to the car air vent and creates the perfect spot to nest your dipping sauce.

YETI Cooler Bag

A cooler is a road trip must. Instead of a giant cooler out-of-reach in the trunk, keep your drinks in a small cooler bag. YETI’s Hopper Flip 8 is large enough for eight soda cans but small enough to throw around your arm for a pull-off picnic or impromptu hike.

Car Seat Organizer

For a more kid-friendly (and budget) option, this car seat cooler organizer would be the perfect backseat companion. It features an insulated cooler compartment, flat tray table top, two drink holders and side pockets for extra storage. It also features a handy seatbelt strap that holds it in place. The brand recommends using cold packs instead of ice for keeping items cold.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated on the road with BPA-free Bobble Bottles that filter out impurities on the go, so you can fill up at the campground or rest stop water fountain worry-free. And with so many color options, no one will get their bottle mixed up in the car.

Portable Coffee Press

This portable brewer will brew a delicious cup of coffee, espresso or cold brew right over your mug. The total immersion brewing system means there's less grit than with a French press, and it's super-fast, too.

With double-wall vacuum insulation, the YETI Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Plus the leak-resistant lid means bumps in the road are no problem for this traveler.

Collapsible Storage Containers

Useful for storing everything from travel-size toiletries to trail mix, these reusable containers work for jet setters or families always on the go. Not only are they eco-friendly and BPA-free, but these collapsible beauties also help save money on snacks. Fill them up before road-tripping to prevent overspending on pre-packaged goodies at convenience stores.

Kitchen Utensil Set

When fast food isn't your speed, this one-and-done kit — which includes a serving fork, a utility knife, scissors, a cutting board, a spatula, a wine opener, tongs, a ladle, a rice paddle, a carabiner and folding stainless-steel utensils — is ready to turn your roadside-farm-stand haul into the greatest picnic of all time.

BioLite CampStove 2

The eco-friendly BioLite Campstove 2 is pure genius. It doesn’t need fuel, and the heat created from burning just a handful of kindling converts into usable electricity that can be used to recharge your gadgets. Cook dinner, charge your phone and feel good about your carbon footprint — what more could you ask for?

15 Must-Have Items for a Family Road Trip With Kids

Keep kids of all ages happy and entertained while on the road with these gadgets, games and more.

ENTERTAINMENT

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Go on and celebrate reaching your destination with an impromptu dance party. This lightweight Bluetooth speaker fills your space with home-stereo-system-quality sound and claims less real estate in your luggage than a rolled-up pair of jeans.

Scrabble To-Go Board Game

Add some friendly competition in the car or at your destination with this compact Scrabble set. The snap-in letter board ensures tiles stay put while moving, and the zippered case makes it easy to fold up and keep everything in place mid-game.

Kindle Paperwhite

Cut down your packing weight by bringing a Kindle instead of a stack of books for lounging by the fire. The latest generation of Paperwhite Kindles are now hot tub-ready, too; they're waterproof, so they'll survive an accidental dunk.

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Six Fun and Unique Cross Country Road Trip Ideas

T here are literally COUNTLESS cross country road trip ideas you can imagine. There are almost an equal amount of blogs like this one listing out how to drive one of these cross country road trip ideas, or recommending the absolute best ones to take. I love a good cross country trip as much as you do. I’ve had a chance to drive some of the most iconic road trips in America, but so have a lot of other people. So, I wanted to think outside the box a bit for my next great road trip idea.

As I got my planning juices flowing and started my research, there have been a ton of great ideas. I wanted these potential trips to fulfil two qualities. First, it has to be a multi-state trip of at least 500 miles. That’s short enough for a long weekend, while still technically being a cross country trip. Second, it had to have a clear theme. I wanted them to have a roughly definable “purpose” that outlines why you might want to embark on the trip in the first place. You’ll find at the bottom of each entry an embedded map. You can use these to preview these unique road trip routes and even download the direction directly!

I’m not quite sure which of these cross country road trip routes I’m going to tackle next, but why wait to share these awesome trip ideas with you? So here are six fun and unique cross country road trip ideas I’ve planned out!

1. Great Lakes Shoreline Road Trip

This is a cross country road trip idea I’ve had bubbling in my head for years. The great coastal road trips, like the Pacific Coast Highway, get a lot of attention. However, America has an often forgotten “coast” along the Great Lakes. I wanted to design a route which offered that shoreline, coastal feel in the heart of America. This road trip clocks in at a monster 4,317 miles! That is a trunk-load and then some of driving, spread out over a whole month. Yet, the real secret of this trip is how flexible it can be.

With all the spots I have mapped out, you can do a loop of any of the great lakes in just a couple days. Lake Erie or Ontario loops can be done over a three or four day weekend. The bigger lakes like Superior, Michigan, and Huron could easily be done in a week or less. The Lake Michigan Loop in particular, has huge variety. Sandy beaches, rolling dunes, deep forests, and the urban landscape of Chicago are all included.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s Lover’s Leap in the Fall is particularly striking

Those who are crazy enough, like me, to tackle the entire trip are in for a treat. The first portion of this cross country road trip idea explores the shores of Lake Superior. This is one of the best parts for outdoor lovers. Visits to Isle Royale National Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are highlights. Then you’ll journey through Wisconsin to the Windy City. After catching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, you’ll get a chance to visit the lovely small towns of Michigan’s western shore.

After spending a day on Mackinac Island, it’s time to follow Michigan’s Sunrise Coast. Once you reach Detroit, the trip becomes a lot more urban. Cities like Toledo, Cleveland, Erie, and Buffalo hug the shores of Lake Erie. Make sure you stop at Niagara Falls to enjoy it’s breathtaking misty vistas. The final US portion goes along the southern shore of Lake Ontario to Sackets Harbor.

If you’ve got your passport handy, you can tack on an extension through Canada. This portion of the trip has it’s own big city, Toronto. However, after you leave Canada’s largest city, this trip is far more of a wilderness road trip. Much of it follows the Trans-Canada Highway along the northern shores of the Great Lakes. It’s a fantastic way to see huge parts of Ontario and makes for an epic final leg on your Great Lakes Shoreline road trip!

2. The Great BBQ Pilgrimage

Let’s be real: Everyone loves BBQ (no matter how you choose to spell it). I’m definitely among the BBQ faithful. What better way to celebrate your love for this delicious cuisine than taking a cross country trip to try as much of it as you can. This was one of the first cross country road trip ideas I came up with, but one of the hardest to map out. How can you narrow it down to just a few BBQ joints? I’ve done my best to collect some exemplary examples of each regional style across the country.

Each stop on this cross country trip invokes that region’s specialty. The map at the bottom shows you all the stops, but a few key ones need to be called out. Big Bob Gibson’s in Decatur, Alabama is the original home of Alabama White BBQ. You’ve got to take the chance and try it! The Moonlite Bar-b-q Inn serves up the unique mutton that makes Kentucky’s BBQ stand out as part of this road trip idea. My final call out is Goldee’s Barbecue in Texas. This has been named the #1 BBQ joint in Texas, so that’s certainly hard to pass up. It was even featured on a pretty neat YouTube documentary that you can watch below!

There will be plenty to eat as you cover over 2,700 miles on this cross country trip. With the primary purpose of this road trip idea being eating, you’re not gonna need a lot of time for other things. The trip can be done in as few as eight days for the truly hungry, or as many as twelve if you want to savor every bite. I’ve built 11 stops across seven states, though you’ll pass through a few more. However, I encourage you to find even more delicious BBQ along the way! Sometimes the most unique road trip routes are the ones that have unplanned detours!

One of the best aspects of this fun and tasty cross country trip is that it can be taken year-round. BBQ doesn’t depend on the weather to enjoy it! Of all the cross country road trip ideas I came up with, this one is definitely the most laid back. So grab a partner, choose a starting point, and get to driving (and eating)!

3. Colonial New England Loop

Over 200 years of American history can be explored if you follow this cross country road trip idea. History buffs can delight in this colorful journey. That’s especially true if you take it during the height of the fall colors in New England. One of the best parts about this loop is the ability to modify it to your heart’s content. If you visited every site on this list, it would cover 1,000 miles across every state in New England. That doesn’t make it the longest trip on this list of cross country road trip ideas, but it’s still pretty sizeable. It also is very flexible with the number of days you need to spend. You could spend as few as seven days or as many as 20!

Check out the USS Constitution while you’re hanging around Boston!

The reason for so much flexibility in this trip is that you can prioritize what you want to see. A quick loop might encompass a single day in Boston followed by drives to the other major towns. Lengthening the trip is as easy as settling down in one area for a few more days. This is how I’d recommend the trip be done. Enjoying and exploring the history of not only the places I’ve included on this list but the hidden or forgotten ones along the way. Not to mention that there are literally hundreds of great historical sites with no colonial connections at all you can visit along the way.

Many of the places you’ll find on this list won’t take much time to see. However, they do tell a collective story of our nation. There is a rich and complicated history built into the very fabric of the land. I think it’s important to spend time understanding how such an influential part of our nation’s history came to be. Doing that through exploring historic homes, cities, and battlefields helps us create a connection to a time we often idealize but fail to understand.

4. Big Sky Adventure

For those who love a good open road, it’ll be hard to beat the Big Sky Adventure. This cross country road trip idea takes you through America’s Big Sky Country. You’ll be venturing across four states (S. Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho) while visiting iconic sites of America’s western frontier. Be prepared for winding roads, long empty stretches, and hundreds of scenic views. I’d recommend between 11-14 days to cover the 1,739 miles of this journey.

It all begins in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This picturesque town gives access to many points east for major travelers. Leaving Sioux Falls you’ll head to the southwestern part of the state. Southwestern South Dakota is an underappreciated part of the country. While many people know the famous sites, such as the Badlands or Mount Rushmore, these areas don’t get the same visitation numbers as many similar places across the country. This is good for you because it means your trip won’t be too crowded.

The Badlands are truly a sight to behold and one of the most stunning locations out of all these unique road trip routes

From here you’ll head west into Wyoming towards Bighorn National Forest. Hiking and outdoors enthusiasts might want to spend an extra day or so exploring the rugged expanse of this forest. For the less adventurous, you’ll make your way to another famous western site. The Battle of Little Bighorn has become an iconic part of the American mythos. Like many stories from the American frontier days, what is fact and what is fiction can be hard to separate so it’s great to learn the truth where it all happened.

The adventure continues across the Montana cities of Billings and Bozeman. It’s also easy to find the “headwaters” of the Missouri River, so don’t pass up that chance outside Bozeman. At this point, it’s time to visit the Granddaddy of them all, Yellowstone. What can really extend the time needed for this trip is how long you plan on staying in Yellowstone. For those who have never been and want to explore, you’ll need at least three or four days. Don’t shortchange yourself here. Yellowstone is all it’s hyped up to be and more for those willing to put in some effort away from the crowds.

After Yellowstone, this iconic cross country road trip idea will be coming to its close. Parks like Grand Teton and Craters of the Moon are amazing in their own rights. That’s especially true in the Fall, as Grand Teton is one of the be st fall national parks

The tail end of this trip features a stop at the impressive Snake River Canyon outside Twin Falls. This is the spot of Evel Kineval’s final jump, just don’t try it yourself. Finally, you’ll come to an end in Boise, Idaho. Much like the start in Sioux Falls, Boise is an excellent gateway to many more sites to the west. Boise serves as the end of Big Sky Country, so it’s a fitting end to your Big Sky Adventure!

5. Civil War Battlefield Route

I wanted to come up with a road trip idea that was perfect for history buffs of all kinds. The American Civil War is a defining period of our nation’s history. A road trip to visit these sites can be both a memorable and educational experience. It’s also a fantastic way to experience a part of the country often overlooked for road trips. Many of the sites I’ve included are also among A merica’s best national battlefields .

I’ve included both a main route and a potential alternative route you can follow. The main route covers 1,329 miles and needs a minimum of eight days. The alternate route takes a more southern approach. You’ll drive over 1,758 miles, which means you’ll need about ten to eleven days for it. I prefer the main, northern path better, but it does miss out on Fort Sumter where it all really began.

You’ll find a bunch of monuments like this one in Vicksburg on this cross country trip!

One of the best parts of this trip is how it connects two points in time. The ending points of the journey both involve battles that culminated the first week of July 1863. The Siege of Vicksburg was a pivotal point in the Western Theater. Right as it was ending, the Battle of Gettysburg was raging in Pennsylvania. The fact that these two battles occurred at the same time and with the fate of a country at stake is a quirk of history. By making this trip you can connect these two points, and the men who fought at these sites, on a journey into the past.

Both of the routes will allow you to visit critical moments during the war. This includes the numerous battles fought across Virginia. This state was the major battleground during the war. The alternate route rejoins the main road trip at Appomattox Courthouse. Robert E. Lee surrendered his army, bringing an end to the war at this location. It’s fitting then that its serves as a “midway” point of sorts. Grant’s victory at Vicksburg and Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg would ultimately bring them together at Appomattox.

No matter which direction you choose to travel, you’ll be impacted by this road trip. Exploring America through it’s complicated and troubled past is a great way to gain understanding we need to make a better future. I can say from experience, visiting these hallowed grounds is a humbling moment and one that I hope you’ll experience for yourself. It’s definitely one of the more unique road trip routes I could come up with.

6. The Four Corners Loop

This cross country road trip idea is a giant, looping, journey across the American Southwest. It’s also one of the best national park road trips you could plan as well. You’ll visit four states (Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah) as your cruise across the highways of the southwest. It also features stops at eleven different national parks and even a few national monuments as well. This massive loop covers over 3,026 miles. Any trip that follows the directions will take a bare minimum of two weeks. I’d recommend taking more like twenty-four days to one month if you want to spend any time hiking or enjoying more than one day at a location.

You’ll find sunrises like this one at Black Canyon of the Gunnison all over this Four Corners cross country trip

The Four Corners Loop can start in one of three major cities. Denver, Phoenix, and Albuquerque are all big stops on the way. If you live near one of these cities then you’re all set. Those having to fly in can pick whichever one offers the best airfare. Once you’ve picked your starting point, it’s time to choose the direction. This loop can be driven either clockwise or counterclockwise. The biggest suggestion I have is heading in the direction that has the places you most want to see. For instance, I’d start in Denver and drive counterclockwise. This gets you to the Mighty Five in Utah quickly and gives options for ways to make worthwhile detours if you’re inclined.

Of course, no Four Corners Loop road trip is complete without a visit to the Four Corners monument. The Monument is pretty out of the way for most of the trip. As part of the loop, I’ve placed it between a visit to Santa Fe, NM and Mesa Verde. This is the best point on the trip because you will get to see the, frankly lackluster monument and then visit one of the most historic and culturally important sites in America.

There are plenty of highlights on this road trip. Part of the reason I put it at the end of this list is because there is simply so much to see. I’ve spent time visiting the Mighty Five in Utah, so parks like Arches and Canyonlands are major highlights to me. Rocky Mountain National Park might be one of the most beautiful parks in America. The drive through Grand Staircase might be one of the most hair-raising on the entire list. The entire trip courses through some of the most iconic American scenery, which makes it one of the best cross country road trip ideas.

Creating Your Own Cross Country Road Trip Routes

I’m certainly not the only authority on fun and unique road trip routes. In fact, YOU probably have just as many great cross country road trip ideas as me! When it comes to crafting your own cross country trip, it just takes a bit of imagination and a touch of Google-fu. Each road trip idea I came up with started with a simple premise. From there I jumped on google to do a bit of research. Then I took all those destinations and plugged them into Google’s My Maps feature. This is the ultimate (and FREE) road planning tool. It’s how I created all those fancy maps you see above. Once you’ve got your own cross country road trip ideas down, all you have to do is p lan out the rest of the trip . When you combine one of my unique road trip routes (or your own) with my road trip hacks , you’ll be all set to get going!

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