From Itineraries To Trips: Best Bucket List Road Trips in the USA
/It was way easier to travel across the United States in the past when flights were affordable and accessible.
And for a while, this seemed to reduce the number of people going on road trips simply because it was less of a hassle. Interestingly enough, however, road trips seem to be making a comeback now that travel has resumed.
Just last year, a survey by Harvest Hosts found that 53% of its 10,000 respondents planned to travel on the road using RVs.
This was mostly due to the perceived risks that came with travelling via airplane. And as restrictions lifted and people finally got the chance to head outdoors, the easiest choice for most people was to hit the road.
So whether you plan to visit national parks, historical destinations, or simply take in the sights while on the road, there are a few things you should consider!
Here are some of the best cross-country road trips in the US as well as tips for you before you make the trip.
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How To Plan The Perfect Cross-Country Road Trip in America
In my experience, planning the perfect cross-country trip boils down to one thing: preparation. Planning early can make a big difference in how enjoyable and stress-free your trip is.
Here are some important things to do and keep in mind before you head out:
Plan well in advance. I recommend doing this one to three months in advance, especially if you’re planning an extended trip. This will allow you to do all your research and gather the necessary information for your trip. While it’s best to have a detailed itinerary, a general one will do for your trip. Just make sure you have one, especially if you’re planning a coast-to-coast adventure across America.
Create a list of all the activities and places you most want to visit. The sky’s the limit here — well, as long as it can be reached by car! Your trip can be a combination of historic sites, beaches, food, crafts, or even sports. The road trip will be more satisfying if you plan around your interests.
Research on your interests using as many sources as possible. Start with the internet, but don’t forget to check out books, magazines, and even TV shows.
Have any of your friends gone on a trip recently? Ask for their suggestions, especially if you have similar interests!
Weather is a big factor to consider when planning a trip. Some places are better to visit during the fall and winter months while others are definitely summer destinations. For instance, I love going to the New England coast during the hot summer months rather than to Florida, which can be extremely warm and humid between July to August.
List down all the tasks that need to be done pre-trip and calendar them. This might include getting a pet sitter and making sure your health insurance will be accepted in the states you will visit.
How much you’ll spend on your road trip will depend on several factors, including the length of your trip, the places you want to visit, and what you want to see. The more detailed your itinerary, the better you can estimate how much it will cost. I suggest setting a budget that you are comfortable with and to let this guide the decisions about where to go and what to do. Don’t forget to bring your ATM and credit cards, just in case!
How Long Will A Cross-Country Road Trip Take?
As you plan your road trip, you will definitely have to make a decision on how long it’s going to be.
Start by researching the time it takes to get from one destination to another.
For example, driving from Los Angeles to New York City takes roughly 41 hours without stopping. Then you can factor in how much time you’d spend during stops and even just enjoying the ride.
Decide on a route first before tweaking it to fit your ideal time frame. But at the minimum, I’d suggest allotting a week for your cross-country road trip.
Two weeks would be better, though, since it would give you more time to enjoy each place you visit and hit all the US landmarks.
Remember that the US is a large country, so it will take you some time to cover all that ground.
4 Best Cross-Country Road Trips To Take
Where do you begin when planning your cross-country road trip? Choosing a route can be confusing, especially since there’s so much to see! Here are 4 of my suggestions on the best routes to take:
The Great Northern Route
The Great Northern Route covers highlights of the north and extends for 3,600 miles from Washington to Maine.
If you want to cover the whole route, then I would suggest planning it over a span of three weeks to give you ample time.
Of course, you can always adjust your itinerary depending on what you want to cover, but do be prepared for potentially hazardous road conditions if you decide to go during the autumn or winter months.
Washington. Start your trip in Washington, where you can beach comb the Pacific Northwest beach, have a cup of coffee near the Seattle Space Needle, or enjoy 10 hour day trip to Leavenworth via the Cascade Mountains.
Idaho. As you pass through Idaho, make sure to take in the sights of the water and mountains. You can also go to the local lake and ski communities and buy souvenirs at boutiques.
Montana. Glacier National Park is one of the best places to visit in Montana as it offers miles of scenery with its numerous lakes, valleys, and glacier spots. This is a great place for wildlife, so don’t be surprised to see bears, wolves, and sheep. There are also museums and archaeological sites along the route. One cool thing about Montana is that you can opt for this cool whitewater rafting adventure as you soak up the beauty of Montana on a floating and rafting tour from West Glacier.
North Dakota. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for great photos in North Dakota. Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the collection of eclectic roadside artwork at Roadside Giants are just a couple of places you can visit.
Minnesota. This state is known for its lakes, so if you’re into angling, then this is definitely a place to visit. You can also drive along Skyline Parkway for some epic views.
Wisconsin. If farmland and small-town town views are your thing, then Wisconsin should be part of your itinerary. Consider stopping by the Wisconsin Dells, which have over-the-top attractions across several towns!
Michigan. Here you can spend some time exploring Copper Country State Forest and some small towns known for iron and logging. There’s also Mackinac Island, which is a Victorian-era island that can only be accessed via ferry boat. Make it fun and book a tour that takes you on a scavenger hunt!
Canada. Make sure to bring your passport if you’re adding Canada to your itinerary! You’ll see sights like the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and enjoy French-inspired restaurants, among other sites.
Vermont. Aside from being the home of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Vermont is also worth visiting during the summer for the Champlain Maritime Festival.
New Hampshire. When in New Hampshire, you can’t miss seeing the White Mountains. You can also walk around Flume Gorge or go on a chair lift ride or even a zipline course.
Maine. The last stop for the leg of this cross-country trip would be Maine. Here you can visit Acadia National Park. The island town also offers many eateries and seafood restaurants.
Pacific Coast Highway
Also known as Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most well-known drives in the US.
If you’re looking for a scenic coastal drive with beautiful forests and oceans, then this is the cross-country trip for you.
I find that this route is also best for an all-seasons type of road trip if you have time constraints in Big Sur, California.
Three to four weeks will allow you to see as many highlights as possible, but if you only have one to two weeks allotted for your trip, then I suggest visiting the major cities in each state before moving on.
Here’s what you can expect along this beautiful route:
Washington. You can start your trip off in Washington. As I mentioned earlier, it’s always nice to enjoy a cup of Seattle coffee and visit Spokane.
Oregon. Portland is very much worth a visit for its food scene, shops, and shows, but make sure not to miss out on places like Crater Lake National Park and Haystack Rock.
California. California will take up most of your time on this route because there are so many stops to make. I personally loved passing through Eureka, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles for the beaches and piers, museums, iconic locations, and historical sites. But another route is taking on a Northern California road trip covering Tuolumne county.
Atlantic Coast
For a route that covers many states all in one trip, the Atlantic Coast is your best bet.
While it might be challenging to fit everything in your itinerary, an upside to this route is that you can adjust your trip to fit your starting point, preferences, and season of travel.
This trip can be done in three weeks if you focus on just the highlights of each state.
Here’s what you can look forward to in each region and state:
New England. The New England states are excellent for travelers looking for a variety of landscapes, culture, and food. Whether it’s trying chowder in Rhode Island or touring famous historical sites in Boston, there’s something in New England for everyone. Don’t forget to explore some cool Boston hotels with rooftop pools or take an afternoon cruise in Rhode Island!
Southern states. In the southern part of the Atlantic are North and South Carolina, where you’ll find the Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach. There’s also this hidden gem of North Myrtle Beach with salt marsh and island preserves perfect for kayaking. Savannah in Georgia is also a gorgeous city to visit.
Florida. This state is a great place for families to enjoy different activities. You can visit Dry Tortugas National Park for exciting water activities like taking a day trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park and spending your time snorkelling. You’ll then end your Atlantic Coast tour in Key West.
Route 50
Visiting the us capitol grounds
Often called The Loneliest Road, this is one of the most popular cross-country trips in the US because it takes you from coast to coast.
I’d recommend this for more seasoned travellers who are ready to take on a road trip challenge.
From Maryland to California, you’ll pass through a total of 11 states where you’ll see farmlands, nature trails, and museums along a beautifully scenic drive. This is the perfect trip if you want to see a little bit of everything!
Here are some highlights from the states you’ll want to visit:
Maryland. You can pay a visit to several museums in Maryland, such as The Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art. But if you’re more of a beach person, then spending a day at Ocean City beach and boardwalk is also ideal.
Washington D.C. From Maryland, you can head on over to Washington D.C. where you’ll have your fill of historic landmarks, memorials, and art galleries. But out of all the sites, the two that you cannot miss are the Library of Congress and the Washington National Cathedral! It’s also worth scheduling your trip for when the cherry blossoms bloom as they are a sight to behold.
West Virginia. This state boasts several natural attractions, such as Blackwater Falls State Park and Monongahela National Forest and Seneca Rocks. You can also go whitewater rafting if you plan to stay long enough!
Ohio. Visiting Cincinnati is a must when in Ohio! Baseball fans can catch the Cincinnati Reds while eating chili, which is normally served over spaghetti.
Indiana. There are all sorts of museums to visit in Indiana, but you can also hike in places like West Boggs Park and Jackson-Washington State Forest.
Illinois. This part of Route 50 will take you through small towns, fields, and flat farmlands. Chicago is, of course, a popular destination that you won’t want to miss either!
Missouri. Stopping by St. Louis is worth it to see the magnificent Gateway Arch, which is often called the Gateway to the West. For more historic sites, you can also go to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
Kansas. There are plenty of things to see in Kansas, including the Tallgrass Prairie Natural Reserve and Botanica Wichita Gardens. If you want to have an 1800s style Wild West experience, then make sure you stop by Boot Hill in Dodge City for great photo ops and a lesson or two in history!
Colorado. When in Colorado, it is absolutely worth checking out Rocky Mountain National Park for a fantastic view of nature and wildlife. You can also go dune boarding in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve or learn about the plants, history and animals on this hiking trip in Colorado.
Utah. Utah is where you’ll find the famous Arches National Park, which is absolutely stunning. For those who are travelling during the wintertime, there are also great ski resorts about an hour away from Salt Lake City. You can also get a self-guided audio tour while driving to explore on your own time.
Nevada. Nevada is actually where The Loneliest Road got its name, but it is anything but lonely today! You can view the sand dunes, stargaze, and watch for magnificent wildlife. You can also plan a trip to Las Vegas for a more luxurious and entertaining experience or visit Nevada’s famous landmarks or spend the most perfect weekend in Las Vegas touring budget-friendly spots!
California. Last but not least on this route is California. You can end just about anywhere you like in this state, but it’s nice to end your journey in San Francisco. It has breathtaking sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island which is also great for biking around.
Tips for your cross-country road trip
Cross-country trips take a lot of planning and preparation. Here are some tips that have personally helped in my travels that might make your journey a little easier and more fun!
Get a good map (I recommend the Road Atlas), whether that’s physical or digital. I like having a traditional map with me because I can visually see where my general route is going to be. Circle each place you want to go with a pencil and see if any routes are marked as scenic. This will help you make the most out of your trip, most of which will be spent on the road. Remember that while it’s good to plan out every detail of your trip, leaving some room for spontaneity will lead to pleasant surprises along the way!
Check each state’s policy on vaccination and COVID regulations. Some municipalities may not allow you to enter restaurants, sports venues, or theatres without proof of vaccination.
Pack lightly while having enough for any emergencies. It’s pretty easy to buy most of what you need on the road, but it’s always best to be prepared. I would take the following extras on my trip:
Also Read: The Best Road Trip Food Ideas: 46 Delicious Meals & Snacks
Get your car serviced and checked by a trusted mechanic; you want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape for the long trip ahead. Change the air filters and check the fluid levels. It’s also important to ensure your tires are balanced and have sufficient tread. Always make sure your spare tire is in good condition in case of a breakdown.
Remain flexible — things won’t always go as planned! Weather might not cooperate and sometimes you’ll see something more interesting along the way. It’s good to have a general route to follow and be spontaneous along the way.
Stop frequently, but not too frequently! This gives you a chance to stretch your legs and take in the scenery, which you can easily miss when it whizzes past your car windows. You can also grab a snack from a local shop and just enjoy being present wherever you
Hope this covers you all for all that you need for an amazing road trip across the US!
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