Dreaming of a great USA road trip? Need some inspiration to get you started? I’ve got you! Here are tried and tested road trip ideas covering various regions of the US and a broad range of interests from a music-lovers route through Tennessee and Alabama, to the natural wonders of Wyoming’s premiere National Parks. These USA road trip ideas cover each US region’s best sights and experiences.
Disclosure: I may earn compensation from the purchase of any product or service linked on this website, at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I use and love, therefore feel comfortable recommending.
Summer USA road trip ideas
10-day grizzlies to glaciers Alaska by road route
Summer is the season to experience the wild, rugged and diverse beauty of America’s 49th U.S. State. Steal this 10-day Alaska road trip itinerary showcasing the landscapes and wildlife that make Alaska such a special destination. While Alaska is far from the cheapest North American destination, this road trip will not fail to leave you awestruck. See grizzly bears in the wild; flightsee around North America’s highest peak; kayak to the foot of a glacier and more!
4-day Olympic Peninsula summer road trip loop
Olympic National Park will take you from mountain peaks to driftwood-scattered beaches. This Pacific Northwest gem is consistently one of the United States’ most visited National Parks and for good reason. Take 4-days (or more) to explore this great Park and the surrounding Olympic Peninsula in Washington State with this highlights itinerary. While there are things to do in Olympic National Park at all times of the year, the warm summer months will give you access to the furthest corners, highest trails and best beach weather.
8-day lobster roll round New England road trip
Covering 5 States in 8 days, this is the express route to the highlights of New England. Beginning in Boston we track this gorgeous coastline up through Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Tag the very bottom of Maine before turning back southwards to cover Rhode Island and Connecticut. There is a suggested add-on to New York for those interested in visiting the site of Woodstock music festival (which was not held in the town of Woodstock, FYI). See the detailed New England itinerary here.
Fall USA road trips
10-day iconic Californian National Parks road trip itinerary
This 10-day itinerary packages the best of California’s extreme landscapes and most famous cities into a wanderlust-worthy road trip. Beginning in LA, this route will lead you to every Modernist’s favourite resort town, Palm Springs. Continuing through the sizzling Mojave Desert to Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley. Then, gain some altitude in the Sierra Nevada, to seek out Giant Sequoias and hiking bliss in Yosemite. The itinerary finishes up in San Francisco for some fun historical and cultural sightseeing. Go in early Fall to straddle the best weather conditions across all the Parks.
9-day Utah Mighty-5 National Park discovery
Utah is extraordinarily blessed with outstanding desert landscapes. Whether you’re a nature photographer, outdoors enthusiast, geology geek or Plein air artist, Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks have something for you! With five astounding National Parks so close together, you can cover them all in a mere 9-day road trip out of Las Vegas. Given the desert climate, early to mid autumn is a great time to explore. Go before Thanksgiving, as most tourist infrastructure closes from then, throughout the winter.
8-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park road trip
Take 8 days to meander your way through two of America’s most iconic National Parks. This road trip guide will help you construct a custom itinerary that includes the bucket list-worthy sights such as Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. There is a bonus add-on to explore Golden Spike National Historic Site and Spiral Jetty, for those travelling via Salt Lake City. Wyoming’s premiere National Parks are busy in the summer, so aim for early Fall.
5-days Washington State road trip 3-ways
Traverse the diverse ecosystems of Washington State, one of three ways, with these scenic driving routes. You can even combine two into a roundtrip. Travel from Seattle to Spokane via spectacular mountain passes, majestic river gorges, vineyards, historic sites and small towns packed with personality. Go in the late spring or early fall, when mountain snow is low and eastern Washington temps are more moderate.
10-days Nevada to New Mexico road adventure
Experience the best of the American Southwest on this 10-day road trip from the lights of Las Vegas to the adobe streets of Santa Fe. Check off bucket list icons including the Grand Canyon, Route 66 and Monument Valley as you travel across 5-States: Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. Mid to late Fall and early Spring are nice, temperate times to travel these epic desertscapes.
Winter USA road trip ideas
14-day Florida’s Sushine State highlights road trip
Warm up with this road trip itinerary that guides you on a 2-week excursion around the best the Sunshine State has to offer. The highlight-stuffed itinerary includes swimming with manatees at Crystal River; the little known Dali Museum in St Petes; air boating in the Everglades; Hemingway’s home in Key West; the South Beach art deco district; a visit to NASA at Cape Canaveral; and St Augustine’s historic sights.
9-day Oregon loop road trip
Winter may seem like an unlikely time to hit up the Pacific Northwest. However, given it’s relatively moderate climate (rain rather than snow) and low season absence of crowds (not to mention lower prices), winter works out pretty nicely for this Oregon road trip itinerary. Pack your waterproof outerwear and your rain boots, to spend some time by the dramatic Oregon coast. Then circle inland for high desert fun and blue skies.
2-day Californian Redwood forests road trip
Explore the astounding redwood forests of northern California, with our weekend-sized itinerary. This 2-day, mini road trip will take you through the highlights of Redwoods National and State Parks, home to some of the world’s tallest trees. In winter, you ask? Absolutely! Seeing these stunning groves of trees in damp, misty weather only adds to the beauty and mistique.
Spring USA road trips
7-day Phoenix to El Paso road adventure
There’s no better way to soak up the American Southwest’s expansive landscapes than hitting the road. This Arizona to Texas route is packed with unique sights, local flavours and National Parks. This journey offers the best of both natural and cultural sights for all types of interests. Follow our guide and map out your desert adventure from Phoenix to El Paso here. If you want to catch the stunning Saguaro cacti blooming, it’s best to hit the road between April and June.
4-day Badlands & Black Hills, South Dakota road trip
This 4-day South Dakota itinerary is perfect for an extra long weekend trip. Uncover the secret sauce of this underrated Midwest destination! From Mt Rushmore National Monument and Crazy Horse Memorial, to Badlands and Wind Cave National Parks. Plus, if you follow our South Dakota itinerary, you’ll visit the grave of Calamity Jane; find the mythical Jackalopes of Wall Drug; and marvel at mammoth skeletons at an active paleontological site!
6-day Memphis to Nashville music-lover’s route
Audiophiles will love this 6-day route from Memphis to Nashville via Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This music-led itinerary covers highlights of the region from Sun Studios, Beale St and Elvis Presley’s Graceland, to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Non-musical highlights include the National Civil Rights Museum, historic Jack Daniels Distillery and Helen Keller’s Home. Whew! That’s a whole lot packed into a week-long wander – find the full itinerary here. Go in the late spring, before the summer humidity sets in.
Do any of these great USA road trip ideas take your fancy? Let us know in the comments below.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
