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Road Trips USA: Explore Cities, National Parks & Stunning Coastlines
Dear travelers, have you ever dreamed of the endless freedom of highways? Picture yourself grilling under the stars in the middle of a stunning landscape, waking up to a sunrise that even Photoshop couldn’t enhance.
Given the vast size of our country — the USA is the third-largest country in the world — the best road trips in America focus on specific regions, such as the West Coast, New England, or the Deep South. If you plan to visit the entire country, even without Alaska and Hawaii, you should set aside at least six months.
Best Road Trips In USA: Where Should You Go?
To make the most of your bucket-list adventure, pick a region that interests you and focus on one or two states. Don’t underestimate the size of America — speed limits are strict, usually 65 mph, so travel times may be longer than expected.
Here are some of the best road trips in USA:
Classic West Coast Road Trip – Drive along Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, then head to Las Vegas.
Wild West Adventure – Explore Arizona and New Mexico with stops at breathtaking national parks.
Northeast Road Trip – Discover historic cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, plus the stunning fall foliage of New England.
Florida Road Trip – Visit Miami, the Florida Keys, and theme parks in Orlando.
East Coast Explorer – Travel from New York to Washington, D.C., then visit Niagara Falls.
Southern Charm Tour – Follow the Mississippi River to New Orleans and tour historic plantations.
Essential Tips for Planning Your USA Road Trip
Self-Guided vs. Organized
If you’re not confident in your driving skills, a guided bus tour might be a good option. However, this is one of the best countries for a self-drive road trip. The infrastructure is designed for cars, with plenty of motels, hotels, and charming B&Bs along the way.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Plan as much time as possible. One of the best classic road trips in California alone takes at least two weeks. Even seemingly short distances — like San Francisco to Los Angeles — often require an overnight stop. The same goes for Florida if you plan to drive all the way to Key West.
Beach Vacations
If you want to combine your USA road trip with a beach getaway, Florida and road trips in California are top choices. For budget-friendly beaches, consider Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.
Beach Vacations
If you want to combine your USA road trip with a beach getaway, Florida and road trips in California are top choices. For budget-friendly beaches, consider Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.
Discovering the USA and Experiencing Unforgettable Moments
With so many exciting tours and routes to explore, here’s one important piece of advice: Don’t overplan your first road trip through the USA! One thing is certain — you’ll be so fascinated by the land that you’ll definitely want to come back to discover even more regions.
Tips for Finding Hotels
When searching for hotels during your road trip, be sure to check out hotwire.com (part of Expedia). This platform offers “mystery hotel” deals along your route, where you’ll see details such as category, neighborhood, included amenities and, most importantly—ratings—before booking.
Don’t be confused by the star ratings on Hotwire. Even a Hilton hotel may only show up with 3.5 stars. Also, the comparison with listed hotels on Expedia doesn’t always match. Instead, look at the suggested hotel chains to get a better idea of what to expect.
Avoid hotels rated below 2.5 stars — these are often basic motels or budget accommodations. The price difference compared to booking a known hotel in advance is usually too small to justify the blind booking risk.
For hotels in the 2.5 to 3.5-star range, you can typically save 30–70% compared to direct bookings. In most cases, you’ll end up in a well-known American hotel chain. You’ll receive the hotel’s name and address as soon as you complete the booking. Keep in mind that these reservations are non-refundable and require immediate payment by credit card.
Exploring the USA by Car or Camper
With its diverse landscapes and exciting cities, the USA offers endless opportunities for adventure. The best way to experience this vast country is by car, or if you have a recreational vehicle (RV), that’s even better.
Car or RV? What’s the Better Choice?
The decision between a car and an RV depends on your travel style. If you plan to visit many national parks and natural landmarks, an RV can be a cost-effective and flexible alternative to hotels. Especially during high season, finding available hotels near national parks can be difficult, whereas campgrounds tend to be more accessible.
However, in terms of driving comfort, a car is usually the better option, especially in cities or on mountain roads. Additionally, the sleeping comfort in an RV is often lower than in a hotel.
Example USA Road Trip Routes
Want some inspiration for your USA road trip? Here are two example routes to get you started!
USA Route No. 1 (City & Nature Mix)
📍 Chicago → Cleveland → Pittsburgh → Washington, D.C. → Philadelphia → New York City → Niagara Falls → Toronto → Detroit → Chicago
USA Route No. 2 (West Coast Adventure)
📍 Los Angeles → San Diego → Joshua Tree National Park & Route 66 → Grand Canyon National Park → Las Vegas → Death Valley National Park → Yosemite National Park → San Francisco → Highway 1
Each route offers a unique mix of urban experiences, scenic landscapes, and cultural highlights.
Must-See Highlights
The USA is packed with landmarks and scenic attractions. While it’s impossible to list them all, here are some must-see destinations to consider for your road trip:
🌆 New York City – The iconic metropolis
🏛️ Washington, D.C. – History, museums, and monuments
🌊 Niagara Falls – Stunning waterfalls on the Canada–USA border
🎢 Orlando – Theme park paradise
🏝️ Florida’s West Coast – Tropical beaches
🎶 Memphis, Nashville & New Orleans – Music capitals of the USA
🛣️ Route 66 – The legendary American highway
🏜️ Grand Canyon – One of the world’s greatest natural wonders
🏞️ National Parks – Yellowstone, Yosemite, and more
Other Must-Sees
1. Los Angeles
There’s not much to say about the City of Angels — thanks to movies and TV, it’s already well-known. People either love or hate Los Angeles, but no matter your opinion, it’s a city that should be experienced at least once.
Nobody dares to go home without a selfie in front of the Hollywood Sign. The coastal areas of Santa Monica and Venice are known for their extravagant vibes. And a cruise down Sunset Boulevard is a must, even if it’s often more of a stop-and-go than a smooth ride. Don’t miss your personal moment with the icon of your youth on the Walk of Fame!
2. San Diego
“California Dreaming” should be playing on your car radio right now — feel free to help it along! On this road trip, San Diego marks the second of the three major Pacific Coast cities in California. This young and vibrant city often makes you feel like you’re already in Mexico — Spanish is widely spoken, even though it’s not the official language.
No surprise, considering you can take the trolley all the way to the Mexican border from here. But honestly, that trip isn’t really worth it. Instead, the San Diego Zoo is far more interesting. As one of the first zoos worldwide, it replaced cages and bars with spacious enclosures made of plexiglass, allowing animals more freedom and privacy. The zoo also plays a major role in wildlife conservation, especially for giant pandas.
3. Joshua Tree Nationalpark
The next two days will be all about the road. Key stops include the fascinating cactus park at Joshua Tree and the historic Route 66 in Kingman. Expect to fill up your SD card with photos once again tonight!
4. Grand Canyon National Park
We’re getting closer to the Grand Canyon. However, many visitors find that after seeing so many photos of it, it doesn’t seem as gigantic in real life. If you feel a bit underwhelmed, try an early morning hike into the canyon through the mist — it’s a completely different experience.
If you plan to hike back up the same day, make sure you are a seasoned hiker and have the right gear. Sadly, tourists often underestimate their abilities and the forces of nature, leading to fatal accidents. The elevation difference between the rim and the valley is around 4,265 feet. While it may be below freezing in the morning at the top, temperatures in the valley can hit 86°F or higher. There are no last-minute accommodations available at the bottom, so unless you have a reservation, you’ll have to hike back up.
5. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is much more than just America’s gambling capital. These days, casinos can be found all over, so the city’s leaders have long been looking for new ways to keep tourism alive. A trip here is indeed listed as one of the best road trips in America.
Nowhere else in the world offers such an incredible selection of luxury hotels at surprisingly low prices, along with buffet restaurants where you can feast like a gourmet for very little money. Multiple outlet malls compete with the shopping malls along the Strip. Hotel pools rival Mediterranean resorts, and many visitors now barely step into a casino except when walking from the lobby to their room.
The nightlife here is unmatched. Some of the world’s best clubs can be found in Vegas, while the classic attractions of Old Las Vegas have largely faded into the background.
6. Death Valley National Park
One of the most unusual national parks in North America is Death Valley. You’ll quickly understand the name, even in October! This is home to both the hottest and lowest points in the USA. Be sure to stock up on food, water, and fuel before entering. The prices inside the park are only meant for emergencies.
7. Yosemite National Park
Until late fall, you can cross the Sierra Nevada via the Tioga Pass. In winter, you’ll need to take a detour if you want to reach Yosemite National Park. This is a pit stop in all the best road trips in America.
Yosemite is famous for its waterfalls, though they are at their most spectacular in spring. If you’re in good shape, consider the Glacier Point loop hike, which passes by the waterfalls (where you can cool off in summer) before returning to the valley. It’s a 12-mile hike, but absolutely worth it — plus, you’ll escape the crowds of tourists.
8. San Francisco
Everyone has their own mental image of San Francisco, whether it’s the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, or the iconic cable cars. Plan to spend at least two days in what many consider the most beautiful city.
Unfortunately, you can’t drive an RV down Lombard Street, but you can watch others attempt it! If you want to visit Alcatraz, don’t wait too long to book tickets — the highly recommended evening tour sells out quickly.
9. Highway #1
From San Francisco to Los Angeles, you have two options: the fast Interstate or one of the world’s most scenic drives—Highway 1. Enjoy the stunning ocean views before your Southwest USA road trip, unfortunately, comes to an end.
USA Driving Rules
Speed limits: Always adhere to the posted speed limits. Even a small excess can result in fines of several hundred dollars.
Driving under the influence: Although driving under the influence is strictly forbidden, there is a legal limit, which varies depending on the state.
Passing and overtaking: In areas with poor visibility, overtaking is prohibited. Outside of built-up areas, you may overtake cars on multi-lane roads on the right.
School buses: Do not pass a stopped school bus with flashing warning lights, even when approaching from the opposite direction.
Headlights: Many states require headlights to be turned on when it rains.
4-way stops: At 4-way intersections, all vehicles must come to a complete stop; the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way.
During police stops, remain seated in the vehicle, open your window, keep your hands visible on the steering wheel, and follow the officer’s instructions. If you break down, contact AAA at 1-800-222-4357.
Is Extra Insurance Worth It?
If you plan to rent a car instead of using your own, all necessary insurance should already be included with your prior reservation. Not that insurance coverage is void if you drive on unpaved roads; with RVs, off-road driving is completely prohibited.
Usually, car rental agreements confirm a vehicle category rather than a specific model. The rental company reserves the right to provide you with a higher-category vehicle at no extra charge. Often, you will be offered an upgrade to a higher category during the rental process — do not agree to this, as it can incur very high costs.
When renting a car, a deposit is required. This amount is typically blocked on your credit card at the time of rental and released upon returning the vehicle. For rentals of two weeks or more, the deposit is often actually charged to your card and then credited back after you return the vehicle.
Parking During Road Trips USA
When parking, keep in mind that outside city limits, you are not allowed to stop or park on the road. In emergencies, you must remove your vehicle from the roadway. Colored curb markings indicate parking restrictions:
Red: No stopping at all.
Yellow/Black: Loading zones.
White: Parking is allowed for up to five minutes during business hours.
Green: Parking is allowed for up to ten minutes.
Blue: Designated as handicapped parking.
Of course, you should never park in front of fire hydrants, bus stops, or driveways.
Gas Stations & Related Tips
Fuel prices for gasoline and diesel are comparatively low, and gas stations are widespread. However, when traveling in less populated areas, even if your tank is half full, it’s wise to fill up — and always refuel in a timely manner.
Many small mom-and-pop gas stations may not accept credit cards. When refueling, either leave your credit card at the cashier before you pump or pay the amount in cash upfront. If you plan to venture into sparsely populated areas such as desert regions, always carry an adequate supply of water for your own safety in case of a breakdown.
Now you’ve got the low down, so it’s time to hit the road. Check out our road trip vacations and money-saving guide to cheap trips on the road. West Coast or East Coast — we’ve got you covered!
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