The idea of a road trip… it just makes sense. The freedom, the promise of adventure, the freedom to drive—it’s not easy. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who’s always dreamed of traveling across the country, a road trip is the ultimate way to see the United States because you get to experience the country firsthand, witness the changing scenery, and see sights you never imagined.
Here’s a 10 must visit US road trips from coast to coast and some of the highlights in between. It’s not just the “must see”, it’s all the unique moments that make a trip memorable.
1. New York City, NY
Because it’s New York! It’s like the hub of everything, and getting started here makes your journey a pre-trip powerhouse. And there’s just so much to do in so little space. NYC isn’t just about the touristy Times Square or the hidden gems of the East Village.
What You Can’t Miss?
- Central Park: YES, it’s that obvious, but spend an hour just walking around. It’s an ideal break from the city’s constant activity.
- The High Line: An amusement park on a former railway spur. It’s bizarre, but cool, and you have awesome vistas.
- Pizza: Get a slice from a random corner shop. You’ll be amazed at its success.
2. Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC is a couple hours south of NYC, but a totally different vibe. Less bustling but full of history, museums and monuments. And you get to see the big stuff for free, which is perfect if you’re driving low on cash.
What You Can’t Miss?
- The National Mall: You’ve seen it on television. It is a long way to walk it, and well worth the effort.
- Smithsonian Museums: They’re all here, and they’re free. If you’re a history buff, start with the National Museum of American History or the Air and Space Museum.
- Monuments at Night: The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument slam differently at night.
3. Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC
Now that we’ve seen two cities it’s time for the outdoors. Smoky Mountains are like fresh air, literally. All hills and mist and country roads. Great for slowing things down.
What You Can’t Miss?
- Clingmans Dome: The summit of the park. You can drive all the way up, and then hike up for some spectacular views.
- Cades Cove: A gondola valley where you might see deer or black bears (be careful though).
- Trails: Plenty, from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes. If you’re not an avid hiker, take a short path just for the quietness.
4. Nashville, TN
From the mountains to Nashville, the vibe morphs. This stop is all about music, food, and joking. Even if you’re not into country, you’ll probably fall for Nashville’s live music scene.
What You Can’t Miss?
- Live Music: Take a walk down Broadway at night. Every bar has live bands and it’s not a fancy or expensive thing — they have everyone from up-and-coming bands to established bands.
- Hot Chicken: Hot, messy, and good. Just trust me.
- The Johnny Cash Museum: You don’t have to be a fan of Johnny Cash, but it’s fascinating. The place is small but crammed full of goodies.
5. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans feels like a different place. It’s a whole different culture, the food, the music, than anywhere else you’ve been. You can walk around the city and take it all in.
What You Can’t Miss?
- French Quarter: Yeah, it’s touristy, but also nice. Its structure is unique in the United States.
- Beignets at Café du Monde: Fried doughnuts dipped in powdered sugar are legendary.
- Jazz on the Street: There are many, but there are a few spots that are cool here that are a bit less tumultuous than Bourbon Street.
6. Austin, TX
Austin is a very different place than any part of Texas. You’ll find it chill, artsy, and uber “weird” culture. The food is good, there’s a lot of music and some cool places to hang out outside.
What You Can’t Miss?
- Food Trucks: The food trucks are mad. From tacos to donuts.
- Barton Springs Pool: A spring-fed natural swimming hole. It’s right in the heart of town, but feels like a haven.
- Live Music: Austin is all about it. Go check out a little store, walk around downtown, you never know what’s going on.
7. Grand Canyon, AZ
You’ve seen pictures of the Grand Canyon, but it’s different to actually see it. The sheer volume of it is difficult to comprehend.
What You Can’t Miss?
South Rim: It’s the best-kept secret, but for a good reason — you see the classics.
Walking: Even if you are not a skilled hiker, some of the shorter, easy trails allow you to wander a bit deeper into the canyon.
Sunrise or Sunset: The light alters everything. Do not miss one while you’re there.
8. Las Vegas, NV
Vegas is one of those places you must visit at least once. It’s crazy, messy, and almost too ridiculous, but that’s part of the point. If you don’t like to gamble, there’s plenty to do.
What You Can’t Miss?
- The Strip: Just going down the Strip at night is an experience. The lights, the noise, the drunkenness, it’s all part of the experience.
- Free Events: The Bellagio fountains, the Mirage volcano, you can see it all for free.
- Visit Red Rock Canyon for a day: If you need to get out of the heat, Red Rock Canyon is just outside the city and has some beautiful desert scenery.
9. Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite is one of those places where everything feels like a picture. The waterfalls, the giant sequoias, the cliff-top granite—it all seems magical.
What You Can’t Miss?
- Yosemite Valley: The heart of the park, home to landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome.
- Glacier Point: The vista is among the best in the park, and you can drive up most of the way.
- Waterfalls: If you go in the spring, you’ll find waterfalls galore. Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest in North America.
10. San Francisco, CA
Ending your journey in San Francisco just feels good. There is something distinctively modern about the city – its hills, its neighborhoods, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
What You Can’t Miss?
- The Golden Gate Bridge: You’ve seen it on film, you’ve seen it in person. You can cycle across it if you have time.
- Alcatraz: The infamous prison-turned-tourist attraction. I mean, it’s kind of creepy, but it’s interesting.
- Chinatown: The oldest and largest in the U.S., and a great spot to eat and stroll around.
Wrapping Up
So that’s it—10 stops from NYC all the way to San Francisco. This is not a checkbox trip, but a trip that allows you to experience the vastness and beauty of the US in a way that only a road trip can. And whether you take this path or make your own version, all you really need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
Final Tip: Don’t over-plan. Be prepared for unexpected stops, sidetrips, and surprise encounters. Here is where the best memories arise.
