{"id":1090,"date":"2024-11-14T05:58:20","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T09:58:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/?p=1090"},"modified":"2024-12-03T06:43:13","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T10:43:13","slug":"the-ultimate-us-road-trip-route-10-places-you-must-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-us-road-trip-route-10-places-you-must-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate US Road Trip Route – 10 Places You Must Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The idea of a road trip… it just makes sense. The freedom, the promise of adventure, the freedom to drive\u2014it\u2019s not easy. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned traveler or someone who\u2019s always dreamed of traveling across<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a 10 must visit US road trips from coast to coast and some of the highlights in between. It\u2019s not just the “must see”, it\u2019s all the unique moments that make a trip memorable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. New York City, NY  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"New
Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Because it\u2019s New York!  It\u2019s like the hub of everything, and getting started here makes your journey a pre-trip powerhouse. And there\u2019s just so much to do in so little space. NYC isn\u2019t just about the touristy Times Square or the hidden gems of the East Village. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Central Park: <\/strong>YES, it\u2019s that obvious, but spend an hour just walking around. It\u2019s an ideal break from the city\u2019s constant activity.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The High Line: <\/strong>An amusement park on a former railway spur. It\u2019s bizarre, but cool, and you have awesome vistas.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pizza: <\/strong>Get a slice from a random corner shop. You\u2019ll be amazed at its success.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    2. Washington, D.C.  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Washington,
    Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    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\u2019re driving low on cash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • The National Mall: <\/strong>You\u2019ve seen it on television. It is a long way to walk it, and well worth the effort.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Smithsonian Museums: <\/strong>They\u2019re all here, and they\u2019re free. If you\u2019re a history buff, start with the National Museum of American History or the Air and Space Museum.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Monuments at Night: <\/strong>The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument slam differently at night.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      3. Great Smoky Mountains, TN\/NC <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"Great
      Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Now that we\u2019ve seen two cities it\u2019s time for the outdoors. Smoky Mountains are like fresh air, literally. All hills and mist and country roads. Great for slowing things down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Clingmans Dome: <\/strong>The summit of the park. You can drive all the way up, and then hike up for some spectacular views.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Cades Cove: <\/strong>A gondola valley where you might see deer or black bears (be careful though).\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Trails:<\/strong> Plenty, from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes. If you\u2019re not an avid hiker, take a short path just for the quietness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        4.  Nashville, TN  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \"Nashville,
        Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        From the mountains to Nashville, the vibe morphs. This stop is all about music, food, and joking. Even if you\u2019re not into country, you\u2019ll probably fall for Nashville\u2019s live music scene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Live Music: <\/strong>Take a walk down Broadway at night. Every bar has live bands and it\u2019s not a fancy or expensive thing \u2014 they have everyone from up-and-coming bands to established bands.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Hot Chicken: <\/strong>Hot, messy, and good. Just trust me.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • The Johnny Cash Museum: <\/strong>You don\u2019t have to be a fan of Johnny Cash, but it\u2019s fascinating. The place is small but crammed full of goodies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          5. New Orleans, LA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
          \"New
          Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          New Orleans feels like a different place. It\u2019s a whole different culture, the food, the music, than anywhere else you\u2019ve been. You can walk around the city and take it all in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • French Quarter: <\/strong>Yeah, it\u2019s touristy, but also nice. Its structure is unique in the United States.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Beignets at Caf\u00e9 du Monde: <\/strong>Fried doughnuts dipped in powdered sugar are legendary.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Jazz on the Street:<\/strong> There are many, but there are a few spots that are cool here that are a bit less tumultuous than Bourbon Street.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            6. Austin, TX  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
            \"Austin,
            Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Austin is a very different place than any part of Texas. You\u2019ll find it chill, artsy, and uber “weird” culture. The food is good, there\u2019s a lot of music and some cool places to hang out outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Food Trucks: <\/strong>The food trucks are mad. From tacos to donuts.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Barton Springs Pool: <\/strong>A spring-fed natural swimming hole. It\u2019s right in the heart of town, but feels like a haven.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Live Music:<\/strong> Austin is all about it. Go check out a little store, walk around downtown, you never know what\u2019s going on.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              7.  Grand Canyon, AZ  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              \"Grand
              Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              You\u2019ve seen pictures of the Grand Canyon, but it\u2019s different to actually see it. The sheer volume of it is difficult to comprehend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              South Rim: It\u2019s the best-kept secret, but for a good reason \u2014 you see the classics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Sunrise or Sunset: The light alters everything. Do not miss one while you\u2019re there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              8.  Las Vegas, NV  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              \"Las
              Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Vegas is one of those places you must visit at least once. It\u2019s crazy, messy, and almost too ridiculous, but that\u2019s part of the point. If you don\u2019t like to gamble, there\u2019s plenty to do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • The Strip: <\/strong>Just going down the Strip at night is an experience. The lights, the noise, the drunkenness, it\u2019s all part of the experience.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Free Events: <\/strong>The Bellagio fountains, the Mirage volcano, you can see it all for free.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Visit Red Rock Canyon for a day: <\/strong>If you need to get out of the heat, Red Rock Canyon is just outside the city and has some beautiful desert scenery.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                9.  Yosemite National Park, CA  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \"Yosemite
                Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Yosemite is one of those places where everything feels like a picture. The waterfalls, the giant sequoias, the cliff-top granite\u2014it all seems magical. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Yosemite Valley: <\/strong>The heart of the park, home to landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Glacier Point: <\/strong>The vista is among the best in the park, and you can drive up most of the way.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Waterfalls:<\/strong> If you go in the spring, you\u2019ll find waterfalls galore. Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest in North America.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  10. San Francisco, CA  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"San
                  Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Ending your journey in San Francisco just feels good. There is something distinctively modern about the city \u2013 its hills, its neighborhoods, and the Golden Gate Bridge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  What You Can\u2019t Miss?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • The Golden Gate Bridge:<\/strong> You\u2019ve seen it on film, you\u2019ve seen it in person. You can cycle across it if you have time.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Alcatraz:<\/strong> The infamous prison-turned-tourist attraction.\u00a0 I mean, it\u2019s kind of creepy, but it\u2019s interesting.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Chinatown:<\/strong> The oldest and largest in the U.S., and a great spot to eat and stroll around.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Wrapping Up <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                    \"USA
                    Credits: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    So that\u2019s it\u201410 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Final Tip: Don\u2019t over-plan.  Be prepared for unexpected stops, sidetrips, and surprise encounters. Here is where the best memories arise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    The idea of a road trip… it just makes sense. The freedom, the promise of adventure, the freedom to drive\u2014it\u2019s not easy. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned traveler or someone who\u2019s … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1102,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[589],"tags":[596,597],"class_list":["post-1090","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-and-adventure","tag-us-road-trip-route","tag-usa-road-trip-guide"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1090"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1090"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1090\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1103,"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1090\/revisions\/1103"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1102"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1090"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefriendify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}