14 best road trips in the USA recommended by travel experts

The United States of America is....a HUGE place. Some states are even bigger than actual countries! So it's always confused me on why so many American travelers shake their head at domestic travel. As if the US isn't incredibly diverse in both landscape and culture. In fact, the best road trips in the USA are some of the best in the WORLD.

I'm here to tell y'all to TRAVEL THE USA! And for those who love road trips, it's one of the best countries to do it in - no passport required! These travel experts have rounded up some of the coolest states to have the best road trips in the USA!

If you're worried about safety, especially for marginalized communities, a few simple road trip safety tips to keep in mind is to fill up your tank in high traffic areas during the day and always have an offline map downloaded as well as a physical map in case of any gadget malfunctions.

Land Acknowledgement

The USA exists because the land itself was stolen from Indigenous Nations. Until that injustice is rectified, land acknowledgements are the simplest nod of respect for the Indigenous land we all live and travel on. However, in the context of an entire state, Native American/First Nation/Indigenous culture is NOT a monolith and there are thousands of different Nations, tribes, bands, and groups that have resided in what are now states and provinces and they didn't all have clear cut boundaries like we envision today.

To deepen your knowledge on Indigenous culture in the Americas, or specifically what is now the USA, try reading books by Native American authors. These books can offer a unique and authentic perspective into the communities represented. Just a few great organizations to donate to are PWNA and NICCA, but you should look into the local grassroot organizations in your area as well.

South Dakota

By Nicole from Suitcase and a Map

South Dakota just might be the perfect state for one of the best road trips in the USA! Visiting South Dakota during the first weeks of June is a great time to go. It won't be too hot and you'll beat the mid/late Summer crowds. If you aren't able to visit in early June, September is another great time to go for the crisp autumn air and foliage!

Starting in Sioux Falls, a visit to Falls Park is a must. If you enjoyed reading the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder or even just watched Little House on the Prairie, visit the Ingalls Homestead. Badlands National Park is an amazing cross between being on the surface of Mars and being surrounded by sandcastles!

Naturally, a visit to South Dakota wouldn't quite be complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore. In contrast, Dignity of Earth and Sky, a steel statue, is another incredible roadside stop. The statue offers visitors a chance to learn more about South Dakota's Native American community (specifically the women of the Lakota and Dakota Nations) and decolonize the state's history at the free onsite museum!

If you enjoy reading or watching anything related to the Wild West, then make plans to stop in Deadwood! Go inside and see the alleged chair where Wild Bill was sitting when he was shot by Jack McCall. Afterward, drive to Mount Moriah Cemetery to see where Seth Bullock, Wild Bill, and Calamity Jane are buried.

Wyoming

By Laura from Live Adventure Travel

There is no denying it, Wyoming is the ideal US state for a road trip. The journey will take drivers through National Parks, Regional Forests and stunning countrysides.

Spend 2 or 3 days checking out Yellowstone's famous geysers, hot springs, and hiking trails. The National Park is home to some of America’s most iconic landmarks such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Only a short drive from Yellowstone lies the less famous, yet equally as beautiful Grand Teton. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are the perfect road trip combination because both parks are very close to each other. Spend a day or two checking out Grand Tetons wildlife, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountain range.

The final stop on this Wyoming road trip leaves us in Jackson Hole. This perfect little cowboy town is just a short distance from Grand Teton National Park. The town is known for its adventure sports and town square shootout performances. Plus, it's the perfect ending to a Wyoming road trip!

Maine

By Diana from In Between Pictures

Spring and summer are both excellent seasons to visit Maine, but they can't match the vibrant fall foliage. Visit in September for sunny days and milder temperatures or in October for the foliage peak season.

But what makes Maine one of the best road trips in the USA? Besides charming old towns, you don’t even need to get out of your car to admire Maine’s beauty! The Pine Tree State has four byways for you to enjoy – which offers some of the most scenic drives in the country. Whether you choose Schoodic National Scenic Byway or the Acadia All-American Road, you are in for a treat!

Let’s not forget, Maine is the capital of Lighthouses! There are over 60 lighthouses along the coast that you can check out on your road trip. Maine is also renowned for its incredibly fresh lobster and oyster – which you cannot miss – and their oh-so-delicious blueberry pie! No matter where you are in the state, make sure to try the local cuisine!

For a week-long trip, make sure to visit Camden, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Bold Coast on your loop around the state!

Vermont

By Karen from Outdoor Adventure Sampler and Amy from New England with Love

Vermont is tucked away in New England, in the far northeast corner of the United States. This region is known for some pretty intense winters, so if it's snow you're after, Vermont will provide. But the best times to take a road trip in Vermont are in the early summer and in the fall. Easily, fall road trips in Vermont will make it your favorite state in the country. However, local food noshing or hiking in the summer or a Vermont winter ski season are hard to beat too.

However, there are so many things to see and do in Vermont. On your road trip, visit the cities of Burlington, Manchester, and Stowe. Burlington is the state's biggest city, and a hip and artsy place known for its craft beer, progressive attitude, and delicious farm-to-table food. Speaking of beer, Vermont has the highest number of craft breweries per capita of any state.

As you drive north through the scenic Winooski River Valley, admire the stunning views of Camel’s Hump, the state’s second-highest mountain. Make sure to stop at Ben and Jerry’s in Waterbury for a taste and tour about Vermont’s most iconic ice cream.

Stowe is nestled right in Vermont's most beautiful mountains. It is a perfect, charming small village that will give you the true Vermont experience. Finally, on your way south to Manchester, Vermont, you can opt for Route 100, one of the most scenic roadways in Vermont!

Virginia

By Lindsay from I've Been Bit

With the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, the Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail, and many more, Virginia is one of the best road trips in the USA! While most visitors flock to the eastern side of Virginia, start your journey by checking out the amazing gems that await you on the western side. If you’re looking for a memorable adventure, you don’t want to miss this epic Virginia road trip along the I-81!

What makes this route so amazing? It’s got something for everyone! Start in the town of Bristol where you’ll find the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. And you can have one foot in both Virginia and Tennessee at the same time as the state line runs right through town! As you head north, you’ll find plenty of cultural icons like the Barter Theater in Abingdon! You will also glimpse the incredible views from the Big Walker Lookout just outside of Wytheville. And if your timing is right, you can catch the Friday Night Jamboree in Floyd which attracts visitors from all over the world!

However, the nature of Virginia will keep you coming back for more! Specifically, Back of the Dragon near Tazewell County, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the incredible Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park will leave you breathless.

Hawai'i (Big Island)

By Noel from This Hawai'i Life

A road trip around the Big Island of Hawai'i is the perfect way to enjoy all of the fantastic attractions around the island. From Kona, you can base yourself there for a few days to see local attractions. Some easy day trips include driving the west side of the island and visiting Polulu Valley, historic western towns like Kapa'au and Hawi, or checking out the historic Heaui at Pu'ukohola - the stone temple built by Kamehameha that foretold his being the first king of Hawai'i after building this magnificent temple.

After staying in Kona, take a drive along the south road passing through some world-famous coffee plantations for a tour! You will also pass through another historic national park called the Place of Refuge or Puuhonoa o Honaunau.

Base your stay next in Volcano Village while you explore Volcanoes National Park. End your Big Island road trip in the town of Hilo, where you can enjoy small beaches and historic farmer's markets. If you're a fan of chasing waterfalls, you can hit up Akaka Falls and the stunning Hamakua coastline. Plus, the Big Island is family-friendly as well!

Or, hit up some of the other islands - Relax on the romantic beaches of Maui or settle down for some amazing Kauai sunsets!

Oregon

By Tiana from Passport of Memories

Oregon is such an underrated state, but is one of the best road trips in the USA! so now is the perfect time to get out and discover all its beauty! Aim to visit either in the late spring or early fall - specifically the beginning of November boasts amazing weather with bright for fall foliage and without all of the crowds!

Start at the quirky capital city, Portland, for at least a few days. Portland is a foodie city, so there is no shortage of amazing eateries by world-renowned chefs from all over the world. Once you've had your fill of Portland, head east towards the Colombia River Gorge, where the real magic of Oregon begins! You will find hundreds of amazing trails and unreal waterfalls! The most iconic of which is Multnomah Falls, only a short paved walk from the parking lot.

And don't forget the Oregon coast! If you are a fan of The Goonies, pass through the small town of Astoria, where the movie was filmed! From there, drive down Highway 1 that weaves through forests and hugs the dramatic cliffs of the coast. Plus, you'll come across dozens of charming small towns such as Gearhart, Seaside, Tillamook!

You can head all the way down to Brookings, Oregon at the southwest corner, or turn around midway in Yachats. If you have extra time, complete the loop by passing through Bend and stopping by Smith Rock State Park and Crater Lake National Park, Oregon's only National Park!

Washington

By Marissa from Postcards to Seattle

Washington is one of the most scenic states in the country, and one of the best road trips in the USA due to its diversity. Start on the west coast of the state, on the Olympic Peninsula. You'll be able to see the Pacific Ocean and enjoy walking (and camping!) on the beach.

Olympic National Park is also located here, featuring waterfalls, the largest rainforest in the Pacific Northwest, relaxing hot springs, and thousands of hiking trails. Plus, Forks, Washington is close by for all of your Twihards!

The central part of the state is amazing to sample Washington's food and beverages. Stay in Seattle as a home base while you tour the nearby areas! Most of the state's wine and beer come from this region as well, and the cities of Yakima or Wenatchee are great pitstops for tastings.

The eastern part of the state is where you'll want to go to enjoy the warm weather. End your trip in the southeast corner in Walla Walla to experience Washington's more desert-like landscape!

Florida

By Lori from Travelin' Mad

North Florida has the woodsy terrain of the Deep South, mixed with deep Spanish colonial roots and gorgeous sugar sand beaches of the Emerald Coast along the Florida Panhandle. Check out the state capital of Tallahassee, then head east to the Atlantic beaches and St. Augustine, the oldest city in America.

Central Florida may be known for its iconic theme park Disney World, but there is so much more for road trippers to explore. From Orlando, head east to Daytona, home of the Daytona Speedway, and tour Cape Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast! You can also find an abundance of opportunities to frolic in nature, from kayaking in crystal clear springs, swimming with manatees, and even catching a mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Spring!

Further south, the weather in Florida turns hot, and you can bask in the tropical vibe any time of year. Head south on A1A from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami and experience Latin food and culture like nowhere else in the country. One of the most famous road trips — from Miami to Key West — explores the colorful Conch Republic. For a quieter beach setting, head to southwest Florida for world-class shelling on Sanibel Island and exploring the vast wilderness of Everglades National Park.

Georgia

By Lara from Both Feet On The Road

The best seasons to visit Georgia would be fall and spring. These are the dryer months, with pleasant warm temperature. Summers can get quite warm and humid in Georgia. Some must-stops on a road trip through Georgia include Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, (at least!) one of the Barrier Islands, and The North Georgia Mountains.

In Atlanta, you will get the ultimate big city experience, while admiring the skyline and visiting some of the major highlights of the city such as the Coca Cola factory, the CNN building, and the Aquarium. For a slower pace, Athens is home to the University of Georgia and is a classic University town.

Savannah is one of the prettiest small cities in the US, and another underrated gem in terms of exploring America's rich history and culture. And lastly, a visit to the North Georgia Mountains to explore beautiful nature and waterfalls! Before you hit the roads in Georgia there are some rules to keep in mind. Georgia has a slowpoke law, meaning that you can be pulled over for driving too slow!

Texas

By Kate from Our Escape Clause

If you have a week or more to road trip Texas, there is an enormous concentration of excellent places to visit in Texas in and around central Texas, including Austin (the live music capital of the world), San Antonio (home of the Alamo), Fredericksburg and Dripping Springs (Texas wine country), Corpus Christi (home of the late beloved Selena), and New Braunfels (a popular place to float the river in Texas).

If you’d prefer to check out west Texas, consider admiring the art installations in Marfa, as well as exploring both of Texas’ national parks (Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Big Bend National Park). In the Northwest, you can find the second-largest canyon in the USA at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Plus, Ennis, just outside of Dallas, has incredible bluebonnets in the spring.

When planning a Texas road trip, keep in mind that there are a lot of wide open spaces in Texas, and that the state is bigger than all of western Europe combined! Unless you have months, there is no way you can cover all of Texas on a single trip, so plan ahead and try to choose locations that are semi-close together.

Also, fair warning: Texas drivers love to go fast, so pay careful attention as you go!

Arizona

By Constance from The Adventures of Panda Bear

The beauty of Arizona makes it easily one of the best road trips in the USA. Arizona is home to some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the country, including a handful of the most famous national parks such as Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Saguaro National Park.

Although it is not a national park, don’t forget to spend a day visiting Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in Page, Horseshoe Bend is a gorgeous view of the Colorado River and there is nothing else quite like the Instagrammable Antelope Canyon. Or you could try your luck at snagging a permit to Havasupai Falls! Aside from beautiful national parks, Arizona also has a few must-see cities. Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson are also more urban areas of Arizona, but offer fun hiking options and are great foodie towns.

The best time to visit Arizona is in the spring and fall for more moderate weather. The winters can be mild in Arizona however it does snow at certain elevations, often in Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Flagstaff. Summers can be rough in Arizona due to the intense desert heat, the temperatures are high and dehydration is definitely a risk especially when hiking in the desert.

From Monument Valley to a meteor crater, Havasu Falls and The Wave, there is so much to see in Arizona, you’ll need to make the drive out there and see all of it in real life.

Nevada

Nevada is a great state for road trippers if you’re into natural beauty, night life, and just plain ol’ weird. The best months to drive through the state are either in the Spring and Fall when the temperatures are mild.

There’s no denying that on any Nevada road trip, a stop in Viva Las Vegas is a must! Take a photo with the iconic “Las Vegas” sign, try your gambling luck on the strip, and take a peek at Old Vegas by visiting Fremont Street. One thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss is the Neon Boneyard - where all the iconic neon signs of Las Vegas’ past are stored. Or stop at the picturesque Seven Magic Mountains on your way to Red Rock Canyon!

After you get your fill of Vegas, leave the lights for the natural beauty of Nevada. Valley of Fire is a must, but temperatures are unbearable in the summer. Lake Tahoe and Great Basin National Park are Nevada are also great stops for nature lovers hitting the road.

And, if you’re into weird, you really can’t miss a visit to Tonapah, a town three hours north of Las Vegas. Why? Because it is home to the infamous Clown Motel. In case you’ve never heard of it, it’s a motel filled with clown memorabilia - right across from a graveyard, naturally. Even the rooms have framed art pieces of Pennywise!

New Mexico

By Umiko from Two Worlds Treasures

Start your trip from Albuquerque, the heart of New Mexico. Early in the morning, follow the historical trails at the Petroglyph National Monument just outside of the city. Then, escape the heat by visiting one of the many cultural museums.

Three hours southeast, you will find Alamogordo. You can sled and make a snow angel at White Sands National Park. Carlsbad Caverns National Park isn't too far away either! You could spend all day exploring the caverns, but if you only have time for one, opt for the Big Room Trail. From here, head to Tucumcuri in the northeast, the original portion of Route 66. Along the way, you'll pass through Roswell, home of New Mexico's famous UFO museum!

When you get your fill of Route 66, continue to Santa Rosa for a dive in the Blue Hole, the scuba diving capital of the southwest. From here, drive to the north-central New Mexico and spend a couple of nights in Taos. Taos is surrounded by beautiful nature and rich in Native American history and explore the Rio Grande Gorge!

You should end your New Mexico road trip in Santa Fe, the oldest and highest capital city in the U.S. Before you leave, make sure to check out Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument early in the morning.

Utah

By Jenifer from The Evolista

The diverse beauty of the Utah national parks makes it one of the best states for a US road trip. Plan at least 5 days to visit the Mighty 5 - Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks for amazing landscapes, hiking, and more. Spring and Fall are the best times to do this trip.

Arches National Park has over 2,000 arches in addition to sandstone pinnacles and interesting formations. Enjoy a range of hikes from family-friendly to the advanced Devil’s Garden Trail. Canyonlands, also in Moab, is extraordinary at dawn. Mesa Arch lights up at sunrise in a fiery orange, framing the stunning canyon below. Canyonlands is a much bigger park than Arches and you could spend days doing fun hikes, rafting and 4x4 off-road adventures.

On the drive from Moab to Bryce, stop at Capitol Reef National Park. Bryce Canyon National Park is like nothing you’ve ever seen. From the rim, the red rock hoodoo canyon is jaw-dropping.

In the top 5 most visited National parks, Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Don’t miss the Narrows, Observation Point, and Angel’s Landing if you’re not afraid of scary hikes. Whether you are new to hiking or are an experienced backpacker, Utah is a great option for all outdoor lovers!

Kay, The Awkward Traveller

The Awkward Traveller·Yahoo Creator

Learn More

Kay Kingsman is a writer and full-time silly goose. Along with being the first person to crip walk in Antarctica, Kay's writing has been featured in Forbes, Insider, Fodor’s, Viator, and more.