The 15 Best Road Trip Destinations (listed in no particular order):
- Bar Harbor
- Located along Maine's Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor is best known for its beautiful coastlines and boating culture. This is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of some impressive yachts and take a peek at Maine's booming lobster fishing industry. Many islands are also visible from the coast, and this is a great spot to connect with nature and slow down.
- Glacier National Park
- Hidden amongst the Rocky Mountains in Montana, Glacier National Park is breathtakingly beautiful. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails, as well as ample space for camping, biking, and more. If you reach the center of the park, you'll find Hidden Lake tucked between glacier-carved peaks.
- Grand Canyon
- An iconic American landscape, the Grand Canyon draws people from all around the world. Located in Arizona, the canyon runs for over 277 miles and is over 10 miles wide. Tourists flock to the Grand Canyon to see the beautiful layers of red sediment that carve through the landscape.
- Grand Teton National Park
- Grand Teton is truly a hidden gem amongst the national parks. Located only 31 miles from Yellowstone, many vacationers often skip over this beauty in favor of the larger park. However, the views at Grand Teton are truly a sight to behold. There are mountains, plains, and plenty of hiking trails.
- Key West
- If a more tropical destination is what you seek, then Key West, Florida has what you're looking for! Key West is part of the Florida Keys, a subtropical island chain off the coast of Florida. Despite being on an island, Key West is perfectly driveable thanks to the Seven Mile Bridge that links it to the mainland. Bask in the sun, swim in the Gulf, and enjoy the island life in Key West.
- Lake Tahoe
- In the Sierra Nevada mountains, the beautiful freshwater Lake Tahoe straddles the border of California and Nevada. The crystal-clear lake is best known for its beaches and ski resorts. There are also plenty of hiking trails surrounding the lake and plenty of nearby natural attractions to enjoy.
- Moab
- While Utah might not immediately come to mind when considering vacation destinations, Moab is an amazing place to visit. Often regarded as a gateway to the red rock formations that lie beyond, Moab is also home to some prehistoric relics of a time long gone. In Moab, you can see dinosaur tracks, visit the museum full of artifacts, or even stroll through their dinosaur park. Moab guarantees fun and learning for all ages.
- New Orleans
- One of the most unique destinations in the US, the Big Easy has something for everyone. Stroll through the streets and admire the 18th-century architecture, grab a beignet at a local bakery, or swing on into a jazz club for some great music. The food in New Orleans is world-renowned, and their special cajun cuisine combines elements of French and African influence to create some amazing dishes. If you're lucky, you might catch a Mardi Gras parade!
- New York City
- If you're after a bright and bustling destination packed with action, then the Big Apple might be the perfect trip. In the City That Never Sleeps, you can hit the streets and ride the subway like a local, catch a Broadway show, or treat yourself to some of the nation's best shopping. There's plenty of nightlife, and you'll never have a dull moment in NYC.
- San Diego
- San Diego is a popular tourist locale because of its beautiful beaches, abundant parks, and many other attractions. The San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the world, and the USS Midway is an excellent opportunity to get close to a piece of naval history.
- San Francisco
- A cooler California destination, San Francisco boasts the postcard-worthy Golden Gate Bridge. It also is home to plenty of historical attractions, including Alcatraz. Relax by the water, tour historical sites, and maybe even catch a Golden State Warriors game in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Washington, DC
- Visiting our nation's capital is an experience all its own. There is much more to DC than meets the eye. Take a stroll through the National Mall, see the White House up close, and bask in awe of some of the greatest national monuments. The city has its own metro system to help you get around, and there are so many historical sights to behold.
- Yellowstone
- Perhaps one of the most famous National Parks, Yellowstone is home to miles and miles of hiking trails, beautiful wildlife, and a system of active geysers. With over 2.2 million acres to explore, there are days worth of adventure to be had in Yellowstone. It is also one of the best places in the nation to get up close and personal with wildlife that you can't find many other places in the US.
- Yosemite
- If you want to chase some waterfalls, Yosemite in California's Sierra Nevada mountains is the place to do it. Yosemite features over 1,200 square miles of beautiful landscapes. The national park is also home to stunning and ancient sequoia trees, which tower hundreds of feet over the terrain. There are activities to enjoy year-round and plenty of nearby lodging and campsites.
- Zion National Park
- Utah's first national park, Zion features gorgeous red cliffs and incredible views in all directions. A road winding through the park takes you on a scenic drive if hiking isn't your thing. The Virgin River flows to the Emerald Pools, which boast waterfalls and a beautiful hanging garden.
These fifteen great vacation spots require no passport and no plane ticket. With a variety of options, from fabulous beaches to incredible hiking, there is something for everyone on this list. Be sure to route the drive and see some sights along the way. Before heading out, do the necessary maintenance to ensure you won't end up broken down on a highway somewhere. If your car or RV isn't in shape enough to make the trek, consider donating it and starting fresh. Safe travels, and have fun exploring our beautiful nation!
