Road trips let travelers see the world from a new perspective and explore distant locations. Each state offers a unique experience for travelers, so it can be hard to limit your options. Whether you are dreaming up road trip ideas or just want to see what’s out there, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 5 road trip ideas that offer a lot of adventure and sightseeing within the good ol’ US of A.
Consider Renting A Motorhome
Each of these road trip ideas offers a distinct experience, from coastal drives and mountain adventures to historic routes and tropical escapes. With a motorhome, you have the freedom to explore these destinations at your own pace, making for an unforgettable journey. Motorhomes come in several classes: A, B, and C.
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious, and are basically houses on wheels offering full-home amenities, including full-size bathrooms, kitchens, and spacious living areas. Ideal for long trips and full-time living.
Class B Motorhomes
Often referred to as campervans, Class B motorhomes are the smallest and most agile class. They are built on van chassis and offer basic living facilities, including sleeping, cooking, and sometimes a small bathroom. They are best for shorter trips and those who value ease of driving and parking.
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are a mid-size option built on a truck chassis with an over-cab area, often used as an extra bed or storage space. These motorhomes offer a good balance between the amenities of Class A and the maneuverability of Class B, suitable for families and longer trips. A bit more room, a bit more luxury.
Motorhomes typically start from $40,000 USD brand new and can go upwards of $100,000 USD easily. If you’re looking to travel in comfort without spending big bucks on an RV, a motorhome rental may be the best bang for buck.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Credit: Indie Campers
- Location: California
- Distance: Approximately 600 miles
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is an iconic road trip that takes you along California’s stunning coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, towering cliffs, and picturesque beaches. Starting from San Francisco and heading down to Los Angeles (or vice versa), you’ll pass through charming towns, vineyards, and landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, and Santa Monica Pier. Campgrounds and RV parks along the route make it easy to find spots to park your motorhome.
You’ll drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and admire the beauty as you leave the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. Other highlights include Big Sur which features dramatic coastlines, towering redwoods, and must-see spots like McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and the Bixby Creek Bridge. Beaches line the coast the entire way and gives you an unparalleled experience of the California life.
There’s a reason why PCH is one of the most popular routes for American road trips.
Route 66
Credit: Britannica
- Location: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
- Distance: Approximately 2,400 miles
Route 66 takes you on a nostalgic journey along one of America’s most famous highways, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing eight states and showcasing the heart of American culture and history.
Credit: Route Magazine US
This road trip is an American classic but focuses on a collection of various museums, roadside attractions, and iconic landmarks such as Chain of Rocks Bridge, Petrified Forest National Park, and Cadillac Ranch, an art installation of ten graffiti-covered cars half-buried in a field.
A tidbit about Route 66 is that it was decommissioned as a U.S. Highway in 1985 but, much of the route remains drivable and is celebrated for its historic sites, quirky attractions, and the spirit of Americana. Route 66 is dotted with historic motels, inns, and campgrounds. If you’re taking your time, part of the adventure is discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path places to stay.
Florida Keys
Credit: Pinterest
- Location: Miami to Key West, Florida
- Distance: Approximately 113 miles
If you’re keen to experience a more tropical road trip, take a drive down the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) from Miami to Key West. This stretch of highway crosses 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, offering stunning ocean views on both sides.
Starting off in Miami, Key Largo is the first major stop along the way and is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the U.S., offering exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
Credit: The Florida Keys & Key West
There are ample opportunities to enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking while you take in the tropical beauty of the Keys. There are numerous RV parks and campgrounds, allowing you to enjoy the sunsets and ocean breezes right from your motorhome.
Once you get to Key West, this small but lively island city is famous for its historic sites, lively Duval Street, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Southernmost Point in the continental U.S. It’s a vibrant mix of cultures, history, and festive atmosphere.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Credit: Technomadia
- Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
- Distance: Approximately 469 miles
Explore the Appalachian Highlands via one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Stretching over 469 miles from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, the parkway offers stunning views, especially in fall when the foliage is at its peak.
Credit: Blue Ridge Parkway
This scenic route is well known for its diverse plant and animal life ,with a mountain range that will provide limitless opportunities for photography. This makes it a prime location for nature lovers with its numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking overlooks. The route also features several visitor centers and museums that provide insights into the area’s natural and cultural history.
Highlights include cultural attractions such as Mabry Mill, an early 20th-century gristmill and sawmill, and is one of the most photographed sites on the Parkway, offering a glimpse into the life of a rural settler. Near the end of the Parkway lies the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited national park in the U.S.
Motorhome campgrounds are ample in the area, providing a peaceful retreat in nature.
The Mighty 5, Utah
Credit: Earth Trekkers
- Location: Nevada to Utah
- Distance: 900 miles
Rounding out our list is the “Mighty 5” road trip, a captivating journey through Utah’s five iconic national parks, celebrated for their stunning natural beauty, unique geological formations, and outdoor adventure opportunities. This road trip encompasses the following national parks, each one offering its own unique landscapes and experiences:
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Arches National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
For those who enjoy desert landscapes and hiking trails, Utah is unmatched in its beauty and can easily keep you exploring for weeks, making it one of the best places to explore on 4 wheels.
Zion National Park is a natural wonder characterized by its deep red canyons, towering rock formations, and lush river valleys. With trails ranging from the easy Riverside Walk to the challenging ascent of Angel’s Landing, it’s the place for hikers looking for an adventure. The Narrows, another iconic path, takes you through the Virgin River’s slot canyon but caution is recommended during rainy seasons due to flash floods.
Credit: Utah
For gorgeous landscapes, Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park both present nature’s marvels in the form of pinnacles, hoodies, and stunning rock arches. Other highlights include the renowned Balanced Rock which is a short 9-mile hike from the entrance.
Capitol Reef National Park may be the least popular of Utah’s Mighty 5 but the serenity and solitude there will give you a sense of amazement. Hiking the Grand View Wash Trail takes you to a view of the Waterpocket Fold, a striking geological wrinkle on Earth’s surface extending nearly 100 miles. With its remote location, Capitol Reef also offers some of the clearest night skies for stargazing, providing a pristine window into the cosmos. This less-traveled national park invites a closer connection with nature, offering a tranquil retreat filled with stunning vistas and deep-rooted history.
Credit: National Geographic
Lastly, Canyonlands National Park is a collection of deep canyons, towering mesas, and striking buttes, carved by the Colorado River and its rivers. With opportunities for hiking, off-road driving, kayaking, and stargazing, Canyonlands National Park is a place of endless exploration and discovery, where the vast landscapes will remind you that we are miniscule in this world.
