A Road Trip by car in North America is one of the best ways to get out and explore the world around us. Since who knows what the future of the plane will be, it’s time to plan this road trip! Here are 10 epic long road trips in North America – best done in 10 days or more. If you don’t have that much time, check out my article on short road trips in America. Please always follow local guidelines regarding covid-19.
East Coast of Canada
One of the best long road trips in North America you can take is on the East Coast of Canada, where you will have the opportunity to discover three Canadian provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI -of Prince Edward Island. You will need to allow at least 10 days to take full advantage of this road trip that will introduce you to the Maritime provinces of Canada.
This trip will take you to more than a dozen cities and towns in Eastern Canada, with stops in Saint Andrew, Saint John, Moncton, Halifax, Lunenburg, Inverness, Wolfville, Charlottetown and Cavendish, to name a few. cite just a few. Stay as long as you want in each location, as there will be tons of things to do and see.
You’ll eat world-class seafood in welcoming yet elegant settings, stay at award-winning resorts in all three Atlantic Provinces, and the cutest Airbnbs in Eastern Canada. has to offer. Indeed, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery when traveling along the coastline, and this road trip allows you to see the best of it, from the famous Hopewell Rocks, shaped by the tides in the Bay of Fundy, to Skyline Trail in Cape Brenton Highlands National Parks.
Any time of year is a good time to visit the Maritimes. Now is the time to start planning your trip to Eastern Canada!
From Boston to Nashville
Last summer my roommate and I road tripped from Boston, MA to Nashville, TN in 11 days. We’ve traveled New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South and the Midwest of the United States, and I think everyone should do it. The first day will be the longest: you will depart from Boston, cross Connecticut and new York City to Philadelphia, PA. You’ll already be in your fifth state when you stop for lunch of a Philly cheesesteak. Continue for 1.5 hours to Washington D.C. After a few days of exploring the nation’s capital, I recommend stopping in the Civil War town of Harper’s Ferry, WV, before continuing through Virginia . Roanoke is a great city to spend a night along the AT! From there, head to Tennessee and visit from east to west: Johnson City, Pigeon Forge – one of the strangest towns in America, Knoxville, and finally, Nashville.
The drive from Knoxville to Nashville takes about 3 hours and offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. Don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance to the Grand Ole Opry and see many of Nashville’s famous murals. After a few days here, start looping north through Louisville, Kentucky and then east through Ohio. Cincinnati and Columbus will be on the way back. There is a fantastic zoo in Cincinnati that you should definitely visit. From Columbus it is approximately a 3 hour drive to Pittsburgh, PA. We spent two full days in Pennsylvania, passing through Gettysburg, Lancaster and Philadelphia. Gettysburg is the scene of one of the most famous battles of the Civil War, so stop here to learn about United States history. From there it is a 6 hour drive back to Boston.
Road Trip from New York to Texas
One way to see a slew of states is to take an epic long road trip from Northeast to Texas. There are three great driving options from NYC to Texas. This journey takes us on the scenic route, starting with new York City, which will take at least a week, but more like 10 days if you stop to explore and hike. Your first stop is in Pennsylvania. You can sleep in the small town of Chambersburg and visit Gettysburg the following day. From there, drive to Roanoke, Virginia, where you can climb Mill Mountain. The next stage will take you along the Blue Ridge Mountains to Knoxville, Tennessee.
It’s a great place to stop off to explore or hike the Great Smokey Mountains! Driving through Tennessee, stop in Nashville. Check out the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Grand Ole Opry. Stay one more day in Tennessee and head west to Memphis. Here you can see the National Civil Rights Museum. With one more day, you can visit Graceland! Next, you’ll travel to Little Rock, Arkansas, “the Natural State.” Enjoy the natural beauty or take a side trip to Hot Springs National Park. Finally, you will begin to drive through Texas. This part of your journey will be long but quick. End your long road trip in Houston or Austin, Texas with a well-deserved barbecue or Tex-Mex!
Road 66
If you have at least two weeks to devote to a long and exciting road trip, venture on Route 66, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. It is one of the most famous roads in North America, connecting two of the largest cities in the United States and traversing eight states for more than 2,400 miles.
Since Route 66 is such a long stretch of road, the possibilities for stops and attractions to see along the way are endless. This is an ideal route for history buffs, families, nature lovers and adventurers, and it can be tailored to each of these interests.
Start in Chicago, Illinois and explore all the city has to offer, including The Bean at Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Lake Michigan. From there, head southwest to the next big city: Louis, Missouri, home to the Gateway Arch and its own unique style of barbecue!
The next stop is Tulsa, Oklahoma, where travelers can enjoy quirky attractions like the Catoosa Blue Whale.
Continue west to Amarillo, Texas, which is almost halfway along Route 66 and makes a great stopping point. Dine at Big Texan, home of the 72oz Steak Challenge, paint Cadillacs at Cadillac Ranch, or head a little further south to hike Palo Duro Canyon.
After Amarillo, Albuquerque and Santa Fe (just north of Route 66), New Mexico is an exciting stopover. Here you can discover the art and culture typical of the American Southwest.
Next is Arizona – be sure to enjoy the splendor of the red rock desert with detours to the Petrified Forest, Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Finally, end your trip in Los Angeles, California! The Santa Monica Pier marks the end of the route and the beach provides a fun and relaxing end to a long journey.
These activities only scratch the surface of what a trip on Route 66 entails, so pull out your map and find your own hidden gems along America’s most famous road!
trip to utah
Utah is home to 5 national parks, called the “Mighty 5”. While you can visit these parks in just one week, they’re best explored on a two-week road trip through southern Utah.
Begin your trip in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City before heading to Zion National Park. The most popular of Utah’s national parks, Zion is known for its must-do hikes like Angels Landing, The Narrows and Observation Point. You can explore all of Zion’s best hikes in three days.
After visiting Zion, spend two days in Bryce Canyon National Park to explore the park’s famous hoodoos. Don’t miss the sunrise over the Bryce Amphitheater and stargazing in this secluded park!
Continuing the loop to other Utah national parks, spend a few days in Capitol Reef National Park. In the fall, you can pick fruit at Fruita Orchard! Don’t miss the off-road course up to Cathedral Valley for some truly breathtaking desert views.
After exploring Capitol Reef, spend four days in Moab, Utah. Moab is the starting point for visiting two other national parks in Utah, Arches and Canyonlands. Don’t miss the sunset at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and the sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park!
After exploring Utah’s Mighty 5, take some time to explore the other nearby parks. Don’t miss Valley of Fire State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Driving through these incredible parks makes this trip one of the best epic long drives in North America!
Colorado trip
If you are looking for the best road trips in North America, then the state of Colorado has to be on your list! Colorado is spectacularly beautiful, with stunning mountains, great cities, and so much adventure you’ll savor every moment of your long road trip!
The perfect Colorado itinerary includes stops at national parks, ski resort towns, major cities, and hiking spots. To start a long Colorado road trip, let’s start from Boulder, Colorado. Be sure to visit a local brewery and the Pearl Street Mall. You’ll want to spend at least a day in this fun town!
Next, head to Estes Park, Colorado. It’s a perfect year-round destination to enjoy the outdoors. And just across Estes Park is one of Colorado’s favorite places: Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy the Rocky Mountains! Spend a day hiking or swimming in a beautiful lake. Be sure to drive through the park on Route 34 and stop at the Alpine Visitor Center. It is best to visit this region for at least two days, or even more if you have the possibility!
Then head south and west to explore all the major ski towns. They come alive in the winter months, but are just as gorgeous in the summer! Take your pick – Keystone, Frisco and Vail are all amazing places to spend a night (or two) and enjoy the scenery and local food.
On this long road trip, continue southwest and discover one of Colorado’s least-visited, but perhaps most spectacular, parks: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It’s a huge national park that deserves you to spend at least two days exploring it. Don’t miss the 7 mile South Rim route.
Then you’ll head further east to the stunning Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Go off-roading the Medano Pass Primitive Road or hike to Zapata Falls for an incredible day out. You will probably want to spend just one day in this national park.
Then you will return to the cities of Colorado Springs, Denver and Boulder. Before arriving at your end point, don’t forget to raft the Arkansas River, feed the giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, visit the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. This will add another 3-5 days to your long Colorado road trip.
With a state as action-packed as Colorado, you can make a long road trip your own. In a state that’s perfect for hikers and sightseers, you’ll have an amazing trip to the state of Colorado.
From Denver to Glacier National Park
Treat yourself to the adventure of a lifetime by taking a road trip from Denver to Glacier National Park. This 1,000 mile trip will take you through four of the best national parks, which is perfect for nature lovers! Allow at least two weeks for this road trip to fully enjoy each of the parks and the many amazing stops along the way.
Before hitting the road, spend a few days exploring all that Denver has to offer. After all, Denver is the capital of Colorado and is nestled in the dramatic foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Once you’re ready to hit the road, head to Rocky Mountain National Park. You will have the opportunity to hike in the mountains and admire countless magnificent viewpoints. Keep an eye out for wildlife, and be sure to hike the Trail Ridge Road if you’re there in the summer!
Colorado trip
If you are looking for the best road trips in North America, then the state of Colorado has to be on your list! Colorado is spectacularly beautiful, with stunning mountains, great cities, and so much adventure you’ll savor every moment of your long road trip!
The perfect Colorado itinerary includes stops at national parks, ski resort towns, major cities, and hiking spots. To start a long Colorado road trip, let’s start from Boulder, Colorado. Be sure to visit a local brewery and the Pearl Street Mall. You’ll want to spend at least a day in this fun town!
Next, head to Estes Park, Colorado. It’s a perfect year-round destination to enjoy the outdoors. And just across Estes Park is one of Colorado’s favorite places: Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy the Rocky Mountains! Spend a day hiking or swimming in a beautiful lake. Be sure to drive through the park on Route 34 and stop at the Alpine Visitor Center. It is best to visit this region for at least two days, or even more if you have the possibility!
Then head south and west to explore all the major ski towns. They come alive in the winter months, but are just as gorgeous in the summer! Take your pick – Keystone, Frisco and Vail are all amazing places to spend a night (or two) and enjoy the scenery and local food.
On this long road trip, continue southwest and discover one of Colorado’s least-visited, but perhaps most spectacular, parks: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It’s a huge national park that deserves you to spend at least two days exploring it. Don’t miss the 7 mile South Rim route.
Then you’ll head further east to the stunning Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Go off-roading the Medano Pass Primitive Road or hike to Zapata Falls for an incredible day out. You will probably want to spend just one day in this national park.
Then you will return to the cities of Colorado Springs, Denver and Boulder. Before arriving at your end point, don’t forget to raft the Arkansas River, feed the giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, visit the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. This will add another 3-5 days to your long Colorado road trip.
With a state as action-packed as Colorado, you can make a long road trip your own. In a state that’s perfect for hikers and sightseers, you’ll have an amazing trip to the state of Colorado.
From Denver to Glacier National Park
Treat yourself to the adventure of a lifetime by taking a road trip from Denver to Glacier National Park. This 1,000 mile trip will take you through four of the best national parks, which is perfect for nature lovers! Allow at least two weeks for this road trip to fully enjoy each of the parks and the many amazing stops along the way.
Before hitting the road, spend a few days exploring all that Denver has to offer. After all, Denver is the capital of Colorado and is nestled in the dramatic foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Once you’re ready to hit the road, head to Rocky Mountain National Park. You will have the opportunity to hike in the mountains and admire countless magnificent viewpoints. Keep an eye out for wildlife, and be sure to hike the Trail Ridge Road if you’re there in the summer!
From Rocky Mountain National Park, you will continue to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. These two superb national parks are neighbors and offer endless outdoor activities. Spend a few days exploring each of the parks, enjoying the hot springs, mud pots and geysers of Yellowstone and breathtaking sunsets over the Snake River and the majestic Teton Mountains in Grand Teton. Don’t miss the amazing Grand Prismatic Spring!
Then continue to Glacier National Park through Mesa Falls, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Ringing Rocks, the Berkeley Pit, and the city of Missoula. From Missoula, you will continue your adventure to the Ewam Garden of a Thousand Buddhas, the National Bison Range, Kerr Dam, Flathead Lake, and finally to beautiful Glacier National Park – your final destination. Here you will find countless hiking opportunities that will take you to glaciers, pristine turquoise seawater lakes and breathtaking panoramic views.
Road Trip Arizona, Nevada, California
One of the epic road trips to try on the west coast of the United States is to drive around Arizona, Nevada and California in two weeks, to discover the majestic mountains of Arizona and Nevada and relax on the sunny California coast. The main cities to visit on this trip are as follows in the different states, with a list of things to do in each place. You can start the journey at from any state you want to cover the cities below. If you put all the places below on a map, you will see that you can circle between these places by following famous roads with stunning landscapes.
1- California:
Los Angeles – 1 or 2 days; San Francisco – 1 or 2 days; San Diego – 1 or 2 days.
Depending on your taste, you can choose your highlights in these places. I recommend you don’t miss Venice Beach in LA, Redwoods Trees in San Francisco, and Coronado Island in San Diego.
2- Arizona:
Phoenix- 1 day; Sedona- 1 or 2 days; Grand Canyon South rim- 2 days.
Check out what would appeal to you the most between Sedona red rocks and the Grand Canyon. I recommend reaching the Grand Canyon at sunrise or sunset, as that’s when it’s most beautiful, and going in the daytime if you plan on hiking. I personally think the red rock hike from Sedona is prettier.
3-Nevada:
Hoover Dam- 1 day; Las Vegas – 1 or 2 days
I recommend taking Route 66 between the Grand Canyon and the Nevada border. It’s a breathtaking drive and the Hoover Dam shouldn’t be missed. If you like to party, you can spend more time in Las Vegas. This complete itinerary can be completed in two weeks, adjusting the driving time according to your priorities. All trips in Arizona and Nevada can be done during the day to enjoy the scenery. Similarly, the trip between San Diego and Los Angeles can be done in daylight to enjoy the coastal views.
Savannah, Charleston and Asheville
Are you looking for the perfect North American road trip? Consider passing through Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA, and Asheville, NC on an epic road trip through the Southeastern United States. This road trip is exceptionally varied and offers something for everyone. One day you’ll be relaxing on the beautiful sandy beaches of Charleston, and the next day you’ll be hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, NC!
Here are some of the highlights of a ten-day road trip to Savannah, Charleston, and Asheville.
Savannah
Start your road trip in beautiful historic Savannah! While in Savannah, learn about the city’s spooky history on a guided ghost tour, and stroll through Forsyth Park to soak up the city’s charming atmosphere. Explore River Street and City Market to discover some of Savannah’s most historic neighborhoods, and dine at The Olde Pink House for a taste of good old Southern cuisine!
Charleston
After spending a few days in Savannah, travel 100 miles north to Charleston, SC! On the way to Charleston, stop at the Charleston Tea Garden, the only place where tea is grown in North America, and at Kiawah Island, a secluded beach with stunning scenery. Once in Charleston, snap a photo at Rainbow Row or the Pineapple Fountain, and grab a delicious brunch at Poogan’s Porch.
Ashville
End your road trip in the mountains of Asheville, NC, located just over 250 miles from Charleston. Explore Asheville’s wilderness with incredible hikes, like the Craggy Gardens Pinnacle or Mount Pisgah, and spend the day exploring the remarkable Biltmore Estate. And while you’re in downtown Asheville, explore the city’s incredible breweries, and visit Biscuit Head for a delicious Southern-style breakfast. This long road trip through the South will take you through history!
Trip from Yosemite to Seattle
A road trip from Yosemite National Park to Seattle is an unforgettable journey that will show you the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer! Although it is possible to do the 15.5 hour drive in a single day, it would be a huge mistake. There are so many amazing stops along the way that you could easily spend more than a week traveling the country. Two or three days in each of the national parks listed below should allow you to see all there is to see and complete the trip in ten to twelve days.
Begin your trip in Yosemite, a short drive from San Francisco, where you can stay for several days admiring the iconic granite formations of Half Dome and El Capitan and hiking among jaw-dropping waterfalls the breath that dots the valley. From Yosemite, you can travel to another national park in California and spend a few days exploring Redwood National Park and State Parks. Here you will find wild elk, some of the tallest trees in the world and the rocky Pacific coast.
After the Redwoods, you’ll head north through Oregon. A short but worthwhile detour is a stop at Crater Lake National Park to see the deepest lake in the United States. Another national park on the way is Mount Rainier National Park in the state of Washington. It’s hard to go wrong hiking Mount Rainier, but the Skyline Trail, in particular, is notable for its scenic views over 6 miles of moderate hiking. Spend several days in Rainier, or split your time between Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park on the peninsula.
Finally, you will end your road trip in Seattle. There’s so much to see in Seattle, but some of the most interesting places are Pike’s Place Market, where you’ll find delicious food and fun fish to throw, and the views from the Space Needle or the Observatory. Sky View of the Columbia Center. With breathtaking nature at every turn, this long road trip is definitely insta-worthy!
Travel between Albuquerque and Denver
The states of New Mexico and Colorado offer some of the most breathtaking mountain vistas in the United States, with pristine streams and impressive waterfalls awaiting travelers willing to wander around a bit. If you’re looking to fully explore the natural beauty of these two states, this two-week itinerary, starting in Albuquerque and ending in Denver, will be a great choice, and it’ll provide plenty of fun along the way!
Begin your trip on day one by renting a one-way car in Albuquerque and checking into a hotel to rest and refuel for your trip. The next morning, take the road to Santa Fe where you will spend the following night. Visit the historic Plaza de Santa Fe, the heart of the city, and stop at one of the dozens of art galleries and shops.
You should spend at least two days in Taos to explore all the area has to offer. Stroll through Taos Plaza, a historic square with beautiful old Spanish houses. Visit historic Taos Pueblo and if you’re traveling in the winter, be sure to visit Taos Ski Resort. Don’t forget to visit the Harwood Museum of Art, one of the oldest museums in New Mexico.
From Taos head to Pagosa Springs. Here you should spend an evening relaxing in the local hot springs. The free springs by the river are very pretty, but if you’re looking for something more luxurious, there are several spas in town. The next leg of your itinerary brings you to Mesa Verde National Park. Visit the old pueblo homes around the park and check out the visitor center for more information on the old pueblos.
Spend the night in the region because your next step is very close. At Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, visit the Anasazi Heritage Center to learn more about the site and the Pueblo people. After a few days of exploring this unique region, head to Telluride for some outdoor adventures. Visit Bridal Veil Falls, go skiing or hike the Bear Creek Trail. Continue your journey north to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This striking landscape is a hidden gem of the United States. Grab camping gear and spend the night camping under the stars. In the morning, cruise down the river to see things from a different perspective.
Coming to Aspen, you will feel like you have entered another world. This upscale city lives up to its reputation. Spend a few days in the area and, if it’s winter, don’t forget to ski at Snowmass. Visit the Aspen Museum of Art or relax at the John Denver Sanctuary.
Another famous ski destination, Breckenridge has a completely different pace than Aspen. Stroll down the main street and admire the historic houses from the 19th century. At Breckenridge, you can enjoy year-round alpine activities at the local ski resort. Once you have thoroughly explored the area, you will travel to Denver.
Denver is a fantastic city that deserves at least two days of exploration. Visit the Denver Botanical Gardens, where you’ll find rare horticultural books and collections. Spend a day at Elitch Gardens amusement park and marvel at the animals at the Denver Zoo. Don’t forget to explore the different neighborhoods and sample some of Denver’s delicious restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Just because we can’t fly doesn’t mean we can’t explore! We hope these ten epic long drives in North America inspire you to hit the road! Admire the breathtaking nature and charming cities of North America.
