The United States is a big country, and planning a USA road trip can seem a bit overwhelming, even for people like us who once lived in the States. However, rather than one giant road trip USA, we have broken our USA adventure into small segments.
Whether it’s big cities or small towns, road trips or single destinations, on each visit to the States we explore somewhere new.
Our road trip USA highlights
This page is segmented via the US Census Bureau statistical regions. With each of the regions, we highlight our favorite destinations and road trips. Between us, we have lived in all four regions at one time in our lives.
USA adventure: highlights of the west
Both the Pacific (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington) and Mountain (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) regions are classified as in the west by the US Census Bureau.
Wilderness, nature, stunning landscapes, and a more relaxed lifestyle characterise the areas we most like to visit in the west. We tend to visit the west more than anywhere else, as Los Angeles is our port of entry coming from our home in New Zealand. Plus, we lived in San Francisco for over 15 years.
Located on Puget Sound, Seattle is a big city with a small-town feel. If you visit from mid-May to mid-October you will likely spot orca whales in the sound; although, many people travel to San Juan Island. Click here for a map of the best spots for whale watching
Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and Chihuly Garden and Glass are amongst the must-sees in Seattle. If you are an aviation fan, you will want to visit the Museum of Flight or take a tour of the Boeing factory.
Seattle is listed first on this page as it was the starting point of a west coast USA road trip that took us to San Francisco, mostly driving along the coastal highway.
Our Oregon road trip is one of my best USA adventure memories. Our full itinerary took us from Portland to Astoria, then down the coast until just past Brookings, when we entered California.
Nature treated us to blowholes, wild waves, coastal forest, birdlife, and sea lions. If you enjoy endless sea views alternating from the clifftop to beachside, this is probably the best USA road trip to pick. It is the most spectacular drive we have done in the USA.
As we continued down the coast from Oregon, our California road trip took us through the redwood forests. Looking up at some of the world’s tallest trees, I found it an almost overwhelming experience. Then, we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and entered a city close to my heart.
The iconic steep streets, cable cars, and sea lions are ingrained in the city’s culture. Add the aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread, fresh catch fish on the menu, and a world-renowned Irish coffee, and San Francisco can’t be beaten. It’s my number one destination pick for any USA adventure.
If you haven’t visited the USA in a few years, you may feel that your time in LAX was enough of a California adventure. After our last visit, we feel different. Our airport experience was efficient and easy, as was getting our rental car. As Los Angeles is our primary port of entry into the United States, we have taken several different road trips from LA over the years to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and San Diego.
We have also spent time enjoying the city. Being embarrassingly star-struck, we took a studio tour, visited Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and explored Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
Phoenix is a lush, green desert city that wastes water like nowhere I have seen before. Fountains flow and sprinklers keep the grass green, but the cactus-covered desert on the outskirts of town is where I prefer to spend my time. That is, unless I am headed to the Musical Instrument Museum. Home to the largest collection of musical instruments in the world, it is well worth a visit.
My other favourite is the Desert Botanical Gardens.
Photo: Inside the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona
Our road trip from Phoenix took us to Los Angeles, stopping first in Joshua Tree Park National Park just in time to watch the sunset over the unusual trees. Had our Arizona road trip headed north, we would have visited Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
Home to the “Big Five” US national parks (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands), Utah is the place for stunning great American adventures. So many of our travel blogging friends have been to Utah; however, it remains on our travel wish list.
Photo Credit: LoggaWiggler from Pixabay.
Bright lights and big city, Las Vegas is quite different from many of the nature-based travels we typically enjoy. A city that never sleeps, its strip is filled with one massive casino after the next. Each is more of a resort than just offering a place to rest your head. In addition to the casino, there are themed restaurants, first-class entertainment, swimming pools, spas, and extensive shopping.
Las Vegas is not the place to go for a relaxing trip in the USA. However, Vegas adventures aren’t usually filled with the drama seen in the movies, but it has the potential for it. Popular road trips from Vegas include Hoover Dam or an opportunity to shoot a machine gun just over the Arizona border.
Quite a bit off of the beaten path, Alaska is a destination on its own. It’s like nowhere else we have been. Lush and green in the summer, but too cold for my taste in the winter, it’s an outdoor paradise. We took the train to Denali, the national park that is home to Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America.
One of the easiest ways to enjoy Alaska is to cruise the interior passage. We sailed out of Anchorage (Whittier) with ports in Hoonah, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Vancouver in Canada. See our itinerary and best tips for cruising Alaska.
USA adventure: midwest
The US census divides the midwest into the east north central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) and the west north central (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota) divisions.
Characterized by farmland and industry, the midwest is an accumulation of small towns, each with its own personality. It’s also home to Chicago, America’s third largest city.
Born and raised in Chicago, I have a deep affection for the city; although, it has changed quite a bit since I last lived there. Each visit to Chicago is like seeing it new. It’s exciting, colourful, active, and familiar. Highlights of Chicago include several world-class art and science museums, two former ‘world’s tallest’ skyscrapers, and Chicago-style pizza.
USA adventure: south
The US census divides the south into three divisions: the South Atlantic (Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, and West Virginia); east south central (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee); and, west south central (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas).
Charming and colonial are the words that come to mind when I think of the south. Road trips here involve an old world charm and southern hospitality at its best. It’s also home to Washington DC, the nation’s capital city.
Situated along the Atlantic coast between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Delray Beach isn’t often on the tourist path, although a great day trip from Miami. In fact, if we didn’t have family here, we may never have discovered it amongst so many other interesting Atlantic Coast towns. With its modern and redeveloped downtown area filled with boutique shops and quirky cafes just off the beach, there are plenty of ways to relax.
Additionally, it’s the wildlife that keeps me interested in Delray Beach. It is home to two free refuge areas offering boardwalks that keep visitors safe from the alligators while enjoying the abundant birdlife. Be sure to include a stop at Wakodahatchee Wetlands if you are doing an east coast Florida road trip.
America’s oldest city is filled with mystery. Stories of hauntings, hangings, and battles, it is also where I drank from Ponce de Leon’s fountain of youth. A very touristy city, there are entrance fees for just about everything we did. However, it’s good fun at every turn.
Our visit to the country music capital is one of my favourite unplanned road trips in America. After our plans to drive up the eastern seaboard were disrupted by a cyclone, we switched directions and headed from Flordia to Chicago (see map below). Nashville provided two days of non-stop musical fun.
USA adventure: northeast
The US census divides the northeast into New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) and the Mid-Atlantic (New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) divisions.
The founding regions in the United States, the northeast has an elegance and excitement about it. I think of a faster-paced lifestyle, but it really depends on where you are.
The fresh aroma of autumn coupled with the nature’s rainbow of coloured leaves is unmistakable. There are only a few weeks a year to capture the true magic, but if you can get to New England during that time you will be rewarded.
Photo credit: Connecticut Office of Tourism
The drive from Washington DC to Manhattan was an interesting road trip. New York city traffic caught us by surprise after travelling at the limit on the approach. We returned the car and, like our previous trips to New York, explored via foot or public transit.
The largest city in the United States, New York has so much to offer and we hit all the major highlights: the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Central Park, Empire State Building, Stock Exchange, the Memorial at Ground Zero, and, of course, Times Square at night.
Are you planning on self-driving in the USA?
Traffic laws fluctuate between the states, making driving in the USA interesting. Local rules vary with regard to right turns on red lights, U-turns, and other day-to-day driving guidelines. As a result, knowing the rules can be confusing. Regardless of the state, Americans drive on the right side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the left.
International visitors must have a valid driver’s license from their own country to drive in the United States. In addition, some states also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Contact the motor vehicle department of each state you will drive in for its requirements.
Taking a rental car over state lines is not a problem, although crossing into Canada or Mexico is nearly always prohibited in the rental agreement.
Since we discovered RentalCars.com, we have been using them without incident. We simply enter our starting and ending cities, dates, and car preferences (compact, SUV, etc), and we are presented with a list of options comparing cars, providing local dealer ratings, and the drop-off fee. Compare rental car prices at RentalCars.com
Road trip USA driving tips
- While you always need to be cautious on any road trip, it’s always good to know which are the safest cities in the country.
- The USA is a litigious society. Personally, I wouldn’t drive a car in the States without carrying liability insurance. If you don’t already have auto insurance, you can get it when you rent your vehicle.
- One thing is certain, on a USA road trip there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the way. However, we always seem to be hungry during those rare hours when there are none. Therefore, we always carry some road trip food.
- We have always done self-driving in the USA, often flying between major regions, as the USA is very large. We use CheapFlights to find the lowest-cost flight options.
Travel light
Travel light. You won’t regret it. If you need help figuring out what to bring, we will send you a free copy of our packing light checklist when you sign up for our mailing list.
More USA adventure tips
- Non-USA citizens often require a visa obtained in advance. Check here to see entry visa requirements.
- If you are thinking about camping, here are a few of our favorite camping spots.
- Don’t miss the stunning national parks of the Western USA.
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
*World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Don’t miss our favorite cities around the world.
Will we see you during our next USA Adventure?
Disclaimer: We worked with several of the local tourism boards as we traveled in the USA, as well as many individual venues and hotels on much of our USA adventures featured on this page. We are frequently offered media rates or provided with complimentary entrances, meals, transportation, and/or accommodations. However, we do not let this influence our writing. The opinions here are strictly our own.
Dan
I currently reside in the United States and would like to take the trip you have planned! Joshua Tree National Park has been on my bucket list for a long time; I just need to go, lol. I see you stopped in Nashville, but if you ever have the chance to visit Tennessee again, you should stop in Knoxville. It’s a fantastic little city with a fantastic downtown vibe.
ANda
I think a road trip is the best way to see the USA. We not only have wonderful destinations to visit, but also great roads and a good infrastructure. We took many of these road trips throughout the years. My best memory is from 2001, when we drove across the States, from California to Detroit. We drove the entire coast of Oregon which was absolutely spectacular. You are right about USA being a litigious society. Having liability insurance is a must.
natalie
This looks amazing. I would love to travel around America. I have been to New York and Florida which was amazing, I would love to visit Las Vegas!
Mimi
These are some great domestic destinations! We take a family road trip to different parts of the US every summer!
Cathy Dean
I live in the USA currently, and I want to take this trip that you laid out! Joshua’s Tree National Park has been on my bucket list for a while, I need to just go, lol. I see you stopped off in Nashville, but if you ever get a chance to go through Tennessee again, you should check out Knoxville. It’s an awesome little city with a great downtown vibe.
Kara Guppy
We are heading to California in the summer and cannot wait, so much to explore so we are doing a road trip
Paula Atwell
I am excited for you and jealous. I was born in Seattle and have been back a few times. That is a great city to visit. 🙂
stephanie@stephsjoy
What great holiday plans you have.. can’t wait to live through your photos!
indah nuria savitri
looks like a great adventure. I went to Nicaragua last year and I really enjoy it. I hope we can start our trip to USA National parks as well April.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
Drooling over your photo and your plan! I especially love Oregon and didnt know its so stunning there!
Dominique Goh
Whao..that’s certainly a massive trip that you are planning. I’m sure I’ll be able to see the places that you visit in this blog in months to come 🙂
Travelera
Wow This is a mega trip!!! I am so jealous!
Great pic collection!
xxx
stevebethere
Wow! Rhonda what a fab journey to, lovely photos I always look forward to seeing the pics of your adventures 🙂
Have a tanfastic day 🙂
Hung Thai
I’m from the PNW, and it looks like you’ve hit all the right places 🙂
Lady Fi
Looks like a lot of wonderful places to visit and photograph…
Ruth - Tanama Tales
Rhonda, all these sound fabulous.
Sandee
It’s a real treat going down the Oregon and California coast. Beautiful countryside and yes I’ve done it several times.
I was born and raised in Tillamook, Oregon so I’m familiar with its coastline.
Have a fabulous day Rhonda. 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh
That’s going to be a beautiful trip. You’ll come home with so many photos.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
WOW! Some trip. I wish I could travel with you both. I love your photos. Next time you’ll be in Chicago, you’ll be very close to Detroit – Windsor, Ontario Canada where is live in Amherstburg just down from Windsor. Why don’t you stop by. Ha,ha,ha. Oh ya. Enjoy your travels. I can’t even get my wife to go back to back on a cruise. Oh well. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Lexa Cain
Holy cow – that’s a huge trip! The cruise sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve never been on one. There’s a LOT to see and do in the US.
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
How exciting! I enjoy living vicariously through your travels. I’m particularly enjoying your take on the PNW and especially Astoria and Portland since we used to live there.
Misha
Sounds like an epic trip. Lovely pictures too. 🙂
Barbara Radisavljevic
I haven’t seen as much of the Oregon Coast as I’d like because on our trips back and forth to Seattle from Southern California we always took I-5 because it was faster. My favorite part of the Oregon Coast was Sunset Bay State Park south of Oregon. I camped there for a night with the kids on one trip home and it was almost deserted. There were lots of photo ops and I wish I could have taken more than the hour I had to hike around and take photos. Unfortunately, we had to get home.
Hedy Talens
Hi Ronda,
I am from The Netherlands and my husband and I visited Oregon last year.
Drive PCH from Astoria into California. We found it and epic drive. The rugged coast, beautiful beaches and great beachtowns will keep you surprising.
I wrote a blog (although in Dutch it can be converted into any language) about Highway 101 and about Oregon. Portland is great. We stayed at Hotel Lucia and their restaurant is recommandeble. Also Restaurant Departure for fusion Asian food. A visit to Su Lan Chinese Garden is worthwhile. Enjoy your trip
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – it sounds amazing and I enjoy seeing your photos and reading your descriptions of places visited. Wonderful trip … so pleased for you all … cheers Hilary
Kathy Marris
Wow! Epic journey. Great itineraries and I’m sure you enjoy every little part of it. I can’t say I have done the Pacific northwest coast drive of USA. I have been on a cruise around the Caribbean and visited Aruba and I also have been to Canada a few times. I will look forward to your upcoming travel posts. 🙂