More than Miles: The Best Road Trip Destinations Across the U.S.

More than Miles: The Best Road Trip Destinations Across the U.S.

Last Updated August 8, 2023 | Andrew Boyle

America is home to many natural attractions that entice campers and wandering souls all over the country and the world. As summer rolls in, so does National Camping Month which makes this the perfect time for a much-needed vacation. What better way to take in the sights than to hit the road for a good old-fashioned road trip?

This infographic shows the best road trips to get you across America and through top travel destinations, with the perfect vehicle for your scenic drive.

[click the infographic below]

Best Road Trip Destinations Infographic

Atlantic Coast

Get ready for a road trip filled with family fun and adventure. The Atlantic Coast Road Trip takes you from New York City to Key West on a 2,553-mile quest.

For this trip you’ll need the Toyota Sienna. The only minivan to offer 4-wheel drive, it’s the perfect vehicle for a family trip along the east coast; from tourist attractions to camping in national parks, this is a sure bet to get you through it all.

Speaking of tourist attractions, you’ll get a chance to explore some of the biggest tourist cities including New York City and Washington DC. You’ll also get your fill of a thrill at The Daytona International Speedway and the Kennedy Space Center.

Wind down at two of the East Coast’s best camp spots. Assateague Island National Seashore is a must for your first stop. The barrier island is covered in beaches, salt marshes, forests and coastal bays, and is home to a community of wild horses. Next, the Everglades National Park. A half land, half water ecosystem has a bird population so large the sky would be blacked out when flocks rose into the air.

Check them both out before taking off in your Sienna to finish up this voyage.

Blues Highway 61 Road Trip

Music lovers, rejoice. The ultimate musical journey is here with stops for the best musical destinations in the U.S., including The Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, and the New Orlean’s Music Scene.

Of course, you’ll need a vehicle with an unrivaled sound system for the 657-mile journey between Nashville and New Orleans. The Volkswagen Tiguan’s eight-speaker sound system is the best match for this trip.

Crank up the country and cast the fishing rod at Homochitto National Forest. Rich in wildlife and recreational activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and a nationally-recognized mountain bike trail, you’ll never get bored of camping here.

The Great River Road

There’s just somethin’ bout a truck-drivin' through the deep south that sounds so right, so hop in your Ford F-150 for a road trip full of excitement.

You’ll start out at Lake Itasca and make your way down to the Gulf of Mexico, with stops for shopping, horse-racing, and little musical history along the way. Don’t forget to stop and see the World’s Largest 6-Pack for the ultimate road trip photo-op. And, if you’re into bourbon, take your F-150 down to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail to tour the seven distilleries (and stock up on your favorites).

Stop for rest at the Delta National Forest for a camping experience in the only bottomland hardwood ecosystem in the National Forest System. It’s not called a “green jewel” for nothing, so take some time to explore the gorgeous greenery before heading on your way.

The Oregon Trail

A cross-country trip between the Oregon Coast and Provincetown, Massachusetts requires a vehicle that’s capable of a long-haul.  The Subaru XV Provincetown, Massachusetts requires a vehicle that’s capable of a long-haul.  The Subaru XV Crosstrek’s 34 MPG highway and reliability is just what you need to get to all of these historic sites.

Essential pit-stops include Mount Rushmore, Niagra Falls, the Great Lakes, Cape Cod, and the Field of Dreams. Wine-heads would be remiss not to stop at Martha’s Vineyard before completing this journey.

Along the way is Yellowstone National Park, one of the top Natural Wonders of the World and the best camp spot for this road trip. It’s also the first and oldest National Park in the world, with 10,000 hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful Geyser.

The only thing that could pull you away is the allure of an open road.

Pacific Coast

Travel in style along the Pacific Coast in a car as hot as the beaches – and the celebrities on them. The Mustang is a perfect fit for this exciting journey.

The route starts out in the diverse Olympic National Park and heads all the way to the bottom tip of California, with stops along the way for plenty of fun. Between exploring the Great Redwood Forests, cruising along the Golden Gate Bridge, checking out the wildlife in the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Santa Barbara Zoo, and making your way through Los Angeles to the Hollywood Sign, you’ll need to stop for rest at one of these National Parks.

First up is Olympic National Park, a diverse destination with three different ecosystems including the Quinault Rainforest. Next is Yosemite National Park, the perfect place to park your car and take in nature’s beauty. Approximately 95 percent of the park is designated wilderness which means no cars, structures, roads or electricity are allowed!

A great reprieve, but you’ll be ready to hit-the-road again in no time.

Loneliest Road

For the true nature-lovers and survivalists, this road trip will take you on a wild journey through the countryside between San Francisco and the Chesapeake Bay.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is perfect for the real nature-lovers traveling this empty and lonely road.

You’ll journey through several mountain ranges including the Sierra Nevadas, Appalachians, and the Rocky Mountains.

Take the top of the Jeep off for star-gazing at Great Basin National Park, where you can enjoy the best visibility of the Milky Way in the continental US.

This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about CJ's editorial standards and guidelines.