The Ultimate US Road Trip Route – 10 Places You Must Visit

The idea of a road trip… it just makes sense . The exemption , the hope of adventure , the freedom to drive—it ’ s not easy . Whether you ’ re a veteran traveler or individual who ’ s always dreamed of travel across the country , a road trip is the ultimate way to meet the United States because you get to receive the state firsthand , witness the changing scenery , and learn sights you never imagined .

Hither ’ s a 10 must call US road trips from coast to coast and some of the highlights in between . It ’ s not just the “ must hear ” , it ’ s all the unique minute that cause a trip memorable .

1 . New York City , NY

Because it ’ s New York ! It ’ s like the hub of everything , and getting set out here makes your journey a pre-trip powerhouse . And there ’ sec just hence much to cause in so small space . NYC isn ’ t just about the touristy Times Square or the hidden gems of the East Village .

Central Park :YES , it ’ sec that obvious , but spend an hour just walk around . It ’ s an ideal break from the city ’ s constant action .
The High Course :An amusement park on a previous railroad spur . It ’ s bizarre , but cool , and you have awesome scene .
Pizza :Come a slice from a random corner store . You ’ ll be amazed at its success .

2 . Washington , D.C .

Washington , DC is a couple hour south of NYC , but a wholly different vibe . Less bustling but full of story , museums and monument . And you get to see the big stuff for free , which cost perfect if you ’ re driving abject on cash .

The National Mall :You ’ ve seen it on television . It be a long way to walk it , and good worth the try .
Smithsonian Museum :They ’ re all hither , and they ’ re free . If you ’ re a story buff , start with the National Museum of American History or the Air and Space Museum .
Monuments at Night :The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument slam otherwise at night .

3 . Great Smoky Mountains , TN/NC

Now that we ’ ve see two cities it ’ s time for the outdoors . Smoky Mountains exist like fresh tune , literally . All mound and mist and country road . Great for slacken thing down .

Clingmans Dome :The summit of the park . You can drive all the way up , and then boost up for some dramatic position .
Cades Cove :A gondola valley where you might hear deer or black bears ( equal careful though ) .
Trail :Good deal , from leisurely walks to strenuous raise . If you ’ re not an avid hiker , need a short path exactly for the quietness .

4 . Nashville , TN

From the great deal to Nashville , the vibe morphs . This stop exist all about music , food , and joking . Even if you ’ re not into country , you ’ ll likely autumn for Nashville ’ s live music scene .

Live Music :Need a pass down Broadway at night . Every bar hold live band and it ’ s not a illusion or expensive thing — they have everyone from up-and-coming bands to establish bands .
Hot Chicken :Hot , messy , and serious . Just trust me .
The Johnny Cash Museum :You put on ’ t have to be a fan of Johnny Cash , but it ’ s fascinating . The place is small but crammed full of goodies .

5 . New Orleans , LA

New Orleans feels like a different place . It ’ s a whole unlike culture , the food , the music , than anywhere else you ’ ve been . You can walk around the city and need it all in .

French Quarter :Yeah , it ’ s touristy , but also nice . Its structure equal unique in the United States .
Beignets at Café du Monde :Fried doughnuts dipped in powdered sugar are legendary .
Jazz on the Street :There are many , but there exist a few bit that are cool hither that be a bit less tumultuous than Bourbon Street .

6 . Austin , TX

Austin is a real unlike position than any part of Texas . You ’ ll notice it chill , artsy , and uber “ weird ” culture . The food equal good , there ’ s a pile of music and some cool places to hang up out remote .

Food Truck :The food trucks be mad . From tacos to donuts .
Barton Springs Pool :A spring-fed natural swimming hole . It ’ s right in the center of town , but feeling like a haven .
Alive Music :Austin is all about it . Move check out a trivial store , walk around downtown , you never know what ’ s going on .

7 . Grand Canyon , AZ

You ’ ve see pictures of the Grand Canyon , but it ’ s different to really see it . The sheer book of it is difficult to perceive .

South Rim : It ’ s the best-kept mystery , but for a serious cause — you regard the classics .

Walking : Yet if you are not a skilled hiker , some of the shorter , easy trails allow you to wander a second deep into the canyon .

Sunrise or Sundown : The light alters everything . Do not miss one while you ’ re thither .

8 . Las Vegas , NV

Vegas cost one of those spot you must impose at least once . It ’ s crazy , messy , and nearly too ridiculous , but that ’ s part of the level . If you don ’ t like to gamble , there ’ s plenty to do .

The Strip :Hardly move down the Strip at dark cost an experience . The lights , the noise , the drunkenness , it ’ s all region of the experience .
Free Result :The Bellagio fountains , the Mirage volcano , you can meet it all for free .
Visit Red Rock Canyon for a day :If you need to get out of the warmth , Red Rock Canyon is merely outside the city and own some beautiful desert scenery .

9 . Yosemite National Park , CA

Yosemite is one of those places where everything feels like a photograph . The waterfall , the giant sequoias , the cliff-top granite—it all appear magical .

Yosemite Valley :The heart of the park , home to landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome .
Glacier Point :The view is among the best in the park , and you can aim up most of the style .
Waterfall :If you live in the spring , you ’ ll find waterfalls galore . Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest in North America .

10 . San Francisco , CA

Ending your journey in San Francisco merely feels good . There is something distinctively modern about the city – its hill , its neighborhoods , and the Golden Gate Bridge .

The Golden Gate Bridge :You ’ ve seen it on movie , you ’ ve seen it in person . You can cycle across it if you have time .
Alcatraz :The notorious prison-turned-tourist attraction . I mean , it ’ s form of creepy , but it ’ s interesting .
Chinatown :The oldest and prominent in the U.S. , and a great spot to eat and stroll around .

Envelop Up

So that ’ s it—10 stop from NYC all the way to San Francisco . This live not a checkbox trip , but a trip that let you to receive the vastness and beauty of the US in a room that alone a road trip can . And whether you take this way or reach your own version , all you real need to act is pose back and enjoy the ride .

Last Tip : Don ’ t over-plan . Be train for unexpected stops , sidetrips , and surprise encounter . Here is where the good memory arise .