There's something magical about hitting the open road—the sense of freedom, the promise of adventure, and the memories created along the way. Whether it's a spontaneous getaway or a meticulously planned journey, road trips bring out the explorer in all of us. Types of Road Trips Road trips come in all shapes and sizes, catering to different travel styles. Here are a few popular types: Scenic Drives: These are short but breathtaking routes filled with picturesque views, like the Blue Ridge Parkway or California's Highway 1. Cross-Country Adventures: Coast-to-coast journeys like Route 66 offer a deeper dive into America's diverse landscapes. Themed Road Trips: Whether it's chasing fall foliage in New England or exploring America's best BBQ joints, themed road trips offer a unique way to travel. Popular Road Trip Destinations in the USA 1. Route 66 Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA: 2,448 milesHow long to spend: 2-3 weeksWhen to go: Spring and fall are both great to avoid the hot desert heat in the summer.Driving Route 66 is like traveling through a living museum of classic Americana. From quirky roadside attractions like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas to the neon-lit streets of Albuquerque, this is one of the best driving trips for nostalgia lovers. Where to Stay Along the Way Westgate Branson Woods Branson, Missouri Amenities include: Free self parking, outdoor and indoor pools, on-site dining, hiking trails, laundry facilities, marketplace, fitness center. FIND DATES WorldMark Grand Lake Afton, Oklahoma Amenities include: Seasonal pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, golf courses. FIND DATES WorldMark Santa Fe Santa Fe, New Mexico Amenities include: Laundry facilities, picnic and barbecue area, grocery service, movie rentals. FIND DATES Club Wyndham Flagstaff Flagstaff, Arizona Amenities include: Golf course, on-site restaurant, outdoor pools, hot tubs, mini golf. FIND DATES Peacock Suites Anaheim, California Amenities include: Valet parking, rooftop sundeck, Disneyland shuttle, hot tubs, outdoor pool, fitness center. FIND DATES 2. Pacific Coast Highway San Diego, CA to Seattle, WA: 1,650 miles How long to spend: 1-2 weeksWhen to go: Summer is fantastic for clear coastal views, but late spring and early fall offer similar advantages without the summer crowds. Few roads rival the beauty of California's Pacific Coast Highway. Picture winding roads hugging cliffs with waves crashing below, and views of hidden beaches waiting to be explored. One of my favorite detours on this route is Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. On this unique beach, the sand shines with streaks of purple — something you have to see to believe! Where to Stay Along the Way WorldMark San Diego - Mission Valley San Diego, California Amenities include: Underground parking, game room, hot tub, outdoor pool, fitness center, picnic and barbecue area. FIND DATES Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort Oceanside, California Amenities include: Outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center. FIND DATES The Donatello San Francisco, California Amenities include: Valet parking, sauna, indoor hot tub, fitness center, restaurant, rooftop lounge. FIND DATES WorldMark Gleneden Beach Gleneden Beach, Oregon Amenities include: Outdoor pool, hot tubs, fitness center, game room, tennis court. FIND DATES WorldMark Seaside Seaside, Oregon Amenities include: Outdoor pool, hot tubs, fitness center, game room, resort activities program. FIND DATES 3. San Juan Skyway Durango, CO to Durango, CO: 236 milesHow long to spend: 1-3 daysWhen to go: Spring and summer offer warmer weather and fall provides views of stunning fall foliage. It isn't recommended to drive this route in the winter as snowfall can cause road closures and dangerous driving conditions. Colorado's San Juan Skyway is a high-altitude adventure, offering jaw-dropping mountain views, charming old mining towns, and stunning fall foliage. If you love a good mix of adventure and scenery, this is the road trip for you. Where to Stay Along the Way Club Wyndham Durango Durango, Colorado Amenities include: Parking, laundry facilities, hot tubs, fitness center, resort activities program. FIND DATES 4. Blue Ridge Parkway Waynesboro, VA to Cherokee, NC: 469 milesHow long to spend: 3-5 daysWhen to go: Late spring, summer, and early fall all offer amazing vistas on this route. Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. My favorite time to drive this route is in the fall, when the colors of the foliage across the mountains are so vivid they look like a painting. Where to Stay Along the Way Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Mountains Lake Lure, North Carolina Amenities include: Indoor and outdoor pools, lazy river, golf courses, restaurants, fitness center, day spa. FIND DATES Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley Sapphire, North Carolina Amenities include: Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, restaurants, game room, mini golf. FIND DATES Gatlinburg Town Square By Exploria Resorts Gatlinburg, Tennessee Amenities include: Free parking, indoor and outdoor pools, laundry service, hot tub, game room. FIND DATES 5. Florida Highway 1 Amelia Island, FL to Key West, FL: 545 milesHow long to spend: 1 weekWhen to go: Late spring is the best time to visit the Florida coast, before the hottest temperatures in the summer and hurricane season in the fall. For those who love sun, sand, and sea, the drive down Florida's east coast is a must. Picture turquoise waters and tropical breezes stretching endlessly over the ocean. The most iconic part of this route is the Overseas Highway stretching from Miami to Key West that takes you right over the ocean for some unforgettable views. Where to Stay Along the Way Club Wyndham Palm-Aire Pompano Beach, Florida Amenities include: Pompano Beach shuttle, golf course access, outdoor pools, fitness center, hot tub, mini golf. FIND DATES New Smyrna Waves By Exploria Resorts New Smyrna Beach, Florida Amenities include: Free parking, laundry service, pool, children's pool, picnic and barbecue area. FIND DATES Ocean Walk Resort Daytona Beach, Florida Amenities include: Indoor and outdoor pools, lazy river, water slide, fitness center, snack bar, game room, mini golf. FIND DATES 6. Olympic Peninsula Loop Seattle, WA to Seattle, WA: 329 milesHow long to spend: 3-4 daysWhen to go: You can drive this route year round depending on your preferences. Summer offers the best temperatures and lowest rainfall, whereas winter offers the fewest crowds. This route in Washington State takes you through lush rainforests, rugged coastline, and snow-capped peaks. My favorite stop when driving this loop is Ruby Beach. This beautiful and peaceful beach is perfect for wildlife viewing and taking a leisurely stroll through scattered driftwood and tidepools. Where to Stay Along the Way WorldMark Seattle The Camlin Seattle, Washington Amenities include: Heated pool, hot tub, fitness center, picnic and barbecue area, laundry facilities. FIND DATES WorldMark Mariner Village Ocean Shores, Washington Amenities include: Outdoor pool, hot tub, game room. FIND DATES WorldMark Discovery Bay Port Townsend, Washington Amenities include: Indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, tennis court, basketball court. FIND DATES 7. Natchez Trace Parkway Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN: 444 milesHow long to spend: 2-4 daysWhen to go: Fall is the best time to drive this route to see the breathtaking foliage, but spring is also a good option to avoid the heat of summer. Stretching through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, this peaceful drive was once a historic travel corridor used by American Indians. One of the most memorable stops is the Cypress Swamp near Jackson, Mississippi, where a boardwalk trail winds through still waters and moss-draped cypress trees. All along the route, you'll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping—making it the perfect route for travelers who love both history and the great outdoors. Where to Stay Along the Way Club Wyndham Nashville Nashville, Tennessee Amenities include: Outdoor pools, hot tub, fitness center, picnic and barbecue areas, basketball courts. FIND DATES Top Road Trip Ideas for Families Themed Road Trip Ideas National Park Adventures – Great for families who love the outdoors. There's nothing like hiking in the Grand Canyon at sunrise or spotting wildlife in Yellowstone. Historic Landmarks Tour – Perfect for history buffs and families interested in an educational trip. From iconic battlegrounds like Gettysburg to preserved colonial towns like Williamsburg, this journey is a living lesson in history—no textbook required. Adventure Road Trip Ideas Moab to Monument Valley – Red rock formations and towering buttes create a backdrop straight out of a movie. With plenty of hiking, stargazing, and jaw-dropping views along the way, this road trip is pure magic for nature-loving families. The Northern Lights Route – Embark on a magical adventure through Northern Idaho and Washington in search of the elusive Northern Lights, where crisp mountain air and star-filled skies set the scene. Top Road Trip Ideas for Couples Themed Road Trip Ideas Foodie Road Trips – Sample regional specialties from coast to coast. From roadside diners to farm-to-table feasts, this delicious journey is all about indulgence, discovery, and sharing the love — one dish at a time. A Musical Escape – Hit the road with your favorite playlists and follow the tune of some of your favorite music through legendary music cities and iconic venues across the country — with stops at famed recording studios, historic theaters, and music landmarks. Romantic Road Trip Ideas Napa Valley Wine Country – Escape to the scenic rolling vineyards and golden hills of Napa Valley on a trip for wine lovers. Sip and swirl your way through intimate tastings, charming towns, and sunset views The Great Smoky Mountains – Stunning views and cozy cabins. Hit the breathtaking roads of the Great Smoky Mountains, where winding drives lead to scenic overlooks, hidden waterfalls, charming Appalachian towns, and stunning views around every bend. Essential Planning Tips for Your Road Trip Journey Crafting the Perfect Itinerary A mix of planned stops and spontaneous detours makes for the best road trip experiences. Be sure to: Prioritize must-see attractions. Some popular spots may require tickets or advanced reservations, so make sure to arrange these first. Allow flexibility for unexpected discoveries. Some of my favorite memories from road trips are the ones that were spur of the moment decisions so make sure to keep your schedule a little flexible. Factor in driving breaks and overnight stays. Rest is very important on road trips. Make sure you include enough time to stay well-rested and ready for the next part of your journey. Must-Have Travel Apps and Resources Google Maps/Waze – For navigation and real-time traffic updates. Roadtrippers – Plan your route with cool attractions you may not have known about. GasBuddy – Find the cheapest fuel prices nearby. How to Ensure a Smooth and Enjoyable Trip Pack emergency essentials like jumper cables and a first-aid kit. Have a mix of music playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks. Stay hydrated and take stretch breaks every two hours. Food and Entertainment on Long Drives Snacks, Meals, and Roadside Delights Pack a mix of healthy and indulgent snacks. If possible, try local diners and roadside food stands—you might stumble upon the best meal of your life! Fun Activities and Games to Stay Engaged The License Plate Game – Spot plates from all 50 states. Road Trip Bingo – Create a list of things to find and look out for them on your route. Audiobooks & Podcasts – Perfect for long stretches of highway. Managing Downtime and Avoiding Boredom Not every moment on the road is thrilling. Rotate drivers, take scenic rest stops, and switch up entertainment to keep things fresh. Final Thoughts Every road trip creates stories—whether it's getting lost and finding a hidden gem or laughing uncontrollably over road trip snacks gone wrong. At its core, road tripping is about adventure, discovery, and making memories. No matter where the road takes you, embrace the journey and enjoy the ride. After all, the beauty of road tripping is that there's always a new route to explore! FAQ What's the best road trip to take? The best road trip depends on your interests! For stunning coastal views, the Pacific Coast Highway is unbeatable. For history lovers, Route 66 is a classic. If you want rugged mountain landscapes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is unbeatable. What can you do on a long road trip? Keep things fun and engaging by playing road trip games, listening to audiobooks, taking scenic detours, and trying local restaurants along your route. And if you have any downtime, explore roadside attractions, take unexpected stops, or create a music playlist challenge with your travel companions. How do I not get bored on a road trip? Rotate between music, podcasts, games, and storytelling with your travel buddies. Frequent breaks at interesting spots also keep things exciting!
