Considering a road trip? Well, friends, today I’m here to guide you on the ultimate adventure with the post “Where is The Best Place to Road Trip in the US.” I’ll unveil the top 12 must-visit places for your road trip. In this post, discover the distance, the route, and the vibe of each location. Excited? 😀
Let’s dive in and explore Where is The Best Place to Road Trip in the US!
Best Place to Road Trip in US in 2024
- Pacific Coast Highway to California (Highway 1)
- Route 66 – Illinois to California
- The Florida Keys – Overseas Highway (US-1)
- The Big Sur to California Coastline
- Rocky Mountain National Park to Colorado
- The Great Lakes Circle Tour to Midwest
- Oregon Trail to Oregon
- The Texas Hill Country to Texas
- Glacier National Park to Montana
- The Natchez Trace Parkway to Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee
- The Black Hills to South Dakota
- The Great River Road to Illinois to Louisiana
1. Coastal Adventure: Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
- Distance Traveled: 1054 kilometers
- Speed Limits: Changes from 88 to 105 km/h.
- Trip Path: Start from Dana Point, CA, and go north, enjoying the beautiful coastal views until you reach San Francisco. Visit famous spots like Big Sur & Monterey along the way.
- State Capital: Sacramento – CA.
- Suggested Duration: About 48-72 hours (2-3 days), but you might want to take more time to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
- Traffic Alert: Expect moderate to heavy traffic, especially during peak travel times.
2. Classic Journey: Route 66 – Illinois to California
- Covered Distance: Almost 3,940 kilometers from Illinois to California.
- Speed Range: Approximately 105 to 120 km/h.
- Travel Path: Kick-off your adventure in Chicago, IL, and conclude the journey in Santa Monica, CA, exploring more along the way.
- State Capital: Springfield, IL.
- Recommended Duration: Plan for around 10-14 days to savor the experience.
- Traffic Conditions: Generally moderate, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
3. Tropical Escape: The Florida Keys – Overseas Highway (US-1)
- Covered Distance: 182 kilometers.
- Speed Limit: Mostly ranging from 72 to 88 km/h.
- Travel Path: Begin your journey in Florida City, FL, heading towards the enchanting Key West.
- State Capital: Tallahassee, FL.
- Recommended Duration: Allocate about 2-3 days to thoroughly relish the journey and explore the charming keys.
- Traffic Advisory: Be mindful, as traffic can get heavy, especially during popular vacation periods.
4. Coastal Marvel: The Big Sur to California Coastline
- Covered Distance: 145 kilometers.
- Speed Limit: Mostly set at 88 km/h, with occasional lower limits in specific areas.
- Travel Route: Cruise along the iconic California State Route 1, from San Simeon to Carmel, indulging in breathtaking coastal views.
- State Capital: Sacramento, CA.
- Suggested Duration: Plan for about 2-3 days, allowing ample time for relaxed exploration.
- Traffic Alert: Be prepared for potential congestion, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Alpine Adventure: Rocky Mountain National Park to Colorado
- Covered Distance: 668 kilometers from Denver, CO.
- Speed Limit: Primarily ranging from 56 to 88 km/h within the park.
- Travel Route: Journey via US-36 from Denver to Estes Park, then follow the picturesque Trail Ridge Road within the national park.
- State Capital: Denver, CO.
- Recommended Duration: Set aside around 2-4 days to fully immerse yourself in exploring the park’s majestic peaks and alpine landscapes.
- Traffic Advisory: Keep in mind that traffic can become busy, especially during summer weekends and holidays.
6. Lakeside Odyssey: The Great Lakes Circle Tour in the Midwest
- Covered Distance: A whopping 10,460 kilometers looping around all five Great Lakes.
- Speed Limit: Cruising at speeds between 88 to 113 km/h.
- Travel Route: Drive around the enchanting shores of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, & Lake Ontario.
- State Capitals: Encounter various state capitals along this scenic route.
- Suggested Duration: Dedicate a few weeks to fully absorb the natural beauty and diverse culture of the Great Lakes region.
- Traffic Insight: While generally moderate, be prepared for potential busyness in tourist hotspots.
7. Historic Trek: Oregon Trail to Oregon
- Covered Distance: 805 kilometers.
- Speed Limit: Primarily ranging from 88 to 105 km/h.
- Travel Route: Embark on the journey from Oregon City, OR, tracing the footsteps of the historic Oregon Trail to Baker City, OR, passing through picturesque landscapes.
- State Capital: Salem, OR.
- Suggested Duration: Plan for about 4-6 days, allowing ample time for historical site visits and outdoor activities.
- Traffic Conditions: Generally light to moderate, though some congestion may occur in urban areas.
Read also: Where Can I Find A Female Travel Partner To Enjoy GOA in 2024?
8. Texan Gem: The Texas Hill Country Adventure
- Covered Distance: 322 kilometers.
- Speed Limit: Cruising speeds between 105 to 120 km/h.
- Travel Route: Immerse yourself in the scenic countryside of Texas Hill Country, commencing in Austin and exploring charming towns like Fredericksburg and San Antonio.
- State Capital: Austin, TX.
- Recommended Duration: Allocate around 3-5 days to fully savor the delightful towns and natural beauty.
- Traffic Insight: Typically moderate, but be mindful of potential heavier traffic during peak tourist seasons.
9. Alpine Wonderland: Glacier National Park in Montana
- Covered Distance: Approximately 430 miles (692 kilometers) from Helena, MT.
- Speed Limit: Varied, mostly between 45 to 70 mph (72 to 113 km/h) depending on the road.
- Travel Route: Drive to the park’s main entrances, such as West Glacier or St. Mary, and embark on the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- State Capital: Helena, MT.
- Suggested Duration: Set aside about 3-5 days to fully immerse yourself in the park’s glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildlife.
- Traffic Advisory: Expect increased activity during the peak summer months.
10. Southern Heritage Drive: Natchez Trace Parkway
- Covered Distance: 715 kilometers.
- Speed Limit: Mostly set at 40 to 50 mph (64 to 80 km/h) to preserve the park’s scenic and historic charm.
- Travel Route: Journey along the Natchez Trace Parkway from Natchez, MS, to Nashville, TN, making stops at historic sites and capturing beautiful vistas.
- State Capitals: Jackson, MS, and Nashville, TN.
- Recommended Duration: Plan for a leisurely 5-7 days, allowing a relaxed drive through history and nature.
- Traffic Insight: Generally light, ensuring an enjoyable and calming drive.
11. Monumental Adventure: The Black Hills in South Dakota
- Covered Distance: 483 kilometers.
- Speed Limit: Mainly set between 105 to 120 km/h on highways.
- Travel Route: Kick off your journey in Rapid City, SD, and explore attractions like Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park.
- State Capital: Pierre, SD.
- Suggested Duration: Allow about 3-5 days to fully appreciate the beauty and history of the area.
- Traffic Conditions: Moderate, particularly during the bustling summer tourist season.
12. Riverfront Journey: The Great River Road from Illinois to Louisiana
- Covered Distance: 3,173 kilometers.
- Speed Limit: Ranges from 72 to 113 km/h.
- State Capital: Baton Rouge, LA.
- Recommended Duration: Plan for around 10-14 days to fully absorb the scenic experience.
- Traffic Conditions: Anticipate moderate to heavy traffic along this captivating route.
Must-Visit US Road Trip Destinations
- Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks to Utah – Covering 1,287 kilometers.
- The Outer Banks in North Carolina – A scenic route spanning 322 kilometers.
- The Bourbon Trail Through Kentucky – A 322-kilometer journey through picturesque landscapes.
- Acadia All-American Road in Maine – A charming 64-kilometer stretch.
- The Grand Canyon in Arizona – A captivating route spanning 370 kilometers.
- The Olympic Peninsula in Washington – A scenic drive of 531 kilometers.
Answers To Key Questios
What are the top cities to visit in 2024?
In 2024, top cities to visit include Paris, Tokyo, New York City, Barcelona, and Sydney.
Where is the best place to road trip in the US?
The Pacific Coast Highway, Route 66, and the Great River Road are top picks for road trips in the US.
Where to travel in July 2024?
Ideal destinations in July 2024 include Santorini, Yellowstone National Park, and Kyoto for diverse experiences.
What is the best time of year to do a road trip in America?
Fall, specifically September and October, is often considered the best time for a road trip in America due to milder weather and stunning autumn foliage.
Conclusion
I hope you gained valuable insights from the post “Where is The Best Place to Road Trip in US.” Feel free to share your thoughts or explore further by commenting on these posts. Happy reading!
Ethan Richards here, navigating the globe with “Trip Traveling Guides.” As your trusty companion, I’ve trekked mountains, crossed deserts, and sailed seas. Join me as we chart a course to uncharted territories, turning your travel dreams into exhilarating realities.
