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The 18 Best Road Trips in the U.S. in 2024
Where you’re headed…
Southern New England
Northern Arizona Canyons
Natchez Trace Parkway
Hershey, Pa., Dutch Country
Southern Arizona
Southern California
Northern CA & Southern OR Coast
Vegas to National Parks to Vegas
Smoky Mountains
Grand Pacific Northwest
Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina
Route 66 - Eastern New Mexico
Black Hills
Utah's National Parks
Cape Cod
Big Sky Country
South Florida
San Francisco to Lake Tahoe to Reno
– Katie Broome. AAA Travel Editor
Road trips let travelers see the world from a new perspective and explore distant locations. Recent studies indicate that more than 100 million Americans plan for road trips in the summer. Each state offers a unique experience for travelers, so it can be hard to limit your options. Whether you are dreaming up road trip ideas or simply curious about the most popular ones, here we’ll explore 18 of the best road trips in the U.S. and share some of the ways AAA Travel can make planning a breeze.
1. Southern New England
Starting and ending in Boston, this Southern New England road trip quite a bit of history and scenery in one route. One of the best road trips in the U.S., you’ll see sites from the American Revolution along Boston’s Freedom Trail, quaint shops housed in Colonial-era buildings on the streets of Mystic, Connecticut and lavish mansions from the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island. This trip also offers prime leaf-peeping opportunities in late October and early November.
Length: 229.4 miles
Time: 5+ hours
Great for: Couples, history buffs and families
Getty Images / Digital Vision
2. Northern Arizona Canyons
Southwest desert scenery is on full display on this northern Arizona canyons road trip. From the red rock formations of Sedona to the majesty of the Grand Canyon, this loop journey from Flagstaff hits all the highlights. It includes stops at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, the ancient pueblos of Wupatki National Monument and the lava fields of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Length: 274.3 miles
Time: 6+ hours
Great for: Solo and adventure travelers
JPaulMoore / iStockphoto.com
3. Natchez Trace Parkway
To see the American South in all its glory, the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the best places to go on a road trip. Stretching from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi (by way of Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley), this rural route makes it easy to visit archeological sites, prehistoric ceremonial mounds, Civil War battlefields and the original Native American trail.
Length: 494.6 miles
Time: 10+ hours
Great for: Music lovers and history buffs
Shutterstock.com / Lissandra Melo
4. Hershey, Pa., Dutch Country
Expect to see horse-drawn carriages and historic covered bridges on a drive through Hershey, Pennsylvania, Dutch Country. Named after the German (Deutsch) immigrants who settled there in the 18th century, Pennsylvania Dutch Country offers the unique chance to see people of the Amish, Mennonite and Brethren faiths practicing their simple, modest lifestyle. The road trip also includes a stop in Gettysburg.
Length: 197.0 miles
Time: 5+ hours
Great for: Families and history buffs
Shutterstock.com / Anton Foltin
5. Southern Arizona
From the towering cacti of the Sonoran Desert to the Wild West saloons of Tombstone, photo-worthy sights are aplenty on a drive through southern Arizona. You’ll pass through the vibrant cities of Tucson and Scottsdale on this trip, with art galleries, authentic Mexican restaurants and splurge-worthy resorts along the way.
Length: 547.1 miles
Time: 10+ hours
Great for: Couples and adventure travelers
iStockphoto.com / Michael Valdez
6. Southern California
It’s sunny skies ahead on this Southern California cruise, which includes a seven-hour journey from Los Angeles to Temecula wine country that features palm tree-dotted beaches, coastal cliffs, rugged desert canyons and a stop in San Diego. Travel editors recommend you plan this trip for spring or fall, as temperatures at some points along the drive can top 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Length: 307.4 miles
Time: 6+ hours
Great for: Couples and solo travelers
Shutterstock.com / Yelena Demyanyuk
7. Northern California / Southern Oregon Coast
Definitely not short on scenery, this Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast drive can easily be split up over a few days so you have plenty of time for exploration. You’ll start in California’s Central Valley, then wind your way up the Pacific Coast to see towering redwoods, quaint beach towns, shifting sand dunes and breathtaking ocean views on Oregon’s U.S. 101. (If you drive an electric vehicle, also check out Where to Stop and Recharge on an EV Road Trip Down Oregon’s Coast.)
Length: 380.1 miles
Time: 8+ hours
Great for: Families, couples and campers
AAA Summer Car Care Check List:
Check tires and tire pressure -Inspect all four tires and, if you have one, the spare tire as well. Look for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges. Insert a quarter upside down into grooves to check tire tread. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it is time for new tires.
Check tire pressure when the car has been idle and tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You will find it listed in the owner’s manual and on the sticker of the driver-side door jamb. Do not use the number on the tire sidewall.Secure and test the battery – The average battery life is 3-5 years. Check the car battery to be sure cable connections are clean and tight and the hold down hardware is secure. Have a service professional do a battery check to determine remaining capacity. AAA Members can always opt for the FREE mobile battery service.
Top off engine oil and other fluids -Check that engine oil, coolant and brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner - Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris, and test to make sure the nozzles spray adequately.
Check belts and hoses - Reinforced rubber drive belts power the engine water pump and accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor so you should inspect and replace any that are cracked, glazed or frayed.
Note that modern multi-rib or drive belt materials do not show easily visible signs of wear. As a general rule, replace drive belts every 60,000 miles.
Inspect and replace worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft radiator hoses. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.Keep the AC running cool - Take a test drive with the air conditioner running. If you notice a decrease in cooling capacity, take the car to an auto repair shop for diagnosis. Also, inspect and replace the cabin filter as needed.
Make a plan for roadside emergencies – know who to call or make sure your AAA Membership is up to date.
Take advantage of seasonal discounts - Ask about discounted tires and other services.
8. Vegas to National Parks to Vegas
Getty Images / Robert Glusic
A multiday road trip from Las Vegas is a great way to explore the Southwest and check off a few bucket list items. AAA’s Vegas road trip covers 860 miles in Nevada, Arizona and Utah, and includes stops at man-made landmarks like the Hoover Dam and Route 66 and at natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the hoodoos (rock formations) of Bryce Canyon. (For more inspiration, see Ditch the Glitz for Adventure in Vegas.)
Length: 857.4 miles
Time: 16 hours
Great for: Solo and adventure travelers and campers
golfladi / iStockphoto.com
9. Smoky Mountains
See the signature haze of the Great Smoky Mountains on this 500-mile loop that provides plenty of ooh- and aah-worthy views of America’s most-visited national park. One of the best road trips in the USA, AAA’s route begins and ends in Knoxville, Tennessee, and includes stops in fun mountain towns like Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina.
Length: 497.8 miles
Time: 10+ hours
Great for: Families, couples and campers
DonFink / iStockphoto.com
10. Grand Pacific Northwest
Soak up views of iconic Northwest landmarks on this Pacific Northwest drive, which covers 550 miles in Oregon and Washington. From the waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway to the summer wildflowers of Mount Rainier National Park, this road trip is sure to please nature lovers. (For even more adventures in the “upper left” of the U.S., see Best Pacific Northwest Road Trips (and When to Take Them).)
Length: 551.1 miles
Time: 10+ hours
Great for: Families and campers
DaleBHalbur / iStockphoto.com
11. Blue Ridge Parkway: North Carolina
America’s longest linear park is also one of its most scenic, which makes the Blue Ridge Parkway a clear winner in AAA’s list of the most popular road trips in the U.S. The portion of the parkway that runs through North Carolina follows curvy mountain roads from Cherokee to the North Carolina-Virginia state line, with plenty of spectacular views and hiking opportunities along the way. You could easily stretch this drive into a multiday trip.
Length: 303.8 miles
Time: 8+ hours
Great for: Families, couples and campers
Konoplytska / iStock
12. Route 66: Eastern New Mexico
The Route 66 road trip is a staple of “Americana” culture and the subject of a particularly catchy tune from the 1940s. This massive highway stretches across two-thirds of the United States, so it’s not uncommon for folks to explore Route 66 bit by bit. The Eastern New Mexico stretch of Route 66 will take you from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the primary setting of AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” to Adrian, Texas — the “Midpoint of Route 66.”
Length: 118.7 miles
Time: 2+ hours
Great for: Americana fans, families and couples
Ultima_Gaina / iStock
13. Black Hills
Mount Rushmore, a scenic memorial that features four of the United States’ most famous presidents, is the center point of this Black Hills road trip. However, there are plenty more historic landmarks along the way, including the legendary gold rush town of Deadwood, South Dakota, and the Jewel Cave National Monument.
Length: 209 miles
Time: 5 hours
Great for: History buffs, families and campers
Sean Pavone / iStock
14. Utah's National Parks
Utah is adored for its delicious food scene and gorgeous natural landscapes. This scenic road trip of Utah's National Parks will let you get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful sights in Utah. Throughout the 1,050-mile voyage, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Utah’s world-famous natural scenery. You’ll also be able to sample local delicacies from venues like the Sunset Grill in Moab, Utah.
Length: 1,049.3 miles
Time: 19+ hours
Great for: Outdoor adventurers and naturalists
Halbergman / E+
15. Cape Cod
This 174-mile road trip through Cape Cod highlights Boston’s natural beauty and historic significance. During this drive, you’ll encounter a touching monument to John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. You may also get a chance to admire humpback whales if you visit during whale-watching season, which normally runs from mid-April to October.
Length: 173.7 miles
Time: 6+ hours
Great for: Fishing fans, beachgoers, and whale watchers
Jon Farmer / iStock
16. Big Sky Country
The term “Big Sky Country” refers to the parts of the U.S. that still largely consist of untouched natural land. This This 425-mile scenic road trip will take you through portions of Montana and Wyoming. Highlights include visits to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Length: 425.4 miles
Time: 8+ hours
Great for: Campers, astronomy fans, and naturalists
Crystal Bolin Photography / E+
17. South Florida
Folks have called Florida the Sunshine State since before the 1970s — and for good reason. This popular vacation destination is brimming with sandy beaches and tropical weather. AAA’s 421-mile route through South Florida hits major destinations like Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. Along the way, you might even see herds of deer or congregations of alligators.
Length: 421.1 miles
Time: 10+ hours
Great for: Wildlife watchers, beachgoers, couples and families
MariuszBlach / iStock
18. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe to Reno
California and Nevada feature a bevy of breathtaking sights and sounds. AAA’s 486-mile route from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe to Reno provides plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in natural experiences near Lake Tahoe — and enjoy some of Reno’s most impressive resorts, like the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.
Length: 486.3 miles
Time: 9+ hours
Great for: Museum fans, kayakers and hikers