There is no better way to understand the size and variety of the United States than by driving across it. A coast-to-coast road trip takes you through big cities, small towns, deserts, mountains, plains and forests. Along the way, you will find some of the most memorable places to see America has to offer.
This guide follows a classic route from the East Coast to the West Coast and highlights the best places to see America by car, plus scenic drives you can do on their own.
Planning a Road Trip to Places to See America
A cross-country drive covers about 2,800 to 3,500 miles, depending on the route. Allow at least two weeks, and ideally three, to enjoy the places to see America offers without rushing. Spring and fall are the best seasons, with mild weather in most regions.
Stage 1: The East Coast
New York City
Start your trip in New York City with Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Washington, DC
Drive south to Washington, DC for free museums and monuments.
Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most scenic places to see America by car, with mountain overlooks and fall colors.
Stage 2: The South
Great Smoky Mountains
Hike to waterfalls and drive Cades Cove loop to spot deer and black bears.
Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee
Live country music in Nashville and blues and barbecue in Memphis.
New Orleans (optional detour)
Add New Orleans for jazz and Creole food if you have time.
Stage 3: Route 66 and the Southwest
Historic Route 66 once ran from Chicago to Santa Monica. Today, many sections still offer neon signs, classic diners and quirky roadside stops, especially in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Driving it is one of the most nostalgic ways to experience places to see America.
Amarillo, Texas
See the colorful Cadillac Ranch art installation.
Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico
Adobe architecture, art galleries and green chile food.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Colorful fossilized logs and the Painted Desert.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The highlight of many road trips. Watch the sunset from Hopi Point.
Stage 4: Utah and Nevada (optional loop)
From the Grand Canyon, drive north to Zion and Bryce Canyon, then west to Las Vegas. This loop adds some of the most dramatic places to see America has in the desert.
Stage 5: California
Joshua Tree National Park
Strange trees and giant boulders in the desert.
Los Angeles
Finish at Santa Monica Pier, the traditional end of Route 66.
Pacific Coast Highway
If you have extra days, drive north along the coast through Big Sur to San Francisco.
Other Scenic Drives and Places to See America
- Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana: mountain views in Glacier National Park.
- Overseas Highway, Florida: island hopping to Key West.
- Great River Road: following the Mississippi River through ten states.
- Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming: high alpine scenery.
- Hana Highway, Hawaii: waterfalls and rainforest on Maui.
These drives are perfect places to see America if you do not have time for a full cross-country trip.
Road Trip Tips for Places to See America
- Plan around 300 to 400 miles a day to avoid fatigue.
- Book lodging ahead near national parks.
- Buy an annual national parks pass.
- Check your car before leaving: tires, oil and brakes.
- Download offline maps, as signal can be weak in rural areas.
- Pack snacks and water for long empty stretches.
Budget for Places to See America by Car
Fuel, lodging and food are the main costs. For two people sharing a car and rooms, a two-week trip often costs $2,500 to $4,500 in total. Camping and budget motels lower costs, while one-way car rental fees can add a lot, so compare options.
Best Small Towns Along the Way
Some of the most charming places to see America on a road trip are small towns. Stop in Lexington, Virginia, for historic streets, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Victorian houses, Tucumcari, New Mexico, for classic Route 66 motels and Seligman, Arizona, for quirky roadside shops. Small towns are cheaper places to see America and give you a feel for local life away from big cities.
Family Road Trip Places to See America
Families will love road trip stops like Cadillac Ranch, the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest and the Smoky Mountains. Junior Ranger programs make national parks fun, and many places to see America along Route 66 have kitschy attractions kids enjoy. Plan shorter driving days and stop at parks and playgrounds to keep everyone happy.
Places to See America in Fall
Fall is one of the best seasons for road trips. The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Smoky Mountains and New England blaze with color, while the Southwest has comfortable temperatures. Fall places to see America are less crowded once summer ends, and hotel prices drop.
Shorter Routes to Places to See America
If you only have a week, choose a regional route instead of crossing the whole country. Drive the Southwest loop from Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway from Shenandoah to the Smoky Mountains. Or cruise the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Each of these routes packs famous places to see America into a manageable trip, with less driving and more time to explore. Shorter routes are also cheaper, since you avoid one-way rental fees and long fuel bills while still enjoying places to see America at their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a coast-to-coast road trip take?
At least two weeks, and ideally three.
What are the must-see stops?
The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Smoky Mountains, Route 66, the Grand Canyon and the California coast.
When is the best time to drive across America?
Spring and fall.
Is Route 66 still drivable?
Yes, many sections remain, especially in the Southwest.
Final Thoughts
A road trip is one of the best ways to discover places to see America in all their variety. Plan your route, take your time and enjoy the open road. The journey itself will become one of your favorite memories.