- Music Lovers: The Blues Highway
- Food Enthusiasts: The Southern Comfort Trail
- History Buffs: The Freedom Trail Extended
- Nature Lovers: The Pacific Coast Highway Adventure
- Adventure Seekers: The Four Corners Circuit
- Culture Enthusiasts: The Great Lakes Art Trail
- Small-Town Explorers: The Appalachian Heritage Route
The fastest way across America? Take a plane. The most scenic? Try a train. But if you want the journey to be just as memorable as the destination, nothing beats the open road.
Road trips let you discover America at your own pace — windows down, music up — stopping at hidden gems, chatting with locals at roadside diners, and experiencing those “wow” moments you can’t plan for.
We’ve designed seven epic routes that match your interests, whether you’re drawn to musical history, incredible food, or stunning natural landscapes. Each trip reveals what makes different corners of America truly special.
Music Lovers: The Blues Highway
Trip: Memphis to New Orleans | Route: Tennessee → Mississippi → Louisiana
Experience the birthplace of American music while connecting with local musicians and learning how a blend of cultures created these iconic sounds.
Best time to go: Fall (October-November) when temperatures are moderate and there are more intimate music events or Spring (March-May) when the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place amid the blooming wildflowers.
Food Enthusiasts: The Southern Comfort Trail
Trip: Nashville to Charleston | Route: Tennessee → Georgia → South Carolina
Learn cooking techniques from local chefs and understand how different cultures shaped regional American cuisine.
Best time to go: Fall (September-November) when temperatures are more comfortable for exploring outdoor markets and food festivals—and harvest season means the freshest ingredients at farm-to-table restaurants.
History Buffs: The Freedom Trail Extended
Trip: Boston to Philadelphia | Route: Massachusetts → Connecticut → New York → New Jersey → Pennsylvania
Walk in the footsteps of America’s founders while exploring how diverse communities built the nation.
Best time to go: Fall (September-November) when mild temperatures are perfect for walking tours, colorful trees create beautiful scenic drives between cities, and fewer tourists crowd main sites like the Statue of Liberty.
Parking pro-tips: Parking along this route can be especially tricky. Downloading parking apps like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, or BestParking while in Boston, NYC, and Philly, can help you reserve spots in advance. When possible, park outside major cities and take public transportation in. Check signage carefully to avoid street cleaning times and parking tickets. And make sure you research your options by city ahead of time, depending on your specific itinerary.
Nature Lovers: The Pacific Coast Highway Adventure
Trip: San Francisco to Los Angeles | Route: California coastline
Experience California’s environmental conservation efforts and learn about sustainable tourism practices.
Best time to go: Spring (April-June) when wildflowers are in full bloom or Fall (September-November) with clear, mild, sunny days perfect for coastal driving and outdoor activities like hiking.
Adventure Seekers: The Four Corners Circuit
Trip: Denver to Moab | Route: Colorado → Utah → Arizona → New Mexico
Calling all adventure-seekers! Get ready to engage with Native American communities and learn about indigenous cultures while respecting sacred lands.
Best time to go: Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) when it’s perfect weather for hiking, cultural events, and outdoor activities without experiencing summer’s intense desert heat or winter snows that can lead to roads closing.
Culture Enthusiasts: The Great Lakes Art Trail
Trip: Chicago to Detroit | Route: Illinois → Indiana → Michigan
Learn how people from different countries helped build America’s factory cities throughout the midwest, creating new art and culture at the center of the country.
Best time to go: Late Spring to Early Fall (May-September) when the warm weather makes outdoor attractions like Indiana Dunes and Detroit’s street art district enjoyable. Summer also brings several cultural festivals without harsh Midwest winters that limit activities and create challenging driving conditions.
Small-Town Explorers: The Appalachian Heritage Route
Trip: Asheville to Louisville | Route: North Carolina → Tennessee → Kentucky
Experience authentic American small-town life and learn about Appalachian traditions passed down through generations.
Best time to go: Fall (September-November) when the mild weather, mountains, and colorful leaves create the perfect scenic drive up Blue Ridge Parkway and a more comfortable experience exploring caves and other outdoor sites. This way, you’ll avoid summer humidity and road closures on higher elevations in the winter.
Additional Planning Resources
While road trips are amazing ways to make the most of your time in the U.S., they do require a bit of preparation ahead of time. Check out these resources on driving, lodging, and more to ensure you have a smooth trip and avoid unnecessary bumps along the way.
- Driving in the U.S. (laws)
- How to rent a car in the U.S. (including needed documentation)
- Accommodations for recreational travel in the U.S.
- Guide to U.S. Culture, including regional customs and cultural etiquette
Time to take the wheel
As you can see, these road trips offer more than scenic routes – they’re pathways to understanding America’s cultural landscape. Each journey provides opportunities to connect with locals, experience authentic traditions, and create memories that extend far beyond typical tourist attractions. Ready to explore? Your American adventure awaits on the open road.
