cross country road trip food ideas

105+ Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks: Best Road Trip Food

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Road trips are exciting adventures to take with your friends, family or solo. However coming up with a list of the best road trip food & easy road trip meals and snacks can be hard.

Which is where our ultimate list of the best food for road trips comes in handy. To help you avoid hangry companions, outrageous food costs, and unhealthy gas station food stops.

We’ve taken our share of cross country & multi-day road trips over the years, both as adults, and with kids from months old to teenagers. So we know quite a few tricks when it comes to road trip meal planning.

Our list includes easy ideas for healthy snacks, breakfasts, lunches & dinners, for all ages we love. As well as gluten-free, and vegetarian options too.

Plus we provide essential packing tips and a list of non-food items to bring along, at the end of this post. Hop in the car, & let’s go!

Table of Contents

ULTIMATE HEALTHY ROAD TRIP MEALS LIST

If you plan ahead and pre-make some yummy snacks and meals, your family will be well fed on the road. Whether you are heading on a Southwest USA road trip or a coastal road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park or elsewhere.

Healthy road trip food & easy meals the whole family will love.

Why Bring Make Ahead Meals For Road Trips?

Before I get into our epic food list, I’ll quickly go over a few reasons why we bring our own make-ahead road trip meals and snacks. And why you should too:

• Road trip meal planning is a great way to reduce fast food temptation, junk food and save money for your family road trip .
• Bringing good food for road trips frees up some of your hard earned cash to splurge on meals you will actually look forward to . 
• We find our own make-ahead meals & road trip food tends to be healthier.
• If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, creating a road trip meal plan will allow you to have safe meal options on the road.
• Have fun picnics at rest stops, parks, or in your hotel room along your long drive.
• Avoid hungry kidlets with healthy road trip snacks , so they can focus on road trip activities , not driving you crazy with whining. I know you feel me on this one!

Bringing your own food is well worth the time and money you can save on your adventure. Use our road trip planner to help organize your trip.

I love how make ahead easy travel meals are great for cutting down on the mess, stress and time it takes to prepare and clean up on the road. Because as a parent anything I can do to make my life easier is golden.

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

We’ve found it’s easy to take these road trip breakfast ideas to go, or quickly eat hot in the morning.

As long as we’ve made them ahead of time, and brought them in our cooler. Or if we have access to hot water or basic kitchen facilities or a microwave.

Grab tasty breakfast recipes .

Cold, Non-Perishable Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

• Granola 
• Cereal Bars & Granola Bars
• Breakfast Bars
• Fruit & Veggie Pouches 

⭐️ PRO TIP : Bring a reusable coffee mug and water bottles for each family member. They’re a great option for filling up with hot water, tea, coffee and water on the go. We’ve found they’re less likely to spill in the car if you use a spill-proof refillable cup and snack cup for the littles.

Cold Breakfast Ideas for Road Trips

• Yogurt – Tubes, Drinks
• Fresh Fruit
• Rye Crisp Breads & Goat Cheese
• Chia Pudding – Make the night before
• Granola & Overnight Oats – Make the night before
• Muffins & Peanut Butter (or other nut or seed butters)
• Egg Muffins or Mini Quiches (To heat or not to heat. That is the question)
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Breakfast Cookies 
• Vegan Blueberry Muffins
• Bagels and Cream Cheese
• Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap
• No Bake Oat Bites 
• Apple Pie Oat Bliss Balls
• Croissant, ham, cheese
• Croissant, jam & cream cheese
• Pancake Sandwiches – nut butter / jam between two mini pancakes (make ahead)

Hot & Quick Breakfast Ideas

• Instant Oatmeal 
• Cup of Soup or canned soup
• Pre-made Mini Quiche (just heat up)
• Egg, Cheese, & avocado tortilla wrap
• Haloumi Cheese and Bacon Breakfast Sandwich
• One Pan Chickpea Hash (fried chickpeas, veggies, herbs) & Fried eggs

More kid friendly breakfast ideas here .

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

Road trip lunch ideas are probably the easiest for most people to come up with, when it comes to thinking of meal planning for road trips . We like to think of them as picnic lunches.

What is the first thing that comes to mind, but sandwiches. Sandwiches are such a staple we’ve given them their own section below. 

To be honest, I often just prepare and pack foods I would usually take for lunch at work, for the first day or two.

Then I add easy road trip lunches to grab and prep along the way, like sandwich fixings. Or cheese, meat  and cracker plates for a longer trip.

Easy Non-Refrigerated Road Trip Lunch Ideas

• Canned Tuna & crackers – The mini pull tab tins come in many flavours
• Protein Bars , Energy Bars
• Sardines or Mackerel canned with avocado, crackers or bread
• Snacks for lunch: Beef Jerky, Trail Mix, Smoothie Pouches, Nut Butter Pouches
• Peanut Butter (or other nut & seed butter) & Jam Wraps
• Canned grape leaf rolls

Cold Road Trip Lunches

• Sushi / nori rolls – sweet potato, cucumber and avocado,  smoked salmon, cucumber and avocado, smoked salmon & cream cheese
• Sandwiches (see Road Trip Sandwiches below for ideas) 
• Tortilla Pinwheels
• Meat Kabobs
• Pasta Salad
• Corn & Zucchini Fritters
• Fruit (apple slices, cantaloupe, grapes), cheese and bread or crackers
• Charcuterie plate – cheese, deli meats, olives, dried fruit
• Chickpea or Bean Salads
• Quinoa Salad
• Mason Jar Salad – keep the dressing separate
• Pre-made Quesadillas – Refried beans and cheese. Keep salsa & sour cream separate in small leak-proof containers

Sides to Add to Lunch Ideas

• Cut up veggie sticks and hummus
• Fruit – apple, berries, melon, grapes
• Homemade cookies or energy balls
• Cucumber, cherry tomatos & peppers salad

Road Trip Sandwiches

What’s a road trip, without a sandwich or two. In fact sandwiches are so iconic, portable, easy to make and ideal for lunch and family vacation dinners they deserve a section, all on its own.

For easy,  awesome sandwiches we’ve found you will only need a few things to mix and match:

• Bread: First you’ll need some kind of hearty bread (kaiser bun, wraps, pita, baguette, ciabatta)
• Protein: Pair with protein such as deli meat, sliced chicken or beef, bacon, eggs, tofu, nut butters
• Extras: Add on the extras such as cheese, lettuce, pickles, fruit 
• Condiments: mayo, mustard, olive tapenade, other sauces

Tasty Sandwich Ideas for Traveling:

• Cheddar and Jam
• Egg Salad 
• Cream cheese and cucumber
• Spicy Tuna and Cucumber – leave out the spice if it’s not your thing
• Pesto Egg Salad Baguette
• Ham & Cheese Baguette or Wrap
• Turkey and Cheese Baguette or Wrap
• Turkey Club Sandwich
• Turkey, Pear, Feta Wrap
• Apple, Cheddar and Mustard Sandwich
• Roasted Red Pepper & Hummus Sandwich
• Curry Chicken or Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Tips for Packing Sandwiches on Road Trips

• Start with heartier bread or toast it first . Put a layer of mayo, or mustard on each side. It actually helps prevent soggy sandwiches.
• I often toast the bread, and then wait until it’s completely cooled before making and storing the sandwiches.
• Keep wet sandwich ingredients separate like tomatoes. We add them right before eating.
• Pack each ingredient separately . Then everyone can assemble their sandwich how they like, on-the-go. We’ve found this helpful with our pickiest eater.
• Pack sandwiches in a hard sided container . Either use reusable individual sandwich containers or larger leak-proof containers for multiple sandwiches. We also love silicone sandwich bags to cut down on plastic.
• Keep the sandwiches on top of the cooler for easy to grab meals on the road.

You may also like 50+ Easy to make, healthy road trip snack recipes

Easy Road Trip Meals Dinner Ideas

Dinner is the one meal we often splurge on, and choose to eat out at a local restaurant, instead of on the road when possible. 

I like to do a bit of research and see what the area is known for, or if there are special meals we can’t get at home. Also after a few days of packed road trip meals, it’s nice to sit down at a restaurant and have someone else clean up and organize.

However, there are times I find when you need a few dinner in the car ideas on hand. You can always re-use the lunch or even the travel breakfast ideas , because they are all tasty anytime of day. 

Check out our favourite easy vacation dinner recipes .

Cold Road Trip Dinner Ideas

• Pasta Salad & Greek Salad
• Cobb Salad 
• Other Cold salads – Potato, bean, egg, chickpea, salmon, tofu, quinoa, rice and bean
• Sandwiches – check out ideas in sandwich section
• Chicken salad / caesar wrap
• Falafel Wrap
• Rice Paper Rolls & Peanut Sauce
• Chicken wings & pre roasted veggies
• Grilled or roast chicken, rice and veggies
• Tortilla Chips, Bean Dip and Salsa
• Egg roll pinwheels with spinach, and cheese 
• Mason Jar grain + protein + roast veggies (pre-made)

Salad Tips – Keep the ingredients & dressing separate. That way each person can assemble to their liking, and the lettuce doesn’t get soggy from swimming in the dressing all day.  

KOA has 10 fun on-the go recipes to try.

Mason Jar Meal tips

Mason Jars are a fun and easy way to store pre-made meals.

They are fairly sturdy (I’ve dropped them many times without breaking them) and come in different sizes. The 500ml and 250 ml are perfect for individual meals.

Choose a grain + a protein + roasted, steamed or stir fried veggies and you have a delicious meal to go.

• Pre-cook a grain: brown rice, basmati rice, white rice, quinoa,
• Choose a protein : roast chicken or beef, curried chickpeas, tofu
• Cooked veggies: stir fries, steamed broccoli, curries, stew,

Hot Road Trip Dinner Ideas

One pan or pot dinner ideas are perfect for travel, camping and road trips. Especially if you ‘ve been entertaining the kids with road trip conversations all day.

As long as you remember the hot plate, or cook stove. I’ve been there, done that, forgetting the stove. Another option is to choose motels, or places to stay that have basic kitchen facilities. 

I’ve also gone the route of meal prepping ahead of time and putting individual meals in separate containers that are easy to reheat and clean up. 

If you are a camping family, what you plan for pre-made camping meals is similar.

Think easy camping type meals:

• Baked Beans
• Cup of Soup or Canned Soup
• Frozen Homemade Soup (use the first day or two after it defrosts. Bonus it helps keep the cooler cold)
• Bacon or Sausages and Eggs
• Quesadillas
• Rice and beans or ground beef for tacos or wraps
• Chickpea Curry and Rice (pre-make and heat up)
• Spaghetti 

ROAD TRIP SNACK & DRINKS LIST

We have a full article on our favorite road trip snacks to bring that both adults and kids will love. Good food for long journeys.

Here are a few snack ideas to get you started:

• Energy Balls
• Baby Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, Snap Peas, Celery Sticks & Dip 
• Cheese and Crackers
• Apple Pear Muffins
• Jerky, Beef Sticks
• Potato Chips
• Plantain Chips
• Moon Cheese
• Cheese Crisps
• Seaweed Snacks
• String cheese
• Sunflower seeds
• Gluten-Free Bars –  We like these mini Gluten-Free Bars  

Who doesn’t drink too much on the road because they are avoiding using restrooms at pull-outs or gas stations?  

I’m guilty of this too, but this often leads me to crankiness and wicked headaches, sooo…… Do as I say, not as I do (said Parents everywhere).

Staying hydrated is super important. While water should be the number one choice, sometimes you need a little something different like:

• Coconut water
• Water with crushed berries, or cucumber slices, or lemon
• No sugar added fruit juices 
• Flavoured Sparkling water 
• Almond / Oat / Soy Milk

🚙 More road trip ideas 7 day Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon itinerary

Road Trip Food & Meal Planning Tips

Meal Planning Tips

When meal planning healthy road trip foods, I think it’s important to consider a few key important things:

• What road trip meals you want to bring, and which one’s you’d like to buy.
• If travelling with kids, which foods do they already like. They aren’t going to magically start liking raw broccoli and raisins on your long trip. Adapt your food for road trips with kids.
• Road trip meal ideas – Make a list of food ideas for breakfast , lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Make sure they’re easy food to travel with.
• Creating a road trip grocery list is a good idea, so important items don’t get forgotten. But don’t stress, as usually you’ll be able to pick up ingredients along the way if needed.
• How to pack food for your road trip, so it doesn’t get squished, and stays cool longer.

With so much to do when planning a road trip, it’s sometimes hard to be prepared when it comes to traveling food.

Road Trip Food Tips

Beyond throwing a bunch of items into the cooler and food bag and hoping for the best. Let’s give you a few of my top tips to make packing a bit easier:

• Bread: Bring wraps, pitas and flatbreads – we find they take up less room, and won’t get squished like bread loaves
• Perishables: Eat your perishables and more fragile fruits first (bananas, raspberries, pre-cut fruit like melons, pineapple, mango etc.)
• Freeze Water bottles: When hot out, freeze a couple of the water bottles the night before. They’ll keep your cooler cold, and we love that they give us cold water to drink as they melt.
• Pre-Make Meals & Portion Out: Pre-make meals, and portion them out in mason jars or reusable plastic or glass containers.
• Place your cooler somewhere cool the night before, or pre-chill the cooler for up to 12 hours with ice / ice packs you won’t be using on your trip. 
• Lay solid blocks of ice or reusable ice packs on the bottom, plus put a layer of ice on the top
• Pack the cooler full – too much space helps the inside heat up faster
• Freeze food you won’t need for a couple of days, and use frozen water bottles to help keep the inside colder, longer
• Try to limit the number of times you open the cooler in the day.
• Pack your food in order of when you want to eat it, leaving the next day or two’s meals on top. 
• Garbage Bag for the car: We always have a designated garbage bag for the car. It helps to keep the garbage contained, and the car organized.
• Clean-Up Kit :  Bring a clean up kit. Kids, adults, toddlers all on occasion make messes. Having a clean-up kit handy just in case is good practice. Include wipes, paper towel, extra water, and an easily accessible change of clothes.
• Storage: To keep things organized, we usually use small stackable Rubbermaid containers to pack our non-perishables.

🚙 More Road Trip Ideas: 4 Day family friendly itinerary in Acadia National Park

Road Trip Essentials

Now that we’ve got the meals all planned out, and the best road trip SNACKS organized  let’s move on to the non-food items you’ll need to add to your road trip packing list. 

Reusable Items

Our goal is to reduce our impact on the earth whatever mode of travel. Bringing reusable items on our trips to cut down on waste is one simple way to do this. If you make it part of your routine, you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it becomes.

Here are some other reusable items to pack for your road trip:

• Plastic, glass or stainless steel containers – Can be used for leftovers, as dishes, hold snack packs, or even small toys, art supplies
• Cutlery – knives, forks, spoons, 
• Dishes – Cups, plates, bowls
• Coffee Mugs – Our favs are Yeti Mugs or the Klean Kanteen  
• Reusable Straws
• Water bottles for the kids
• Water bottles for the adults
• Cloth fruit bags 
• Bento Boxes
• Garbage bags – reuse grocery bags

Storage & Cleaning Supplies

• Reusable Ice Packs 
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper Towels & Wet Wipes 
• Biodegradable Soap

Travel Backpacks

You will definitely want to make sure you and your kids have their own travel backpack for the trip.

A good travel backpack can be multipurpose, for hiking, storing road trip activities and entertainment, plus give easy access to a couple of snacks, and a handy change of clothes.

There’s been numerous times my “safety first” approach & extra clothes has saved us on long trips. From puking children, to epic diaper blow outs, and unexpected spills, with kids it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Best Road Trip Coolers

Coolers provide more flexibility with the types of meals and snacks  you can bring on your trips. We think they are a road trip essential, without a doubt. Before choosing one, there are a few things to consider:

• How long is your trip?
• Which meals will you be packing from home?
• How often will you have access to a grocery store?
• How much space do you have in your vehicle? Where do you want to put the cooler?

Answers to these questions will give you an idea of the size and cooling ability needed from your cooler. We’ve put together a list of the best coolers to try, that are easily available on Amazon.

Best Overall Cooler – Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler

The Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler is narrow, so it easily fits behind the seat, is well insulated, which holds the cold, and is lighter than previous versions.

It can also be transformed into a stool if you buy the cushion. It’s a bit of an invesment, so a good buy if you are planning on using it a lot.

Best Afforable Family Cooler – Coleman 316

The Coleman 316 Cooler is a top pick for size, flexibility and price. It can hold a lot of food and ice, which can be kept cool at higher temps for 2-3 days.

Perfect for shorter trips, or if you plan on replenishing your food / ice every few days.

Best Soft Sided Cooler – TOURIT Leak-Proof Backpack

The Tourit Leak Proof soft-sided backpack is an excellent option for shorter road trips or if you are planning a picnic or day at the beach. This leak-proof high-density insulated backpack can keep food cold for up to 3 days. It also has side pockets for extra storage.

Tips to Prepare For Your Next Road Trip

Anything you can do the day or two beforehand to prep your food, and pack your non-perishables, do it. This will save rushing around at the last minute, and forgetting important things like your water bottles.

We recommend doing the following ahead of time:

• Make a Shopping list and meal plan.
• Check off the items as you pack them. 
• Wash and cut veggies and fruit
• Prepare sandwiches, meat slices, cheese slices
• Freeze meals and water bottles the night or two before
• Prepare the snack bags or snack tote 
• Prepare your Clean up kit
• Pack non-perishable foods in small totes or bags
• Pack your perishable foods in the cooler, & an airtight container, right before you leave.

PRO TIP: Pack your car the night before you leave, to make sure everything fits. Make sure your cooler and essential road trip snacks are easily accessible. 

Conclusion: Ultimate Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks List

With over 100 delicious and easy road trip meal ideas, you will find a party in your cooler for all taste buds or your next long journey.

 Plus don’t forget that a little pre-trip planning can go a long way towards a stress free vacation.

Grab a great road trip snack or two and head on out on the open road. I hope this helps you have an epic road trip.

Related travel tips and destination articles:

• Easy ways to take a frugal road trip
• Epic RV Gift Ideas: Gifts RV Owners will love and use
• Epic Gifts for Beach Lovers – prep for your beach vacation
• Best Walkie Talkies For Road Trips
• Complete Road Trip Packing List For Families

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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Road Trip Food: How To Pack Food For A 7-Day Road Trip

April 9, 2024 | by Workweek Lunch | Leave a Comment

One of the most exciting parts of our cross country move was planning all of our road trip food! I can’t wait to share how exactly we planned meals for this seven-day trip from NYC to Seattle, where we stayed and my best tips and tricks for eating healthy on a budget on the road.

What's In This Post

Planning Our Road Trip

I’m the planner in my family, so plotting out a road trip across the country was my responsibility. I loved every second of it. My app of choice is called Roadtrippers . I’ve used it for years to plan amazing road trips and I think it’s well worth the cost of $35/year, even if you only do one big road trip in a 12 month period. It’s way easier to plan a road trip with this app in comparison to using something like Google maps.

Even though we could have done a much longer trip, because this was a moving road trip, we decided to do it in 8 days, following almost the most direct route to Seattle. We aimed to average about 6 hours of driving per day and pretty much no sightseeing.

If you want to do a sightseeing road trip, you shouldn’t do more than 4 hours of driving/day.

We chose this route because not only is it more direct, but it also came super close to Glacier National Park. So we designed the trip around stopping there for two nights to be able to get a taste of the park, instead of just one night.

How we chose where to stay during our cross country trip

We did a mix of Airbnb, camping, hotels and glamping on this trip! The variety was awesome and I’m glad we branched out of Airbnb, to be honest.

Having a hotel one night was perfect after a night of camping and sleeping on the ground. And Airnbns that had access to laundry came in handy in the middle of our trip, since we packed pretty light!

Every Airbnb also had a fridge which helped us with taking food on this trip and preparing meals for the road.

Here are the places we stayed, all of which were affordable/budget in price but not always in feel!

• Airbnb in New Wilmington, PA –
• Fancy Airbnb in Chicago, IL
• Airbnb in Minneapolis, MN
• Campsite in Bismarck, ND
• Hotel in Lewistown, MT
• Glamping Site in Lakeside, MT (Glacier)

How I Plan Meals For Road Trips

Meal planning helped us save a lot of money and reduce stress during this trip. I approached it the same way I approach regular weekly planning by focusing on breakfast, lunch and dinner for myself and my partner. It was overwhelming at first, but once I filled in where we’d be and thought about the amenities we had at each place, it was easy.

While your approach to meals really depends on the type of road trip you want to take, my golden rule is to eat one takeout full meal per day .

When you’re sitting in a car for hours, it’s more fun to snack and it’s really nice to end the day with a big meal, rather than eat takeout multiple times and feel overstuffed and sleepy in the car. This method also saves money , which is important to me (but maybe not important to you!).

That being said, if I were designing a trip around visiting different foodie spots along the way, I would approach meal prepping and takeout very differently. This move was not a foodie trip, but we did make a point to try local beer and coffee everywhere we stopped.

Our trip was one week long, so it was easy to plan with an excel spreadsheet. If you want to try out our regular meal planning template/spreadsheet, you can download it here !

How much food cost on our road trip

My partner and I were pretty focused on saving money with our move happening at the same time. We spent about $1,500 total on the trip, including lodging, food, gas and random/emergency stuff.

This trip was all about driving.

Our Road Trip Grocery And Food Packing List

• Old fashioned oats*
• Peanut butter*
• Canned tuna*
• Pre-mixed salad bags
• Olive oil, salt, pepper and cooking spray*
• Cheddar cheese
• A small milk bottle
• Brown sugar*

The list above includes some ingredients we purchased before the trip as well as some that we grabbed from our pantry (marked with an *). We spent a total of $50 on groceries before the trip.

We also packed homemade baked banana bread and cookies!

During the trip, we spent about $30 on groceries we needed for cooking, like our two camping meal and a few picnic lunches . For these meals, we just needed fresh veggies and proteins to cook with! We kept things super simple and by the end, I was a little bit sick of tortillas.

Where We Stopped Ate On Our Cross Country Road Trip

The list below includes places we would eat at again, which we, unfortunately, can’t say of every place we stopped at.

Youngstown, OH (coffee): Culture House Coffee

Granger, IN (beer): Bare Hands Brewery

Minneapolis, MN (dinner): Red Cow

Bismark, ND: Stonehome Brew Pub

Lakeside, MT (dinner): Tamarack Brewing Co

Lakeside, MT (breakfast): Glacier Perks Coffee House

We spent about $200 total on restaurants during this trip! We stuck pretty well to our one takeout meal per day, so we only spent $28/day for two on food. I’m happy with that!

Easy Meals To Make On A Road Trip Without Equipment

Overnight oats.

Here’s our Master Overnight Oats Recipe if you want to try it out!

Fresh Wraps

Here’s an easy no-cook wrap recipe that would be perfect for road trips.

Crunchy Salads

This is more of a hack – pre-made salad kits are so easy to find in grocery stores on the road, and you can customize them however you like.

Meals You Can Cook While On A Road Trip

With the help of our stove and access to grills/a campfire, we were able to cook several meals on our trip.

Grilled Wraps & Paninis

We had a blast eating apple cheddar quesadillas at a rest stop! We happened to have apples and cheddar with us, but you can use really anything. All you need is a portable stove, a small non-stick pan and cooking spray to make it happen.

Loaded Campfire Baked Potato

You really can’t go wrong with a loaded baked potato or sweet potato. All you need is foil, your favorite kind of potato, cheese and any other baked potato fixin’s you like!

Roasted Veggie Wraps

We made these grilled veggie wraps on a grill at our KOA campsite! They tasted so good with just a dash of salt and pepper.

How We Cleaned Our Cooking Equipment On Our Road Trip

So we made a point to stay at places every few days with access to a sink or area to clean our dishes. We brought dish soap, a sponge and paper towels with us to do light cleaning at the campsites as needed. It wasn’t such a big deal! At the end of our road trip, we just loaded up the dishwasher with all our camp cooking equipment for a final wash.

How long does food last in a cooler on a road trip?

I highly recommend the cooler we bought for families or people going on long road trips. It’s not great for solo travel, as it was almost too big for us!

Every other day, we put a new bag of ice in the cooler (purchased at a gas station) and drained it before adding a new bag of ice. By the very end, some of the food definitely smelled a bit inside the cooler – but not in a bad way. We may have not kept up the ice re-stocking toward the end as well as we could have.

All in all, no food spoiled on our trip. Everything made it through the seven days, and whatever we didn’t eat we were able to store in our fridge when we got home.

Essential Equipment For Packing Road Trip Food

Bamboo Travel Utensils  – love these compact utensils for travel meals!

Coleman Cooler – we loved this cooler! It fit all our food

Mini Camp Stove – essential for when you don’t want to/can’t make a campfire

Food Containers – we used these to store food and as bowls!

Stasher Bags  – useful for dry snacks for any travel occasion

Small Non-Stick Pan – perfect for cooking on the camp stove

Cast-Iron Pan – ideal for campfire cooking

Cozy Flannel – I wore this every day of the trip! Super handy for the transitioning summer/fall weather.

I hope this inspires you to plan an epic road trip and stay within your budget!

If you want more travel meal ideas, here are some other posts that could help:

This post contains affiliate links.

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The Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary: 6 Days of the Best Food in America

After driving across the country too many times, I think I've found the absolute best, most delicious road trip ever. Pennsylvania Dutch classics, a crawfish boil along the Gulf Coast, and the best tacos in San Diego—this one has it all.

As the contributor of many of Food & Wine's comprehensive Best Of lists, designed to highlight and celebrate all aspects of American food and drink culture, David spent much of a typical year traveling on assignment. Besides having lived in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco, he visited each of the 50 states many times over, often for extended periods of time, revisiting at least half most years.

So you're driving cross-country, or thinking about it—congratulations. Now, which route to take? The country is enormous, there is so much to see, and there are so many ways to accomplish one of the most memorable domestic adventures you will ever embark upon, there is just enough choice to spoil you—selecting the right path can be a challenge. The most popular routes may appear to be quite similar to one another, in terms of time and mileage, and yet each of these epic road trips offers a wholly unique experience.

Boston to the Bay Area , Los Angeles to Philadelphia —you may begin anywhere, and chances are it's all going to be great. After making the trip enough times during the last twenty years that I've lost count, my personal preference would easily be somewhere in northern Florida to anywhere in Southern California, hugging the Gulf Coast, taking in the whole of Texas, and a great deal of the Southwest. The trip is somewhat shorter than you might expect, a reasonable 34 hours, and the food along the way is, for the most part, excellent.

Many more travelers are likely to choose a route beginning in the Northeast, however, and that's perfectly fine—the drive between the New York City area and Southern California can be accomplished in just 41 hours if you don't dawdle, and it is generally agreed that you can do this in five days time, with a little more than eight hours on the road, each day. I've done the trip in four days, and I don't recommend it, not that five could be called leisurely; if you're making trip for fun reasons, six days is the sensible move. Not long enough to take up more than a week of your time, but with just enough extra padding in the itinerary to give you a better feel for all that ground you're covering.

Following a great deal of trial and error, my ideal New York-California adventure begins in or around New York City, and takes me to San Diego, but with a considerable twist on the usual endurance drive across the Midwest, no offense to any of the states along I-80 intended. By adding just four hours to the base total of 41, I can turn my itinerary into a movable feast, sampling some of the country's most spectacular regional cooking. Those with time to spare might spend weeks covering the highlights; for the rest of us, I've mapped out a six-day, five-night adventure you won't soon forget, with as much good food as possible along a relatively efficient route. Safe travels.

45 hours of driving

3,140 miles

Approximately 520 miles (8.5 hours) per day

Day 1: New York to Bristol, TN (596 miles)

In a perfect world, you'd have all the time you needed to wind your way through the Mid-Atlantic, home to one of the country's strongest regional food cultures, and it all kicks off pretty soon after the New York City skyline disappears from view. But you've got an entire country to get across, so you'll likely leave Philadelphia, or the smorgasbords and farms of Lancaster County for another, more targeted adventure, instead heading straight for Pennsylvania's state capital, Harrisburg. Less than three hours from your chosen Hudson River crossing, and you'll be walking the aisles of the historic Broad Street Market , one of many historic public market halls still serving so many communities around the region, offering up an array of fresh produce, a selection of food as diverse as the city itself, plus all of those Amish Country favorites, like whoopie pies, shoo-fly pies, and extremely buttery soft pretzels, straight from the oven.

Stock the car with enough snacks to power you well into Virginia on I-81, where each town and city along the way offers at least one powerful lure from the highway, from the sensational house hams at the vintage Fulks Run Grocery, fifteen minutes from Exit 257, to the accessible, Jewish-influenced Southern cooking at The Shack in handsome old Staunton, to the port-in-a-storm Lexington Coffee Roasters, found next to a still-operating drive-in movie theatre near Exit 195. You'll need the jolt by then, to power you through to today's finish, the fast-growing Tri-Cities region, located along the Virginia-Tennessee line; this is the proud home of one of the more unique regional fast food finds you'll come across on your journey, the quirky-delicious Pal's Sudden Service . It's the best burger joint you've probably never heard of .

Day 2: Bristol, TN to Mobile, AL (620 miles)

Today is all about compromise—you'll need to make tracks for the Gulf Coast, but there's temptation aplenty along the way, and you'll have to make choices, difficult choices, and you'll also need to make sure to conserve some energy for the days ahead. Will it be a morning walk in the lower regions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the worthiest of detours, or a leisurely buffet breakfast with all the trimmings at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort in nearby Pigeon Forge, or even a coaster or three (and those terrific beans and greens, accompanied with perfect skillet cornbread) next door at Dollywood proper? Then of course there's everything to eat in Knoxville , right along the highway, or memorable lunches around the lazy susan at Bea's Restaurant, a vintage treasure buried in a part of Chattanooga they don't typically tend to tell visitors about, and Birmingham, home to one of the South's most satisfying food scenes, even if it all feels something like a well-kept secret.

From famed Greek-influenced meat-and-three restaurants like Bright Star and Johnny's, to Alabama barbecue (with all the white sauce you can handle) at Saw's, to standout coffees at Domestique , and even Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B's and Carolina-style whole hog at Rodney Scott's BBQ, there's a little bit of everything here for you to try, before you power through your last long stretch of the day. If they're still open by the time you pass through, pay tribute to Alabama's favorite sausage, the smoky, delicious Conecuh , at the very highway-adjacent factory store in Evergreen, but make sure to save room for your first bites of Gulf seafood in Mobile . Opt for the new South cooking at The Noble South, or Southern National, or go with the crowd-pleasing, waterfront Felix's Fish Camp for baked oysters and crab soup. Either way, you'll not go hungry, and if you can, get your hands on some of the region's sweetly delicious royal red shrimp, a well-earned reward for making it here from New York in just two days.

Day 3: Mobile, AL to Houston (493 miles)

Alabama and Mississippi certainly have their selling points, chief among them their respective Gulf Coast frontages—diminutive, certainly, but packed with interest, and depending on how fast you'd like to get to New Orleans, which is absolutely something you'll want to think about, you might hop off of I-10 at artistically-inclined (and very charming) Ocean Springs for a look around, for barbecue at The Shed, for delicate savory biscuits, pimento cheese, and terrific coffees at the Green House on Porter, or a melt-on-the-tongue twist at the long-running TatoNut, where they famously use potato flour in their donuts. You're this close to one of the highlights of the trip, however, so don't eat too much—less than two hours away in New Orleans, you'll have to make some very difficult choices regarding what to eat. And while you could certainly go for the classics—turns out, the muffuletta at Central Grocery in the French Quarter might be even better a few hours after you buy it—the more road-trip friendly Mid-City section of town is packed with worthy stops.

There's Food & Wine Best New Restaurant 2019 Piece of Meat, a carnivore's dream for charcuterie plates and boudin egg rolls and ribs and so much more, all in a casual setting in the middle of a working butcher shop; across the street, there's the come-as-you-are Neyow's, one of the city's best Creole restaurants right now, with chargrilled oysters and red beans and rice and all the barbecued shrimp you can eat. Hungry for a crawfish boil? Around the way, there's the excellent, very casual Bevi's Seafood , a couple of doors down from Angelo Brocato's, one of the country's finest historic Italian bakeries, where the gelato (try the zuppa inglese) is just about as good as it gets, in these parts. But you're not done with Louisiana, not—in Baton Rouge, hop off the highway for sticky and strong cafe au lait, and those delicate beignet fingers (why isn't everybody doing this?) at the old school Coffee Call , and make sure to find room in your heart (and your stomach) for the delicious smoked boudin at Johnson's Boucaniere in Lafayette, just one highly-recommended stop in a region where the streets are nearly paved with the stuff. Once you cross into Texas, everything changes; austere Beaumont isn't typically known as a barbecue capital, but it's home to one of the state's most unique smoked meat traditions—the beef link. Today, you'll try one at the deceptively humble Patillo's Bar-B-Q , one of the oldest barbecue restaurants in the entire state—the hot link, redolent with garlic, is the very definition of #uglydelicious, but be careful—besides the fact that cutting into one can be messy business, you'll also likely start craving the things, and trying to figure out ways to get back to Beaumont for another hit. For now, you've got more important things on your mind, such as how to make the most of a too-short visit to Houston, now the fourth largest city in the country and home to one of the country's most dynamic food cultures this side of Southern California.

Julie Soefer

There are so many ways you can play this—barbecue fans should dive straight into the city's suddenly explosive scene, from the melting-pot vibes at Blood Brothers to stellar brisket at Pinkerton's; then there are Houston's favorite chefs, like Chris Shepherd, whose Georgia James is one of the country's most exciting steakhouses right now, or his neighborhood bistro-like UB Preserv, where Momofuku alum Nick Wong is at the helm and doing some very interesting things. There's Hugo Ortega, whose Xochi celebrates Oaxaca, there are worth-a-journey bars like Nancy's Hustle and Goodnight Charlie's, Vietnamese-Cajun feasts at Crawfish & Noodles, spicy fried chicken with a South Asian-twist at the idiosyncratic Himalaya Restaurant, or the most glamorous dim sum in the country, perhaps, at London-transplant Yauatcha, at the Galleria. Think of this more as a fact-finding mission, because you will be back.

Day 4: Houston to Fort Stockton, TX (506 miles)

Breakfast in Houston could take you anywhere on the planet, really, but after last night, a restorative bowl of something delicious could be just the thing—head down to Bellaire for Pho Dien, before waving goodbye to the green east and hello to San Antonio, just a couple of hours and a world away—come hungry, because you've got an incredible amount to eat, and if timing allows, you should begin at one of the best barbecue joints in Texas right now, 2M Smokehouse . Try the unusual and delicious house sausages, the typically exemplary brisket, sides of cactus salad, or macaroni and cheese with chicharrones , but save a small amount of room for a portion of the house specialty at the equally worthy Carnitas Lonja , and if you can eat anymore, anything at all, a stop at Tex-Mex legend Garcia's Mexican Food, though most reasonable people will by then be ready for a coffee and one of the most delicate conchas of all time at the modern La Panaderia, with two locations to serve you on your way out of town.

If you're on schedule, detour through the Hill Country, one of the country's most underrated wine regions, dotted with charming towns and villages, most notably Fredericksburg, which trades heavily on its German heritage; head due west and eventually you'll end up at I-10, on the doorstep of wild and woolly West Texas, for the last leg of your day. Bed down in surprisingly charming Fort Stockton, or go the extra mile for the Marfa experience (though Alpine is equally memorable, just with a very different, more comfortable feel, and one of the only great barbecue joints in West Texas, the new and promising Smokehouse BBQ).

Day 5: Fort Stockton, TX to Tucson (558 miles)

For those who've been waiting for wide open spaces, this is your big day—nearly eight hours of nothingness, or something close to it, with one very big city, right in the middle. El Paso's remote setting—a space shared with the equally mighty Juarez, just across the Rio Grande—has helped to create one of the most unique cultures in the already fascinatingly different border region. Sitting down to eat is the best way to acclimate, preferably at the vintage-as-they-come H&H Car Wash, founded half a century ago by a Syrian immigrant family, serving up everything from huevos rancheros to Chile rellenos in a no-fuss environment (yes, it's actually a car wash, as well). There's no place quite like it, and it should be experienced at least once, but so should the slightly more genteel L&J Cafe, serving up exemplary enchiladas, sizzling fajita platters, worthy chile con queso and some great soups, too. Known as the "old place by the cemetery," they've been at it since the 1920s, so they've had plenty of practice. Hungry for one last bite of barbecue? You used to take your chances around here, on that front—with the opening of Desert Oak BBQ not very long ago, El Paso is now making a name for itself (finally!) as a home to quality brisket. (Helpfully, it's right on your way into town.) On the other side of things, as you head north into New Mexico, skip the freeway and make your way toward Las Cruces on the very scenic back roads that parallel the Rio Grande, all the way up to historic Mesilla—along the way, Chope's Cafe in tiny La Mesa is a solid bet for a New Mexican meal; enchiladas in red chile (though feel free to ask to try the green, as well), chips and their fiery, fresh house salsa, plus puffy sopapillas for dessert.

Day 6: Tucson to San Diego (407 miles)

The crusty birote is a humble thing, by all appearances, it is a traditional, Guadalajara-style roll made with beer malt and lemon, and when you eat one fresh out of the oven at Tucson's Barrio Bread, there's nothing quite so delicious—that is, unless, we're talking about the city's famed flour tortillas, perhaps still the best you will find north of the border, so tasty you could just eat them on their own, but you don't have to—at the classic Anita Street Market, it's said that they're made extra soft with the addition of cottage cheese, and even though the house breakfast burrito may contain an abundance of meat (chorizo, for starters), nothing is allowed to overshadow the tortilla itself—nothing ever could. Even though this is your final day on the road, and you've got the smallest amount of ground to cover, relatively speaking, you'll still need coffee—stop by Presta Coffee Roasters inside the appealing Mercado San Agustin for something strong, and maybe a bit of pan dulce for the road at La Estrella Bakery, just next door.

With that, it's goodbye Arizona—a little more than three uneventful hours later, you'll cross into California on Interstate 8, making your way through the picturesque Imperial Sand Dunes (the largest in California), the heavily agricultural Imperial Valley, and over the pine-covered Cuyamaca Mountains, finally breathing that Pacific Ocean air as you wind your way down into San Diego. Let the beaches wait, only for a moment—head into the South Bay region, where you'll find some of the country's absolute best Mexican food. From juicy, rich birria and bone marrow tacos at Tuetano Taqueria in San Ysidro to the aguachile (raw shrimp cured in lime juice) en molcajete at the impossibly tiny and also perfect TJ Oyster Bar up on Bonita Road, if it's a thing in just-next-door Tijuana, chances are, it's a thing here too, and you could spend days down here, eating extremely well.

But it's the ocean for you, finally, the cherry on top of a remarkable journey—head up into the city, stopping in the historic (and recently, very happening) Barrio Logan for an exemplary Mexican mocha at Por Vida, fueling your final journey out to the Cabrillo National Monument lands, where Spanish explorers first landed in what we know today as California. The preserved coastline, with its dramatic tidepools, is easily one of the most photogenic places in one of the country's most attractive cities.

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Road Trip Food List: Easy to Pack Meals & Snacks

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a road trip food list that includes the best road trip snacks and other food to bring on a road trip?

Road trips can range from being budget-friendly to out-of-this-world expensive if you do not plan ahead, especially when it comes to eating food.

The temptation to grab a snack at every gas station, as well as to eat out at restaurants or gorge on fast food, can really start to add up in terms of money and wasted time.

One way to save money and time while road tripping, however, is to bring your own food!

By making a road trip food list and packing fun road trip snacks, you’ll avoid having to stop and spend as much.

Our road trip food list includes easy road trip snacks, as well as portable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options – plus, a FREE Road Trip Food List printable to take with you to the grocery store.

The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Road Trip Food List: Breakfast

One of our absolute best family road trip tips is to leave bright and early in the morning when starting a long road trip.

As the most important meal of the day, luckily, having breakfast on the road is the easiest meal to eat cold and on the go.

If you decide to hit the road early, or if your hotel en route doesn’t offer a free breakfast, plan ahead by bringing along these simple road trip breakfast foods.

Our tried-and-true road trip food list awaits!

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

• Yogurt tubes and granola bars
• Muffins, donuts, and scones
• Bagels and cream cheese
• Squeezable applesauce
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Peanut butter, banana, and granola wrapped up in a tortilla
• Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits

Additional planning tip: For added morning fun, use the category “breakfast foods”, “brands or cereal”, or “types of fruit” while you play a road trip word game .

Road Trip Food List: Lunch

When it comes to planning for lunch and beyond, your road trip packing list should always include a reliable portable cooler .

Whether you chill made-ahead sandwiches, salami & cheese, fruits, or veggies, there are so many awesome road trip food ideas when it comes to having lunch on the go.

What we love about these road tip lunch ideas is that they keep us out of congested cities and fast-food drive-thrus during the busy noon hour.

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

• Premade sandwiches with deli meat and cheese (make them extra fun by using shaped sandwich cutters !)
• Peanut butter sandwiches (skip the jelly to avoid sogginess)
• Pita pocket with mozzarella, tomato, basil, turkey, cheese, hummus, cucumber, and/or tuna salad
• Home-ade Lunchables with summer sausage, cheese, and crackers
• Tortilla with cream cheese, sliced olives, and pepperoni
• Veggies and single-serve packs of ranch dressing, hummus, or guacamole
• Pre-assembled Salad In A Jar

Road Trip Food List: Dinner

If there is one meal that you choose to splurge on, I recommend stopping to have dinner at a roadside restaurant or cafe.

Though this may not be your final destination, experiencing another city in this way will help you check more places off of your family travel bucket list !

If you’re not keen on stopping, however, here are the road trip foods we enjoy that are tasty and hearty enough to serve as dinner.

Road Trip Dinner Ideas

• Cold rotisserie chicken, chunked and served with a garden salad (package in a disposable salad container )
• Pre-made pasta salad, such as Pizza Pasta Salad
• StarKist ready-to-eat tuna salad in an avocado half or on a bun
• Chicken and pickled veggies in pitas
• Hummus veggie wrap

Additional planning tip: If you’re road tripping in the winter when driving conditions are much more unpredictable, packing extra road trip food is an essential component of your winter road trip packing list .

Road Trip Food List: Snacks

In my opinion, snacks   are the No. 1 way to keep everyone (including you!) happy on a family road trip.

Homemade snack mixes and individual pre-purchased snacks are also a great way to help cut costs associated with buying food on the road.

For this reason, I suggest assembling an entire tub filled with fun and appetizing snacks and surprises that you know your kids will love.

We use these  16-quart storage tubs from Sterilite  that are the perfect size, price, and durability!

Road Trip Snacks Ideas

• Chips and pretzels
• Animal crackers (Suprise them with Barnum’s Originals !)
• Filled crackers (peanut butter, cheese)
• Nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts)
• String cheese, Babybel, Laughing Cow cheese wedges
• Fresh or dried fruit
• Healthy no-bake cookies
• Candy and gummy candy

Be extra organized for your family road trip by clicking the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

Travel Snacks for Toddlers

Road tripping with toddlers presents its own set of challenges and requires additional thought when it comes to toddler-friendly road trip activities and food.

(It’s much harder to keep a close eye on them when they’re in the backseat, and you’re in the front.)

When considering toddler road trip foods, the most important thing is to avoid giving them anything to eat that could be deemed a choking hazard.

In addition, opt for healthy versus overly sweet options that may give them a tummy ache.

Our favorite healthy toddler car snacks and road trip foods include:

• Graham crackers
• Snap pea crisps
• Applesauce and/or yogurt pouches
• Cheese sticks
• Soft mini muffins
• Whole-grain crackers
• Bananas and/or this apple slices

9 Essential Tips For Traveling With Food

As seasoned travelers, we’ve assembled a list of tips for traveling with road trip foods and make-ahead hotel room meals.

• Use up your most delicate fruit first when on long-haul road trips.

In other words, start by eating bananas and berries, then move on to more sturdy produce such as apples and oranges that don’t spoil as easily.

2. Every family needs an organized packing strategy !

When it comes to road trip food, tortillas, pitas, or other sturdy flatbreads work better to bring along than do loaves of bread. They take up a lot less room and do not risk getting smashed.

3. When packing a cooler with items that need to stay chilled, be sure to lay the ice on the top, versus the bottom of the cooler.

This is because cold air sinks and will, therefore, disperse itself more evenly if laid on top of the food.

4. Aim to open the cooler only 1 or 2 times a day in order to maintain its refrigeration and keep the ice from thawing.

5. Also, make all food, including snacks, easily accessible throughout the duration of your family road trip.

This prevents someone (likely mom or dad!) from having to constantly bend over the back seat or stop to open the trunk every time hunger or boredom hits.

6. Avoid bringing anything made of glass on your road trip, including glass food containers. Glass is heavy, bulky, and very dangerous when broken within the confines of your family vehicle.

7. Assemble and bring along a road trip kit with the following road trip essentials for spills, clean-ups, and car sickness:

• Anti-bacterial wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Garbage bags
• Ziplock bags
• Napkins/paper towels
• Saltine crackers and motion sickness medicine

8. Each time you stop while on a road trip, don’t forget to pitch any garbage that has accumulated.

This prevents build-up and smelliness.

9. Head to the grocery store with our FREE printable checklist and purchase all of your road trip food in one shopping trip!

If you enjoyed reading our best Road Trip Food List , click here to check out our Related Posts:

• Top 10 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip (And Enjoying it Too!)
• 7 Road Trip Word Games to Play in the Car With Kids
• 18 Amazing “Are We There Yet” Road Trip Activity Bags
• Top 16 Tips for Flying With Kids & Ways to Keep them Calm
• The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids
• 8 (Unexpected) Benefits of Traveling With Kids

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Thank you for the road trip food list and travel tips.

You’re welcome! Was there something you saw that you hadn’t thought of before? Happy travels!!

This is a great list as we also big in road trip. Snacks is so important especially to keep them from asking are we there yet. Haha… I myself like peanuts to keep me awake when it’s my turn to drive.

Thanks for reading and for sharing your favorite road trip snack!!

This is such a comprehensive list and it is so helpful as I predict a lot of us will be going on more road trips once we can. Prepping these meals will definitely save some money and help the kids feel less bored. I know that my kids are usually pleased munching stuffs during road trips. I also like that it is more likely for the road trip snack to be more healthier than what you’ll buy elsewhere.

Thank you! Yes, the health factor of pre-packing is a big one, as is the enormous cost savings 🙂

I like to have a good mix of healthy (kids like apples, those are easy to eat) and snacky/salty. I am also very particular. about road trip drinks. Big coffees, la croix, iced tea!

I like your ideas! We’d be good road trip buddies!

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12 Specialty Foods That Powered My Cross Country Road Trip During Covid

January 10, 2022 By Susie

Looking for healthy, delicious snack ideas? I drove almost 8,000 miles in the dead of Winter and never stopped to buy food…for real!

My list of foods that didn’t require cooking or heating is more timely than ever! Don’t wait till next winter. Don’t wait till your next road trip. Or a once-in-a-generation snowstorm. There’s nothing wrong with being prepared by having good, convenient, portable foods on hand.

12 Instant Snacks and Heat and Eat Meals for a Long Road Trip or Camping

Along with my homemade treats, I subsisted for thousands of miles (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) without having to go shopping thanks to this simple list.

1. Lorissa’s Grass Fed Jalapeno Beef Sticks for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

They got chilly but never yucky. Economical too, at about $1.50 each for a 6-gram serving of protein. There’s something about the epicly hot bite of Lorissa’s that has won my palate!

2. Vermont Smoke & Cure beef sticks

Nothing is more sanitary than a single-serve beef stick. Peel back the wrapper and munch away. I loved them on the road and will always have these in my backback. (Chomps from Trader Joe’s and Vermont Smoke & Cure beef sticks are other humanely raised beef sticks I’ve road-tested.

3. Seeds of Change Pre-cooked Organic Rice and Quinoa Packs (from Costco or Amazon )

These packets are a great snack for vegans and to make instant meals out of any other protein or add-ins you might have on hand (like the meals below!) Or even if you brought cans of garbanzos or other beans on your trip. Very tasty by themselves.

4. Tasty Bite Indian Meals

These Indian meal packs, ready to microwave are even good cold, which I discovered the hard way when my hotel microwave turned out to be on the fritz.

I recently discovered Tasty Bite is owned by the Mars Company! It’s no wonder you can find these almost anywhere. It may sound strange to be happy this international food company owns an Indian meal company: You can be pretty sure they follow the most stringent food production practices because of this.

5. Lotus Foods rice ramen cups 

Lotus Foods was founded in the East Bay, in the SF Bay Area, and the founders are committed to helping rice growers reduce the amount of water needed to produce rice.

Overall, Lotus Foods is totally committed to quality, unusual rice products you can feel good about eating…especially if you are gluten free, since they are made of rice!

6. Safe Catch Ahi Tuna in one-portion sized pouches.

You can find Safe Catch low-mercury tuna in most supermarkets these days. I was buying them from Costco in 8 pack boxes or Amazon — but am told Costco no longer has the packets!

Along with tuna in easy-to-open packets (which you can eat out of with a fork) you can also find salmon and other seafood in this convenient format as well as pre-seasoned tuna pouches .

The tuna isn’t just for roadtrips. I take it whenever I travel, as a quick protein snack upon arrival!

Plus you can add tuna to your rice pouches or ramen cups – instant high protein meal!

7. Simple Mills Almond Crackers and Mary’s Gone Crackers

You can’t help but feel good about crackers made with nutritious ingredients. Having crackers on hand gives you a palette for whatever dip or spread you may have on hand…or if you just have the munchies!

8. Coffee. Lots of coffee.

Instant Coffee and Instant Cold Brew Coffee from Trader Joe’s got me through the trip (as did occasional Starbucks drive throughs).

Both of these Trader Joe’s coffees are great cold or hot. I would fill my thermos with hot water at a hotel — which was only serving light roast coffee — and dunk twice the recommended amount of instant coffee into the water. Even a day later, my coffee was still drinkable. Truly a coffee drinker’s life saver!

More cofffee supplies: A very sturdy Melitta Signature Series drip coffee filter and filters for pour-over coffee along with a jar of ground coffee (which I most love in a dark roast) were the chicken soup for this coffee lover’s soul.

Share this post on Pinterest and get a copy of TJ’s Then & Now for your roadtrip, signed with free shipping, for $10! Simply message me with a link to your post. 🙂

9. Bags ‘o Fruit and Veges

Easy to transport, leave unrefrigerated, and so flexible when it comes to eating them.

• Mandarin oranges

10. Peanut butter or other spreads

While it’s best to refrigerate nut and seed spreads after opening, during a several day roadtrip, you’re pretty safe plowing through the jar without any problems. At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Also, I made 2 delicious snacks at home that lasted for days:

• A walnut-filled banana bread lasted for a week and was incredibly handy it would be for a quick breakfast snack. Truth be told, I made it in an 8×8 pan then put it in a box I had on hand…with a fork and knife. I’d fork up a big piece and shove it in my mouth while behind the wheel. Not pretty but oh so good. (This Allrecipes recipe is similar to mine.)Made with honey, and no other sugar, this dense bread keeps when wrapped in foil. It’s delicious heated up (can’t hurt to add some butter) or cold.
• Muhamarra vegan red pepper dip …again filled with walnuts.  The New York Times has the perfect recipe for my favorite dip which features pureed, roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, bread, green onions, lemons, salt, and pepper.I could live on this; from the recipe you can see it would be  healthy to live on this!I brought the muhamarra in a plastic tub, in a small freezer pack with a couple of ice packs that I froze every night at my Airbnbs. (Lots of Hampton Inns have refrigerators now. If staying in hotels, be sure to ask!)

Don’t forget to bring a few bottles of spices to dress up your meals, paper towels, and utensils.

Be safe and enjoy! I would love to hear what other delicious snacks power your trips!

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111+ Healthy Road Trip Food Ideas (Non Refrigerated Snacks)

Updated: Feb 17, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Bringing healthy foods that don't need refrigeration is a great option to save money and time while on the road. Since I travel most weeks for work, I've gotten to truly test out the best nonperishable foods to bring on a road trip for kids and adults.

All these healthy road trip foods don't need refrigeration for at least a day, and most of them will last indefinitely. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, any of these healthy non perishable snacks will keep you satisfied without having to constantly stop at restaurants or grocery stores.

This article covers well over a hundred road trip food ideas that don't need refrigeration, including pre-packaged nonperishable snacks, meals for each time of day, delicious chocolate snacks , and some recipes you can make ahead of time. Simply use the table of contents below to navigate to what type of road food you seek.

Healthy Non Perishable Snacks

Healthy road trip snacks for kids, fruits to bring on a road trip, gluten-free road trip snacks (non refrigerated), healthy road trip meals for breakfast, healthy road trip meals for lunch, healthy road trip meals for dinner, sweet but healthy road trip snacks (non refrigerated).

Healthy pre-made snacks are among the best foods to bring on a road trip, because not only do they save you time, but they're easy to find and can please kiddos as well as adults.

• Snacking Ramen
• Protein Bars
• Homemade Pop-Tarts
• Mini Muffins
• Seaweed Sheets
• Garlic Peas
• Tahini-Based Fruit Dip (for crackers, chips, or other fruits)
• Fresh Walnuts
• Thai Chili & Lime Cashews (from Trader Joe's)
• Shell-On Pistachios (Wonderful Pistachios are reliably delicious)
• Salted Sunflower Seeds
• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
• Whole Peanuts
• Raw Macadamia Nuts
• Spiced Pecans (homemade are easy & less expensive!)
• Chocolate-Covered Almonds

• Animal Crackers
• Freeze-Dried Snap Peas (they'll be so obsessed with the crunch they won't even realize it's vegetables!)
• Pretzels (filled or plain; whichever your kiddos prefer)
• Cheese Sticks (mozzarella sticks are easiest to find)
• Freeze Dried Cheese Bites (like Moon Cheese)
• Apple Juice Packs
• Fruity Chia Squeeze Packs
• Healthy Fudge (Nut Butter or Seed Butter Base)
• Graham Crackers
• Annie's Fruit Snacks
• Single-Serve Dry Cereal
• Nut or Seed Milk (this shelf-stable option comes in single-serves, as well, and can make getting your kid to eat breakfast just as easy as at home, especially with the addition of the crunchy freeze-fried fruit!)
• Cherry Tomatoes

• Dried Fruit (i.e. mango, pineapple, apple, etc.)
• Freeze-Dried Fruits (for kiddos with missing teeth or anyone who doesn't like the tough texture of the dried versions; I recommend trying strawberries or mangoes)
• Applesauce Cups
• Mixed Fruit Cups
• Canned Fruit
• Fruit Leather
• Raisins or Dried Cranberries
• Toasted Coconut Chips
• Watermelon Squares
• Cherries on the Stem
• Apples or Apple Slices (great with peanut butter or tahini)
• Asian Pears
• Strawberries
• Dragon Fruit
• Blueberries
• Squeezable Fruit Pouches

Finding gluten-free snacks for road trips is easier than ever these days, and for my fellow grain-free friends, most of these options are also free from grains.

• Veggie Straws
• Flaxseed Pudding in Mason Jars
• Baby Carrots
• Celery Sticks With Dip
• Pre-Cut Bell Peppers
• Lentil Crackers (these can be homemade or sometimes found in stores)
• Tortilla Chips
• Cassava Chips (the Siete brand one comes in several shapes & sizes and we love it with hummus or salsa at my house)
• Potato Chips
• Plantain Chips
• Simple Mills Grain-Free Crackers
• Popped Sorghum
• Clusterbucks (Chocolate Buckwheat Treats)
• Roasted Chickpeas
• French Macarons (fillings vary)
• Coconut Cookies or Macaroons
• Halva (Sesame Seed-Based Sweet Treat)

• English Muffins
• Blueberry or Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Cereal Bars
• Granola (here's my favorite recipe )
• Waffles (making studier versions ahead of time makes them easy to be stored in bags & drizzled with jam, nut butter, or chocolate spread for a sweet breakfast treat)
• Banana Bread

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
• Pita Bread (with deli meats, nut butters, pomegranate seeds, a sprinkle of granola, or any combination of flavors you take along)
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Trail Mix (Homemade or Store-Bought)
• Crackers and Hard Cheeses (like parmesan or gouda)
• Chips and Salsa
• Packets of Nut Butter (Justin's brand is reliable)
• Pita Chips and Hummus
• Sweet Potato Chips

• Canned Chili (Annie's brand is great)
• Canned Soups
• Canned Beans
• Salmon Jerky
• Canned Tuna or Chicken
• Packet Rice or Quinoa
• Packets of Lentil Stew or Chickpea Stew
• Salami Sticks (can easily be sliced, or you can buy small ones for easy snacking)
• Premade Falafel Balls
• Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Peanut Butter Cookies
• Almond Flour Brownies
• Dark Chocolate Chips
• Homemade Chocolate Chip Rice Crispy Treats
• Rice Pudding Cups
• Nut Butter Cups
• Sugar-Free Candy Bars
• Chocolate Tahini Spread
• Candied Ginger Pieces
• Energy Bites
• Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
• No-Bake Cookie Dough
• Pepero Sticks (or Pocky )
• Peanut Brittle
• Dark Chocolate Bars

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Healthy Road Trip Snacks to Fuel Your Next Adventure

Traveling can make it tricky to stick to healthy habits, but these healthy road trip snacks will make sure you won't be so desperate that you succumb to gas station beef jerky.

When you're stuck in a car for five hours straight, you might start downing iced coffees and pretzel crisps to keep yourself from zonking out behind the wheel. But it's time to change how you eat and drink your way through road trips. To stay on track with your healthy eating while driving — whether it's across town or across the country — preparation is key. So before you pack up the car and strap yourself in, stock up on these healthy grocery store foods that you can turn into a bunch of different healthy road trip snacks. Never be so desperate that you'll eat anything just because it's at the next exit.

Do Your Healthy Road Trip Snack Research

1. Go online to scope out restaurants, rest stops, and grocery stores along your route to get an idea of your health road trip food snack options. You could even add farms and farmers' markets to the list for some local, often inexpensive flavor.

2. If you're going to be in the car for long stretches, pack an insulated lunch bag or cooler with cold packs to keep the temperature of healthy road trip snack foods safe. If your trip lasts multiple days, you can purchase ice at gas stations as you go and store it in ziplock bags.

3. Do a grocery run to stock up on healthy road trip snacks that are ready to go as-is. Cover your food group bases: Protein, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Knowing you have options will lessen the stress of trying to find a balanced meal or snack en route, and you'll easily be able to cobble something together from your purchases or doctor up something you grab on the go. (

Your Healthy Road Tip Snack Grocery List

Everyone needs a healthy grocery list to turn to in times of need, and all you need to do is tweak the usual weekly grocery list for at-home meals to turn many of the same items into must-haves for healthy road trip snacks on the move. Here are a few road trip food suggestions worth filling up on.

Protein Picks for Healthy Road Trip Snacks

• String cheese or other individually wrapped cheese
• Greek yogurt (plain is best)
• Cottage cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Dry-roasted edamame or chickpeas
• Nuts and seeds
• Nut and seed butter (

(You can even prep full-fledged meals instead of just healthy road trip snacks that include these high-protein foods ahead of time.)

Fruit Options for Healthy Road Trip Snacks

• Fresh fruit: If you're squeamish about fruit touching other stuff in your bag, choose something with a peel or keep washed fruit in its own resealable bag or container.
• Dried or freeze-dried fruit. Portion this road trip food into single-serving bags to avoid overeating.
• Fruit-and-seed bars like KIND Pressed bars: These gluten-free bars are made of just fruit, vegetables, and chia seeds. Though there's no true substitute for fresh fruit, these bars are a convenient way to help fill the void, as each provides two servings of fruit.

Vegetables for Easily Packed Healthy Road Trip Snacks

• Sliced fresh veggies: Bring your own or find at grocery and convenience stores. Many come with creamy dip, but skip that in favor of hummus, salsa, or a single-serve packet of guacamole.
• Freeze-dried veggies: This road trip food provides a satisfying crunch along with filling fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Just scope out labels to help you choose products with simple ingredients. Ideally, you just want the veggies and maybe a little oil or sea salt.
• Vegetable juice: Fresh is best, but bottled (like low-sodium V8 juice) works in a pinch.
• Vegetable juice powder: Just shake up in a water bottle.
• Salad: This is a no-brainer way to work more veggies into your meals. Include protein and limit the high-calorie add-ons, like cheese, avocado, nuts, and dried fruit.
• Soup: Broth-based soups with veggies are a great road trip food if you're in the passenger seat. Just steer clear of cream-based soups—butternut squash bisque, for example, might sound healthy, but it's often made with heavy cream (and even sugar!), which can negate the benefits.

Healthy Fats to Keep Your Road Trip Snacks Balanced

• Avocado: Slice this road trip food in half with a knife and eat the flesh out of the skin with a spoon. To keep calories in check, split with a travel companion and enjoy a 125-calorie snack that's packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, fiber, and potassium. (Don't forget to wash the skin first.)
• Single-serving packs of olives: They provide satisfying monounsaturated fat for only 50 calories.
• Single-serve packets of chia seeds or ground flaxseed: They're an easy way to add fiber and texture to yogurt and oatmeal.

Complex Carbs to Add Staying Power to Your Healthy Road Trip Snacks

• Oats: Packets of unflavored instant oatmeal can be mixed with hot water or stirred into yogurt. (If you're not going to have access to hot water, prep a batch of overnight oats instead.)
• Popcorn: Aside from being lower in calories than a lot of other snack items, popcorn is a whole grain and provides filling fiber.
• Whole-grain bread: With this staple ingredient, you can make a classic road trip food: a sandwich with cold cuts or nut butter.
• Whole-grain crackers: Look for something with at least 4 grams of fiber. If portion control is tough for you, separate into single-serve bags.
• Baked potato: Don't overlook the humble baked potato, rich in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. Plop some broccoli and cheese and you've got a quick "in moderation" meal.

Drinks to Stay Hydrated During Long Road Trips

Hydration is important, as mild dehydration can be mistaken for hunger and make you feel sluggish. Drink plenty of water and seltzer, but go slow with coffee — too much caffeine can lead to dehydration and make you feel like you have to pee every 10 minutes.

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50+ Road Trip Food Ideas- Easy Meals On the Go!

This page may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

When you’re taking a road trip, bringing the right food can make a huge difference.

Not only is sustenance a necessity on a long trip, but it also breaks up the drive and gives everyone something to look forward to. Especially when you’re traveling with kids! 

There are a lot of factors to consider when picking food for a road trip. Which foods are best for eating on the road? How much should you pack? How should you store it? How can you stay organized and neat? 

Not to worry, this guide has all the information you need to create a perfect road trip meal plan!

Road trip food

Everyone has different road trip strategies and traditions.

Some families prefer to bring food for breakfast and lunch and eat out for dinner, whereas others would rather bring all the food they will need for their entire trip.

Some families prefer to focus on healthy meal and snack options, while others see road trips as a perfect excuse to let loose and enjoy some “fun” food choices.

Whatever your preferences are, we’ve got you covered. 

We’ve divided up our food ideas by meal, although there may be some overlap (a meal that’s good for lunch can also be a great option for dinner, etc).

How to store your road trip food

For any road trip longer than a couple of hours, we highly recommend bringing a cooler with ice or ice packs . This allows you to bring food that needs to be kept refrigerated and greatly increases your meal and snack options.

A few tips on coolers:

• The ice in your cooler should last for several days, depending on the kind of cooler you have and how often you take the lid off.
• If you find you need more ice, you can pick some up at a gas station or grocery store.
• Avoid opening your cooler frequently to prevent the ice from melting quickly and to keep the food cool for longer. 
• Keep ice/ice packs on top of your food, not just at the bottom of the cooler. This will keep your food cool better and longer, as cold air sinks.

**Meat and dairy products should not be left at room temperature for longer than two hours. The warmer the room (or car), the shorter the time perishable food can be left out. 

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast is arguably one of the easiest road trip meals to plan for. There are a variety of breakfast foods that are simple to pack and convenient to eat on the go. Here are a few of our top choices.

• Banana bread
• Banana with peanut butter
• Fresh fruit
• Protein bars
• Boiled eggs
• Bagel and cream cheese
• Yogurt parfait
• Mini cereals

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

There are a lot of different options for lunch on a road trip. Some people might prefer light snacking throughout the day, whereas others might want a full lunch meal. If you prefer hearty snacks as opposed to a large meal, scroll down to the snack section for ideas of foods to supplement your lunch. 

And even if you’re packing a lunch instead of eating out, this still might be a convenient time to stop and get out of the car for a little bit. A park or rest stop is often a convenient place to stretch your legs and have a quick picnic lunch. 

Sandwich tip – wait to add ingredients that have any moisture (tomatoes, condiments, avocado, etc) until right before you eat to prevent your bread from getting soggy.

• Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• Sub sandwich with lunch meat and cheese
• Cream cheese and raisin bread sandwiches- this has been a favorite of our family’s for years. We would always have it for road trips growing up, but I’ve never seen anyone make it like we do, so I’m sharing the love by including the recipe here! Scroll to the bottom to learn the simple recipe. They are a huge hit with kids!
• Hawaiian roll with cheese
• Rotisserie chicken- presliced, great on a roll, bread, or just eaten plain
• Crackers with cheese and summer sausage- precut cheese and sausage into slices before you leave
• Tuna sandwich
• Egg salad sandwich
• Lunchables- kids love these and honestly, they can be fun for adults too
• Salad- prepared from fresh ingredients before you leave (wait to add dressing until you’re ready to eat) or from a salad kit

Road Trip Dinner Ideas

Dinner always seems like the hardest meal to plan for on the road. Many people are used to eating hot meals for dinner, but that’s not really an option for a road trip unless you stop to heat something up at a gas station. 

But there are some delicious meals you can prepare ahead of time for dinner, especially if you are bringing a cooler. 

• Barbeque chicken sandwich
• Chicken and cheese sandwich
• Pita sandwiches
• Chicken salad sandwiches
• Turkey rollups – from Costco or homemade
• Premixed salad kit
• Fruit salad
• Chicken Caesar salad (Costco has a great premade kit)
• Taco salad- store chopped ingredients separately, then combine and add dressing when you’re ready to eat
• Pasta salad
• Potato salad

Road Trip Snack Ideas

No road trip is complete without road trip snacks. Having something to snack on can prevent people from getting hungry and grumpy during the stretches between meals. It can also help to keep the driver awake if they start to feel drowsy while driving and keep kids entertained!

• Granola bars- Lara bars, Cliff Bars, fig bars, Kind bars
• Crackers- Goldfish, Pirates Booty, Wheat Thins, Cheez-Its, animal crackers
• Pretzels- regular or peanut butter filled
• Pringles- a nice, non-greasy chip option
• Yogurt- Gogurts are less mess and easy to eat in the car
• Fresh fruit (apples, grapes, strawberries, mandarin oranges, blueberries, bananas)
• Dried fruit (apricots, apples, bananas, mangoes, pineapple) 
• Celery and peanut butter- prepack the peanut butter in a condiment cup and dip the celery sticks
• Veggies and hummus- carrots, broccoli, celery, cherry tomatoes
• Fruit leather
• Popcorn- Simply Pop brand or make a fresh batch before you leave and snack on it throughout your trip.
• Sunflower seeds- great for snacking on if you’re starting to feel drowsy 
• Nuts- Mixed nuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews
• Cheese- Babybel cheese, string cheese, cubed cheddar, mozzarella, and/or pepperjack
• Rice cakes with peanut butter

If you’re traveling with kids, plan a “movie night” during the drive and pull out the popcorn and treats while you watch a fun show the whole family can enjoy. It’s a fun way to break up the drive!

Road Trip Desserts and Treats

Sometimes it’s nice to have some food that feels a little special when you’re on a long driving trip. Pack a couple of these dessert foods for a fun treat to pull out during your drive. 

• Rice Krispie treats
• Cookies (chocolate chip, peanut butter, snickerdoodles)- made in advance or store bought
• Brownies- make and individually wrap before your trip
• Candy- if you want something non-meltable choose a candy like Sourpatch Kids, Redvines, Starbursts
• Fruit snacks

Don’t forget to Bring…

In addition to meals and snacks, there are some other non-food essentials that you don’t want to forget on a road trip. Skim through this list to make sure you aren’t missing anything important. 

• Paper towels – a necessity for inevitable spills and messes
• Wet wipes – for wiping hands and faces after eating
• Reusable water bottles – it’s important to stay hydrated on a road trip. Bring reusable water bottles and refill as necessary when you stop for gas. 
• Sandwich bags – useful for for divvying up food, storing leftovers, etc
• Garbage bags – bring a couple of garbage bags for storing trash so you can keep you car clean and organized
• Grocery bags- useful for organizing food, trash, etc
• Hand sanitizer – prevent germs by cleaning everyone’s hands before eating. Also very useful if the place you stop to go to the bathroom doesn’t have soap…
• Plates and bowls – may be a necessity, depending on your meals
• Plastic utensils – forks, spoons, knife
• Cooler and ice/ ice packs – store food that needs refrigeration
• Collapsible car organizer – hugely helpful for storing non-refrigerated food and staying organized, especially in a van
• Condiment cups – These are amazing for dividing up condiments and dips in small portions 
• Salt/pepper packets , condiment packets – useful for adding flavor to your foods (depending on your meals). You can pack your own or buy small packets before your trip.
• Snack catcher – If you’re traveling with a toddler or young child, bring a snack catcher to use for crackers and other small foods. They are much less likely to spill their snack all over the car and create a mess. And it acts as an activity to keep them entertained trying to get their food out of the container!

Road Trip Food Tips

• Keep a hand held vacuum in your car – you can easily vacuum up any spills and inevitable food crumbs, keeping your car feeling much cleaner.
• Make food in advance and freeze it – there is so much to do to get ready for a road trip. Where possible, make food several weeks in advance and freeze it until you’re ready to leave on your trip. This works great for muffins, breads, cookies, and some sandwiches and meat dishes.
• Throw out your trash when you stop for gas. Regularly clearing out the garbage will prevent buildup of trash in your car and the stinky smell of rotting food.
• Have a pre-filled road trip bag- If you’re going on road trips frequently, have a bag ready with the nonperishable items you need for your road trip. Keep inside a list to restock the bag after a trip. It’s much easier to just grab your bag when you’re getting ready for a trip than having to repack it every time.
• Try to avoid foods that are excessively greasy, sticky, or crumbly – messy foods can be a pain on a road trip. Minimize mess, minimize stress.
• Bring a couple of water bottles and refill as necessary when you stop for gas. We try to stick to mostly water as our beverage of choice for road trips to avoid sticky spills.
• Stock up on food and meals at a wholesale store before your trip. Costco has great pre-made meal options that you can buy right before your trip. We love the Costco sandwich rolls, Caesar salad, muffins, potato salad, and fruit bowls for road trips. And of course, you can’t go wrong with their bulk snacks like trail mix, dried fruit, fruit leathers, popcorn, crackers, etc.

Benefits of packing your own food for a road trip

Although it’s a little more work and preparation than stopping for food, there are a lot of benefits to bringing your own road trip food. Here are some reasons to skip the fast food and pack your meals.

It’s more cost-effective

Eating out for every meal, even if it’s at a fast-food restaurant, can get expensive. This is especially true if you’re traveling with your whole family. 

Save money by bringing your own food! If you plan ahead, you can buy most of your road trip foods at a wholesale store, then divide it up into the portions that you want. 

It saves time

Stopping to order and pick up food takes time. Sometimes it can be nice to break up your trip with a food stop.  But if you’re trying to make good time, stopping for every meal adds extra hours to your road trip. 

If you’ve packed all or most of the food you will need, you have snacks and meals to pull out when people get hungry without having to pull over!

It’s often healthier

Eating out for every meal is often quite unhealthy. When you pack your own food, you have more options and control over what kinds of foods you are eating and how many sweets and treats you want to include. 

Easier to Accommodate Preferences and Dietary Restrictions

If you’re traveling with dietary restrictions, it can be risky leaving food to whatever you happen to find along the way. Packing your own meals ensures you have plenty of safe food to eat. 

And if you’re traveling as a family, you can easily cater to everyone’s preferences by packing food you know everyone will enjoy. That way you don’t have to spend a lot of time picking a place that everyone can agree on.

Cream Cheese and Raisin Bread Sandwich Recipe

As promised, here is our family recipe of cream cheese and raisin bread sandwiches. They are sure to be a road trip hit for people of all ages!

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese
• ¾ C powdered sugar
• 1 loaf cinnamon raisin bread

Instructions

• Soften cream cheese to room temperature. 
• Using a mixer, combine cream cheese with powdered sugar. 
• Lay out half of the raisin bread and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly between all pieces. 
• Top the cream cheese with another piece of raisin bread to complete your sandwiches. 

**You can freeze the whole premade loaf and pull it out when you want to use it, just let it come to room temperature before eating. This is perfect for road trips because you can pull it out in the morning and it’s ready to eat by lunch!

Final Thoughts

Selecting and preparing road trip food can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! With this list of food and road trip tips, you have everything you need to prepare for a great trip.

If you’re planning on flying with kids, check out these awesome toddler airplane snacks !

Other posts you might be interested in:

How to Have a Successful Road Trip with a Toddler

Road Trip Activities for Toddlers (That They Will Really Love!)

7 Essential Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby

30 of the Very Best Travel Activities for Kids!

Related Posts:

2 thoughts on “50+ Road Trip Food Ideas- Easy Meals On the Go!”

Very thorough with lots of good information. Makes me want to go have a cream cheese raisin bread sandwich right now.

Thank you!! And yes, they really are so delicious!

Comments are closed.

37 Stops For The Best Cross Country Road Trip [Map Included]

Taking a cross country road trip in the US is something everyone should do at least once in their life! We have traveled the country back and forth on multiple occasions and asked our fellow professional travelers for help on this post as well, to get you the best of the best when it comes to doing a cross country road trip.

We share top destinations , route planning ideas, attractions and activities you don’t want to miss and some great food options .

The US is filled with so many unique and different places to visit. The hard part is picking where to go. We will take you from the East Coast and places like Maine and New York down to the Florida Keys and up to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park before heading to California!

Below you will find 37 amazing places to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.

Table of Contents

Featured Place To Stay In The US

The Beach Club Resort and Spa

If you are looking for an awesome beach resort vacation in the US you are going to want to check out The Beach Club Resort and Spa in Gulf Shores, Alabama !

6 pools, restaurants on site, beach bonfires and more!

Buckle up and let’s start this drive cross country! If you want to add more adventure we recommend renting an RV for your trip. RVing cross country is an awesome way to travel!

Below we share our recommendations and recommendations from fellow travel bloggers on can’t miss places to visit on the best cross country trip. We kick it off in the East coast and take you down to Florida up to the midwest out to the pacific northwest down the west coast and across to Texas!

Acadia National Park, Maine

If you’re heading on a road trip across the United States, one of the first places you should start (pending you’re on the East Coast) is one of the most visited US national parks – Acadia in Maine. Acadia National Park is the only national park located in the northeastern US and it is home to a variety of different landscapes ranging from coastlines to bogs and more.

If you’re visiting Acadia in winter , you will be pleased to find fewer people in the park and some of the best cross-country ski trails on the eastern seaboard. During the Acadia summers, hiking is a must and some of the most famous trails are the Precipice Trail, Great Head Trail (which offers coastal walks), and Bubble Rock.

The number one sight in Acadia National Park is Cadillac Mountain and there are a variety of ways to experience it, but hiking is definitely the best way. Be sure to also not miss Schoodic Point, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and Jordan Pond.

There are plenty of camping opportunities within Acadia or you can opt to stay on Mount Desert Island (the island where the park is located) in Bar Harbor . Otherwise, Acadia is an easy day trip from Bangor on the mainland. Acadia National Park will be a stellar first stop on your road trip across the wild and diverse country!

Shared by: Megan Starr – Megan & Aram Travel Blog

More on Acadia and Maine:

Acadia National Park Itinerary [Plus Where To Stay]

15 Amazing Things To Do In Maine

Top 14 Maine National Parks and State Parks To Visit

Check out these awesome farm stays around the US too!

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer scenic views, epic hikes, rocky rivers and gorges, and some of the best leaf peeping in the country. While you can technically make the 100-mile loop in a day, you will want to take at least a weekend to take your time and explore this road trip.

Start off in the charming town of North Conway, where you can enjoy some of the local ski resort mountain activities or take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. From there, travel west across the Kancamagus Highway , one of the prettiest scenic by-ways in New England. Be sure to stop off at popular spots like the Albany Covered Bridge, Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Sabbaday Falls, Sugar Hill Overlook, C.L. Graham Wangam Overlook, and Lincoln Woods on your way to Lincoln.

Near Lincoln, spend some time hiking through the Lost River Gorge and exploring some of the caves, or visit Flume Gorge to gawk at the waterfalls. Travel north along Interstate 93 and Highway 3 through Franconia State Park. Leave time to enjoy Echo Lake Beach and make the hike up to Artist’s Bluff for stunning views of the lake and mountains beyond.

You will then want to head north east on Route 3 towards Twin Mountain until you get to Rt. 302. You will then want to head south to Bretton Woods, stopping to look at the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort. As you pass through Crawford Notch State Park, take a hike up Mt. Willard for amazing views of the notch, or to Arethusa Falls, the second tallest waterfall in New Hampshire.

Finish your road trip by following Rt. 16 back to North Conway for some outlet shopping. If you have time, make a detour toward Pinkham Notch and drive the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road, or in Bartlett, take Bear Notch Road down to the Kancamagus Highway for a beautiful backwoods drive.

If you are looking for some cool places to stay check out these cool glamping In New England options!

Shared by: Tamara Gruber – We 3 Travel

More on New Hampshire:

14 Best Things To Do In Lincoln New Hampshire

Berkshire, Massachusetts

The Berkshires of Massachusetts is a breathtaking region located between New York City and Boston. This stunning area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a bevy of hiking and biking opportunities as well as spectacular ski areas. Although the region is notably beautiful year-round, it’s particularly spectacular in autumn, with vibrant foliage decorating the mountainous landscape. Leaf peepers gather each fall to witness the spectacle from atop Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, around the Stockbridge Bowl, and down secret winding backroads.

In addition to various opportunities for physical fitness, there are numerous cultural amusements in The Berkshires as well. For instance, the charming town of Stockbridge is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, a site that pays homage to the famous American illustrator. This popular town also features Naumkeag, a stunning Gilded Age mansion that sits atop 48 acres and offers a range of seasonal events. Travelers will also enjoy a visit to the sweet neighboring town of Lenox, home to Edith Wharton’s former estate, The Mount. Here, self-guided tours are available of the impressive mansion and gardens through Mid-November.

Additionally, for a journey back in time, head to Santarella. This unique storybook property dates back to 1739 and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Although the grounds are private, this dream home is available to rent for a special event or an unforgettable Berkshires getaway.

Learn more: Most Breathtaking Places to Experience Fall in The Berkshires

Shared by: Elena Pappalardo – The Carry-On Chronicles

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod, Massachusetts is the perfect beach destination for some relaxation or adventure. Begin your visit in Sandwich on the western end of Cape Cod with a visit to the Sandwich Glass Museum or enjoy nature at the Heritage Museum and Gardens. Continue with your drive through Cape Cod with a stop at some of the many lighthouses, including the Nauset Light and Chatham Lighthouse.

Drive along the Cape Cod National Seashore where you will have a plentiful selection of sandy beaches to choose from. Spend a couple hours or all day relaxing in the sand, viewing the sand dunes, and jumping over the waves.

Depending on how much time you allot for the area, a whale watch is highly recommended! Head to Provincetown, the end point of Cape Cod, and hop aboard for a ride along the shores of Cape Cod featuring the famous sand dunes before heading out to the Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary.

After the whale watch take a stroll along Commercial Street and enjoy the quaint, local shops and tasty seafood options. Visit the Pilgrim Monument for breathtaking views of Provincetown and the surrounding area. Hang around until sunset and catch the famous Cape Cod sunset from Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown.

When visiting Cape Cod be prepared to eat your share of seafood-the options are endless! You can expect to find oysters, scallops, clams, mussels, and lobster. If you aren’t a seafood person don’t worry! You will find a great selection of international foods, including Asian, Middle-Eastern, and Italian.

Learn more: Provincetown With Kids: 11 Must Do’s

Shared by: Melissa – Navigation Junkie

You will also want to check out all the awesome Cape Cod towns .

More on Massachusetts:

4 Best Amusement Parks in Massachusetts To Visit

One of my favorite places in the Hudson Valley is Hyde Park, the National Historic Site that encompasses Franklin Roosevelt’s childhood home, his presidential library , historic Top Cottage and Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill estate. There are also gardens and enough property for a good long walk. You can’t see the whole estate in one day, especially with kids. So, I recommend you start with the library.

FDR was the first president to establish a presidential library and he did so on the estate while he was still in office. The public portion of the library is a nicely done, kid-friendly museum. You can sit at a model 1930s kitchen with a radio playing his fireside chats or follow the arc of WWII on interactive maps.

The highlights for me are his oval office desk cluttered with knick-knacks and the car he had adapted for his polio. Eleanor gets her own wing, where you can see her manual typewriter and letters from people across the country who wrote to ask for her help and her personal advice. My favorite place is Top Cottage, FDR’s hideaway on the estate. He hosted a barbecue for the King and Queen of England here and sat on the porch with several world leaders including Winston Churchill.

You can only see the three houses by ranger tour and a highly recommend taking this one because the history and anecdotes make this little stone house fascinating. Eleanor led a long public life after Franklin died and you’ll learn a lot about her interests and accomplishments at Val-Kill. In the family home you learn about Franklin’s boyhood, entry into politics and his polio.

Kids who know something about 20th century history will get the most out of a visit, but there’s enough to engage younger school-age children. The town of Pougheepsie, six miles south has restaurants, but on a nice day I recommend bringing a picnic or buying sandwiches at café and eating outside on the grounds.

Shared by: Eileen P. Gunn – Families Go Travel

New York City

If you’re planning an epic road trip through the United States, you absolutely need to stop in New York City. Phenomenal restaurants, world-class museums and architecture, stunning entertainment, beautiful parks, and more await you in the City that Never Sleeps.

New York City was first established in 1624, when the island of Manhattan was purchased from the native peoples who inhabited the land by the Dutch for a mere $24. As the Dutch, and then English, settlements grew and developed, it served as an important place during the American Revolution, and became the newly born United State’s first national capital. Manhattan was incorporated with the other four boroughs–Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island–in 1898 to form the full New York City.

The City is home to tons of awesome museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History, as well as Broadway theatre. Make sure you catch a performance in the Theatre District, which includes many of the theaters in the famous Times Square.

There are so many free things to do in New York City , in addition to paid activities. Wander through any of the City’s parks, walk the High Line and explore the newly developed Hudson Yards, or visit the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan. You can even head to the beach, all without leaving the five boroughs. Even just simply walking through the many different neighborhoods will give you incredible insight into the diverse, mesmerizing experience that is New York City.

Shared by Lyndsay Crescenti – The Purposely Lost

More On New York

If you plan to head to New York check out this awesome New York to Maine road trip too! And if you want to go with kids check out our tips on New York City With Kids . If you are looking for a romantic getaway check out these romantic hotels in New York State !

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of the best road trip stops in America is the northeastern city of Philadelphia. The city is full of fascinating history, world class museums and the delicious Philadelphia food scene.

There are so many worthwhile activities to enjoy in Philadelphia, like touring the historical buildings in Old City. Visitors love to explore Independence Hall, the site where Americans signed the Declaration of Independence and debated and signed the American Constitution. It’s steps away from other historical attractions like the Liberty Bell and President’s Mansion. Nearby you can also visit museums like the Constitution Center and The Museum of the American Revolution.

The Franklin Institute of Science is another favorite museum, especially for visitors with children. Still, the most famous museum in the city is probably The Philadelphia Museum of Art and its famous steps from the movie Rocky.

Philadelphia is also a foodie destination with famous local foods like the cheesesteak, soft pretzel and water ice. These treats alone are worth the stop in the city of Philadelphia. One of the best destinations to try these favorites is Philadelphia’s famous food hall, Reading Terminal Market. There you can visit rows of open air food stands and enjoy them in the central dining area.

In the warm weather, visitors can enjoy the food at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a recreational area built on the bank of the Delaware River. It hosts entertainment, food trucks and is one of the most popular places to try the local cuisine and relax along the waterfront. No matter when you visit Philadelphia, it’s a must-stop destination with so much to explore.

Shared by: Derek and Mike – Robe Trotting

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is worth a stop on any road trip across the US. There are beautiful, endless views on the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley to admire. Stop for the many waterfalls, the hiking opportunities, both short and longer. The Skyline Drive is easy to include in your trip through the US. Stop to see all the animals in Shenandoah, like the butterflies and maybe a brown beer. When making your trip in the Fall, Shenandoah is perfect for seeing the fall foliage.

When going to Shenandoah National Park the top thing to do is driving the Skyline Drive, it’s 105 miles and takes you along all the viewpoints. The views are so mesmerizing, you’ll want to stop at every viewpoint there is. The viewpoints are also the starting points for the hikes in the park, another top thing to do in Shenandoah.

There’s over 500 miles of marked trails. 20 of the hikes are to the waterfalls in the park. Not to be missed is the Stony ManNature Trail. A 1.6 mile hike to the highest point in the park, the Stony Man’s Summit. The most popular hike is the hike to Old Rag Mountain, it’s however a hike that will take a day and is not easy.

Come also for night sky watching and stargazing, which is a thing you have to see in the park. The Big Meadows Area and The Amphitheater in the Skyland area are perfect for this.

Shared by Cosette – KarsTravels

You may also want to check out these great off the beaten track destinations in the US !

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is definitely a must-stop place on a USA road trip. It’s the world’s largest living history museum as well as being the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. Thanks to the generosity of those who are committed to preserving American history, you can explore the restored and reconstructed historic center of Colonial Williamsburg.

Your Colonial Williamsburg ticket grants you entrance to important and historic buildings like the Governor’s mansion and homes of other prominent residents of the town, mostly by guided tour. The excellent guides will not only discuss important features of the buildings, but the background of those who lived there providing important historical and cultural context. In addition, the historic center is full of trade shops where you can talk to historical interpreters about paper making, book binding, ironwork, wig making, sites important to the everyday economy and culture of the town.

Special programs like evening ghost tours, historical re-enactments, and concerts also give visitors a glimpse of what life might have been like there in the 18th century. When considering where to eat at Colonial Williamsburg , plan to treat yourself to at least one dinner at one of the historical taverns like Christiana Campbell’s. You’ll enjoy a great meal surrounded by history.

Shared by: Darcy Vierow – Plan, Ready, Go

Other fun stops in Virginia:

Things To Do In Charlottesville VA

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston in South Carolina is a must-stop on any US cross country road trip! Why you may ask?

Well, mostly because Charleston is a super cute and beautiful town where road trippers can easily entertain themselves for a day or two.

A Charleston walking tour is a great way to see some of the city’s highlights such as the pineapple fountain, Charleston harbor, the city market, and of course the rainbow houses. These colorful houses make Charleston a very picturesque place to visit. Besides some sightseeing, you can also explore one of the many beaches around Charleston (if the weather permits).

South Carolina may not be most famous for the beaches, but let Charleston try and prove otherwise. Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms Country Park are three beaches that are worth checking out!

After a full day at the beach, you can eat your heart out at one of the many restaurants in Charleston. Some of the all-time favorite restaurants include The Darling Oyster Bar at King Street and The Macintosh a little bit further down the same street.

The last reason why Charleston is an awesome stop for a road trip is because of the great number of delicious breweries that are located there. Head over to Charleston Distilling CO, Highwire Distilling, Palmetto Brewing or one of the many other breweries and find out for yourself what makes Charleston so amazing!

Shared by: Lara – The Best Travel Gifts

Savannah Georgia

Be careful adding Savannah as a stop on your cross-country road trip; you might not want to leave once you’ve seen it! People from all over the country visit Savannah to get a peek at its charming squares and picturesque streets – and to sample all of the delicious Southern-style cooking.

First, plan to walk as much as possible! The city looks prettiest on foot where you can appreciate its beautiful details. Begin at River Street and watch the ships sailing into port while sampling some yummy pralines at River Street Sweets, then head to City Market for live entertainment, art, and a giant slice of pizza at Vinnie Van Go Go’s. Afterwards, do some shopping along Broughton Street, and then head deeper into the Historic District to visit the squares and stroll along Jones Street. It’s known as one of the prettiest streets in America. Make sure you stop by Forsyth Park to see the famous fountain!

If you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner, try The Olde Pink House. It’s a classic in Savannah and offers fine dining inside a beautiful historic (and reportedly haunted!) mansion. Prefer something more casual? Treylor Park is always a good bet. Finally, wind down your evening with a ghost tour — since Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the US.

Can’t-miss sights include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Bonaventure Cemetery, and a tour of the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters or Pin Point Heritage Museum.

Shared by: Erin Clarkson – Savannah First Timer

Universal Studios, Florida

A Cross Country US road trip won’t be complete without a stop to Orlando, Florida. Of course you could go to Disney World and if you have never been you should at least make time for Magic Kingdom . But don’t spend all your time there! Instead be sure to head over to Universal Studios .

Not sure where to go? Check out this post: Should You Choose Disney World Or Universal. 

Our kids much prefer Universal Studios and the kind of rides they have here – with their favorites being the Harry Potter rides. And of course you can’t beat visiting Harry Potter world in Universal. It is a truly special places especially if you have read the books and watched the movies.

Make sure to try all the different kinds of butter beer – hot, cold, ice cream they have a lot of options!

Once you are done with Universal Studios you will want to head to Volcano Bay ! This is our favorite waterpark in all of the US. You are in the middle of busy Orlando but when you are there you feel like you are on a tropical island filled with fun water rides and an awesome wave pool with a volcano.

There are so many fun activities to do in Orlando!

Between Orlando and the Florida Keys you can make a stop at the gorgeous Marco Island! Check out this post with a great list of things to do in Marco Island .

Florida Keys, Florida

If you are looking for the most tropical place in all of the US then you will want to make the trek down to the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys remain one of our favorite destinations in the US after traveling full time in an RV for over 6 years around the US. We love the tropical feel, the beautiful water and all of the fun things that you can do while you are there.

Most people think of the Florida Keys and only picture Key West. Yes Key West is amazing but there are so many really cool things to do all up and down the Keys. The Keys stretch over 100 miles so plenty of other places to stop and things to do.

We love the middle keys and the fact it is a lot more slower paced and less busy than Key West. Rent a Pontoon, go to the turtle hospital , animal encounters. and more! While on your cross country road trip be sure to set time aside for a Florida Keys road trip . It would also be a great place to try car camping – since the weather is usually so nice.

If getting outside with your family is high on your list be sure to check out these awesome outdoorsy vacations with kids!

Destin, Florida

Another of our top destinations in the US is Destin, Florida ! You can’t beat the white sand beaches and gorgeous aquamarine colored water. We love coming here for a beach break to just kick back relax and hang out on the beach.

That being said we also love all of the fun activities that you can do from fishing to renting a pontoon to Jet Skiing. There are so many options for amazing family fun while you are in Destin, Florida.

We really enjoy camping at Grayton Beach when we are there and visiting the Surf Hut restaurant that is located right on the beach. And you want to be sure you don’t miss the beautiful sunset from the beach out over the ocean.

Northern Georgia

Every US road trip should include the North Georgia Mountains . Take the hike to Springer Mountain in Dahlonega, where the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail begins. Ride an open-air car on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or take a hike on Blue Ridge’s swinging bridge- both letting you adventure over the Toccoa River. Visit the Alpine town of Helen, Georgia known for the Bavarian Village, delicious German food and festivals galore.

In Blairsville, take the short walk to Brasstown Bald for sensational 36-degree views at Georgia’s tallest point. Want more views? Add a stop at Bell Mountain in Hiawassee for a birds-eye view of Lake Chatuge. Ellijay is home to apple picking, but if you miss an early Fall visit then enjoy their wine trail instead. Finally, the Northeast mountains near Clayton and Rabun County are known for their waterfalls, magnificent trails, and charming small towns.

Shared by: Lesli Peterson – 365 Atlanta Traveler

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville , Kentucky is one of the most fun cities to visit in the entire United States. But it is especially a dream come true for sports lovers. Start by learning about legendary boxer and Louisville native Muhammad Ali at the Muhammad Ali Center. Next, baseball fans will love visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to see how Major League Baseball’s favorite bat is manufactured.

But the most famous sports-related landmark in Louisville is Churchill Downs. This hallowed spot is where the most famous horse race in the world, the Kentucky Derby, is run every year. Even when the race isn’t on, you can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum.

But Louisville isn’t just for sports fans. Art lovers will adore the amazing collection at the Speed Art Museum. Bourbon fans will want to learn about how the famous American spirit is made at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Or for a more low-key activity, wander around the Old Louisville neighborhood and admire the Victorian homes. You might even spot Louisville’s famous Witches’ Tree in this area.

Louisville is famous for several delicious and decadent foods. The most famous is probably the Hot Brown sandwich served at the Brown Hotel. It’s an indulgent warm, open-faced turkey sandwich slathered with bacon and rich Mornay sauce. And don’t miss the chance to try a yummy slice of chocolate and walnut Derby pie when you visit the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs.

Shared by: Stella Jane – Around the World in 24 Hours

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

While taking a trip across the US, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a place you must visit. Situated on Lake Michigan’s western shore, it is famous for its breweries and cheese. Even if there’s no other reason left to visit the city, you should stop here for the beer. If you are a beer fan, Milwaukee will not disappoint you. The city has beer stores on every third step. One of the reasons why tourists come and stop at this place to buy and taste the breweries.

It is great for a family vacation as there are a lot of things you can do. Start your trip by treating your taste buds to the city’s famous dishes. Milwaukee is famous for its beer, no doubt, but you will find a lot of eateries around the corners of the city’s street. There are vegetarian, vegan-friendly, as well as non-vegetarian restaurants. One of your must-visit stops should be Centro Cafe that offers rustic Italian food.

After filling your stomach, there are places you must visit. Visit the Public Museum which is the home to world history. Explore some amazing scientific innovations and collections from zoology to photography. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum to witness one-of-a-kind objects including the very first Harley-Davidson bike.

The city has a lot more to offer from its history to great food. If you have a pet as your company, find the best pet-friendly cabins in Wisconsin and enjoy the sites with your furry friend.

Shared by: Paulina – Paulina On The Road

Black Hills, South Dakota

Any cross-country U.S. road trip should include a stop in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In addition to over 8000 square miles of natural beauty, these hills host some of our nation’s most iconic monuments and parks.

Located right off of interstate 90, the Black Hills are easily accessible. Most people know this area because of Mount Rushmore, which is a must-see, but there is much more to see and do here. Half an hour away from Mount Rushmore is the Crazy Horse Memorial. This monument, also carved into the mountains, is still in progress and it’s awesome to watch the work being done. There is a Native American museum at the memorial and they often hold live performances.

Just south of Mount Rushmore is Custer State Park. There’s camping, hiking, kayaking and more at this sprawling park. Travelers who are short on time can take one of the scenic drives to see giant herds of buffalo and adorable prairie dog towns.

On the north end of the Black Hills lies Spearfish Canyon. The winding road that runs along the river reveals lush canyon walls. Bring a picnic, take a hike to one of the many waterfalls and just enjoy the natural wonder.

Lastly, a visit to the Black Hills wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic town of Deadwood. Step back in time while you lounge at a saloon, take an historic home tour or visit the gravesites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane!

Shared by: Julie Espinosa – Family Travel Lifestyle

Another great location in South Dakota is Wind Cave National Park .

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a must-see; this huge US National Park is home to some of the most thrilling natural sights in the country! It is so large that it covers three different states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming (which houses the bulk of the park). First time visitors are often surprised to learn that it can take hours to drive just within the park between the distance, crowds, and bison traffic jams so it’s important to have mapped out the highlights you’re planning to hit.

While you’re driving, be sure to keep an eye out along the roads for wildlife. Often called the “serengeti of the west”, Lamar Valley is famous for its wolves, bison, coyotes, and grizzly bears. If there is a crowd of cars pulled over, it’s a good sign to join them and ask what’s been spotted.

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser among the over 10,000 thermal features within the park, stop by for one of the predicted eruptions and then browse the dedicated visitor center nearby to learn more about this geological wonder. The photogenic Grand Prismatic Spring is also nearby, where visitors can walk on a boardwalk within inches of the thermal pool’s vivid hues.

Visitors also can’t miss the roaring Yellowstone Falls from one of the famous overlooks, as the most stunning waterfall inside the park. Wrap up your days in one of the gateway cities that have plenty of delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, and spots to unwind after the natural thrills!

Read more Yellowstone National Park Tips here!

Shared by: Stephanie – Explore More Clean Less

Bozeman, Montana

Beautiful Bozeman is one of the jewels of Montana; it balances both powerful and sprawling nature with a dynamic city center and cultural institutions. This dichotomy makes it well worth a stop on any road trip going through Montana.

Bozeman is situated in the Gallatin Valley and framed by the peaks of the Absaroka, Bridger, Madison, and Gallatin mountain ranges. The ski runs of two of Montana’s best ski resorts, Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort, are within easy driving distance. The natural surroundings aren’t just prone to world-class skiing; you’ll also find excellent hiking at Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area and kayaking and rafting adventures waiting to be had along the Madison and Gallatin Rivers.

Moving closer to the center of the city, you’ll find downtown Bozeman as well as Montana State University. The latter helps run the esteemed Museum of the Rockies, which is a museum that can’t be missed while in Bozeman. It is easily one of the top things to do in Bozeman thanks to its incredible collection of dinosaur bones, many of which were found right in Montana. After a day exploring the museums or having adventures in the wild land surrounding Bozeman, head downtown for a pint at one of Bozeman’s excellent breweries or to enjoy some farm to table cuisine.

Shared by: Gina – Travel Montana Now

Glacier National Park

You can’t have a list of places to visit in the US without having Glacier National Park ! This place is unbelievably beautiful. From the glacial lakes to the mountains at every turn you are awe-struck by the beauty.

There are a few must do things like visiting Lake McDonald and driving the Going To The Sun Road. But some of our favorites are more of the off the beaten path things. Like visiting Polebridge Mercantile or the Many Glacier section of the park.

Our favorite hikes in Glacier are Grinnell Glacier where we say ice bergs floating in the lake at the top and Avalanche Lake with its mountain lake and greenery surrounding it.  Glacier is a place that is best to visit in late July, August or early September. This time of year gives you the best chance to really see everything it has to offer.

The Going To The Sun Road doesn’t even open until mid July sometimes and you want to do that when you are here. If you are questioning making the drive this far north don’t. Just do it! You will be glad you did!

Check out our post on Unique Montana Airbnbs you will want to stay in on your trip.

Mount Rainier, Washington

One of the best places to stop during a road trip through Washington State is Mount Rainier, National Park. This park has mountains galore, lakes, waterfalls, and old grove trees. It is a beautiful park with so much to see.

One of the best things to do is to stop by the Paradise visitor center to do the skyline trail. Even if you are not a hiker, you need to experience this area. Mount Rainier looks stunning, and there is a waterfall called Marymere Falls. The hike is moderate and has fantastic views throughout. If the weather is iffy, Comet Falls hike is a great place to experience a gargantuan waterfall. It is one of the best waterfalls in Washington State and is worth the 3.8-mile trek.

There are also multiple fire lookouts in Mount Rainier National Park . Fremont lookout is probably the most popular lookout, followed by Tolmie Peak. You have to hike to get to either of the lookouts, but the effort is well worth it. Many people do these hike for sunset and are sometimes rewarded with a stunning cloud inversion. No matter what you do at this national park, you will fall in love with its natural beauty.

Shared by: Michelle – The Wandering Queen

Oregon Coast

The Oregon coast is a magical and unique place. There is so much lush green in Oregon. With the green contrasting with the ocean cliffs and water it is a sight to see.

There are jet boat rides to take and sand dunes to 4 wheel on. Plus hours of tide pooling and amazing hiking. Oregon really is a nature lovers paradise. If possible make multiple stops along the coast. And don’t miss Cannon beach and Astoria – where they filmed Goonies.

The Oregon coast is a unique place and definitely somewhere that has you thinking waterfalls, lush green forests and fairies. If fairies exist they are in Oregon!

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit all year round. Whether you are heading there in the winter for skiing or you want to spend the summer playing water sports and hiking – Lake Tahoe has something for everyone.

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake and it straddles both California and Nevada. It sits in a basin at over 6,000 feet surrounded by the Sierra Mountains. The views around the lake are stunning.

One of the best things to do around Lake Tahoe is to go hiking. If you are looking for a short, scenic hike why not try the Vikingsholm Trail. This trail is only 3.2 miles long and ends in Emerald Bay. From the start you have amazing views of Emerald Bay the whole way down. Just remember you have to get back up again!

In the summer, you can take a scenic gondola ride up to the Heavenly Mountain for epic views. The gondola ride is 2.4 miles long to the Observation Deck where you can have panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. You can also check out the cafe there.

Lastly, why not take a scenic drive around the lake. It takes about an hour to drive from North Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe. You will notice quite a difference in the North where it is more serene and the South which is more popular. Either way the scenery is gorgeous and you can see the Sugar Pines and White Firs.

Shared by: Nicole – American SW Obsessed  

Another fun place to visit in Nevada is the Great Basin National Park. 

San Francisco, California

It’s not a true road trip around the United States if you don’t stop in San Francisco. Is it any wonder this stunning and unique city has been mentioned in so many song lyrics?

For starters, you need to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s some excellent vantage points at either end to stop and take a photo, with one of my favorites being the dog-friendly Baker Beach. The beach is also perfect for taking in a west coast sunset.

Another top attraction to visit in San Francisco is the prison island of Alcatraz, accessible on a ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf. (Don’t forget to book well in advance!) While you’re at Fisherman’s Wharf, stop by Pier 39 to gaze at the resident sea lions. Also nearby is the famously crooked Lombard Street, with its eight hairpin turns. Naturally the street is one-way only; drive down the street from the upper end.

While you’re in San Francisco, don’t also miss visiting Haight-Ashbury, the hippie heart of the city and home to an eclectic collection of boutiques. Or else head to the Mission District for some affordable tacos and to check out its plentiful street art. Balmy Alley is lined with murals, many reflecting the Latino links of the district.

And for a final classic San Fran experience, leave your car behind for a ride on the old-school cable cars!

Learn more: Dog-Friendly Things To Do In San Francisco

Shared by: Shandos Cleaver – Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel

Yosemite National Park, California

On a cross-country trip across the U.S., there will be several national parks vying for attention. One absolute must-visit is Yosemite National Park, which is in my opinion the most beautiful national park in California!

While you’re there, be sure to indulge in plenty of hiking: that is why you come to Yosemite, after all! If you are traveling with kids or people who want easier trails, there are several easy hikes in Yosemite that are worth taking, but two top ones are the Lower Yosemite Falls loop and the Cooks Meadow loop. For more advanced hikers, hiking to Taft Point is absolutely worth it as well as Upper Yosemite Falls.

You should also drive around Yosemite and see several of the best views in Yosemite from easy vantage points that require little walking or hiking. A few favorites are the view from Tunnel View, Washburn Point, The Three Brothers, and Olmsted Point.

Also, don’t miss Mariposa Grove and the beautiful giant sequoias which define this area, which was one of the first protected areas in Yosemite. There are both easy and moderate hikes in this area surrounded by beautiful towering redwoods, an absolute must-do!

Whatever adventure you choose for your Yosemite trip and however long you choose to stay, it won’t feel like enough, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself returning to Yosemite time and again!

Shared by: Allison Green – California Crossroads

Death Valley, California

If you are looking for fun places to stop on a US road trip, consider Death Valley National Park in California! The largest national park in the contiguous US, Death Valley holds the record for the highest temperature recorded on earth.

The desert views at Death Valley are majestic, and they are varied as well. So if you go expecting nothing but sand, prepare to be awestruck by colorful canyons, vast white salt flats, and even snow covered mountains at the fringes of the valley.

Drive up to Dante’s View to look out over the valley. On a clear day you may be able to see Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, as well as Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.

If you enjoy local history, the park has old mine sites and charcoal kilns you can visit. At Harmony Borax Works, you can even take a photo of a double wagon used in the days of 20-mule teams! There are lots of hiking trails in the park: the Mosaic Canyon hike is one of the most popular hikes in Death Valley.

Up in the north of the park, visit the Ubehebe Crater, a Maar volcano. Or zip out of the park a short distance to view the ruins at Rhyolite, a Gold Rush town.

There are three hotels inside Death Valley National Park, as well as a number of campgrounds. Each hotel has an onsite restaurant.

Visit Death Valley National Park in the cooler months of the year, especially if you want to hike!

Shared by: Dhara – Roadtripping California

Santa Barbara, California

Located along California’s Central Coast, Santa Barbara is a perfect destination year-round.

What makes it a great place to visit is the combination of unique cultural landmarks and great outdoor opportunities that could be explored year-round thanks to California’s mild climate.

Early morning, head to Old Mission Santa Barbara to get a lesson in the area’s history and later take a walk through El Presidio – a former military settlement that was built by the early Spanish settlers to protect their military outpost.

El Presidio is home to El Cuartel, one of the oldest buildings in the state of California and the oldest building in the city of Santa Barbara. It also has a distinction of being the last building that was built by the Spanish in the New World.

After touring the city’s historic landmarks, explore Santa Barbara’s beaches where you can surf, rent a kayak or if you don’t want to get into the water, just ride a bike along the coast at your own leisure.

Downtown Santa Barbara is walkable and boasts many outdoor venues. One of the main hallmarks of the area is Paseo Nuevo, an outdoor mall built in the Spanish colonial style with plenty of stores and restaurants where you can grab a take-out and quickly head toward the beach.

After you finish shopping and dining, check out Santa Barbara Botanic Garden located against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains or soak in the views of the Pacific Ocean from the Stearns Wharf in the harbor of Santa Barbara – the oldest working wharf in California!

Learn more: Incredible Things To Do In Santa Barbara

Shared by: Daria Bachmann – The Discovery Nut

Joshua Tree National Park, California

No trip across the US can exclude California and its many natural wonders. There’s no shortage of beautiful places in the state, but there’s no better way to experience the California desert than by visiting Joshua Tree National Park.

Located less than three hours east of Los Angeles, the desert landscape in this national park is dotted with stunning, out of this world Joshua Trees, for which the park is named after. These “trees” stand tall and proud, with spiky arms that twist and turn upwards and outwards.

The park is beautiful and offers plenty to do and see, even if you only have one day to spend here. If you’re pressed for time, drive the main park road and stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden for a pleasant stroll through fuzzy, teddy bear-like cholla cactus.

More into cool desert rocks? Joshua Tree does not disappoint! Large boulders stand tall in the desert landscape, including Arch Rock, a famous boulder shaped like an arch. Skull Rock looks like (you guessed it) a human skull, and is another popular stopping point. A personal favorite is Split Rock, a giant boulder broken perfectly in two (and with less crowds!)

Of course, no trip to Joshua Tree is complete without photographing the famous Joshua Trees themselves. You’ll find them in the northern part of the park, just pull over and start snapping photos!

Joshua Tree is stunning, and makes for a perfect addition to a US road trip!

Shared by: Ale – Sea Salt & Fog 

Ok you are right Hawaii wouldn’t really be considered on a cross country road trip – BUT – hear me out. When you reach the west coast you can usually get air flight to Hawaii a lot cheaper compared to other parts of the US. Plus there are more flights and it is a shorter flight!

For those reasons it may be a location you want to consider! Here are some great posts on Hawaii to help you plan that trip:

Tips For Visiting Hawaii For the First Time

Tips On Visiting Disney Aulani 

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon and with good reason — not only is it one of the seven natural wonders of the world, but it’s a truly awe-inspiring place to see. If it’s not already on your bucket list, it should be!

The best way to see the Grand Canyon is to hike it. Whether you choose a day trip or to hike down to the Colorado River with a stay at Phantom Ranch, it’s all breathtaking. Most of the hikes are considered difficult as the switchbacks to get down to the river are quite steep, though there are some moderate hikes as well that still provide incredible views.

For those not up for the adventure of hiking, you can easily take in the spectacular views wandering along the rim. If you’re feeling daring, the Grand Canyon Skywalk over the canyon offers views to the bottom with a glass skyway that is sure to amaze.

Whether you hike into the canyon or walk along the rim, enjoy how the light changes the colors of the canyon. The shifting sun provides a kaleidoscope of natural colors that seem unreal and it really lights up with the most incredible shades of color throughout the day and into the evening.

This is a popular tourist destination and people come from around the world to see it. The Grand Canyon is a great overnight trip from Phoenix, Arizona , and worth a spot on your bucket list.

Shared by: Sam – My Flying Leap

Northern Arizona

The dramatic desert landscapes of Northern Arizona have to be seen to be believed! Top stops on a US road trip through the Southwest include Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Page , Arizona.

Sedona is a great first introduction to the red rocks of the desert. Take the popular Cathedral Rock trail, Devil’s Bridge trail, Little Horse trail, and visit Slide Rock State Park to slide down the slippery rocks, which become a popular slide in the summer! While there are numerous luxurious spa resorts in Sedona, there are plenty of incredible Airbnb’s with pools and views!

Traveling north, stop in Flagstaff, Arizona and make it your base for exploring the Grand Canyon. Located an hour and 15 minutes away, it’s the closest city. Stay at the Drury Inn & Suites on Northern Arizona University’s campus and make sure you eat at NiMarco’s, Flagstaff’s best pizza place with an incredible pesto pizza!

Lastly, Page, Arizona  is one of the most beautiful parts of the Southwest (a bold claim, I know). Here you’ll see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Horseshoe Bend is a free part of the Grand Canyon with a river that dramatically wraps around a plateau. The trail is short but it can get extremely hot, so be prepared. Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation. You need to book a tour for it, but the views are unbeatable!

Shared by: Alanna Koritzke – Periodic Adventures

Zion National Park, Utah

Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers will not want to miss visiting Zion National Park during a cross-country road trip. Located near Springdale, Utah, Zion National Park is famous for its steep sandstone cliffs soaring up from the canyon floor.

The main thing to do in Zion is go hiking, as there are several scenic trails in the heart of the park ranging from challenging and adventurous full-day hikes, to short and easy nature walks.

Some of the park’s most notable hikes are also the longest and most difficult, including Angels Landing, Observation Point, and the Narrows. More moderate, but equally scenic options include the hike to Canyon Overlook and Watchman Trail. For an easy hike, you can follow along the Virgin River on Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk, or set out to visit Lower Emerald Pool.

Even if hiking is not your thing, you can still enjoy Zion National Park by going on a sightseeing drive through the park. The park provides shuttle buses to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the most popular part of the park), but private vehicles are allowed on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway where you can drive through the sandstone cliffs via a historic tunnel.

Learn more: How to Spend 3 Days in Zion National Park- Hikes, Walks, and Scenic Drives

Shared by: Rhonda Krause – Travel? Yes Please!

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

This is one stop you don’t want to miss when you are road tripping cross country in the United States. Bryce Canyon will simply amaze, inspire and wonder how such a thing exists in the world. Located near the Zion National Park in Utah and in an area where hikes and exploration are at an abundance.

Ever heard of a Hoodoo, this is what Bryce Canyon is made up of and makes you think you have landed on another planet. These columns of rocks are formed by steam erosion and frost weathering and it’s the one place in the world with the largest collection.

It’s really worth checking out some of the view point like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise & Sunset point. While on the other hand you can burn off some energy completing any of the many hikes that vary from 1 mile to 23 miles. A couple you might like to try are “Navajo Loop Trail” & “Fairyland loop Trail”, but plenty of others to suit your time frame and situation.

April to October tends to be the busiest season with temps ranging from 75 to 98 degrees F, this is also when a shuttle service is offered around the park to help you get around. Visiting in winter in January or February could have you enjoying a very different views with snow topping all the peaks.

If anything, don’t forget to catch a sunrise view – you won’t regret it!

Shared by Chris – The Aquarius Traveller  

Park City, Utah

Are you looking for an amazing stop on your cross country road trip that’s full of action and adventure? Then make sure to stop in Park City Utah. Located right off of I-80, and only 20 miles from I-15, Park City is a quick stop on the way to most mountain west destinations, but will still make you feel like you’ve just discovered the perfect mountain town.

All throughout the year, the mountains are the real show stopper, and the opportunities to recreate there seem limitless. If you really want to soak in all that the mountains have to offer, make sure to head hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter. Our favorite trails are Silver Lake for hikers and Gamble Oak on snowshoes. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can’t go wrong with the ropes course or bobsled rides at the Olympic Park, or a class at Woodward Action Sports Complex.

If you’re visiting Park City on a winter road trip, you’ll want to plan to stay for a while since there is so much to do. The obvious winter activity of choice in Park City is skiing, so plan on skiing at least 2 days during your winter visit to Park City. After that, the absolute best activities in Park City is dog sledding with Luna Lobos, and you’ll also want to see if you can fit in a snowmobiling trip into the Uintah mountains, to wrap up the perfect trip to Park City.

Learn more: Best Utah Ski Resorts For Kids

Shared by Jessica Averett – Skiing Kids

Summit County, Colorado

If you’re looking for a place where you can pack a lot of Colorado mountain adventure into one place, then you absolutely need to plan a stop in Summit County Colorado. Luckily, I-70 runs right through it, so you won’t even have to go out of your way to see this road trip stop. Plan on staying for a few days, and if you want to be centrally located and not pay resort prices, plan on staying in Silverthorne or Frisco.

In the summer, hiking and mountain biking shine here. If you’re in good shape, and have adjusted to the altitude, be brave and go out and hike a 14er (Colorado term for a mountain over 14,000 ft). You can hike both Greys and Torreys peaks in only a 9 mile trek, so start getting in shape now so you can knock this off your bucket list (your legs will thank you for training in advance).

If you are road tripping in the winter, Summit County is a winter paradise. With 4 ski resorts within a 15 minute radius, skiing in Colorado is a must do. If you want a big resort feel, head to Breckenridge, but if you want a smaller resort that has incredible terrain, Arapahoe Basin is the place to ski and our personal favorite Colorado ski resort for skiing with kids. At the end of a long day of skiing, make sure to head into Dillon to visit the Colorado Ice Castles . These ice structures are incredibly amazing, so make sure to add this to your Summit County winter bucket list.

Shared by: Jessica Averett – Bring The Kids

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is a perfect stop on any cross country road trip. Situated about halfway from either coast, this vibrant and fun city in the central plains is a flourishing metropolitan area that somehow maintains a small town feel.

There are a lot of unique and fun things to do in Oklahoma City . The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is one of the most beautiful yet sombering places in the whole metro. The attraction, which is dedicated to the victims of the 1995 bombing of the federal building, is a must-see when visiting OKC.

Not far from the memorial, in the heart of downtown OKC, Bricktown is a lively commercial district filled with restaurants, arcades, and other fun activities. The district, which is named for its historic red brick buildings, lines a picturesque river walk. Visitors wanting to learn about the history of the area, can take a boat ride through the canal. The boat tour guide walks you through the not-so-distant history, detailing how this area of OKC was transformed from a blighted, crime-ridden neighborhood with boarded up buildings to a bustling entertainment district.

Finally, no stop to Oklahoma City is complete without a brief visit to Wheeler Riverfront Plaza to commemorate your visit with a photo. In this up-and-coming area, you’ll find a large OKC sign that makes for a perfect photo opportunity, as well as a ferris wheel, outdoor games, and food trucks.

Easily accessible from Interstate 40, these fun attractions are not only worth visiting, they are exceptionally convenient for anyone making a cross country trek along the third longest interstate in the United States.

Shared by: Melissa – Parenthood and Passports

The state of Texas is bigger than the entire nation of France, so it’s likely that any cross-country road trip will have you traversing the Lone Star State at some point. Plug in the isolated desert of West Texas into your GPS to see natural, isolated beauty.

There are so many things to do in West Texas that its isolated location, not its lack of offerings, that keep it off the beaten path.

Visit Texas’ only two national parks, Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, for the best hiking and outdoor trails in the entire state. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy camping, rock climbing, and rafting down the Rio Grande.

Art enthusiasts, big-city gallery lovers, and foodies will appreciate the quirky things to do in Marfa . This tiny town has become an artists’ enclave with abandoned dancehalls and gas stations being converted into modern art galleries. Restaurants and wine bars worthy of Manhattan line the streets next to farmers’ pickup trucks. On your way out of Marfa, don’t miss the priceless photo opportunity at Prada Marfa, an art exhibit in the middle of nowhere.

Other small towns worth a stop nearby include Alpine, Marathon, and the ghost town Terlingua (which serves as the gateway to Big Bend). Visit big city El Paso before bidding adieu to the Lone Star State and continuing onwards to New Mexico.

Shared by Erin – Sol Salute

There you have it! If you can visit all of these amazing places on your cross country road trip you will have an awesome trip. There are your typical classic American road trips like route 66 from Chicago through St. Louis and west but we thought it would be fun to throw in a different road trip route.

Of course this post doesn’t list all of the places you could visit. So here are a few other you may want to consider:

13 Things to do in St Louis with Kids

Meow Wolf Review: Which Location is Best?

Castles In America

Best Aquariums In The US

Things To Do In Alaska

15 Fun and Exciting Things To Do In San Diego With Kids

18 Fun Things To Do In Big Sur California [Maps Included]

East Coast Road Trip 25+ Stops You Don’t Want to Miss!

15 Absolutely Enjoyable Things To Do In Nashville

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36 Ultimate Cross Country Road Trip Tips

Ahh, the Great American Road Trip . Whether you’re road-tripping solo to several national parks or traveling with friends and have no destination in mind at all, there’s nothing quite like it.

There’s the exhilarating freedom of the open road, the small towns that pack a tremendous punch (I’m lookin’ at you, Big Sky  and Livingston , Montana), the quirky roadside diners, the off-key singalongs, the endless snacks.

Road trips certainly aren’t new, but they are more popular than ever. Many people feel that driving is the safest, most social-distancing-friendly method of travel . And they’re not wrong.

As a result, road trips have become the preferred method of vacation. Not only are people road-tripping more often ; they’re road-tripping further from home . In one study , a whopping 35% of people said they visited three or more states on a road trip, not including their home state.

For all their many benefits, road trips do require extra planning and preparation . That’s especially true of multi-state journeys. I asked 25 pros — other travel writers, full-time #vanlife-ers, and some especially adventurous road warriors — for their top cross country road trip tips.

You’ll find everything from advice on how to save money on a road trip and what to wear to must-have road trip essentials and ways to keep yourself safe.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission — at no cost to you — if you click or make a purchase through any of them. For more information, read my  disclosure statement . I appreciate you!

Jump ahead to:

Cross country road trip tips and tricks

1. be smart about planning your road trip route, 2. know how to effectively use your maps app, 3. get the roadtrippers app, 4. consider google maps alternatives, 5. don’t rely entirely on technology for navigation, 6. familiarize yourself with local driving laws, 7. avoid visiting popular attractions on busy days, 8. make a great road trip playlist, 9. keep your devices charged, 10. bring extra water, 11. pack toilet paper and disinfecting wipes, 12. get a portable jump starter, 13. bring insulated water bottles, 14. pack a cooler, 15. invest in a portable power inverter, 16. repackage everything, 17. be choosy about the food you pack, 18. opt for no-fuss foods, 19. use packing cubes, 20. keep things organized with packing cubes, 21. keep it clean, 22. prioritize rest, 23. stretch it out, 24. research instances of prejudice or hate crimes on your route, 25. invest in a rooftop cargo carrier, 26. skip the fancy footwear, 27. keep an open mind about where you stay, 28. camp along the way, 29. take the road less traveled — literally, 30. bring bicycles along, 31. shop (really) small and local, 32. slow down and enjoy the journey, 33. upgrade your road trip with a campervan, 34. bring a portable toilet, 35. play family road trip games, 36. pack surprise bags for kiddos.

Maybe you’re a seasoned veteran setting out to spend a full month on a USA road trip , or perhaps you’re a first-timer. Either way, you’re sure to find at least a few of these cross country road trip tips useful.

Cross country road trip planning tips

Cross country road trip tip from Julia, The Cure for Curiosity

As you start preparing for your road trip, pin all locations of interest to a Google map or Maps.me map. They aren’t tangible products, but I consider these types of apps to be crucial road trip essentials!

Whether it’s a handful of places or dozens, you’ll easily be able to see where the sights of interest are located , and you can map out your most efficient driving route accordingly. This helps prevent backtracking or accidentally bypassing somewhere important to you.

Favorite road trip route : Denver to Glacier National Park in the Summer

Tip from Stéphanie, Bey Of Travel

Google Maps is an amazing tool to plan and plot your road trip itinerary — but only if you know how to use it properly . You can create customized maps for each area you want to visit by simply adding all your possible destinations. You can even color-code the attractions to keep them categorized. 

To plot the itinerary, open Google Maps, then save your starting point. Use the ‘direction’ option to get from road A to B. Repeat these spots to keep adding all the places you want to visit on your road trip.

One of the great things about using Google Maps is that you can check traffic and if the attractions you want to visit are open or not.

Piggybacking on the previous tip, check out the Roadtrippers app !

Roadtrippers is a robust travel planning app that really shines when it comes to discovering off-the-beaten-path , quirky attractions along your route. In fact, one of the categories is “Weird Guides!”

You discover places you wouldn’t have even known about thanks to the app. That’s exactly what makes it one of our most recommended vanlife essentials .

One of our favorite features is that you can quickly toggle a stop off if you decide to skip it, and Roadtrippers automatically re-calculates your route. You can also add notes and dates to each stop , which is handy for keeping track of confirmation numbers.

And if you’re on a particularly boring stretch of highway and just need a break, the app allows you to search nearby while you’re on the road.

The free version of the app is excellent, but we’re honestly in love with the paid/premium version of Roadtrippers. For $36 a year, you get offline maps, live traffic updates, and even discounts with some of Roadtrippers’ travel partners. It’s become one of our most prized road trip essentials !

Try the free version, but don’t be surprised if you quickly want to upgrade! And when you do, sign up through our Roadtrippers link to get $5 off!

Road trip tip from Nellie, Third Culture Nellie

One of my favorite cross country road trip tips is to use Waze, a community-driven GPS navigation app . Waze detects traffic jams in live time and helps you find alternate routes to avoid heavy backups.

The app is very handy for helping you avoid getting stuck and sitting in traffic for long periods of time on your road trip. Waze users also report things like potholes, road construction, and police. Waze even shows the cheapest gas stations in some countries (like the US)!

You can use Waze anywhere. However, for the maps and traffic updates to be the most accurate, the app needs local users to provide up-to-date information. Keep this in mind, especially for your more off-the-beaten-path trips.

Follow Nellie on Instagram for more travel tips!

Road trip tip from Christina, Live A Wilder Life

One of the most important road trip packing tips is to include paper maps , in addition to having your maps downloaded on your phone. Yes, GPS is easier and faster. But it’s not foolproof and can get you into dicey situations when you’re in remote areas where signal strength is questionable.

You do not want to be stuck on the backroads of Utah at night wondering which way to go. Think of it as an insurance policy — nobody likes paying for it, but you’re always happy you have it when you need it!

Favorite road trip : Idaho hot springs

Cross country road trip tip from Jackie & Justin, Life of Doing

If you’re taking a road trip abroad, the driving rules may be different from your home country . Heck, driving rules can differ dramatically from state to state!

Before your trip, make sure to study the country’s driving laws, like which side vehicles drive on and parking rules. Also study up on road signage and obtain an International Driving Permit (if needed).

To learn about local driving laws, contact a car rental agency in the country you’re traveling to for resources. The agency will know the basics regarding speed limits, what to expect in terms of traffic, and/or practice tests and videos.

Favorite road trip : Driving through New Zealand’s South Island in one week in February

Tip from Daria, The Discovery Nut

For the best road trip experience, avoid visiting national parks   and other popular attractions on weekends, big school breaks, and major holidays .

This is the busiest time at many national parks, when campgrounds are full, trails are packed, and parking spots are hard to come by. This is especially true if you’re planning your visit during summer — the high season at many national parks.

As an alternative, head to state parks or better yet, national monuments , where you ‘ll see only a small fraction of the visitors who flock to national parks. For example, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument are great alternatives to crowded national parks like Zion or Arches in Utah. 

Don’t forget your National Parks Annual Pass !

Road trip tip from Cortney, Tin Can Living

Everybody loves a good cross country road trip, but nobody likes to stare out the window in complete silence. All road trips need a great music playlist . In fact, I consider it one of my road trip essentials! It doesn’t matter what type of music you listen to, hit the road and belt out your favorite songs.  

The best way to make a great road trip playlist is to vary the music styles in order to drown out the monotony of the road. Have upbeat songs for staying awake, meaningful songs for introspection, and singalongs to get in vacation mode.

I prefer Spotify because you can download your playlists to listen to even when you don’t have cell reception, but all the music streaming services make it easy to create the perfect soundtrack for your adventure on the open road.  

For more cross country road trip tips, check out Cortney’s article on RVing in Florida’s Treasure Coast !

Road trip tip from Kat, Endless Wonder

Another of the most important cross country road trip tips is making sure your camera and device batteries are always charged up and ready to go! Capturing moments from your road trip is important so that your memories last forever and you can share your adventure with friends and family back home.

One way to ensure you keep those batteries charged is to bring a portable charger or backup batteries. The last thing you want is to spot an incredible view or a super rare sighting, just to find out your camera is dead and you have no backups!

Most epic road trip : Banff to Jasper, AB on the Icefields Parkway

Photo courtesy of Endless Wonder

Cross country road trip packing tips

Tip from Dymphe, Dymabroad  

One of my favorite cross country road trip tips is to bring extra bottles of water with you. It’s always possible to encounter problems with your car while driving and you could get stranded. While waiting for help, you may get thirsty and need water. You’ll be very happy when you find spare bottles of water in your car that you can drink — they’re the ultimate road trip essentials!

Follow Dymabroad on Instagram for more travel inspiration!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve finally found a restroom after a long stretch on the road, only to run inside and find that there is no toilet paper. Or, almost just as worse, to find that the bathroom or toilet is absolutely disgusting. That’s why one of my top cross country road trip tips is to bring your own toilet paper (BYOTP!) and disinfecting wipes.

Cross country road trip tip from Erica, Tripscholars

One of the top road trip essentials is a portable jump starter for your vehicle. Road trips are full of surprises, and when hit with the unpleasant kind, a portable jump starter can prevent an annoyance from becoming an emergency.

For around $50, you can keep this pre-charged pack at the ready to help on road trips. More than once while camping, our kids accidentally left a car door ajar and we woke up to a dead battery. We’ve also given others an easy, quick jump when we were far from services. Plus, the jump starter comes in handy to charge phones and other devices, keeping everyone connected while on the road. Some models have additional features, like the ability to air up bicycle tires.

Follow Tripscholars on Facebook for more travel tips!

Staying hydrated on the road is extremely important. You’ll quickly learn, though, that all those gas station stops for water and snacks add up. High-quality reusable water bottles are some of my top road trip essentials for this reason. I’m a huge fan of the Contigo AutoSeal Chill bottles and the Hydro Cell water bottles on Amazon.

Parks, attractions, campgrounds, and many stores have water fountains where you can fill up your bottles for free. Fill two or three at a time so you have plenty of water between stops. You can also buy a couple of gallons of water as backups. These tend to be significantly cheaper than single-use bottles, plus they’re far more environmentally friendly.

Tip from Roxy, Wild About BC

Taking a cooler or cooler bag is essential for every road trip. I would personally recommend a cooler bag, as you can fold it down for easy storage when you aren’t using it. Perhaps you’re looking to go off-grid for a couple of days and want to store fresh food or maybe you just want to enjoy some ice-cold beers while watching the sunset. Either way, having a cooler filled with ice is one of our best cross country road trip tips.

Follow Wild About BC on Instagram for more adventure and road trip tips!

Photo courtesy of Wild About BC

Cross country road trip tip from MacKenzie, Rainbow Travel Life

Piggybacking onto the tip above, if you use a lot of batteries, consider purchasing a portable power inverter . It will quickly become one of your go-to road trip essentials!

With a power inverter, you can power everything from camera batteries and laptops to fans and lights. Not only will it save money on needing to stop at cafes and hotels to very literally recharge, but it’ll also keep you charged and ready for emergency photo ops. Power inverters are also perfect for camping in remote places, such as two days in Joshua Tree National Park . If you don’t need a 110V outlet, consider a splitter to charge more than one phone.

Favorite road trip route : Long Beach, CA, through several southern states to North Carolina from January to March

In almost all cases, original packaging is bulky and takes up a substantial amount of room. This is true of everything from food (picture a box of granola bars) to toiletries (a bottle of aspirin). One of my top road trip packing tips is to take items out of their containers and put them into simple bags. You can, of course, use basic Ziplocs, but I prefer to use eco-friendly reusable options like these Stasher bags . The “snack” size is perfect for storing bobby pins, medications, and even condiments.

Road trip tip from Rachel, Average Lives

We all know that food is one of the top road trip essentials. However, it’s important to bring food that keeps well and offers high caloric value. If space isn’t a tremendous concern, pack vegetables (fresh is best, when possible), pasta, rice, canned beans, and tomatoes. Remember to repackage bulky items!

With these staple ingredients, you’ll have a wide range of substantial meals you can cook on the road using a simple camp stove . Use your creativity to combine these easy but healthy ingredients to stay satisfied — even on long drives. 

Most epic road trip route: New Zealand South Island Loop

Photo courtesy of Average Lives

One of the best cross country road trip tips I can offer is to keep food as simple as possible. You don’t want to deal with jars and several packages as you drive down the road! Try to prep ahead of time by making sandwiches, cutting fruits and vegetables, and opening sealed packages — even if you have to do it in a parking lot.

Along the same lines, consider buying pre-cut and individually packaged snacks, like hummus and pretzel cups, individual servings of peanut butter, and single cheese and meat packs. They’re not the most economical foods, but sometimes they’re worth it for the convenience.

Tip from Suzanne, Meandering Wild

When road tripping, it’s easy to lose track of what you packed, especially if you have limited storage space. Packing cubes , some of the most useful road trip essentials, solve that problem.

Buying each person a different colored set of packing cubes increases the chances of keeping your own clothes organized, especially if the cubes are bright primary colors. Packing cubes also make loading and unloading easy! They can be stored in crates to keep them dry and make storage easy, or tucked into difficult corners and around other items that need a little protection.

Favorite road trip route : Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way  in summer

Taking the previous tip a step further, designate one packing cube for each person to be easily accessible. Store frequently-used road trip essentials in this cube, like your toothbrush, glasses, and toilet paper. I also recommend stashing “just in case” items here, including a packable rain jacket , clean undies, extra socks, and a First-Aid kit . Keep this packing cube somewhere that you can easily access it so you won’t need to rummage!

Road trip tip from Lotte, Gezond Weekmenu

One of the best road trip packing tips ever is to pack a dustpan and brush. A campervan, car, or tent is only a small space and the floor gets dirty very quickly, especially if you’re into outdoor activities or if you’re traveling with little kids. How do they manage to get sand everywhere, even when they haven’t been anywhere near a sandbox?!

A small brush and dustpan will keep your vehicle or tent nice and tidy. They’re easy to store and I find myself using them at least once a day on road trips. Don’t forget to bring a couple of plastic bags! We usually hang one from the headrest of the passenger seat.

Cross country road trip tips for staying safe

Cross country road trip tip from Elisa, France Bucket List

One of our key cross country road trip tips is to sleep and rest well before hitting the road. In a matter of seconds, drivers who feel tired can lose control of the car with terrible consequences.

After so many road trips in France (where we live), our best piece of advice is to make frequent stops, especially when you feel tired. Highways have many rest areas or even pullouts for a quick nap, and pulling over when you really need to can save lives. During long road trips, rotate drivers every two hours or so when possible, so everybody can rest.

Best road trip route : French Riviera road trip , from Nice to Cannes in spring

Tip from Džangir Kolar, Dr Jam Travels

This road trip tip elaborates on the previous one. In addition to pulling over or switching drivers when you get tired, it’s also important to get out of the car and do some basic stretching of the arms, back, and legs. It may not seem like driving is physically demanding, but it actually can be! Sitting in a confined space for long periods of time is especially strenuous on your back. Stopping and stretching often enables relaxed multiday cross country road trips.

Most epic road trip route : Ljubljana, Slovenia, to London, Istanbul, and Barcelona

Road trip tip from Kay, The Awkward Traveller

Unfortunately, there are some not-so-fun aspects of planning a road trip: the uncertainty around your physical safety due to racial, gender, or sexuality profiling. As a Black woman, I have encountered numerous instances of discrimination and harassment due to someone else’s prejudice against my skin.

Even when traveling as a racially ambiguous person , you may be subjected to racism while on the road. This completely ruins an otherwise beautiful moment. Along the same lines, many places around the world — even some where same-sex marriage is legal! — are still violently intolerant toward the LGBTQ+ community.

As an LBGTQA2S+ person or a non-white individual, it can be helpful to research any small towns on your road trip route for reported hate crimes. Avoid stopping for gas late at night and frequent Black, Indigenous, and POC-owned establishments wherever possible.

Cross country road trip tips to have the best experience

Regardless of what type of vehicle you’re driving (hopefully it’s one of the best cars to sleep in for camping ! ) , one of the best cross country road trip tips is to invest in a rooftop cargo carrier.

They come in all shapes and sizes, and even a small one will free up precious real estate inside your vehicle. We especially love the Thule Sidekick .

Rooftop cargo carriers generally have a universal fit to be compatible with any vehicle that has roof rails. However, there are actually several soft-sided rooftop cargo carriers that can be used without them!

We’ve used the Rightline Gear Sport 2 on several trips between Phoenix and southern California, and cannot recommend it highly enough. Although it’s compatible with roof rails or racks, it also works very well on vehicles without them — it has specialized clips that go into the doors.

There’s no question that rooftop cargo carriers are must-have road trip essentials, but there is one caveat: pack yours strategically. Store things inside it that you won’t need frequently, so you don’t have to constantly get in and out of it.

Tip from Olivia, Girl With Blue Sails travel blog

One of my ultimate cross country road trip tips is to wear slip-on shoes. It seems simple, but is so easy to forget!

When sitting in the car for long periods of time, it’s natural to want to get comfortable and take off your shoes. However, when stopping at a gas station or quick photo stop, it becomes a pain to mess with shoelaces or straps. So the simpler solution is to wear shoes that can slip on easily.

I recommend some simple ladies’ flats or Vans slip-ons , which are great for all ages and genders. 

Favorite road trip route : California’s coast from San Diego to San Francisco

Road trip tip from Sydney, A World in Reach

One of my favorite tips for how to save money on a road trip is booking mystery hotel deals like Hotwire Hot Rate Hotels or Priceline Express Deals along the way. You can score highly discounted rooms with a catch: you don’t know the hotel until after you’ve booked it!

This might seem stressful, but you can see the hotel’s general location and star rating. These deals are lifesavers on road trips, especially when your route isn’t set in stone. You can book a last-minute hotel whenever you need to stop, instead of driving all the way to your next destination.

For more tips on how to save money on a road trip, check Sydney out on Pinterest !

Cross country road trip tip from Victoria, Guide Your Travel

Road trips are a fantastic way to see as much as possible and have unique experiences. If you’re also traveling on a budget, then camping along your route is definitely the way to go.

Not only can you experience unique campsites , but you’ll also be close to nature and saving money to boot. There are tons of ways to plan your camping trip; you could rent a campervan or a rooftop tent, or just pitch a good old-fashioned tent, which is the most affordable option.

Camping is often most fun in warmer countries, but totally possible in colder climates with the proper cold-weather camping gear.

Follow Victoria on Instagram for more budget travel tips!

Road trip tip from Deb, World Adventurists

The best part of a road trip is the freedom to stop and go as you please. One of my favorite cross country road trip tips is to embrace that flexibility and the ability to be spontaneous!

If you see a sign for an attraction that you haven’t heard of, take the detour to find out what it’s all about. Don’t feel like you must always travel on the highway; that’s how you miss all the literal hidden gems! By getting off the highway, you will meet the locals, find all the quirky stops, and get a real taste of what each destination has to offer.

Most epic road trip : The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, where you can walk on the Athabasca Glacier

If at all possible, bring your bike on your road trip! Exploring a new area on a bicycle is an excellent way to find those off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. It’s also environmentally friendly and it can save you money on parking fees (not to mention the stress and time involved trying to find a space!). Note: many national parks charge bicyclists significantly less than visitors in cars.

You can get a trunk mount bike rack or a roof mount bike rack really affordably, and most have a universal fit for a wide range of vehicles. If you’re road tripping in a rental vehicle, however, be sure to find out what the company’s policy is on bike racks — or any other external equipment, for that matter.

Tip from Chris, Punta Cana Travel Blog

Along those same lines, one of my best cross country road trip tips is to always be prepared to stop at street vendors for local delicacies. This is just one example, but here  in the Dominican Republic, e ach region has its special street food treats. For example, fresh coconuts in Samaná, fresh cheese along the north coast, cashews around Azua , corn cake in Jarabacoa, Mangos in Baní, or Caribbean strawberries in Constanza. Make sure to have small change available when stopping at these roadside stalls.  

Favorite road trip : 1-week trip through the Dominican Republic

Photo courtesy of Punta Cana Travel Blog

Road trip tip from Sarah, In Search of Sarah

One of the biggest cross country road trip tips is to not have such rigid, hard-set plans. Some of the best memories are often made on detours or spontaneous stops.

Loose plans are necessary, but it’s stressful having to keep a set pace to get from A to B. Have a (rough) guideline of when and where you need to be every day, but allow yourself time to pull over when you see something interesting, wander through an interesting town, or stop for coffee at a cute cafe. Road trips are all about lasting moments — slow down and enjoy them!

Follow Sarah on Instagram for more travel and road trip tips!

Cross country road trip tip from Bradley, Dream Big Travel Far

Take your road trip to the next level by opting for a campervan instead of a car. Having a campervan allows you to easily “boondock,” also often called “wild camping” in other countries.

This essentially means staying on public land overnight, in places not registered as campsites. They can be anything from open fields to beaches to mountain clearings to parking lots. It’s legal in most countries and a great way to tackle accommodation and transportation at once. Plus, boondocking is generally totally free!

Road tripping in a campervan also allows you to experience some of the most breathtaking locations in an entirely new way! During our 6-week wild camping trip in Scotland , we woke up in a beautiful forest one day and at a charming lake the next.

There are several excellent campervan rental companies today, so it’s easy and convenient to hit the road in style. Look into RVshare  for a tremendous variety!

Follow Dream Big Travel Far on Instagram for more cross country road trip tips!

Photo courtesy of Dream Big Travel Far

Cross country road trips for traveling with kids

This tip isn’t exactly glamorous, but it is one of the most valuable cross country road trip tips I’ve ever heard! Young kids are notorious for having to go to the bathroom at the most inopportune times. Like when you just passed a rest area five minutes ago and the next one is at least an hour away, for example.

A portable toilet solves this problem. They assemble quickly and use simple plastic bags for the “bowl,” so you can create a pop-up bathroom literally anywhere. When you’re finished, cleanup is easy and the portable toilet folds up nearly flat. They also offer a great solution for those times when a rest stop bathroom is too disgusting to use!

Tip from Monica, Champagne on Deck

Long road trips can take a toll on our littlest travelers. Tablets are great to entertain them, but like most parents, I worry about too much screen time.

One of my best cross country road trip tips to lessen the “Are we there yet?” moans are family travel games. Two of our favorites are Travel Bingo and this license plate game . Images on the travel bingo cards make it so that even the non-readers in the car can participate. The license plate game book provides a map, and players must locate the states to place their sticker.

For more family outdoor and travel tips, follow Monica on Instagram !

Cross country road trip tip from Cynthia, Sharing the Wander

We never leave on a road trip without a bag of surprises! When the kids start to get bored or grumpy (or start whining or annoying each other), a surprise bag allows you to quickly pull something out and change the mood in the car! I pack a mix of activities and special snacks — these are must-have road trip essentials!

I usually check the local dollar store and the Target dollar bins for inexpensive items. Some ideas for what to include are:

• coloring books
• activity books (word search or crossword puzzles for older kids)
• gel window stickers
• sticker packs (re-stickable vinyl for toddlers)
• mini cookie cup
• pack of M&Ms (ideally a flavor they haven’t tried)
• fruit snacks in the shape of a favorite character
• twisty crayons
• small toys in some sort of mystery pack

You can also pack books (either new or from the library) from a favorite series. Anything your children don’t know you have becomes a fun (and importantly, distracting!) surprise! Traveling with kids can be stressful — check out 20+ Tips to Survive and Thrive on a Road Trip with Kids and Toddlers !

Check out Sharing the Wander on Facebook for more family-friendly travel tips!

Whew, there you have it — the ultimate list of cross country road trip tips! Which one is your favorite? Are there any we missed? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to pin this post  for later, so it’s handy when you’re ready to plan your own road trip. Safe travels!

Sharing is caring!

Taryn is happiest when she's outside and always up for an adventure — especially if it involves a hike, sunset, road trip, or limited cell service.

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Wow, what a fantastic article! These cross-country road trip tips are an absolute lifesaver for anyone planning to hit the open road. I appreciate how comprehensive and practical all the advice is, covering everything from packing essentials to staying safe while traveling. The personal anecdotes and recommended routes make it feel like a friend sharing their own adventures. Thank you so much for sharing these valuable insights. Can’t wait to plan my own epic road trip now! Cheers, Florence Fields

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25 Best Road Trip Snacks That’ll Fuel the Family

They're sweet, salty, healthy, and everything in between!

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It's been years since the entire Drummond clan took a proper family road trip, but Ree took the kids on lots of by-car adventures when they were younger, especially as part of homeschooling lessons. Ree got the kids in the car bright and early to avoid traffic, and would always make sure to pack a Thermos of hot coffee. "Mornings are my favorite part of the day to be on the road," she says. "Most people are just waking up, the roads are significantly less populated…coffee tastes better."

No matter where you're traveling this year, these road trip snacks will fuel you and your family through even the longest drives. Have a safe trip!

Country Archer Beef and Turkey Jerky Variety Pack

Ditch the carby snacks and opt for beef or turkey jerky when you're craving some protein. This variety pack comes with six different flavors and is big enough to share!

That's it. Fruit Bars Variety Pack

For a satisfying chew without the added sugars, try fruit bars. They're healthier than candies and gummies but still bursting with fruit flavor for when you want something sweet.

Combos Pizzeria Baked Pretzel Snacks

You'll find these filled snacks in the chip aisle at most gas stations. They're low-crumb and delicious.

YumEarth Organic Gummy Bears

Who said gummy bears are just for kids? These gluten-free gummies are great for the whole family—and they taste delicious, too!

Kar's Sweet 'n Salty Trail Mix

Is the highway kind of like a trail for cars? Either way, this sweet and salty trail mix will satisfy your hunger on long trips.

Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn

For the ultimate sweet and salty snack, try this kettle corn. It's made with 100% whole grains and is gluten free and non-GMO, so it's a snack you can feel good about!

JUSTIN'S Classic Gluten-Free Almond Butter Squeeze Packs

Whether you're spreading it onto another snack like an apple (without any mess!) or enjoying it on its own, an almond butter squeeze pack is a great on-the-go snack.

CLIF BARS - Mini Energy Bar Variety Pack

These miniature energy bars are perfect for giving you a little boost when you're on the last leg of your trip. Buy this variety pack to find your favorite flavor.

Newtons Soft & Chewy Cookies Variety Pack

Satisfy your sweet tooth and skip the crumbs with a few Fig Newtons. This variety pack comes with fig and strawberry cookies.

Goldfish Crackers Big Smiles Variety Pack

Goldfish are always a crowd-pleaser. Get the variety pack so everyone in the crew can enjoy their favorite flavor!

Happy Bites 3 Flavor Covered Coffee Beans

When you need a little caffeine but can't stop for coffee, reach for these chocolate-covered coffee beans. Just be sure to keep them away from the kids. 😂

Garden Veggie Straws

The whole family can enjoy this snack, from toddlers to teens to adults. Try a fun flavor like Zesty Ranch to mix things up.

Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets

Get your greens on the go with these roasted seaweed snacks. They're kid and parent-approved!

Dried Mango Slices

Traveling with fresh fruit can be tricky—it's so frustrating to reach for a banana, only to find it smushed at the bottom of a bag. Plus, what do you do with that pesky peel when you're on the road? We recommend packing dried fruit for no-fuss snacking.

Fritos Scoops! Corn Snacks

Satisfy a salty craving with some simple corn chips. There's a reason they've stayed popular for more than 80 years. And if you're looking to dip, Scoops! will help you avoid a mess.

Honey Nut Cheerios

Cereal is delicious even without milk. Fill a baggie with your favorite kind for a great on-the-go snack.

CraveBox Care Package

If you're heading on a cross-country road trip, one or two kinds of snacks might not cut it. So buy a wide variety instead! This CraveBox comes with a mix of 45 different salty and sweet snacks.

Snyder's of Hanover Pretzels

Skip the plain salty pretzels that just leave you feeling parched. These twists are seasoned with a buttery blend of spices including onion, garlic, and pepper.

Glico Chocolate Pocky Sticks

Why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both in the form of chocolate Pocky sticks? They're easy to eat with one hand, too!

Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snack Crisps

These dried snap peas are a healthier alternative to potato chips. We promise they're just as addictive!

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CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP 101: THE BEST ITINERARIES AND HOW TO PLAN FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP

Post Summary: How to plan a cross country road trip, including the best routes, tips, and resources to use so that it’s smooth sailing once you hit the open road.

A cross country road trip through America is the kind of experience every adventurer needs to try once in their life.

With extraordinary national parks, breathtaking beaches, locally inspired cuisine, and quirky roadside attractions, there’s enough to keep you exploring for a lifetime. But how do you begin to plan a road trip?

The recipe for a great American road trip includes having the most current resources and tips at your disposal so you can get the most out of your time on the road.

That and a great playlist.

We embarked on our own three-month cross country trip in our renovated camper and learned a lot about how to plan a road trip across America.

We’re sharing everything we know, including the best cross country road trip routes and our own road-tested tips to help you plan an extraordinary adventure.

*We loved our USA road trip so much that we knew we had to include it in our post on the essential bucket list for families . Check it out for more inspiring travel ideas in the United States.

*This Cross Country Road Trip post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you. We only suggest what we think is truly awesome.

CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP GUIDE

This is an in-depth article that will cover everything you need for planning a cross country road trip. You can use the table of contents above to skip around to a section you want to read.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How many days you’ll need
• What kind of car you need
• Things you need for a cross country road trip
• Cross country road trip cost analysis
• Cross country road trip tips
• The best cross country road trip routes

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED FOR A CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP?

So how long does it take to do a cross country road trip? The drive from Los Angeles to New York City is 2776 miles and takes roughly 41 hours without stopping. At 8 hours a day, that would take you five days to complete.

But what about stops and, you know…enjoying the ride?

Without knowing your route, it’s hard to suggest a time frame. At a minimum, you’ll need a week for a one-way cross country road trip. Two weeks is better, though. Two weeks allows you to drive for shorter distances and to take more time to enjoy the places you stop at. Three weeks is perfection!

America is the 3rd largest country in the world, so there’s a lot of ground to cover when driving cross country. It’s estimated that it takes about three months to see every state in the lower 48.

THE BEST ROAD TRIP ROUTES IN THE US

When planning a road trip, the question “What is the best cross country road trip?” is bound to come up. The sheer size of the US makes answering it a complicated task. Below, I will cover the most iconic road trip routes and a few other suggestions to spark your own creativity. 

Some things to consider for yourself are how much time you have, what season you’ll be traveling in, and what kind of stops you’re interested in making. Do you want to focus on nature activities, touring big cities, tasting America’s best food, or quirky roadside attractions? 

Let the following routes be an inspiration, but don’t forget it’s also possible to plan your trip as you go. 

When we built our cross country road trip itinerary, we knew we needed to get from North Idaho to Maryland. It was winter, so we chose to avoid the Rocky Mountains and any hazardous winter driving conditions. We opened up a map (really, it’s more like we opened up an internet browser and looked at Google Maps) and figured we should head South and plan as we go. 

We knew we would visit Utah’s National Parks, but other than that, we left it open to allow for spontaneity and random side trips.

On our way traveling through Arkansas, I looked at the map and noticed we would be close to Hot Springs National Park. We had time, so we decided to make a small detour to see America’s first unofficial National Park. Those are the kind of things you want to leave time and space for. 

Let’s explore the most popular cross country road trip routes.

*Also, the maps pictured below for each road trip aren’t for driving purposes. They are there to help get you a visual of where the road trip happens.

Famous For:  Kitschy roadside attractions, old-fashioned motels, and its throwback Americana feel

Route 66 is the most famous American road trip that is more about the journey than the sights. You’ll travel through small towns where the most you’ll see is an old-fashioned main street and an old diner. It’s worth it to tap into an old-time Americana complete with neon lights and Art Deco motels. It’s also a great opportunity to see underrated cities like Albuquerque and Oklahoma City.

Begins and Ends:  Downtown Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, CA

Time Needed:  At 2448 Miles, Two Weeks (one way)

Highlights :  Cadillac Ranch  in Amarillo, TX, eating a hamburger and an ice cream float in an old-fashioned diner, getting a photo op in front of a Route 66 sign, Tower Station and U Drop Inn Cafe in Texas, Gateway Arch in Missouri.

BEFORE YOU GO: The road can be hard to navigate using GPS. The book Route 66:EZ66 Guide For Travelers is from a passionate lover of Route 66. It’s a thorough guide with descriptive maps. It’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to drive the entire route.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

Famous For:  Gorgeous, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The PCH, or Highway 1, is one of the most iconic drives in America. We’ve done sections of the drive, and it never disappoints. From the fecund forests of Washington to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the sunny ocean vibes of Southern California, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful coastal drive.

Begins and Ends:  Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA

Time Needed:  1650 Miles, It can be done in one week, but 2 weeks is better (one way).

Highlights :  Olympic National Park , Big Sur, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Redwood National Park, Mendocino, Hearst Castle, Los Angeles, San Diego Zoo, Laguna Beach, Tacos in San Diego

Tip : Drive North to South so you can be closer to the water for the drive.

Recommended Guide: Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon & Washington (Travel Guide)

THE LONELIEST ROAD

Famous For:  Large stretches of driving where you’ll see little to no signs of civilization.

Route 50, also known as “The Loneliest Road” and “the backbone of America,” is a true cross country road trip. Taking you from coast to coast, you’ll pass through 11 states on this grand road trip across America. From metropolitan cities like Washington D.C to deserted ghost towns to the azure waters of Lake Tahoe, this route takes you on a diverse cross-section of the US that’s guaranteed to give you a little bit of everything.

Begins and Ends:  Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD

Time Needed:  3000 Miles, Can be done in two weeks, but three weeks is ideal (one way).

Highlights:  Great Basin National Park, Colorado National Monument, Washington D.C, Lake Tahoe, Moab, Arches National Park

TIP : Make sure your car is in GREAT condition for this road trip.

THE GREAT NORTHERN ROAD

Famous For:  The longest transcontinental highway in the US

Highway 2, or The Great Northern Road, takes you coast to coast through 10 states and Canada. From the lush forests of the Idaho Panhandle to the windswept plains of North Dakota to the sophisticated allure of Montreal, this route takes you through some of America’s most beautiful spots. This is the best cross country route for exploring the vast terrain of the northern US.

Begins and Ends:  Seattle, WA to Acadia National Park in Maine

Time Needed:  3600 miles, Two weeks is enough, but three weeks is best (one way).

Highlights:  Glacier National Park , Montreal, Duluth MN, Burlington VT, Seattle WA, Sandpoint ID, Acadia National Park

Book Recommendation : Moon Guide: Road Trip USA: The Great Northern, Highway 2 

THE OREGON TRAIL

Famous For:  An arduous, historical one-way trail people used in the 1800s to find better opportunities out West.

Go back in time and explore the trek that hundreds of thousands of pioneers made on their way West. While not an official road, the journey can be loosely followed along with interesting stops to learn more about the history and the pilgrims who took this path. History buffs will love learning about Lewis and Clark, city lovers will enjoy exploring Boise and Boston, and nature seekers will love seeing Yellowstone , America’s 1st National Park.

Begins and Ends:  Cannon Beach, Oregon to Provincetown, MA

Time Needed:  3300 Miles, Two weeks is enough, but three weeks is best (one way).

Highlights:   Yellowstone National Park ,  Boise , Grand Teton National Park, Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, Boston

Book Recommendation : Moon Guide:  Oregon Trail Road Trip

THE ATLANTIC COAST

Famous For:  Driving through America’s most iconic and historic cities.

Explore America’s oldest cities and charming beachside communities by taking a drive down The Atlantic Coast. This route takes you on I-95, where you can go from historical sites like the Statue of Liberty, wild horses on Assateague Island, to the artsy beach town of Saint Augustine, Florida. This is a great cross country trip for someone who doesn’t want large chunks of time in the car with nothing to see. There is so much to do and something for everyone.

Begins and Ends:  Maine to Florida

Time Needed: 1900 miles, 10 days is good, but two weeks is best (one way).

Highlights : Mystic CN, Boston MA, Savannah GA, NYC, detours to the beaches of North and South Carolina, St. Augustine, The Florida Keys

TIP: I-95 is great to hop on to when you want to get somewhere faster, but the true beauty of this road trip is mainly on the smaller roads that run along the coast. Deviate from the 95 to explore the coastal islands that run down the entire east coast.

THE MIGHTY FIVE

Famous For:  Out of this world red rock desert landscapes and bucket-list hikes.

A Utah National Parks road trip  to explore all 5 of Utah’s National Parks (dubbed the Mighty 5) is perfect for adventurers and explorers. With mindboggling hikes, slot canyons to wade through, white water rafting, and an ocean of red desert to traverse, Southern Utah will leave an imprint on your soul.

Begins and Ends:  Moab, Utah to Springdale, Utah

Time Needed:  375 Miles, Can be done at warp speed in 7 days, but 10 days are best (one way).

Highlights:  Angels Landing Hike and The Narrows in Zion, Delicate Arch in Arches , Fruit Picking in Capitol Reef, Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon

READ NEXT:  For all the details on making this trip check out our comprehensive guide to planning a  Mighty 5 Roadtrip .

THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Famous For:  Stunning Fall foliage display.

The  Blue Ridge Parkway  takes you through the beating heart of Appalachia, where you’ll pass waterfalls, lookouts, charming tunnels, small towns, and meandering rivers. If you’re driving it in Fall (the most popular time) you’ll see Fall foliage that rivals the best of New England. With a maximum speed of 45 MPH and no big trucks allowed, it’s the kind of road where you’ll want to take your time to enjoy the views while Bluegrass music plays on repeat.

Begins and Ends:  Great Smoky Mountain National Park in NC to Shenandoah National Park in VA.

Time Needed:  469 Miles, 3 days is enough, 7 Days is ideal (one way)

Highlights:  Great Smoky Mountain National Park,  Asheville, NC, Mile High Swinging Bridge, Blue Ridge Music Center, Mabry Mill, Shenandoah National Park , Roanoke, VA

TIP:  If you want an even longer journey, you could include additional  East Coast National Parks  in your itinerary for even more sublime nature.

READ NEXT:  Time spent in the funky mountain town of Asheville, NC, is a must when driving the parkway. Learn more about Asheville with our guide to how to spend  36 Hours in Asheville .

These are tried and true cross-country road ideas, but don’t forget you can always make up your own road trip route . You could go on a donut road trip and check out the best donuts in every state (psst-the  best donuts are in Boise ), or you could see as many  west coast national parks  as you can. 

Maybe you’ll be road-tripping in Spring and want to see the most exquisite wildflower blooms in the country, or it’s summer, and you’ll hit up America’s best waterparks. The sky is the limit!

Now, let’s discuss how to plan a cross-country road trip. Based on our experiences, we’ve created a cross-country travel guide that includes everything we did and learned along the way.

BEST CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP CAR

If you won’t be using your own car, you’ll need to find the best cross country road trip car for your needs. If you’ll be traveling in winter or in places with rugged terrain like Southern Utah, it’s recommended to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle that can handle the rougher conditions.

The first choice is to use a car rental service. You can look on rentalcars.com to see what the going rates are for rental cars. It’s a search engine that specializes in rental car prices across the web. You can often get a discounted rate if you’ll be using the car for a longer period.

Also, don’t forget if you are only going one way with the car, most places will charge a one-way delivery fee.

Another option is to rent a camper or RV for your big adventure. You can rent from a peer-to-peer service like RV Share and Outdoorsy , or you can opt for a company like Cruise America .

If you like the idea of an RV but want something smaller, you could also opt for a converted van that typically has a bed, a fridge, and other amenities. It’s a great option for solo or couples travel. The biggest renter of campervans is Escape Campervans . Since they have multiple offices, it’s a great choice for someone who wants a one-way rental. You can also check the sites I mentioned above, RV Share and Outdoorsy, for campervan rentals.

An RV or campervan rental can range from $100-$500 a day. It’s a more expensive option, but the potential for savings is better because you can cook your own meals and potentially camp for free. But don’t forget about gas prices! This brings me to our next section..coming up with a cross country road trip budget.

TIP: A n alternative option to a rental car is to try your luck at a one-way car or RV transfer service like immova and transfercar . The basic idea is that a company or person needs a car or RV moved and you pay as low as $1 a day to have a practically free vehicle. A great option if you are flexible and their travel dates work for you. You can also look at when big RV companies like El Monte RV need their RVs moved and offer them at exceptionally low rates.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

There’s no straight answer to what a cross-country road trip costs. We averaged about $150 a day on a three-week road trip in our RV. Could we have done it for less? ABSOLUTELY. We didn’t go crazy, but we also didn’t scrimp. If you’re willing to cut corners and camp in free places, you can potentially do a road trip for $50-75 a day.

Let’s explore how to plan a road trip on a budget. I’ll discuss the five main expenses and offer tips on how to save money.

• GAS : Depending on what kind of vehicle you are driving, this will probably be one of your biggest expenses. You can use a fuel calculator to estimate what it will cost for your trip and your car type. If you are driving an RV, you can use this fuel calculator to get a rough idea of what it would cost. As for saving money, you can use the GasBuddy App to see the cheapest gas stations on your route. We also use our AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card, which gives us 3% cash back on gas and 6% cash back on groceries . We spent $1300 on gas, which means we earned roughly $40 back. That’s a free tank of gas! That and the $150 sign-up bonus make it a great money-saving choice.
• LODGING: Here is where you have a lot of options for saving money. Camping is the cheapest way to travel cross country whether you choose to pitch a tent, sleep in your car, or are in an RV or campervan. You can stay in conventional campsites that range from $25 to $60 a night, or you can try to find free campsites. Free campsites are generally found on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land or parking lots (Walmart parking lots are popular) that allow you to sleep overnight – but please don’t pitch a tent in a parking lot! Only vehicles are allowed. The best way to find camping spots is to search on the Dyrt App . It’s a camp reviewing site that is a GREAT resource for finding campsites and free sites. It’s worth upgrading to the pro version to have access to it offline. If camping isn’t your thing, you can look for cheap room rentals with an app like HotelTonight. HotelTonight is perfect for road trips since it searches for last-minute discounts on hotels. It’s also a tiered service so the more you use it, the more exclusive discounts you can access. If you sign up for an account and put in my discount code CGRANCE in your Account Settings, you can get $25 off a booking. You can also use the sites like Booking to see what’s available around you. Airbnb or VRBO could also have cheap options, but you’ll have to plan ahead since it’s not always possible to book it the same day. In general, lodging in a budget hotel will cost you $50-$125 a night.
• FOOD: We spent roughly $25 a day for a family of three. Granted, we ate all of our meals in our camper and rarely got takeout. That’s where having a fully functioning kitchen on wheels can go a long way to saving you money. If you aren’t traveling in an RV, you’ll want to save money by making your own meals as much as possible. Pack a cooler and eat turkey sandwiches every day if you need to. My favorite way to get fancy on the cheap is to make a charcuterie spread of summer sausage, salami, crackers, cheese, olives, almonds, and dried fruit. I even bring a wood cutting board and stemless wineglasses with silicone sleeves because it’s how I roll. Also, most gas stations will have microwaves. We would often buy frozen burritos from Amy’s beforehand at a grocery store and heat them at a gas station for lunch.
• ENTERTAINMENT: Our entertainment costs came out to about $3 a day. We spent very little since we had a primarily nature-based itinerary. Hiking is free! Plus, we opted to buy the National Parks pass that gets you into every National Park and additional federal land sites. You should definitely buy the pass if you are going to any National Parks. You can buy and learn more about the pass here. If you are visiting a big city, you can check if it offers a City Pass . A city pass will typically give you discounts to restaurants, museums, and popular attractions.
• MISCELLANEOUS – There are always little costs that come up while you travel, whether that’s souvenirs, oil for your car, or payment for a toll. You should leave room in your cross country road trip budget for random things that always pop up. I would budget $5-$10 a day for miscellaneous items.

We recorded everything we paid for. You, of course, don’t need to do that, but if making spreadsheets is fun for you (woohoo!), then I would recommend using Excel or Numbers and using one of their pre-formatted templates for logging your costs.

TIPS FOR A CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP

Before you head out on your big adventure, here’s some cross country road trip advice to spare you any headaches.

• Before you leave, make sure to get an oil change and a full check-up on your car, including having your tires checked. It’s also worth investing in a roadside assistance plan, especially if you have an older vehicle. We used AAA and had to use it three times on the road. AAA is great for regular cars, and Good Sam Roadside is good for RVs. You can check prices for  AAA here  and  Good Sam Roadside here . 
• Make sure to download your maps beforehand! You don’t want to be stuck in Utah because you have no service and no idea which road to take. Google Maps has the ability to download maps. Use it!
• We prefer to drive for a maximum of five hours. Anything more than that makes the road trip unenjoyable. Find the sweet spot for you. It’s okay to do a few long 8-hour days, but remember to balance them with days off of driving.
• If you’re looking for a cross country road trip planner, you can use the app or website Roadtrippers to help you find interesting sights along the way. We’ve never used the app but have heard good things about it.
• Lastly, use travel bloggers like myself, Pinterest, and Instagram for fun tips on places you will be visiting. Pinterest has a wealth of great travel information, and you’ll be able to find fun off-the-beaten-path recommendations. You can check out our Pinterest page and our Instagram page . While you’re there, give us a follow, will you?

CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST

We have an extensive post detailing what every person needs to have on their road trip packing list . Be sure to check it out for a detailed list of what to bring. Here’s a simple rundown of a few cross country road trip essentials.

• Emergency Roadside Kit – Having a   roadside emergency kit  with a surplus of safety devices is essential for a road trip. At the very least, make sure you have a   high-quality set of jumper cables . If you are driving in a remote area where other cars might not be able to help you out, you might want to consider a  mobile battery jumper  that allows you to jumpstart your car on your own.
• First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is something you should always have in your car. Don’t forget it for your big road trip.
• Cooler – A high-quality cooler that will keep your food cold for days is a great investment. We are die-hard fans of Yeti and love the Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler  for road trips. It can fit behind the passenger’s seat and is long enough to fit a bottle of wine. More economical choices are the Arctic Zone Cooler and the   Igloo Quart MaxCold Cooler .
• Phone Chargers and Power Bank – In addition to our phone charger that goes into the cigarette lighter, we bring a  splitter  so multiple people can plug in their device and a  solar charger power bank,  so we’re never left without something to charge our devices. It’s handy when traveling with many people so everyone can have a way to charge a device.
• Car Organizers – Having an organization system is great if you’ll be on the road for a while or are making a family cross country road trip. We like this  backseat organizer  with SO MANY pockets for your gadgets, notebooks, and snacks. It’s a fantastic option if you’re traveling with young kids. We particularly like that it has a tablet holder.
• I also think this  car seat gap organizer  is brilliant. It sits in the gap between the console and the passenger or driver’s seat. It’s that little bit of space where you always drop your phone, and you’re like  “$%^&*!”  because it’s so difficult to fit your hand in there. Well, this organizer stops anything from falling in that gap while also providing extra storage. Like I said…brilliant.
• Conversation Starters – When you hit the road, pull up our post of 160 road trip questions and road trip trivia questions. These are perfect for long stretches of time when you can either get to know your travel companion even better or test out your trivia skills on each other. Also, read through our post on the best things to do on a road trip for more fun games and ideas.
• Entertainment – Your podcasts, e-books, road trip playlists, and Netflix shows should all be already downloaded (don’t rely on your cell service). If you’re not already signed up, you can even do a trial run of Audible or Amazon Music to get free fun content for the road.
• Cozy Everything – Being cozy on a road trip is paramount! Bring some cozy slip-on shoes, a sherpa blanket from Pendleton, and breathable clothing.

READ NEXT: If you are traveling in an RV, check out our post on the Camper Must Haves you’ll need to bring on the road.

We hope we’ve prepared you for an extraordinary road trip across the country.

Happy travels, and here’s to an amazing cross country road trip!

LOOKING FOR MORE CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP POSTS?

17+ Boredom Busting Things To Do On A Road Trip How To Road Trip With A Toddler Like A Boss How We Did A $650 Farmhouse Camper Renovation 160 Questions To Cure Road Trip Boredom 41 Fun and Challenging Road Trip Trivia Questions The Definitive List Of Road Trip Worthy Snacks For Your Next Ride Road Trip Essentials You Need To Pack

Hi, we’re Christina and Brad, Idaho based writers and photographers who live to explore. We did a short stint of traveling full time with our two year old and discovered we're much happier as part time nomads. What does that mean? We travel a lot! And then we go home. We love helping fellow parents and everyday adventurers discover new places and experiences.

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Hi. Reading your time to allow for each trip has me confused. Are talking one way, or round trip? I can’t imagine doing a cross country trip in two, or even three weeks and have it not be an awful lot of all day driving round trip.

Hi Barbara, thanks for bringing this to my attention. You are right, two weeks round trip would be A LOT of driving. We mean one way, but I’ll edit the article so it’s more clear. Thank you!

Heya! Are your “needed X days” recommendations for *round trip* or *one way*? It seems like they are round trip but I just wanted to be sure. This article is fantastic, btw. -JDS

Hi! I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Sorry for not responding sooner. We were traveling in Thailand, and I just saw this today. Yes, all the recommended drive times are for one way. Round trip, you would need to double it or cut out a lot of day trips and exploration to reduce your time.

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Take Back Roads

Seeking authentic travel experiences, one back road at a time, the great american road trip: an itinerary for driving cross country.

I’ve taken a handful of cross country road trips over the years.  However, there are still a few cross country road trip ideas that remain on my bucket list:  riding a motorcycle cross country, taking one of America’s historic highways the whole way from coast to coast (US-50 is the most likely candidate), driving cross country on one of the northern routes, and driving a back roads loop around the country.  During the summers of 2020 & 2021 – in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic! – I managed to cross the latter two items off my list.

Well, sort of…  While the majority of those trips were on back roads, I must admit up front that we did also do a fair share of interstate driving across the Midwest.  With my sincerest apologies to residents of the flyover states , the time constraints for these trips forced us to take the highway across some of the center of the country, leaving very little time for sight-seeing.  Like our time in Las Vegas , we were going to have to prioritize.

A Round Trip Itinerary for a Cross Country Road Trip

The round trip road trip.

Technically, I’ve only done one truly coast-to-coast cross country road trip, and that was when I was 18.  All of my other cross country road trips have either started or ended in my former home state:  Pennsylvania (instead of the Atlantic coast).  While there is no formal definition for what qualifies as a cross country road trip, I feel confident that a trip covering 2,600 of the 3,000 mile span from coast to coast definitely fits the bill!  In fact, on our drive heading west, we zig-zagged our way across nearly 8,000 miles during just one road trip!

This post is going to examine routes to consider, destinations to include, and a few other great pieces of cross country road trip advice… so buckle up, because it’s going to be a long ride!

Generally speaking, there are three main routes to drive cross country:  northern, central, and southern.  Mostly self-explanatory, the northern route stays on a path across the northern states like Minnesota, Montana, or Idaho.  The central route follows a path across the middle states, like Kansas and Colorado.  The southern route stays mostly south, crossing states like Georgia, Texas, or Arizona.

Fair warning – This post is currently being updated

The Southern Route is being put together as quickly as I can.

However, because I cannot save drafts of edits being made to published posts,

I will have to publish things mid-creation.  It’s not ideal, so please bear with me!

As you can see on the map above, I am reviewing two of the three major routes to drive cross country.   It’s taken two years, but it’s finally occurred to me how absurd it is to not include information on the southern route.  When I first published this post, like on my trips in 2020, I wrote about the central route heading west and then a northern route heading east.  For the southern option, I’m going to roughly follow the west-to-east route I took in 2019 when I drove cross-country in an antique Porsche.

I write about these cross country routes using the east-west orientation I traveled when I took them, but I hope it’s clear that you can use these options when heading either direction.  

• Driving West: the Central Route
• Driving East: the Northern Route
• When to Travel (including insights on how long your road trip should be)
• Where to Stay Along the Way
• What to Take With You
• Additional Insights, tips, and road trip advice

Plan a Cross Country Road Trip

As you might imagine, when planning a road trip that’s going to encompass 6,000 miles or more, you’re going to need a significant amount of time to travel.  Even in a situation like ours, where the first or last 1,000 miles or so are on the interstate, you can still anticipate at least 125 hours of time behind the wheel.  If you’ve never taken a long road trip – or even if you have – that’s a lot of time to be driving.  When creating road trip plans for travelers, I suggest limiting actual driving time (“butts in seats” time) to 6 hours a day ; this allows you to still explore things you find along the way… and won’t completely burn you out to the experience of driving.

In my mind, there are two main categories of road trips :   trips in which you immerse yourself deeply into one region, and trips in which you experience a lot of different regions at once.  In the first category, immersing yourself deeply into one region, you spend your entire trip exploring all of the various things you can see in do in that particular region.  You delve into the intimate nuances which make that region unique, spending hours or even days exploring single areas.

A cross country road trip, by its very nature, is going to fall under the second category.  Instead of spending the majority (or entirety) of your trip exploring a single area, you are going to spend a little bit of time experiencing multiple different areas.  I like to call it an appetizer adventure :  you experience a proverbial sampler platter of a number of different regions of the country, getting a small taste of what that area has to offer.

Think of your cross country drive as a scouting trip of sorts;  you’re going to find areas where you’ll have a powerful desire to return and explore in greater depth, and you’ll also discover that other areas are places where you have no interesting in returning.   Do no go into the process of planning a cross country road trip expecting to explore many areas in depth.   Unless you are retired and/or have all the time in the world, you are going to find yourself disappointed if you go into your trip with this mindset!

As you might imagine, prioritizing the places you want to see is crucial to this process.   The very first hours of your planning process should be spent talking with your travel partner(s), discussing the places you absolutely must see, the places you’d really like to visit if there’s enough time, and the places you’re not particularly interested in visiting.  This will lay the groundwork for planning your route, and if you’re lucky, might actually make the process very simple.

Last thought:  While this itinerary will mostly follow my own recent trips, it will not be an exact match.   As I already mentioned, we had some time constraints that forced us to limit our itinerary a bit.  I’m going to add in a few destinations that we simply did not have time to explore, and let you decide what best fits your priorities!  As always, you can email me directly if you have additional questions!

Driving West:  the Central Cross Country Route

In case you missed it, our trip started in Pennsylvania , so that’s where this itinerary will start as well.  From there, we drove nearly straight west across the middle of the country and then dipped south.

Pennsylvania

There are many things that I could recommend for you to see and do in my home state, and it’s highly dependent upon what your interests are.  Because I’ve dedicated a number of posts to the things you can do here, I’m going to focus on just a few broad highlights and options to consider.

Places to go in Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia :  America’s first capital city is LOADED with historical experiences to explore
• Pittsburgh :  One of America’s original industrial cities, my hometown has undergone a complete makeover, and is now loaded with fascinating things to see and do
• Allegheny National Forest :  One of several outdoor enthusiast meccas in PA, ANF has a dynamic range of activities available year round… with plenty more nearby!
• Laurel Highlands :  Another outdoor enthusiast mecca, the Laurel Highlands is ALSO home to a number of homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Back Road Routes across Pennsylvania

• US Route 6 – a storied transcontinental route which cuts across the heart of the PA Wilds, you could take Route 6 the whole way to California if you so desire!
• US Route 30 – one of America’s most famous historical cross country highways, the Lincoln Highway takes travelers from New York City to San Francisco

West Virginia

America’s primary coal-mining state is well-known for its numerous mines and heavily wooded mountainous terrain.  Chock full of natural scenery, sweeping hilltop vistas, and twisting back roads, West Virginia is a great state to include on your route!

Places to go in WV

• Morgantown :  As the home of WVU , Morgantown is likely the most well-known city in the state, and offers plenty of places worth checking out
• Monongahela National Forest :  A MASSIVE National Forest that encompasses hundreds of thousands of acres of rugged mountain terrain, including…
• Dolly Sods Wilderness area :  A rocky and isolated wilderness area with plenty of places to hike and camp
• The Talon :  A twisting and winding mountain back road , especially popular with motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts

Back Road Routes across WV

• US Route 50 – Another historic cross country highway, Route 50 cuts across the northern woods of West Virginia
• US Route 250 – A zig-zagging route that runs diagonally across West Virginia, Route 250 cuts you through the heart of some of the wildest places in the state
• US Route 19 – Though it runs north to south, this historical route cuts across some of the most beautiful parts of the state, including the rock climbers’ heaven, New River Gorge

Back to Top

The Bourbon State.  The Bluegrass State.  Home of the Kentucky Derby.  Another major coal mining state.  No matter what description you use, the bottom line here is that Kentucky is one of my favorite states on the East Coast, and is home to some absolutely gorgeous back roads.

Places to go in Kentucky

• Bourbon Trail :  a conglomeration of destinations, Kentucky’s bourbon trail is an easy way to visit any number of distilleries creating the state’s most famous export.  My favorites (to visit, not necessarily to drink):  Maker’s Mark , Woodford, and Buffalo Trace
• Louisville :  Kentucky’s largest city is home to the Kentucky Derby , the world’s most famous baseball bats , and much more
• Daniel Boone National Forest :  Like MNF In WV, DBNF is home to dense woods, rugged terrain, rock climbing, cliffs, and plenty of places to hike
• Land Between the Lakes National Rec Area – a narrow strip of wilderness located between two lakes, full of hiking, camping, and water-based activities

Back Road Routes across Kentucky

• US Route 62 – a diagonal shot across the state, Route 62 cuts across the gorgeous heart of bourbon country and the well-groomed thoroughbred territory
• Kentucky Route 80 – Cutting across the southern edge of the state, KY-80 is filled with scenic beauty and plentiful options for exploration

Missouri is widely known as the Gateway to the West .  It’s largest city is home to the Gateway Arch, and because it sits centrally on the western banks of the Mississippi River, Missouri is often the first “western” state road trippers encounter.

Places to go in Missouri

• St Louis :  the state’s most famous city sits on the banks of the mighty Mississippi and features numerous tourist destinations:  Gateway Arch , Budweiser Brewery , and the National Transportation Museum are a few highlights.  This will also be the first place you’ll cross Route 66 on your trip west.
• Branson :  one of the cheesiest cities in the country, Branson is home to countless country and other live music venues, wax museums, and other various & sundry attractions.  Oh, and it sits at the northern edge of the Ozark Mountain wilderness.
• Dogwood Canyon & Hickory Canyon State Parks:  relatively small but jaw-droppingly gorgeous (see what I did there?), these two parks offer lots to see and do for the lover of natural scenery
• Mark Twain National Forest :  much larger than the previous parks, MTNF is home to thousands of acres of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and densely wooded rolling hills

Back Road Routes across Missouri

• US Route 160 – Running along the very southern edge of the state, Route 160 (who we’ll be seeing again..!) winds its way across the rolling foothills of the Ozarks
• US Route 60 – Only a couple dozen miles north of Route 160, Route 60 also cuts you across the hills of southern Missouri, albeit in a slightly more “refined” fashion:  Less rugged, fewer hills, and more open panoramas… but still a far more interesting and relaxing option than US Route 50, which cuts across several metro areas and long stretches of open plains

No sense in candy-coating the truth here:  Kansas is going to be one of the most boring, difficult states on this adventure.  That’s going to be nearly unavoidable, though, as it’s next to impossible to drive cross country without crossing one of the flat central plains states.

Places to go in Kansas

• Kansas City :  Located partially in Missouri and partially in Kansas, America’s most confusing city spans the Missouri River, Kansas River, the state border, and significant BBQ-based disputes !
• Little House on the Prairie Museum :  A replica of the tiny cabin where Laura Ingalls Wilder & her family lived
• Dodge City :  One of America’s most famous cowboy towns boasts a couple of excellent museums and a handful of old school taverns & saloons (plus its fair share of casinos)
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve :  some of the last natural tallgrass prairie acreage left in America

Back Road Routes across Kansas

• US Route 50 – If you really feel inclined and/or dedicated to do the entirety of your cross country trip on back roads, US 50 is probably your best option – especially if you’re stopping in Kansas City for some BBQ!
• US Route 400 – If you would rather have a rural route, US 400 takes you across the southern portion of the state, and connects with Route 50 in Dodge City

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(EDITOR’S NOTE:  The highlight lists from Colorado and beyond will not include the most obvious tourist destinations that people are already aware of)

Things are about to get really, really incredible… well, eventually, once you’ve crossed over the 100 miles or so of Eastern Colorado that looks a whole lot like Kansas!  Once you hit the mountains, though, the scenery is simply remarkable.  Colorado is easily in my top five for most jaw-dropping back roads in the country (bear in mind, I’ve not been to Alaska or Hawaii yet).  The state is just absolutely loaded with incredible scenery… more than I could ever hope to capture or describe.  S electing only a handful of places to highlight (or roads to choose from) is going to be challenging from here going forward!  

Places to go in Colorado

• Pike’s Peak :  one of Colorado’s highest peaks also features some of Colorado’s best mountaintop driving… and it’s very close to one of my favorite cities in the state…
• Colorado Springs :  an awesome mountain city that is surrounded by utterly jaw-dropping natural beauty.  It also features several natural attractions in or near the city, and an awesome bohemian shopping district .
• Great Sand Dunes National Park :  an unusual and lesser known National Park (I hadn’t heard of it until Wanderlust Photography published their blog about it) centrally located in the southern tier of the state, Great Sand Dunes offers the unusual combination of desert and mountain scenery.  The San Juan Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop for the tallest sand dunes in North America.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP :  I hesitated about whether to include Black Canyon on this list.  Though the view from the North Rim was both impressive and uncrowded (we were the only ones there), and the drive to get there on CO-92 was genuinely stunning… the place felt somehow menacing to us.  The winds whipped and howled through the canyon, and the steep drop-offs were dizzying to behold.  The drive back to the North Rim also featured several unmarked & unfenced drop-offs, and was confusing and poorly marked.  It added at least 90 minutes each way to get there.  So if you’re going to go see it, I recommend the South Rim , which offers similar perspectives and is much closer and more easily accessible.
• Million Dollar Highway and Telluride :  I considered including the Million Dollar Highway as a route across the state, but the truth is, it’s one of the few places in America where the drive actually is the destination.  The scenic vistas are simply jaw-dropping – miles and miles of rugged mountain peaks and dense forests stretch in every direction – and the drive itself is thoroughly enjoyable, if perhaps a bit white-knuckle at times… There are also the historic mining towns of Ouray (pronounced “YOUR-ray”), Silverton , Durango , and Telluride, with their adorable downtown shopping districts surrounded on all sides by towering peaks.  I could spend weeks exploring here.

Back Road Routes across Colorado

• US Route 50 – Cutting a consistently scenic path across the central portion of the state, Route 50 provides convenient access to many of the best destinations in Colorado while also providing a natural boundary of sorts between the Rocky Mountains to the North and San Juan Mountains to the South.
• US Route 160 – As prefaced in Missouri, it’s back on US-160 again for an incredibly scenic way to drive across Colorado, providing easy access to Great Sand Dunes NP, a handful of destinations in the San Juan mountains, the Million Dollar Highway, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument… plus is a great way to head towards Monument Valley.

As is the case with Colorado, it’s critical to remember that this trip is the sampler platter, not the full entrée.  There is so much natural beauty to witness in Utah that you couldn’t see it all in a week or more.  The state’s most familiar features are its red rock desert formations, Canyons and Arches, and of course the massive salt flats .  The scenery is ethereal and often otherworldly, and can often spring up at you out of nowhere.  Be prepared to stop often, and often stop unexpectedly as you traverse the Beehive State .

Places to go in Utah

• Monument Valley :  One of a handful of “bucket list” locations that I finally crossed off my list on this trip is Monument Valley.  I feel, to be completely honest, like we need to come back and explore the area more to get a better appreciation for it.  The stone pillars were incredibly neat to see, but it felt like it was over fast – I think we might’ve missed some?
• Zion National Park :  I said I wasn’t going to include obvious tourist destinations, and here I am, a mere two states later including obvious tourist destinations.  But Zion is without question in my top five favorite National Parks in the country.   It will completely blow your mind the first time you drive through it.  If I had a nickel for every time my wife breathlessly exclaimed “Whoooaaaa…” as we weaved our way across the park, I could pay for someone to write this post for me!
• Glen Canyon National Rec Area :  An absolutely massive park that stretches south across the border into Arizona, Glen Canyon has over a million acres of stunning desert landscapes and water features to explore.  The twisting shores of Lake Powell carve jaw-dropping curves into the brilliant orange rocks, and the iconic Rainbow Bridge is nearby as well.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante :  Immediately adjacent to, and nearly double the size of Glen Canyon, Grand Staircase is yet another collection of diverse and awe-inspiring arid landscapes.  With arches, pillars, dunes, slot canyons, and a number of other features to discover, you could easily spend a week hiking across the depths of this enormous National Monument.
• Little Sahara Rec Area :  In a state that is world-famous for its off-roading opportunities , the Little Sahara rec area is a hidden gem of sorts for thrashing your UTV or SXS.  Hiking and fat biking trails are also available, as are places to camp.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls (and trailhead ):   Not to overuse a cliche or anything, but the Falls are just absurdly stunning, and the moderate hike to get there ain’t shabby either!
• Kanab :  One of several renowned outdoor adventurist towns in Utah, Kanab is a great place for launching a plethora of desert-based activities.  It’s also home to the BLM visitors center where you can attempt to get walk-in permits for The Wave in Arizona.  The town itself is really cool, with a handful of unique shops, restaurants, marketplaces, and museums.

Back Road Routes across Utah

• US Route 89 – Utah’s intensely rugged and deeply carved geography make it particularly challenging to traverse east to west using strictly back roads. US-89 weaves an unusual course into the state from Arizona, then heads east-west for a stretch near Glen Canyon and Grand Staircase, before turning north again.
• US Route 6 – The aforementioned storied east to west transcontinental route winds its way across Utah, intermingling with several other well-known US Routes along the way.
• US Routes 40 & 50 – I mention both in the same breath here because they run similar courses not far from each other across the state… though both will try to run you along the interstate for a stretch if you’re not careful!
• Utah Route 12 – It’s not included in the list of The Best Back Roads in America for no reason!  Though short, Utah’s State Route 12 carves a panoramic path across some of the most rugged, mind-bending rock formations and desert geography that I’ve ever witnessed.

It was hard to skip over one of my favorite states in the country – Arizona – but again, for the sake of miles on a trip of this size, you have to make cuts somewhere .  Nevada is one of the most imposingly beautiful states you’ll ever visit.  It’s also contains some of the most desolate places you’ll ever visit – certainly some of the most remote places in the lower 48.  The landscape is often severely harsh and inhospitable, and will provide you with the longest “human-free” stretches of driving on your journey …. so make sure you have plenty of gas , and fill up whenever you have the opportunity!  But fear not, because those same imposing and inhospitable landscapes will also provide you with countless uninterrupted natural panoramas, stretching as far as the eye can see without a single man-made structure in sight.  It truly is a wonder to behold, and if you’re open to it, it might just change your perspective on humanity .

Places to go in Nevada

• Valley of Fire State Park :  Intense reds and oranges will fill your vision as you make your way into and around Valley of Fire.  The sandstone formations jut out of the ground in unusual angles all around you, and there is plenty of petrified wood to discover.  With an incredible Off-Road Park feeding into the northern edge of the state park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here.
• Nelson Ghost Town and Nelson’s Landing :  I found these gems by sheer happenstance while looking for outdoor activities for our adventure in Las Vegas a few years ago, and we absolutely fell in love.  The ghost town is super cool, populated by ancient-looking wooden structures, and the landscape is littered with old cars.  There is an old abandoned mine, and even an airplane… and let’s not forget about cliff jumping into the Colorado River at Nelson’s Landing!  An all-around amazing day trip!
• Goldfield :  Speaking of old mining towns, Goldfield is another great historical destination in the desert.  For such a small town, it has a surprising amount of things worth seeing – historic saloons, museums, shops, and even a car forest !  Being fairly isolated in the sparsely populated center of the state, and surrounded by stark natural beauty, the area around Goldfield is also prime real estate for stargazing .
• The Loneliest Road in America :  In addition to being one of the most direct ways to drive east-west across the state, US Route 50 in Nevada also sports the rather depressing moniker of being the loneliest road in the country.  It’s true in a lot of ways:  there isn’t much life in any direction at any point on Route 50, human or otherwise.  Once you leave Ely, none of the few small towns you’ll come across in the next 250+ miles heading west have more than 500 residents.  But, as I’ve already mentioned above, there’s incredible beauty in all of that loneliness.
• Great Basin National Park :  One of the smaller, more remote – and maybe most underappreciated and unknown – National Parks in the lower 48, Great Basin sports some absolutely stunning mountain peaks and desert valleys.  Sitting at the eastern end of the Loneliest Road in America, Great Basin offers plenty of hiking trails, scenic drives, and snow-capped mountain peaks.  Make sure to swing southeast from there to pick up Utah Route 12 across Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase, Escalante, and Capitol Reef!
• Black Rock Desert :  In addition to being the home of Burning Man every August, the BRD is also a place to find incredible natural scenery.  Loaded with abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping, this area is known as being one of the darkest – and best – stargazing spots in the whole country.
• Paradise Valley :  Located smack in the middle of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest – a bit of a misnomer, as we didn’t see any trees until we drove up over the mountain pass – Paradise Valley is indeed an arid wonderland.  In addition to being a good spot for hunting out abandoned buildings, the desert valley is partially ringed to the North & West by a string of jagged mountain peaks.  The rugged terrain is perfect for dispersed camping opportunities, though the isolated nature of the area forces me to only suggest this for experienced campers.

Back Road Routes across Nevada

• US Route 50 – as mentioned above, Route 50 offers one of the simplest ways of driving east to west across this arid state.  I would be remiss if I did not repeat my advice:  MAKE SURE you always have gas in your vehicle.  There are countless places where you are going to be 30-50 miles or more from the nearest gas station, and it’s entirely plausible you could wait several hours before seeing another human.
• US Route 6 – coming into the state joined with Route 50 from Utah, the two routes diverge in Ely, with 50 heading on a more northerly course towards Lake Tahoe, and Route 6 cutting south towards Tonopah and Mono County CA.  Nearly as lonely as Route 50, Route 6 is another place to not mess around with being safe – an overabundance of caution with regards to maintaining your vehicle and fuel is crucial.
• US Route 95 – As with Route 19 in West Virginia, Route 95 deserves mention in spite of being a north-south route.  As one of my favorite back roads in the country, 95 is chock full of natural scenery, and it connects you with several of the best destinations in the state.

California is easily the most intimidating state on this entire list to try to tackle.  As the third largest state in the country, superlatives are abundant in my favorite state for back road driving.  I described California to my wife as having similar natural features as other states in the country – forests, mountains, deserts, rivers, the ocean, etc – but on grander, exaggerated scale.  The state’s terrain takes on mythical proportions:  the mountains are more dramatic, the deserts more dry, the coastline totally defies description, and the trees tower above you in startling size.  California has been lionized in American mythology, and with good reason.  I’m not even going to attempt to scratch the surface of everything there is to see and do – not to mention the countless amazing back roads to explore.  I’m only going to address a handful of things we saw and did on our cross country adventure, and leave the rest for you to fill in the blanks!

Places to go in Northern California

• Mono Lake & Tufa Reserve :  Looking like an eyeball on the map, Mono Lake appears to stare back at you as you ogle open-mouthed at its mountain-lined shores.  In addition to its striking panoramas, Mono Lake also features a number of otherworldly Tufa Towers along its shorelines.
• Mountain Gate Park :  Small and seemingly uninteresting on its face, this “park” – in reality, more of a rest area than a park – is a fantastic place for the hot and road-weary traveler to stop and refresh themselves in the frigid rush of the West Walker River.  Surrounded by steep and arid canyon walls, the melt-water river is shallow, clear, and crisp, its bottom lined with countless smooth stones for walking across.  Whether you sit on the shoreline and dunk your feet, or go whole hog and cross into its “depths,” it’s a relaxing place to rest up before continuing on your journey.
• Monitor Pass :  This white-knuckle mountain pass winds its way east across the Sierra Nevada chain, providing countless dynamic panoramic vistas … for the passengers!  Drivers beware:  This road, while gorgeous, is dangerously distracting.  Keep your eyes on the road, and use the numerous pull-offs to do your viewing.  The Lake Alpine area in particular is gorgeous, and loaded with outdoor activities to explore!
• Calaveras Big Trees State Park :  Calaveras Big Trees is just one of many, many places in California where you can walk among towering sequoia and redwood trees.  We appreciated the approachability and relaxed nature of the park, and found plenty of things to see and explore while we were there.  The campgrounds were affordable, clean, spacious, and provided easy access to numerous scenic hikes, and the sky was dark enough at night to make viewing the Milky Way easy.
• Yosemite National Park :  I know, I’m breaking my own rule about obvious tourist destinations, but come on!  How can I not include one of the most dramatic scenic drives in America and one of the most dramatic back road vista points in America, all within a park that is laden with a plethora of both?  I could spend at least a week there, finding new angles to capture the natural beauty of the landscapes, and I would strongly recommend you do the same.  If nothing else, make sure to do the drive through Yosemite Valley , and the drive up to Glacier Point .  Though they are less than a mile apart as the crow flies, it’ll take you about an hour to drive from one to the other!
• Napa Valley :  More specifically, I suggest you drive the loop around Napa Valley .  Though a very short drive, you could easily spend a couple days meandering your way from winery to winery – the route is lined with several dozen  excellent  ones – and it’s ringed on all sides by absolutely stunning natural splendor.  The diversity of the scenery alone – the flat valley floor, surrounded by rugged green and sand mountain peaks, rows and rows of grape arbors capped at each end with gnarled prickly pear cacti, all lined by lush evergreen and palm forests – makes this drive worthwhile… And of course, it’s easily America’s most celebrated wine region.  Again, I’m breaking my own rule a bit by including a fairly touristy destination, but the beauty of the drive – and the back road nature of the route (and the small towns and villages along the way) make it more than worthy of inclusion on this list.  Oh, and just over the western ridge is Sonoma County ,  ANOTHER  excellent wine region!
• Russian River Valley :  Most widely known as an excellent wine and beer region, driving through the Russian River Valley makes me absolutely swoon.  The scenery, driving west from US-101 along River Road, is absurdly diverse and dynamic in a relatively short stretch of miles…. and it will leave you gawking nearly the entire way.  I’m building a full-length post specifically devoted to this drive, but I’ll say this – it’s the only place in the half-million or so miles I’ve driven where you can experience palm trees, vineyards, dense redwood forests, a deep winding river, rolling hills and mountains, adorable bohemian villages, AND a gorgeous ocean coastline … all contained within a less-than-30-mile drive .

Back Road Routes Across California

• CA State Route 4 – Twisting and winding its way across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, CA-4 starts near the state’s eastern border at Topaz Lake , and terminates near the western coast at San Pablo Bay .  In the interim, you’ll cross mountain passes, desert floor, dense forest, the scorched expanse of the Central Valley, and the dense congestion of East Bay.
• CA State Route 120 – Though CA-120 barely makes it halfway across the state, terminating at I-5 in the middle of the Central Valley, it more than makes up for its short distance with its stunning scenery.  Starting near the bone-dry border with Nevada, 120 will quickly leave you gasping as you make your way past Mono Lake and into the jagged peaks of the Eastern Sierras.  Before long, the alpine beauty of Tuolumne Meadows is whizzing past, and you’ve found yourself crossing the heart of Yosemite National Park.  Wind your way down the foothills of the Western Sierras, across Don Pedro Reservoir, and into the spartan beauty of the Valley.
• CA State Route 89 – Yeesh!  Another north-south route, AND another state route!  I’ll be honest – the US Routes aren’t great options for east-west crossings of California.  They are often multi-lane highways that cut quickly across the less-scenic areas of the state, and don’t make for enjoyable driving.  I digress.  CA-89 is a mountain lovers paradise!  Towering mountains line nearly all of this route as it winds north from Topaz Lake along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada range.  The road is just loaded with some of the most stunning mountain vistas I’ve ever seen in my life.  You’ll pass through a handful of kitschy mountain towns, along the eastern edge of Lake Tahoe , Donner Pass , across Plumas National Forest , and into the Cascade Mountains .  Don’t forget to stop at Lassen Volcanic National Park and National Forest .  The route terminates at the base of Mount Shasta .
• US Route 395 – Like US Route 95 in Nevada, US 395 deserves mention here because it connects so many of the beautiful places in California.  It threads its way up the eastern edge of the state and the Sierra Nevada range , connecting one scenic spot after another like a spine holding the body together.  In addition to connecting so many beautiful spots, 395 itself is a rather fantastic drive even without stopping.  Start out at the bottom, just north of the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests, and roll nearly straight north through the arid valley that makes up one of my favorite back roads in the country.

Driving East:  the Northern Cross Country Route

Heading home, I was finally able to hit up several northern states I’d never explored before.  My primary goals for the return drive were to explore Idaho, experience Yellowstone, and drive Beartooth Pass – all of which I was able to do!   NOTE :  Though we drove across the northwestern corner of Nevada and had our first campsite in Paradise Valley, there’s no point in duplicating the state in the list.  Instead, I’m going to start the list in Oregon, a state which rivals California in many ways, and would also make a great starting point for a east-bound cross country road trip!

Officially the start of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon rivals its southern neighbor in biodiversity and geographic landscapes.  Though not as large, and often not as sunny and warm as California, Oregon is still an absolutely beautiful, enchanting and unique state to visit:  dense, lush forests grow right up to the very edge of the jagged Pacific Coastline, and the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains separates the coast from a surprisingly vast and arid desert in the southeastern corner of the state.  National Forests abound, and there’s even a pretty excellent wine region!

Places to go in Oregon

• Three Sisters :  Three 10,000+ foot volcanic peaks (plus the nearby Broken Top peak ), laden with glacial ice and alpine lakes, all located within less than five miles of each other?  What more could an outdoor adventure explorer ask for?
• Oregon Redwoods Trail :  Located less than a mile from the California border and less than five miles from the coast, this hiking area makes for a beautiful place to walk amongst the towering coastal redwood trees.
• The Rugged Volcanic Peaks of the Cascade Range :  Running from south to north, and loaded with year-round outdoor activity options, this list includes some of the most prominent and well-known peaks in the west:  Mount McLoughlin , Mount Scott & Crater Lake , Mount Thielsen , Mount Bachelor , The Three Sisters, Mount Washington , Mount Jefferson , and Mount Hood .
• Smith Rock State Park :  What this park lacks in overall size, it more than makes up for with its stunning natural beauty.  Though primarily known as a rock climbing destination , the park also has abundant hiking trails and primitive campsites.
• An abundance of State Forests and National Forests
• Willamette Valley :  a world-class wine region, on par with the more widely known Napa and Sonoma valleys, lining the Willamette River and primarily centered in the region between Portland and Salem .

Back Road Routes Across Oregon

• US Route 20 – Starting at the Pacific Coast at Route 101 in Newport , Route 20 winds its way east through the heavily wooded hills of the Oregon Coast Range and the southern end of the Willamette Valley.  After passing through the city of Bend , Route 20 crosses the surprisingly desolate and remarkably flat expanse of eastern Oregon before joining US Route 26 near the Idaho border.
• US Route 26 – Like Route 20, US Route 26 starts near the Pacific Coast at Route 101.  After a brief pass through the dense coastal woods, Route 26 cuts across the heart of Portland before heading east.  From Portland, the route passes in the shadow of Mt Hood and cuts nearly straight south past two remarkable state parks , then across a rolling scenic valley between Ochoco National Forest and John Day Fossil Bed before uniting with US 20.  Because the two routes run in parallel and join together at the eastern edge of the state, if you are making your way across Oregon, US 26 is clearly the better choice for an enjoyable drive.
• OR State Route 140 – Though the route does not cut the entire way across the state, it does cut a very scenic path across the southern edge of Oregon.  Running east from Medford to roughly halfway between US Route 395 and 95 in the desolate southeastern corner of the state, the route’s scenery ranges from the Cascade Mountains , the waterways and woodlands of the Klamath Falls area , and into the desolate desert east of Goose Lake .
• US Route 395 – Though not quite as beautiful as its counterpart in California, US 395 in Oregon similarly cuts through the arid, desolate beauty in central Oregon.  Winding a north-south course across the entire state, the route passes near or through several National Forests along the way.

Idaho is definitely the next-most intimidating state to write about on this list, after California.  That might seem a bit ostentatious for a state most widely known as the home of the lowly potato.  Merely brushing Idaho off as a bunch of boring farmland, however, would be to miss one of the most jaw-dropping states in America.  I had never really given Idaho much thought as a state worth visiting, and I almost wonder if that’s how they want it to be.  There’s really not much of a tourism vibe in the state, and I wonder if they want to keep their natural splendor a guarded secret.  I quite unexpectedly tripped over the allure of Idaho while working on a road trip plan for someone back in 2019, and the more I looked into it, the stronger my desire to explore the state became.  Even with a ton of build-up and seriously high expectations, the rugged mountains of Idaho did not disappoint!  Like California, picking which pictures to share – especially from the back road drone shots – was incredibly challenging.

Places to go in Idaho

• Sun Valley :  Technically considered a town, Sun Valley is more of a place or a geographic area… but who really cares what it is, aside from the fact that it’s jaw-droppingly, heart-stoppingly beautiful!  Near the top of the list of my favorite things we saw in Idaho.
• Coeur d’Alene :  Apparently some of the most beautiful parts of Idaho are known by the names of the town that’s nearby?  Either way, if you’re venturing this far up north, this mountains and lakes area can’t be missed!
• Snake River :  OK so given that the Snake River runs roughly 1/3 of the length of the western border of the state AND THEN meanders its way across the state over to Wyoming, it’s hard to pick a single place to link to here.  We cut across the river several times during our drive across the state, and it always provided us with gorgeous sightlines and panoramic views… and if you’re a fisherman, this one is gold!
• Payette River : Since my Places for Idaho weren’t weird enough already, let’s toss another river into the mix!  Consisting of a North & South Fork that merge at ID-55 just north of Banks , the Payette River runs through some of the most beautiful, rugged parts of the state, making long stretches of its raging waters ideal for white-water rafting!
• Sawtooth Mountains and National Forest : – OK, so I know that geographically this encompasses a pretty huge area, but between Sawtooth & the neighboring Salmon Challis NF , you could spend a full year exploring its beautiful mountains and dense evergreen forests without seeing everything the area has to offer.

Back Road Routes Across Idaho

• US Route 12 – As an oddly shaped state that’s much “taller” than it is “wide,” finding East-West back road routes across the state is surprisingly difficult.  That said, US 12 is an amazing option to consider, cutting an incredibly scenic path across the rugged northern third of the state.  Lewiston is the “biggest” city along the sparsely populated route, which eventually cuts through Nez Perce National Forest along the Lochsa River Valley , adjacent to countless natural hot springs.
• ID State Routes 17, 21 and 75 – This is a bit of a tough one to weave together, since it doesn’t follow any of the routes completely, and it’s not the full Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway either.  This route, however, starting from where the two forks of the Payette merge and running east to west along the Southern Fork for most of the way, cuts through some of the most stunning canyon and mountain driving I’ve ever done.  The route is lined with abundant opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, natural hot springs, dispersed camping and much more… and offers you options to drop into additional outdoor activity havens like Sun Valley.
• US Route 20 (and 26) – Eventually merging with US Route 26, US Route 20 cuts a long, often flat, often straight line across the southern tier of the state.  Running from I-84 south of Boise all the way up to the Wyoming border and into Yellowstone , US 20 is actually quite reminiscent of driving across Nevada :  vast open valleys (with stick-straight driving) surrounded by gorgeous jagged mountain peaks along the way.  You’ll also pass right by Craters of the Moon National Monument .
• ID State Route 55 and US Route 95 – Running North and South from Boise to the Canadian border, this route will wind you through some of the most stunning open landscapes in the state.  Much of the route runs parallel to the Northern Fork of the Payette River, from the outlets on the southern edges of Payette Lake and Lake Cascade all the way down to Boise.  Continue further north across a handful of National Forests , Coeur D’Alene, and the fabulous Lake Pend before hitting the Canadian border.

Dear Western United States:  Please stop having so many absolutely gorgeous states.  Sincerely, no one ever.  Honestly, though, it’s a real coin-flip, choosing whether to head from Idaho into Montana or Wyoming.  Both states have long stretches of absolutely gorgeous mountain driving, and both also have long stretches of teeth-grindingly boring open plains to cross.  What sealed the deal for us was the opportunity to finally check Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks off the list, so we headed a little south into Wyoming and had our minds blown by all of the gorgeous rugged scenery the state has to offer.  The fact that we could shoot briefly up into Montana on Beartooth Pass definitely helped!  Although back road options are somewhat limited in this vast state, I’ve definitely enjoyed every time I’ve driven across it!

Places to go in Wyoming

• Yellowstone and Grand Teton :  OK look, I know that I said that I wasn’t going to hit the most widely known tourist destinations in each state, but honestly, how can I write about Wyoming and not include Yellowstone and Grand Teton ?  Aside from taking up like 15% of the state’s total area, the mountains and hot springs in both parks just simply define the state.  Just don’t get caught in the traffic on US-191 (like we did) travelling from one park to the other.
• Medicine Bow National Forest :  Absolutely stunning mountains surround deep blue alpine lakes and lush evergreen forests at this northern edge of the Rocky Mountain chain.  Often snowed-in well into the late spring and beginning again in early fall, the area can be difficult to access at times, and has a surprising lack of ski resorts.  That said, the gorgeous mountain vistas along many of the hiking trails are worth the extra effort.
• Beartooth Highway :  Though it does briefly cross over into Montana at the northern edge of Yellowstone, the vast majority of Beartooth Highway and Beartooth Pass traverses the northern edge of Wyoming.  Crossing a vast brigade of mountain peaks and National Forests, this twisting road will take you on some of the most stunning cliff’s edge driving this side of the Million Dollar Highway!  Though it’s primarily about the drive – and the panoramic vista points at the pull-offs – there are a handful of drop-dead gorgeous dispersed campsites to be had… if you can find them !
• Palisades Reservoir :  Surrounded by mountains and straddling the border between Wyoming and Idaho, this stunning man-made reservoir is situated just ten miles south of Jackson on the Snake River… and if that sweet alliteration doesn’t convince you to go check it out, maybe my drone video from there will!
• Big Horn National Forest :  An absolutely sprawling park, filled with more mountain peaks, alpine lakes, densely wooded trails, and a boatload of other outdoor activities.  If you’re making your way across from Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills, this is a great place to break up the drive and spend a day.
• Curt Gowdy State Park :  Both little-known and little in size, what this park lacks in stature, it makes up for in scenery and activities. With spectacular rock formations, fantastic hikes, boating & fishing, horseback riding, an archery range, a waterfall, and a lot more, this park has something for everyone!

Back Road Routes Across Wyoming

• US Route 14 – Starting in Chicago and terminating in Yellowstone, this historic route weaves a drunken path meandering from one side of the state to the other.  Running parallel (and now concurrent) with I-90 for a stretch from the South Dakota border, it heaves north of the interstate twice (including around Big Horn) before levelling out on its way into Cody and towards the eastern gate of Yellowstone.
• US Route 26 – Roughly following the original path of the Oregon Trail and North Platte River across the desolate central plains of the state, US-26 comes into the state in the southeastern corner near Fort Laramie, then slowly meanders its way northwest toward Grand Teton and the Idaho border.

South Dakota

Coming from the west, central South Dakota is where the Great Plains really begin in earnest.  Once you’ve made your way across the twisting maze of granite and pine that make up the Black Hills, the landscape flattens out rapidly.  The Missouri River cuts a massive gash down the middle of the state, looking almost like a piece of paper that’s been ripped in two.  Interestingly (at least to me), the Black Hills is the first – and only – place I’ve witnessed a mountain lion in the wild.  On the plus side, hey, at least it’s not North Dakota.  I kid, I kid!

Places to go in South Dakota

• Custer State Park :  Full of towering otherworldly granite formations and gnarly winding roads, this large park is a great place for outdoor activities, bikers, and sports car enthusiasts!
• International Vinegar Museum :  OK, so this is one of those little oddball places that I love to discover.  Admittedly, I’ve not been there, and it looks relatively small, but if you happen to be in this relatively distant and obscure corner of South Dakota, it’ll certainly break up the monotony!
• Badlands National Park :  Yes, I know, another tourist destination.  But the jagged ridgelines and brilliant orange and red colors of the geological formations here seem starkly out of place in an otherwise green, pastoral state.  Loaded with wonderful hiking trails and insane scenic overlooks, the Badlands definitely feels like they were plucked out of Utah and dropped into South Dakota by some “ Wizard of Oz ” like tornado.
• Ingalls Homestead :  There are several different Laura Ingalls Wilder related locations spread throughout the Midwest, but quite a few of them are located in and around De Smet, SD .

Back Road Routes Across South Dakota

• US Routes 14 – Though the last 40-50 miles of the western portion of the route merges with I-90 near the town of Wall (home of the kitschy Wall Drug ), it winds its way east to west across the majority of the state.  In addition to Wall, US-14 also passes through the capital city of Pierre and the aforementioned De Smet.
• State Route 44 – Running nearly the full east to west length of the state and cutting across the Badlands and Black Hills, Route 44 is a great option for avoiding the highway on a cross country road trip!

You’ve now solidly entered the heart of the Great Plains, kids… the rugged aura of the wild west is a long distant memory in the rear view mirror.  While the pastoral miles of America’s breadbasket have a peaceful beauty to them, I recommend downloading a few interesting podcasts for each day’s drive to keep your mind active as the road stretches endlessly towards the horizon in front of you.  The Land of 10,000 Lakes (nearly 12,000, actually) is a nature lover’s paradise in many ways though, and is also home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River .

Places to go in Minnesota

• Gooseberry Falls :  One of a long list of excellent parks on the western shore of Lake Superior (several of which are featured here), this relatively small park has a number of hikes, shoreline trails, and of course, a pretty gnarly set of cascading waterfalls.
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park :   Like Gooseberry Falls, what this Lake Superior shoreline park lacks in size, it more than makes up for in stunning natural beauty.  Featuring its namesake historic cliffside lighthouse, the park also has lots of hiking opportunities and waterfalls to explore.
• Tettegouche State Park :  Can’t get enough of Lake Superior yet?  Who can blame you!  The largest of the Great Lakes shows its glacial history in its numerous lakeside cliffs, and Tettegouche State Park boasts some of the most stunning cliffs in the state.  As with most of the local parks, Tettegouche features a plethora of hikes, waterfalls, fishing opportunities, and even rock climbing.
• Voyageurs National Park :  If you’re venturing towards the northern end of the state and the Canadian border, a stop at this large and secluded National Park is well worth your time.  The park features sprawling, often-interconnected water features and is a boating fanatic’s wonderland.  Be sure to stop and check out the rock sculptures at Ellsworth Rock Garden .
• Kabetogama State Park :  This park is paradise for fishing, snowmobiling/ATV riding, hiking, boating and kayaking.  It’s a great place for slowly paddling your way northwards through the interconnected waterways, meandering towards the southern boundary of Voyageurs NP.

Back Road Routes Across Minnesota

• State Route 61 – I can’t mention all of those glorious shoreline parks on Lake Superior without also mentioning the fabulously scenic lakeshore drive , can I?  Though the majority of Route 61 runs north to south, the section of the route running parallel to the lake takes a more southwest to northeast course… and while it terminates at the Canadian border, the stunning scenery along the way makes the detour well worth your time.  After all, it wouldn’t be one of the best back roads in America if it wasn’t!
• State Route 210 – Given that this east to west route runs across the heart of Lake Country and through several state parks and state forests, finally terminating after weaving across Jay Cooke SP south of Duluth, I was shocked by the dearth of tourist information about the route online.
• US Route 14 – For those who aren’t interested – or don’t have time – for a northern adventure, US-14 offers a good option for meandering across the southern end of this tall state.  The route passes through a handful of farming towns and villages, small cities, and passes near the stunning Minneopa State Park .

Cheese!  As the home to plentiful cheese & dairy products, as well as the state where Harley-Davidson and OshKosh B’Gosh started, you’ll definitely find plenty to do in this gorgeous northern plains state.  And because it’s the first state you’ll encounter after crossing the Mississippi River, it’s the “beginning of the end” of your cross country trip.  You’re now starting back into the eastern side of the country .

Places to go in Wisconsin

• The Dells (Wisconsin Dells) :  These fascinating riverside rock formations can only be accessed by boat, so make sure to review your trip options and choose your tour carefully!
• Rocky Arbor State Park :  Not far from the aforementioned riverside rocks is Rocky Arbor, this peaceful park is loaded with campsites and hiking trails.  You can explore the woods, or hike down for a few views of the sandstone cliffs.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum :  The world-famous author bounced around quite a bit during her prolific life and writing career, setting up camp in several locations across the Midwest.  This museum, near the Mississippi River in Pepin, is located at her birthplace.
• Five Mile Bluff Prairie :  Located near Pepin along the Chippewa River, Five Mile Bluff offers hikers several sweeping panoramas of both rivers and nearly uninterrupted natural vistas.
• Taliesin Estate :  Located in the southeastern corner of the state is one of Frank Lloyd Wright ‘s architectural masterpieces, and was his long-term home and studio.  The site of a brutal multiple-homicide and arson attack, Wright quickly re-designed and re-built his destroyed estate before his own death.  Don’t forget to stop at the quirky Romeo & Juliet windmill while you’re there.
• The House on the Rock :  Speaking of quirky buildings, the House on the Rock is a must-see attraction while you’re in the Spring Green area.  With a cantilevered section of the home extending more than 200 feet out over the valley floor below it, it’s an architectural masterpiece that you have to see in order to believe!  Sadly, both Taliesin and House on the Rock were closed due to COVID restrictions during our drives, or I would have more photos of each to share!
• Apostle Island National Lakeshore :  A water-lover’s paradise, this chain of sandstone islands features plenty of stunning landscapes and rock formations, as well as a number of historic lighthouses.  While the islands are best experienced from the seat of a kayak, a sea kayak is the only safe/recommended method to explore the area.

Back Road Routes Across Wisconsin

• US Route 14 – Running northwest to southeast across the southern portion of the state, US-14 cuts across the capital city of Madison and Spring Green, but mostly runs across the scenic rolling hills of Wisconsin farmland.
• US Route 18 – Heading nearly straight east to west from Milwaukee, US-18 runs across the southern tier of the state towards Iowa and South Dakota.  Route 18 also cuts across Madison, then diverts along a more southern and rural track.
• US Route 10 – As one of only two US historic routes that includes a designated ferry as part of the actual route, US-10 starts on the eastern edge of the state on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Running along a more northern track, there are several short detours from US-10 to enjoy cities like Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Eau Claire while also relishing the diverse natural scenery.

And here we finally meet the states that were a bit more difficult to get excited about.  I’ll be the first to admit it:  I bag on the flyover states, and that’s not fair.  The midwestern states have plenty of interesting destinations to offer.  My feeling comes from the sense that the vast majority of the land is open, flat, and tends not to inspire words like “stunning” or “breath-taking” or “awe-inspiring.”  I digress.  The land of Lincoln does have it’s fair share of enjoyable back road drives, and several rather unique features worth finding and exploring!

Images courtesy of Illinois DNR

Places to go in illinois.

• Starved Rock State Park / Nature Preserve :  This long, narrow park and adjoining preserve along the southern shore of the Illinois River is loaded with excellent natural features to explore.  With a handful of elevated river overlooks, a bunch of waterfalls and hikes, and more canyons than Arizona, this small park packs a punch!
• Matthiessen State Park :  Literally right down the road from Starved Rock is another small State Park that is full of natural beauty worth exploring.  With multiple bridges and waterfalls, you could easily spend a couple hours hiking the park and … soaking … in all the scenery! (Dad jokes are free for those who’ve made it this far!)
• Peru IL:  I haven’t included virtually any “indoor” sights on this post, but the city of Peru has two that are worth exploring.  The Westclox Museum looks like it will be a fascinating place to spend a few hours perusing the displays (especially if, like me, you love old clocks).  A few blocks down the road is the absolutely jaw-dropping Hegeler Carus Mansion .  Given that Peru is just across the river from the two aforementioned state parks, you could easily spend a couple days exploring everything this part of Illinois has to offer!
• Villa Katherine :  Speaking of absolutely stunning architecture, perched on the banks overlooking the Mississippi River near Quincy is the incredible Moorish-style Villa Katherine.  The building is currently used as the city’s tourist information center, and guided tours of the structure can be taken on an appointment basis.  Make sure to explore the city’s historic district and Log Cabin Village .
• Lincoln Home :  As the first and only home that President Lincoln ever owned, this memorial site is a must-visit spot for any history buff in your group!

Back Road Routes Across Illinois

• US Route 6 – America’s longest contiguous historic route runs nearly cross country (coast to coast), and is now mirrored by Interstate 80 in many states.  Cutting across the northern portion of the state into Chicago, Route 6 also runs through several of the highlighted locations above!
• US Route 24 – One of America’s original federal routes, dating back to the start of the US highway system in 1926, runs the heart of the auto manufacturing corridor in Michigan west to central Colorado.  Heading west to east, the route crosses the Mississippi into the state at Quincy and heads northeast along the Illinois River to Peoria, where it makes a sharp turn to head directly east into Indiana.
• US Route 50 – After leaving St Louis and hooking a left at O’Fallon, US-50 quickly opens up to become a mostly straight shot across the rural flatlands of Illinois corn country.

The Hoosier state, like it’s eastern and western neighbors, is primarily known to travelers as being home to millions of acres of corn fields.  However, like all of the midwestern states, Indiana is home to a handful of hidden gems for travelers to unearth.  One merely needs to know where and how to find them!

Places to go in Indiana

• Turkey Run State Park :  Though less than half a mile square, this tiny park is absolutely packed with diverse natural beauty.  Canyons, creeks, a covered bridge, camping, horseback riding and historical sites abound, with plenty of relatively easy hikes to explore throughout the park.
• Shades State Park :  Just a few miles up the road, also along the meandering path of Sugar Creek, Shades State Park is another fantastic location filled with natural beauty and outdoor activities.  Sandstone cliffs set the scene for most of the hiking and water sports in the park, and it too sports a historic covered bridge.
• Circus Hall of Fame :  This one is pretty self-explanatory!  Make sure to also check out the surprising Miami County Museum in nearby Peru.
• Salamonie River State Park :  Another very small park located about 20 miles east of Peru, the real highlight of the park is the hike to the wide drop of Kissing Falls .  Make sure to also check out Hanging Rock National Landmark while you’re there.
• Studebaker Museum :  Located in the heart of South Bend – home of the glorious campus of Notre Dame University – the Studebaker Museum houses three floors of displays featuring the historic cars manufactured there, as well as American car culture in general.

Back Road Routes Across Indiana

• US Route 24 – Cutting a similar path across Indiana as it did in neighboring Illinois, US-24 parallels the Wabash River across much of the state, and will drop you close to several of the parks listed above.
• US Route 36 – Like US-24, US-36 was one of the original federal highways commissioned in 1926.  Running mostly straight east to west across the most rural stretches of the state, it also brings travelers close to Turkey Run and Shades State Parks before crossing downtown Indianapolis .
• US Route 50 – The southern option for crossing the state on a historical federal route, US-50 runs through largely rural and relatively isolated areas of the state, eventually bearing northeast towards Cincinnati.

Because most of my cross-country drives begin and end in Pennsylvania, the Buckeye State will be the final stop in this cross country road trip itinerary.  Ohio is a relatively interesting state on the East Coast, made up of an unusual mix of large swaths of flat open farmland to the north and west, and thick forests and rolling hills to the south and east.  When looking at a satellite image of the state, it’s almost as if there’s a slash running diagonally across the state, separating the two different geographies contained within.

Places to go in Ohio

• Cuyahoga Falls National Park :  The only National Park in the state, Cuyahoga Falls is a relatively new, absolutely gorgeous place to stop smack in the middle between Cleveland and Akron.  The long and narrow park, centered around the Cuyahoga River, features numerous hiking trails and is most widely known for the cascading Brandywine Falls .
• May 4th Memorial :  Though the Kent State shooting in 1970 might be widely known, it’s absolutely worth seeing the memorial and learning more about the history of the four students murdered and nine more injured by the US National Guard during protests against the Vietnam War.
• The Ohio State Reformatory :  Most obviously known as the site where the vast majority of Shawshank Redemption was filmed, the prison is also home to paranormal activities/ghost hunting , events, and other tours.  Make sure to check out the Shawshank Tree (on private property, only view from the road!) and Shawshank Woodshop .
• Mohican State Park / State Forest :  This large park area is host to a number of excellent hiking & biking opportunities, a large river gorge, sizable woodlands, camping, and a massive covered bridge.
• Hocking Hills State Park :  One of the state’s largest and most beautiful parks – if you ask me, it should’ve become the state’s National Park over Cuyahoga Falls – Hocking Hills features absolutely stunning rock formations, cliffs, caves, waterfalls, wooded areas, camping, hiking, gorges and a boatload of other incredible outdoor activities.  This absolute gem of a park was definitely overlooked when the time came to nominate a National Park for Ohio.
• Historic Roscoe Village :  An entire historic town, preserved in time, features guided tours by costumed “villagers,” plus preserved buildings, old-timey shops, and boat rides on the canal.

Back Road Routes Across Ohio

• US Route 36 – US-36 weaves and winds its way across central Ohio, passing through a handful of historic farming towns and villages, while also completely circumnavigating the insanity that can be downtown Columbus traffic.
• State Route 32 – Starting at the outskirts of Cincinnati and twisting its way east, OH-32 quickly transforms from its urban start to a very rural, very scenic way to cross southern Ohio.
• US Route 250 – US-250 cuts a diagonal path across the state, starting at the shores of Lake Erie at Sandusky (home of the sprawling Cedar Point amusement park) and taking a rather scenic track across rural Ohio farmland before hitting the foothills of West Virginia

Another Option for Driving East:  the Southern Cross Country Route

Yes, I’m writing about my adopted home state twice.  Yes, I’m biased.  But more importantly, as the third-largest state by land mass and (in my less-than-humble opinion) most beautiful state in the country, it is definitely deserving of another nod here.  For most cross country road trips, route plans are very likely going to start or stop in the Golden State… and with good reason.  Though very different from climate and terrain perspectives, the southern half of California is just as loaded with things to see as the northern half.

Places to go in Southern California

• Tar Pits Park – Though not as famous as La Brea Tar Pits , these naturally occurring asphalt deposits have the distinct advantage of providing a double-whammy:  it’s also a great place to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Coast.
• Trona Pinnacles – Like the Tufa Towers near Mono Lake in Northern California, these geological abnormalities are stone spires poking through the earth’s crust.  And, like their cousins to the north, they’re located in an intensely dry and potentially formidable desert, so proceed with caution.
• Mojave National Preserve – Though not as well-known as its neighbor to the North ( Death Valley ), the Mojave Desert and National Preserve offers visitors fantastic opportunities to hike, bike, and off-road through some of America’s most otherworldly geography.  As one of the hottest and driest places in the country, though, I  STRONGLY recommend additional research and significant caution when visiting.  However, the desert often greatly rewards those patient and brave enough to visit her.
• Joshua Tree National Park – I’m including JTNP on this list not for the obvious reasons that draw in the vast majority of the Park’s visitors.  Instead, I’m listing it for the sections that most people don’t explore:  the unpaved trails that zig-zag their way throughout the majority of the park.  Bring your 4WD vehicle and plenty of provisions (plus a good GPS locator ) in case you get lost or stuck, and bank an extra day or two to wander through the desert for a while!
• Anza Borrego State Park – As I’m sure you’ve gathered by now, much of the natural beauty in Southern California is in the desert.  Anza Borrego is a state park dedicated to highlighting some of the most beautiful features of the desert, and in the springtime, is home to some of California’s most surprising and breathtaking displays of wildflower super-blooms you’ll ever experience!  BE MINDFUL AND TREAD LIGHTLY – please do not EVER stand, walk in, or take home any of the blooms you witness!

Back Road Routes Across Southern California

• State Route 2 – Also known as the Angeles Crest Scenic Highway, this stunning drive twists and winds across the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest heading east from Pasadena.  Both fun to drive and loaded with scenery, the route is a great alternative for leaving Los Angeles before heading out into the desert or finding Route 66.
• Route 66 – Feels like an obvious option to include, but depending on which direction you’re heading, Santa Monica Pier   in LA is either the beginning or end of one of the most famous back road routes in the world.  Much of the legendary route has been lost to modernization, but there’s still plenty to experience along what’s left!
• State Route 62 – Known as Twentynine Palms Highway, the route runs east to west between Palm Springs and Parker AZ.  The mostly straight road runs across the northern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park, and provides plenty of desert scenery for your eyes to feast on.
• State Route 58 – For those travelling a bit north of LA, CA-58 provides an often stunning drive the almost the whole way across the state.  Starting just north of the Pacific Coast Highway in San Luis Obispo, CA-58 weaves across the coastal range before dropping down into the Central Valley and Bakersfield area.  You’ll cross the Tehachapi Range next (be sure to check out the Railway Loop !) before dropping into the Mojave Desert.

Much like it’s red-rock desert neighboring state to the north, Arizona is home to stunning natural scenery, otherworldly geological formations, and some of my favorite back roads .  It’s also home to several very cool cities, several different deserts, a handful of National Forests, and my all-time favorite National Park.  Oh… and it’s also home to one of the coolest stretches of Route 66!

Places to go in Arizona

• Flagstaff / Sedona – Yeah, I’ll admit it, listing these two places this way, and first, is a bit of a cop-out.  But here’s the truth:  this area is probably my second-favorite place in the country.  Both towns are incredible in their own ways: unique architecture, vibrant art scenes, plenty of food, and friendly locals.  The area is rich with natural beauty to explore.  Hiking, biking, swimming, rafting, skiing, off-roading, camping, and on and on and on.  AND THOSE RED ROCKS!  **swoon**  (Did I mention it’s loaded with great back roads?)
• Canyon de Chelly – I’m a sucker for red rock formations, in case you hadn’t already figured that out.  And this park is loaded with them.
• Superstition Mountains – Your outdoor activity of choice will help drive the best way for you to enjoy the expansive stunning wilderness about an hour east of Phoenix.  There’s a lot to see and do in this area – and the weather can be blistering – so be sure to do research and plan ahead.

Back Road Routes Across Arizona

• Route 66 – Arizona doesn’t have a wide variety of east-west back road routes to choose from, but one major standout is Route 66.  Arizona contains the longest unbroken stretch of 66 in the US, and also has what I would consider to be one of the coolest stretches of the Mother Road .  The stretch between Oatman and Kingman is likely to be the most “kitschy” area still remaining on 66… it’s rife with retro roadside attractions, and the town of Oatman looks and feels like walking onto an old western movie set.  I will say, fair warning, a lot of what Arizona is calling Route 66 is actually now just Interstate 40 paved over top of the original route… but there’s still several really cool parts of the old route as well.
• State Route 89 / 89A – In addition to touting the title of one of my “ Favorite Back Roads in America ,” this northeast-to-southwest route connects a number of really cool towns and incredibly scenic natural areas.

When to Take a Cross Country Road Trip

The question of when to take a cross country road trip can be a very tricky one.  In addition to the amount of time required to drive cross country, one also has to factor in things like climate, elevation, and local weather extremes.  It is especially challenging due to the fact that the climate in areas along the way can vary drastically during the exact same months.  Toss in the fact that most of the highlighted places will be very busy during the summer months, and picking a time to take this trip can be an unenviable task!

How long does it take to drive cross country?

The first step in the process of choosing when to travel is determining how long you have!  Driving cross country can take as long or as short as you want, based upon how much time you have to take it slowly and explore.  In April of 2021, I drove from Pittsburgh PA to Sonoma CA – almost 2,600 miles – in 63 hours, completely by myself.   I had virtually no time to get the drive done, so I spent no time stopping and enjoying the trip.  On my very first cross country road trip, however, after my best friend Dietmar and I graduated from High School, we took over five weeks to drive a loop across the middle & southern parts of the country!

My point here is that how long you need for your road trip depends entirely upon how much time your schedule will allow.  Once you’ve determined this most crucial fact, you can start to build your itinerary around this knowledge.  For example, if you are retired and have no time constraints, you can take as long as you want, drive as slowly as you want, and stop as frequently – and for as long at each destination – as your heart desires.  Conversely, if you still work full time and have two kids in school, your trip is going to be a lot shorter and more constrained by your time off work.

What I personally advise people who are working with limited time is the following process:

• Get together with whoever you are travelling with and pick your top 3-5 most important destinations or priorities – the absolute must-see locations along the way.  Allot these top priorities more time in each day to explore, with as little driving time on those days as possible.
• Pick secondary priority destinations – places you are interested in seeing, but won’t be devastated if you don’t get much time to explore them.  Allot these secondary priorities less time on location, with more driving time on these days.
• For the rest of the trip, which doesn’t matter to you and doesn’t involve destinations of great interest, these can be the days where you do the bulk of your driving.  If possible, what you can do on these days is try to pick a scenic route that allows you to pass through interesting areas without stopping to explore.  Seeing it through the windows of your car is good enough.

Once you’ve completed this rough outline of your trip, I’d recommend the following driving times for each of the three “levels” or categories of destination:

• Top priority destinations – limit your driving time on these days to less than four hours per day.
• Secondary priority destinations – limit your driving time on these days to approximately 6-8 hours per day.
• Unimportant areas – drive as much during these days as you are physically capable; for most people, this should be at least 8-10 hours of driving per day.

A few thoughts on drivin g time :    I advise all of my road trip planning customers that when I say driving time, I mean butts in seats, behind the wheel actually driving time .  This does NOT include time sleeping, eating, getting fuel, using the restrooms, etc.    My personal rule of thumb is that you should factor in 30-60 minutes of non-travel time for each four hours of actual driving .  So if I say 8 hours of actual driving, you should anticipate approximately 9-10 hours of travel time.  If it’s 12 hours of driving, anticipate 14-15 hours of actual travel time.  You absolutely should give yourself at least 8 hours of rest each night.

The other driving time factor to consider here is that driving on back roads is substantially slower than driving on the interstate.  In my experience, when driving strictly back roads, you are going to average approximately 40 miles for each hour of driving time .  That is a rough estimate, but again, in my many years and many thousands of miles of driving experience, it has consistently been very close to exactly correct.  So if you are planning to drive 200 miles on back roads, anticipate it’s going to take you approximately 5 hours of driving .

LONG STORY SHORT (TL/DR):    If you are planning on driving cross country and back, or round trip, you should allow yourself at least 20 total days for your trip.  For a 6,000 mile trip, that means you’ll average 300 miles per day.  That’s a lot, but if you break it up well, it’s absolutely manageable.

What time of year should you drive cross country?

Because the weather can vary so dramatically in different regions of the country, this too can be a very tricky question to answer.  This will be an especially important consideration if you are camping :  when you’re sleeping outdoors, the weather conditions you’ll likely encounter become a critical part of your planning process.  If you’re going to be sleeping indoors, weather becomes less important, but still worth considering.

If you are travelling with children , you’re immediately limited to the summer months for your trip.  It’s the only time of year that your kids will be out of school long enough to enjoyably complete a journey of this type.   If you are not travelling with children , you have a lot more flexibility, and quite frankly, should strongly consider avoiding the summer months if possible.  The summer months are going to be crowded by the aforementioned families with kids, and more importantly, are likely going to be unpleasantly hot in the vast majority of the country.

So when  should you travel if you’re not going in the summer?  My personal favorite times to travel are late spring and mid-fall .  Most destinations will have the least amount of visitors in these timeframes, and generally speaking, they are the best times of year weather-wise.  Daytime temperatures in most of the country are pleasantly mild, and in most places, it does not get terribly cold overnight.  To be even more specific, if possible, you should try to plan your trip for either  the middle of May or the middle of September.

A word of warning about these travel times :   You’re going to have to be careful when travelling in high elevations, or at the northern edge of the country at these times of year.  I’ve experienced severe snowstorms in the High Sierra in May, and I’ve experienced freezing rain and snow in Idaho in late August (granted, we were ALSO at a higher elevation when that happened, but still).  So if you know that you’re going far north, or up high in altitude,  be prepared for a little bit of cold weather.   If you’re camping,   you absolutely must be prepared to spend the night in below-freezing temperatures.

Aside from those two caveats, though, late spring and mid-fall are the best times of year to drive cross country!

Where should you stay on a cross country road trip?

You have a couple basic options to choose from for overnight stays on a cross country road trip:

• Hotels/motels
• Bed n Breakfasts (actual BNBs)

AirBNB/VRBO

• Friends and family

I’ve utilized all of the options over the years, and in some cases, a blend of more than one at a time.  Frankly, if you are flexible and can mix and match the options, based upon weather and financial considerations, that’s going to usually be your best option.  I give brief thoughts on each option below.

Hotel/Motel

A hotel or motel is most likely going to be the easiest and most comfortable option for you.  In most places, there are a number of options to choose from.  If you pay for a nicer hotel, you’ll get a clean room and comfortable bed, with a hot breakfast in the morning.  The biggest downside is the cost, and the inability to prepare meals unless you really pony up and get a suite with kitchen.  My personal favorite affordable chain hotels are Holiday Inn and Best Western .

Camping is the second cheapest option, and if you are willing to find dispersed or wild campsites like I typically do, will often provide you with some extraordinary scenery and surroundings.  I’ve written a couple posts about how to find excellent campsites already, so I won’t rehash that here.  The biggest downsides are the exposure to weather, and the fact that finding a campsite during daylight hours really limits how far you can drive each day.

Bed n Breakfasts

This is the option I’ve utilized the least, but it is one that I should probably start doing far more often.  True BNB’s were once a dying breed, though they’ve experienced a resurgence in popularity recently.  BNB’s are typically unique and enjoyable experiences, especially when you have a great host.  They are often found in historic buildings with incredible architecture, and many include one or more hot meals.  The biggest downside is that they are often the most expensive option per night.

A modernized version of the old BNB system, AirBNB and VRBO are websites where property owners can offer up their homes – or a portion of their home – for rent to travelers.  There is an unfathomable amount of variety and diversity in the types of places and the types of amenities available to travelers, from the most bare bones single bedroom in the owner’s house to some of the most elaborate and unusual overnight accommodations I’ve ever seen.  Prices for places to stay can also vary dramatically, giving travelers a great deal of control over budget, amenities and quality.  The biggest downside, if you can call it that, is the amount of skill and experience needed to find and figure out how to choose the right places to fit your needs.  We’ve stayed in some real stinkers over the years, but we’ve mostly had really incredible experiences.

Friends and Family

Staying with friends or family members is, of course, the lowest cost option for overnight accommodations.  Not only will F&F not charge you (I should hope!), many will often also provide you with meals and – critically important on a long trip – a place to wash your clothing!  My very first cross country road trip, all the way back in 1999, was primarily spent staying with friends & family.  Even with paying for hotels and meals in quite a few locations, that particular trip – 5 weeks, 9,000 miles – only cost my friend and I around $900 each!

You should try to mix in at least one or two F&F stops spread out over the course of your trip for this exact reason, unless you have the space or interest in packing enough clothing for 2-3 weeks of travel.  F&F will also be able to provide you with excellent insights about local places you should check out, from restaurants and shopping to parks, museums, and other activities.  The biggest “downside” of staying with F&F is the logistical restrictions of basing a trip around where your friends and family live… and when they are available and can host you!

What should you pack for a cross country road trip?

This might just be the toughest section to tackle.  In addition to being heavily dependent upon the time of year that you’re travelling, how long your trip will be, and the destinations you’ll be exploring, it will also vary wildly based upon the size and storage of your vehicle, where you’ll be sleeping each night, who is travelling with you, etc.  As such, my suggestions are going to be fairly generic in nature.   Though I do have a couple posts dedicated to gear for camping trips , my intent here is to provide you with a  basic must-have list suitable for virtually any trip.

What I would recommend is start by working with a handful of categories, and working your way from there:

• Clothing – pack enough for a full week of outfits, plus at least one or two “extreme weather” options
• Shoes – spend a lot of time walking and hiking in your current boots and shoes before your trip to determine if they’re comfortable – on the road is not when you want to realize you need better footwear
• Food/Food Storage – this is addressed in detail in my camping posts , but you’re going to want water-tight and long-lasting food storage options
• Safety/Medical gear – though I list this fourth, having a  medical kit , fire extinguisher , flashlight Fix-A-Flat , jumper cables , and other safety items easily accessible should be your first priority
• Camera gear – in addition to the gear you’ll need for night sky photography , I also recommend having a nice zoom lens on hand for taking incredible landscape photographs – I use a Nikon 55-300mm lens
• Tools – addressed in depth in my camping gear  and motorcycle gear posts, just a few simple hand tools will get you through a lot of potentially unpleasant situations
• Music/Entertainment/books – the drive and various attractions are going to be amazing, but I’d be lying if I said you’re not going to also have long and boring stretches of time to kill on your trip.  Having various forms of entertainment – especially if you’re traveling with family – will be crucial.  I recommend having books, magazines, playing cards, and a couple travel-size board games on hand.  Oh, and don’t forget your playlist !

Road trip tips, suggestions, and other travel advice

In addition to my own advice for taking a cross country road trip, I’ve gathered insights and suggestions from dozens of other road trippers over the last year

in anticipation of creating this post.  Though I’ve taken dozens of road trips and driven countless thousands of miles over the last 25 years, I certainly haven’t experienced everything.  I reached out to other travelers and collected their suggestions for taking long road trips.  One thing I’ve learned about people who travel a lot – they love to help other people get out on the road!

I’m going to start off with one of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned in all my years of taking road trips.

Download offline   maps – LINK (make sure to click on Android or iPhone at the top) – I cannot stress the importance of this step strongly enough.  One of the very first recommendations I make to every road trip planning client I’ve worked with is to download offline Google maps .   Every cross country road trip will include driving in areas with no cell service.   If you’ve not prepared ahead of time by downloading offline maps for those areas, you might lose your route plans at the worst time possible.  If you aren’t sure where your cell providers don’t have coverage, start with this FCC Map , downloading maps in areas where no service is available.

Road Trip Advice

• Have a general plan, but allow for spontaneity & choices along the way
• Pack items that can serve multiple purposes
• Get a car power adapter (turns your car’s cigarette lighter into an outlet with USB ports)
• Bring reusable items (water bottles, coffee mugs) instead of disposable ones
• Bring a water bottle with filter , or a filter straw
• Build in time for stops at local shops, farmers markets, antique stores and other ways to incorporate local culture
• Opt for healthy snacks (trail mix, triscuits) and avoid soda and candy
• Bring your recreational wheels along:  MTB, bicycle, scooter, rollerblades etc
• Visit more than just National Parks!  State and county parks often provide excellent natural scenery and local history.
• Hang a shoe rack behind your seats for convenient and organized access to your stuff
• Buy a camp toilet and keep TP in your vehicle
• Utilize a small “grab bag” with a couple days’ of clothing & supplies so you’re not hauling your suitcases in at every stop, rotating stuff in or out as needed
• Be sure to hydrate & consume electrolytes, especially in the desert
• If camping, be sure to practice setting up your tent at night using only your headlamp, just in case
• Drive less than 12 hours per day – 7-8 hours is OK, but 4-5 hours is ideal if possible
• Buy a national parks pass before you leave!
• Always stop to visit friends and family whenever they will be near your route
• Ask older bikers where the prettiest local drives are
• Don’t drive long distances at night – it’s not worth the risk, and you miss out on the scenery!
• Eat your meals somewhere scenic whenever possible, whether by a window or at a picnic table or on an overlook
• Get and maintain roadside assistance – AAA or some other similar service
• Freeze bottles of water to use as ice packs and to give you something cold to drink
• Search for weird local destinations on Atlas Obscura / Roadside America / Factory Tours
• Be aware that there will be remote areas in the western states with no gas stations for 30-50 miles in any direction and plan accordingly – as old bikers say, don’t pass gas on a road trip!
• Always double-check the weather conditions at the next day’s destination when you’re stopped at night
• Watch for road closures and plan alternative routes if needed
• Open a credit card a month or two before you leave, only use that card, then cancel it at the end of your trip to prevent fraud / identity theft
• Be flexible – plans can change quickly due to unforeseen emergencies like a wildfire (or pandemic!)
• Maximize your bathroom stops – get gas, walk the dog, buy fresh supplies, etc
• Start your day early – beat rush hour traffic, maximize sunlight hours, etc

Check out our tips & tricks for back roads travel!

Don’t forget that there’s an entire category on our website dedicated solely to road trips!

And, if all else fails, you can always ask us for help .

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13 comments.

Wow! This is excellent on so many levels! The road trip advice is really valuable no matter how long or short your trip will be!

Thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, and found the advice to be useful!

Marvelous and helpful series of articles. Thank you, Scott! You’ve taken the sting out of how to get started and helped to make it fun and manageable!

Thank you so much Tracy! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the blogs! Check out the “Road Trip Resources” category for more helpful posts!

[…] switched tents!  After trying a couple different tents over the multiple camping trips we took during and after the pandemic, we settled on a Coleman Four Person tent with a Screened-in […]

Really great and informative articles/posts! I’ve done a couple cross-country trips, and am about to begin the long trip back to WA State (am currently in the Sullivan County Catskills) and was debating doing the Northern route or middle route. I am now better able to make a more informed decision. Thanks. If you have any info re: Glacier National Park, I’d love to read it.

Hi Amy! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I’m glad that you found my post to be informative and helpful!

Sadly, Glacier still remains on my to-do list, so I don’t have anything to share unfortunately. I’m sorry!

[…] visited the Jenner Wine Bar, it was August of 2020.  Not long after completing our first massive cross country drive together, my wife and I were looking for an outdoor venue to be able to sample the world-renowned […]

Beautiful blog information. Thank you very much for sharing…

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

I missed any info on Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, New York and pretty much both the entire South and the entire northeastern U.S., especially Florida, Tennessee, Vermont, Georgia and Louisiana. There are so many amazing, off-the-beaten-path sites in those states, including in the Appalachians… I get there’s a lot of coverage on those places, and I appreciate the nod to Minnesota, but it’s a little misleading to call this article a “cross-country road trip itinerary” when you miss so many key parts of a cross-country road trip….

Hi Jonathan! Thank you for your comment. I clearly did not do as good a job of communicating my intent in creating this article as I had expected. I actually am feeling a little bit called out that, while I addressed the fact that I was only outlining information on the northern and central routes in this particular post (in part because it’s intended to follow very closely to one of the loop trips that I’ve taken)… it makes more sense for me to include information about the southern route here as well…. or at the very least, include links to the other, more detailed posts discussing the southern route. I’ll be correcting that, so I appreciate your criticism and feedback there.

That being said, this is not intended to be and never will be an all-encompassing post. That’s one of the very first things that I address in this post: reread the section near the top, entitled “Plan a Cross Country Road Trip.” By default, this post is NOT going to cover every state, because no one who is taking a cross country road trip is going to be able to drive in every state. As is stated multiple times throughout the post, when you take a cross country road trip, you’re going to have to prioritize where you drive. I’ve driven across this country roughly a dozen times, which I believe puts me in a very small group of people who have had similar experiences…. and I’ve still not gotten to all 48 of the inter-connected states. Sorry, North Dakota.

I am going to leave the “misleading” part of your comment up, because I strive for authenticity and integrity, but we’re just going to have to agree to disagree on that part. Quite frankly, you’re wrong. **One of the most critical parts of putting together a cross country itinerary is choosing what to leave out.** This is another point that I discuss in detail in this post. No one – and I mean, NO ONE – has the time or financial wherewithal to take a cross country drive that hits every state. One of the PRIMARY points of this post is to help people to choose what to pick, and what to avoid. I’m going to expand the post, because you’re right – I should discuss options for the southern route. But it’s not going to hit all of the states that you list, because… well, I’ve beaten that horse enough already for this comment.

I see what you mean yea! And thank you for the comment, especially mentioning you’re working on something with the southern route. That part, like I mentioned, is filled with so many great things to see and explore on a road trip. I think it would be great to see those options here with everything else to give a good lay of the land for planning a trip or itinerary that doesn’t get too overwhelming. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

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Six Fun and Unique Cross Country Road Trip Ideas

T here are literally COUNTLESS cross country road trip ideas you can imagine. There are almost an equal amount of blogs like this one listing out how to drive one of these cross country road trip ideas, or recommending the absolute best ones to take. I love a good cross country trip as much as you do. I’ve had a chance to drive some of the most iconic road trips in America, but so have a lot of other people. So, I wanted to think outside the box a bit for my next great road trip idea.

As I got my planning juices flowing and started my research, there have been a ton of great ideas. I wanted these potential trips to fulfil two qualities. First, it has to be a multi-state trip of at least 500 miles. That’s short enough for a long weekend, while still technically being a cross country trip. Second, it had to have a clear theme. I wanted them to have a roughly definable “purpose” that outlines why you might want to embark on the trip in the first place. You’ll find at the bottom of each entry an embedded map. You can use these to preview these unique road trip routes and even download the direction directly!

I’m not quite sure which of these cross country road trip routes I’m going to tackle next, but why wait to share these awesome trip ideas with you? So here are six fun and unique cross country road trip ideas I’ve planned out!

1. Great Lakes Shoreline Road Trip

This is a cross country road trip idea I’ve had bubbling in my head for years. The great coastal road trips, like the Pacific Coast Highway, get a lot of attention. However, America has an often forgotten “coast” along the Great Lakes. I wanted to design a route which offered that shoreline, coastal feel in the heart of America. This road trip clocks in at a monster 4,317 miles! That is a trunk-load and then some of driving, spread out over a whole month. Yet, the real secret of this trip is how flexible it can be.

With all the spots I have mapped out, you can do a loop of any of the great lakes in just a couple days. Lake Erie or Ontario loops can be done over a three or four day weekend. The bigger lakes like Superior, Michigan, and Huron could easily be done in a week or less. The Lake Michigan Loop in particular, has huge variety. Sandy beaches, rolling dunes, deep forests, and the urban landscape of Chicago are all included.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s Lover’s Leap in the Fall is particularly striking

Those who are crazy enough, like me, to tackle the entire trip are in for a treat. The first portion of this cross country road trip idea explores the shores of Lake Superior. This is one of the best parts for outdoor lovers. Visits to Isle Royale National Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are highlights. Then you’ll journey through Wisconsin to the Windy City. After catching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, you’ll get a chance to visit the lovely small towns of Michigan’s western shore.

After spending a day on Mackinac Island, it’s time to follow Michigan’s Sunrise Coast. Once you reach Detroit, the trip becomes a lot more urban. Cities like Toledo, Cleveland, Erie, and Buffalo hug the shores of Lake Erie. Make sure you stop at Niagara Falls to enjoy it’s breathtaking misty vistas. The final US portion goes along the southern shore of Lake Ontario to Sackets Harbor.

If you’ve got your passport handy, you can tack on an extension through Canada. This portion of the trip has it’s own big city, Toronto. However, after you leave Canada’s largest city, this trip is far more of a wilderness road trip. Much of it follows the Trans-Canada Highway along the northern shores of the Great Lakes. It’s a fantastic way to see huge parts of Ontario and makes for an epic final leg on your Great Lakes Shoreline road trip!

2. The Great BBQ Pilgrimage

Let’s be real: Everyone loves BBQ (no matter how you choose to spell it). I’m definitely among the BBQ faithful. What better way to celebrate your love for this delicious cuisine than taking a cross country trip to try as much of it as you can. This was one of the first cross country road trip ideas I came up with, but one of the hardest to map out. How can you narrow it down to just a few BBQ joints? I’ve done my best to collect some exemplary examples of each regional style across the country.

Each stop on this cross country trip invokes that region’s specialty. The map at the bottom shows you all the stops, but a few key ones need to be called out. Big Bob Gibson’s in Decatur, Alabama is the original home of Alabama White BBQ. You’ve got to take the chance and try it! The Moonlite Bar-b-q Inn serves up the unique mutton that makes Kentucky’s BBQ stand out as part of this road trip idea. My final call out is Goldee’s Barbecue in Texas. This has been named the #1 BBQ joint in Texas, so that’s certainly hard to pass up. It was even featured on a pretty neat YouTube documentary that you can watch below!

There will be plenty to eat as you cover over 2,700 miles on this cross country trip. With the primary purpose of this road trip idea being eating, you’re not gonna need a lot of time for other things. The trip can be done in as few as eight days for the truly hungry, or as many as twelve if you want to savor every bite. I’ve built 11 stops across seven states, though you’ll pass through a few more. However, I encourage you to find even more delicious BBQ along the way! Sometimes the most unique road trip routes are the ones that have unplanned detours!

One of the best aspects of this fun and tasty cross country trip is that it can be taken year-round. BBQ doesn’t depend on the weather to enjoy it! Of all the cross country road trip ideas I came up with, this one is definitely the most laid back. So grab a partner, choose a starting point, and get to driving (and eating)!

3. Colonial New England Loop

Over 200 years of American history can be explored if you follow this cross country road trip idea. History buffs can delight in this colorful journey. That’s especially true if you take it during the height of the fall colors in New England. One of the best parts about this loop is the ability to modify it to your heart’s content. If you visited every site on this list, it would cover 1,000 miles across every state in New England. That doesn’t make it the longest trip on this list of cross country road trip ideas, but it’s still pretty sizeable. It also is very flexible with the number of days you need to spend. You could spend as few as seven days or as many as 20!

Check out the USS Constitution while you’re hanging around Boston!

The reason for so much flexibility in this trip is that you can prioritize what you want to see. A quick loop might encompass a single day in Boston followed by drives to the other major towns. Lengthening the trip is as easy as settling down in one area for a few more days. This is how I’d recommend the trip be done. Enjoying and exploring the history of not only the places I’ve included on this list but the hidden or forgotten ones along the way. Not to mention that there are literally hundreds of great historical sites with no colonial connections at all you can visit along the way.

Many of the places you’ll find on this list won’t take much time to see. However, they do tell a collective story of our nation. There is a rich and complicated history built into the very fabric of the land. I think it’s important to spend time understanding how such an influential part of our nation’s history came to be. Doing that through exploring historic homes, cities, and battlefields helps us create a connection to a time we often idealize but fail to understand.

4. Big Sky Adventure

For those who love a good open road, it’ll be hard to beat the Big Sky Adventure. This cross country road trip idea takes you through America’s Big Sky Country. You’ll be venturing across four states (S. Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho) while visiting iconic sites of America’s western frontier. Be prepared for winding roads, long empty stretches, and hundreds of scenic views. I’d recommend between 11-14 days to cover the 1,739 miles of this journey.

It all begins in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This picturesque town gives access to many points east for major travelers. Leaving Sioux Falls you’ll head to the southwestern part of the state. Southwestern South Dakota is an underappreciated part of the country. While many people know the famous sites, such as the Badlands or Mount Rushmore, these areas don’t get the same visitation numbers as many similar places across the country. This is good for you because it means your trip won’t be too crowded.

The Badlands are truly a sight to behold and one of the most stunning locations out of all these unique road trip routes

From here you’ll head west into Wyoming towards Bighorn National Forest. Hiking and outdoors enthusiasts might want to spend an extra day or so exploring the rugged expanse of this forest. For the less adventurous, you’ll make your way to another famous western site. The Battle of Little Bighorn has become an iconic part of the American mythos. Like many stories from the American frontier days, what is fact and what is fiction can be hard to separate so it’s great to learn the truth where it all happened.

The adventure continues across the Montana cities of Billings and Bozeman. It’s also easy to find the “headwaters” of the Missouri River, so don’t pass up that chance outside Bozeman. At this point, it’s time to visit the Granddaddy of them all, Yellowstone. What can really extend the time needed for this trip is how long you plan on staying in Yellowstone. For those who have never been and want to explore, you’ll need at least three or four days. Don’t shortchange yourself here. Yellowstone is all it’s hyped up to be and more for those willing to put in some effort away from the crowds.

After Yellowstone, this iconic cross country road trip idea will be coming to its close. Parks like Grand Teton and Craters of the Moon are amazing in their own rights. That’s especially true in the Fall, as Grand Teton is one of the be st fall national parks

The tail end of this trip features a stop at the impressive Snake River Canyon outside Twin Falls. This is the spot of Evel Kineval’s final jump, just don’t try it yourself. Finally, you’ll come to an end in Boise, Idaho. Much like the start in Sioux Falls, Boise is an excellent gateway to many more sites to the west. Boise serves as the end of Big Sky Country, so it’s a fitting end to your Big Sky Adventure!

5. Civil War Battlefield Route

I wanted to come up with a road trip idea that was perfect for history buffs of all kinds. The American Civil War is a defining period of our nation’s history. A road trip to visit these sites can be both a memorable and educational experience. It’s also a fantastic way to experience a part of the country often overlooked for road trips. Many of the sites I’ve included are also among A merica’s best national battlefields .

I’ve included both a main route and a potential alternative route you can follow. The main route covers 1,329 miles and needs a minimum of eight days. The alternate route takes a more southern approach. You’ll drive over 1,758 miles, which means you’ll need about ten to eleven days for it. I prefer the main, northern path better, but it does miss out on Fort Sumter where it all really began.

You’ll find a bunch of monuments like this one in Vicksburg on this cross country trip!

One of the best parts of this trip is how it connects two points in time. The ending points of the journey both involve battles that culminated the first week of July 1863. The Siege of Vicksburg was a pivotal point in the Western Theater. Right as it was ending, the Battle of Gettysburg was raging in Pennsylvania. The fact that these two battles occurred at the same time and with the fate of a country at stake is a quirk of history. By making this trip you can connect these two points, and the men who fought at these sites, on a journey into the past.

Both of the routes will allow you to visit critical moments during the war. This includes the numerous battles fought across Virginia. This state was the major battleground during the war. The alternate route rejoins the main road trip at Appomattox Courthouse. Robert E. Lee surrendered his army, bringing an end to the war at this location. It’s fitting then that its serves as a “midway” point of sorts. Grant’s victory at Vicksburg and Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg would ultimately bring them together at Appomattox.

No matter which direction you choose to travel, you’ll be impacted by this road trip. Exploring America through it’s complicated and troubled past is a great way to gain understanding we need to make a better future. I can say from experience, visiting these hallowed grounds is a humbling moment and one that I hope you’ll experience for yourself. It’s definitely one of the more unique road trip routes I could come up with.

6. The Four Corners Loop

This cross country road trip idea is a giant, looping, journey across the American Southwest. It’s also one of the best national park road trips you could plan as well. You’ll visit four states (Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah) as your cruise across the highways of the southwest. It also features stops at eleven different national parks and even a few national monuments as well. This massive loop covers over 3,026 miles. Any trip that follows the directions will take a bare minimum of two weeks. I’d recommend taking more like twenty-four days to one month if you want to spend any time hiking or enjoying more than one day at a location.

You’ll find sunrises like this one at Black Canyon of the Gunnison all over this Four Corners cross country trip

The Four Corners Loop can start in one of three major cities. Denver, Phoenix, and Albuquerque are all big stops on the way. If you live near one of these cities then you’re all set. Those having to fly in can pick whichever one offers the best airfare. Once you’ve picked your starting point, it’s time to choose the direction. This loop can be driven either clockwise or counterclockwise. The biggest suggestion I have is heading in the direction that has the places you most want to see. For instance, I’d start in Denver and drive counterclockwise. This gets you to the Mighty Five in Utah quickly and gives options for ways to make worthwhile detours if you’re inclined.

Of course, no Four Corners Loop road trip is complete without a visit to the Four Corners monument. The Monument is pretty out of the way for most of the trip. As part of the loop, I’ve placed it between a visit to Santa Fe, NM and Mesa Verde. This is the best point on the trip because you will get to see the, frankly lackluster monument and then visit one of the most historic and culturally important sites in America.

There are plenty of highlights on this road trip. Part of the reason I put it at the end of this list is because there is simply so much to see. I’ve spent time visiting the Mighty Five in Utah, so parks like Arches and Canyonlands are major highlights to me. Rocky Mountain National Park might be one of the most beautiful parks in America. The drive through Grand Staircase might be one of the most hair-raising on the entire list. The entire trip courses through some of the most iconic American scenery, which makes it one of the best cross country road trip ideas.

Creating Your Own Cross Country Road Trip Routes

I’m certainly not the only authority on fun and unique road trip routes. In fact, YOU probably have just as many great cross country road trip ideas as me! When it comes to crafting your own cross country trip, it just takes a bit of imagination and a touch of Google-fu. Each road trip idea I came up with started with a simple premise. From there I jumped on google to do a bit of research. Then I took all those destinations and plugged them into Google’s My Maps feature. This is the ultimate (and FREE) road planning tool. It’s how I created all those fancy maps you see above. Once you’ve got your own cross country road trip ideas down, all you have to do is p lan out the rest of the trip . When you combine one of my unique road trip routes (or your own) with my road trip hacks , you’ll be all set to get going!

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