Road tripping is a time-honored American pastime that continues to beckon people to hit the open road. Perfecting the art of the road trip isn’t as hard as one might think. As someone who embraced the hallmark travel ritual during the pandemic, I can confidently say that it’s an experience worthy of some PTO. Unlike the road trips of my youth — trapped in a minivan with four opinionated siblings, a cooler of sandwiches and a rotation of Britney Spears, The Chicks and Hanson hits — cross-country adventures have come a long way thanks to technology. We’ve traded in reading maps and road signs for the ease of GPS routing and Internet searches for nearby food and attractions.
The most important tools for the road (besides a charging cord, of course) are a good attitude and a lack of urgency. Winding lazily from stop to stop is the entire point. And you’ll be surprised by the seemingly infinite march of landmarks, roadside attractions, scenic overlooks and snack stops the open road provides. To inspire your next highway adventure, here are 6 of the best U.S. routes for every kind of road tripper.
Americana Along Route 66
Duration: 12 Days
Celebrating 100 years this year, Route 66 is arguably the most iconic road trip one can take. Established in 1926, the American classic fondly dubbed the Mother Road stretches more than 2,000 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, creating the shortest route connecting the Midwest to the Pacific Coast. Although the route has evolved over the years, there’s still preserved stretches of the original highway to enjoy with no shortage of sights to see along the way. Start in Illinois and cruise your way down to Texas before traversing into the deserts of New Mexico straight on to California, taking in endless roadside attractions and photo ops along the way. Route 66 touts more than 250 stops listed on the National Register of Historic Places, from buildings and bridges to iconic film locations and art installations. History buffs, this one is for you!
Pro tip: Pack a film or disposable camera to amp up the nostalgic vibes.
American West Hiking Adventure
Duration: 10 Days
A lesser known, but equally legendary roadway is Highway 89. Once fondly called the National Park Highway, this road carves a path border-to-border through the wilderness of the American West, connecting seven historic U.S. National Parks across Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Arizona. Perfect for the more adventurous and hiking-inclined amongst us, there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural histories to explore. Cruise the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier, kayak Jenny Lake in Grand Teton, conquer the daring Angel’s Landing hike in Zion, or immerse in Signal Hill’s ancient Indigenous history in Saguaro. The hardest part is deciding which stops make the itinerary
Pro tip: Purchase an America the Beautiful entrance pass, which covers entrance and amenity fees to all national parks.
Heartland Tour de Modernism
Duration: 8 Days
While my personal road trip renaissance began with national parks, it’s now driven by architecture — particularly that of the modern influence. Many people associate this era of design with California, but any architecture buff will tell you that the Midwest is an unsung goldmine of modernism. Kick off in Spring Green, Wisconsin to take in architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home and studio, Taliesin, before heading down to Racine to explore his other must-see works, including Wingspread and the SC Johnson Administration complex. From there, a trail of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Bauhaus masterpieces, including the Farnsworth House and Elmhurst Art Museum, will lead you toward Chicago, where you can explore the architect’s work across the Illinois Tech campus. The final destination is Columbus, Indiana, a small-but-mighty architectural hot spot that’s host to remarkable landmarks by modernist legends like Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei.
Pro tip: Many stops require tour reservations, so plan ahead.
Great Lake Nature Crawl
Duration: 8 Days
In the Midwest, travel plans during the warm months tend to stay local for good reason. Why jetset to tropical locations when the region becomes an actual paradise each summer? Make the most of the Midwest’s natural beauty with a loop around the mighty Gitche Gumee on a Lake Superior Circle Tour. Enjoy home cooked meals at local hole-in-the-wall cafes as you bop from town to town, soaking in the stunning landscapes across Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario. From scenic hikes overlooking Lake Superior to numerous waterfalls and historic lighthouses, there’s no shortage of adventure to discover on this route. Just keep an eye on wildfire conditions in the areas you’ll be traveling before you go.
Pro tip: This trip loops into Canada, so don’t forget to pack your passport.
Pacific Coast Foodie Expedition
Duration: 5 Days
California’s Highway 1 acquired its notoriety thanks to its iconic winding roads and cinematographic ocean vistas. And while the scenery remains a main selling point for this quintessential road trip, a food-driven itinerary really takes the excursion to a delicious new level. Particularly because this route hosts a range of Michelin-caliber eateries, lush vineyards and luxe lodgings worthy of the silver screen. Starting in Elk, California, this Michelin Guide route winds south through rocky seaside cliffs and ancient redwood forests, taking you to the hottest food destinations along the state’s Pacific coast. Cruise your way from Carmel to Laguna Beach, savoring mouthwatering menus created with the freshest ingredients as you go.
Pro tip: Pack Dramamine so you can enjoy all the twists and turns along the way.
Ultimate Antiquing Quest
Duration: 4 Days
As vintage trends continue to grow in the world of home design, it’s the perfect time to tap into one of the antiquing world’s best kept secrets: the 127 Corridor Sale. Running from August 6 to August 9 this year, this 690-mile route stretches from Michigan down to Alabama and holds the title of the “World’s Longest Yard Sale.” This excursion isn’t for everyone — any good antique hunter or thrifter knows these pursuits require a sharp eye and endless amounts of patience. But for the shopper who lives for the thrill of the hunt, this path touts 25 major vendor stops and thousands of independent outposts to choose from. My suggestion? Plan ahead and add top-rated antique stores to your itinerary before you head out to maximize the trip.
Pro tip: Rent a large SUV or truck so you don’t have to pass up a perfect 19th century armoire or a sofa steal. Those heartaches stay with you for a lifetime.
