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There’s no ‘vacation’ more American than a road trip through the USA. To help you plan your adventure, we’re sharing some of the best road trip routes in the USA, from Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway. Plus, find out which factors to consider when choosing when and where to go.
Suitable cars for your road trip in the U.S.
The U.S. is a massive country with diverse road conditions, so the best hire car for your USA road trip depends on your route. If you’re taking a city-centric East Coast road trip, consider booking a smaller hire car to more easily navigate city streets. If you’re crossing vast distances out in the wilderness, a larger vehicle like an SUV might be more suitable. Avoid electric vehicles when driving remote routes, as charging stations may be sparse.
Best time to do a road trip in the U.S.
Because the U.S. is so vast, there’s no singular best time to take a road trip. The weather varies dramatically across the country. For instance, the wettest month in New York City is July, yet July is the driest month in Los Angeles (data sourced on weatherbase.com). And while the average temperature is below freezing in Salt Lake City in January, the average temperature in Los Angeles is a mild 14°C. Overall, it’s best to avoid extreme weather no matter what USA road trip route you’re taking, so avoid winter up north and summer down south or in the desert.
You should also consider the popularity of the destinations along your route. Peak travel months may mean accommodations and hire cars are more expensive and difficult to book.b Most tourism peaks in the summer or during the holidays (based on KAYAK’s flight searches data), so consider travelling during spring or autumn for the fewest crowds and more reasonable prices.
Estimate your road trip budget
Before you select your road trip destination and length, you might want to know how much a USA road trip can cost you. Here is some data, based on the comparisons of hundreds of travel providers, to help you estimate the cost of your trip and adapt accordingly.
- Average daily rate for a car hire in NYC: £87
- Average daily rate for a car hire in Los Angeles: £55
- Average price for one night in a mid-range hotel in NYC: £255
- Average price for one night in a mid-range hotel in Los Angeles: £187
- Cost of 1 litre of fuel in NYC in March 2024: £0.82
- Cost of 1 litre of fuel in Los Angeles in March 2024: £1.13 (source: numbeo.com)
For an East Coast USA road trip, the cost of a one-week journey that spans 700 miles might be about £2,484 for 2 travellers (£1,242 per person).
For a West Coast USA road trip, the cost of a one-week journey that spans 700 miles might be about £1,827 for 2 travellers (£814 per person).
To reduce expenses, consider camping if the weather is mild. Plus, if you travel with more than one other person, you can split expenses even more. But do keep in mind that these estimated costs are just for the hire car, fuel, and accommodations. You’ll still have to pay for food and entrance fees to attractions, whether museums or national parks, plus flights.
One-week road trip USA: From Seattle to Los Angeles
Hire a convertible to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway on this iconic USA road trip.
Day 1: Seattle
Start your trip in Seattle, home to iconic attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Museum of Flight. Fuel up your body and mind with some coffee, as Seattle is known for its coffee culture.
Where to stay in the Seattle area: Hyatt Regency Seattle is the best rated hotel in town, according to KAYAK data.
Day 2: Portland
Distance from Seattle: 174 miles – 2 hours 40 minutes
On your drive from Seattle to Portland, consider making a side journey to Mount St. Helens for scenic views, a history lesson, and some epic hiking. Once in Portland, don’t miss a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden, and wrap up your day with a beer from a local brewery (there are many to choose from!).
Where to stay in the Portland area: One of the most elegant hotels in town is The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Day 3: Crater Lake National Park
Distance from Portland: 232 miles – 4 hours
In the warm months, take the opportunity to go boating on the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake, which is 1,943 feet deep. If you’d rather stay on solid ground, consider hiking the many trails along its edge.
Where to stay in the Crater Lake National Park area: Crater Lake Gateway-Rocky Point Resort is located a 30-minute drive from the National Park.
Day 4: Redwood National and State Parks
Distance from Crater Lake National Park: 154 miles – 3 hours
Redwood trees are some of the largest in the world, topping out over 300 feet tall. They’re also some of the world’s oldest, living up to 2,000 years.
Where to stay in the Redwood National and State Parks area: The quaint Hydrangea Inn is less than an hours’ drive away from Redwood National Park.
Day 5: San Francisco
Distance from Redwood National and State Parks: 311 miles – 5 hours 30 minutes
There’s far too much to do in San Francisco than can be accomplished in a single day, but we’d recommend visiting Alcatraz Island, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, and listening to the sea lions bark at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Where to stay in the San Francisco area: Peruse the best hotels in San Francisco to find the perfect one for you. Top tip: consider a hotel with free parking while on your road trip.
Day 6: Morro Bay
Distance from San Francisco: 232 miles – 4 hours
Morro Bay is the halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a good overnight stop, but spend most of your day exploring the California coast, from Monterey (home to the famous Monterey Aquarium) to Big Sur.
Where to stay in the Morro Bay area: The Estero Inn overlooks Morro Bay Rock and the harbor, and it’s one of the most highly rated hotels in town.
Day 7: Los Angeles
Distance from Morro Bay: 202 miles – 3 hours 20 minutes
As you make your way down the coast, visit San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Then once in LA, the world is your oyster. Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier, take a Hollywood studio tour, or visit one of the city’s world-class museums.
Where to stay in the Los Angeles area: Aventura Hotel is a hotel that’s fairly well-located, making it easy to get around town. Free parking is a great road trip perk.
The ultimate 2-week road trip in the U.S.
There’s no USA road trip more iconic than Route 66, also known as the Mother Road. Here’s how to travel its full length, with stops at a few must-see off-route destinations.
Day 1: Chicago, IL
You’ll find the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Before you start driving, take a moment to enjoy some of Chicago’s top attractions, from its numerous museums to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (you might know it as ‘the bean’).
Where to stay in Chicago area: Chicago Athletic Association has stunning architecture, as well as a rooftop bar with views of Millennium Park.
Day 2: Springfield, IL
Distance from Chicago: 202 miles – 3 hours
It’s all about Route 66 in this Illinois town. Visit the Route 66 Twin Drive-In or the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum for a taste of Route 66 history. And don’t miss the chance to snap a photo of the Lauterbach Giant.
Where to stay in the Springfield area: The Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel is one of the most highly-rated hotels in town.
Day 3: St. Louis, MO
Distance from Springfield: 101 miles – 1 hour 30 minutes
Just down the road from Springfield is St. Louis, home of the grand Gateway Arch. After you make your way to the top, visit the City Museum, an architectural playground for children and adults alike in a 600,000-square-foot industrial building.
Where to stay in the St. Louis area: The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is housed in the former train station, and its lobby is breathtaking.
Day 4: Branson, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 253 miles – 4 hours
Branson might be just off Route 66, but it’s a resort destination worth a stop. Choose between relaxing on Table Rock Lake or visiting any one of the numerous attractions here, from the Titanic Museum Attraction to Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
Where to stay in the Branson area: The Lodge of the Ozarks is one of the top-rated hotels in the region.
Day 5: Tulsa, OK
Distance from Branson: 220 miles – 3 hours 17 minutes
Architecture lovers will enjoy Tulsa’s Art Deco buildings, while music lovers won’t want to miss the Woody Guthrie Center. Aviation lovers, meanwhile, should visit the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.
Where to stay in the Tulsa area: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tulsa Midtown is one of the highest-rated hotels here.
Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK
Distance from Tulsa: 106 miles – 1 hour 35 minutes
Oklahoma City has no shortage of attractions, from the Myriad Botanical Gardens to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Plus, you can visit the poignant Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, honoring the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the Oklahoma City Bombing.
Where to stay in the Oklahoma City area: The National, Autograph Collection is a gem, located inside a former bank.
Day 7: Amarillo, TX
Distance from Oklahoma City: 260 miles – 4 hours
For a photo op, make for Cadillac Ranch, an unusual roadside art installation comprising a series of 10 Cadillacs. For dinner, dig into the 72-ounce steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. If you finish it (and its trimmings) within an hour, it’s on the house.
Where to stay in the Amarillo area: The highest-rated hotel in Amarillo is TownePlace Suites by Marriott Amarillo West/Medical Center.
Day 8: Santa Fe, NM
Distance from Amarillo: 279 miles – 4 hours 14 minutes
Take the Santa Fe loop of Route 66 to visit artsy Santa Fe. The city is a haven for creative types, who will be drawn to institutions like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum or interactive attractions like Meow Wolf.
Where to stay in the Santa Fe area: Pueblo Bonito Santa Fe has charming rooms in adobe buildings, plus free parking.
Day 9: Albuquerque, NM
Distance from Santa Fe: 64 miles – 1 hour 3 minutes
It’s a short drive today, which means you can spend your morning in Santa Fe before heading to Albuquerque attractions like Petroglyph National Monument, Sandia Peak Tramway, and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
Where to stay in the Albuquerque area: Hotel Chaco is one of the highest-rated hotels in town.
Day 10: Flagstaff, AZ
Distance from Albuquerque: 323 miles – 4 hours 50 minutes
Use Flagstaff as your home base for visiting Grand Canyon National Park, which is just 90 minutes away by car. At night, visit the nearby Lowell Observatory for stargazing.
Where to stay in the Flagstaff area: Hampton Inn Suites Flagstaff East features stunning views of the San Francisco Peak Mountains.
Day 11: Page, AZ
Distance from Flagstaff: 129 miles – 2 hours 17 minutes
Page is another detour from Route 66, but we think it’s a worthwhile one for the landscapes. This is the nearest town to Antelope Canyon, one of the most picturesque slot canyons in the Southwest, and the scenic Horseshoe Bend.
Where to stay in the Page area: The highest-rated hotel in town is Hampton Inn & Suites Page – Lake Powell.
Day 12: St. George, UT
Distance from Page: 154 miles – 2 hours 35 minutes
Add another national park to this road trip: Zion National Park. This Utah stunner, known for its red rock cliffs and dramatic landscapes, is best accessed from St. George.
Where to stay in the St. George area: Staybridge Suites St. George is a top mid-tier hotel in the area.
Day 13: Las Vegas
Distance from St. George: 120 miles – 1 hour 45 minutes
No, Las Vegas isn’t on Route 66, but if you’re all the way over here, Sin City is worth a visit. If gambling isn’t your thing, visit the Neon Museum for a taste of Vegas history, then catch a show in the evening.
Where to stay in the Las Vegas area: Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas is the highest-rated hotel on the Strip.
Day 14: Los Angeles
Distance from Las Vegas: 274 miles – 4 hours 5 minutes
Congratulations, you made it! Route 66 ends in Santa Monica. Celebrate with a dip in the Pacific Ocean, a sunset view off Santa Monica Pier, or an ice-cold drink at Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe.
Where to stay in the Los Angeles area: Treat yourself to an ocean view at Shutters on the Beach.
5-day road trip in Texas
As the second largest state in the US, Texas is an ideal destination for a road trip. Visit several of its major cities (plus one fun pit stop) on this five-day journey.
Day 1: Dallas
Dallas is a sprawling metropolis, so pick one or two things to do during your brief stay. We recommend a taste of presidential history at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for a look into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Where to stay in the Dallas area: Hotel ZaZa is one of the highest-rated boutique hotels in town.
Day 2: Fort Worth
Distance from Dallas: 32 miles – 33 minutes
Fort Worth (the oft-overlooked counterpart to Dallas renowned for its works by architectural icons like Philip Johnson Fort Worth Water Gardens), Louis I. Kahn (Kimbell Art Museum), and Tadao Ando (Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth). Plus, don’t miss the Old West heritage in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Watch the twice-daily cattle drive to see Texas longhorns on the move, then head to Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest honky tonk, for a concert and a round of pool.
Where to stay in the Fort Worth area: For a highly rated hotel in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards district, pick the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards
Day 3: Waco
Distance from Fort Worth: 89 miles – 1 hour 21 minutes
En route from Fort Worth to Austin, the city of Waco is worthy of an overnight stay. Fans of home renovation TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines will no doubt want to spend time at the Silos, the home base of the couple’s Magnolia empire. But there’s also the Dr. Pepper Museum and Waco Mammoth National Monument in town.
Where to stay in the Waco area: For some warm hospitality, stay at the Bed and Breakfast on White Rock Creek
Day 4: Austin
Distance from Waco: 102 miles – 1 hour 40 minutes
Live music is everywhere in Austin, so head into your nearest bar to catch some tunes. Animal lovers will want to witness the nightly flight of the Congress Avenue Bridge bats, while nature lovers might enjoy paddling on Lady Bird Lake.
Where to stay in the Austin area: Discover the top-rated hotels in Austin.
Day 5: San Antonio
Distance from Austin: 80 miles – 1 hour 20 minutes
San Antonio’s biggest claim to fame might be the Alamo, but the mission is just one of five in the city. After visiting them, head to the trendy Pearl District for dinner and drinks.
Where to stay in the San Antonio area: Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk has a lovely outdoor bar overlooking the Riverwalk.
Conclusion
Though flying from city to city might save you a bit of time, there’s no better way to travel the US than via a road trip. If you need information about car hire, road trip tips or the best places to visit in the US during the summer, we’ve got you covered.
The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author’s personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.
The post Road trips USA: Route inspiration and ideas appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
