It's almost Memorial Day weekend. School is ending, the weather is getting warmer, gas prices are staying sort of reasonable... all signs point towards hitting the road for a getaway. The hardest part might just be deciding where to go; there's so much cool stuff to see and do across the country. To help you out, we at Roadtrippers ran the numbers... here are this season's most popular road trip destinations.
It's no surprise that a lot of people are planning trips to Las Vegas; if you're taking a trip to experience a change of pace, Vegas can't be beaten. Plus, it's within easy driving distance of some of the West Coast's biggest cities (Los Angeles, San Diego, and even San Francisco), with tons of weird things to see along the way (Zzyzx, Bottle Tree Ranch and the Pioneer Saloon, among others). And even though it's got a reputation as being a great place for a wild bachelor party, there are actually dozens of kid-friendly things to see and do here as well (like the Pinball Hall of Fame and the Mob Museum) making it a solid choice for families looking to road trip as well.
Right near the middle of America's jaw-dropping West Coast, San Francisco is an awesome destination. Whether you're driving north along the Pacific Coast Highway (one of the most bucket-list-worthy road trips) or south from Washington state or Oregon, SF is perfectly positioned for road trips. Having a car while in town might mean paying for parking, but it gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas, like Napa and Sonoma or Redwoods National and State Parks. Plus, it allows you to get the experience of driving across the famed Golden Gate Bridge!
Since LA is the end point of Route 66, anyone who completes the iconic road trip along the Mother Road will end up here. It's also a city that you really need a car to fully experience. Whether you're soaking up the history and glamor of Hollywood, taking in the awesome dining and cultural institutions in downtown Los Angeles, or you just want to spend all your time on the beach, there's so much to see and do here that one road trip might not do LA justice!
Denver is a stellar destination for outdoorsy people... and for beer-lovers, as it turns out. Whichever direction you're coming from, you'll get to drive in the Rocky Mountains, which is a one-of-a-kind experience. The city itself has plenty of neighborhoods to explore, dozens of breweries, fascinating history, and a laid-back personality that makes for an enjoyable trip. Drive out to Red Rocks for a concert, or down to Colorado Springs to tackle Pike's Peak and see Garden of the Gods while in the area.
Seattle is a great less-traditional road trip destination, but what it lacks in sunshine it makes up for with natural beauty, art, museums, music, restaurants, and more. Of course, the Space Needle and Pike's Place are must-visits for good reasons, but if you get the chance to drive out to Olympic National Park to experience the lush, temperate Hoh Rainforest and craggy coastal shoreline. There's also Mount Rainier, flush with wildflowers, and tons of smaller state parks with waterfalls, hot springs, hikes, and more.
Just a few hours from Los Angeles, and the southern terminus for the Pacific Coast Highway, San Diego is a dreamy vacation destination. Explore Balboa Park (and see the zoo's pandas!), uncover hidden gems (and killer nightlife) in the Gaslamp Quarter, and try a California burrito (we promise you won't regret it!) Take advantage of the beaches and coastline for hiking, whale- and seal-spotting, tidepooling, snorkeling, surfing, or just relaxing by a bonfire. The city has tons of places to grab a cocktail (or craft beer) and relax, so take advantage of the beachy vacation vibes after you drive into town.
Portland has been seeing a lot of people interested in visiting, but don't write the city off if you're not into small-batch-roasted coffee and vegan food. It sits on one end of the incredible Columbia River Highway, a waterfall-lined historic road trip route through the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Wineries, parks, and cozy B&Bs make the trip one of the best drives in the country. And, back in Portland, make sure to check out the International Rose Test Garden, the Shanghai Tunnels for some history, and, of course, Voodoo Donut.
When it comes to road-tripping the South, Nashville is a favorite. Traditionally, it's been known for its ties to country music, and while the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and live music scene on Broadway are all must-sees, there's also a booming art and foodie scene here, too. Road trip past antebellum plantations to the adorable town of Franklin, which feels like it's stuck in time in the best way possible, try a few restaurants in search of the spiciest hot chicken in the city, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs in East Nashville, and visit the life-sized replica of Greece's Parthenon!
Welcome to the starting point for Old Route 66: Chicago! From the Miracle Mile to Wrigleyville, the Windy City provides endless opportunities for entertainment. Catch a baseball game, see a live comedy performance, take a boat tour of the Chicago River, or re-enact "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Make a point to enjoy a loaded Chicago-style hot dogs and an Italian beef sandwich, and work off the calories by exploring the Museum Campus or Millennium Park. And, for a super special experience, head to one of the beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan!
Let the good times roll! New Orleans is such a cool city, with a unique atmosphere steeped in rich history and French/Spanish Creole culture. You'll definitely want to find a place to park your car and hop on a streetcar to the French Quarter, where you can eat and drink to your heart's content. You can't help but admire the gorgeous old architecture and incredible history here. Whether you want to find inspiration like Capote, Faulkner, Hemingway, and the other thinkers who were influenced by the city, you want to learn about the dark side of NoLA with a voodoo tour, or you just want to have a good time drinking your way across Bourbon Street, it's a city that is completely unforgettable.
And what about the most popular attractions to stop off at while on a road trip? It's no surprise that (with the exception of Mount Rushmore, which is a National Memorial, and Antelope Canyon, which you can visit with a guided tour from the Navajo Nation) the top ten most popular places to visit in America are almost all National Parks. The Grand Canyon, Arches, and Zion are all favorites, closely followed by Yellowstone, Glacier, Badlands, Yosemite, and Grand Teton.
Anna Hider
Just a Civil War beard enthusiast, writer at Roadtrippers, and aspiring astronaut reaching for the stars.