The United States is the absolute best country for roadtrippers. It’s big but very drivable and the roads are excellent.

There is such a huge amount of diversity in America. Each state feels very different from the next, both in landscape and in culture.

After road-tripping in the US for more than a year, we only covered about 60% of the States but we’ve learnt a few things about travel in USA along the way, because as it turns out, planning a USA road trip isn’t east.

If you’re wondering how to plan a USA road trip, here are some of my top tips and things you should know to make the most of your adventure.

NOTE: This post was originally written by a guest author, but Caz and Craig (founders of ytravelblog) have updated to include helpful information based on their experiences road tripping the US (5+ years, 11 months of that full time in an RV, 38 states covered. We’re now green card holders, living in Raleigh NC, so are very knowledgeable on US travel)

Tips for Planning a USA Road Trip

Below are some of my top tips for planning a USA road trip to make sure you go in prepared and also make the most of your experience.

1. Understand the USA is a BIG Country

We were road-tripping in the US for over a year and still only covered 30 states! By the time we finished travelling we only hit around 40.

While we all go in with high expectations of seeing everything and doing everything on a cross country road trip, it’s not going to be possible. Unless you have two years at your disposal, you probably won’t get to see all 50 states.

If you’re limited on time, pick a section of the country rather than trying to cover a lot of ground.

There are some really good US road trips that you can do in under a couple of weeks if you don’t have time to drive across the whole country.

Here are some US road trip itineraries that we’ve done on our travels:

• A Spring Mountain getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Oregon Road Trip
• Utah Road Trip
• Olympic Peninsula Loop
• Boston to Dallas
• South Florida Road Trip (Florida Keys to Key West)
• Mountains and Music Road Trip: Tennessee to North Carolina
• Southwest USA Road Trip (Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico)

2. You Might Need A Visa for the US

If you’re coming to the US for just a few weeks and flying in and out, no problem! You can enter under the Visa Waiver Program using an ESTA (electronic pre-approval).

If you want to stay longer than 90 days or if you plan on also visiting neighbouring countries, the US visa situation is a little complicated.

Once you hit US soil, your 90 days starts ticking but it does NOT reset if you cross the border to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.

In fact, any time spent in these countries counts towards your 90 days in the US if you visit them after you entered America. You can apply for a 6-month tourist visa if you want to do a longer trip.

Here are the details of how we did it.

3. Note It’s Cheaper to Hire a Car in Advance on Local Sites

It’ll definitely be cheaper to book your rental car or rental RV before you leave for the USA on an Australia, UK or New Zealand car hire website.

Quotes from US car hire companies might look attractive but they do NOT include taxes or insurance, which are paid when you collect the car, so you’ll have to double them to get the true value of the rental.

We find the best prices for rentals come from UK sites because they include all the fees and insurance.

4. Know That Buying a Car in the USA Isn’t That Easy

…and it’s probably more trouble than it’s worth unless you’re spending at least six months road tripping.

In the US you have to register the car in a state, probably the one you purchase it in, and get insurance. Both of these things require a US address so if you’re lucky enough to have a friend or relative who can help you, it can be done.

We found only one insurer that would cover us as drivers with a foreign license and the insurance was $450 per month! We managed to negotiate it down to $200 per month after six months of driving with no accidents.

You MUST mention you have a foreign license when you buy your policy or you won’t be covered if you have an accident.

5. Don’t Bring Too Much Stuff from Home

“Stuff” is cheap in America. Pack light or, better yet, come with an empty suitcase! Clothes, shoes, toiletries, electronics…it’s all cheap in the US.

If you need gear for your USA road trip, stock up at a Target or Walmart before you hit the road for items like a car seat, a GPS and a cooler. (Incidentally, it’s almost always cheaper to buy car seats and GPSs outright than it is to rent them with your car when travelling in the US.)

If you’re planning on camping on your road trip in America, find a REI store for all your gear or shop on Craigslist for second-hand supplies.

6. Get A National Parks Pass For The Amazing National Parks in the USA

One of my favourite aspects of travel in the USA are the amazing National Parks.

Some of the entrance fees are quite steep, up to $35 for the big parks like the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. You can purchase an annual pass to cover the entrance to US National Parks for only $80.

Don’t forget about State Parks too. There are some incredibly interesting ones like Antelope Island in Utah.

State Parks usually have a smaller entrance fee, and are not covered on your National Parks pass.

Here are some of our favorite national parks you cannot skip:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Zion National Park
• Monument Valley
• Olympic National Park
• Great Smoky Mountains
• Arches National Park
• Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon

7. Accommodation Can Be Cheap (If You Know a Few Tricks)

We rarely spend more than $50 to $80 a night on hotels in the USA.

2 to 3.5-star hotels are good value in the US and almost always include free wifi, parking and often breakfast.

Many rooms also have a fridge and microwave and they almost always have a guest laundry. Travel in the US is really good value!

We have learnt a few simple tricks that save us a ton on accommodation in America.

One of the best tricks is to use price comparison sites like Priceline, which are like mystery hotels, to get massive discounts on hotels. We usually save 25 to 60% on all our hotels by booking this way.

If you’re on a longer US road trip, you’ll need to break up your days of driving with longer stays here and there.

Spending a week in an apartment or house will give you much-needed space from your travel companions, time to catch up on laundry and relax after long stretches of driving.

While vacation rentals often aren’t cheaper than hotels for a night or two, hosts often drop their nightly rate dramatically if you’re staying a week or more.

Don’t forget camping as well. KOA campgrounds are great for families and similar to what you’d experience in a Big 4 campground in Australia.

8. Tipping in the US is a Necessary Evil

To Australians, Kiwis and Brits tipping for practically everything in the US gets annoying and can feel uncomfortable.

It’s actually a necessity for workers in the US as minimum wages are incredibly low. Your waitress is probably only earning a couple of dollars an hour and her income comes entirely from tips.

What should you be tipping?

Wait staff in restaurants should be tipped 10-20%. Tip your bartender $1 per drink. Taxi drivers should be given $1-3 per journey or around 10% of the metered fare.

Hotel porters or room service staff bringing something to your room should get $2-5 depending on the level of hotel.

When you check out of your hotel room, you should leave $1-2 per night of stay in a hotel room as a tip for the cleaning staff.

9. Be Careful What You Eat

The quality of food in the US is generally pretty atrocious.

Lots of colourings, preservatives and the dreaded high fructose corn syrup in everything. Combined with the huge portion sizes, travelling in the US can be a recipe for piling on unwanted weight.

There are a few things you can do to make sure you don’t pack on pounds when you’re road-tripping in the US.

Buy a cooler and pack a healthy lunch for the days when you’re road tripping all day.

Shop at Whole Foods or Trader Joes for food that isn’t full of chemicals. Avoid fast food and, if you need something on the go, choose Chipotle over anything else.

Skip the ever-tempting free bread and soda refills that American restaurants are famous for.

10. Know The History of the US is Complicated and Fascinating

We aren’t taught much about US history in school in Australia and New Zealand.

Most of my knowledge about US history, appallingly, comes from TV and movies. That said, you will learn so much by travelling around the US. There is history everywhere! Especially on the East Coast. (Check out this Revolutionary War road trip idea)

You’ll come across lots of fascinating places you’ve heard about like Salem, MA (famous for its 17th-century witch trials) and many you never knew existed like St Augustine, FL (which was actually the first city in the US, settled by the Spanish!).

We often find a historic trolley tour the best way to get to know these special places and their history.

You can also do a bit of learning before you go so you understand some of the key parts of US history.

There is an amazing documentary series on YouTube called Crash Course in US History that will take you from the Native Americans right through to the modern day.

11. Download Routes on Google Maps

When you’re driving cross country, you may find the cell service is out of range, so try to download your routes and maps beforehand.

A great app that allows you to download maps and use them offline is MapsMe, which is particularly great if you want to go on a hike as it shows the hiking trails.

You may also want to get a satnav navigator or driving app such as Waze, which tells you the speed limits, where speed cameras are and where cops are stationed as you’re driving.

12. Go Slow, Drive Less, and See More

There are some incredible landscapes in America, not just in the national park but between cities.

Don’t try to drive long stints, go slow and try to see more. Contrary to what you might think, the driving is the least fun part of the road trip!

13. Always carry snacks for the road

You never know when the next gas station or grocery store is. Some people have to drive 70-miles to get to their nearest shop, so don’t expect to be able to stop and get food whenever you please.

Actually, finding snack food is difficult driving on the interstate in the USA – especially if you like healthy foods. Otherwise, you can easily find something fatty with extra servings of sugar.

14. Always keep your gas tank full

The long stretches of road with nothing on either side also means you need to keep your tank full.

It’s always a good idea to note down where each gas station is on your route so you know where you can fill up.

You may go 70 miles before you see a gas station.

15. Don’t avoid the cities

It’s easy to get sucked into the nature of the USA, it’s gorgeous! But the cities are also incredible destinations that are not to be skipped past.

Cities such as Santa Fe and Taos in New Mexico have incredible Native American History and Spanish Colonial History.

Places like San Diego and Seattle are thriving and up and coming cities with a younger crowd and easy-going vibe.

New Orleans, particularly in the French Quarter, is a city unlike anywhere else. It has a jazz scene and Mardi Gras is a whole vibe and one of our highlights of our visit.

Then of course you have the classics like New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Las Vegas.

Every city is unique and diverse and different from the others, so be sure to give them the time they deserve.

16. Watch the Weather

If there is one thing we learned on our extended RV trip of the US, is it can get complicated if traveling outside summer months – even then there are things like hurricanes to think about.

Our experience was 18 months caravanning around Australia – 9 months of that was in the Top End where we never saw one cloud and temps below 25 degrees.

We had to change our road trip plans multiple times in the US because of unexpected snowstorms – often in the spring and fall seasons. We ended up spending three days in the Grand Canyon in the winter and missed Bryce Canyon and Sequoia National Park because of snowstorms.

And then I missed Sequoia again in the early Fall because of bush fires.

The East Coast will experience hurricanes from June – November, with a large part of them hitting in September. We once had to abandon ship (literally) on a Western Caribbean cruise due to Hurrican Irma. Florida may not be the best destination for you at this time – besides it’s stifling hot and full of mosquitos.

We also spent the summer in Oregon and Washington State and probably had about 10 hot days in total – not the kind of summer an Aussie dreams of!

So know in advance the kind of weather experience you are seeking, do thorough research on weather patterns for tha time of year and plann accordingly.

Final Thoughts on Planning A USA Road Trip

So there you have it, those are some of my top tips for planning a Great American road trip!

Whether you’re looking to travel for a month or a year, I hope these tips help you understand what you are getting into and gave you some helpful planning advice.

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As you drive, you’ll see some of America’s most iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Chicago, Niagara Falls, and New York City.

Taking a road trip from Dallas to Boston allows you to experience the freedom and adventure of traveling at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and meeting friendly locals.

For those seeking an unforgettable travel experience and are thirsty for adventure, keep reading to see what are the best stops to take on this incredible adventure.

But first…

How Long Do You Need to Road Trip From Dallas to Boston?

The amount of time you should spend on a Dallas to Boston road trip depends on your travel style and preferences.

The journey can be completed in about 26 hours of non-stop driving (1,761 km), but it’s recommended to take at least two weeks to enjoy the sights and attractions along the way.

When we did our Dallas to Boston road trip, we went with my parents who wanted to come visit us from Australia after we moved to Raleigh, North Carolina.

They had four weeks set aside, so we decided to put a cool road trip experience together for them, incorporating places I knew they’d love and crafting it around their flight into Dallas.

They were arriving in May so we knew the South east region would be great weather wise and have less crowds.

We were also driving to Minnesota before hand for a work campaign, so decided to drive down from there to pick them up and then come back to Raleigh after Boston.

This is a road trip adventure is one you could do with any length of time, but I felt four weeks was just about the right time. It allowed us to go at our own pace, incorporate a few down days where we can recover from long stints on the highway, and maximise our time at each place.

In the following Boston to Dallas road trip, you can adjust the itinerary and number of days at each place as you see fit.

If you have more time, I will recommend some other highlights you can consider that we didn’t do on this trip, but have on other times.

You could even do it in as little as two weeks – Americans love those kind of fast paced vacations.

You decide.

Rather than adding in time frames into this itinerary, I’ll cover the route and activities and offer suggested time to spend in each region. That will make it easier for you to adjust.

At A Glance: Dallas to Boston Road Trip

For this road trip, we planned the itinerary around history and cultural experiences, including things my parents love, like music, movies, and war history.

I recommend you plan your travels around a theme or your passions and interests as there is so much to see and do in this region.

For example if you want beaches and theme parks, you can add in some side trips to the Gulf Shores in Alabama and Orlando.

There are so many options, and while driving times in the US can be pretty long (plan accordingly) you can “easily” detour to these places.

This road trip itinerary incorporates what we think are some of the best US cultural and historical experiences with some natural beauty thrown in!

Map of this Dallas to Boston Road Trip

To help you plan routes, travel time, and schedule, here is a map of this Dallas to Boston road trip…

If You’re Starting in Minnesota…

We started the first ten days of our Dallas to Boston road trip in Minnesota.

If you have more time on your side, I recommend starting your trip driving to Bloomington, Minnesota and exploring the Mall of America and a few other cool things to do there.

Take a visit to Paisley Park – Prince’s home and a stay at the Great Wolf Lodge – their favorite family resorts in the US.

Our US road trip adventure really went for six weeks, but the part from Dallas to Boston was four weeks.

Save Money on Sightseeing on this Dallas to Boston Road Trip

If you’re traveling to multiple cities included in this road trip itinerary over a 30 day period, we recommend you get the USA Sightseeing Pass.

This allows you to choose from over 300 attractions in 12 USA destinations saving you up to 70% on attraction fees.

Many of the cities/regions listed here are included in the sightseeing pass.

The Ultimate Dallas to Boston Road Trip

Now you have the finer details covered, it’s time to show you the route for the ultimate road trip from Dallas to Boston. Starting in…

Dallas, Tx

We picked up my parents from the airport in the afternoon ready to start our month road trip the following morning.

We decided not to spend much time in Dallas as we wanted to do other things more.

We do recommend you stay here at least for the night to recover from jet lag and so have more energy for the month long fun in store.

I wasn’t planning to do much with our one night stay in Dallas with them as I know how brutal that flight from Australia can be and knew they’d be tired.

But we discovered the JFK Museum was just around the corner from our hotel at the Hyatt Regency.

As they are big JFK fans and have long had conspiracy style discussions over his death, we paid a quick visit (as it was closing time). I wish we had longer as we all really loved it.

Some other popular things to do in Dallas are:

1. Visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which explores the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
2. Explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, featuring 66 acres of stunning gardens and walking trails.
3. Experience the cowboy culture at the Fort Worth Stockyards, which offers rodeos, live music, and western-themed shops and restaurants.
4. Check out the Dallas Museum of Art, showcasing an extensive collection of art from around the world.
5. Shop and dine in the trendy Bishop Arts District, known for its eclectic boutiques and restaurants.
6. Attend a Dallas Cowboys football game at AT&T Stadium, one of the largest and most impressive sports venues in the world.

Waco, Texas

Fixer Upper was something we watched with my parents back in Australia. We all loved it so of course, had to include a stopover in Waco on our way to San Antonio.

It’s only a two hour drive from Dallas so easy to do, and if you have more time, I recommend staying the night.

We loved Waco and it has so much more to offer than just Magnolia related attractions.

But these were definitely the highlights. Be sure to arrive early so you can beat the breakfast lines for Magnolia Table.

They can be up to 4 hours!!! We only had a 20 minute wait and it was worth it. My Dad said it was the best breakfast he ever had.

Don’t miss the cupcakes at the Silos either – delicious!

Waco Video:

San Antonio, Texas

Visiting San Antonio checked off my Dad’s long life dream to see the Alamo. I think it was one of the first movies I remember watching with him.

San Antonio is a beautiful city with its spectacular river walk and will give you an unique historical and cultural US experience.

We loved our stay at The Emily Morgan Hotel, an historic hotel of America, that overlooks the Alamo and is within walking distance to the river walk. It’s also the official Alamo Hotel so will enhance the experience. It’s also known as one of the most haunted hotels in the USA!!

We loved our tour of the Alamo and enjoying the San Antonio River walk.

I recommend staying for longer if you can as there is so much to do in this region.

We especially love the nearby Texas Hill Country and while Big Bend National Park is about a six hour detour west, if you have more time, it’s a fantastic national park free from crowds and located on the Rio Grande River and Mexican border.

Alamo and San Antonio River Walk Video

New Orleans, Louisiana

I highly recommend you stop over in New Orleans on your way to Memphis. We buzzed through this area, only stopping for a night in the middle of nowhere to break up the long drive.

New Orleans is one of our favorite city and possibly the most unique in the USA. It has the best food in the country, with a unique blend of French, Cajun and English cultures, amazing history, and such a fun attitude. Mardi Gras is a must you are visiting at the right time.

You could then either drive over into Florida, or drive up to Memphis via Jackson, Mississippi, or through Alabama which is a surprisingly good state.

You could pick up our North Carolina to Florida road trip plan to head up North via that way. I absolutely love Tennessee though!

New Orleans Video

Memphis, Tennessee

If you love blues, BBQ and Rock N Roll, you will love a stop in Memphis, Tennessee. We recommend at least two nights exploring all this city has to offer and visiting the top Memphis attractions.

We visited as Mum is a die-hard Elvis fan and has wanted to visit Graceland ever since I can remember.

So it was to Graceland we went, even experiencing the treat of staying overnight at the Graceland hotel. We also enjoyed a visit to Sun Studios and afternoon tea with the Peabody Ducks.

Memphis Video

Nashville, Tennessee

Of course, we had to stop at our favorite city in the US. Nashville is just so much fun! If you love music – any style – this is the place to come. I recommend staying here for at least three days.

We made sure my parents got the full Nashville experience with honky tonk music over lunch on Broadway, a blues session at the Bluebird Cafe, learning more about the history of music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

We also visited the Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, and did a backstage tour of the Ryman Theater, and a tour of Studio B.

And the highlight was taking them to see a show at the Grand Ole Opry, which included a backstage tour!

Nashville Video

Franklin, Tennessee

While in Nashville, you can take an easy day trip to Franklin, TN, a small charming town in the deep south full of history, good boutique shopping, and a vibrant music lifestyle.

Many famous musicians live out this way and nearby Liepers Fork, which we also visited for an evening of open mic at Puckett’s Groceries – an iconic musical experience in the Nashville region.

We also loved our tour of Carnton House, famous for a Civil War battle.

If you have more time…

Tennessee is a fantastic road trip destination. We highly recommend you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while in this area.

You will drive through it to get to the next destination on our list. My parents were more interested in the US cultural travel experiences then national parks.

We recommend at least two nights in the Smokies (and stay in the park if you can!)

If there’s no time on this road trip, make sure to add Tennessee to your next trip.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC

I knew my parents would love the opulence of Biltmore Estate, North America’s largest home. We love it so much we take all visiting family and have been three times.

I highly recommend the house and garden tour as well as spending time sampling wines at their winery – the highest selling vineyard in the USA!!

We stayed the night at the Biltmore Inn, which I highly recommend. It really enhanced the experience or us and was my parents’ favorite accommodation on our Dallas to Boston Road trip.

Biltmore is also close to Asheville a popular place to visit in the North Carolina mountains.

Lake Lure, NC

Are you ready for my favorite lake in the US?

Lake Lure is my happy place. There is something special about this serene place in the North Carolina mountains. May is a great time to visit before the summer rush as well – but summer is still great!

In Lake Lure we love to amble: paddleboard and swim in the lake, enjoy a boat tour of the lake learning about the history, visiting Chimney Rock State Park and enjoying ice cream while walking on the board walk.

Dirty Dancing lovers will appreciate this lake – it’s where several scenes in the movie were filmed, including the famous lift scene and each year they have a Dirty Dancing festival.

The most beautiful place to stay on the lake with magnificent views is the Lodge on Lake Lure. We loved it. I recommend two to three nights (or even longer if you want to rest awhile).

Lake Lure Video

Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg made a good stopping off point on our way up to New York. It was about halfway and worth stopping in for at least one night. We stayed for two and really liked it a lot.

I was impressed by the spirit and energy in the town and we all absolutely loved our driving tour with a knowledgeable guide of the Gettysburg Battlefield area. I never expected to like it as much as I did.

It also has a growing food and craft beer scene and ghost tours I want to come back and do as it’s meant to be the most haunted place in the USA.

If you want to be closer to the restaurants and attractions in Downtown Gettysburg, then we recommend staying at the historic Gettysburg Hotel.

If you have more time

You could drive through the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway on the way to Gettysburg, known as America’s favorite drive, to Roanoke and Virginia Blue Ridge.

If you have more time, you may wish to first head over to Williamsburg, Virginia to learn more about the first English settlement, and the Revolutionary War.

Then you would pass through Washington DC on your way to New York.

Gettysburg Video

New York City, NY

No trip to the US is complete without a visit to New York City. It is one of our favorite US cities. It’s as big and glitzy and wonderful as you’ve been told.

We stayed in New York for 4 nights at our favorite INNside New York Nomad with interconnecting rooms. It’s perfectly located to most New York attractions.

We checked off the biggest attractions with my parents including a Broadway show: Wicked, which they loved. New York was one of hteir favorite stops on our Dallas to Boston road trip. They were quite enamored.

New York City Videos

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Even though I expected something different from Martha’s Vineyard, we had a lovely three day stay on this tiny Massachusetts’s island, famous as a celebrity getaway place.

We didn’t see any, but we loved exploring Chappaquiddick and talking about the mystery surrounding Teddy Kennedy and the tragic accident that happened at the bridge here.

Plus we enjoyed walking around the small historical towns, finding the Jaws filming locations, seeing the beautiful cliffs of Aquinnah and a magnificent sunset at Menemsha.

Martha’s Vineyard video

Boston, MA

Ahh Boston, you quickly became one of my favorite US cities. It’s a city of firsts and superlatives!

On the list of firsts in the United States: public park, public school, printing press, newspaper, post office, police force, subway, first full face transplant, chocolate factory, anti-public smoking law, UFO sighting, and brothel.

I loved its beautiful European feel and incredible history. Plus it was super friendly, filled with sports lovers, and a high energy vibe.

We highly recommend the Harvard University tour, the Boston Freedom Trail and a baseball game at Fenway – so iconic!

We spent four nights staying at a lovely apartment rental south of the city.

Raleigh, NC

We of course, ended our Dallas to Boston road trip in Raleigh, North Carolina so my parents could enjoy some downtime from our home.

They LOVE Raleigh so were happy to dive deeper into exploring it.

They then flew home from Raleigh, to LA to Sydney.

You could easily fly back from Boston, or add in more places to visit in your trip.

Multigenerational Travel Tips

Travel with kids can be intense, especially if you homeschool! Throw in some grandparents, and it can be extra crazy.

If you’re traveling with multigenerations, we have you covered with a few tips:

• 17 Tips to plan a Multigenerational Family Vacation
• How to plan a road trip with kids and keep your sanity
• How to survive a road trip with kids and grandparents

We had an incredible road trip through the South East region with my parents. A few years later they are still raving about everything they saw and did.

It was a great experience to have as a family.

Tips for Traveling From Dallas to Boston Road Trip

Before you go, here are a few more tips to help you make this trip smooth.

• Make sure you book accommodation with a parking lot. You might think this is common across America but it’s surprisingly not. If you stay in motels, then there is usually always parking.
• If you are using an RV, make sure that the campsites you book have powered sites.
• Make sure you book tours and attraction tickets in advance. You may find that tours are fully booked if you leave it too late to make a reservation.
• Keep an eye on the weather. It’s not fun driving in thunderstorms!
• Try to plan your driving times when there is daylight. That way you get to see some of the amazing scenes as you drive.
• Download Google Maps. This way you have access to your route when you’re out of data or service.
• Pick up information at the visitor centers. They are a great place to gather maps, local tips and information, as well as book tours and get the lay of the land.

More US Road Trip Ideas

Need more inspiration for a USA road trip? Check out these other guides…

• 19 Essential things to know before visiting the USA
• How to plan your dream USA trip of a lifetime
• USA tipping guide – how much and when
• 7 Helpful tips for a New England road trip in the Fall
• 7 Great Pacific Northwest road trip ideas
• Places to visit on a South East Coast Road Trip (North Carolina to Florida)
• 18 Fantastic things to do on a Natural North Florida road trip
• 14 epic adventures in the American Southwest not to miss
• 20 Extraordinary Places to Visit on your Utah road trip
• 30 Incredible Places to visit in California
• 19 of the best USA road trips
• 22 of the best scenic drives in the USA

It’s considered one of the best road trips in the USA because it is beautifully scenic from start to finish, stopping off at beaches, waterfalls, jungles, and swimming holes.

There is nothing distracting you from the essence of life on the Road to Hana Town, except perhaps some soothing melodies blaring from your speakers.

The mountain streams provide a refreshing reward for the many twists and turns.

Hold your stomach tight, up ahead you have 617 hairpin curves and 56 one-lane bridges. You’re going to need a bit of stamina, especially on that long winding road home. You’re going to be wishing you could click your heels three times.

In this Road to Hana guide, I have shared with you the best Road to Hana stops with a few tips for driving it, so you can have the best experience possible…

How long is the road to Hana?

The road to Hana start point is from the town of Kahului and finishes in the town of Hana is 64.4 miles (103.6 km) from end to end.

The whole drive is embedded on the side of the high jungle cliffs plunging into the sea revealing panoramic Pacific Ocean views, bamboo forest and Norfolk pines, sacred waterfalls and swimming holes, lava tubes, tropical flowers and roadside food stands.

The Hana Highway is a long stretch of a two-lane road and it takes about 2.5 hours to drive without stops!

The Road to Hana stops are marked out by Road to Hana mile markers, but these aren’t always clearly marked!

The Hana highway continues to Kīpahulu as Hawaii Route 31 (the Piilani Highway) and has other worthy things to see (some say the best of the Road to Hana stops), but as mentioned it’s poorly marked.

We attempted to keep going past Hana but it felt like we were just turning and turning and had no idea where we were or how far we were from the waterfalls and swimming holes, so through exhaustion gave up to return back to Ka’anapali.

I can’t stress enough the importance of a good map and Road to Hana guide for this road trip.

How long does it take to complete the Road to Hana?

Although it takes 2.5 hours to drive from end to end, I recommend you plan for a full 10 hour day to drive the road to Hana, which should allow you plenty of time to stop at each stop.

I’ve also marked the restrooms on the road to Hana (you can thank me later!)

Road to Hana Map with Mile Markers

Before I show you the best stops on the road to Hana road trip, here is a map which shows you the route to take and the best stops with mile markers.

This should give you an idea of the length of your trip and how long to take…

Best Road to Hana Stops

What are the best road to Hana highlights? Below is the best road to Hana stops we recommend you take on a self-guided tour to Hana.

I’ve also included some stops we wished we had more time to experience on this famous road trip in Hawaii.

Stop 1: Paia Town

Paia originated in the 50’s as a Hawaiian plantation village. It has since developed a reputation as a laid-back town popular with world-class windsurfing.

I think the surfers may like the waves here too.

Some of Maui’s best beaches are known to be here and are still surrounded by sugar cane.

It might be worth spending a bit of time here to absorb the bohemian (others might term hippy) vibe, eclectic storefronts, restaurants, boutique shopping and yoga studios – all on one road!

Mana Foods is said to be the best natural food store on Maui. Not sure how we missed that one!

I thought Paia looked more interesting on the drive home – it seemed more vibrant. It was quite sleepy when we passed through in the morning. We stopped for a quick coffee at Paia Bay Coffee, and I feel Paia might deserve a little longer than that.

It could be an option to stay the night here either before or after the road trip to Hana. Ka’anapali Beach Hotel (where we stayed) is another 50-minute drive from here.

Stop 2: Twin Falls – Mile Marker 2

No one on the Road to Hana received the message that a little scramble down the muddy rocky ravine with the assistance of tree roots – we were all wearing flip flops – hiking Hawaiian style.

Twin Falls is the first of the accessible road to Hana waterfalls and is a one-mile round trip walk from the parking lot. The trail in is beautiful.

Walk up to the top of the Upper Falls to see another smaller cascading one, Lower Falls. We didn’t swim in the pools but saw others doing it, so bring your swimmers.

There is a snack stand upon arrival as well. But be careful of visiting after a flash flood.

For more local tips about trails and hidden waterfalls and swimming holes in the Twin Falls area check out this insider guide!

Stop 3: Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees – Mile Marker 7

This is just a short pullover stop, or maybe you would prefer to just drive by, but at the 7 mile point you will find some really beautiful rainbow Eucalyptus trees that have rainbow-coloured bark and vibrant green leaves.

You might think they are a little unusual compared to other Hawaiian plant life, and that’s because they originate from the Philippines.

The trees grow on private land so please only pull over and see them from the road.

Stop 4: Ho’okipa Beach Park – Mile Marker 9

This is the first beach on the route to Hana and it’s considered one of the best windsurfing beaches in the world.

While it’s not the most beautiful beach in Hawaii, it’s still a good place to stop and watch the windsurfers and look out for Hawaiian Green Sun Sea Turtles who like to swim in these shores.

Stop 5: Garden of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Garden – Mile Marker 10.5

26 lush acres and more than 700 species of plant life, Garden of Eden has the most varied collection of plants across the state, a coastal view of the opening scene to “Jurassic Park,” and a newly built overlook onto a waterfall.

At $15 per adult, $5 per child, I find the entrance fee a little pricey but I actually really enjoyed it and it was one of my favorite spots on the Road to Hana.

We didn’t know the price until we drove up to the entrance and although we hesitated, we decided to as we were already there. Would I pay that price again though?

Would I pay that price again though? Not sure. I would if I was on my own or it was per vehicle. For a family of four like us factor in $40.

When we first drove into the bird feeding area and saw a crowd of people feeding peacocks, ducks and geese I began to fret over the money we spent that this was not going to offer much. How much bird feeding can you do in a lifetime of travel?

However, once we dove into the diversity of the gardens I began to open up to how special the expense was.

The gardens are divided into sections, each with clearly marked and easy walking trails past plants native and indigenous to Hawaii, and exotic ones from around the South Pacific region and the world’s rain forests.

You can hike through the bamboo alley to a 100-year-old mango tree. Make sure you stop in front of the bamboo clusters so your kids can listen to the ghostly groaning sounds they make as they sway against each other.

Head to the overlooks on the edges of the arboretum to see the Upper and Lower Puohokamoa Falls, the latter of which cascades over a 200-foot cliff below the Road to Hana.

One reason for visiting the Garden of Eden is that these falls are relatively hidden and inaccessible to the public, which makes this the best view you’ll get of them.

There is also an open-air platform to see Keopuka Rock, also known as Jurassic Rock because of its appearance in the 1993 movie’s opening sequence. It is way off in the distance and, although I don’t remember it, I can clearly see the resemblance to Jurassic park scenes in the surrounding scenery.

I also loved the view we got within the gardens of the winding Hana Highway below. Photographers and Videographers will love it. The gardens are a pretty oasis.

You will need at least 30 minutes to an hour here to fully experience it.

Stop 6: Kaumahina State Wayside Park – Mile Marker 12

If you’re in need of a bathroom, picnic table, or a place to stretch your legs, this area is where you want to stop.

There are adventurous hiking trails nearby. Note; they aren’t maintained or easily accessible.

Most people pull over for the coastal view from the lookout point. We stopped briefly as we had a good stretch of our legs at the Garden of Eden.

Stop 7: Ke’anae Arboretum – Mile Marker 16.7

We missed the Ke’anae Arboretum but upon my research, I’ve noticed that it might be a little gem worth pulling over for.

The botanical garden sits along the Pi’inau’au Stream and within a rainforest and is free to enter.

There is a half a mile paved walkway through 150 varieties of tropical plants.

Stop 8: Wailua Valley State Wayside – Mile Marker 18.8

We took the stairs on the right of Wailua Valley State Wayside to the top and were treated to a view of  Ke‘anae Valley and Wailua on the ocean and Ko‘olau Gap in the mountains and the village of Wailua. It will be a quick stop, but worth the scene.

Stop 9: Upper Waikani Falls – Mile Marker 19.5 (ish)

The Upper Waikani Falls is also known as Three Bear Falls thanks to the three separate but parallel falls of differing lengths – with the third and smallest being the “baby bear” falls on the right.

It is one of the most popular waterfalls of all the Road to Hana stops. It’s a quick stop, right on the side of the road.

There are limited parking spots here so we grabbed a quick photo and moved on. If you can manage it walk underneath the bridge on the ocean side of the Hana Highway.

The foliage is lush and green which makes it a picturesque and tranquil place for swimming.

If you can manage it walk underneath the bridge on the ocean side of the Hana Highway. The foliage is lush and green which makes it a picturesque and tranquil place for swimming.

Stop 10: Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park – Mile Marker 22.5

I only noticed this spot on the way back. By that stage, we were over it and focused on getting home.

The car park was closed which is why we may have not noticed it but it looked like a great spot for swimming. It’s a five-acre area lush with tropical plants and waterfalls.

Apparently, caution is advised when walking to the waterfalls, especially those deeper into the jungle! There are also bathrooms and picnic tables here.

Stop 11: Nahiku Marketplace – Mile Marker 29

We stopped off here on the way back for a leg stretch, and a snack for the girls who were now starting to lose it after a long day already. We still had a long journey back. Nahiku

Nahiku Marketplace is a collection of roadside stalls with a variety of food options, coffee, and local wares.

I have heard that the locals here are very unhappy about tourists detouring off the Hana Highway to explore more of the scenic drives around the area.

Stop 12: Hana Lava Tube – Mile Marker 31

The Hana Lava Tube is a little detour off the main road down Ula’ino Road, but it’s only a 5-minute detour or so.

Here you will find a building that makes the site of a huge lava tube which was formed about 960 years ago by lava flowing from underground into the ocean.

You can take a tour of the grounds or you can pay an entrance fee to view it. We had seen some amazing lava tubes on Hawaii’s Big Island, so we decided to skip it.

Stop 13: Wai’napanapa  State Park – Mile Marker 32

Depending on how you are for time and how hungry you are (if you’re not bringing your own lunch) you can visit Wai’napanapa State Park either before or after Hana on the return home.

It’s close enough to Hana to fit in it in either way. We stopped in on the way back and I wish we had more time to stay longer and explore.

It’s strikingly beautiful with the black sand beach named Pai’iloa Beach, the bright green plant life, and turquoise waters.

There are loop hiking trails to take you to sea arches, blowholes, caves, lava tubes and stunning view to the East Maui coastline.

You may even want to stay awhile for swimming. The waves looked pretty rough and sucky when we were here though so be cautious.

It’s best to check with the local’s swimming conditions of beaches. I know we lose a lot of tourists each year on our Australian beaches because they enter not understanding the local conditions.

The translation for Wai’anapanapa is “glistening water” or “water flashing rainbow hues”, both of which are accurate in describing the powerful contrast between the black, pebble lava field and the deep blue-greens of the ocean.

You can find more in-depth information and make a reservation for Wai’napanapa State Park here.

Stop 14: Hana Town

It’s when you arrive in Hana that you realize the Road to Hana is less about the destination and more about the journey.

There’s really not a lot to see here. There’s the Kaihalulu Beach which is a unique red sand beach, and a few boutique stores around the habour.

It’s still in a very pristine, underdeveloped state which is fantastic to see and adds a unique charm, although I found the beach grey and non-descript.

You might wish to stay a little longer to explore the history and vibe a little more deeply.

It is said that The hill beside Koki Beach is said to be the site where the fire goddess Pele fought her older sister, Namakaokaha’i, goddess of the ocean.

Here is where Pele’s bones rest after her defeat, though her spirit went to Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

For lunch, the line for the Thai food truck near the baseball field was long and signaled to us that this was where we would roll in for lunch.

We had a couple of readers recommend it to us as well. They were right as usual it was a Hana highlight – authentic Thai amidst the rainforests of Hana. Who’d have thought?

You can continue on from Hana to explore more scenery, but as mentioned the signage was even worse and we got more tired.

It’s where the mile markers get confusing. It seems as though they are measured with the beginning point from the end of the Hana Highway rather than continuing on from Hana.

Stop 15: Hamoa Beach – Mile Marker 50 (2.5 miles south of Hana)

Consistently named as one of Maui’s best beaches, Hamoa Beach is lined with sea cliffs, hala trees and lush vegetation.

The crescent shaped beach has silky peppery sand, unlike many of the black grainy and pebbly beaches, and makes it is a great place to relax for awhile before starting your drive back.

Depending on the wave conditions, it can be very family friendly. When the waves break, it’s much loved by surfers. Know what you are doing though as there were quite intense shore breakers when we visited.

Stop 16: Wailua Falls – Mile Marker 45

It was only as we were on our way back down the Hana Highway that we passed this again and I realized it must have been the Wailua Falls.

There wasn’t a lot of water running and no one around so it looked like just another waterfall and not worth pulling over for. You can just take a snap from your car, it’s that close to the road and a pull over for you to do so.

I’m still not 100% sure that it was the place I saw as I”ve seen descriptions about crowds of visitors, and local vendors but no one was around for us.

There is a quick walk down to the plunge pool for a refreshing swim and views. The water cascades 80 feet down the side of the lush jungle wall. If the water was gushing it would be pretty spectacular!

Stop 17: Ohe’o Gulch “Seven Sacred Pools’ – Mile Marker 42

‘Ohe’o means “Something Special”, which is why we were on a mission to keep going on the Road to Hana to experience it.

Many people recommended this as the highlight. The Ohe’o Gulch is located within the Haleakala National Park.

When open a proper map and guide on this part of the trip would be essential as there was no signage whatsoever saying how close you were to the pools.

Our maps were useless. We had no idea where we were on the road and how far we had to go.

We could have easily been two minutes away when we turned back but we had to make a choice.

I was surprised that there was no signage indicating the location of something so well known!

I know we should have been better prepared which is why I’m stressing to you the importance of a good map and guide for the Road to Hana.

There are more than 7 pools here when the water levels are up, many of which are open for swimming if the water levels make it safe. Make sure you follow all signs as people have died here fro rock slides and debris flowing over the falls.

If you have a good map, follow the route to see the Waimoku Falls along the Pipiwai Trail.

You can also camp here and from pictures I’ve seen, it looks stunning and would be a Road to Hana highlight for sure.

Tips for Driving the Road to Hana

Before you go, here are some of my top tips for driving the road to Hana…

• Start Earlier. We always have good intentions but with kids, stuff happens. We left Ka’anapali Beach Hotel at 8am, I think 6am is a better idea!
• We found the markers terrible on the Road to Hana. Plan before hand or wing it and follow the car in front of you!
• Get the app.
• If you are only relying on car radio, station 95.1 had great music.
• The food options aren’t fantastic. There are a couple of roadside stalls and fruit stands. Take snacks just in case.
• Take a decent map and Road to Hana Guide.
• Hire a jeep wrangler if you can because they looked so cool with the Road to Hana scenery. Make it red. Best for your photos.
• Possibly stay along the road – there are some accommodation options. Especially if you have kids, you may want to break the trip up. It was an intensely big day for us, which wiped us out for the rest of our time in Maui. We canceled some other planned excursions so we could recover on Kaanapali Beach.
• Swim at more waterfalls, easier for you to do if you spend more than one day on the Road to Hana, otherwise your time will be limited.
• Pack more water than you think you’ll need. Nothing like tired, hot kids and you’ve run out of water.
• Watch for the locals. They hate all the tourists blocking up the road. With good reason, they’re not driving on it to see the sights, they’ve got work to attend to. You’ll know who they are as they’ll drive fast and tailgate you. Pull over for them and let them past. A couple were driving on the little aggressive and dangerous side.
• Pack spare camera batteries and SD cards for the cameras.
• Portable charger for your phones.
• Do your due diligence beforehand, decide on a few locations that look the most intriguing, and take your time at each location.

The Road to Hana App and Guide

We departed with a couple of tourist brochures, which included a map. Time constraints now leave me little research time, so I thought that would be more than adequate. WRONG!

The Road to Hana is one you don’t want to go unprepared for, especially with a good map and guide. This would be the number one thing I’d do differently.

As mentioned, things are poorly marked, so that waterfall you heard that was so amazing, you will never know where it is! A couple of things are marked but not all of the Road to Hana highlights.

Of course, I went into frantic online search and found a road to Hana app that looked really useful, but lost my internet connection before I could get it!!

I’ve read many reviews since to say it’s one of the best Road to Hana apps to help you have the most amazing experience. It costs $15.99 per car, but I reckon it’s money well spent so you can have the best experience for your Hana Road trip.

Stories auto-play based on your location so you don’t have to do anything once you’ve started. It works without a cell signal or Wi-Fi once downloaded. It will help you find-missed spots and enrich your experience with little-known history.

The Action Tour Guide app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one. This tour has been developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists. Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see.

Road to Hana Tours

Another option, if you did not want to do drive the Road to Hana yourself, is to join a Road to Hana tour.

There are a few companies that offer this tour, but the Road to Hana tour through Get Your Guide comes highly rated.

You can then sit back and relax and ensure someone else takes you to the best spots. The only downside to this is that you can’t go at your own pace, but it’s a great option for those who are short on time.

Is The Road to Hana Worth It?

Driving the Road to Hana in Maui is high on the bucket list of many who want to visit Maui, the second largest island in the Hawaiian Islands.

For us, this top USA scenic drive fell a little short of our expectations given the exhausting length of those windy roads.

We found notable sights were poorly marked, and because we have done so many great drives like the Daintree Rainforest and Great Ocean Road in Australia, and the Chapman’s Peak Drive and Garden Route in South Africa, we were a little under-awed.

However, if a scenic jungle drive is something you have not done before, you’ll probably love it.

It is beautiful if you haven’t done a lot of coastal or jungle road trips and I think if you go fully prepared with the right information and time, you’ll have a memorable experience.

I hope this Road to Hana Guide can help you have an amazing time.

Road to Hana Video

Click play to see more of the Road to Hana drive in the video…

More Hawaii Travel Tips

Are you planning to visit other parts of Hawaii? Then these other resources may be useful to you…

• Places to visit in Hawaii
• Ka’anapali Beach, Maui
• Things to do in Waikiki
• Best things to do on Maui
• Tips for planning a Family vacation in Hawaii

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This richly fertile region is perfect for outdoor adventures, scenic viewpoints, farm-to-table dining experiences, family-owned wineries and breweries to explore, and U-Pick farms. Needless to say, there are tons of things to do in Shenandoah Valley.

We took a five-day family road trip here to kick off our summer vacation and discovered many top attractions in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in partnership with Visit Virginia.

If you’re looking to find out what to do in Shenandoah and need help planning your itinerary, don’t sweat, because this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

Where is the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia?

The Shenandoah Valley is sandwiched between the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Alleghenies to the West.

It stretches approximately 200-miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Roanoke, Virginia, and is about two hours west of Washington D.C.

In between these two mountain ranges, and rising up from the Shenandoah Valley floor, is the 50-mile long, 6-mile wide Massanutten Mountain Range, which is home to the massive and popular Massanutten Resort, which was our home base for our trip. (See below)

History buffs will also love to know that the Shenandoah Valley was once considered the American Frontier and played a crucial role in the American Civil War.

Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park

When researching what to do in Shenandoah Valley VA, the highlight for many visitors will be the spectacular Shenandoah National Park.

Opened in 1935, the park encompasses nearly 200,000 acres along the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy with dozens of waterfalls, 500 miles of hiking trails through lush forests, and 75 scenic overlooks of mountain vistas.

A long stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail winds through Shenandoah National Park.

We were disappointed we didn’t have more time and have bookmarked it for a return visit so we can hike and camp in this beautiful US national park. 

Here’s what we did.

1. Drive the Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park

Of course, we took the National Scenic Byway to Massanutten Resort.

The Skyline Drive catches the baton at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and runs through the entire 105-mile length of the Shenandoah Valley National Park on the crest of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s one of the USA’s best scenic drives in the USA.

Be prepared for endless viewpoints over the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Massanutten Mountain Range. Plan your drive well to incorporate hikes, picnic spots, the best viewpoints, and lodges.

There are viewpoints every couple of miles. Despite the beauty of each overlook, you can quickly catch fatigue, so plan your stops well on either side of the road as the views are different.

The East is more mountainous with lush forest, and the West is more mountains with expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Some notable viewpoints: Range View Overlook (one of the best views of the northern section of the park), South River Overlook (great for sunrise), Baldface Mountain Overlook, and Moormans River Overlook.

Here’s some more information on the different overlooks.

There are many entrances onto Skyline Drive, but the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station in the South or the Front Royal Entrance in the North tend to be the most popular as it allows you to drive from one side to the other.

The Thornton Gap Entrance is also popular as it’s located near a town you can stay in.

Driving the Skyline Drive is one of the top things to do in Shenandoah National Park and should not be rushed. If you want to have a full day exploring the drive, we recommend staying at Skyland Resort or Lewis Mountain Cabins, which are around halfway on the drive.

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center

If you want to get more information about the drive and the things to see, we recommend making a trip to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. It’s located to the North of the drive and is where you can get maps and information from park rangers.

You can learn all about the wildlife you might encounter, such as black bears, and what to do if you come across them.

It’s also one of the only restrooms on the drive, since there aren’t any along the way.

The park rangers are stationed here to be your resource on everything Shenandoah National Park, so it’s a good idea to get orientated, learn about the hikes and ranger programs.

2. Hike the Dark Hollow Falls Trail

We only had time for one hike on our road trip, so we chose the most popular hike in Shenandoah National Park, which is also one of the best for families.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike down to the Dark Hollow Waterfall. Allow for at least an hour and pack a picnic lunch if you want to spend more time enjoying the falls.

The first viewpoint is not the bottom of the Falls but is the best view of the Falls. You can walk a little further down the trail to the very bottom of the falls.

It’s not spectacular, but I loved the perspective of the waterfall trickling down the moss-covered rocks, so definitely consider this when planning your Shenandoah Valley hiking trails.

It is a bit of a steep climb coming back out, the hardest part is from the bottom of the falls to the top of the falls. After that, it is more of a gradual climb.

If you have time, you can explore more of the Big Meadows area, such as the Byrd Visitor Center and camp at Big Meadows Campground (of Big Meadows Lodge if you don’t like camping).

3. Walk an Alpaca

Just how good can walking an alpaca across a field be? I pondered this when looking for fun things to do in the Shenandoah Valley.

It’s not something we’ve done before, and since we don’t have any pets, I knew the girls would love an opportunity to hang out with animals.

Let me tell you, walking an alpaca is a cool experience any family will love.

It’s like having your favorite teddy bear come to life: petting it as you walk and stopping for as many cuddles as you can fit into 60-minutes. I didn’t even care that my fifth gear walking place was dropped back into first. I could have hung out with these adorable, gentle animals all day.

We were all glowing after it and will forever remember our sweet time with the alpacas.

The farm also has a small store with products made from alpaca fiber – which is 8 times warmer than wool and much softer and more comfortable. You can pick up a scarf made from the fiber of the alpaca you walked.

The Point of View Alpaca Farm is located near Staunton in the Shenandoah Valley.

This Shenandoah Valley activity was definitely Teen Approved, and we all highly recommend it for your list of Shenandoah Valley things to do!

4. Explore the Luray Caverns

We have seen plenty of stalagmites and stalactites in caverns and caves all over the world, so I was uncertain as to just how good the Luray Caverns would be.

And as they are the largest and most popular caverns in the Eastern USA, I was worried how its popularity may have diminished their value.

I did not need to worry. It’s popular for a reason. The Luray Caverns are possibly the best I’ve ever seen.

I was stunned by the pristine condition and the abundance of stalagmites and stalactites formations, full-length draperies, and huge columns that this ancient cave has formed over millions of years.

It was enchanting.

Savannah stopped at every self-guided number to read the description and take in things like the Giant Redwood (biggest formation); the Double Column (where a stalagmite and stalactite grow connected next to each other); the Fallen Stalactite (a massive piece that fell in an earthquake 7,000 years ago); and the exquisite Dream Lake with the most stunning reflections you’ve ever seen.

So perfect that you can’t even tell it is a reflection, thinking instead it’s purely a floor of stalagmites reaching up to a ceiling of stalactites.

It now has the y Travel approval as a top USA attraction.

5. Horseback Riding with Jordan Hollow Stables

We love horseback riding, and the Virginia mountains are a beautiful place to soak up the views on the back of a horse.

We took a horseback ride on Bliss, Cloude, Jasmine, and Treena, beautiful gentle horses that took us across the small Hawksbill creek and winding through a series of trails winding through a 140-acre property.

The Jordan Hollow Stable trails also go through beautiful country fields surrounded by a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.

6. Explore Downtown Luray

Both the horse riding and Luray caverns are near the town of Luray. Spend time exploring the small downtown area and peruse a few local stores.

The 2-mile Hawksbill Greenway trail runs alongside Hawksbill Creek and through town. There are places to dip your feet in to cool off from the summer heat. We walked a small section of downtown past the lovely public spaces of the Cliffside Pocket Park and Butterfly Garden.

Stop in at The Valley Cork for a glass of local wine or beer, or an outstanding coffee at Broad Porch Coffee.

I’d rate it as a top 5 coffee I’ve had in the country. Yes. I get excited about those kinds of discoveries. Pair it with a gluten-free pound cake with whipped crème and lemon sauce. Taste sensation!

Moonshadows Restaurant is a favorite upscale dining experience in Luray. We splurged with a three-course meal of ceviche and mussels for apps; duck confit linguini and spring sirloin for mains; and chocolate panna cotta and strawberry cream puff for dessert.

6. Smell the Lavendar at White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple Wolf Vineyard

Visiting the White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple Wolf Vineyard, only 20 minutes from Massanutten was an unexpected favorite Shenandoah Valley attraction.

We visited last minute after our river tubing adventure was canceled due to flash-flood warnings.

Savannah considers herself a green witch, so part of my love for this place was watching her enthusiasm for picking lavender for her spells, purchasing a lavender plant, and diligently studying how to take care of them.

Giving our children opportunities to follow their passions is one of the reasons we love family travel so much. It’s beneficial to them but allows parents to experience so much joy watching and experiencing it alongside them.

The lavender farm has beautiful gardens you can wander around (for a small fee) that include farm animals, reflection chairs, and a labyrinth. (There is a section you can visit that does not require a fee).

Grab some lavender-flavored ice cream for the kid’s when you’re done and head to the wine tasting room and gardens for lavender wine tasting. You could also try some blackberry ice cream, which is a famous delicacy in the Shenandoah region (or look for wild blackberries when hiking).

The Purple Wolf Vineyard has six lavender-flavored wines you can try (white, rose, and red). If lavender-flavored wine is too flamboyant for you, there are more traditional whites and reds to try. But if you’re looking for Shenandoah Valley wineries with a difference, go here.

The wine garden is a tranquil spot to sit and savor. Be sure to adopt the mantra artistically displayed throughout the farm, “Just Breathe and Relax.”

The lavender aromas surrounding you definitely help you do that.

7. Go Peach Picking at Chiles Peach Orchard

Ready for the most delicious peaches you’ve ever tasted?

Just near the southern entrance to the Shenandoah Valley National Park is the Chiles Peach Orchard. The fields of pick-your-own-fruit (peaches, blueberries, and strawberries) are surrounded by beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There is also a farm market with fruit, jams, apple cider donuts, and ice cream.

Since we had never picked peaches before and were short on time, we chose peaches and are so thrilled we did. They were perfect snacks for us as we explored the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia mountains.

8. Try Craft Beer at Blue Mountain Brewery

Once you have finished your peach picking, head down the road to the Blue Mountain Brewery, a favorite for those on the Shenandoah Valley Road trip trail.

Opened in 2007 as the region’s first rural brewery. We arrived early at 11:30 and were surprised by how many people were strolling in. With its mountain setting, full-service restaurant, and a large selection of craft beers you can see why it’s a favorite.

They also have their own cider: pear and apple flavor, which I enjoyed.

9. Go Wine Tasting at Veritas Vineyards and Winery

Did you know that the Shenandoah Valley is Virginia’s premier wine-growing destination? I had no idea wines were even produced here.

Veritas Vineyards and Winery is close to Blue Mountain Brewery (and many other wineries) and your perfect introduction to Virginia wines.

It’s an elegant, yet homely vineyard started on a simple horse and cattle farm in 1999 by Andrew and Patricia Hodson. This 20-year-old family business produces outstanding wines, ranging from sparkling to beautifully balanced red wines.

We enjoyed a flight tasting sitting on Adirondack chairs on the lawn with those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views.

I want to return for a more in-depth experience of the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. Girls’ trip anyone?

10. Explore Downtown Staunton

Staunton (pronounced Stanton) was our favorite of the small towns in the Shenandoah Valley (that we visited).

We enjoyed a delicious coffee from Crucible Coffee Roasters before walking along the streets admiring the historic homes into the pedestrian. street.

We stopped in at Blu Point Seafood for a delicious lunch outside. The fish and chips here were very similar to what you’d find in Australia, including the tartare sauce (I’ve never had anything in the US that remotely tastes the same).

Explore the downtown stores with cute local wares such as By the People, for the People, Latitudes Fair Trade Co., and Stanton Olive Oil.

A highlight was visiting the Sunspots Glass Blowing Studio for a glassblowing demonstration and to see the stunning glass products made on-site by various local artists.

The studio gallery is filled with one-of-a-kind art pieces, as well as functional art for the home and garden such as vases, hummingbird feeders, oil candles, and artisan jewelry.

This is the unique Virginia mountains souvenir you’re looking for. We purchased some drinking glasses and Savannah picked up a glow in the dark mushroom.

11. Enjoy Local Cider at Sagebird Ciderworks, Harrisonburg

What started as a way to save money for couple Amberlee and Zach Carlson has now turned into a popular and thriving local cidery in downtown Harrisonburg.

Word got out about the dry tart flavors of ciders they experimented with and produced from locally sourced fruit and flavor. They won a lot of awards, learned as much as they could, and eventually opened the first cidery in Harrisonburg, Sage Bird Ciderworks.

I enjoyed a tasting flight of five flavors. They also have a cider slush and cider mimosas, plus frozen lemonade for the kids.

12. Try Sushi at Mashita: Harrisonburg

What started as a Harrisonburg food truck favorite has now turned into a 14-seat restaurant in downtown Harrisonburg.

Chef and owner, Mikey Reisenberg, wanted to bring diversity to the local dining scene with innovative Korean dishes (his birth home). He began with a simple focus on steamed buns and Korean lettuce wraps called ssam and soon won multiple awards and expand his menu.

Mashita restaurant now offers finely crafted, made from scratch cuisine utilizing fresh ingredients from local suppliers and has many options for vegans and gluten-free requirements.

It was delicious.

Our Kimbap (Korean-style sushi) was up there with the best sushi I’ve had, and the Mashita Bibimbap with brisket took all the words out of mouth. I just wanted silence so I could savor the flavors.

13. Stay at Massanutten Resort, Virginia

Our friends visit Massanutten Resort every year to go skiing, so we were very aware of this premier year-round resort destination on the East Coast.

They were not lying when they spoke of how BIG Massanutten Resort is.

On over 6,000 acres, you’ll find condo and hotel accommodations and unique amenities like an Indoor/Outdoor Water Park, Ski and Adventure Park area, golf courses, farm-to-table dining experiences, shopping and recreation options, mountain biking and hiking trails and a day spa for complete relaxation and rejuvenation.

And deer. Everywhere we turned there were deer (and fawns!) grazing on the grass.

Its central location gives you easy access to all the amazing things to do in the Shenandoah Valley.

Summit Condo

We stayed in a spacious and comfortable 2-bedroom Summit Condo with beautiful views over the mountains. Enjoy it with your morning coffee on the screened-in porch.

The kitchen is huge allowing for self-catering and Savannah LOVED the gigantic jet bathtub.

For those now remote working and learning, I really liked the inclusion of a desk in the main bedroom. It’s often difficult to escape the busy family noise when working in the main living areas of your accommodations. This was a great feature.

14. Ziplining at the Family Adventure Park

The Massanutten Resort’s Family Adventure Park has a Kid’s Adventure Course (12 and under) a Ridge Rappel and Climbing Excursion, a Mega Zip, and tubing (summer and winter).

As we’re always up for a canopy adventure, Kalyra and I scaled up the trees together to take on hanging vines, bridges, and six zip lines – the longest at 470 ft long.

We LOVED the zip, where we could swing back and forth on the line in between the trees.

It was just Kalyra and I as there is a minimum weight of 78 pounds, which Savannah did not meet. So, this Canopy Adventure is teen approved!

I could imagine this activity would be a great thing to do in Shenandoah in October when the fall foliage is bright with oranges and yellows.

15. Splash Around the Indoor and Outdoor WaterPark

I was impressed by the size of the Indoor and Outdoor WaterPark at Massanutten. It’s a place the kids will want to spend hours.

Unfortunately, due to thunderstorms, the outdoor section was closed when we visited. We enjoyed a couple of hours in the indoor section instead of relaxing in the Lazy River and speeding through the dark down the Melting Mogul.

The Outdoor Waterpark has a wave pool and thrill waterslides and a 296 ft mat racer! Those water-slides looked amazing! There are also plenty of lounge chairs, swimming areas, hot springs, and kiddie splash pools.

For a more sedate swimming experience, Massanutten also has an indoor and outdoor pool at the main recreation building.

16. Escape from the MayDay Escape Room

Our first fun family attraction at Massanutten Resort was the Escape Room. It’s one of our favorite family activities to do for the team-building experience of trying to decipher clues together.

We escaped with one-minute to spare, sealing the ships doors, and saving the ship from sinking.

17. Try Casual Dining at the Base Camp

Base Camp is the place to chill out under the umbrellas on the ski lodge deck at the base of the mountain.

Enjoy the views, local craft beer, and a casual dinner of burgers, pizza, or seafood dishes. Don’t skimp on a brownie sundae for dessert.

18. Enjoy a Campfire Grill

The Campfire grill has a beautiful mountain setting with a large wraparound deck overlooking the golf course.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At night, you’ll find live music, camp stove chili, campfire chicken and pizzas, boned steaks and burgers, and S’mores. I loved my campfire skillet for breakfast.

19. Check out the Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge is a small town that connects to the Natural Bridge State Park, which has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s most well known for its caverns, which were opened to the public in 1977.

The caverns venture down 34 stories below the surface, offering an immense underground area to explore. You can explore the expansive rock chambers and discover cave formations such as the Colossal Dome.

The caverns are massive, and a guided tour will take around 45 minutes. It’s definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Shenandoah National Park.

20. Hike up Old Rag Mountain

Some of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah Valley are up Old Rag Mountain. These are challenging, rock scrambling hikes that are not for the faint-hearted.

There are two hikes up the mountain, the Old Rag Circuit, and Old Rag Summit via Berry Hollow. both are challenging hikes and require an Old Rag day-use ticket in advance.

For those serious adventurers, this one is for you.

21. Walk the Fridley Gap Loop

Located in George Washington National Forest, this 14.8km loop trail is a moderate hike in the Elkton area of Shenandoah.

It’s a reasonably challenging hike because it’s so long, and takes around 5.5 hours to complete. However, it’s definitely a rewarding experience. Not only because of the sense of achievement you get from it, but because it’s a great place to enjoy some quietness and solitude.

In the spring, the wildflowers are in bloom and the birds are churping. You can even camp if you have time to spare.

22. Visit the Frontier Culture Museum

The Frontier Culture Museum is an open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley. It brings history to life with costumed actors portraying information about the region’s past.

You’ll learn about Native American tribes, as well as about the arrival of German, English, and Irish immigrants who settled here, as well as learn about the jobs they had from blacksmithing, tailors, and yarn spinners.

You’ll also learn about the prominent slavery history of African people by British colonies in North America in a sensitive and child-friendly way.

This is a family-friendly attraction in Shenandoah that offers an insightful glimpse into Virginia’s history.

23. Hike up to Hawksbill Mountain

Hawksbill is the highest mountain in Shenandoah so if you’re a serious hiking fan, then this is one activity to add to the list.

Standing at 4,051 feet, this is undoubtedly the best place to see views of the Shenandoah Valley, as well as views as far as the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia Piedmont. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset,

There are three hiking trails to the Hawksbill Viewing Platform at the peak, but most people take the Hawksbill Loop Hike, which is less than 3 miles so not too long, but it is steep. The entire hike is about 690 feet of elevation gain.

The parking lot for the hiking trails is located on Skyline Drive between the Thornton Gap Entrance Station and the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station.

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are 23 of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park and as you can see, there is so much to do!

If you don’t have long to spend, I recommend you take a trip down Skyline Drive and stop off to do some hiking along the way. Stay in a small town and be sure to try some of the local wines and cider.

And above all, have a fantastic trip!

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The town is famous for its ski resorts, cross country skiing, and an alpine slide that sit at the base of the Stratton Moutain. But what many people don’t realize is, there are many things to do in Manchester VT all year round.

In the Spring and Summer, its downhill skiing runs turn into epic hiking trails, and in the fall, the autumnal colors fill the top attractions in Manchester with colors of orange, yellow and red.

The town is also home to many fascinating museums, farmers markets, and parks.

No matter what time of year you visit, you will be sure to find something to keep you busy and entertained in Manchester.

Our Experience Visiting Manchester

Manchester VT is a bucolic town in the Battenkill Valley in southwestern Vermont.

It’s relaxed and sophisticated, and while I preferred the town of Stowe in the northern part of Vermont, Manchester is a great base to explore Vermont’s unspoiled Green Mountains!

It has been a dream of mine to visit New England in the Fall for many years. I think Fall is possibly the only time humans celebrate change and transformation, I wanted to celebrate it in the place where the leaves danced in vibrant fashion.

Sadly, in some parts of the North East, the weather was unseasonably warm, which meant the leaves weren’t singing the loudest.

But, it also meant the leaf-peeping season was late, and we were late getting to New England, so lucky for us we caught the leaves at their peak colors.

We stayed in Manchester Vermont for three nights and did our best to chase the leaves all over the Green Mountain region.

We missed the turn off to our accommodation, which lead us to this driveway to turn around. I quickly snapped a photo, which was so popular on our social channels.

 

Loving the feel of Vermont already. Quick capture on my phone on arrival before the sun went down. I feel like we’ll be seeing a lot more scees like this.Follow our stories for more Any tips for Vermont?

A post shared by Family Travel Bloggers ???? (@ytravelblog) on Oct 9, 2017 at 5:41pm PDT

I really think it captured the spirit of New England – colonial, patriotic, warm, and perfectly suited to the spirit and vibrancy of Fall.

Things to Do in Manchester VT

Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a week, you’ll find there are plenty of attractions in Manchester to keep you busy. Here are some of the fun things to do in Manchester Vermont.

1. Bike riding through Manchester Village

We were excited to be using our new bikes for the first time in New England. What better way to explore Manchester VT than riding down the charming Main Street, which splits Manchester into two sections.

We began in Manchester Village, which is where you’ll find many of the white columned mansions and Victorian-era inns.

There is the gorgeous church and in the fall you’ll get golden pops framing the spire.

The popular and luxurious Equinox Hotel, built in 1769, is the centerpiece of the village.

Mary Todd Lincoln and her children from Washington D.C. spent two summers at The Equinox, which is said to be haunted by Honest Abe’s beloved wife.

A little cycle further north and you’ll reach Manchester Center with the more unpretentious stores, one of the most famous being the Northshire Bookstore sitting on the corner of a busy intersection.

There are a few arts and crafts shops and restaurants here as well.

2. Prospect Rock Trail

There are a lot of hiking trails in the Green Mountain National Forest.

We chose the Prospect Rock Walk as it seemed family-friendly and offered good views over the Manchester Valley. It was an uphill, 3.1 mile return walk. The uphill was fairly gentle though so easy enough to do with kids.

It’s a dirt trail beside a creek for some of it. The girls enjoyed the walk and seeing the fall colors for the first time.

It winds along a mountain brook before departing into birch-beech forest on a wide and open logging path. The trail criss-crosses the Appalachian Trail and Long Trails.

Be warned, you may miss the entrance to Prospect Rock. It comes off the main trail on the right. I only saw it because I glimpsed at the group of Malaysians in front of us who were standing on the rock.

Once we figured out how to get there we looked up and saw a small sign camouflaged high up on the tree trunk pointing you to the beautiful views of the Manchester Valley with Mount Equinox to the west.

If you’re looking for a more challenging trail, consider the Mount Equinox hike, which offers views of The White Mountains, the Green Mountains, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Berkshire Mountains!

3. Drive Around and See the Covered Bridges

Looking for a bit of nostalgia and quirky character on your Vermont Road trip?

A drive to discover the covered bridges in Southern Vermont and the Manchester VT area might be just your thing.

We learned that hunting for covered bridges are one of the most popular things to do in Manchester, New England! They are also called kissing bridges for the lovers who’d linger as they passed through. Vermont has more than 100 covered bridges.

We jumped in the car to explore five of them from Manchester to Bennington.

If you’re short on time, I’d skip this, or at least visit the following two covered bridges, which I found most interesting. You can get a bit covered-bridge tired after the first couple.

Chiselville Bridge

Just down the country road from Manchester and spanning the Roaring Branch and tucked down into the dip was our first covered bridge sighting.

Slow down so you can see the sign upon entry, and so you don’t get a fine.

As the sign says, it’s a $1 fine for driving too fast across it!

West Arlington Bridge

Two miles from the New York border is the cute West Arlington Bridge spanning the Batten Kill River.

The West Arlington Bridge was built in 1852 and is on National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the most known, and photographed in Vermont.

4. Bennington Battle Monument

Looking for historical things to do in Manchester VT and fancy a bit of Revolutionary War history?

I quite enjoyed the Bennington Monument, which was built to commemorate the Battle of Bennington. The battle which occurred on August 16, 1777, is considered to be the turning point in the Revolutionary War

For $5 you can take the elevator to the top of the Monument (306 ft high).

I’ve you’ve come all this way, I recommend you do. It offers a pretty birds eye view of the Bennington area, including where the battle was fought and all the way to New York state and Massachusetts.

5. Skyline Drive to Mt Equinox

One of the most popular things to do in Manchester VT is the Skyline Drive!

In true yTravel with kids fashion, we were late getting up the Skyline Drive which meant the lighting was harsh in the middle of the day for viewing and photographs: plenty of haze with the endless valley views.

The Mount Equinox Skyline Drive is the longest privately owned paved toll road in the USA. 5.2 miles long, elevation increases to 3,235 feet.

There are some parts of the Skyline Drive that were pretty, but not as spectacular as I was hoping as it was more brown in color. The auto toll road was a little expensive as well.

We did three different toll roads in New England up mountains and this was my least favourite. I think if you went at the right time of the day and had more time to take some walks and have a picnic it would be a better experience.

We did have a play with our new drone on the way back down though which gave us a wonderful perspective and some good video and photos.

Mt Equinox Skyline Drive toll road prices: 

• $15.00 car and driver
• $5.00 per passenger

6. Visit Earth Sky Time

I’m pretty sure anyone can just pop into the Earth Sky Time Community Farm and it was one of the most interesting things to do in Manchester VT.

It’s a certified organic three-generation family farmstead, wood-fired bakery, and thriving community of artists, musicians, and friends and was founded by Oliver, the brother of Melissa from the Wilburton Inn.

Melissa took us to see the cool things they are doing with the farm.

Every week, the farm bakes 2,000 loaves of bread for local markets, restaurants, and cafes. Earth Sky Time now has a community farm store with fresh produce from the garden.

Oliver is also known for making amazing hummus. And they have various art and music programs and events on the farm.

Oliver and his wife have recently started homeschooling their kids so it was great to have a chat with them about our roadschooling lifestyle and how to transition into it and make it work.

We also had a look at the bus Oliver welded together for his family’s road trip in the US. They baked bread along the way which they bartered for various things. How cool? The world is full of people doing fascinating things.

The farm is also popular with WOOFers. So if you like to follow this volunteering strategy around the world this farm may be the place for you.

Oliver has taken old shipping containers and refrigeration trucks and built woofing quarters out of them. Lots of sustainability things happening at this farm.

7. Stay at the Historic Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Located in downtown Manchester, the Kimpton Taconic Hotel is a historic building and boutique hotel that offers luxury and hospitable accommodations.

The hotel is set in the former home of Julius Kellogg, who built the cottage in 1876. It was turned into a hotel in 1907. It has changed names as a hotel many times over the years, but it has always retained its rustic charm.

With cozy fireplaces, wood-paneled walls, and a white-washed porch, it’s one of the most authentic properties you can stay in Manchester.

8. Visit The Lincoln Family Home (Hildene)

The Hildene Manor is a large mansion estate that was commissioned by Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, the only one of Abraham Lincoln’s children to survive into adulthood.

He built this Georgian Revival mansion to be his summer house in 1905. Today it is a museum and lovingly preserved home of Robert Lincoln and his descendants.

The Hildene Estate is a massive complex with a huge manor, 14 historic buildings, an observatory and manicured gardens. There are over 12 miles of trails that take you to Hildene Farm and Dene Farm, where you can pet the goats, sheep, and cows.

The home stayed in the possession of the Lincolns until 1975, when the last of the descendants, Mary Lincoln Beckwith, passed away, it was passed to the non-profit organization, Friends of Hildene.

Visitors can book a guided tour before visiting.

9. Learn about Fly Fishing at the American Museum of Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is one of the top things to do in Manchester, or Vermont for that matter, and if you want to learn all about how this unique sport came to the area, there’s no better place to learn than at the American Museum of Fly Fishing.

The museum preserves the history, traditions, and practices of fly fishing and also strives to promote the conservation of the rivers.

If you’re interested in trying your hand at fly fishing, the Battenkill River is one of the best places to try it.

10. Admire Local Art at the Southern Vermont Arts Center

The Southern Vermont Arts Center is a space for the community to come together and participate in the arts. They hold regular classes and workshops, as well as showcase the work created by local residents.

If you’re interested in art, then a visit to the Southern Vermont Arts Center is definitely worth adding to your Manchester itinerary.

11. Roam Around Equinox Pond

The Equinox Pond is a relaxing lake just outside central Manchester. It’s a relaxing place with a few hiking trails nearby. To get to the pond, park your car near the Red Gate Trail Head and walk 800 meters to the pond.

The Equinox area’s nature is unlike anywhere else. It’s quiet and tranquil, and depending on the time of year you visit, is alive with color. We definitely recommend coming here in the Fall if you can.

The Equinox Valley Nursery is also a great place to visit in October during the fall season. The nursery is full of trees and greenery that comes alive with color this time of year.

12. Pack Your Snowshoes and Check Out The Ski Resorts

Stratton Mountain is the number one place for skiing near Manchester in the winter. It has 99 trails and runs from one singular summit and the highest peak in Vermont.

It’s also known for being the birthplace of snowboarding.

The trails range from beginner trails to advanced trails, so if you’re a skiing or snowboarding enthusiast, this is the best thing to do in Manchester for you.

You can also take sleigh rides from Taylor Farm, if you’re visiting with kids in the winter and not interested in hitting the slopes.

13. See Glass-Blowing at Manchester Hot Glass

Manchester Hot Glass is a glass-blowing studio where you can learn and create amazing hand-blown glass products. Glass-blowing classes tend to take around two hours and you can take home the product you create.

This is certainly one of the most exciting things to do in Manchester on a rainy day, as well as a way for you to take home a unique souvenir.

14. Manchester Farmers Market

Manchester Farmers Market runs every Thursday from early June through early October. It’s a local produce market that pops up in Adams Park from 3pm-6pm, where 30 vendors sell their produce and artisans.

It’s the perfect place to pick up some local food to sit and have a picnic.

15. Chase Manchester’s Rivers and Waterfalls

Manchester is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, so you should definitely make sure to head out in search of the best nature spots.

Some stunning natural landscapes in the Manchester area are Lye Brook Falls, which lies on the Appalachian Trail. There’s also Dorset Quarry, which has been filled and turned into a lake.

Places to Eat in Manchester VT (and surrounds)

Of course, exploring all these top things to do in Manchester means working up an appetite. If you’re not sure where to eat in Manchester, here are some of our top recommendations.

Silver Fork

For a special night out, Silver Fork is an elegant dining room serving high-end French cuisine. The owner is an award-winning chef who creates dishes that are works of art.

The menu changes according to what the chef finds fresh at the market or what’s in season, so you’re always guaranteed to have a delicious and fresh meal.

Copper Grouse

This restaurant is like an English tavern that has been dropped in the middle of Vermont. It’s dedicated to traditional American craft cooking, using freshly sourced ingredients.

Even if you don’t eat here, be sure to order a cocktail and enjoy the pub-style ambiance.

Up For Breakfast

On our first morning, we headed to Up For Breakfast on recommendation by our waitress the evening before.

It’s a local’s favorite tucked up a set of stairs in a cozy building.

The carrot cake pancakes came highly recommended which I was dying to try, although they did not have a gluten free version, so we opted for the blueberry gluten free pancakes instead.

You try the carrot cake ones for me and let me know what they are like, okay?

The L-Shaped room is cramped yet grandmotherly cozy. It definitely wasn’t a fancy place and, while I didn’t think it was worth raving about, it was a local’s tip so we’re sharing it with you.

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant

Don’t let the name fool you, this restaurant is one of the number one places to visit for authentic Southern Vermont local food.

Like Silver Fork, The Reluctant Panther also has an intimate dining setting, but is a little less “date night” and a great place to eat for any traveler visiting Manchester.

J.J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery, Peru

We loved this little grocery store we discovered in the quaint one-street town of Peru near Bromley Mountain, one of the ski resort areas in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Historically, J.J. Hapgood has been the longest continuously-running general store in the state.

Owner Juliette Britton grew up in Peru and, with her husband Tim, revived the beloved general store in 2013.

It’s now not just a store that provides provisions, dry goods, and local produce, but it houses a local foods café, a custom wood-fired oven built by artisan Peter Moore, a gallery space, an outdoor patio, and growler filling stations.

We ate delicious homemade food on the tables outside in the warm sun while the girls played games of corn hole and giant jenga in the garden.

I highly recommend a glass of the local kombucha on tap. It was a relaxing lunch after our Prospect Rock Walk.

Bryant House, Weston

Another cute village near Manchester VT is Weston, home to Vermont’s oldest professional theater company.

The famous Vermont Country Store is an impressive art gallery and the popular Bryant House, which is where we stopped for lunch on the way to Stowe.

Next door to the busy Vermont Country store is the 1825 eating rooms at the Bryant House Restaurant.

It’s popular so book ahead or arrive early.

We sat at the bar in the 1885 bar room as we were in a hurry. The menu is pure New England fare, with classics like Yankee Pot Roast and Chicken Pie.

The roast vegetable stack that I had was the most delicious meal I had in Vermont. It was also Bryant House where we had our first taste of hot apple cider – a Vermont specialty – it was delicious and is something we now seek out.

Where to Stay in Manchester

One of the highlights of visiting Manchester VT was our stay in a cozy cottage at Wilburton Inn, a historic inn on a 30-Acre hilltop estate.

If you like your accommodation to be more than just a bed to lie in, then The Wilburton Inn is for you.

The property was built in 1902, but has been independently owned for 30 years by the Levis family. I enjoyed meeting with Melissa, the daughter of the owner, who has taken over as manager of the estate.

Over breakfast, Melissa moved around to every breakfast table, greeting the customers, sometimes with a warm embrace, and spending time to find out a little about their backgrounds and lives.

It’s really rare to see that kind of care and interest. There is a lot of love and passion behind creating a warm, friendly and heartwarming experience at the Wilburton Inn.

This is the kind of atmosphere that her mother created when the family took over the inn and transformed it from an exclusive resort to a warm and friendly place open to creatives and romantics.

The Levis want their property to be more than just a hotel. Throughout the year, they put on fun events such as murder mystery weekends, Farm Nights with music and special menus, and holiday celebrations.

The Wilburton Inn also is the site for private yoga retreats, and corporate getaways, with its beautiful vistas and historic charm, many weddings.

There is plenty to do on the beautifully maintained 30 acres of property – biking and walking paths as well as tennis courts and a swimming pool (in season).

Don’t miss The Museum of the Creative Process, which consists mostly of a sculpture trail around the property.

These sculptures pay homage to love and the art of Greece, Japan, Mexico, India, and Mesopotamia. There are seats near many of the sculptures for your reflection or meditation.

The Wilburton has inn rooms, suites, and vacation villas ranging from 2-bedroom cottages to a 15 bedroom mansion.

We stayed in the Inn keeper’s cottage with unobstructed views of the Green Mountains.

The cottage was first built for the original innkeepers. It’s a two bed, two bath cottage that can sleep up to 6 people.

The cottage has a kitchen and is spacious and cozy (especially with the wood fire burning at night.) I loved watching the fog break over the mountain early in the morning during sunrise from the deck.

We stayed for three nights as guests of the Wilburton Inn.

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are the best things to do in Manchester VT and as you can see, there’s more to see and do than just skiing.

We hope this guide helped you plan your Manchester adventure!

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Raw. Weird. Wonderful. These are just a few of the terms you’d use to describe the rugged terrain and lifestyle of a state still in the process of defining itself.

Its mountain peaks, towering forests, coastal scenery, thundering waterfalls, high desert spaces and rivers invite you to slow down, explore and find solace in the beauty on your Oregon trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Plan for a good amount of time as there are so many cool things to do in Oregon. It is full of adventure, beauty and plenty of good breweries! But if you’re not sure where to stop on your Oregon road trip, then read on to find out.

Here are the Oregon Road Trip Adventures we recommend (and the Oregon Coast is included this in our best road trips in the USA list and top scenic drives in the USA.

Why Take an Oregon Road Trip?

It’s wild and free and an Oregon road trip allows you to show up as you are. When you visit Oregon, anything is accepted and welcome.

This is a state that at times reminded me of Australia with its coastal beauty and its raw, unfiltered, laid back lifestyle.

At other times it reminded me of North Carolina with its mountains, rivers and pine tree forests and craft brews. Two places I love to call my home.

I spent the entire time of our road trip in Oregon longing to return to both of them. Thankfully, Oregon helped to satisfy that craving a little.

It’s also the best way to see nature spots, since you don’t have to rush off to catch a bus, you can stay as long as you like and never have to worry.

It’s perfect for anxious travelers who like to have everything planned to the letter, as with a road trip in Oregon, you can plan for last minute, make changes to your Oregon itinerary, or just start driving and see where you end up!

How to Plan Your Oregon Road Trip

The first thing you will need for your Oregon road trip is a vehicle (of course). If you don’t have your own, you can find the best deals using RentalCars.com, which compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.

As well as renting your car, you’re going to need accommodation. You can find all types of accommodation for all budgets, on Booking.com.

We find that Booking.com have the widest range of properties. You get free cancellation on most rooms, the best price guarantee, and they have verified reviews from guests who have actually stayed at the property!

If you want to step your road trip up a notch, you can rent an RV and camp. RVShare is a great platform for finding RVs and motorhomes for rent.

Road Trip Stops: Things to Do in Oregon

You may be wondering about what to do in Oregon. Below are the best stops for Oregon adventures to add into your Oregon road trip itinerary.

1. Jet Boating on the Rogue River, Gold Beach

One of the best adventures on your Oregon coast road trip is to spend a day jet boating on the wild and scenic Rogue River on the South Oregon Coast.

The girls will never forget this adventure squealing and waving their hands in the air with their friends as we bounced over rapids and did some fast 360 degree turns.

The scenery is rugged and spectacular and it’s highly possible you’ll see lots of wildlife along the way.

Commentary along the six hour tour is informative and entertaining.

There are long (104 miles) and short (80 miles) tours. I recommend the 104-mile Wilderness Whitewater tour with Jerry’s Rogue Jets so you can experience the thrill of the rapids which is mostly featured on the longer tour.

It travels into the ‘Wild’ section, an area only accessible by jet boating, rafting and hiking trail.

You will stop along the way for lunch and a brew if you feel up to it. OR, you can take your own picnic lunch like we did. The picnic spots above the river are serene.

2. Multnomah Falls Loop Hike, Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah Falls is a must see in Oregon. It’s the most well-known of all the waterfalls in Oregon.

This 611 ft. tall cascading waterfall is only 30 minutes from Portland and is the tallest waterfall in Oregon.

As it’s one of the most popular Oregon tourist attractions, you probably want to include it on your Oregon road trip.

The surrounding Columbia River Gorge is stunning (and full of waterfalls) so makes it an easy decision.

Skip just joining the masses from the Benson Bridge, the observation point offering a perfect view of the first and second drop of the waterfall – instead take on the 5 mile loop walk to the waterfall.

Not only will you experience the power of this gigantic waterfall from top, middle and bottom, but you’ll also pass by five other waterfalls along the way, as well as countless cascades.

It’s an adventurous and fun way to spend a few hours.

Take your time, you’ll have a few waterfalls along the way that will help you catch your breath:

• Wahkeena Falls
• Fairy Falls
• Wiesandanger Falls
• Ecola Falls

Lemmons Lookout is a must for stunning views out over the gorge. I also enjoyed walking through the blackened forest, the remnants of the 2017 fire this region is still recovering from.

Our tip is to start at the Wahkeena Trailhead, a short walk east of Multnomah Falls.

On the way back down you’ll eventually hit the top of Multnomah Falls and have views of it on the many switchbacks leading back down.

You’ll be happy you’re going down as you pass by all the panting people walking up.

The kids will find this hike a challenge, but keep them going with promises of a delicious soft serve ice cream at the end. It’s the Multnomah way.

The Wahkeena Falls – Multnomah 5 mile walk takes us past five waterfalls including the infamous Multnomah Falls.

Moving onto Hood River we spend a day exploring the Hood River Fruit Loop Trail which takes us to berry picking, wineries with stunning views of Mt Hood and Mt Adams, Cideries and Lavender Farms.

3. Tubing the Deschutes River, Bend

Tubing on the Deschutes River in Bend was one of the Oregon attractions we were looking most forward to.

And then we had a freak cold spell and jumped in the tube with the water temps at a chilly 57 degrees and the outside temps barely nudging 70.

But we were determined not to miss out on one of the top things to do in Oregon!

Don’t let the cold stop you as we had a blast regardless. You got used to the cold pretty quick and the experience was relaxing and scenic.

What made the tubing in Bend a standout were the rapids at the Whitewater Park.

This is where the river splits into three separate channels for all skill levels. Tubers will want to go down the Passageway Channel which is a more mellow series of rapids.

As you come down the rapids you can easily get stuck in them as it hits the water underneath on the next level. You may have to wait for another tube to bump you out of it if you can’t get yourself out.

Or, you could be just like me and flip out!

It was refreshing fun and I recommend going down them a couple of times as the kids did.

You’ll definitely want to stay awhile and watch the surfers ride the waves in the whitewater channel next to the tubing one. It created distinct man-made waves you can surf or kayak through.

You can tube the river all the way into Drake Park in downtown, but we cut it short at the rapids because of the weather.

Video Bend Oregon

4. Misery Ridge Trail, Smith Rock State Park

Our good friends Mike and Ann from Honeytrek recommended the Misery Ridge Trail in Smith Rock State Park as one of their favorite places in Oregon.

Considering their suggestion to do the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Canyon together in Utah (the kids favorite hike ever) we knew it was a good idea to listen to them.

They were not wrong!

Misery Ridge Trail is spectacular and definitely in my top 5 hikes in the United States.

It was everything I love about a hike: heart pumping, a little challenging with periods of rest, diversity of landscape that just had your jaw dropping, and incredible views!

Smith Rock State Park is about 30 minutes north of Bend and is one trip you don’t want to miss on your Oregon road trip.

The Misery Ridge trail is a 5.5 mile loop trail that begins with a steep climb up to the summit at 3,300 ft. There are switchbacks to make it easier, but it will be quite the exertion.

Take it slow and pause to catch your breath and admire the beautiful views. It will be over in about 20 minutes and from then on the rest of the hike is easy.

You’ll walk along the ridge for awhile before coming back down and completing the walk along the river bank. The views and scenery are just spectacular.

Leave time to stop for awhile at Monkey Face, the huge free-standing pillar and one of the park’s icons. This is one of the most famous rock climbing walls in the country.

You can watch climbers climb up to the monkey’s mouth.

The view from here was one of the most beautiful I have seen in the country. Be sure to spend time soaking it up.

The towering rock spires of Smith Rock State Park have been drawing rock climbers from around the world since the 80’s. You’ll see plenty of them, from the advanced Monkey Face scalers to beginners on the easy rock face walls as you walk back around the river.

5. Quad Biking the Oregon Sand Dunes, Florence

What family wouldn’t love a thrilling ATV adventure?

Well, hit the sand dunes in Florence and you’ll find miles of undulating dunes waiting for you to zip up and down – take your pick: your own quad bike, or a two or four person side by side.

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area area is a merging of forest, ocean, Siuslaw River, and desert that stretches south about 40 miles from Florence to Coos Bay on the Oregon South Coast.

The undulating dunes will stretch for miles and you could easily get lost amongst the drifts and drop offs. Be sure to be careful when you approach or you may get airborne!!

Kalyra and Craig did the individual quad bikes and Savannah and I did the ATV side by side from Torex ATV Rentals. 

We were concerned about Savannah going on her own and not being able to manage the brake. A few weeks before we were bike riding in San Francisco and she had a hand brake for the first time and struggled with it.

As our other friends had quad bikes, Knox (7 years) gave Savannah a little turn on the flats and she handled it really well. So she definitely could have done the quad bike.

This was a wild fun Oregon adventure zipping up and down the dunes. The kids had a blast and is a must on your Oregon Coast road trip.

Florence Quad Biking Video:

6. Crater Lake National Park

We hesitated in taking the day trip from our camping spot in Umpqua National Forest to drive the hour to Crater Lake National Park. Would it really be worth it for just half a day?

Yes. Yes. and more yes!

Crater Lake was worth it even though half of it was closed due to snow still covering the road. In fact, someone was skiing down the steep mountain when we arrived!

It meant we could not complete the full 33 mile loop road, nor do the Cleetwood Cove hike down to the lake (and take a refreshing dip), nor take a ferry ride out to Wizard Island, but that was okay.

We could still marvel at the dramatic volcanic scenery from various viewpoints and be stunned at the deep blue water with shades of turquoise color.

If you want more amazement, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on earth, its purity created by rain and snow filling in the caldera formed during a violent eruption 7,700 years ago.

July or August is the best time to visit Crater Lake when most things will be reopened.

I highly recommend staying a bit longer if you can to do some of the activities mentioned above.

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most beautiful places to see in Oregon and will amaze you.

Crater Lake Video

7. Goonies Trail, Astoria and Cannon Beach

Talk about Oregon coast attractions. It’s the home of the ultimate adventures – The Goonies.

Goonies lovers, you cannot visit Oregon without experiencing some of that Goonies magic on your Oregon coast drive. And if you are not a Goonies lover, what is wrong with you?

Go and watch that movie right now for the passion and big innocent dreaming that comes with youth.

I’ll never forget the moment when we came upon the Goonies vista – you know the one with the rocks jutting out of the rolling surf.

I flashed back to my childhood seeing that in the movie, and one day hoping that I could live a life that had such adventure, connection, and serve a greater purpose.

And here I was, doing just that in front in the Goonies world. Be a dreamer!

You’ll find this world at Astoria and Cannon Beach which is on the northern Oregon coast where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.

Cannon Beach is one of the best places on Oregon Coast. It’s a charming seaside town with small boutique shops and breweries to explore.

And the Goonies magic comes with Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach.

The more dramatic Goonies viewpoint overlooking those sea stack rocks can be found at Ecola Point. A good adventure is to walk from there down to the quiet and stunning sandy beach, Crescent Beach and then onto Cannon Beach.

Astoria then is the town of Goondocks, where the family lived. It is very much like that sleepy fishing village.

You can no longer get close to the Goonies house but you can see it from a few blocks back perched up on the hill.

The Astoria Brewing Company has some cool Goonies merchandise in their special Goonies store.

Astoria and Cannon Beach video

8. Koosah & Sahalie Falls Hike, McKenzie River

A short, one way green forested trail meanders beside the pristine turquoise waters of the Mackenzie River taking you to two waterfalls: Koosah and Sahalie Falls.

The waterfall trail hike was my favorite of things to do in Mackenzie River area. Actually, it was possibly one of my favorite things to do in Oregon.

Sahalie Falls is a mass of foaming white water plunging 100 feet (30 m) over a natural lava dam and Koosah Falls drops approximately 70 feet (21 m) into a deep pool.

You will find more parking at Koosah so we began our hike from there.

You can either hike directly by following the river, or there is a larger 3 mile loop walk going through the forest that takes in the two waterfalls.

We didn’t do this one, but I think the direct path along the river would be far prettier. The loop walk does not go beside the river, and that was the real highlight for me.

Don’t miss the McKenzie River Valley for stunning waterfalls, lakes, and hiking!

McKenzie River Video:

9. Lava River Cave, Bend

This was one of the most unexpected and fun Oregon adventures we had.

I didn’t know much about Bend except for the river tubing and breweries. When we arrived we discovered a really cool volcanic landscape and history to explore at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument largest volcano in the Cascade Range.

The Lava River Cave was formed 80,000 years ago with the Newbury Volcano’s eruptions and offers a mile-long lava tube .

It’s Oregon’s longest lava tube. The walk was a fun and unique self-guided hike on uneven ground in the dark.

Be prepared for slippery surfaces and 150 stairs. I nearly fell over loads of times as I had a very dim flashlight. The kids had a blast running ahead in the dark, and trying to spook each other by jumping out.

It’s 42°F degrees year round in here so be sure to wear warm clothes and sturdy closed in shoes. The tube narrows and shortens in some sections so watch your heard.

Don’t forget your bright flashlight. Or you can hire them there.

10. Drive the Hood River Fruit Loop Trail, Columbia River Gorge

Looking for places to go in Oregon to over-indulge?

Be prepared to sample delicious goods straight from the source including fruit, beer, wine and cider – all with the spectacular backdrop of snow capped Mt Hood and Mt Adams.

Both mountains face off from each other, you’ll get to see at least one of them no matter the direction you drive, and sometimes you’ll find a spot where you can look front and back to see both.

The Hood River Fruit Loop trail is a stunning 35-mile self-guided road trip through the fertile Hood River Valley.

There are nearly 30 small, family owned  farms, orchards, cideries and wineries you can stop at along the way.

Many of the orchards offer u-pick opportunities including apples, pears. cherries, peaches, and berries.

Some of our favorite spots on the Hood River Fruit Loop Trail:

• Draper Girls Country Cider Company
• Montavon Berries
• Grateful Vineyards
• Stave and Stone Winery
• The Old Trunk

Columbia River Gorge Video

11. Tide Pooling near Yachats

I’d never really understood tide pooling until I was peering at rock walls covered with gooey globs of bright greens, purples and orange tessellated between bright orange starfish.

What is this world I have just discovered? Turns out tide pools are one of the top Oregon coast attractions and I wanted to play there all day.

I guess the local tide pools at my Australian home didn’t know how to do it properly as I had no idea this was what you could find.

The kids had a blast discovering this underwater world that throughout the day is mostly covered by 3 feet or more of ocean water.

There was all manner of weird and wobbly-shaped creatures of various sizes and vibrant colors.

There are tons of tide pools in that 180-mile stretch of the Oregon coast road trip from Florence up to Astoria that you can find and explore.

Time your visit 1-2 hours before low tide so you have plenty of time to see the wonders.

We visited the tide pools near Thor’s Well just outside the small town of of Yachats. There is a 20 mile stretch of rocky basalt ledges near Yachats that brings abundant tide pools to explore.

12. Bike Ride to Benham Falls, Bend

This bike ride to Benham Falls was one of my favorite things to do in Bend and on our Oregon road trip.

The 5.5 miles (one way) bike path winds through pretty forest to the Deschutes River at the Benham Falls Trailhead.

We knew were were going to be in for a bit of a challenging ride back when the trail began going slightly downhill and pretty much stayed that way for the entire length of the ride. Oops.

Savannah nailed it and she had no gears and was on a small kids bike. I don’t know how she could peddle up those hills singing and chatting away to me.

Once you get to the Benham Falls Trailhead the path follows the river and is beautiful.

Benham Falls is not a plummeting waterfall but rather a series of cascading rapids with forest on either side.

It’s a beautiful sight and well worth the bike ride. You can also drive down to the falls if you don’t want to bike it.

13. Experience Oregon’s Brewery and Cidery Trail

Loosen your belts. We can’t talk about Oregon destinations and not mention breweries. It’s one of the best states in the country to sample local craft beer and cider.

It’s a bit like Ireland, except it’s a brewery on every corner rather than a pub.

There are over 250 craft breweries in Oregon, many of them operating in a sustainable way and keeping up the state’s reputation for being one of the greenest states in the country.

Don’t drink beer?

Unfortunately, neither do I thanks to a gluten intolerance.

Not to fear, Oregon has plenty of cider options for you and a couple of gluten free beers can be found here and there.

I was overly impressed with the cider world in Oregon. Usually my choices are limited and not-appreciated. And now I have left I am quite sad to be left drinking mostly just chardonnay due to pretty awful cider choices.

I felt like I had a different cider and flavor in Oregon to enjoy every day. From rhubarb, to marionberry, loganberry to cucumber and gin, this place offers innovative ciders.

You will also find innovative brew flavors using local ingredients.

Many of the regions and towns will have brewery trails, helping you to win prizes by collecting as many local brew stickers as you can.

I told you to loosen those belts!

• The Bend Ale Trail includes 23 high-desert breweries
• North Coast Craft Beer Trail includes 12 breweries between Astoria and Pacific City.
• Mt Hood Territory Tap Trail takes in 16 ciderie’s and beer crafter’s.

Wine lovers will also enjoy Willamette Valley. We didn’t get to experience much here. Just a couple of nights in Harvest Hosts. I’d like to return and do some more wine tasting.

Some of our favorite breweries:

• Yachats Brewing – best all round brewery for beers, cider, cozy raw atmosphere, and farm to table food.
• Thunder Island Brewing – the strange Rhubarb cider for the win here. Trivia night was also fun. You’re right on the picturesque Columbia River.
• Crux Fermentation Project – huge outside beer garden and family friendly
• Avid Cider – loved their Dragonfruit Cider
• Portland Cider Company – a wide range of ciders to try. Don’t look past the cherry one!
• Bend Brewing Company – you can’t beat this location on the river
• Draper Girls Cider – do not miss the peach cider, perfect for a hot summers afternoon. Took home a growler!

14. Tillamook Creamery

The Tillamook Creamery is a cheese factory in Tillamook where you can see behind the scenes of cheese making, including the dairy farm where the cows are kept.

You can watch the cheese being made and of course try their tasty products. Make sure to try some ice cream! This is the freshest place to try it. You can even watch the ice cream being made with their Ice Cream Experience.

Tillamook is also the starting point of the Three Capes Scenic loop on the Northern Oregon coast. It goes south towards Pacific City, and passes three capes; Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. The drive is only 50 miles, but it packs a lot in!

15. Fort Stevens State Park

For Stevens is a huge 3,763-acre park known for its wild beaches, hiking and biking trails, and historic fortress. The park is so big, you simply need to make it a stop to enjoy for a day or at least half a day.

The park is most famous for the rusty steel shipwreck, which ran ashore in 1906.

The park has such a varied landscape, from dunes, to lakes, to forest and stunning beaches. It’s definitely worth making a stop here on your Oregon vacation.

Make sure to hike the Cathedral Tree Trail and see the Astoria Column.

16. Newport

Newport is basically the halfway point of a Oregon coast road trip. It’s where you’ll find the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Oregon, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

This part of Oregon is thriving with local marine life, and is a great place to try some seafood.

You should also make sure to visit Yaquina Bay State Park, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the Rocky Creek View Point.

17. Brookings

Brookings is probably your first or last stop, depending on the order in which you travel on your road trip. It lies close to the California border on the Southern Oregon coast. It’s known for its scenic landscapes and music festivals.

It’s also a lot warmer in temperature than in other parts of Oregon. This is due to the airflow that parallels off the river basin. Some even refer to this as the “Brookings Effect.”

Along the coast, you’ll pass by incredible sea stack rock formations. The most famous of which are the Natural Bridges, which are located just a short hike from the road.

Another stop worth adding to your Oregon coast road trip is Secret Beach, which only appears during low tide. You’ll find the trailhead just north of Miller Creek on Highway 101.

If you’re looking for a stop on your road trip where you feel like you’re in a more tropical, Californian environment, then don’t rush past Brookings.

18. Willamette National Forest

The Willamette National Forest is a gorgeous region in central Oregon that has 380,000 acres of wilderness and includes seven mountain peaks of the Cascade Range. Some notable peaks are Mount Jefferson and the Calapooya Ridge.

The landscape is beautiful, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and rivers, the most famous is the Willamette River, which is where the park gets its name.

It is said to be home to some endangered species such as the northern spotted owl.

If you plan to visit the forest, we recommend staying in Eugene, which is a city with a lot to see and do.

19. Mount Hood National Forest

Mount Hood is a potentially active volcano in Oregon that is best known for its ski slopes and alpine winter sports. It’s the largest ski resort in Oregon and has 85 slopes that are suitable for all levels of skier.

Another attraction near Mount Hood is The Timberline Lodge. It’s famous for being the setting for the Stephen King movie remake of The Shining, though in the book the hotel was set in Colorado.

Though famous for the horror movie, it has been operating as a hotel for 80 years and is still family-run.

20. Ashland

Another popular stop on an Oregon road trip is Ashland in the southern region of Oregon. It’s an alpine town and has excellent ski facilities in the winter.

In the summer, these slopes turn into adrenaline-fueled mountain biking trails.

This stunning, and green city is surrounded by natural beauty. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails, especially in North Mountain Park which has a nature center and themed gardens. Lithia Park is also a stunning green space in the city worth visiting.

It’s also known to host the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. If you’re looking for a sleepy small town to relax in, Ashland is a great option.

Scenic Viewpoints on an Oregon Coast Road Trip

Of course, you’ll take plenty of stops along the way while road-tripping Oregon, but if you want to stop off for some views along the coastline, here are some places we recommend you take a break to admire the stunning vistas.

• Depoe Bay
• Ecola State Park (a great place for sunset)
• Indian Beach
• Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
• Three Cape lookout (part of the Three Capes Scenic Route)
• Cape Meares Lighthouse
• Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (Where you’ll find Thor’s Well)
• Shore Acres State Park
• Beverley Beach State park (for whale watching!)
• Sea Lion Caves (the best place to see sea lions)
• Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor

Before You Go

This is just a sampling of the incredible adventures waiting for you on your Oregon road trip. We were disappointed we did not get to explore more of the hot springs in Eastern Oregon and, especially, the Painted Hills

We hope you can also experience some of the best places to visit on the Oregon coast!

But before you go, make sure to check out our free PDF of our Oregon Bucketlist. This resource has tons of information to help you plan your trip to Oregon.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Not having travel insurance on any trip is not worth the risk. Anything can, will, and sometimes goes wrong.

What happens if:

• You need to cancel your trip unexpectedly
• You get sick or injured on your trip
• There is a natural disaster
• You lose important documents

Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies and events such as trip cancellation, your personal effects, and other related losses incurred while traveling.

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The United States was simply made for road tripping. With wide, open roads, incredible natural scenery, and well-equipped campsites. Embarking on a road trip has never been more accessible.

We’ve been taking road trips in the USA since 2004 before we had kids, and for the past 4 years in-depth with our kids, including a 10-month RV trip across the Western part of the USA.

We’ve pretty much traveled to all four corners of the states, so we’ve decided to put all our knowledge and experience together to present to you the best road trips in the USA. If you’ve been dreaming of the Great Open Road, one of these trips will be sure to ignite your fantasies.

About These Road Trips in the United States

In this post, we have included both short road trips, and cross-country road trip routes that incorporate multiple stops or destinations.

They are usually longer than a day trip or scenic drive, and usually take anywhere from a weekend to a week to complete. In fact, you could complete them all and have a really incredible adventure!

We’ve also given an estimated recommended time frame for each road trip. To be honest, the best part of a road trip is going at your own pace. The longer you have the better, but I know your time may be limited.

But before you see why America is one of the best road trip destinations in the world, you need to be prepared…

Getting a Road Trip Rental

Unless you have your own car, you’re going to need to get yourself a vehicle for your road trip in the United States. If you’re visiting from abroad, we recommend you use RentalCar, as this is a price comparison site that compares all the top rental car companies.

If you’re planning on camping in your vehicle, then RV Share is the site to browse around. It has RVs and motorhomes of all sizes and weights, plus you can pick them up from several locations.

The Best Road Trips in the United States

Now you know how to get started and find a vehicle, it’s time to take a look at the stops! These are our favorite itineraries for a road trip in the United States and they cover all our favorite places to visit in the US.

Go take a look!

1. Grand Circle Road Trip, Southwest USA

• START | END: Las Vegas
• DISTANCE: 1,000+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 – 3 weeks

The Grand Circle Road Trip is one of the most famous National Parks road trips in the USA. It’s where most people will focus their time when exploring the American Southwest.

It predominantly goes to all the iconic National Parks in Utah, but also crosses into Arizona for a while as well.

Expect a kaleidoscope of colors, rock formations, canyons, buttes, mesas, arches, and fairy tale kingdoms.

It’s WOW moments all round as you visit each of the national parks (don’t miss the lesser visited places in Utah, just as good state parks) with epic views out your window on every mountain turn and the straight desert road.

The Grand Circle Road Trip is about 1,000 miles long depending on how many detours you take. This region is full of epic detours and scenic drives and is predominantly within the state of Utah but crosses into Arizona as well.

Stops on the Grand Circle Road Trip:

This road trip includes the below-mentioned national parks. Click on each link to help you plan your trip:  

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Antelope Canyon

Other unmissable moments to include in this region include:

• Monument Valley
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which includes the Highway 12 Scenic Drive and Burr Trail Scenic Drive
• 14 Adventures to experience in the American Southwest
• Utah Bucket List
• Arizona Bucket List

Southwest USA Itineraries

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2. Mountains National Parks Road Trip (CO, WY, MT)

• START | END: Denver | Glacier National Park
• DISTANCE: 953 Miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 10 Days

Talk about one of the best American road trip routes! This journey through the spectacular Rocky Mountain region of Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana will take you to some of the top national parks in the USA!

The Rocky Mountains National Park is the perfect place to start your exploration of this mountain range that goes all the way into Canada. We loved the many hikes we did in this national park and seeing the source (just a trickle) of the mighty Colorado River was amazing.

The Grand Teton Range offers some of the most dramatic views of mountains rising out of the valley floor you’ll ever see. It’s also one of the best places to see moose in the wild.

Yellowstone National Park has to be one of the coolest places in the world. There is nothing quite like that swirling, bubbling, geyser-shooting land where bison, wolves and bears roam.

And Glacier National Park is filled with stunning glacial views, adventurous hikes and the exhilarating Going to the Sun Road, one of America’s most loved scenic drives.

Keep the window clear as the views as you drive between these USA national parks will be just as good as the destination stops.

Stops on the Mountains National Parks Road Trip

The Mountains National Parks road trip stops at the below destinations.

• Denver
• Rocky Mountains National Park: Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Trail Ridge Road, Moraine Park
• Jackson (Don’t miss the Cowboy Bar!)
• Grand Teton National Park: Mormon Row, Jenny Lake, Moose Pond
• Yellowstone National Park: Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs / Boiling River, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful
• Glacier National Park: Going to the Sun Road, Upper Grinnell Lake Hike, Avalanche Lake Hike

3. Road to Hana, Hawaii Road Trip

• START | END: Paia | Hana | Seven Sacred Pools
• DISTANCE: 45 miles
•  TIME RECOMMENDED: 1+ days

One of the most famous road trips in Hawaii is the 45-mile Road to Hana.

With 617 hairpin turns and 56 one-lane bridges, you’ll need a bit of stamina for this drive, especially for the long winding return road home.

The road starts in Paia and is embedded on the side of the high jungle cliffs plunging into the sea revealing panoramic Pacific Ocean views, bamboo jungle and Norfolk pines, sacred waterfalls and swimming holes, lava tubes, tropical flowers and roadside food stands.

Set aside a full-day for this drive and start early!

It’s one of the few scenic drives in this post that’s also a road trip experience and can be one in one day. You could break this up into a multi-destination road trip staying in different places along the way.

Stops on the Road to Hana Road Trip

The main stops on the Road to Hana road trip in Hawaii are:

• Twin Falls
• Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden
• Upper Waikani Falls
• Wai’napanapa State Park
• Hamoa Beach
• ‘Ohe’o Gulch’ – The Seven Sacred Pools

Video: The Road to Hana with kids

4. New England Road Trip in the Fall

• START | END: We recommend starting in Boston Massachusets and finish in Maine (or vice versa if visiting in Fall)
• DISTANCE: Varies depending on where you visit
•  TIME RECOMMENDED: 2-3 weeks

One of the best road trips in the United States for spectacular fall colors is through New England. The region passes through six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Maine will start their Fall colors first so plan carefully.

Think scenic drives and hikes amongst maples, alder, and birch trees bursting with vibrant hues of ruby, gold, and amber; exploring charming New England towns; picking apples on a crisp Fall day; and cozying up beside a crackling fire with hot cider or a glass of red.

Typically late September to mid-October is considered the best time to visit New England on a road trip to see the fall foliage. It can be a bit of a challenge to time your visit for peak viewing of the leaves in their blaze of glory. Check out this fall foliage map for a guide.

It’s also a great opportunity to incorporate historical experiences into this road trip.

Stops on a New England Road Trip

Because New England makes up six states, you can stop at hundreds of different sites and attractions. You can drive through all six states in one trip (which would take around three weeks), or you can break it up by visiting each state’s attractions one at a time. This would take 5-7 days.

Here are some of the iconic stops on a New England Road Trip:

• Acadia National Park, Maine
• The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire ( Stunning Scenic Drive )
• Covered Bridges
• Stowe, Vermont
• Manchester, Vermont
• Vermont Route 100 Scenic Drive (“Vermont’s Main Street)
• The White Mountains. New Hampshire
• Salem, Massachusetts
• Boston, Massachusetts
• You may even want to check out Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard

Video: Driving the Kancamagus Highway

5. Florida Keys and the Overseas Highway

• START | END: Miami | Key West
• DISTANCE: 113 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1+ weeks

Hop island to island via bridges of the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys. It’s an American road trip to remember and also one of the most scenic drives in the USA.

The entire Overseas Highway carries US. Route 1 through the Florida Keys to Key West.

Spend a few days in each of the keys to experience the different flavors of this tropical region. Craig and I road-tripped the Keys in 2005 and loved snorkeling at John Pennekamp and cruising the bars of Key West.

The Florida Overseas Highway is an All American Road.

Stops on the Florida Keys Road Trip

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• The Seven Mile Bridge
• Sombrero Beach, Marathon
• Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West
• Duval Street, Key West
• Dry Tortugas National Park

6. Cascade Loop Road Trip, Washington

• START | END: Seattle
• DISTANCE: 440 miles round trip
• TIME RECOMMENDED: At least 5- 7 days.

Touted as Washington State’s Ultimate Road Trip, the Cascades Loop encompasses pristine mountains, grand rivers, picturesque islands, and rolling river valleys.

The route contains three of Washington’s designated scenic byways—the Stevens Pass Greenway, North Cascades Highway, and the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way.

There is a hot debate over which direction it is best to drive the Cascades Loop.

We drove in a clockwise direction, merely because we were not completing the loop but continuing into Idaho, so it made sense for what we wanted to see and do in the Cascades region.

North Cascades National Park is one of our favorite in the USA. It has much less wellknown national parks and has more glaciers than any of the Lower 48 states!

The Sahale Glacier Hike was one of our most epic family adventures in the USA!

Cascade Loop Stops:

Here are some of the main stops and highlights on the Cascade Loop road trip in the United States.

• Orca watching in Everett
• LA Conner
• Deception Pass (state park)
• North Cascades National Park: North Cascades Highway (scenic drive), Sahale Glacier Hike
• Leavenworth (Bavarian style village)
• Lake Chelan
• Stevens Pass
• Seattle

7. Cross Country – Route 66

• START | END: Chicago | LA
• DISTANCE: 2,000+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 – 3 weeks

Figure out what gets your kicks and take it on Route 66. This iconic USA road trip starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, LA and crosses 8 states, and passes through many old, once-thriving small towns, and scores of historical sites.

It is probably the most famous road trip in the United States!

Whether you love whiskey, jazz music, history, hole-in-the-wall experiences, quirky roadside stops, flashing neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or barren landscapes, Route 66 has you covered.

Since we have driven from North Carolina to LA we have followed near the Route 66 for some way dipping in and out of the road from the I-40 (the now major interstate).

The National Park Service’s Route 66 site is the best place to start your planning as is our friend Honeytrek’s guide to driving the Route 66 – they did the whole thing!

If you have extra time to spare, I recommend spending some time in Austin Texas to load up on delicious southern food, or head over to San Antonio for some more authentic Texan history and culture.

Stops on the Route 66 Road Trip (and easy detours)

Route 66 crosses Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California and 2,400 miles, and there are hundreds of stops you can take along the way. Here are some of the main places it passes.

• Chicago, Illinois
• St Louis, Missouri
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Amarillo, Texas (the famous Cadillac Ranch)
• Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona
• Grand Canyon
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Santa Monica, California

8. South East Coastal & Culture (NC, SC, GA)

• START | END: Outer Banks | Savannah
• DISTANCE: 537
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 Weeks

Again, one of our favorite road trips on repeat! This South East Coast drive will take you to some of the most beautiful beaches and barrier islands in the USA, incorporating the country’s first national seashore, endless lighthouses, wild horses, and some of the best sunrises we’ve seen in the world.

It also includes some of our favorite historical and charming Southern cities and towns, adding a cultural perspective to this trip.

Be prepared for delicious seafood, unique Southern dishes, and a friendly, relaxed vibe as you cruise through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

South East Coast Stops:

These are all the main highlights on the South East Coast road trip.

• Outer Banks: Kitty Hawk, Corolla Wild Horses,
• Beaufort NC: Shackleford Island wild horses
• Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach: Surfing and movie vibes
• Myrtle Beach: Huntington Beach State Park
• Charleston: history tours, carriage tour, Boone Hall
• Beaufort SC: Hunting Island State Park, Old Pointe Neighborhood
• Savannah: Squares, History tours, River St, Tybee Island

9. Pacific Highway 101 Oregon

• START | END: Gold Beach | Astoria
• DISTANCE: 375 miles round trip
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 7-10 days

Spanning 363 miles, Highway 101 is an All American Road that winds down the entire Oregon Coast to the California border, hugging the Pacific coastline the entire time.

You’ll experience a dramatic rocky coastline of sea stacks and fierce cliffs and opportunities to explore evergreen forests, seaside dunes, marine ecosystems, and small coastal towns.

It’s a choose your own adventure kind of experience. Let’s not forget this is also home of the Goonies!!

It’s also important to note that the Oregon Coast is really not for swimming due to rough waters and pretty cold temperatures! Take note of all the warning signs – this is not a drill.

Highway 101 Road Trip Stops

There’s a lot to see and explore on the Oregon Coast, but these are the main stops on the Highway 101 road trip:

• Jet Boating the Rogue River
• Quad biking the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
• Tidepooling (Florence up to Astoria)
• Yachats Brewing + Farmstore
• Ecola State Park
• Cannon Beach
• Goonies Trail, Astoria
• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor 

10. Revolutionary War Road Trip, VA – MT

• START | END: Washington DC | New York City
• DISTANCE: 469 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1 week

Travel is not always about the beast beaches, wild adventures, and sunset cocktails. It can also be a journey of learning and diving deep into culture and history.

One great way to do that – especially if you are traveling with kids – is to create a road trip theme around historical events.

One that our family has enjoyed, especially as Australians learning about what makes up the spirit of Americans, is visiting the places and experiences that tell the story of the Revolutionary War. We love how this road trip takes in the amazing US cities of Washington D.C., Boston, and New York City!

Ditch the textbooks, jump in the car, and head to the areas along the east coast where the story was born.

Revolutionary War Road Trip Stops

Here are some iconic stops along this historical road trip in the United States.

• Greater Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield & American Revolution Museum
• Washington D.C.: Washington Monument, Declaration of Independence, Mount Vernon
• Philadelphia: Independence Hall, Historic District, the Liberty Bell
• Boston: Freedom Trail Walking Tour, Old North Church, Paul Revere’s House.
• Lexington Battle Green
• West Point & Saratoga

11. Civil Rights Trail Road Trip, The South

• START | END: Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace in Atlanta, end in Washington DC
• DISTANCE: 469 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1+ weeks

Another important historical road trip is following the Civil Rights Trail through America’s South.

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of over 100 attractions across 15 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

It is recommended to break this road trip up into stages, as there is so much to see in each state. If you wanted to see it all, it would take months, but you could effectively do a loop around starting at Martin Luther King’s birthplace in Atlanta and finish at Washington DC.

The attractions include churches, courthouses, schools, museums, and other landmarks in the Southern states and beyond that played a pivotal role in advancing social justice in the 1950s and 1960s, shifting the course of history.

It’s an educational and immersive connection of the events, people, places, and stories that defined the movement.

Visiting the museums and attractions on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail helps us to see how far we’ve come, but also how much further we have to go. It opens up important conversations with our children about how we can keep working for diversity and inclusion.

Use this official website to help you plan your trip as it covers such a diverse region. Even if you don’t take this road trip specifically (or parts of it) be sure to add some of these Civil Rights experiences whenever you visit any of the applicable regions.

Stops on the Civil Rights Trail Road Trip

Here are some iconic landmarks to visit on the Civil Rights Trail road trip:

• National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis
• Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama
• 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama
• The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Montgomery, Alabama
• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi
• International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Greensboro, North Carolina
• Robert Russa Moton Museum, Farmville, Virginia
• Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr, Atlanta, Georgia
• Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, Topeka, Kansas
• National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington DC

12. Olympic Peninsula Loop Road Trip, Washington State

• START | END: Seattle
• DISTANCE: 375 miles round trip
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 6-9 days

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is in the state’s northwestern corner and is one of the premier road trip destinations in the Pacific Northwest coast.

A large part of this region is made up of the Olympic National Park, one of the most diverse national parks in the USA.

For Twilight Fans, you may to take this road trip in the United States! It takes you along the Highway 101, starting in Seattle and past the Hoh River rainforest, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock. You can stop by Fawks, Port Angeles and La Push, which were used as the setting for Twilight.

Choose your own adventure from this pristine region of ancient cedar spruce trees, glacial lakes, sub-alpine meadows, mountain ranges, verdant old-growth rainforests, and remote and rugged coastlines.

Highway 101 forms a 300-mile loop around the peninsula. It’s easy to start and end this pacific northwest road trip in Seattle.

Olympic Peninsula Stops:

Unless you’re on a Twilight film set tour, these are the top landmarks not to miss on this road trip:

• Olympic NP: Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Hoh Rain Forest. Do not miss the wild rugged coastline section as well.
• Port Townsend is a pretty and charming historic Victorian seaport bordered by Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
• Mount Rainier National Park is also close by and an easy addition to this road trip.

Video: Olympic National Park

13. Mountains and Music Road Trip (TN & LA)

• START | END: Asheville | New Orleans
• DISTANCE: About 832 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 6-9 days

Let’s take you on one of our favorite road trips in America from Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana. We have done this countless times and will continue to do so

It combines two things we love: mountains and music. This is a Southeast road trip that incorporates beauty, soul, history, and culture. The focus is on music and natural beauty, but you can add other things to this experience while in the various destinations, like beer food, and small town historical charm.

It also incorporates the Blues Highway (Route 61), which takes you to some of the most storied music spots in the USA.

Music Road Trip Stops:

• Smoky Mountains National Park: Cades Cove, Grotto Falls, Clingman’s Dome, Morton Overlook
• Nashville: Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Broadway
• Franklin: Puckett’s Grocery at Leiper’s Fork
• Memphis: Beale St, Graceland, Sun Studios, Stax Museum
• Jackson, MS – blues music
• New Orleans: Live Jazz and Mardi Gras (Feb/ March)

14. Blue Ridge Parkway (NC – VA)

• START | END: Great Smoky Mountains NP | Shenandoah National Park
• DISTANCE: 469 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1+ week

Ready for what’s labeled as America’s favorite scenic drive? The Blue Ridge Parkway travels 252 miles through the North Carolina mountains with ample exits for weekend getaways from Asheville to Boone. The total length of the parkway (469 miles) extends into Virginia. 

There are mileposts (MP) along the way as handy reference points with plenty of places to stop for hikes, viewpoints and wildlife spotting. 

It’s a panoramic drive year round, but many flock here during Autumn for the spectacular Fall colors. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also an All American Road.

Blue Ridge Parkway Stops:

These are the most iconic stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway road trip in the United States:

• Chimney Rock State Park: Don’t miss Lake Lure!
• Biltmore Estate: Don’t miss the winery!
• Asheville: Breweries and outdoor adventure
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Grandfather Mountain
• Linville Falls
• Roanoke: Cool Virginia mountain town
• Peaks of Otter: Sharp Top Mountain Hike

Videos: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Click play below to see all of our videos on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

15. Pacific Coast Highway, California

• START | END: San Francisco | Los Angeles | San Diego
• DISTANCE: 500+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 – 3 weeks

California is one of the best road trip destinations in the USA. Where do you even start with this spectacular road trip experience along California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)?

The fabled Highway 1 is a 90-mile scenic drive that runs along the length of most of the Pacific Coast. The Pacific Coast Highway road trip stretches 500 miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles, or stretch it further to San Diego.

It is best to drive this from north to south so you have the dramatic coastal views right next to your car! Apart from the stunning ocean views be prepared for waterfalls, surfing beaches, small towns, large cities, and fun vibes.

Highway 1 Stops:

These are some of the unmissable stops on the Highway 1 road trip:

• San Francisco
• Monterey and the 17-Mile Drive
• McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
• The All American Road: Big Sur National Scenic Byway
• Day trip to Channel Islands National Park
• San Simeon Seals + Hearst Castle
• Surfing at Santa Cruz or Pismo Beach
• Santa Barbara
• Los Angeles
• Huntington Beach (one of our favorite California beaches!)
• San Diego

16. Salmon River Scenic Byway, Idaho

• START | END: Boise | Salmon
• DISTANCE: 167 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: At least one week

One of my favorite USA road trips is through the spectacular Salmon River Scenic Byway in Idaho.

Steaming natural hot springs beside the rushing river, craggy mountain peaks, sparkling glacial lakes, and endless starry skies are just part of the reason to make this road trip.

Running through Central Idaho, the Salmon River Scenic Byway follows a section of the 425-mile Salmon River, protected by Congress as one of America’s first Wild and Scenic Rivers.

You’re surrounded by spectacular views at every turn and have endless opportunities for hiking, biking, river activities, wildlife viewing, and exploring the ghost towns of the Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area.

This area is also said to have some of the most spectacular Fall colors in Idaho. It would be best to start and end this Pacific Northwest road trip in Boise. 

Salmon River Road Trip Stops:

Make sure you stop by these unmissable stops on the Salmon River Road trip:

• Hot Springs: Goldbug & Snake Pit
• The Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area (ghost towns)
• Whitewater rafting the Salmon River
• Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Horseriding and hikes
• Redfish Lake: One of our favorites in the US
• Boise: A capital city worth exploring

Video: Salmon River Scenic Byway

17. Natchez Trace Parkway

• START | END: Nashville | Natchez
• DISTANCE: 444 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 3-4 days

The “Old Natchez Trace” is a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents.

It’s now a great USA road trip that is managed by the National Parks Service and passes through three states (Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi) and 10,000 years of history.

It’s a beautiful scenic drive that also offers a rich array of wildlife, gorgeous waterfalls, memorable hikes and historic sites.

It’s especially beautiful and popular in the Fall with its explosion of colors. We have driven a small section of it at Leiper’s Fork Tennessee. I’m ready to do the full road trip!

Stops on the Natchez Trace Parkway

Make sure you don’t miss these stops on the Natchez Trace Parkway:

• Birdsong Hollow and Double Arch Bridge
• Timberland Park
• Garrison Creek
• Gordon House and Duck River Ferry Site
• Baker Bluff Overlook
• Jackson Falls
• Fall Hollow Waterfall
• Meriwether Lewis Death & Burial Site
• Metal Ford and Buffalo River
• Old Trace Drive
• Glenrock Branch

18. Great River Road National Scenic Byway

• START | END: Minnesota | Louisiana
• DISTANCE: 3,000+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1-2 weeks

Time to follow the Mississippi River as it flows 2,340 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico through a vast delta southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Great River Road National Scenic Byway passes through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. It’s probably America’s longest Scenic Byway, telling an important story of this rive that takes up 1/8th of the country.

This epic road trip will take you to lesser-known destinations you may not typically think to visit, but will also pass through those big cities like St Louis, Memphis and New Orleans.

This may be a road trip you’ll want to break up into sections.

Great River Road National Scenic Byway Stops:

Make sure you don’t miss these stops on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway!

• Fort Snelling, Minnesota
• Nelson Dewey State Park, Wisconsin
• Chain of Rocks Bridge, Illinois
• Trail of Tears State Park, Missouri.
• Wickliffe Mounds, Kentucky
• Mud Island Park, Tennessee
• Lakeport Plantation, Arkansas

19. Alaska Highway

• START | END: Dawson Creek | Anchorage
• DISTANCE: 2,323+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: Several weeks

High on any adventurers list is a summer road trip along the Alaska Highway. The highway starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and travels through the Yukon to Delta Junction in Alaska.

Opened in 1948, the Alaska Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The journey promises pristine wilderness, plentiful wildlife, and a feeling of history and freedom in wide open spaces.

Prepare and plan well and have a sturdy off-road vehicle as many parts of the road are only gravel. Check out the guide our friend’s Honeytrek wrote on their Alaska road trip and this helpful post on the driving the ALCAN by Getting Stamped.

Alaska Highway Stops:

There are so many sights in Alaska you must visit, but here are some iconic landmarks you shouldn’t skip:

• Fort Nelson, British Colombia
• Kiskatinaw River Bridge, British Colombia
• Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
• Muncho Lake
• Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon Territory
• Ice Field Mountains of St. Elias Mountains
• Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge
• Mukluk Land

20. Texas Hill Country Road Trip

• START | END: Austin or Houston
• DISTANCE: 3,000+ miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 4-5 days

The Texas Hill Country is a collection of five small towns in Texas which are known for their quaint, Southern charm and authenticity.

You’ll pass through scenic landscapes, sweet little villages, and of course, wineries and vineyards.

Texas Hill Country is the USA’s fastest-growing wine region and is the place to be for wine enthusiasts. You can drive to Hill Country from most cities in Texas, but it’s best to start and end in Austin or Houston as this is where you can easily rent a vehicle.

Stops on the Texas Hill Country Road Trip

There are several attractions and landmarks in Texas Hill Country that shouldn’t be missed. You will find them in these towns:

• Boerne.
• Driftwood.
• Dripping Springs.
• Lakeway.
• Luckenbach.
• San Marcos.
• Fredericksburg.
• Johnson City.

21. High Road to Taos Road Trip

• START | END: Santa Fe to Taos
• DISTANCE: 105 miles
• TIME RECOMMENDED: 1-2 days

If you’re looking for a short weekend road trip, then the high road to Taos is a great option. The short drive is one of the most scenic in the USA, passing through remote mountain villages and Spanish colonial streets.

You’ll also pass through ranches, forests and historic settlements.

Stops on the High Road to Taos Road Trip:

There are a few stops on the High Road to Taos that you should not miss. These are:

• Chimayó
• High Road halfway point at Truchas
• Las Trampas
• Carson National Forest
• Rancho de Taos

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are 21 of the best road trips in the United States, and as you can see, there is so much to see and explore. Whether you have a few days to spare or several months, there’s a road trip route for everyone on this list.

Comment: Okay, your turn! What’s makes your best road trips in the USA list? We want to hear your favorite USA road trips in the comments!

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From the iconic arches and vibrant red rocks, to the expansive desert landscapes and sand dunes, the mountains, and the rivers, it has all the colors in God’s Art Studio that are just stunning to witness. Personally, we think the entire state should just be claimed as a US national park.

We spent 6 weeks in Utah as part of our one-year USA road trip, a state we previously visited in 2006, and will continue to return to.

We spent a lot of time in Southern Utah, but this list of the best places to visit in Utah covers every part of Utah, including the North and the ski resorts.

Getting Around Utah

If you’re looking for a base to explore all of these top Utah attractions and landmarks, then we recommend staying in the Great Salt Lake City.

From here you are within driving distance to many of the top places to see in Utah in the North, as well as some of the best ski resorts in the state.

As many of the places in this guide are national parks and in rural areas, you really do need a car when getting around Utah. You can rent a car from RentalCars.com, which is the world’s leading car rental booking service that compares brands like Hertz, Avis and Alamo.

Alternatively, you can explore these attractions on a road trip. If you want to save money on accommodation and take your vacation levels up a notch, then check RVShare to rent a unique RV or campervan.

Top Places to Visit in Utah for Nature Lovers

The state of Utah is all about nature. You won’t find many big cities with glitzy lights here. It’s all about being near to the outdoors and preserving the state’s natural beauty.

If you love nature, these are the places we suggest you visit.

1. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the USA, and also one of the most popular.

Receiving over 4 million visitors a year, it is the fourth most visited park, and you feel it at Zion as you’re in a narrow canyon.

With its immense red and white sandstone cliffs that reach out of the forested river bed to the brilliant blue of the sky, Zion Utah is a Southwest USA wonder. 

Its towering sandstone monoliths, slot canyons, rock formations, and hanging gardens makes it one of the most spectacular canyons in Utah and attracts outdoor adventures from all over the globe.

So not only will Zion’s beauty capture your heart, it’s epic adventures will give you memories to share around the campfire!

If you’re planning to visit Zion National Park in Southwestern Utah, the good news is it’s one of the best places to visit in Utah with kids as the majority of the hikes in Zion is family-friendly – except the Angeles Landing hike!

Our kids now say that visiting Zion National Park currently sits along the Grand Canyon as their favorite national park in the USA.

Highlights:

• Riverside Walk
• The Narrows Hike
• Angles Landing Hike
• Zion-Carmel Tunnel Scenic Drive
• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
• Canyon Overlook Trail

2. Capitol Reef National Park

What a surprise Capitol Reef National Park was, and we now claim it as one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA we have visited.

It’s probably one of the most fantastic US national parks you may not have heard of, but after today, it will be top of your bucket list.

The colors of the massive domes, towering cliffs, twisting canyons, arches, and bridges change with the light, moving from deep reds to pastel pinks, sunburnt orange, soft yellows, and whites.

Capitol Reef NP is largely defined by the Waterpocket Fold, an enormous wrinkle in the earth’s crust forming the 100-mile backbone of the park.

Water has become the dominant erosive force shaping the beauty of the canyons, arches, cliffs, domes, and bridges of Capitol Reef National Park Utah.

We spent three days appreciating its beauty on its many hiking trails and scenic drives, and still missed out on many things to do.

Highlights:

• Cassidy Arch Hike
• Hickman Bridge Trail
• 8 Mile Scenic Drive
• Cathedral Valley
• Burr Trail Drive

3. Snow Canyon State Park

Of all the places to visit in Utah, I think Snow Canyon was the biggest surprise for us.

Located near St. George, this park is as beautiful and unique as any National Park and we likened it to a mini version of Zion NP.

High above the Navajo sandstone cliffs surrounded us in pinks, burnt orange, reds, yellows, and whites. And of, course up above a brilliant blue sky rounded it off.

We were blown away by the spectacular Snow Canyon hikes we did, particularly the Petrified Sand Dunes trail, and our kids got a good visual and understanding of how they were once sand and the wind ripples were soon frozen into rock.

And exploring the lava tubes that were created when a volcano erupted here 27,000 years ago was interesting as well.

Snow Canyon Utah is a true nature lover’s dream, and I have to say it’s almost as spectacular as the nearby Zion National Park.

If you want to see more sand dunes in Utah, then the Coral Pink Sand Dunes are also worth checking out if you have extra time.

Highlights:

• Hidden Pinyon Trail
• Petrified Dunes Trail

4. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is one of the four Utah national parks, with the closest town of Moab about 30 miles away.

We spent two days exploring this park including some of the best hikes and scenic drives.

In case you don’t know, Canyonlands is unique in that it is separated into three districts stretching across 527 square miles created by the Colorado and Green Rivers carving their way through the canyon.

The Green and Colorado Rivers form a Y through the national park creating:

• Islands in the Sky in the north
• the Needles District in the Southeast
• and the Maze District in the Southwest.

Canyonlands NP is a rugged, untamed land with mostly unpaved roads and primitive trails. If you seek adventure, you can find it in abundance here.

Highlights:

• Mesa Arch Trail
• Grand View Point Overlook Trail
• Shafer Trail

5. Dead Horse Point State Park

One of my favorite experiences in the USA is sunset at Dead Horse State Park, and we have done it twice now.

While it was busier during our recent visit in 2019 compared to when Caz and I visited in 2006, it’s one of those Utah tourist attractions that is still quite a hidden secret with only a few people around.

It’s close to the entrance of the Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands and we incorporated it into our visit there whilst staying in Moab. 

Pack a picnic, find a comfy spot on the rim, pour yourself a glass of wine or two (non-drivers), and enjoy one of nature’s greatest gifts.

It’s an experience to remember!

6. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

There are some places that stand above the others. They have this special magnetic pull that pulls you into their beauty.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is one of those must-see in Utah places!

You know when you’ve arrived even before you see it as you can feel its energy.

Monument Valley has similar spiritual energy to Uluru, one of our favorite places in Australia. And whilst most of Monument Valley is in Arizona as it straddles the border with Utah, we highly recommend you put it on your list of best places to visit in Utah, if not the world!

You can either self-drive the 17-mile loop road through Monument Valley or join a guided tour with a Navajo Guide.

The guided tour takes you to restricted areas you can only access with a Navajo guide. It was an incredible experience and one of the highlights of our USA road trip so far.

Our guide, Charles was very sweet and accommodating to our large group of 8 kids and 6 adults.

We rode around in an open jeep which made the experience loads of fun, especially some of the adventurous off-roading tracks we went on.

We visited a traditional Navajo home, a Hogan – and learned some of the traditions of the Navajo people.

7. Valley of the Gods

About an hour north of the above-mentioned Monument Valley is this gorgeous area called the Valley of the Gods.

With its isolated buttes, towering pinnacles, and wide open spaces it’s in a way similar to Monument Valley.

We found a little nook off the side of the road to free camp for a couple of nights, a stunning spot and besides resting around camp we did the Valley of the Gods Scenic Drive.

There is a 15-mile loop road through the Valley of the God which involves a few hills, washes, and bumpy dirt roads. It adds to the adventure and beauty of this drive.

There are loads of free camping spots, but you are better off entering from the east side, as the west could be pretty tough for some RVs to get through on that road.

The colors and rock formations are stunning. And whilst there are no real hiking trails here, we enjoyed just driving for a change.

Consider putting this destination on your Utah road trip itinerary!

8. Arches National Park

This is one of the most popular National Parks in Southern Utah and is appropriately named one of the best places to visit in Utah to see arches as it has more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches framing the park.

These natural arches have been created through over 100 million years of erosion.

The orange and red rock arches appear beside you as you drive along the scenic drive, and far into the distance, you get glimpses of the towering spires, pinnacles, and balanced rocks you can explore.

They range in size from just a three-foot opening to Landscape Arch – the longest at a span of 306 feet.

This landscape is constantly changing and new arches are being formed and old ones destroyed.

An 18-mile paved loop road will share with you a vibrant and colorful landscape filled with fins and pinnacles and hiking trails that wind under arches and windows.

Arches Park Utah is one of the best national parks for kids as many of the hikes are short, easy, and fun.

Highlights:

• Delicate Arch Trail
• Landscape Arch
• The Windows Arch
• Fiery Furnace trail

9. Bryce Canyon National Park

We visited Bryce Canyon National Park way back in 2006, unfortunately, we haven’t made it back again (yet), but it’s still one of our top 5 favorite USA national parks we have explored.

Bryce Canyon is one of the most famous places to visit in Utah and a fairy tale kingdom of dreams. A kingdom of bright orange and pink pastel spires and towers, archways, and paths leading into enchanted forests to get lost in.

We spent a day hiking and exploring the trails, nooks, and crannies, surrounded by a sea of orange.

But one of our most memorable travel experiences ever was horse riding into the canyon on the Fairy Trail with our cowboy guide Jake. Jake was a real cowboy complete with studs, leather pant protectors, a cowboy hat, and whiskey jokes spewing forth from a heavy cowboy western accent.

We trotted down into the canyon, in and out of ravines, and under naturally formed archways, in total awe at what we were seeing.

And it is totally worth getting up at sunrise and heading to the canyon – it’s one of the prettiest things to see in Utah.

10. Scenic Highway 12, Grand Escalante

Scenic Highway 12 is Utah’s only road that is recognized as An All American Road, which tells you how beautiful this scenic drive must be as there are incredible drives all over the state of Utah.

A highlight for us was the section from Torrey near Capitol Reef to Escalante.

We have done sections of Highway 12 twice now and continue to be blown away by the lunar-like landscape mixed in with every color of the rainbow and style of rock formation you can think of.

You’ll probably drive at least some of Hwy 12 during your Utah National Park road trip, and you won’t forget it.

11. Lower Creek Calf Falls, Escalante

What a wonderful surprise Lower Creek Calf Falls was. Can you believe this beautiful waterfall gushing down over the cliff in a tranquil, tropical feeling place?

This is a 6-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail is one of the most popular trails for hikers. It’s located 19 miles from the town of Escalante, Utah, and reminded us so much of hiking in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

It was a big hike for us to do with the kids to get there, with an elevation gain of 500 ft. which wasn’t too bad.

And the views along the valley and rainbow-colored escarpment walls the entire way were beautiful. Most of it was a sandy track which made it a little more challenging.

But so worth it when we arrived.

Our kids contemplated swimming in the pools underneath the falls, until they felt the very chilly water!

12. Fisher Towers, Moab

A 25-mile scenic drive from Moab along the Colorado River brings you to Fishers Towers, which is a 4.4-mile return hike through rocky terrain, gullies, hoodoo spires, and towering cliffs.

Fisher Towers are a series of towers made of Cutler sandstone capped with Moenkopi sandstone and caked with stucco of red mud.

This is one of several Utah places to visit that has featured in many movies including mission Impossible and Geronimo.

We didn’t hike the full 4.4 miles but what we saw of the views over the valley was so rewarding.

On the way back to Moab consider stopping off at Castle Creek Winery for a little wine tasting. Utah has really strict drinking laws, and there are only three wineries in the entire state and this one was the first.

13. Sand Hollow State Park, St George

Looking for fun places to visit in Utah with family? Want to go on an ATV and quad-biking adventure? Look no further than Sand Hallow State Park!

This 20,000-acre state park is well renowned for its ATV and OHV off-road trails that take you to 3,500ft in elevation.

These world-class off-roading trails are just outside of St. George and it’s the perfect recreational area for ATV adventures as it offers some of the best Utah ATV trails around.

It’s Utah’s newest State Park and already one of the most visited destinations in the Utah State Park system, with recreation opportunities for nearly every user from boaters to bikers, and OHV riders to equestrians.

The clear blue of the man-made lake surrounded by orange sand dunes, red rock formations, and the snow peaked mountains in the background make this a feast for the eyes.

And there is no better way to explore it than in a side-by-side ATV or on a quad bike!

14. Goblin Valley State Park

Okay. This is Hidden Secret time. This is one of the most unique places to visit in Utah.

This is one of those Utah destinations most people haven’t heard of, including us, until we got into the RV community.

Goblin Valley State Park is a magical land of hobbit hiding places, goblins, and mythical creatures.

Our kids definitely enjoyed it as the playground that exists in their minds came to life with endless places to crawl, climb, and hide.

This is a small valley, but large enough for you to go on a few hikes and explore further afield.

We chose to let the kids run wild playing hide and seek and tag, and joined in or watched perched on top of a Goblin and enjoying a much-needed rest.

15. Natural Bridges National Monument

We visited the Natural Bridges National Monument in conjunction with our visit to the Valley of the Gods, 45 miles away.

Just getting there from the Valley of the Gods, the drive up the escarpment via a bunch of very tight switchbacks was incredible and a thrill we weren’t expecting – another reason to love Utah.

Natural Bridges Monument has three natural bridges, “Kachina,” “Owachomo” and “Sipapu charged by water.

You can visit by way of a 9-mile scenic drive with viewpoints, or, you can hike down to each one.

There is a loop walk (10 miles) you can do that connects each natural bridge – perhaps that’s one we can come back and do when our kids are a little older.

What we did do was hike down into the canyon to Sipapu bridge, which was a short adventurous hike that involved a few ladders and plenty of views along the way.

Sipapu Bridge is one of the top Utah landmarks as it’s the second largest natural bridge in the world, and in Hopi mythology Sipapu means the gateway entryway their ancestors came into this world.

16. Moab

Most people visit Moab as one of their Utah vacation spots to go off-roading (which we did), and to use Moab as a base two explore two of the most popular Utah parks, Arches NP and Canyonlands NP.

There’s an interesting vibe here with a decent amount of places to eat, and if you’re into RVing, there is a ton of boondocking (free camping) space.

We got a great group discount on jeep hire and knew it would be loads of fun exploring the backcountry roads of Moab – this area is famous for it – I’m sure Moab would have the highest number of jeeps in the world.

Our jeep adventure started pleasantly enough through the scenic La Sal Mountains, and then we hit the trail and our first rock. For the next 7 hours we learned how to be pros at managing our fears, enjoying our screams, and crawling up and down rock faces.

Who knew jeeps were so awesome and sturdy and flexible – we know now why it’s one of the most fun things to do in Utah!

The scenery was spectacular and reminded us of Sedona. We ended our day in the sand dunes having fun driving the jeeps up and over the hills.

Another favorite thing of ours in Moab was biking along the Colorado River, and we’d love to come back and go kayaking, mountain biking or stand-up paddle boarding!

17. Escalante Slot Canyons

Wow. This was one of the most incredible hiking adventures we’ve ever done!

Our kids had a blast and did not want this 3.5-mile-long adventure to end as they climbed and scrambled over rock faces, small holes, and boulders, and wiggled our way through the slots.

We started with the tough and super fun climb through the Peek-a-Boo slot canyon, and then we entered Spooky Canyon, which is named because of how deep and dark and narrow it gets – 11 inches wide.

It was backpacks off our backs, and bums and boobs tucked in.

We slid our way through the crack climbing down further into the canyon as we went.

If you want an Indiana Jones-type adventure, put this on your list of top things to do in Utah.

Keep in mind it gets very hot here in the summer and crowded, so get there early to avoid the crowds, and bring plenty of drinking water!

18. Corona Arch, Moab

Who knew you didn’t have to go into Arches National Park to see incredible arches.

Just a short drive from downtown Moab on Scenic Byway 279 brings you to the Corona Arch Trailhead, a 3-mile round trip hike to an impressive 140-foot by 105-foot opening arch.

Because of its close proximity to Arches NP and Canyonlands NP,  Corona Arch often gets overlooked as one of the best places to visit in Utah evidenced by the much smaller crowd we experienced here.

This was a fun hike for our kids, with the need to climb small ladders and use safety cables. But don’t worry, kids as young as five have done this trail without difficulty.

Even the short drive along the Colorado River from Moab to the trailhead was beautiful. Put this on your list of best hikes in Utah.

19. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

We camped in our RV at Lone Rock Beach Campground in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Lake Powell for 5 nights.

Mostly just to relax in a gorgeous lake setting and catch up on blogging work.

It was the perfect playground for kids AND us adults. We spent the mornings working out followed by an icy dip in the lake – like a 2-second dip.

Our kids even did a half-day Survivor challenge over on Lone Rock. The kids kayaked over there and spent four hours playing and trying to stay there as long as possible. The hunger pangs drove them back into our arms.

I would love to return to this spot for more camping and to explore the Glen Canyon Recreation Area in-depth.

Although it’s one of the top places to visit in Utah for relaxation, we didn’t stay on the beach the entire time and did the following things in nearby Page, Arizona:

• Glen Canyon Dam
• Lower Antelope Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

It’s worth stopping off at the Glen Canyon Dam. The visitor center there is free and there is a small museum to learn more about the construction of the dam and the importance of water.

There are great views of the dam and you can take a tour if you like. We skipped the tour.

20. Red Cliffs National Recreation Area

St George in southwestern Utah is one of those places in Utah that is a great jumping-off point for some outstanding natural beauty.

We didn’t even scratch the surface and would like to return another time to visit many other places in Southern Utah.

Our 7-year-old Savannah claimed the Red Cliffs Nature Trail in the Red Cliffs National Recreation Area as one of the most FUN hiking trails of our USA road trip.

This trail starts from the Red Cliffs Campground and hikes up to a slot canyon, the fun part scrambling up rocks beside the river and navigating around the small cliff side using the small footholds and a rope to stop you from plunging into the icy water.

We soon discovered how icy that was when we arrived at the slot canyon and had to wade through it. We didn’t get too far!

As you hike further the canyon narrows until it is just a few feet wide and a beautiful little waterfall blocks the trail.

All the conservation area’s 130 miles of non-motorized trails in Southwest Utah encompass two wilderness areas, the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, the Red Cliffs Campground, and over a hundred miles of non-motorized trails.

21. Park City Mountain Resort

If you’re looking for places to visit in Utah in winter, then you don’t want to miss Park City Mountain Resort. This is one of the best places to ski and snowboard in Utah.

The resort is just 32 miles east of Salt Lake City and is famous for containing several training courses for the U.S. Ski Team. It’s also home to the biggest lift-served ski resort in the U.S., so you’ll never run out of runs to explore.

The runs here are great for all levels of skier, you’ll find easy slopes and more adventurous terrain. The most exciting run of all is the 3.5-mile long Home Run, which is one of the longest green runs in the state, and is ideal for the more adventurous skier.

The town has a very family-friendly atmosphere, which makes it the ideal winter vacation spot in Utah.

22. Cedar Breaks National Monument

If you’re not tired of bright red rocks and jaw-dropping canyons yet, then make sure to check out Cedar Breaks National Monument.

It’s located just outside Cedar City and is considered a natural amphitheater. The canyon is similar to Bryce Canyon and Red Canyon, with its expansive gorges and red and yellow rock face, but you can see the rock is a little more eroded than other parks in Utah.

If you’re looking for stunning natural landscapes that are a bit further away from the main tourist trail, then definitely add this to your list.

In the winter, this area becomes a little more unique. Due to the high elevation, it has known to know here. This can be treacherous so the park is closed from October until May.

23. Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is famous for being home to more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils, which have been embedded into the cliffs of the Carnegie Quarry.

To allow visitors a close up view of the fossils, a viewing station has been set up, allowing for visitors to have a close up view of the dinosaur bones and fossils.

The park is also known for its mountains, desert, and rivers that slow through the canyon, making it a great spot for hiking and rafting.

Whether you’re into science or adventure, this is one place in Utah not to be missed.

24. Antelope Island

Antelope Island is quite the contrast to what we’ve already shown you on this list so far. The island is known for its vast salt flats, reflective waters, and approximately 600 free-ranging bison, as well as many other desert animals.

The island lies in the Great Basin, which means is pretty much completely flat, but is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

It’s one of the best places to see wildlife in the state, as millions of birds congregate here, as well as being home to antelope, deer, bobcats, coyotes, and waterfowl. Antelope Island is one of the best places to visit in Utah in fall because this is when the bison are most active.

The park is full of hiking and biking trails, and visitors often see wild animals on these trails. It’s also a great place to go to the beach (yes, you read that right). The water by Bridger Bay Beach is perfect for swimming, and there are even showers and a restaurant there so you can spend the whole day at the beach if you want to.

25. Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville salt flats are so large you can almost see the curvature of the Earth. Stretching over 30,000 acres, its thick and crusty soil looks like a lake covered in snow. The land is so salty, that no vegetation grows in the area.

If you visit on a hot day, you will see heat waves rise from the soil and create mirages that make the desert look like it’s covered in water.

One of the best places to see the salt flats is from the I-80. Drive for 10 miles east of Wendover and you’ll find a rest stop. The rest area is where you’ll see perfectly flat land that looks like the image I’ve described for you above.

For photographers, this is one natural site you cannot miss.

Before You Go

So there you have it, the top 25 places to visit in Utah! As you can see, there is a lot of nature to explore. Whether you’re on the hunt for canyons or mountains, or glistening rivers and lakes, you’ll find it all in Utah.

But before you go, make sure you plan ahead and book your accommodation. Booking.com has thousands of hotels in Utah to choose from at every price point. Plus, you get free cancellation on most rooms and the best price guarantee.

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We finally got to experience this National Scenic Byway on a summer road trip to the Shenandoah Valley; the Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park being a highlight of a visit to this region in Virginia.

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the iconic Appalachian Trail, the Skyline Drive encompasses the best of the national park without having the need to leave your vehicle (though we recommend you do!)

It passes dense forests, wetlands, and waterfalls, as well as along the foothills of craggy peaks like Hawksbill (the highest point in the park) and Old Rag Mountain.

While we drove, we kept our eyes on the lookout for some of the park’s most elusive animals, such as deer, squirrels, and of course, the black bear.

If you’re thinking of taking the Skyline Drive Shenandoah, but are not sure what to expect, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

Where is the Skyline Drive Shenandoah?

The Skyline Drive catches the baton at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and runs through the entire 105-mile length of the Shenandoah Valley National Park on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It is the ONLY road in the Shenandoah National Park, which is exciting as it allows you to experience two incredible natural Virginian wonders in one trip.

Be prepared for endless viewpoints over the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Massanutten Mountain Range. Plan your drive well to incorporate hikes, picnic areas, stopping at the best viewpoints, and lodges.

There are viewpoints every couple of miles. Despite the beauty of each overlook, you can quickly catch fatigue, so plan your stops well on either side of the road as the views are different.

The East is more mountainous with lush forests, while the West has more expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley.

When is the Best Time to Drive the Skyline Drive Shenandoah?

It really depends on what you want to experience. For me, I loved traveling during summer as everything is so lush and green – and I love hiking with a bit of humidity.

Fall is an especially popular time to travel along Skyline Drive, with its colorful foliage from late September to mid-November. Spring is also a great time to visit with spectacular views of wildflowers and mountain laurels.

Why not visit multiple times through the year and then choose your favorite!! (Be sure to share with us in the comments below!)

How Long Does the Skyline Drive Take?

At 105 miles long with a maximum 35 mph speed limit, it will take 3-4 hours to drive from one end to the other including a few stops.

If you want to add in a few hikes and see some of Shenandoah’s attractions, then you’re looking at a full-day adventure at least.

Adventurers will want to plan for a couple of days exploring the Shenandoah National Park and enjoying the Skyline Drive. Because it is also a national park, with many other great things to experience we recommend at least two days.

Shenandoah has multiple campgrounds that offer both first-come-first-served campsites and those you can reserve in advance.

To help you find features, facilities, and parking areas, concrete mileposts have been placed on the right-hand side of Skyline Drive as you head south. Mileposts will be included in various guides you get.

As we were driving south to north, we didn’t see any mile markers – or they were just difficult to see. This is a problem we’ve had at other national parks before as well. However, overlook signs will be easy to see with adequate warning.

Where Are the Skyline Drive Entrances & Fees

The national park is divided into three regions:

• North District (Dickey Ridge, Mathews Arm)
• Central District (Skyland, Big Meadows) This is the most popular section.
• South District (Loft Mountain)

There are four entrance stations to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park, which will give you access to whatever region you want to explore most. (Do all three!)

The entrance you choose will largely depend on where you are driving from. If you are coming from Charlottesville or Richmond, the Rockfish Gap Entrance to the South will be better. If you’re coming from Harrisonburg or Elkton, then the Swift Run Gap is closer.

• Front Royal Entrance Station (Northern Entrance)
• Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Mile 31.5)
• Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (Mile 65.7)
• Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (South Entrance)

As the Skyline Drive runs is operated by the National Park Service, there is an entrance fee. All passes are valid for 7 days and cost $30 for single vehicles, $25 for motorcycles, and $15 per person arriving vehicle free.

Motor homes, RVs, and camping trailers are welcome in the park.

Where to Find Skyline Drive Maps and Information

Be sure to grab a park map when you arrive at Skyline Drive Shenandoah.

Truthfully, national park maps aren’t all that good sources of information on things to see and do in a national park. They’re good for providing a map and historical, geological, and cultural information about a park.

Research before you get into the park or visit one of the two Visitor Centers for more in-depth assistance from Park Rangers. There are two in the park:

• Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is located at Mile 4.6
• Harry F Byrd Visitor Center is located at mile 51

For families, be sure to grab your Junior Ranger activity booklet (visitor centers and gift stores) and look for Junior Ranger activities that may be in the park. These programs are brilliant for helping your children connect more deeply to the experience.

And they will love receiving the badge at the end of it as a memento and a reminder of the importance of taking care of Mother Nature.

The Best Way to See Skyline Drive

With 75 scenic overlooks, it won’t be long before you start feeling stunning mountain viewpoint fatigue. Yes, it does happen.

Crazy to think, you can just wave another incredible viewpoint away as you keep driving. They can start looking the same.

A way to overcome that is to spread your Skyline Drive experience over multiple days. There is plenty to do in the nearby Shenandoah Valley to make this a wonderful extended trip with the national park as its focus.

We did the Southern part of the drive on our way to Massanutten Resort in the Shenandoah Valley Resort where we were staying.

The next morning, we did most of the rest of the drive north on our way to Luray. We still have the small northern section to do for next time.

What to See and Do Along Skyline Drive Shenandoah

While the Skyline Drive is a drive, you will want to make several stops along the way to see all the beautiful vistas and take in some of the attractions.

If you’re not sure what to see or do along the way, here are some stops we recommend.

Skyline Drive Viewpoints

As our time was short – and we experienced overlook fatigue – we did not visit every overlook. So, this is not a comprehensive guide to that. Here are a few that we enjoyed.

I’ve added some resources below to help you plan out other stops. Please leave a comment with some of your favorites for when we visit again, and for anyone reading this post looking for insider tips!

Mary’s Rock Tunnel at Mile 32

Everybody loves driving through tunnels, right? I was so busy taking a video of it (see our Reels) that I didn’t snap a photo.

This 600’ long tunnel was built in 1932 and was considered a marvel at its time. It was a welcome change from the multiple viewpoints and is a unique Skyline Drive feature.

There is a parking lot near here so you can take your photo.

Moormans River Overlook

I loved this perspective over Moormans River winding through the gently sloping mountains blanketed in a lush forest. It was so different from the other Skyline Drive overlooks and very peaceful. This is meant to be a good sunrise spot.

Stony Man Mountain Overlook at Mile 38.5

The Stony Man Mountain Overlook is a long, panoramic view of the valley floor with Massanutten Mountain in the distance. It has an elevation of 3100 feet so the air can feel a little thin up here.

This overlook is really all about vast greenery for miles on end. It really makes you realize the sheer size of the park!

Baldface Mountain Overlook

One of the most scenic overlooks on Skyline Drive is the Baldface Mountain. Many people recommend taking a walk through any gaps in the stone walls you find as they lead to better views.

We didn’t have time for that but the cut at Baldface is meant to lead to a rocky outcropping with better views.

• Range View Overlook (one of the best views of the northern section of the park)
• South River Overlook (great for sunrise)

Here’s a great post I used with in-depth information on the different overlooks.

Skyline Drive Hiking Trails

One of the best ways to experience Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive is to hike on one of the over 500 miles of trails that begin at Skyline Drive.

Stop in at the visitor center to find a trail that best suits your interest, style, and ability, as they range from ambling, strolls to challenging mountain scales. Some trails lead to a waterfall or spectacular viewpoints, and others go deep into the forested wilderness.

We want to return to Shenandoah National Park to experience more of the hikes. It was a short trip, and we could only fit in one short hike.

If you want to say you have hiked the legendary Appalachian Trail, it crisscrosses the Shenandoah National Park, and it is said to have some of the most impressive sections of the trail.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail

Located at mile point 50.7 is one of the most popular hikes in the Shenandoah National Park, especially for families.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a 1.4-mile loop hike down to the cascading Dark Hollow Falls. Allow for at least an hour and pack a picnic lunch or a few sandwiches if you want to spend more time enjoying the falls.

The first viewpoint is not the bottom of the Falls but is the best view of the Falls. You can walk a little further down the trail to the very bottom of the falls.

It’s not a spectacular waterfall, but I loved the perspective of the waterfall trickling down the moss-covered rocks.

It is a bit of a steep climb coming back out, the hardest part is from the bottom of the falls to the top. After that it is more of a gradual climb.

Stop at the Skyline Drive Lodges with a View

There are three lodges along Skyline Drive: Skyland, Elkwallow Wayside and Big Meadows Lodge. They each hold events throughout the season, including Virginia wine tasting, night sky programs, and twilight hikes.

They also offer accommodation and restaurants and gift stores. Elkwallow is a great place to get ice cream, if you’re visiting during the summer. If you prefer to camp, there are also nearby camping spots such as the Big Meadows Campground.

You’ll love stopping in here for a bite to eat or a drink with magnificent views out over the Shenandoah Valley. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and take a break from the endless winding road and beautiful views.

Things to Do near the Skyline Drive Shenandoah

As mentioned, we have an in-depth post on things to do in the Shenandoah Valley, which outlines these activities in more depth.

If you’re looking for other things to do in the area, I suggest you plan for exploring the cute towns near the entrances to the national park. These towns also have some cool activities that surround them.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Luray Caverns
• Walking alpacas
• Wine tasting at Veritas Vineyards
• Horseback Riding at Jordan Hollow Stables
• White Oak Lavender Farm
• The town of Staunton

FAQs About Skyline Drive Shenandoah

Here’s what people usually ask us about Skyline Drive Shenandoah..

Where to Stay near Skyline Drive Shenandoah

We stayed at the Massanutten Resort, which gave us easy access to all the attractions in the Shenandoah Valley and to the Shenandoah National Park. Plus, the resort offers more than just lovely condo accommodations.

They have a fantastic indoor and outdoor Water Park, Ziplining courses, mountain biking trails, and several dining options. It’s a fantastic place for families to stay!

If you’re looking to spend a couple of days exploring the drive, then you might want to consider staying at one of the lodges in the park.

There are some other here are some other great options just outside the park as well, but as this is a very popular attraction in Virginia, especially in the summer, it’s best to plan ahead and book in advance.

Here are some other options for where to stay:

• Big Meadows Lodge: One of the few lodges in the park that offers cozy and affordable rooms.
• Skyland Lodge: Another one of the few lodges in the park with incredible views.
• Lafayette Bed and Breakfast: A great lodge at the South Entrance to Skyline Drive.
• Hopkins Ordinary Bed, Breakfast and Ale Works: Located just outside Thornton’s Gap. This would be a great option if you want to explore the Skyline Drive over multiple days.

Other Virginia Travel Tips

Are you thinking of visiting some other places in Virginia? Then check out some more helpful guides below.

• An East Coast Revolutionary War Trail Road Trip
• 10 Fun things to do in Williamsburg, VA
• See history come alive in Greater Williamsburg
• Spring mountain getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge

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