Last Updated: December 20, 2023
With the COVID19 having shaken up the entire world, plenty has changed in the travel industry. The way we travel will be one of the things that will change with road trips becoming our preferred method of travel. Now that the restrictions are being lifted off gradually around the world, surely some of us cannot wait to hit the road again. This is why I thought of sharing with you the 8 Best American Road Trips to take in 2021.
As much as I like to fly, I always favoured a little more road trips over flying. Part of the reason could be because as a kid, I have fond memories of me and my family road-tripping from Greece to Albania, to visit my grandparents. I still remember the music playing over the radio while gazing out the window, enjoying how the scenery changed as we drove by. Road trips are fun and with the right planning can sure be memorable.
Each of the road trips below is different, aiming to cover any type of adventure you’re after. Whether you like coastline; desert or forested areas, here you will find the 8 Best American road trips to take in 2021.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite National Park is famed to be one of the most beautiful in the world. The park stretches over 3,000km of land where you will come across giant sequoia trees, waterfalls, lakes and granite rock formations and of course, the infamous El Capitan. Find all the information you need to plan your trip at the official website of National Park Services, pack your camp gear, and get ready to experience Yosemite’s stark beauty. You will find organized campgrounds and RV campsites spread across various locations of the park.
LAS VEGAS – GRAND CANYON & VALLEY OF FIRE
Most people view Las Vegas as a playground for adults. If you’re willing to venture outside the city limits you’ll be quick to find out that there so many other things that you can do and see. Spend a weekend here and start your days early to explore the Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire which is a stone’s throw away from Vegas. Another great experience to consider could be a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon to get a bird’s-eye view of the gorge. On your way out of Vegas, you might wanna stop by Seven Magic Mountains, admire the art, and of course, snap a few pictures of the colorful rocks.
PAGE, ARIZONA
Surely you have seen all over social media during the last few years, people uploading more and more pictures from Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Well, these unique sites are located minutes away from the town of Page in Arizona. Page has developed a lot throughout the years with a number of hotels opening to accommodate the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting each year. Base yourself here and explore not only Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend but also Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and why not, drive all the way to Monument Valley.
ROUTE 66
If we’re talking about the best American road trips, it is impossible to not include Route 66. The Mother Road is starting from Chicago, ending in Santa Monica, Los Angeles and it is the most historic road in the USA. If you choose this route it is good to remember that the journey will be all about the experience and not the destination. The road, at parts, crosses through old towns, motels and diners bringing back some of the nostalgia from the years when the highway was at its prime.
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY: SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES
California State Route 1 is one of the most scenic routes in the entire United States. The scenery shifts from coastal cliffs to mountains and from forested areas to the open road. The drive takes about 10 hours to complete but you should take your time and keep a leisurely pace if you want to take full advantage of the trip. There are plenty of noteworthy spots to check out along the way, meaning that a stop to stretch your legs is guaranteed to be everything but dull. My favorites are Carmel-by-the-sea, Bixby bridge & Point Reyes. Depending on the number of days you have, why not stretch your route and spend a few days in San Diego? America’s Finest City could be the perfect finishing line for your American road trip as it has a laid-back vibe to allow you to unwind and enjoy some time by the beach.
SOUTH CAROLINA – GEORGIA
This part of the East Coast is packed with history but that is only part of the reason you should visit. The natural beauty unfolding in front of you as you approach the coastline is heaven for nature lovers. Dedicate some time to explore the marshes and the islands then stop at the historical centre of Savannah and let the southern charm and the architecture seduce you. Passing by Charleston, make sure that you explore the plantations and its historic district.
LA – PALM SPRINGS & JOSHUA TREE
Palm Springs has always been a sweet getaway for those living in Los Angeles and in need of a break from the city. Once a golf haven now it attracts not only weekend vacationists but also tourists from around the world. For an exciting itinerary rent a rustic B&B at a remote location in Joshua Tree National Park and enjoy nights under the stars while toasting marshmallows on the fire pit. If you have some time to spare I would highly recommend that you also visit the small towns to wander around.
FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK
Dramatic waterfalls; lakes, quaint towns and vineyards, the Finger Lakes have it all and then some. It takes approximately five hours to reach the lakes from New York and although the drive may seem a bit too long, the destination will most definitely worth it. Spend a long weekend here to explore the 11 natural lakes and the serene scenery. The region is known for its winemaking, so naturally, the wine tasting tours are one of the top things to do during your visit. Spend a weekend packed with all sorts of activities such as hiking, boating, horse-back riding. Feeling even more adventurous? Then you must try the hot-air balloon.
Listening to the right tunes over the radio is almost as important as the route itself. Check my all-time favorite road trip playlist on Spotify for some great singalongs.
These are my 8 best American road trips, however, the USA has plenty more to offer. Have you taken any of these road trips? Feel free to let me know in the comments which one is your favorite American road trip.
