Top 5 Must-Do Weekend Road Trips in the USA

Life gets hectic, and sometimes you just need a break. What better way to unwind than by hitting the open road for a weekend trip? The United States is filled with stunning landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable adventures perfect for a memorable getaway. Here are five weekend road trips that should be on everyone's bucket list.

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Stretching 655 miles along the California coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Starting in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles, this route features charming coastal towns, vibrant beaches, and majestic state parks.

One highlight is the iconic Big Sur, where you can hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Here, you can take in fresh ocean air and capture stunning photographs. Don't forget to stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for a view that's popular with photographers from around the world.

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This getaway is perfect for both adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts. You can enjoy whale watching, tasting world-class wines in Napa Valley, or simply lounging on the beach. With coastal views and exciting stops, this road trip offers an experience as exhilarating as the destination itself.

• Tip: Start early to avoid traffic and catch the sunrise over the coastline! This will give you extra time to explore the small beach towns along the way.

• Hack: Consider renting a campervan to save on lodging costs and stay flexible with your itinerary.

• Must-Stop Places:

  • Bixby Creek Bridge: This iconic landmark offers a dramatic coastal view. It's a perfect photo op that’s completely free.

  • McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: A waterfall dropping straight onto the beach—it’s stunning, especially at sunset!

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea: A charming town filled with art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch and stroll the quaint streets.

• Must try Food Spots:

  • Nepenthe (Big Sur): A breathtaking cliffside spot offering classic Californian dishes. Their Ambrosia Burger with a view is a must!

  • Santa Barbara Shellfish Company (Santa Barbara): Located on Stearns Wharf, this spot serves fresh, affordable seafood with a view. Try the clam chowder or grilled shrimp.

  • Nick’s Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach): A cozy spot with ocean views, known for its fish tacos and California-style comfort food. Perfect for a relaxed meal.

2. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Known as "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-see for anyone craving beautiful mountain views and peaceful nature. This scenic route is 469 miles long and runs through the stunning Appalachian Highlands.

To fully experience its beauty, consider visiting in the fall when the leaves display stunning hues of orange, red, and yellow. Make stops at overlooks to take in sweeping panoramic views or hike trails like Craggy Gardens and Linville Falls, both of which showcase the area's natural charm.

Along your journey, delve into the local culture by visiting towns like Asheville, known for its vibrant arts scene and local breweries. Picnic at a viewpoint or shop at artisan markets to create lasting memories during this weekend adventure surrounded by nature's splendor.

• Tip: Travel during the fall to see breathtaking autumn foliage. Also, try to go on weekdays for fewer crowds.

• Hack: Download offline maps and trail guides in advance. The parkway often has spotty service.

• Must-Stop Places:

  • Mabry Mill: One of the most photographed spots on the parkway; the historic mill and pond are postcard-perfect.

  • Peaks of Otter: Take a scenic hike for panoramic mountain views, or picnic by the lake.

  • Linville Falls: A quick hike takes you to spectacular views of one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the parkway.

• Must try Food Spots:

  • Local Roots (Roanoke, VA): Known for its farm-to-table menu, try the Southern classics with a twist, like fried green tomatoes. A bit pricier, but worth a stop.

  • The Knife and Fork (Spruce Pine, NC): A hidden gem serving creative dishes inspired by Appalachian ingredients. The trout and seasonal veggie plates are popular.

  • Pisgah Inn Restaurant (Pisgah National Forest, NC): A perfect spot for mountain views and hearty, affordable meals. Their breakfast is excellent, especially if you’re an early riser.

3. The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an exceptional road trip destination overflowing with rich biodiversity. Bordering North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is famous for its mist-covered mountains and lush forests.

Starting in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you can access numerous trails and scenic spots. A drive along Newfound Gap Road offers breathtaking vistas. The Cades Cove Loop is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, providing opportunities to see deer, black bears, and wild turkey in their natural habitat.

After your hikes, relax at a viewpoint like Clingmans Dome, the park's highest point, standing at 6,643 feet with spectacular views.

To complete your trip, indulge in local cuisine. Make sure to try southern favorites like fried catfish and biscuits and gravy in nearby towns like Pigeon Forge or Cherokee before heading home.

• Tip: Get an early start to catch the “smoky” mist that gives the mountains their name. It’s especially atmospheric in the morning.

• Hack: Pack a picnic! Food options can be limited and pricey. Having snacks on hand will let you enjoy lunch with scenic views.

• Must-Stop Places:

  • Cades Cove Loop Road: This scenic drive is famous for its wildlife spotting—watch for bears, deer, and wild turkeys.

  • Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the Smokies, with a 360-degree observation tower offering incredible views.

  • Newfound Gap Road: Stretching from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, it’s filled with overlooks and photo-worthy spots.

• Must try Food Spots:

  • Pancake Pantry (Gatlinburg, TN): A Smoky Mountain breakfast institution, famous for its fluffy pancakes and homemade syrup. Perfect for fueling up before a day of hiking.

  • The Apple Barn & Cider Mill (Sevierville, TN): Known for Southern comfort food and apple-inspired dishes. Don’t miss their apple fritters and fried chicken.

  • Oconaluftee Visitor Center Picnic Area (Cherokee, NC): Not a restaurant, but a fantastic spot for a scenic DIY picnic. Bring local treats from nearby markets and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.

4. Route 66, Illinois to California

Travel back in time with a weekend drive along the iconic Route 66, known as the "Main Street of America." While the full route spans over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, exploring just a portion of it can provide a rich experience for your weekend.

Starting in Chicago, your drive to St. Louis includes a stop at the stunning Gateway Arch, which stands 630 feet tall. As you continue your journey, check out nostalgic roadside attractions like the Route 66 Drive-In, quirky diners, and towns filled with Americana.

This route offers diverse landscapes, from the deserts of the Southwest to historic landmarks that tell the story of America's expansion. Exploring this legendary road will spark both nostalgia and a sense of adventure, making it a great weekend escape for history lovers and road trip enthusiasts alike.

• Tip: Check out vintage diners and quirky roadside attractions that define the “Mother Road.” It’s a journey back in time!

• Hack: Pack a mix of snacks, as some stretches are long without gas stations or food stops.

• Must-Stop Places:

  • Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas): Iconic painted cars half-buried in the ground, a fun and free stop.

  • Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona): Incredible rock formations and petrified wood along the route.

  • Santa Monica Pier (California): End your trip with a stroll on the famous pier, marking the historic end of Route 66.

• Must try Food Spots:

  • Lou Mitchell’s (Chicago, IL): A Chicago staple since 1923, famous for its hearty breakfast and donut holes. Start your Route 66 journey with a classic diner meal.

  • El Rancho Hotel (Gallup, NM): Stop for a taste of New Mexico cuisine at this historic hotel. Try their green chile cheeseburger for an authentic southwestern experience.

  • Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner (Kingman, AZ): This retro diner offers burgers, shakes, and all-American fare. The root beer float is a fan favorite and a fun, budget-friendly treat.

  • Pie Town Cafe (Pie Town, NM): Known for—you guessed it—pie! This quirky town is a must for dessert lovers, offering everything from apple to unique New Mexico-inspired pies.

5. Acadia National Park, Maine

For those craving nature's beauty along the Atlantic coastline, Acadia National Park is the perfect destination. Located on Mount Desert Island, the park features dramatic cliffs and serene forests ideal for outdoor exploration.

Kick off your trip in Bar Harbor, a charming coastal town famous for its fresh seafood and local craft beer. Spend your days hiking iconic trails like the Jordan Pond Path, known for its stunning views, or the challenging Precipice Trail, which offers breathtaking sights of the ocean.

Don’t miss the opportunity to drive along Park Loop Road, stopping at Cadillac Mountain, known as the first place in the U.S. to witness the sunrise. Catching this early morning spectacle will leave you inspired and ready for a day of adventure.

This weekend road trip is a paradise for outdoor lovers. With activities like kayaking, biking, and hiking, you are sure to leave feeling refreshed and energized.

• Tip: Visit at dawn to see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, one of the first places in the U.S. to catch the sunrise.

• Hack: Buy your park pass online to skip the entry line and avoid paying extra fees.

• Must-Stop Places:

  • Jordan Pond Path: A scenic 3.3-mile trail around a clear pond with iconic views of the Bubbles mountains.

  • Sand Beach: A small, scenic beach nestled between rocky shores, perfect for a budget-friendly beach day.

  • Thunder Hole: A unique rock formation where waves crash into a small inlet, creating a “thundering” sound that’s thrilling to witness.

• Must try Food Spots:

  • Thurston’s Lobster Pound (Bernard, ME): A classic Maine lobster shack where you can enjoy affordable lobster rolls with stunning harbor views.

  • Jordan Pond House (Acadia National Park): Known for their popovers and tea, it’s a perfect afternoon stop with mountain and pond views.

  • 2 Cats (Bar Harbor, ME): A breakfast and brunch gem offering Maine blueberry pancakes and hearty omelets, great for fueling up before exploring Acadia.

  • Mount Desert Island Ice Cream (Bar Harbor, ME): After a day in the park, treat yourself to some of Maine’s best ice cream, featuring unique flavors like Blueberry Basil.

Embracing the Open Road

Weekend road trips provide the perfect opportunity to escape the daily grind. The five destinations highlighted here—the Pacific Coast Highway, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the historic allure of Route 66, and the stunning landscapes of Acadia National Park—are waiting to be explored.

No matter which destination you choose, prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. Your ideal weekend getaway is calling!

As always, thank you for reading!