- \n
- Best trip length:<\/strong> 1\u20132 weeks for a regional route; 4\u20136 weeks for a true cross-country adventure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Depends on route \u2014 see timing notes under each section below.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Entry fees:<\/strong> Most national parks charge an entry fee of $35 or so per vehicle. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all the national parks and most federal recreation sites for 12 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Navigation:<\/strong> Download Google Maps offline for areas with poor cell service; some remote stretches of the West and South have long gaps without signal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Accommodation:<\/strong> A mix of national park campgrounds (book via Recreation.gov<\/a> well in advance), motels, and hotels works well for most routes. Flexibility is a major asset \u2014 not every night needs to be pre-booked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rental car tip:<\/strong> Choose a car that makes the drive more enjoyable\u2014whether that\u2019s something comfortable for the highway or a model you\u2019ve always wanted to try. Booking through Turo<\/a> gives you plenty of options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Porsche](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Porsche-911-rental-in-United-States-on-Turo-1024x576.jpg\")
Always wanted to try a true sports car? Porsche 911\u2019s sharp handling and acceleration let you carve through Big Sur and cross the Golden Gate Bridge with ease, rent yours on Turo and make it happen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\nCar rental United States<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to choose your route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where do you start with a road trip through the States? With so many options, the best route comes down to your preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few questions to help narrow it down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How much time do you have?<\/strong> A long weekend calls for something focused, while a few weeks open up something much bigger.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What kind of scenery excites you most?<\/strong> Mountains, coast, desert, or cities \u2014 some of the best scenic routes are shaped by just one of these.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you want to move fast or take it slow?<\/strong> Cover ground, or build in time to stop and explore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are you most drawn to?<\/strong> National parks, tourist attractions, or something more cultural \u2014 music, history, or food?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The routes below are grouped by region and character, so you can follow what naturally pulls you in \u2014 or use it as road trip inspiration to piece together your own version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best road trip routes through the States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These routes represent six of the most rewarding ways to shape a road trip itinerary through the US \u2014 each with its own feel, landscapes, and highlights. Follow one on its own, or combine a few to build a longer, cross-country journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The West Coast: San Diego to Seattle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The West Coast drive follows the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Seattle, linking some of the country\u2019s most iconic coastal and city landscapes in one continuous stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The route moves through Southern California \u2014 Los Angeles, including Santa Monica and Malibu, where wide, golden beaches and rolling surf give way to the famous Pacific Coast Highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A decent detour inland finds you at Yosemite National Park, and then Sequoia National Park, trading coastline for high mountain passes and giant sequoias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continuing towards Central California passes by the spectacular sheer cliffs of Big Sur and the picture-postcard towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. Before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into the vibrant streets of San Francisco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further north, drive beneath canopies of Redwoods before opening up to the windswept Oregon coast and toward the Columbia River Gorge, carved by water and lined with waterfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you reach the Pacific Northwest, Seattle marks the final stop. Though if you have time, Olympic National Park sits just beyond, where misty forests, snow-capped peaks, and rugged shoreline await your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Recommended trip length:<\/strong> 10\u201320 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Late spring to early fall (May to September), with longer days, clearer coastal views, and more reliable conditions as you head north.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Malibu, Big Sur, Golden Gate Bridge, Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, Cannon Beach, Columbia River Gorge, Olympic National Park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Road](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/R8O49AZ-1024x576.jpg\")
Want that San Francisco shot everyone saves? Pull over at a Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint and frame the red towers against the rolling fog for a proper travel win.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Cannon](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/R89DVOD-1024x576.jpg\")
Pull into Cannon Beach, walk the wide sandy shoreline toward Haystack Rock and enjoy a slow coastal break with sea breeze, crashing waves and space to unwind.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Southwest National Parks Loop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, this loop moves through Utah\u2019s Mighty 5<\/a> \u2014 Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park \u2014 where towering red rock walls, sculpted hoodoos, and vast, open desert fill the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head to Monument Valley\u2019s iconic sandstone formations, before reaching the truly breathtaking Grand Canyon, sculpted by the Colorado River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The South Rim is the most visited, while the North Rim offers a quieter, more remote alternative when open seasonally. Make sure to visit Lake Powell nearby, where still water cuts through surrounding canyon walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Recommended trip length:<\/strong> 10\u201314 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Summer temperatures can be extreme, so late spring and fall are the best times to go.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Zion](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/RNJNB2A-1024x576.jpg\")
Step straight into the Virgin River at Zion National Park and follow the Narrows as the canyon walls rise around you and reshape how you experience the landscape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Grand](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/RFYF4CR-1024x576.jpg\")
Ever stood somewhere that completely resets your sense of scale? Pull up at the Grand Canyon South Rim, walk to the edge and watch the layers shift colour as the sun moves across the vast canyon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Tip from the author:<\/strong> The America the Beautiful pass gives access to almost all the parks on this route (note: Monument Valley is not included)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Pacific Northwest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Pacific Northwest road trip is defined by ancient forests, volcanic peaks, and gorgeous, rocky coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting in Seattle, the route climbs through the surrounding mountain range into the North Cascades – jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and quiet, winding roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turn west toward Olympic National Park, where rainforest, coastline, and alpine terrain meet. Follow the Oregon Coast south along the Pacific Coast, where you’ll find long, windswept beaches and shimmering sea stacks, before cutting inland toward the Columbia River Gorge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continue to Portland, then further south to Crater Lake National Park, or extend to the California Redwoods if you have more time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Recommended trip length:<\/strong> 7\u201310 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Late June to Septemberwith long days, open roads, and the most reliable weather. Spring can be wet, while winter brings heavy rain and road closures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Pike Place Market, North Cascades, Hoh Rain Forest, Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Multnomah Falls, Portland, Crater Lake National Park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Samuel](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/RJ1CXF4-1024x576.jpg\")
Trade your usual road trip stop for Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, where couples can pull over, walk hand in hand along rugged cliffs and take in ocean views that feel quietly surreal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Crater](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/R5F3LB4-1024x576.jpg\")
Perched inside a collapsed volcano with glassy blue water below, Crater Lake National Park gives friends the perfect excuse to hike, explore the rim and turn a scenic stop into a shared adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Great Plains and Rocky Mountains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This underrated route starts in Chicago, quickly trading city streets for the long golden landscapes of South Dakota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The drive moves through Badlands National Park \u2014 all sharp ridges and layered rock \u2014 before climbing into the Black Hills and past the remarkable Mount Rushmore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continuing into Wyoming, visit Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, where erupting hot springs, glassy alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife greet you: bison, elk, and, occasionally, wolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, head into the Rocky Mountains, with stops in Rocky Mountain National Park for high-altitude trails and scenic vistas, and Denver for a lively city break, before turning toward Kansas City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Recommended trip length:<\/strong> 10-14 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> June to September \u2014 Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Rocky Mountains are fully accessible, with clear roads and ideal conditions for driving and hiking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Lake Michigan, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, Kansas City<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mount](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mount-Rushmore-Keystone-South-Dakota-1024x576.jpg\")
Recognisable from films, textbooks and postcards, Mount Rushmore is where families can stop, snap photos and enjoy a landmark that feels both iconic and surprisingly up close.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Road](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Lake-Michigan-Chicago-Illinois-1024x576.jpg\")
With the skyline rising beside open water, Lake Michigan in Chicago sets the scene for couples to stroll the waterfront, catch golden hour and enjoy a calm moment away from the rush.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Tip from the author:<\/strong> Yellowstone and Grand Teton are best visited early in the morning, as wildlife is most active at dawn, and the park roads are significantly quieter before 9 am. And if you\u2019re traveling in summer, book well in advance to secure access and accommodation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The South: Music, history, and Gulf Coast beaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This road trip leans into a different side of the U.S., one shaped by music, history, and some of the country’s most delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting in Nashville, days are built around live music and stops like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, before continuing to Memphis, where Graceland and Beale Street carry the legacy of blues and rock \u2019n\u2019 roll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow the Mississippi River south to New Orleans \u2014 all jazz, late nights, ghost stories, and a food scene that\u2019s as much a part of the experience as the city itself \u2014 before reaching the Gulf Coast for white-sand beaches and fresh seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Asheville for tiered, blue-hazed mountains, thick woodland, and twisting, unhurried roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Recommended trip length:<\/strong> 7\u201310 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Spring or fall<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don’t miss:<\/strong> Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Broadway (Nashville), Graceland, Beale Street, Gulf Coast beaches, Great Smoky Mountains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Beale](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/R5PW95U-1024x576.jpg\")
Step onto Beale Street, wander past music stores and gift shops, pick up a few souvenirs and turn your stop into a laid-back stroll through one of Memphis\u2019 most iconic streets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Country](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/REY3E3E-1024x576.jpg\")
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum brings decades of music history together, giving visitors the chance to explore exhibits, trace iconic careers and enjoy a rich cultural stop in Nashville.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Tip from the author:<\/strong> If you have time before setting off, a short detour north of Nashville leads to Mammoth Cave National Park, with vast underground chambers and guided tours.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The East Coast: From the Smokies to New England<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Spring or fall<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> June to September \u2014 Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Rocky Mountains are fully accessible, with clear roads and ideal conditions for driving and hiking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Late June to Septemberwith long days, open roads, and the most reliable weather. Spring can be wet, while winter brings heavy rain and road closures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Summer temperatures can be extreme, so late spring and fall are the best times to go.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Late spring to early fall (May to September), with longer days, clearer coastal views, and more reliable conditions as you head north.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What kind of scenery excites you most?<\/strong> Mountains, coast, desert, or cities \u2014 some of the best scenic routes are shaped by just one of these.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Depends on route \u2014 see timing notes under each section below.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Great](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park-Gatlinburg-Tennessee-1024x576.jpg\")
![\"Road](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Blue-Ridge-Parkway-Asheville-North-Carolina-1024x576.jpg\")
![\"Bentley](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Bentley-Bentayga-rental-in-United-States-on-Turo-1024x576.jpg\")