From coastal drives to national parks, these U.S. road trip ideas are perfect for a spring vacation.
Explore historic sites, regional food, wineries, or nature, all from the front seat.
Theres flexibility built into these suggested itineraries, with possible extensions if your schedule allows.
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Pack up the car, and away we go.
These are the best American road trips to take this spring.
A scenic drive throughJoshua Tree National Parkcould span 50-plus miles if you drive straight through.
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There are several ways to enter the park, but lets say youre starting in Palm Springs.
Youll see ocotillo, with their tall branches tipped by bright red blossoms.
Soon youll see the tree that gave the park its name.
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The highway meets I-10 from here, head west toward Los Angeles or east toward the Coachella Valley.
This drive covers about 150 miles, but the timing depends on your stops along the way.
Look for mile marker 126 to help you count down the distance to Key West.
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Key Largowill be the northernmost town of the Keys and possibly your first stop.
South of Marathon, US-1 crosses theSeven Mile Bridgewhich links Marathon with the Lower Keys.
On the other side of the bridge, you’ll see the palm-fringed beaches ofBahia Honda State Park.
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They continue to 105 at the southern end of the park at Rockfish Gap.
It’s located at milepost 51 across from Big Meadows, an open area with campgrounds and spring wildflowers.
You may want to spend a night before setting out on theJohn D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkwaytoward Yellowstone.
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Heading north, youll be entering Yellowstone at the southernmost of its five entrances.
Youll pass Lewis Lake and waterfalls on your way to theGrant Visitor Center.
Be sure to check the parks website or convenient app regarding road conditions, especially in early spring.
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Head west to theOld Faithful Visitor Education Centerto learn about the famous geyser and see it erupt.
There, you should spend the night and take some time exploring in the morning.
Dont miss the view from Coxcomb Hill and theAstoria Column, dedicated in 1926 to honor Astorias early settlers.
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State Route 20 heads inland and US-101 continues south for your next adventure.
Fossil beds, rugged mountains, wildlife, and striking rock formations create a unique environment.
Plan to spend several hours among the varied terrain and scenic beauty.
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Dont leave without a stop atPinnacles Overlook, especially striking at sunset.
Youll probably leave the city via theHolland Tunnelto cross under the Hudson River to New Jersey.
Stay on Route 78, and then take I-95 after you cross Newark Bay.
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After Perth Amboy, take the Garden State Parkway for a morescenic drivecloser to the coast.
You’re out of the city.
Take Route 9 when it branches off around Toms River for a more scenic route closer to the ocean.
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Stop atSteel Pier, a 1,000-foot amusement park offering rides, games, and food.
Take I-10 west out of town and I-310 south to LA-18, ascenic road that hugs the Mississippi River.
Stop at cemeteries, churches, and any picturesque places along the way that catch your eye.
The town has afestivaldedicated to the dish every May and several Cajun restaurants likeThe Jambalaya Shoppe.
Get on I-10 W in Prairieville from US-61 N and follow it for about 25 minutes to Baton Rouge.
Enjoy some time in the city, and perhaps spend the night after your long day of driving.
You might consider touring theLSU Rural Life Museum, which documents the cultures of 18th- and 19th-century rural Louisianans.
Enjoy the River Walk and restaurants while you plan your Texas-style road trip to the state capital of Austin.
Wineries and authentic German cuisine make this an attractive stopping point.
Known for entertainment, food, and nightlife, Austin is called the Live Music Capital of the World.
You may want to spend a night to see what its all about.
Phoenix to Flagstaff, Arizona
Spring is lovely in Phoenix, with April temperatures around the mid-80s.
Flagstaff, at 7,000 feet of elevation, sees cooler average temperatures in the 60s and 70s during spring.
Then, continue up I-17 to theMontezuma Castle National Monument.
These well-preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings were the homes of the Sinagua people for more than 400 years.
Take AZ-89A north toward Flagstaff, but dont missSlide Rock State Park, especially during wildflower season.
In just over 30 minutes, youll arrive in Flagstaff, home to the worlds largest ponderosa pine forest.
Begin at Cajon Pass off Interstate 15, about an hour east of Los Angeles on Interstate 10.
Join State Route 18 for your drive east toward Big Bear.
Embrace yourmountainous surroundingsand stay at one of thechic cabins at Noble + Proper.
Go for a hike on theCastle Rock Trailto catch unparalleled views of Big Bear Lake.
