10 Must-See Destinations on Your Next Road Trip
If you love the idea of hitting the open road with your family, there are plenty of road trip destinations to choose from. From national parks to historic cities, these 10 must-see destinations are sure to delight!
In Utah, five national parks are within a short driving distance. They’re Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.
Yosemite National Park
One of the world's most famous national parks, Yosemite is filled with landmarks, epic hikes, and breathtaking views. It's not only the place to see awe-inspiring waterfalls - the park offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, including photography and art classes, stargazing programs, and tours.
The park's glacially-carved cliffs and abundant Sierra snowmelt create spectacular waterfalls, from the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls to the smaller 317-foot Vernal Falls. If you're looking for a more relaxing part of the park, consider visiting Hetch Hetchy, where mountain lakes and granite cliffs are framed by waterfalls.
You can also visit the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias or take a drive or tour bus to Glacier Point for views of the high country. And for a unique experience, book a nighttime walk with a ranger, who will guide you along trails in search of nocturnal animals.
Yellowstone National Park
With its geysers, mud pots, and breathtaking waterfalls, Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Founded in 1872, it is located primarily in Wyoming but also extends into Montana and Idaho.
This vast park is best explored on a car trip, using the 142-mile Grand Loop Road that connects all of the most famous attractions. It can take four to seven hours to drive, so plan your visit.
If you have time, make sure to see Old Faithful Geyser. Typically erupting every hour and a half, this iconic landmark is a must-see.
The Grand Canyon
Whether you're visiting the South Rim or West Rim, The Grand Canyon offers a variety of stunning sights and activities. There's something for every traveler, from family-centric outings to hiking tours and rafting adventures.
The Grand Canyon's 1.2 million acres of rocky, woodsy, and Colorado River landscapes are breathtaking to behold. And there are plenty of ways to see it up close, from a guided tour to a helicopter ride.
Another great option is Hermit Road, a 7-mile stretch between the Grand Canyon Village and Hermit's Rest that boasts nine different viewpoints. This route is completely free and is a great way to see the park's beautiful sights, even if you're not a big hiker or biker.
The Grand Teton National Park
The Grand Teton National Park is a place of towering mountains, stunning glacial lakes, pristine wilderness, and an incredible variety of wildlife. It’s a truly special place and the perfect destination for your next road trip.
Going on a budget road trip is a great way to explore new places without breaking the bank. By using Travel Coupon Codes, you can save even more money on accommodations, dining, and activities along the way. Look for deals on popular coupon websites or sign up for email newsletters from travel companies to access exclusive discounts. Remember to plan, pack snacks and drinks, and be flexible with your itinerary to make the most of your budget road trip.
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from mid-May to late September when hiking trails, visitor centers, and water activities are all open. During these months, you can expect the best weather and the most scenic views.
One of the most popular recreational destinations in Grand Teton is Jackson Lake, which offers a variety of watersports like boating, wakeboarding, and fishing. It also features several lodges and campgrounds, including the historic Jackson Lake Lodge.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is home to one of the most incredible landscapes on earth, with awe-inspiring waterfalls, glacial lakes, and epic hiking trails. This Montana-based national park is a must-see on your next road trip.
When visiting Glacier, you should consider how much time you have and what activities you want to do during your visit. Several areas of the park have different attractions and activities, including Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Lake McDonald, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
A fantastic way to experience the park is by taking a tour. Among the most popular are the Red Bus Tour and Sun Tours. The former features a fleet of iconic open-air buses from the 1930s, each with a rollback top for unobstructed views.
Mount Rainier National Park
Located in Washington State, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular and iconic national parks in America. It offers stunning mountain views, epic hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and massive glaciers.
During summer, the park transforms into a colorful wonderland filled with wildflowers and blooming trees. Peak bloom season usually occurs from late July through August.
Hiking is a must-do activity during your visit to Mount Rainier National Park, with various trails available for all levels. The park also offers scenic drives and mountain climbing opportunities.
If you’re planning on hiking Mount Rainier, be sure to bring the proper gear and prepare for the weather conditions. The mountain can snow as early as September and continue until May, so be prepared for a bit of disruption.
Olympic National Park
If you’re looking for a wild place to explore, Olympic National Park is the perfect destination. It protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and a multitude of ecosystems like glacier-capped mountains and old-growth temperate rainforests.
The park also boasts a diverse array of activities and attractions. You can kayak deep rivers and dip your line in the ocean, hike through a rainforest, camp on a beach or in the mountains and so much more!
You can even watch salmon jump at a designated viewing platform in September and October. This happens when they spawn in the water and head back upstream to lay their eggs.
Budgetair Voucher Codes can be a great way to save on budget travel packages and car rentals. Make sure to check for any current promotions and discount codes before booking to get the best deal.
Seattle
Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is a vibrant city with a unique mix of urban cool and rugged natural beauty. With its picturesque waterfront and mountain ranges, it's the perfect destination for a road trip in the Pacific Northwest.
There are many different activities and attractions to choose from, so there's something for everyone. Take a stroll down Seattle's iconic streets, visit the Space Needle, explore the Museum of Pop Culture, or brush up on your music knowledge at KEXP.
If you love the outdoors, make time for a hike in one of the city's parks. Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill is a top choice, but Gas Works or Seward Park are also popular options for views across Lake Union.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a city of world-class experiences, from stunning views to mouthwatering food. With an array of options from top restaurants to hip boutique hotels, San Francisco is a must-visit destination on your next road trip.
Whether you’re a fan of baseball or not, don’t miss a game at Oracle Park Opens in a new window, the home of the San Francisco Giants. This aesthetically picturesque stadium is one of the best ways to see the City by the Bay in all its glory!
If you’re not into baseball, take in the gorgeous vistas from Coit Tower and watch the city lights flicker by at night. You can also visit the California Academy of SciencesOpens in new window, a renowned science museum that features a four-story rainforest, an aquarium, and a planetarium. It also boasts world-class research and education programs for visitors of all ages!
Los Angeles
The city of Los Angeles is a great place to visit for its world-class museums, cultural attractions, and diverse restaurants. It also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
If you’re an art lover, then the Getty Museum is a must-see. The museum’s collection includes paintings, drawings, and sculptures from around the world.
Another top Los Angeles attraction is the Natural History Museum of LA County. Here, you can see the only T Rex growth follis series in the world and the largest collection of fossils found to date.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, then go hiking at Griffith Park. The 2.7-mile loop is challenging without being too hard, and there is plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
Conclusion
The Grand Teton National Park is a place of towering mountains, stunning glacial lakes, pristine wilderness, and an incredible variety of wildlife. Glacier National Park is home to one of the most incredible landscapes on earth, with awe-inspiring waterfalls, glacial lakes, and epic hiking trails. Mount Rainier National Park Located in Washington State, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular and iconic national parks in America.
