The Best Destinations for a Road Trip with Friends

Going on a road trip with your friends is a perfect way to spend time together, explore new places, and create unforgettable memories. A road trip allows you to travel at your own pace, make impromptu stops, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Here are some of the best destinations for a road trip with friends.

Best Destinations for a Road Trip

California Coastline

best destinations for a road trip
Rocky Mountain Vista

Driving along the California coastline is an iconic road trip that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, charming towns, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Starting in San Francisco and driving south to San Diego, you can visit popular destinations such as Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles. You can also stop at state parks and beaches along the way, go hiking, surfing, or kayaking, and try some of the best seafood and wine in the country.

Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a region of rugged beauty, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture. Starting in Seattle and driving south to Portland, you can experience the majesty of Mount Rainier, the charm of Astoria, the quirkiness of Portland, and the natural wonders of the Oregon coast. You can also explore national parks such as Olympic, Mount St. Helens, and Crater Lake, go whale watching, visit historic sites, and indulge in the local food and drink scene.

Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery in North America, with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife galore. Starting in Denver and driving west to Salt Lake City, you can drive through scenic byways such as Trail Ridge Road, Million Dollar Highway, and Beartooth Highway, and visit national parks such as Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. You can also go hiking, camping, fishing, or skiing, and enjoy the hospitality of small mountain towns.

Southwest

The Southwest is a region of contrasting landscapes, ancient cultures, and vibrant cities. Starting in Las Vegas and driving south to Phoenix, you can explore the deserts of Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, visit iconic sites such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde, and discover the unique charm of cities such as Santa Fe, Sedona, and Taos. You can also go hot-air ballooning, stargazing, or horseback riding, and sample the flavors of Southwest cuisine.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer a tropical paradise for those seeking sunshine, beaches, and water sports. Starting in Miami and driving south to Key West, you can drive across a series of bridges that connect the islands, stop at state parks and beaches, go snorkeling, kayaking, or fishing, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the Keys. You can also visit historic sites such as the Hemingway House, the Key West Lighthouse, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and savor the local seafood and cocktails.

New England

New England is a region of historic towns, charming villages, and natural beauty. Starting in Boston and driving north to Maine, you can explore the colonial architecture, the fall foliage, and the seafood of the region. You can also visit national parks such as Acadia, the White Mountains, and Cape Cod, go whale watching, visit historic sites such as Plymouth Rock and the Salem Witch Museum, and enjoy the small-town charm of places such as Portsmouth, Vermont, and Newport.

Route 66

Route 66 is a classic road trip that has been immortalized in songs, movies, and literature. Starting in Chicago and driving west to Santa Monica, you can drive through the heartland of America, visit iconic sites such as the Grand Canyon, the Cadillac Ranch, and the Gateway Arch, ghost tours, and experience the kitschy charm of roadside attractions such as the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle and the Blue Whale of Catoosa. You can also sample the local cuisine, such as barbecue, Tex-Mex, and pie, and stay at motels and diners that have been preserved in their retro glory.

Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, with towering peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Starting in Calgary and driving west to Vancouver, you can drive through national parks such as Banff, Jasper, and Yoho, go hiking, canoeing, or skiing, and spot wildlife such as bears, elk, and moose. You can also visit charming mountain towns such as Banff, Canmore, and Whistler, and savor the local cuisine and craft beer.

Great Lakes

The Great Lakes offer a diverse and scenic road trip that combines natural beauty, historic sites, and urban culture. Starting in Chicago and driving east to Niagara Falls, you can drive along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, visit charming towns such as Mackinac Island, Traverse City, and Cleveland, and explore national parks such as Isle Royale and the Thousand Islands. You can also sample the local cuisine, such as deep-dish pizza, pierogies, and maple syrup, and enjoy the music, art, and nightlife of cities such as Detroit, Toronto, and Buffalo.

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is a scenic road trip that follows the rugged coastline of California, offering stunning views of the ocean, the cliffs, and the redwood forests. Starting in Monterey and driving south to San Diego, you can drive through Big Sur, Cambria, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles, visit state parks such as Pfeiffer Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, and Hearst Castle, and go whale watching, surfing, or kayaking. You can also savor the local wine, seafood, and craft beer, and explore the cultural attractions of the cities.

A road trip with friends is a great way to explore new destinations, bond with your companions, and have a memorable adventure. Whether you choose the California coastline, the Canadian Rockies, or Route 66, you can expect stunning scenery, diverse culture, and endless possibilities for fun and relaxation. So pack your bags, hit the road, and make some unforgettable memories with your friends.

Keywords: road trip, friends, California coastline, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Florida Keys, New England, Route 66, Canadian Rockies, Great Lakes, Pacific Coast Highway, best destinations for a road trip, best destinations for a road trip with your friends, list of best destinations for a road trip, best destinations for a road trip guide, guide list of best destinations for a road trip, best destinations for a road trip travel guide, travel guide best destinations for a road trip, best destinations for a road trip vacation guide, vacation guide for best destinations for a road trip, vacation best destinations for a road trip

Check out our Novel Writing Workbooks

Check out Little Tree Food Forest for articles on food forests and homesteading.

Check out FoodieScapes for articles on growing, fermenting and preserving food

Check out StoryScapes.World for articles on writing.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get information delivered to your inbox on homesteading, growing food, food preparation, travel, fishing, and more.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks
×