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Exploring the USA by Road

The Best Road Trips for UK Visitors

See where the roads take you on a USA fly drive holiday with America As You Like It.  The USA has some famous road trips such as Highway 1 and Route 66 but read on for our pick of a few favourite alternatives.

 

Best Family Road Trip with Teens

Get ready for the ultimate West Coast road trip packed with adventure, style, and unforgettable sights! Start your journey in Los Angeles, the heart of cool. Explore trendy West Hollywood, snap selfies in Beverly Hills, and soak up the sun at the famous beaches of Santa Monica and Venice. ‘Ride the movies’ at Universal Studios or visit the original Disneyland in Anaheim and its newer neighbour Disney’s California Adventure. Then it’s off to the neon glow of Las Vegas – a city like no other, where jaw-dropping shows, incredible food, and wild hotel themes are just part of the everyday scene.

Next, turn up the heat in Death Valley, one of the most extreme and epic landscapes in the world, before heading into the mountains of Mammoth Lakes for summer adventures like biking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Continue on to the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park, where breathtaking waterfalls, towering cliffs and giant sequoias form the backdrop to your adventures. Chill out at Lake Tahoe with swimming, paddleboarding, and hiking, before wrapping it all up in iconic San Francisco – home of the Golden Gate bridge, cable cars, Chinatown and the legendary Alcatraz. It’s the perfect mix of city vibes, natural wonders, and pure teenage freedom.

Vibrant Cities and Picturesque Landscapes

 

Best Family Road Trip with Younger Children

This family-friendly Florida adventure is the perfect mix of magic, nature, and relaxation for parents with young children. Begin in Orlando where world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld promise days of excitement and wonder for all ages. A trip to Kennedy Space Center offers an inspiring and educational experience, giving young explorers the chance to dream big.

From there, it’s a gentle journey through Florida’s natural wonders. In Crystal River, kids will love spotting (or even swimming with!) gentle manatees in the clear, spring-fed waters, while parents will appreciate the peaceful charm of this riverside town. Continue to the Gulf Coast’s family-friendly beaches in St Pete or Clearwater, where soft sands and shallow waters make for perfect beach days. End your trip in Tampa, where the Tampa Riverwalk, Busch Gardens, and leafy parks offer a balance of excitement and nature. With short drives, relaxed settings, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, this holiday is tailor-made for families wanting to explore, play, and unwind together.

Florida Theme Parks and Sandy Shores

 

Best Road Trip for Music Fans

This unforgettable road trip is a dream come true for music lovers, taking you on a journey through the heart of America's most iconic music cities. Begin in Nashville, the undisputed home of country music, where the sounds of live bands pour out of every honky tonk on Broadway. Dive into music history at the Country Music Hall of Fame, tour RCA Studio B where Elvis recorded some of his greatest hits and catch a performance at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Then, roll into Memphis, the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll. Explore the soulful exhibits of the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, soak up the atmosphere on Beale Street, and walk in the footsteps of Elvis himself at Graceland.

Next, head to Muscle Shoals, the hidden gem of American music history. Visit iconic studios where legends like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones laid down tracks that changed music forever. Afterward, enjoy the charm and culture of Mobile before finishing in New Orleans—where jazz was born. From vibrant French Quarter street performers to live jazz dinner cruises on the Mississippi, the music never stops. This itinerary hits all the right notes for those who live and breathe music, combining history, live performances, and legendary recording studios in a once-in-a-lifetime tour.

Rockin' Down the Highway

 

Best Road Trip for Food and Wine Lovers

This deliciously indulgent journey through Oregon is a dream for food and wine lovers, offering the perfect blend of scenic beauty, world-class vineyards, and farm-to-table cuisine. Begin in Portland, a vibrant city known for its gourmet restaurants, buzzing food carts, craft breweries, and inventive chefs who make the most of the region’s rich produce and wine offerings. From there, journey into the Willamette Valley—famed for its award-winning Pinot Noir—and enjoy tastings among rolling vineyards, charming small towns, and intimate wineries. Then follow the coastal route to Lincoln City and Florence, where fresh seafood, local brewpubs, and dramatic ocean views create the perfect pairing.

The adventure continues inland to Eugene and the Umpqua Valley, where wine tasting rooms and scenic drives invite you to explore at a leisurely pace. From bold Tempranillos to crisp Pinot Gris, there’s a bottle to suit every palate. Finish your journey in the lush Rogue Valley, where the vineyards are surrounded by orchards, artisan cheesemakers, and the dramatic beauty of Crater Lake. Whether you’re sipping Syrah beside the Rogue River, sampling local fare in rustic farm-to-table restaurants, or discovering hidden gems along scenic wine trails, Oregon offers a rich, sensory holiday filled with unforgettable tastes and experiences.

Oregon Wine Country Experience

 

Best Road Trip for Outdoor Adventurers

This epic RV adventure through the American West is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts, packed with national parks, dramatic landscapes, and endless opportunities to hike, climb, paddle, and explore. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Denver before heading into Wyoming and the Black Hills, where you’ll discover bison herds, stunning rock formations, and iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Explore hidden caves, kayak serene lakes, and wind your way through scenic drives like Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway. From the eerie beauty of Badlands National Park to the sacred majesty of Devils Tower, every stop offers a new adventure for those who thrive in the great outdoors.

As the trip continues north through North Dakota’s rugged Badlands and on to Montana and Wyoming, outdoor lovers can hike, bike, or ride through breathtaking landscapes. Explore battlefields, scale mountains, raft rivers, and camp under starlit skies. Discover the wild wonders of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks—home to geysers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife—before journeying through historic trails and state parks like Massacre Rocks. End your adventure in Ogden and Salt Lake City, where the mountain air and boundless trails cap off a journey tailor-made for explorers, adrenaline-seekers, and nature lovers alike.

Icons and National Parks of the Great American West

 
Posted on: 19/06/2025

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