7 Recommended Cities in the United States for Road Trips

Instead allusive travels are ultimate because what beat two automobiles maneuvering united in band across the range and breadth of the diversified and breathtaking appropriate of the U.S. The United States is as vast as it is diverse, and a road trip can mean quite a lot in terms of miles as well as culture, climate, and geography. A top 7 guide to the best U.S. cities for starting your travel relatively safely this summer for those hungry for iconic sights, local flavours and new experiences. From access to stunning scenic byways, picturesque national parks and one-of-a-kind experiences within these destinations, these cities provide plenty of options for road-trippers looking to hit the open road.

Denver, Colorado

Why Start Here: Denver is where the Rockies begin, making this the ultimate adventurer’s paradise and starting point for anyone who loves spending time in nature. Being a great spot for those wanting to explore mountains, forests and beautiful small towns, it is close enough to scenic byways and national parks such as Rocky Mountain National Park.

Where to Go:

Rocky Mountain National Park: Only two hours from Denver, this park has stunning vistas, alpine lakes and tons of wildlife.

Great Sand Dunes National Park – A little further away but worth it, this park has the highest sand dunes in North America.

Aspen and Vail — Renowned both in summer and winter, they provide hiking, skiing and stunning scenic drives.

Road Trip Advice: Begin in Denver and create a loop through Rockies or south through Colo Springs then on to Durango to continue scenic shuttle bus and mountain views.

Portland, Oregon

Why You Should Start Here: Portland is the quirky, scenic city known for its unique weirdness and wonderful wilderness nearby––the Oregon Coast and Cascade Mountains both rest right outside the city limits. For road-trippers who are fanatics about the great outdoors and a more laid-back, eco-friendly culture, Portland is the perfect city to visit with its lush landscapes straight out of the Pacific Northwest.

Where to Go:

Columbia River Gorge — Only 30 minutes east of Portland, this area features stunning waterfalls including the famous Multnomah Falls!

Oregon Coast: Drive west to Cannon Beach, known for Haystack Rock or travel farther along the coast to explore cute coastal towns.

Mount Hood: A paradise for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with summer hikes and winter skiing.

Tip: Create a circular route from Portland covering the coast and the mountains — a loop that brings together the scenic Columbia River Gorge, stunning Oregon Coast and majestic Mount Hood.

San Francisco, California

Why begin here: San Francisco is about as beautiful as a major city gets, and a jump-off point to some of the prettiest drives in California. Wherever you choose to drive, north, south or east, you will be taken on a journey to experience the natural beauty of the state.

Where to Go:

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — This classic drive runs from San Francisco down to Los Angeles and will take you by steep, rugged cliffs, iconic beach towns, and sandy shores.

Yosemite National Park — Located to the east of San Francisco, about 4 hours by car, Yosemite is known for its massive waterfalls and the famous Half Dome.

Napa Valley: An hour away, Napa is great for wine lovers who want to mix long drives with vineyard visits.

The Road Trip: For a classic road trip experience, begin in San Francisco and wind your way down the Pacific Coast Highway, with must-visit stops at Big Sur and Monterey, and then a loop back through the beautiful Sierra Nevada.

Austin, Texas

Why Begin Here: Austin is famous for its live music scene, mouth-watering food, and quirky culture, but the capital of Texas is also home to some stunning Texas terrain. From the beauty of Texas Hill Country, to desert landscapes, and everything in between to do outdoors.

Where to Go:

Texas Hill Country: Just a short drive from Austin, this region is known for its wineries, bluebonnet fields, and quaint towns such as Fredericksburg.

Big Bend National Park: A longer drive, but views of the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande, and Texas’s sprawling desert land make it worth it.

San Antonio: Last but absolutely not least, only an hour south is San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the world-famous River Walk.

Best for: The country in Texas Road Trip Tip: Spend a couple of days in Austin (take a hike around the Colorado River) to see the action before heading west to Big Bend or north to the Hill Country for the perfect blend of city fun and wilderness rejuvenation.

Nashville, Tennessee

So Why Start Here: Nashville- The live music capital of the world, with never-ending Southern cuisine, and an abundance of southern hospitality. Its also mid situated which is perfect for easy access to southeastern U.S. attractions, like the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains.

Where to Go:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: About three hours' drive to the east, this national park is famous for its mountains shrouded in mist, fauna, and hiking trails.

Blue Ridge Parkway — A beautiful drive along the Appalachian Mountains where you can enjoy the changing colours of the leaves in fall.

Memphis: Drive west to experience the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the history of Beale Street.

DONT FORGET TO PLAN A ROAD TRIP: Do a loop from Nashville through the Smoky Mountains, hitting up Asheville, N.C. and then coming back through the hills.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Why It Starts Here: Nestled near remarkable national parks and iconic monoliths, Salt Lake City is a good place for road-trippers to begin their journey into Utah's distinctive red rock country.

Where to Go:

Arches and Canyonland National Parks: These parks, three and a half to four hours south, feature some surreal rock formations and stunning views,

Zion National Park — This is one of the most famous parks and one of the best hikes in the U.S. is Angels Landing.

Bonneville Salt Flats — Go west to gaze at the expansive salt flats – a photographer's paradise.

Expert Road Trip Itinerary: Loop Salt Lake City, Utah, through the jewel-box of the Beehive State’s “Mighty 5” national parks, including Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, for a epic desert vacation.

Seattle, Washington

Winner: Best Place to Get Outside - Why Start Here Seattle is nestled between mountains, water, and forests, and is the gateway to breathtaking Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Where to Go:

Olympic National Park: A few hours to the west is a park with beaches, rainforests, and snowy peaks with an incredibly diverse ecosystem.

North Cascades National Park: This lesser-visited park features stunning mountain scenery and alpine lakes — a true American Alps.

Mount Rainier: Just 1 hour south an active volcano boasting magnificent scenery and some of the finest hiking in Washington.

Road Trip Tip: Create a loop from Seattle that includes Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, then the North Cascades for the ultimate Pacific Northwest road trip.

Final Thoughts

From mountains to coastlines, deserts to forests, the following seven cities are gateways to remarkable road trips throughout the United States. All three of these road trips come with spectacular views, distinctive stops, and a more intimate look at the gorgeous scenery that Canada has to share. So grab your bags, grab your map, and get your wheels spinning!

These suggested cities are a great mix of adventure, culture and nature for your next road trip, or the most American of American experiences.