Few road trips are as rewarding as the drive from New York to Alaska.
Spanning thousands of miles, this amazing road trip takes you through vibrant cities, towering mountains, fascinating history, and some of North America’s most spectacular landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll experience everything from world-famous landmarks and roaring waterfalls to relaxing hot springs and remote wilderness far from busy city streets.
If you’re ready for an adventure packed with gorgeous views, unique attractions, and plenty of memorable stops, this itinerary will help you plan every mile of the journey.
1. New York City
Your unforgettable road trip begins in New York City, one of the world’s most iconic destinations and the perfect starting point for your drive to Alaska.
Walk through Central Park’s 843 acres, stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, and don’t leave without trying a classic New York pizza.
2. Niagara Falls, New York
After leaving New York City, it’s a 6.5-hour drive to Niagara Falls, a group of three waterfalls made up of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Together, they pour about 3,160 tons of water every second, creating a thunderous display that is impossible to ignore.
For the best views, ride the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour, walk the Cave of the Winds wooden decks, and explore Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S.
It’s worth spending a few hours here, with scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities around every corner.
3. Chicago, Illinois
From Niagara Falls, it’s an 8-hour-and-40-minute drive to Chicago, Illinois, where towering skyscrapers rise along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Once you arrive, snap a photo at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, stroll the Chicago Riverwalk, and step onto The Ledge on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower for incredible views.
There’s plenty more to enjoy, from deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s to the Art Institute of Chicago and Navy Pier’s 200-foot Centennial Wheel overlooking the lake.
If you want to see more of the city’s famous skyline and learn the stories behind its iconic buildings, join a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour along the Chicago River.
4. Pella, Iowa
A 5-hour drive from Chicago brings you to Pella, Iowa, a gorgeous town founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and known for its European-style streets.
Here, you can visit the Vermeer Windmill, the tallest working windmill in North America, explore the Pella Historical Village, and browse the bakeries for traditional Dutch treats.
Another highlight is Molengracht Plaza, home to a Dutch-inspired canal, a working drawbridge, and beautiful buildings.
If you can, plan your visit for early May to experience the annual Tulip Time Festival, with colorful tulips, lively parades, and traditional Dutch costumes.
5. Deadwood, South Dakota
Trade Dutch windmills for Wild West history in Deadwood, South Dakota, a legendary Black Hills town born from the 1876 Black Hills Gold Rush.
During that time, the town became a gathering place for miners, gamblers, outlaws, and gunslingers, leaving behind stories that are still told today.
One of the best-known figures here is Wild Bill Hickok, and you can visit Saloon No. 10, where he was shot during a poker game while holding the iconic “dead man’s hand.”
You can also walk historic Main Street, tour the Adams Museum for more fascinating history, and watch lively Old West reenactments during the summer.
6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Next, head to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, America’s first national park, established in 1872 and covering over 2.2 million acres of mountains, forests, and rivers.
While you’re here, watch Old Faithful erupt every 90 minutes, admire the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and drive through Hayden Valley to spot bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears.
For another unforgettable view, hike the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, a steep 0.4-mile route that drops 600 feet to the edge of the 308-foot Lower Falls.
Every turn reveals another natural wonder, from bubbling mud pots and steaming geysers to crystal clear lakes, making every mile worth exploring.
7. Banff National Park, Alberta
Now, cross into Canada and visit Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada’s first national park, established in 1885 and spanning more than 2,564 square miles.
You’ll have plenty to explore, from driving the 144-mile Icefields Parkway and paddling across Lake Louise or Moraine Lake to riding the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
If you’re up for a hike, stretch your legs along Johnston Canyon to see rushing waterfalls and limestone canyons carved by thousands of years of flowing water.
With jaw-dropping mountain scenery and postcard-perfect landscapes around every corner, it’s a place you’ll want to slow down and truly take in.
8. Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Just 6 hours and 45 minutes from Banff is Dawson Creek, British Columbia, the official Mile 0 starting point of the world-famous Alaska Highway.
The 1,387-mile route was actually built in just eight months during World War II, so make sure to snap a photo beside the famous Mile 0 Post to remember this special stop.
You can also visit the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, housed inside a restored prairie grain elevator, to browse artwork by local, regional, and touring artists.
If you’re interested in local history, step back in time at Walter Wright Pioneer Village, a recreated pioneer town that includes a general store, churches, and a schoolhouse.
9. Liard River Hot Springs, British Columbia
As you follow the Alaska Highway, stop at Mile 496 to take a well-earned break at Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, home to Canada’s second-largest natural hot springs.
There’s a short boardwalk here that winds through a swamp and boreal forest, where you may spot birds and moose, so keep your camera ready.
At the end, you can settle into the Alpha Pool and enjoy its naturally warm water, which ranges from 107 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
This is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and take in the quiet wilderness before continuing toward Yukon.
10. Whitehorse, Yukon
Feeling refreshed, make the 7-hour drive to Whitehorse, Yukon, the territory’s capital, where rolling mountains and the Yukon River create an incredible setting.
Start at the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Ladder, the world’s longest wooden fish ladder, where you can walk the pathways, watch salmon swim, and take in the rushing rapids.
If history is more your style, visit the MacBride Museum to explore Yukon’s rich past, or drive to Miles Canyon, where emerald green water rushes through volcanic rock.
For some fresh air, take a walk along the 2.8-mile Whitehorse Millennium Trail, a scenic riverside path with beautiful views and plenty of places to stop for a picnic.
11. Anchorage, Alaska
Cross into Alaska and celebrate your arrival in Anchorage, the state’s largest city, where Cook Inlet meets the Chugach Mountains.
There’s plenty to see here, from biking along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to spotting moose around Kincaid Park and relaxing in cozy downtown cafés.
If you want even bigger adventures, drive the 127-mile Seward Highway, one of America’s most scenic roads, or take a flightseeing tour to soar above rugged mountains and remote wilderness.
For a deeper look at Alaska’s culture, stop by the Alaska Native Heritage Center to experience traditional village sites, hands-on exhibits, and live demonstrations.
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