This coast-to-coast road trip from New York to Los Angeles is packed with epic cities, jaw-dropping national parks, and more roadside diners than you can count.
You’ll start in the fast-paced buzz of the East Coast, cruise through rolling mountains, cross the wide-open plains, and end up in the land of palm trees and movie stars.
Along the way, you’ll eat legendary local food, see some of the country’s most famous landmarks, and maybe even spot a cowboy or two.
Whether you’re in it for the adventure, the scenery, or just the bragging rights of saying you drove across America, this route is packed with can’t-miss stops!
1. NYC
We’re starting our road trip in NYC.
It’s home to iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, plus famous eats like dollar slices, bagels, and hot dogs from street carts.
Whether you’re walking the Brooklyn Bridge or grabbing a giant pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli, NYC is loud, bold, and packed with adventure.
2. Philadelphia, PA
A drive of less than two hours south takes you to Philadelphia, the birthplace of America and the undisputed king of cheesesteaks.
History is everywhere here—Independence Hall is where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, and the Liberty Bell (yes, the one with the crack) is just down the street.
Beyond the old buildings and history books—it’s also home to epic street art, die-hard sports fans, and the famous “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Grab a cheesesteak from Pat’s or Geno’s, wander the colorful stalls of Reading Terminal Market, and soak up the city’s energy.
3. Shenandoah National Park, VA
Keep heading south, and the city noise fades into the rolling, tree-covered mountains of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
This place is all about scenic drives, hikes, and fresh mountain air, with the famous Skyline Drive stretching 105 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Challenge yourself on Old Rag’s rocky trails for gorgeous views, or enjoy a leisurely walk to the stunning Dark Hollow Falls.
In the fall, the whole park explodes in fiery reds and oranges, but no matter when you visit, expect winding roads, hidden overlooks, and a serious dose of nature’s best work.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA / NC
(At the time of writing, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway remain indefinitely closed due to Hurricane Helene damage, so check online before your visit.)
From Shenandoah, the adventure keeps rolling right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway so breathtaking they call it “America’s Favorite Drive.”
This 469-mile route winds through Virginia and North Carolina, serving up nonstop mountain views, dreamy overlooks, and plenty of pull-off spots.
Take your time cruising past misty ridges and stop for a picnic at Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed spots on the parkway.
Don’t miss the Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that curves right around the mountainside.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, spotting black bears, or just soaking up the views with the windows down, this drive is pure road trip magic.
5. Nashville, TN
Cruise west into Tennessee, and suddenly, the mountains give way to bright lights, live music, and the unmistakable energy of Nashville.
This is the beating heart of country music, where you can catch rising stars on Broadway, tour the Grand Ole Opry, or stand where Elvis recorded at RCA Studio B.
Besides that, Nashville’s food scene is also next-level, with must-try bites like hot chicken from Prince’s, biscuits from Loveless Café, and barbecue that’s to die for.
Throw on your boots, hit the bars, and get ready for a city that’s loud, proud, and always up for a good time.
6. Hot Springs, AR
Head southwest into Arkansas, and things slow down in the best way possible when you roll into Hot Springs, a town built around steaming natural hot springs.
Right in the middle of downtown, Bathhouse Row is lined with historic spas where you can soak in mineral-rich waters just like visitors did a century ago.
You can also hike up Hot Springs Mountain for panoramic views, dig into a burger at The Ohio Club, or check out the gangster museum for a peek into the town’s past.
It’s got both small-town charm and old-school luxury, and is 100% the perfect excuse to relax before hitting the road again.
7. Oklahoma City, OK
Driving west into Oklahoma City, you’ll find a mix of cowboy culture, booming city life, and some of the best steak dinners you’ll ever eat.
Start at Stockyards City, where you can watch a live cattle auction, pick up a pair of real-deal cowboy boots, and grab a massive ribeye at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse.
For a change of pace, check out Bricktown district and stroll along the canal, catch a Dodgers minor league game, or hop on a water taxi for a mini history tour.
OKC feels like a blend of old-school Western grit and modern city fun—plus, they take their barbecue seriously, so come hungry.
8. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX
Cross into Texas, and you’ll stumble upon Palo Duro Canyon State Park—aka the “Grand Canyon of Texas.”
This place is all about rugged red rock cliffs, winding trails, and wide-open skies that stretch for miles, making it a dream spot for hikers, campers, or nature lovers.
Hit the Lighthouse Trail for a must-see rock formation, or watch a jaw-dropping sunset from the canyon rim.
If you’re here in the summer, catch ‘Texas,’ a musical performed right in the canyon under the stars.
9. Santa Fe, NM
Keep heading west, and the red rocks give way to the adobe charm of Santa Fe, a city that feels like stepping into a sun-soaked painting.
This place is packed with Southwestern character—think turquoise doorways, winding streets, and numerous art galleries, especially along Canyon Road.
History buffs can explore the 400-year-old Palace of the Governors, while foodies can dig into some legendary New Mexican cuisine.
If you’re up for more, wander through the interactive Meow Wolf exhibit, then watch the sunset turn the Sangre de Cristo Mountains pink.
10. Petrified Forest National Park, AZ
Cross into Arizona, and Petrified Forest National Park will welcome you with a landscape that looks straight from another planet.
Scattered across the desert are massive, 200-million-year-old fossilized trees that have turned to stone, creating a rainbow of crystalized logs.
Drive through the park to see the magical Painted Desert and hike the Blue Mesa Trail for swirling badlands.
Don’t miss Crystal Forest, where the petrified wood is so colorful it almost doesn’t seem real.
11. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Keep heading west, and just when you think Arizona can’t get any more dramatic, the Grand Canyon appears, and it’s every bit as jaw-dropping as you imagined.
This mile-deep, 277-mile-long wonder is a pure natural spectacle, with layers of red, orange, and gold rock carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Walk the South Rim for the classic postcard views, hike down into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, or raft the roaring rapids of the Colorado.
Pictures don’t do this place justice, and standing on the edge makes you realize just how small you are in the best possible way.
12. Las Vegas, NV
Leave the quiet of the canyon behind, and in just a few hours, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the neon jungle that is Las Vegas.
This city is all about going big—massive casinos, over-the-top hotels, and endless entertainment, from blackjack tables to Cirque du Soleil shows.
Walk the Strip to see the Bellagio fountains dance, grab a late-night In-N-Out burger, and ride on the High Roller for insane views of the city lights.
Whether you’re here to party, eat your way through celebrity chef restaurants, or just people-watch until 3 a.m., Vegas is pure, chaotic fun.
13. Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Leave the neon behind and be surrounded by something completely different—Joshua trees, giant boulders, and a desert sky so clear you can see the Milky Way.
Joshua Tree National Park feels like a natural wonderland, where you can climb giant rock formations, hike through hidden oases, and see beautiful landscapes.
Take the short hike to Hidden Valley, drive up to Keys View for desert panoramas, or just find a quiet spot to stargaze.
It’s peaceful, a little weird, and totally mesmerizing—exactly the kind of stop that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in.
14. Los Angeles, CA
After miles on the road, you’ve made it—welcome to Los Angeles, where the desert gives way to palm trees, endless freeways, and a whole lot of star power.
You can hike up to the Hollywood Sign, stroll the Venice Boardwalk, or search for the best taco truck (spoiler: they’re all amazing).
Walk down the Walk of Fame, tour a movie studio, or just head to the Griffith Observatory for an incredible view of the city skyline as the sun sets over the Pacific.
It’s chaotic, and it’s got something for everyone—whether you’re here for the beaches, the food, or just to see if you accidentally bump into a celebrity at a coffee shop.
Related Posts
