Discover the Beauty of America's National Parks on the Road

There are many beautiful and productive road trip routes in the continental United States, and we have collected and created recommended guides for road trip routes. Please make sure to follow safety guidelines and check access before you go.

Virginia

Virginia is home to several national parks and natural areas, each offering its own unique landscapes and experiences. Here are some of the best road trips to national parks in Virginia:

Shenandoah National Park: This park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is home to over 200,000 acres of protected lands. The Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic drive, takes you through the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

George Washington Memorial Parkway: This scenic drive runs along the Potomac River from Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, to the Great Falls of the Potomac River. The parkway provides access to several national parks and monuments, including the Great Falls National Park, Turkey Run Park, and the Clara Barton National Historic Site.

Blue Ridge Parkway: This 469-mile scenic drive takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina, connecting Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, you'll find stunning views, historic sites, and plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding areas.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: This park is located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous Chincoteague ponies. You can explore the park by foot, bike, or boat, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the scenic views.

Texas

Big Bend National Park: This National Park is located in Far West Texas and offers stunning landscapes, scenic drives, and amazing hiking trails. The park is surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to unique flora and fauna, including the famous Roadrunner bird. You can drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive for breathtaking views of the park or hike the Santa Elena Canyon trail for a closer look at the beauty of the area.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park: This National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its majestic mountains and beautiful hiking trails. The park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which offers a challenging hike but breathtaking views from the top. You can also drive the scenic McKittrick Canyon road for stunning views of the area or visit the Frijole Ranch Historic District to learn about the park's history.

Padre Island National Seashore: This National Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is a popular destination for beach lovers. The park is home to over 70 miles of pristine beaches, dunes, and tidal flats, making it a great destination for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and fishing. You can drive the Padre Island National Seashore road for stunning views of the area or hike the Malaquite Beach trail for a closer look at the beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Amistad National Recreation Area: This National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its stunning lakes and scenic drives. The park is home to Lake Amistad, which offers amazing opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. You can drive the scenic Amistad Dam road for breathtaking views of the area or hike the Devil's River State Natural Area trail for a closer look at the park's unique landscape.

California

Yosemite National Park: This iconic National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is known for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. The park is home to Yosemite Valley, which is surrounded by towering granite cliffs and is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing. You can drive the Tioga Road for stunning views of the park or hike the Half Dome trail for a closer look at the beauty of Yosemite Valley.

Joshua Tree National Park: This National Park is located in the Mojave Desert and is known for its unique landscape and stunning rock formations. The park is home to thousands of Joshua Trees and offers amazing opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. You can drive the Park Boulevard for stunning views of the area or hike the Arch Rock trail for a closer look at the park's unique landscapes.

Redwood National and State Parks: This National Park is located along the Northern California coast and is known for its stunning redwood forests. The park is home to some of the tallest trees on earth and offers amazing opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. You can drive the scenic Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway for breathtaking views of the redwood forests or hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail for a closer look at the beauty of the area.

Death Valley National Park: This National Park is located in Eastern California and is known for its unique and rugged landscape. The park is home to the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. You can drive the scenic Artist's Drive for breathtaking views of the area or hike the Dante's View trail for a closer look at the beauty of Death Valley.

Florida

Everglades National Park: This National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its unique and diverse landscape. The park is home to a vast wetland that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and wading birds. You can drive the scenic Loop Road for breathtaking views of the park or take an airboat tour for a closer look at the Everglades.

Biscayne National Park: This National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its stunning underwater landscapes and beautiful beaches. The park is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs and abundant fish, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. You can drive the scenic park road for breathtaking views of the area or take a boat tour to get a closer look at the underwater beauty of the park.

Dry Tortugas National Park: This National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a historic fort that is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. You can take a ferry or seaplane tour to get to the park or explore the fort and its surrounding waters to experience the unique beauty of the Dry Tortugas.

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve: This National Park is located in northern Florida and is known for its unique combination of natural beauty and rich history. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other wildlife, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. You can drive the scenic park road for breathtaking views of the area or hike the trails to get a closer look at the unique beauty of the park.

New York

Adirondack Park: This National Park is located in northern New York and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscape. The park is home to towering mountains, pristine lakes, and vast forests, making it a popular destination for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation. You can drive the scenic Adirondack Northway for breathtaking views of the park or hike the High Peaks trail for a closer look at the beauty of the area.

Saratoga National Historical Park: This National Park is located in eastern New York and is known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. The park is home to the Saratoga Battlefield, where the Battle of Saratoga was fought during the American Revolution, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. You can drive the scenic park road for breathtaking views of the area or hike the trails to get a closer look at the history and beauty of the park.

Fire Island National Seashore: This National Park is located on Long Island and is known for its stunning beaches and rich wildlife. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and other marine animals, and offers amazing opportunities for beachcombing, fishing, and boating. You can drive the scenic park road for breathtaking views of the area or take a ferry to the island to get a closer look at the beauty of the Fire Island National Seashore.

Gateway National Recreation Area: This National Park is located in the New York City metropolitan area and is known for its diverse landscape and rich history. The park is home to several beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and unique landscapes, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. You can drive the scenic park road for breathtaking views of the area or hike the trails to get a closer look at the beauty of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that runs for 469 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southeastern United States, connecting two national parks: Shenandoah in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Here are some of the best road trips to national parks along the Blue Ridge Parkway:

Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This road trip starts in Virginia and takes you through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with stunning views and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

The Skyline Drive: This 105-mile drive takes you through Shenandoah National Park, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below.

The Blue Ridge Parkway: This drive takes you from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, providing scenic views and plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding areas.

The New River Valley: This drive takes you through Virginia and North Carolina along the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers in the world. You'll pass through several national parks and forests, including Jefferson National Forest and New River Valley National Park.

Regardless of which road trip you choose, you're sure to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Be sure to plan ahead and bring plenty of supplies, as some areas along the parkway can be remote.

Midwest

Isle Royale National Park: This National Park is located in Lake Superior and is known for its stunning natural beauty and remote wilderness. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, moose, and other animals, and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and boating. You can take a ferry to the park or drive to the nearby town of Houghton to get started on your road trip.

Badlands National Park: This National Park is located in South Dakota and is known for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and other animals, and offers breathtaking views of the unique terrain of the Badlands. You can drive the scenic park road for breathtaking views of the area or hike the trails to get a closer look at the beauty of the park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: This National Park is located in Ohio and is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history. The park is home to several scenic waterfalls, historic landmarks, and unique landscapes, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. You can drive the scenic park road for breathtaking views of the area or hike the trails to get a closer look at the beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Voyageurs National Park: This National Park is located in Minnesota and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscape. The park is home to several beautiful lakes and forests, making it a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. You can drive the scenic park road for breathtaking views of the area or take a boat tour to get a closer look at the beauty of Voyageurs National Park.