The United States, with its vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and iconic highways, is a road tripper’s paradise. From rugged coastlines to towering mountains and quirky roadside attractions, the country offers endless opportunities for adventure on four wheels. Choosing the right starting point can make all the difference, as some cities serve as perfect hubs for accessing scenic routes and must-see destinations. In this guide, we explore the five best cities in the USA for road trips in 2025, highlighting their unique appeal, nearby attractions, and the unforgettable journeys they launch. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or family traveler, these cities promise epic drives and lifelong memories.
Why a Road Trip from These Cities?
The best road trip cities combine accessibility, cultural vibrancy, and proximity to diverse landscapes. They offer easy access to major highways, affordable car rentals, and a range of accommodations, from budget motels to boutique hotels. These hubs also boast attractions worth exploring before hitting the road, ensuring your trip starts with a bang. With routes that span national parks, coastal cliffs, desert vistas, and charming small towns, the following cities—Los Angeles, Denver, Asheville, Seattle, and San Antonio—are ideal launchpads for unforgettable road trips.
1. Los Angeles, California: Gateway to the Pacific Coast and Beyond
Why Start Here? Los Angeles (LA) is a road trip mecca, offering access to the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), desert landscapes, and mountain retreats.
Road Trip Highlights: Big Sur, Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego, Santa Barbara
Best Routes: Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), Route 66 (to Arizona)
Trip Duration: 3–7 days
Los Angeles, with its sprawling urban vibe and sunny climate, is a top choice for road trippers. Before you hit the road, explore LA’s highlights: stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit Griffith Observatory for city views, or grab tacos in the Arts District. The city’s car culture and major rental agencies make it easy to secure a vehicle, with convertibles being a popular choice for coastal drives.
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is LA’s crown jewel, a bucket-list route that hugs California’s coastline. Head north toward Big Sur (4–5 hours) for jaw-dropping views of rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and McWay Falls. Stop in Santa Barbara for wine tasting or Monterey for whale watching. For a shorter trip, drive south to San Diego (2 hours), where you can visit Balboa Park and La Jolla’s sea lion beaches. Alternatively, venture east on Route 66 toward Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 hours), known for its surreal desert landscapes and starry skies. Reviewers on Tripadvisor praise the PCH for its “unmatched beauty,” while Joshua Tree is a hit for hikers and stargazers.
Pro Tip: Start early to avoid LA traffic, and book campsites in Big Sur or Joshua Tree well in advance, especially in summer.
2. Denver, Colorado: The Rocky Mountain Launchpad
Why Start Here? Denver’s central location and proximity to the Rockies make it ideal for mountain adventures and national park road trips.
Road Trip Highlights: Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen, Great Sand Dunes National Park
Best Routes: Trail Ridge Road, I-70 to Moab, Utah
Trip Duration: 3–10 days
Denver, the Mile High City, blends urban sophistication with outdoor allure, making it a fantastic road trip base. Spend a day exploring Denver’s LoDo district, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, or the Denver Botanic Gardens before picking up your rental car. The city’s location at the foot of the Rockies offers quick access to some of the USA’s most stunning landscapes.
A top route is Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (1.5 hours from Denver), the highest paved road in the US, offering breathtaking alpine views and wildlife sightings (elk, bighorn sheep). For a longer adventure, drive west on I-70 to Aspen (3.5 hours) for skiing in winter or hiking in summer, or continue to Moab, Utah (5.5 hours), home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Another gem is the Great Sand Dunes National Park (3.5 hours south), where you can sandboard on towering dunes and stargaze in a Dark Sky Park. Travel blogs like Condé Nast Traveler highlight Denver’s “unrivaled access to outdoor beauty,” with routes suitable for all seasons.
Pro Tip: Check weather conditions for high-altitude drives, and rent a 4WD vehicle for winter or off-road routes to Moab.
3. Asheville, North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway Bliss
Why Start Here? Asheville’s artsy vibe and proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway make it a haven for scenic drives and cultural stops.
Road Trip Highlights: Great Smoky Mountains, Biltmore Estate, Charlottesville, Virginia
Best Routes: Blue Ridge Parkway, US-441 to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Trip Duration: 3–7 days
Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a vibrant city known for its craft breweries, historic Biltmore Estate, and thriving arts scene. It’s the perfect starting point for one of America’s most scenic drives: the Blue Ridge Parkway. Before departing, tour the Biltmore’s sprawling gardens or sip local brews at Wicked Weed Brewing. Asheville’s compact size and affordable rentals make it easy to kick off your journey.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” stretches 469 miles from North Carolina to Virginia, with Asheville as a prime access point. Drive south to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1.5 hours), straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, for hiking trails, waterfalls, and black bear sightings. Highlights include Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove. Alternatively, head north toward Roanoke, Virginia (4 hours), stopping at Linville Falls or Boone for Appalachian charm. For a shorter loop, drive to Gatlinburg, Tennessee (2 hours) via US-441, a scenic route through misty mountains. Travelers on Reddit rave about the Parkway’s “endless photo ops” and fall foliage.
Pro Tip: Visit in autumn for vibrant foliage, and download the Blue Ridge Parkway app for offline maps and attraction details.
4. Seattle, Washington: Pacific Northwest Adventures
Why Start Here? Seattle’s location offers access to lush forests, volcanic peaks, and coastal islands, perfect for diverse road trips.
Road Trip Highlights: Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, San Juan Islands, Vancouver, Canada
Best Routes: US-101 (Olympic Peninsula Loop), I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass
Trip Duration: 3–10 days
Seattle, the Emerald City, is a road trip hub surrounded by the Pacific Northwest’s natural wonders. Start your trip with a visit to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or Chihuly Garden and Glass, then rent a car for adventures beyond the city. Seattle’s proximity to mountains, rainforests, and islands makes it a versatile base for unforgettable drives.
A standout route is the Olympic Peninsula Loop via US-101 (3–4 hours round trip), leading to Olympic National Park, where you can explore Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Hoh Rainforest’s moss-draped trails. For a shorter trip, drive to Mount Rainier National Park (2 hours) via SR-410, where Paradise and Sunrise offer stunning views of the 14,410-foot peak. Adventurous travelers can ferry to the San Juan Islands (3 hours with ferry) for whale watching and kayaking, or drive north to Vancouver, Canada (2.5 hours, passport required) for urban exploration. Travel + Leisure notes Seattle’s “unique blend of urban and wild,” with routes catering to hikers, photographers, and families.
Pro Tip: Pack rain gear for Olympic National Park, and check ferry schedules for San Juan Islands to avoid long waits.
5. San Antonio, Texas: Heart of Texas and Beyond
Why Start Here? San Antonio’s rich history and central Texas location make it a gateway to Hill Country, Gulf Coast, and desert landscapes.
Road Trip Highlights: Austin, Fredericksburg, Big Bend National Park, Corpus Christi
Best Routes: TX-16 to Hill Country, I-10 to Big Bend
Trip Duration: 3–10 days
San Antonio, with its vibrant Tex-Mex culture and historic charm, is an underrated road trip hub. Begin your journey at the Alamo, stroll the River Walk, or savor tacos at La Fonda on Main. The city’s central location in Texas offers access to diverse destinations, from rolling vineyards to remote deserts, with affordable rentals and a laid-back vibe.
A popular route is the Texas Hill Country via TX-16, leading to Fredericksburg (1.5 hours), known for its German heritage, wineries, and peach orchards. Continue to Austin (2 hours from San Antonio) for live music and barbecue. For a longer adventure, drive west on I-10 to Big Bend National Park (6.5 hours), a remote gem with canyons, hot springs, and starry skies. Alternatively, head south to Corpus Christi (2.5 hours) for Gulf Coast beaches and the USS Lexington. Reviewers on Viator praise San Antonio’s “central access to Texas’s best,” with Hill Country being a favorite for spring wildflowers.
Pro Tip: Visit Big Bend in spring or fall to avoid extreme heat, and book Hill Country B&Bs early for weekend trips.
Planning Your Road Trip: Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Vehicle: Rent a fuel-efficient car for coastal drives or a 4WD for mountain routes. Convertibles enhance PCH trips, while SUVs suit Rocky Mountain terrain.
- Timing Matters: Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for coastal routes, while winter suits desert trips like Joshua Tree or Big Bend.
- Budget Smart: Save on gas by using apps like GasBuddy, and book accommodations via Booking.com or Airbnb for deals. Pack snacks for long drives to avoid pricey stops.
- Stay Safe: Check road conditions via 511 or state DOT websites, especially for high-altitude or remote routes. Carry a paper map for areas with spotty cell service.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, sunscreen, and layers for changing climates. A cooler with drinks and snacks keeps costs down and ensures comfort.
- Embrace Detours: Quirky stops like Route 66 diners, Asheville’s art galleries, or Texas roadside BBQ joints add charm to your journey.
Why These Cities Make Road Trips Unforgettable
The five cities—Los Angeles, Denver, Asheville, Seattle, and San Antonio—stand out for their ability to launch epic road trips tailored to diverse interests. Los Angeles offers coastal glamour and desert escapes, Denver delivers mountain majesty, Asheville blends Appalachian charm with scenic drives, Seattle unlocks the Pacific Northwest’s wild beauty, and San Antonio opens the heart of Texas. Each city serves as a cultural hub with easy access to iconic routes, ensuring your trip is as much about the journey as the destination.
Road trips from are about freedom, adventure, and discovery. Whether you’re cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, summiting peaks in the Rockies, or sipping wine in Texas Hill Country, these cities set the stage for stories you’ll tell for years. Pack your bags, grab a map, and hit the road—America’s open highways are calling.