The Ultimate Thrilling Road Trip For Exploring Breathtaking National Parks Across America

Road tripping is one of the most fantastic ways to see the United States. For many travelers, driving from coast to coast is a quintessential American adventure and a dream vacation. The Great American Road Trip has been immortalized by iconic writers and artists like Jack Kerouac, John Steinbeck, and Bill Bryson. Thousands of travelers who have followed in their footsteps agree that there's nothing quite like the freedom of the open road.

A cross-country road trip through the United States is imbued with feelings of nostalgia, but it is also a very practical way to see the sprawling nation. The United States is very car-centric. Public transportation does exist, but it isn't as advanced as many international travelers might be used to. Flying can be costly, and you'll likely miss out on enjoying the scenery along the way. On a road trip from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, California, you can experience some of the country's most famous cities, multiple national parks, and discover your own hidden gems along the way.

If you hope to make the most out of your road trip, carve out a minimum of five weeks to complete the journey, and even more if you want to linger in some of the incredible national parks along the way. You'll traverse around 3,000 miles along I-70 and I-80, with plenty of opportunities for additional detours. Early spring and late summer are the best times to begin if you're starting on the East Coast, so that you can hit the western states when the weather is mild. Grab your road atlas, pack your bags, and get ready to hit the open road. As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously wrote, "It's not the destination, it's the journey."

Begin your road trip in the United States capitol, Washington, D.C. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are all located nearby. If you're renting a car, expect to spend around $2,000 to $4,000 for a five-week trip. Washington, D.C., is one of the nation's most beautiful cities and it's full of historic sites, including the National Mall and Memorial Parks. The White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the United States Capitol Building are a few must-visit spots. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Gallery of Art are some of the many museums that are well worth checking out. Hotels are plentiful, and there's a thriving culinary scene. Brunch is a big deal in D.C., so make sure you enjoy an indulgent mid-morning meal at some point during your visit.

After you've explored D.C., drive a bit north to hop on Interstate 70 and head west. Your epic road trip will have officially started as you pass through Pennsylvania into Ohio. You can stop in Columbus, Ohio, where you'll find some delicious restaurants, Ohio State University's massive campus, and plenty of Midwestern charm. From there, hop off I-70 and head north on I-71 towards Cleveland and visit your first United States National Park. Known for its incredible waterfalls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park has more than 125 miles of hiking trails where you can stretch your legs. From Cleveland, head west again on I-80 with a stop at Indiana Dunes National Park, which is a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts. It's perched on the shores of Lake Michigan and has some beautiful beaches and epic sand dunes.

From Indiana Dunes National Park, it's under an hour to Chicago, Illinois. I-80 runs through the city's southern suburbs, and it's worth taking a short detour to spend a day or two exploring the beautiful Midwest city. Chicago has incredible museums, a thriving arts scene, and great nightlife. Have a drink and catch live music at a legendary Chicago jazz club or go to a game at the historic ballpark in Wrigleyville. It's the third-largest city in the United States, and there's something for every type of traveler to enjoy.

When you're ready to hit the road again, hop back on I-80 for a long drive through Midwestern farmland and the Great Plains. This is the least exciting portion of the cross-country trek, but it's the perfect time for some old-fashioned road trip fun. Stock up on some great snacks and have your playlist ready. Break up the drive with a stop in Lincoln, Nebraska, and visit the Nebraska State Capitol building — an architectural marvel listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you have time, take a short detour before crossing over the border to Wyoming to visit Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Scotts Bluff National Monument before visiting Cheyenne, Wyoming. Make sure to check out The Frontier Days Old West Museum and the historic downtown area. After Cheyenne, leave I-80 behind and head a little south to cross into Colorado. There, you'll be greeted by epic views of the Rocky Mountains. Check out the hip town of Fort Collins and allow plenty of time to explore the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park. Afterwards, visit the beautiful college town of Boulder before continuing on to Denver.

Denver, Colorado, is known as the Mile High City due to its elevation of 5,280 feet. It's a trendy city with a lively nightlife scene, so spend a few days exploring. Catch a live show at one of the many iconic music venues, visit some breweries, and sample the local cuisine before hopping back on I-70 and heading west towards Utah. If you have the time, take a detour at the town of Grand Junction to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is only about an hour and a half away.

Continue on I-70 and cross over the border into Utah, where you can exit the highway and explore some of the best national parks in the country. Utah has five national parks; Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Together they're known as the Mighty Five, and you should visit them all. You'll want plenty of time to explore the awe-inspiring natural beauty on Utah's Mighty Five road trip. Arches National Park is named for its 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Canyonlands National Park is just 30 minutes away. The outdoorsy city of Moab is the perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore both parks and also enjoy a little nightlife. Capitol Reef's rugged beauty will leave you awestruck, and Zion National Park is home to one of the most dangerous trails in the world as well as some beautiful waterfalls and emerald pools. Bryce Canyon is home to an alpine forest, natural amphitheaters, and red rock pillars called hoodoos.

In Utah, you'll reach some literal and proverbial forks in the road. Interstate 70 ends just outside of Salina, so after exploring the national parks, you can head north and hop back on Interstate 80 in Salt Lake City. Timpanogos National Monument is on the way, about an hour before you reach the city, and it is worth a stop.

After exploring Salt Lake City, you'll head west again on I-80, cross the state of Nevada, and enter California. Lake Tahoe, one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, is located near the border close to I-80. Stop for a swim or an extended stay and then continue west through Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Nevada Mountains towards San Francisco.

Alternatively, you can go rouge, leave I-80 behind, and head south towards Las Vegas, Nevada, after exploring Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Stop by Lake Mead National Recreation Area and then spend a few days indulging and imbibing in Sin City. Las Vegas is infamous for its nightlife, and the glitz and glam of the casino hotels on the Las Vegas strip is a fun contrast to all rugged and wild national parks. Take a gondola ride at the Venetian, check out Fremont Street, and visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — then head outside of the city for some desert scenery. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only about 20 minutes from downtown and is a top-ranked destination for rock climbing.

After a few days of partying in Vegas, you'll probably be ready for wide open spaces. Take a scenic one-way drive through the otherworldly Death Valley National Park, which straddles the border between Nevada and California. Along the way, you'll see Badwater Basin with its seemingly endless stretches of salt flats and multi-colored rock formations. Stick around after the sunsets for some incredible stargazing. Keep in mind that Death Valley can be unsafe during the summer months due to extreme heat. Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth. If you do visit during the warmer months, make sure that you're prepared with plenty of water and gas for a safe road trip through Death Valley.

From Death Valley, head northwest towards Inyo National Forest where you can explore the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and wander among the oldest trees in the world. Some of the bristlecone pines have been alive for more than 4,000 years. Afterwards, consider stopping by Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve and check out the limestone tufa tower formations jutting up from the million-year-old alkaline lake. Yosemite National Park makes an incredible last stop before San Francisco on your cross-country road trip. It's one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Take in the splendor of sites like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Mirror Lake. There are also some easy and scenic hikes in Yosemite great for beginners.

From Yosemite National Park, it's a little over three hours to San Francisco, which is one of the most iconic cities in the country. There, you can visit the famous Golden Gate Bridge, explore the oldest Japantown in America, and visit some of Northern California's breathtaking beaches before wrapping up your unforgettable road trip.