Driving Cross-Country: Road Trip Routes
Aug 29, 2025
Planning a road trip across the country
Cross-country road trips have been part of American culture long before cars were invented. Fortunately, you no longer have to set off for a trip in a horse-pulled covered wagon, with only the unknown ahead. Today, you can find multiple routes to meet your needs, which is especially helpful when turning a move into a road trip.
Let’s review some great road trip route ideas with attractions to see along the way.
Best cross-country driving routes and sightseeing attractions
Consider one of these road trip route inspirations to explore the country.
Route 66: A classic
This route begins in Chicago, IL, and ends in Santa Monica, CA. The 2,450-mile journey passes through St. Louis, MO; Tulsa, OK; Amarillo, TX; Albuquerque, NM; and Flagstaff, AZ.
Notable attractions:
- Route 66 Museum (Pontiac, IL)
- Gateway Arch (St. Louis, MO)
- Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX)
- Petrified Forest National Park (AZ)
- Santa Monica Pier (CA)
Northern Route: East to west
Start on Interstate 90 in Boston, MA, and arrive 3,100 miles later in Seattle, WA. Along the route, pass through Buffalo, NY; Cleveland, OH; Chicago, IL; Madison, WI; Sioux Falls and Rapid City, SD; Billings, MT; and Spokane, WA.
Notable attractions:
- Niagara Falls (near Buffalo, NY)
- Millennium Park (Chicago, IL)
- Badlands National Park (SD)
- Mount Rushmore (SD)
- Yellowstone National Park (WY/MT)
- Space Needle (Seattle, WA)
Southern Route: West to east
Start on Interstate 10 in Santa Monica, CA, and travel nearly 2,500 miles to Jacksonville, FL. You’ll drive through Phoenix and Tucson, AZ; San Antonio and Houston, TX; and New Orleans, LA.
Notable attractions:
- Pacific Coast beaches near Santa Monica, CA
- Joshua Tree National Park (CA, just north of I-10)
- Saguaro National Park (AZ)
- San Antonio River Walk & The Alamo (TX)
- French Quarter (New Orleans, LA)
More route ideas
Check out one of these other routes for one that might fit your style.
Is your cross-country road trip part of a move?
If you need to move across the country, look no further than U-Pack®. We’re a long-distance DIY moving service with nearly 30 years of experience.
Let us transport your things so you can treat your drive to the new home like a relaxing vacation. Request your free, no-obligation U-Pack quote online today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.
What’s your favorite road trip route? Let us know in the comments!
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