# Driving Cross-Country: Road Trip Routes [![Profile picture for user blee@arcb.com](/sites/www/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/2020-03/Brittney2.png.webp?itok=bTCtAccV)](/author/brittney-lee) By: [Brittney Lee](/author/brittney-lee "View user profile.") Aug 29, 2025 In: [Planning Your Move](/articles/category/planning-your-move) - [ facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fdriving-cross-country-road-trip-routes) - [ linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fdriving-cross-country-road-trip-routes&title=Driving%20Cross-Country%3A%20Road%20Trip%20Routes) - [ twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Driving%20Cross-Country%3A%20Road%20Trip%20Routes&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fdriving-cross-country-road-trip-routes) - [ pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fdriving-cross-country-road-trip-routes&media=&description=Driving%20Cross-Country%3A%20Road%20Trip%20Routes) - [ email ](mailto:?subject=Driving%20Cross-Country%3A%20Road%20Trip%20Routes&body=http%3A%2F%2Fd8prod.upack.com%2Farticles%2Fdriving-cross-country-road-trip-routes) ## 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](https://www.upack.com/articles/how-to-turn-your-move-into-a-fun-family-road-trip). Let’s review some great road trip route ideas with attractions to see along the way. ![Wide open road on a cross country road trip.](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20viewBox%3D'0%200%201%201'%2F%3E) ## 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. - [California to New York](https://www.upack.com/articles/what-is-the-best-driving-route-from-california-to-new-york) - [New York to Florida](https://www.upack.com/articles/whats-the-best-driving-route-from-new-york-to-florida) - [Dallas to Chicago](https://www.upack.com/articles/what-is-the-best-driving-route-from-dallas-to-chicago) ## Is your cross-country road trip part of a move? If you need to [move across the country](https://www.upack.com/moving-services/long-distance-moving/cross-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 [*844-362-5303*](tel:844-362-5303)[*844-594-3077*](tel:844-594-3077) to speak to a moving consultant. What’s your favorite road trip route? Let us know in the comments! 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