Introduction

The USA (United States of America) is a large and diverse country located in North America, made up of 50 states and a federal district (Washington, D.C.). It is known for its powerful economy, cultural influence, and vast natural landscapes.

  1. Start in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
    The perfect starting point for an unforgettable national park road trip is the iconic Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, featuring vast red rock formations carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. Spend at least a day exploring the South Rim for panoramic views and hiking trails like Bright Angel or the Rim Trail. For early risers, a Grand Canyon sunrise is a truly humbling experience.
  2. Head to Zion National Park, Utah
    From the Grand Canyon, head north to Zion National Park in southern Utah—around a 4.5-hour drive. Zion is famous for its towering red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and dramatic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. This park offers a different kind of beauty than the Grand Canyon, with lush valleys and rivers contrasting the dry Arizona landscape. If possible, spend two days here to fully enjoy the scenery and adventurous trails.
  3. Explore Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
    Just a short drive (about 1.5 hours) from Zion lies Bryce Canyon, another gem in Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks. Known for its unique rock formations called hoodoos, Bryce offers surreal landscapes that look like they belong on another planet. The best views are from Sunrise Point and Bryce Amphitheater. Hiking the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden Trail lets you get up close with the towering formations, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
  4. Visit Arches National Park, Utah
    Continuing east, head to Arches National Park near Moab, a drive of about 4 hours. This park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, with Delicate Arch being the most famous. The park is also ideal for photography, especially during golden hour when the red rocks glow vividly. Nearby Moab also provides access to adventure sports like off-roading, mountain biking, and river rafting, making it a great rest stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
  5. Stop at Canyonlands National Park, Utah
    Just 30 minutes from Arches is Canyonlands National Park, often overlooked but equally stunning. It features deep canyons, towering mesas, and vast desert landscapes shaped by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The Island in the Sky district is the most accessible and offers panoramic views and short hikes like Mesa Arch. Canyonlands is less crowded than its neighboring parks, providing a more peaceful and remote experience.
  6. Make your way to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
    Next, drive about 6 hours northeast to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. A complete contrast to Utah’s desert terrain, this park offers alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and snowcapped peaks. Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America, provides incredible views and wildlife sightings. With over 350 miles of trails, it’s a hiker’s paradise, especially in summer when wildflowers bloom and elk roam freely.
  7. Head north to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
    A national parks road trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting Yellowstone, the USA’s first national park, located in Wyoming (about 8 hours from Rocky Mountain). Known for its geothermal features like Old Faithful, colorful hot springs, and geysers, Yellowstone also has abundant wildlife including bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Take at least two full days to explore the Grand Loop Road and visit must-see sights like the Grand Prismatic Spring and Yellowstone Lake.
  8. Visit Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
    Just south of Yellowstone, a one-hour drive brings you to the breathtaking Grand Teton National Park. With jagged mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers. Popular spots include Jenny Lake, the Snake River Overlook, and the scenic Teton Park Road. Hiking, kayaking, or just enjoying the views makes this stop a peaceful and majestic experience.
  9. Drive west to Yosemite National Park, California
    From Grand Teton, make your way southwest to Yosemite National Park in California—a longer stretch of about 12 hours, so plan an overnight stop. Yosemite is world-renowned for its granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, ancient sequoia trees, and dramatic waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. The Yosemite Valley is a must-see, but consider venturing into less crowded areas like Tuolumne Meadows or Glacier Point for sweeping vistas.
  10. Finish at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California
    Conclude your epic road trip in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, just a few hours south of Yosemite. These twin parks are home to the giant sequoias, including General Sherman—the largest tree on Earth. In addition to towering trees, the parks offer deep canyons, high alpine peaks, and serene forested trails. This is a peaceful and awe-inspiring place to wrap up your journey, surrounded by some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world.

Where to stay in USA

Major Cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.)

  • Hotels: Chain hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt), boutique hotels, and luxury options.
  • Airbnb/Vacation Rentals: Great for longer stays or groups.
  • Hostels: Available in most cities, ideal for budget travelers.
  • Neighborhoods to look for:
    • NYC: Manhattan (central), Brooklyn (hipper, budget-friendly)
    • LA: West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown
    • Chicago: The Loop, River North

National Parks and Nature Areas

  • Lodges inside parks: Book well in advance (e.g., El Tovar at Grand Canyon, Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone).
  • Campgrounds/RV parks: Both inside and near national parks. Reserve early through.
  • Nearby towns: Often more budget-friendly
    • Zion: Stay in Springdale
    • Yellowstone: Stay in West Yellowstone or Gardiner
    • Yosemite: Stay in Mariposa or Oakhurst

Road Trip Stops & Highways

  • Motels: Found along highways (e.g., Motel 6, Super 8, Days Inn)
  • Rest-stop hotels: Perfect for overnight breaks during long drives
  • KOA campgrounds: Offer cabins and RV sites with amenities

Things to do in USA

Iconic Landmarks & Cities

  1. Visit New York City – See Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and catch a Broadway show.
  2. Tour Washington, D.C. – Explore the U.S. Capitol, White House, Smithsonian museums, and national monuments.
  3. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge – Iconic San Francisco spot with great views and photo ops.

Day trip from USA

From Los Angeles, CA

  • Santa Barbara – A beach town with wine tasting and Mediterranean vibes.
  • Joshua Tree National Park – A surreal desert escape (just under 2.5 hours).
  • Disneyland (Anaheim) – Perfect for families or Disney lovers.

From Las Vegas, NV

  • Hoover Dam & Lake Mead – Engineering marvel just 45 minutes away.
  • Red Rock Canyon – Stunning hikes and rock formations only 30 minutes from the Strip.
  • Grand Canyon (West Rim) – Can be done in a long day; about 2.5 hours one way.

From Chicago, IL

  • Lake Geneva, WI – Charming lakeside town great for walking and dining.
  • Starved Rock State Park – Nature trails and waterfalls about 1.5 hours away.
  • Milwaukee, WI – Beer tours, Harley-Davidson Museum, and a fun waterfront.

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Last Update: June 21, 2025