11 Stunning US Road Trip Destinations Not To Miss

It’s never too early to start planning your next US road trip. Here are some classics as well as a few I bet you haven’t heard off.  Sit back and relax as we cruise 11 bucket list road trips in the USA.

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1.  Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park, famous for its delicate arch, is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches.  The 45 mile drive with numerous hiking stops along the way begs for an overnight stay to take it all in.

Partition Arch at Arches National Park, Utah.

If you do choose to camp at one of the campgrounds be sure to make it out during the night because that’s when you can have this magnificent place to yourself.  Consider skipping the crowds and checking out Arches during the winter.

Check out our in-depth guide on Arches National Park

2.  Shi Shi Beach, Washington

• Olympic National Park
• Washington Trails Association

The wild and magical Shi Shi beach sits on the corner of Washington and is part of the Olympic National Park.  This rugged coastline is unique in that very little of it is accessible by vehicle.

To get the full picture one must hike 3 miles to be rewarded with tremendous rock features, hidden lakes, and pristine coastline.  As you listen to the waves crashing on the rocks you’ll be left wanting more.

And fortunately that’s possible as this remote coastline can be hiked by backpack requiring a few nights to complete.

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3.  Lost Sea, Tennessee

• Lost Sea Adventure

Near Sweetwater Tennessee is a remarkable body of water known as the Lost Sea.  Discovered in 1905 by a thirteen-year-old boy,  this is the 2nd largest underground lake in the world.

The intricate cave system is home to stunning rock formations, crystal clear water and can be visited by boat.  Makes for a terrific family vacation.

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4.  Napali Coast State Park, Hawaii

• Napali Coast State Park

This iconic shoreline on Kauai’s North Shore spans over 17 miles and is absolutely stunning.  The razor sharp ridges tower above the Pacific Ocean making for some of the greatest waterfalls and secluded beaches Hawaii has to offer.

There are numerous ways to see this magical coastline but the best views can be had by helicopter or boat.  If the weather’s right you can explore this rugged coastline and its hidden caves by kayak.

5.  Horseshoe Bend, Page Arizona

After a short but sandy hike, you approach the rim of the most magnificent site, Horseshoe Bend.  It almost looks too good to be true, man-made perhaps.  The colors and staggering height make this a must see in my book.

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6.  Crater Lake, Oregon

• Crater Lake National Park

This immense lake partially fills a nearly 2,200 foot deep caldera formed by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama.  The lake holds the record for the deepest lake in the U.S. and is unique in that there are no rivers flowing in or out of crater lake.

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8.  Antelope Canyon, Arizona

• Antelope Canyon Tours

There’s just something about the light in Antelope Canyon.  A photographers dream as it’s almost difficult to take a bad picture once you find yourself immersed in this rock formation.  The sandstone carved walls give way to just the right amount of sky making for an epic light show.

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9.  Fort Jefferson, Florida

Sitting about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida sits an unfinished coastal fortress.  Built from 1846-1875 and never completed, this massive fort is home to some tremendous history.

Accessible by a 70 mile ferry ride this tropical island also holds some terrific swimming and snorkeling waters amongst its massive reef.

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10.  Mesa Verde

• Mesa Verde National Park

An archaeological masterpiece of Puebloen cliff dwellers who build these cliffside cities.  The park is filled with many dwellings and is complete with some great hikes that reward you with petroglyphs and other hidden archaeological gems.

Sequoia National Park, California

• Sequoia National Park

Home to the largest tree in the world at over 267 feet tall and 29 feet in diameter, this giant sized forest is a must see.  We’re talking 1,500 year old trees people!  If that’s not amazing I don’t know what is.

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One thing for sure, there’s no shortage of great places to see on a USA road trip. I hope I sparked the travel bug in you and be sure to check out some of my additional articles for more road trip USA ideas.

Be sure to read: Road trip packing lists, maintenance checks, safety tips and much more at Road Trip Tips

Happy travels!