Best Road Trips in the U.S. and Canada (2026 Edition)

After years of exploring the United States and Canada by car, these are the places that have earned their spot in what we’re calling The Road Trip Locals Superlatives: our personal list of “bests” from the road so far.

From breathtaking national parks to cozy mountain towns and unexpected hidden gems, each destination here left its mark for a different reason. Whether you’re planning your first road trip or your fiftieth, we hope you’ll use this guide to get inspired for your next adventure.

RTL Tip: We’ll update this post every year as we add new destinations to our ever-growing list of favorites.

Best Fall Road Trip: New England

If your dream road trip involves crisp mountain air and fiery fall colors, New England is the place to be.

Why we love it: We’ve chased fall colors all over the U.S., but nowhere compares to New England in October. Think pumpkin patches, covered bridges, apple cider donuts, and roads lined with orange and red maples. We spent weeks wandering between Stowe, the White Mountains, and the Maine coast… hiking in the mornings, exploring small towns in the afternoons, and sipping hot cider every chance we got. Oh, and we spent Halloween night in Salem, Massachusets. There’s just nothing else like it.

Read Next: Picture-Perfect: A Festive New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Best Destination for Month-Long Stays: Kanab, Utah

Kanab is our favorite basecamp for exploring the Southwest. You can hit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, The Wave, and the Grand Canyon North Rim… all from a home base in Kanab.

Why we love it: Kanab is a roadtripper’s paradise, surrounded by some of the best landscapes in the U.S. There are so many incredible places a short drive away. It’s perfectly positioned for day trips, but still small and laidback enough to feel like home. After a long day hiking The Narrows or wandering through Peek-A-Boo Canyon, there’s nothing better than watching the sunset from your porch.

Keep Reading: 10 Jaw-Dropping Places to See Near Kanab, Utah

Best Casual Road Trip for Hiking: The Adirondacks

When you want a balance of adventure and relaxation, this East Coast destination delivers.

Why we love it: Lake Placid has scenic drives, shorter trails with big rewards, and plenty of charming small towns for rest days. The hikes are rewarding without being punishing, from Cascade Mountain to Cobble Lookout. We spent three weeks here hiking by day and curling up with pizza and local craft beer by night, and I didn’t want to leave.

Read Next: 10 Best Hikes Near Lake Placid, NY

Best Road Trip for Wildlife: The Grand Trifecta (Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Glacier National Parks)

If wildlife is on your bucket list, this trio is hard to beat.

We’ve seen bears, wolves, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, you name it.

Why we love it: Each park has its own personality: geothermal wonders in Yellowstone, towering peaks in Grand Teton, and alpine lakes in Glacier. Together, they create one epic loop through the wild heart of the West.

Read Next: The Grand Trifecta: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier Road Trip

Best Road Trip for Campers: The Icefields Parkway

Between Banff and Jasper National Parks lies one of the most scenic drives in the world, and some of the best campsites, too.

Why we love it: Glaciers, turquoise lakes, mountain views, and campgrounds so stunning you can’t believe what you’re seeing is actually real. The abundance of beauty along one stretch of road is what makes this road trip so magical, and there are plenty of places to pull over and camp for the night.

Read Next: Beginner’s Guide to Driving the Icefields Parkway

Best Classic Road Trip: Utah’s Mighty 5

Utah’s five national parks—Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion—are a must for anyone who loves roadtripping.

Why we love it: Every park is unique, but together they create one of the most iconic road trips in America.

Read Next: The Mighty 5: How to See Utah's 5 National Parks in 7 Days

Best “Tourist Trap” (That Lives Up to the Hype): Niagara Falls

It’s touristy, crowded, and absolutely worth it. Standing near the edge of the Falls is pure delight, especially at sunrise or under the evening lights.

Why we love it: You can’t help but feel awestruck. And if you visit the Canadian side, plan to explore the nearby ice wine region afterward. It was one of our favorite surprises from our trip! Sometimes the most popular stops really are popular for a reason.

Keep Reading: Ontario Road Trip: Niagara Falls, Ice Wine Country, and Toronto’s EdgeWalk

The Unsung Hero: New Mexico

New Mexico is one of the most underrated states in the U.S., and we say that with confidence.

Why we love it: From White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns and fall foliage that rivals Colorado, New Mexico is full of surprises. The variety is unreal: white dunes, red rock, green chile, and some of the most beautiful aspen groves we’ve ever seen. Plus, it’s refreshingly affordable for road trippers.

Keep Reading: The Unsung Hero: 10-Day New Mexico Road Trip

Best Foodie Road Trip: Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is small but mighty in the food department. You’ll find cozy shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and local cideries tucked between mountain views.

Why we love it: The perfect mix of scenic charm and indulgence, whether it’s brunch after a hike or dinner after a day on the slopes.

Read Next: A Foodie Road Trip: Fun Things To Do in Stowe, Vermont

Best Epic Road Trip: Alaska

If you’re after once-in-a-lifetime scenery, Alaska wins.

Why we love it: Eight national parks, endless daylight, and drives that make you feel like you’re at the edge of the world. From watching bears at Katmai to kayaking in Kenai Fjords, Alaska redefines “bucket list.”

Keep Reading: Alaska Diaries: 21 Days, 8 National Parks, 1 Great Alaskan Road Trip

Best Slow-Travel Road Trip: Blue Ridge Parkway

The Parkway is made for unhurried travel: winding through foggy mountains, roadside overlooks, and tiny towns.

Why we love it: We spent two months in the mountains of Bryson City, near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s the kind of trip that invites you to slow down, breathe, and just be.

Read Next: Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway: A Beginner’s Road Trip Guide

Best Sunshine Road Trip: Florida Keys

The drive from Miami to Key West feels like summer bottled up!

Why we love it: Turquoise water, key lime pie, and endless sunshine. Also, national parks, clear water beaches, and tropical drinks. What more do you need?

Keep Reading: Beginner’s Guide to Driving the Florida Keys Highway

Keep Planning Your Next Adventure

🌎 Curious where we’ve been around the U.S. and Canada? Browse our Travel Seasons for real-life itineraries and practical tips from months spent living and working on the road.

🧳 Want to see what we pack? Check out our complete Road Trip Packing List for the exact things we use and love on every trip!

📚 Ready to plan your next adventure? Explore our Free Resource Library for road trip itineraries, planning guides, and stories from the road.

🐻 In the mood for adventure? Read Alaska Diaries, a seven-part travelogue from the time we spent 21 days road tripping through Alaska on a mission to visit all eight of its national parks in one trip.

🏡 Wondering what it’s like to buy a fixer-upper just outside Yellowstone National Park? Follow along with Cabin Chronicles.

🦬 And if Yellowstone’s on your list, don’t miss our Yellowstone Travel Guide: your step-by-step companion to planning an unforgettable trip to Yellowstone National Park!

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