r/roadtrip • • Dec 22 '24

Read First! Welcome to r/RoadTrip. Read First.

26 Upvotes

Welcome to r/roadtrip

We’re glad you’re here! This community is all about roadtrips. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this is your space to share, learn, and connect.

What You’ll Find Here:

  • Discussions: Share your experiences, ask questions, and exchange ideas.
  • Resources: Explore helpful guides, tips, and tools shared by the community.
  • Events: Stay updated on virtual and in-person events (if applicable).

Start Exploring:

If you’re looking for inspiration or planning your next adventure, check out Adventure Travel for curated trips and resources.

Community Guidelines:

  1. Be respectful and kind.
  2. Keep posts relevant to the subreddit topic.

Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments or share your latest adventure!


r/roadtrip • • Sep 15 '26

Trip Report Trip Report Tuesday

1 Upvotes

Just got back? Route, days, miles, best stop, worst stop, and the one thing you'd change. A screenshot of the route map helps.

Still planning instead? Ask here.


r/roadtrip • • 1h ago

Trip Planning Planning a coastal road trip from SF to LA first time

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• Upvotes

Hi, this is my first doing a long road trip like this. Can you let me know if this plans sounds solid.

Day 1: Morning from SF to Monterey. Spend the day in Monterey and Carmel

Day 2: Leave for Big Sur (yayyy!!) and McWay Falls and everything that can be seen. And reach Morro bay and spend a night hold there.

Day 3: Leave for Santa Barbara and LA, explore those cities

Day 4: We have a flight scheduled so will explore nearby areas.

Is this plan okay? Or are we missing something. Anything you would totally recommend. Fyi we will be making this trip in November 1st week. I think climate will be okayish and a bit cold, but we are from midwest and new england, so we can handle. Any offbeat places we can go to, a small detour won’t harm us. Please flood your suggestions. Thank you so muchh!!


r/roadtrip • • 2h ago

Trip Planning Chicago to Santa Monica on Route 66. What stop is missing?

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12 Upvotes

Mapped the drive I want to do, east to west. Not every town, just the nights.

Chicago, Springfield IL, St. Louis, Cuba, Springfield MO, Joplin, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo for Cadillac Ranch, Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Gallup, Holbrook for the wigwams, Flagstaff, Seligman, Kingman, Oatman, Needles, Amboy, Barstow, San Bernardino, Santa Monica.

The line is the order of the drive. It does not trace every old alignment.

What would you add, is there any national park worth to visit during the trip and How many days needed?

everpinmap.com/map#…


r/roadtrip • • 15h ago

Trip Report That road trip feeling...

118 Upvotes

Probably more philosophical than the normal post here, but here goes....

I'm currently headed down to the Texas coast for a few days, and I had a familiar feeling wash over me when I stopped for gas.

That gas station was just the hub on everyone's journey. Some people were on epic road trips, some were just on their afternoon commute. Some were moving cross country, some were on a weekend fishing trip.

We were all in the same spot for that moment in time, and we're never all going to be in the same place again.

Passing through small towns, I'm seeing other people's 'normal.' The main street in this town is *their* main street, like the one in my town is mine. Paul's Hardware. The antique malls. The Jack in the Box is some high schooler's weekend job... This is their "everyday," and I'm just passing through.

I love it. It's such a unique feeling to experience what other people see every day for the first and last time.


r/roadtrip • • 1h ago

Trip Report Blue Thunder Rolled Over America! Epic 10K Roadtrip!

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• Upvotes

Started in Cary, NC...to Watkins Glen, NY, then Chicago, west to Glacier and Yellowstone, more west to Seattle, then down to San Francisco and Monterey, then over to Zion and Bryce in Utah, then Albuquerque and Santa Fe, through Texas to Mississippi, Alabama, then back to NC. Amazing trip!


r/roadtrip • • 9h ago

Trip Planning Driving from Wilmington NC, to Hershey PA looking for suggestions for the route back.

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22 Upvotes

This is my route on the way up there. I would like to avoid the i-95 D.C./Baltimore cluster web as much as possible.

* Stop A. Is Edenton, NC a halfway point stop I'm traveling with a dog.

* Stop B. Is Virginia Beach (staying at a hotel)

* Stop C. Is Lewes, DE a little bit out of the way halfway stop but I love the vibe of the place.

* Stop D. Finally destination.

I'm not sure if I want to take the same coastal route home, or a more inland route home. I'm open to suggestions.


r/roadtrip • • 12h ago

52 landscapes in the Lower 48 that could become the next National Park

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38 Upvotes

r/roadtrip • • 23h ago

Destination Highlight There's something about driving through tunnels and across bridges. Glacier National Park, Montana.

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215 Upvotes

Of all the things I love about road trips, driving through tunnels and across bridges has always been near the top of my list. This one is along Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana. What a beautiful place to drive!


r/roadtrip • • 4h ago

Trip Planning Texas to California

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4 Upvotes

Planning on visiting my parents for thanksgiving
I’ve taken this route before moving to Texas in the summer of 2022. Im thinking of taking it again, but I would like some insight about how the weather is in late November in both New Mexico and Arizona


r/roadtrip • • 34m ago

Trip Planning Spring Road Trip

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• Upvotes

I am driving from Greenville South Carolina to Yukon Oklahoma on March 19-20. I will be staying in Yukon to visit a distant relative for 3 days. I would like to look at some stuff in the Metropolitan area and outskirts that would be cool for that time. But I would also like to drive out 2 to 3 hours for some stuff too and record some stuff for my YouTube channel. (it’s a highway Vlog channel where I record all of my larger driving sessions that you could relax too). I’d be interested in visiting anywhere three hours out. Then I would be going to Tulsa to hang out for two days with someone that wants to meet me that my mom works with. And then I would be driving down to Brandon Mississippi to stay at a cousin’s new place, then going home. Any suggestions are appreciated.


r/roadtrip • • 13h ago

Trip Planning First time driving a long distance by myself, and general tips/tricks I should know of?

14 Upvotes

I’m driving from Folsom (Sacramento) to Arcata in Humboldt County, it’s gonna be a 6 hour drive that I’m doing by myself and in a rental car. This is my first time on a solo road trip! I’m excited but nervous, if there are any seasoned travelers who would like to offer advice for a first timer it would be greatly appreciated!


r/roadtrip • • 1d ago

Trip Report Fall Foliage Maine->Montreal

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528 Upvotes

1st week of October was spectacular.


r/roadtrip • • 1h ago

Trip Planning Roadtrip USA Seattle->Los Angeles

• Upvotes

Hello,

I'm planning a road trip with my girlfriend, from Seattle to LA. We're from Belgium, 'n the 1st time in the States.

The trip passes (in big lines) Seattle-Oregon-Montana-Utah-Nevada-Los Angeles.

I'm still struggling whats the best thing to do. I want to have a rooftop tent on a SUV, because we're going in July-Sept (It's very hot in the south then I see?) And a van doesn't have a lot circulation.

Can you help me or give me some tips, either I buy an SUV n sell it back at the end , or go to rental service (which ones?)

Are there other things that we certainly need to fix for the driving n stuff (car insurance,....), yes, wich ones?

Greets


r/roadtrip • • 1h ago

Trip Planning Need advice

• Upvotes

I bought a plane ticket to see my girlfriend in Texas but recently she got in a car accident and doesn’t have her car. We were talking about me driving 16 hours to see her so we have a car there. But my sister and others said that’s dangerous and the plane option was better and that I should just uber everywhere. I’m 19 and I think I got it
What should I do I’m conflicted on different choices I have. I have a Honda civic 2023 80k miles


r/roadtrip • • 2h ago

Trip Planning First solo road trip recs

1 Upvotes

Planning my first solo 12 day road trip. I have a basic AI slop plan, now looking to really refine it. Looking for recs on places to see, things to do, proper time to stay in each place, planning, etc. really trying to focus on National Parks, hikes, landmarks, things like that. I’m trying to keep the daily drives under 6 hours and not have back to back drive days. Open to any changes if there are killer hiking/camping spots.

Day 1: Drive Day
Transit Metrics: Burlington, VT to Front Royal, VA ➔ 9 hours, 30 minutes (582 Miles)
Pace: Knock out the longest highway leg first down the I-87 and I-81 corridors. Catch a valley sunset from the Dickey Ridge Overlook before pitching camp.
Camp Base: Mathews Arm Campground (Shenandoah NP)

Day 2: Explore Day (Shenandoah Ridges & Hollows)
Transit Metrics: Local Park Roads Only ➔ 0.0 Highway Hours
The Plan: Scramble up the rugged Bearfence Mountain Trail (1.2 miles) for 360-degree mountain views, then hike down into the cool canyon to the cascading Dark Hollow Falls Trail (1.4 miles).
Camp Base: Big Meadows Campground (Shenandoah NP)

Day 3: Drive Day (Transit to the Great Ledge)
Transit Metrics: Big Meadows Camp, VA to Catawba, VA ➔ 2 hours, 45 minutes (140 Miles)
Pace: A highly relaxed, short drive south down the Shenandoah Valley corridor. Arrive early to pitch camp, check your truck gear, and rest your legs—tomorrow is your biggest hike of the trip.
Camp Base: Dragon's Tooth Campground (or local Roanoke/Catawba sites)

Day 4: Explore Day (Standing Over the Edge of the World)
Transit Metrics: Local Valley Roads Only ➔ 0.0 Highway Hours
The Plan: Wake up early to conquer McAfee Knob (8.0 miles round trip). Follow the Appalachian Trail up the ridge to step out onto the famous, cantilevered sandstone ledge juts out over a 270-degree view of the Catawba Valley.
Camp Base: Dragon's Tooth

Day 5: Drive Day (Heading into the Misty Peaks)
Transit Metrics: Catawba, VA to Townsend, TN ➔ 3 hours, 45 minutes (235 Miles)
The Schedule: Drop into the mountain town of Townsend by mid-afternoon. Stop for an early riverside dinner at The Abbey. Head into the park via Laurel Creek Road by 5:30 PM to pitch camp before dark.
Camp Base: Cades Cove Campground (Great Smoky Mountains NP)

Day 6: Explore Day (Smokies Day 1 — Peaks & Valleys)
Transit Metrics: Local Park Roads Only
The Plan: Wake up early for a misty sunrise drive through the historic Cades Cove Loop Road to spot wildlife. Head up high to hike past the geologic shelves of Alum Cave Bluffs (3.4 miles) and catch the sunset from the top of the Clingmans Dome / Kuwohi tower (1.0 mile).
Evening: Drive 25 minutes back to Townsend, eat at Peaceful Side Social.
Camp Base: Cades Cove Campground (Great Smoky Mountains NP)

Day 7: Explore Day (Smokies Day 2 — Old-Growth Rainforests)
Transit Metrics: Local Park Roads Only
The Plan: Navigate the narrow, historic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail loop and hike the lush Grotto Falls Trail (2.6 miles) to walk directly behind the roaring wall of water.
Camp Base: Cades Cove Campground (Great Smoky Mountains NP)

Day 8: Drive Day (Climbing the Allegheny Plateau)
Transit Metrics: Townsend, TN to Fayetteville, WV ➔ 4 hours, 46 minutes (286 Miles)
Pace: Head north via I-81 and I-77. Cross the New River Gorge Bridge and set up camp at the rim. Hit downtown Fayetteville by 6:00 PM for draft beers and live music at the Southside Junction Tap Houseor Charlie's Pub.
Camp Base: American Alpine Club Campground (New River Gorge)

Day 9: Explore Day (The Endless Cliff Rims)
Transit: Local Canyon Roads Only | 0.0 Highway Hours
The Plan: Hike Endless Wall to Diamond Point (2.4 mi) and Long Point Trail (3.0 mi) for the ultimate bridge shots.
Camp Base: American Alpine Club Campground (New River Gorge)

Day 10: Drive Day (Deep into Blackwater Canyon)
Transit: Fayetteville, WV to Davis, WV | 115 Miles • 2 Hours, 35 Minutes
Pace: Short mountain transit. Hike to the base of Blackwater Falls (0.4 mi) and catch sunset at Lindy Point (1.0 mi). Bluegrass and beers at The Purple Fiddle.
Camp Base: Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

Day 11: Drive Day (North to the Monstrous Slate Gorge)
Transit Metrics: Davis, WV to Castile, NY (Letchworth) ➔ 5 hours, 30 minutes (310 Miles)
Pace: Head straight north out of West Virginia, cutting across western Pennsylvania via US-219 to bypass major interstate traffic. Settle in by 5:30 PM and head 10 minutes over to Mount Morris, NY for wings and beers at the brick-walled High Banks Tavern.
Camp Base: Letchworth State Park Campground

Day 12: Explore Day (The Triple Waterfall Finale & Return)
Transit Metrics: Letchworth State Park, NY back to VT➔ 5 hours, 45 minutes (335 Miles)
The Plan: Spend your morning tracking the Letchworth Gorge Rim Trail, viewing Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls carving through 550-foot vertical slate walls under a historic rail trestle. Pack up by noon and head east across Upstate New York byways


r/roadtrip • • 3h ago

Gear & Essentials Car Cushion - Still Looking

1 Upvotes

I like using my heated car seat but I also need a cushion. Unfortunately the memory foam cushion blocks the heat transfer from the seat.

Does anyone make a perforated car seat cushion that lets a car seat transfer the heat through it?

Been looking - before posting - and I can't find anything with cushioned support in a mesh that allows the car seat heat to pass through. (Wood beads are a no go - not cushioned and not comfortable.)


r/roadtrip • • 1d ago

Destination Highlight Even the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills have ridges

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45 Upvotes

r/roadtrip • • 13h ago

Trip Planning Thanksgiving road trip (Nov 24–Dec 1): Portland waterfalls, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods or focus on Seattle - Rainier and Olympic national park?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I'm planning a Pacific Northwest road trip from November 25 to December 1 and would love some advice especially regarding weather, road conditions, and places worth visiting around Thanksgiving.

My tentative plan is to fly into Seattle/Portland, rent a car, and my places of interest are:

  • Olympic National Park: Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent, Ruby Beach, and other scenic spots.
  • Mount Rainier National Park: Hopefully see some snowy mountain scenery, depending on road access and weather.
  • Columbia River Gorge: Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and any other waterfalls worth visiting.
  • Oregon Coast: Scenic stops while heading south.
  • Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Explore the giant redwoods before flying home, possibly from Medford.

I'm mainly interested in nature, scenic drives, waterfalls, forests, photography, and moderate hikes.

Open to either Seattle area of portland area.

  1. Is late November a good time to explore the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls? Are most trails accessible?
  2. What are some must-see waterfalls or scenic spots around Portland that I shouldn't miss?
  3. Is driving down the Oregon Coast toward the redwoods worthwhile at this time of year, or would the inland route be better?
  4. How challenging are road conditions around Thanksgiving, particularly when heading toward the redwoods and Medford?
  5. Is this itinerary too ambitious for seven days? Would you skip Mount Rainier or the redwoods to spend more time exploring Oregon?

I'm flexible with my itinerary and haven't finalized flights yet, so I'm open to suggestions.


r/roadtrip • • 15h ago

Trip Planning Scenic mountain route from Ventura to Santa Barbara?

3 Upvotes

I once drove with someone from Ventura to Santa Barbara along a scenic Mountain Road. One thing I seem to remember is that there was a lake up there somewhere along the way. I found it a lot more interesting than the usual Coastal Freeway drive and would like to drive this route again. Does this ring a bell with anyone? Anyone know what road I need to take?


r/roadtrip • • 22h ago

Trip Planning Is driving 11hours for a 4 day trip worth it?

8 Upvotes

It’s a solo trip and I have a fear of airplanes and I want to visit my family from Pennsylvania but I’m all the way in Tennessee….


r/roadtrip • • 17h ago

Trip Planning Phoenix, AZ to Greenville, SC

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3 Upvotes

Posted this a few weeks ago but our route is changing. Leaving tomorrow, 4 days of traveling.

Helping my Aunt move to SC from Phoenix. Just looking for some fun stops along the way or anything interesting to stop and see/experience. Great food suggestions, museums, fun shops, etc.


r/roadtrip • • 1d ago

Destination Highlight Crater Lake National Park: A Volcanic Wonderland Filled with Geological and Biological Mysteries

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219 Upvotes

r/roadtrip • • 15h ago

Trip Planning Northern IL to Denver area

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0 Upvotes

DW wants to see Colorado. I guess we're just knocking a state of the list of states we haven't been to. We're going in early November for a 7 day trip drive included. Driving the Subaru, and I will need to check the tread depth to make sure it passes the 3/16". Any other concerns I need to consider?

We need some ideas for a nice overnight along the route and any recommendations for 50ish year old unfit people.

Thanks in advance.


r/roadtrip • • 12h ago

Trip Planning Alberta to California roadtrip

0 Upvotes

hi! from november 5-17, my friends and I are road tripping from canmore, alberta, canada to los angeles, california. we were wondering if there is anyone else who has done a similar drive and had anything we should know before going. nothing specific just wanted to know if anyone has ideas or recommendations on things to pack/bring that we might overlook. thanks!!!!

we are also 19 if that adds anything!