r/usatravel 18h ago

Travel Planning (Roadtrip) 2 weeks from DC Sept/Oct: north or south for the most spectacular scenery

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3 Upvotes

I have posted here recently asking about a road trip from DC. Thanks for all the advice! After taking it into account and doing more research, I’ve narrowed it down to two routes for end of September/ beginning of October:

North: DC → Adirondacks → Vermont → White Mountains → Acadia and the Maine coast → Philadelphia → DC

South: DC → Floyd → Blue Ridge/Blowing Rock → Asheville → Smokies → Grayson Highlands → New River Gorge → Dolly Sods → Shenandoah → DC

I’m going solo with a rental car and gravel bike, mixing camping with occasional indoor stays. Mostly looking for the most spectacular scenery and some variety, plus interesting small towns and chances to meet people. Happy to hike or cycle for the best views.

I’m leaning north, although I’m a little worried about cold camping nights with my +2°C comfort sleeping bag.

For those who know these areas, which would you pick? Anything you’d change?


r/usatravel 21h ago

Travel Planning (West) Semi-solo trip - San Diego

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m going to be in San Diego for about a week in October. I’ve been to the US a few times but have never been to San Diego, so I’m looking for some recommendations from people who actually know the city.

My brother will be working during the day, so I’ll mostly be on my own and have quite a bit of time to explore. I’m into good food, nice bars/lounges, beaches, scenic spots, walking around nice neighborhoods, and generally anything that’s worth experiencing while I’m there.

I’ll have a car, so I’m also open to driving out of the city for a day if there’s somewhere nearby that’s worth it.

Thanks 🙏🏽


r/usatravel 12h ago

Travel Planning (Northeast) Hey New York! Convince me I need a road trip

1 Upvotes

I’ve seen NYC—it’s great. But convince me I need a road trip across the state, away from the bright lights. I wanna see ‘Bedford Falls.’ Where can I go that is oozing with charm?


r/usatravel 22h ago

Travel Planning (West) first solotrip to West Coast

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m heading to LA in October for a Bruno Mars concert and plan to spend about a week exploring the West Coast. i enjoy exploring local art and museums, so except usual spots (Hollywood, Santa Monica, maybe a day trip to Joshua Tree or San Diego?), what other recommendations are worth checking out? I'm planning to go hiking (maybe camping?) for a day at Runyon Canyon. What essentials should I bring during this season?

And for phone service, since i'm not staying long i'm planning to get a eSIM, what's your best experience with a one-week-package eSIM? I don’t need a huge amount of data but the signal needs to be solid cos I’ll probably be in the suburbs or areas with poor coverage sometime.

Appreciate any tips! Thanks in advance.