Celebrate America’s 250th this year by exploring storied destinations, rich histories, and dynamic cultures across the country that go beyond the traditional beach retreat or classic Route 66 trek.
With the nation gearing up to celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial, the classic American road trip is set for a major revival—making this the perfect time to plan a spring or summer journey that’s as enriching as it is unforgettable.
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Exploring Utah’s “Mighty 5”: Quintessential American West Road Trip (5 to 7 Days)
A road trip from Salt Lake City to visit Utah’s National Park is one of those quintessential American West drives—where the landscape shifts almost theatrically from alpine calm to rust-red desert drama. A study of over 250 million years in one setting.
Route overview:
Salt Lake City → Moab → Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park → Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park
Explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park(with a base in Moab)
Leaving Salt Lake City, the Wasatch Mountains slowly give way to wide-open plains before the terrain begins to ripple into canyons and mesas along US-6 and I-70. It’s a drive that rewards unhurried pauses to take in the vast, cinematic silence of the desert.
By the time you reach Moab, the energy changes. This small town feels like an outpost for adventure—equal parts rugged and laid-back, with dusty jeeps, cyclists, and hikers. It’s the perfect base for exploring nearby parks, especially Arches.
Inside Arches National Park, the landscape feels almost otherworldly. Over 2,000 natural sandstone arches rise from the earth, sculpted over millennia by wind and water. The iconic Delicate Arch at sunset is the kind of moment that lingers long after the trip ends, while shorter walks to spots like The Windows Section make it easy to experience the park’s scale without committing to long hikes.
From there, you can visit Zion National Park near Springdale, Bryce Canyon National Park near Tropic and Capitol Reef National Park near Torrey.
Capitol Dome, in Capital Reef NP, is a Navajo sandstone feature that resembles the US Capitol. The nearly 100-mile-long ‘Waterpocket Fold’ that looks like a barrier reef inspired the park’s name. The 242,000-acre park is designated as an international ‘Dark Sky Park’. The park is also famous for its orchards with over 3000 trees, which are two miles from the Visitor Center
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, when the weather is cooler.
Where to Stay:
Moab Lodge
Stay in this Lodge located along the Colorado River beneath Moab’s iconic red cliffs, which blends timeless Western spirit with modern comfort in the heart of southeastern Utah’s adventure capital. It’s a perfect location to explore nearby National Parks: Arches and Canyon Lands.
Zion and Bryce Canyon
Glamping destinations by Under Canvas in both these National Parks are great options. You can immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort, in these tents featuring king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves.
They even have a Stargazer Tent with a viewing window directly above your pillow. For families, there are options with an adjacent kids’ tent with twin beds.
Sedona to the Grand Circle Loop (via Monument Valley & Page 3 Days)
This road trip journey feels both cinematic and deeply rooted in history—perfect for an educational, slow-travel road trip to celebrate America’s 250th.
Route overview:
Sedona → Grand Canyon National Park → Page → Monument Valley → Horseshoe Bend → back via Antelope Canyon or Flagstaff
Begin in Sedona’s spiritual red rock landscape—think Sedona vortex hikes, art galleries, and that soft golden glow at sunset. From there, the drive north to the Grand Canyon builds anticipation slowly, culminating in your first sweeping view of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Heading east toward Page, the terrain opens up into sculptural desert forms. Here, the Colorado River curves dramatically at Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon offers those surreal, wave-like sandstone corridors (best seen with guided tours).
The real magic unfolds as you continue to Monument Valley—iconic mesas rising from the desert floor, instantly recognizable from classic American Westerns. It’s not just visually striking; it’s also a chance to experience Navajo culture through guided tours and storytelling.
Where to Stay:
Stay at the Hilton in Sedona, and experience the spectacular beauty of the magnificent red rock formations
Courtyard by Marriott Lake Powell near Page
The View Hotel | Monument Valley
Located within the Navajo Nation and the Navajo Tribal Park at Monument Valley, this hotel offers one-of-a-kind views. The View hotel has three floors with 95 rooms, each one with a private eastern-facing balcony with views unlike anywhere else in the world.
Opt for the top floor, which features StarView rooms with unforgettable views of the stars and Monument Valley. Perfect for amateur nighttime long exposure photography without leaving the comfort of your room.
The Lone Star Loop: Dallas → Austin (3.5 Hours)
Kick off the Lone Star road trip in Dallas with a walk through Bishop Arts, the city’s largest intact trolley-era shopping district that is now an eclectic hub of local purveyors and creative dining, before exploring the 6th Floor Museum or Deep Ellum neighborhood, renowned for its jazz and blues scene.
Just over three hours away, Austin offers a compelling gateway into the rich evolution of political, academic and societal history across Texas and beyond, home to the renowned LBJ Library and Museum, legendary 6th Street, and the classic Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming pool cherished by locals and tourists alike.
Pitstop: Check out Waco, Texas, the birthplace of Dr. Pepper and headquarters of Chip + Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market
Where to Stay:
The Adolphus | Dallas
A revered landmark known as the first luxury hotel in Dallas, The Adolphus offers a gateway into the city’s history, heritage, and evolving identity that has defined Dallas’ rise as a commercial and cultural center.
Afternoon Tea here is an exquisite experience, and a timeless tradition.
The Driskill | Austin
Texas’s first luxury hotel serving guests since 1886, The Driskill – an architectural gem along Austin’s famed 6th street – unveils a new standard of service with the forthcoming competition of a multi-phase restoration purposefully navigated to bridge the past and present.
We also love the Fairmont Austin. It’s almost like a second home for us!
The Revolution Road: Washington D.C. → New York City (5 hours)
The hub of America’s governmental development, Washington D.C. offers travelers a firsthand look at some of the nation’s defining moments, from formative landmarks like the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials to the U.S. Capitol, National Mall, and multifaceted exhibits at the Smithsonian museums.
Heading north, New York City complements the capital with its own rich narrative, where the Revolutionary-era Fraunces Tavern, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the American Museum of Natural History bookmark diverse chapters of the United States’ civic story.
Pitstop: Walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and other distinguished Revolutionary sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Where to Stay:
InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf | Washington D.C.
Situated along the revitalized waterfront of Southwest D.C., InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf offers a contemporary, sophisticated gateway in one of the capital’s most storied neighborhoods, where a once-bustling 19th-century maritime and commercial hub has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use riverfront destination.
Hotel Seville NoMad | New York City
Hotel Seville NoMad, located at the corner of Madison Avenue and East 29th Street in a preserved 1903 Beaux Arts building, stands as a symbol of art, culture and cuisine – perfectly situated near some of New York’s most historic attractions, including the Broadway Theater District, Grand Central Station and the New York Public Library.
The Southern Storybook: Charleston → Nashville (8 hours)
Venture through Charleston’s preserved cobblestone streets, where centuries of Civil War history and African American heritage come to life. Head to Nashville and explore a diverse creative scene, from famed live music to striking museums, like First Art Museum and National Museum of African American Music, and storied establishments such as the 1930s Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
Pitstop: Stop in Asheville, North Carolina, and discover The Biltmore, a 19th-century Châteauesque-style mansion famously known as the largest privately owned home in the United States.
Where to Stay:
The Mills House | Charleston
One of downtown’s most iconic properties, celebrating more than 170 years of classic Southern hospitality, The Mills House places guests steps from landmarks like the Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston City Market, and King Street, while offering curated group experiences that immerse visitors in local culture – from crabbing excursions with Charleston native Tia Clark to designing limited-edition sustainable hats with Southern Ruetz, handcrafted from Lowcountry materials.
The Bankers Alley Hotel | Nashville
Designed to capture the rich tradition and lively spirit of Music City, The Bankers Alley Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, set within the 1900s era Gray & Dudley Hardware Co. building, serves as an epicenter of art, music and cuisine in Nashville’s budding Bankers Alley District.
We loved visiting the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens near Charleston, SC
The Classic Route 66 (Minimum 12 to 14 days)
Route 66 isn’t just a road—it’s a slice of American memory stretched across nearly 2,500 miles. Established in 1926, it once connected Chicago to Santa Monica in California, earning its nickname as the “Main Street of America.” For decades, it carried families heading west during the Dust Bowl, road-trippers chasing open skies, and dreamers looking for something beyond the horizon.
Today, much of the original highway has been bypassed by interstates, but its spirit remains intact. Driving even a small section feels like stepping into a different era—old neon signs, weathered motels, retro diners, and towns that seem to exist in their own slower rhythm. Places like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or the classic diners of Arizona still hold onto that nostalgic Americana charm.
What makes Route 66 special isn’t speed or efficiency—it’s the freedom of the journey. It’s a road that invites detours, encourages curiosity, and rewards you for slowing down. In many ways, it’s less about where you’re going and more about everything you notice along the way.
Buckle up for the ultimate journey. 2026 also marks Route 66’s 100th anniversary. Explore this historic 2,400-mile-long stretch through iconic landmarks, roadside attractions, delicious bites, and more, from Chicago to Santa Monica.
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