Nothing beats the thrill of a road trip—windows down, music playing, and endless adventures ahead. It’s not just about getting somewhere; it’s about the fun along the way. I’ve taken many cross-country road trips, and the best moments always come from the unexpected. In this guide, I’ll share fun things to do on a road trip, from must-see stops to exciting road trip ideas. So grab your map, pack some snacks, and let’s hit the road!
Planning Your Road Trip
A great road trip starts with a simple plan. While surprises are fun, knowing your route, must-see stops, and essentials makes the journey smoother. Let’s explore road trip ideas, helpful planning tools, and must-pack items to keep you comfy on the road.
Choosing Your Route
The best part of a road trip? The ride itself! Whether you love ocean views, historic sites, or mountain roads, there’s a perfect route for you.
- Scenic Drives: Take the Pacific Coast Highway for stunning beaches or drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for colorful fall views.
- Historic Roads: Travel Route 66 for a taste of old-school America or follow the Great River Road to see charming towns along the Mississippi.
- Cross-Country Adventures: Drive the Lincoln Highway from coast to coast or take I-10 for warm weather and fun city stops.
👉 Quick Tip: Use Google Maps or a road trip planner to find cool places along the way.
Using a Free Road Trip Planner
Good tools make road trips easier. The right apps help you map your route, save money on gas, and find fun stops.
- Best Road Trip Apps:
- Roadtrippers – Helps you find must-see spots.
- GasBuddy – Finds cheap gas nearby.
- Google My Maps – Lets you create a custom route.
- Plan But Stay Flexible: Planning is smart, but leaves room for surprises. The best road trip moments often come from unplanned stops—like a cool roadside attraction or a hidden diner with an amazing pie.
👉 Pro Tip: Mark a few key stops, but be open to adventure!
Packing Essentials for Comfort & Fun
Packing well makes your trip easier. A stocked car means fewer stops and more fun.
- Must-Haves:
- Snacks & Drinks – Pack a mix of healthy and fun treats.
- Entertainment – Download music, audiobooks, or podcasts.
- Emergency Kit – Bring a spare tire, jumper cables, and first aid supplies.
- Car Organization Tips:
- Use a backseat organizer for quick access to essentials.
- Keep snacks in a bin to avoid messes.
- Pack an overnight bag for quick hotel stays.
👉 Smart Move: Keep a portable phone charger ready—losing GPS in the middle of nowhere isn’t fun!
Planning makes your trip stress-free. But remember, the best part of a road trip is the adventure itself. Now, let’s talk about what to do once you hit the road!
Things to Do on the Road
Road trips are about more than just driving—they’re about having fun along the way! Whether you’re alone, with a partner, or with family, there are plenty of ways to make the ride exciting.
Entertainment & Activities
Long drives can feel endless without some fun. Try these ideas to keep things lively:
- Road Trip Games: Play “20 Questions” or “Would You Rather?” for laughs. Spot license plates from different states or count how many red cars you see!
- Music & Podcasts: Create a playlist with your favorite songs. Try a podcast—true crime, comedy, or travel stories make the time fly.
- Fun Challenges: Try a new food in every state or take a selfie at every welcome sign.
👉 Quick Tip: Download your music and podcasts before the trip so you don’t lose them when service drops!
Capturing the Journey
Your road trip is a story—make sure to save the best parts!
- Take Photos: Snap shots of cool roadside stops, beautiful views, and funny signs.
- Write It Down: Keep a journal with notes on where you go, what you eat, and how you feel.
- Share the Fun: Post highlights on Instagram or TikTok. Use hashtags like #RoadTripUSA to connect with other travelers.
👉 Pro Tip: A disposable camera gives your photos a cool vintage look!
Finding Hidden Gems
The best stops are often unexpected. Keep an eye out for:
- Roadside Attractions: Visit wacky spots like the World’s Largest Ball of Twine or Cadillac Ranch.
- Small-Town Treasures: Stop at diners, markets, or mom-and-pop shops. They often have the best food!
- Surprise Adventures: Pull over for a scenic view or check out a quirky souvenir shop.
👉 Smart Move: Ask locals where to eat or explore—they know the best spots!
A road trip is about the moments in between. Now, let’s check out some must-see stops across America!
Road Trip Safety & Practical Tips
A road trip is all about fun, but a little prep makes it even better. You don’t want car trouble or surprise costs ruining the adventure. Here’s how to stay safe, save money, and keep things smooth.
Car Maintenance & Emergency Prep
A well-prepped car means fewer worries on the road. Do these quick checks before you leave:
- Look at Your Tires & Fluids: Low pressure or dirty oil can cause problems. A quick tune-up helps!
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Bring jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and basic tools.
- Have a Backup Plan: Know who to call if your car breaks down. AAA or your insurance may help.
👉 Quick Tip: Take a short test drive before your trip. Listen for weird noises—better to fix them now!
Staying Healthy on the Road
Long drives can make you tired. Stay fresh with these simple tricks:
- Snack Smart: Pack nuts, fruit, and protein bars. Less sugar, more energy!
- Move Often: Stop every couple of hours. Stretch, walk, and breathe in fresh air.
- Drink Water: Dehydration makes you sleepy. Keep a refillable bottle close.
👉 Pro Tip: Download a quick stretch app. Your body will thank you!
Budgeting & Saving Money
Road trips don’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s how to save:
- Find Cheap Gas: Apps like GasBuddy help you locate the lowest prices.
- Book Early: Hotels and motels are cheaper when you plan.
- Bring Your Food: Grocery store snacks cost less than fast food stops.
👉 Smart Move: Traveling with friends? Split gas and food costs with Venmo!
A little planning makes the trip stress-free. Now, let’s check out must-see stops across America!
FAQs
What are the best road trip apps for navigation?
Using the right apps can make your trip easier. Here are some top picks:
- Google Maps – Great for directions and traffic updates.
- Roadtrippers – Helps you find fun stops along your route.
- GasBuddy – This shows you where to find the cheapest gas.
- iExit – Tells you what’s at upcoming exits.
- Spotify or Apple Podcasts – Perfect for your road trip tunes or podcasts.
👉 Tip: Download maps and playlists before you go. It’s handy when you lose signal!
How do I plan a cross-country road trip on a budget?
A road trip can be affordable with a few smart choices:
- Track gas prices: Use GasBuddy to find low-cost gas.
- Book hotels early: It saves you money on stays.
- Pack snacks: Buying food at grocery stores is cheaper than fast food.
- Camp out: Save money by camping at parks or campgrounds.
- Share costs: Split gas and food with friends using Venmo or Splitwise.
👉 Pro Tip: Look for free attractions like national parks or small-town festivals!
What are the top must-see stops on a road trip across America?
Here are some must-see spots, depending on your route:
- West Coast: Visit the Pacific Coast Highway and Yosemite.
- Midwest: Explore Route 66, Mount Rushmore, and deep-dish pizza in Chicago.
- South: Visit New Orleans and the Great Smoky Mountains.
- East Coast: See the Statue of Liberty, Washington D.C., and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
👉 Tip: Don’t miss small attractions—roadside oddities, diners, and local gems!
How do I stay entertained on a long drive?
Long drives can be fun with these ideas:
- Play games: Try “20 Questions,” the License Plate Game, or “Would You Rather?”
- Listen to music or podcasts: Create a playlist or enjoy a fun podcast.
- Take on challenges: Try a new food in each state or snap a selfie at each state line.
- Take photos: Capture cool signs, views, and funny moments.
👉 Tip: Keep a journal or vlog to look back on your journey!
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
A road trip is more than just a drive—it’s an adventure full of fun, new sights, and stories to share. Whether you’re on the Pacific Coast Highway or stopping at quirky roadside attractions, each mile brings something special.
The trick? Plan just enough to stay on track, but leave room for surprises. That’s when the best moments happen!
Grab your map, pack some snacks, and hit the road. Your next adventure is waiting!
👉 Now, tell me—what’s your favorite road trip memory? Share it in the comments!
