Lower 48 States Epic Road Trip!

Planning a road trip to visit all lower 48 states is a massive undertaking that will require careful planning and a significant amount of time. Here’s a sample itinerary to get you started. Keep in mind that this is just a rough outline and can be adjusted based on your preferences, interests, and available time.

Duration: Approximately 3-6 months (or longer, depending on your pace)

Start: Seattle, Washington

West Coast:

1. Seattle, Washington
   • Explore Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
   • Visit the Museum of Pop Culture.
   • Enjoy a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for scenic views.
2. Oregon
   • Experience the food scene and Powell’s Books in Portland.
   • Explore Crater Lake National Park’s stunning landscapes.
   • Discover the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
3. California
   • Visit San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
   • Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
   • Explore the beauty of Yosemite National Park.
   • Experience the glamour of Hollywood and relax on SoCal beaches.

Southwest and Desert:

5. Nevada
   • Enjoy the lights and entertainment of the Las Vegas Strip.
   • Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
   • Visit Hoover Dam.
6. Arizona
   • Hike in the Grand Canyon and marvel at its vastness.
   • Explore Sedona’s red rock formations and spiritual energy.
   • Experience the unique beauty of Antelope Canyon.
7. New Mexico
   • Explore the art and culture of Santa Fe, known for its adobe architecture and galleries.
   • Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park to see stunning underground formations and caverns.
8. Utah
   • Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon.
   • Explore Arches National Park’s iconic arches and rock formations.

Rocky Mountains and Midwest:

8. Colorado
   • Discover the outdoor activities and craft beer scene in Denver.
   • Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine landscapes.
9. Wyoming
   • Witness the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park.
   • Explore Grand Teton National Park and its picturesque mountains.
10. Montana
    • Discover the charm of Missoula, Montana.
    • Experience the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park.
11. Idaho
    • Visit the charming city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
12. North Dakota
    • Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
13. South Dakota
    • Mount Rushmore: Marvel at the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, featuring the carved faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
    • Badlands National Park: Explore the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, characterized by its unique rock formations, deep canyons, and diverse wildlife, making it a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Great Plains and Midwest:

15. Nebraska
    • Visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
16. Kansas
    • Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: Visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to experience the beauty of untouched prairie landscapes and learn about the area’s natural history.
    • Explore the museum and library dedicated to President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Abilene, showcasing his life, achievements, and impact on American history.
17. Oklahoma
    • Pay tribute to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing at the memorial, which also serves as a symbol of resilience and hope.
    • Chickasaw National Recreation Area: Enjoy outdoor activities, hot springs, and diverse wildlife in this scenic recreation area, offering a relaxing escape in the heart of nature.
18. Missouri
    • Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
    • Explore the charming town of Branson.
19. Texas
    • Experience the vibrant music scene and Tex-Mex cuisine in Austin.
    • Explore San Antonio’s River Walk and the historic Alamo.
    • Visit Big Bend National Park’s rugged desert landscapes.
20. Arkansas
    • Discover the Ozark Mountains and Hot Springs National Park.
    • Visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.

Southern and Gulf Coast:

21. Louisiana
    • Experience the unique culture and cuisine of New Orleans. – Explore the swamps and bayous of Louisiana.
22. Mississippi
    • Discover the history and music of Mississippi’s Delta region.
23. Alabama
    • Relax on the white sand beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
24. Florida
    • Explore the diverse ecosystems of the Everglades.
    • Visit the theme parks in Orlando.
    • Relax on the Gulf Coast’s pristine beaches.

Southeast and Mid-Atlantic:

25. Georgia
    • Experience the history and Southern hospitality of Savannah. – Explore Atlanta’s attractions and cultural sites.
26. South Carolina
    • Visit Charleston’s historic district and enjoy its coastal charm.
27. North Carolina
    • Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains.
    • Visit the Research Triangle area with Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
28. Virginia
    • Explore historic Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.
    • Visit Washington D.C. to see monuments and museums.

Central Eastern:

28. West Virginia
    • New River Gorge: Explore the stunning New River Gorge, known for its outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.
    • Visit the historic Greenbrier Resort, famous for its luxurious accommodations and Cold War-era fallout shelter.
29. Kentucky
    • Bourbon Trail: Embark on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, touring distilleries like Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam to learn about the state’s bourbon-making heritage.
    • Stop by the Kentucky Horse Park to see various horse breeds, watch equestrian shows, and learn about the importance of horses in Kentucky’s culture.
30. Tennessee
    • Enjoy the live music scene on Broadway in Nashville and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
    • Great Smoky Mountains: Explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its diverse flora, fauna, and hiking trails.
31. Illinois
    • Experience the vibrant city of Chicago by visiting Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and taking an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River.
    • Route 66: Drive a portion of the historic Route 66, passing through Illinois and enjoying classic Americana sights.
32. Iowa
    • Field of Dreams: Visit the iconic Field of Dreams movie site and even play some baseball on the famous diamond.
    • Explore the capital city, Des Moines, and its attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Iowa State Capitol.
33. Minnesota
    • Mall of America: Shop, dine, and be entertained at the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the world.
    • Enjoy outdoor activities around the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis, including walking, biking, and paddle boating.
34. Wisconsin
    • Cheese Tour: Discover Wisconsin’s cheese heritage with a visit to dairy farms and cheese factories, and don’t miss the Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival.
    • Explore Milwaukee’s attractions, such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and the historic Third Ward district.
35. Michigan
    • Experience the revival of Detroit by visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts, exploring the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and enjoying the city’s music scene.
    • Mackinac Island: Travel back in time on car-free Mackinac Island, known for its Victorian architecture, fudge shops, and natural beauty.
36. Indiana
    • Discover the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500, and explore the Indianapolis Museum of Art and White River State Park.
    • Indiana Dunes: Relax on the shores of Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes National Park, known for its sandy beaches and diverse ecosystems.
37. Ohio
    • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Immerse yourself in the history of rock music at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
    • Columbus Zoo: Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, known for its conservation efforts and diverse animal exhibits.
38. Pennsylvania
    • Explore historic sites in Philadelphia, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and indulge in a Philly cheesesteak.
    • Amish Country: Experience the unique culture of the Amish community in Lancaster County, known for its picturesque countryside and traditional lifestyle.

Northeast:

40. Maryland
    • Explore Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and visit the National Aquarium.
41. Delaware
    • Experience the beauty of Delaware’s beaches and historic sites.
42. New Jersey
    • Explore the boardwalks and beaches of the Jersey Shore.
43. New York
    • Explore New York City’s iconic landmarks and cultural attractions.
    • Visit upstate New York and Niagara Falls.

New England States:

43. Connecticut:
    • Explore maritime history at Mystic Seaport.
    • Visit Yale University and its stunning architecture in New Haven.
44. Rhode Island:
    • Discover Gilded Age mansions along Newport’s Cliff Walk.
    • Explore the historic colonial streets of Providence.
45. Massachusetts:
    • Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, passing historic sites.
    • Explore Cape Cod’s charming towns and beautiful beaches.
46. New Hampshire:
    • Drive the scenic Kancamagus Highway through White Mountains.
    • Hike in Franconia Notch State Park and visit the Flume Gorge.
47. Vermont:
    • Experience fall foliage along Route 100.
    • Explore artsy town of Burlington on Lake Champlain.
48. Maine:
    • Discover historic streets of Portland and vibrant food scene.
    • Explore Acadia National Park’s rugged coastline and trails.

Whew! That was a lot to get through all these states. This isn’t the most efficient way to hit the states, if you want that look at the map below that will get you efficiently to all the states. If I had unlimited time I’d take my time in each state, but I haven’t been able to do that yet! However, most people can’t do that. So here is a route if you want to zoom through all the states as fast as possible. This would be about 12,300 miles which could be completed in about 225 hours of driving by my estimates. I figured I’d give this alternative option incase anyone is interested.

However you decide to do this road trip, remember that each state has its own unique attractions and character, so take your time to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture (if you have the time). Adjust the itinerary based on your interests and schedule. Enjoy your epic road trip adventure!

I also want to plug my other blog, in case you are interested financial independence I also write on that topic. If you are considering this road trip, you just might have a lot of time to spend perusing my blogs! Check it out at http://natesfinancialcorner.com/

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