Holiday Road Trips 2026: Best U.S. Routes, Stops, and Places to Stay

Holiday Road Trips 2026: Best U.S. Routes, Stops, and Places to Stay

Holiday travel doesn't always have to involve airports, long security lines, or expensive last-minute flights. Sometimes, the best part of getting away is the journey itself.

A road trip gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, make spontaneous stops, discover small towns, and turn a simple holiday visit into a memorable adventure.

Whether you're planning a Thanksgiving getaway, driving home for Christmas, or taking a few extra days to explore somewhere new, the United States has plenty of routes worth considering.

If you're thinking about hitting the road this holiday season, here are five road trip ideas to add to your 2026 travel plans.

1. Pacific Coast Highway: California

Best for: Coastal views, scenic drives, and relaxed stops.

California's Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most recognizable road trip routes in the country. It offers ocean views, coastal towns, beaches, and plenty of places to stop along the way.

Consider exploring:

• Monterey: Visit the waterfront and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
• Big Sur: Take in dramatic ocean views and scenic overlooks.
• Santa Barbara: Spend time around the beaches, shops, and restaurants.

Where to stay: Look for accommodations in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, or Santa Barbara, depending on how far you plan to drive.

Before heading out, check current road conditions and closures, especially around Big Sur.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia and North Carolina

Best for: Mountain scenery, small towns, and a slower holiday escape.

If your ideal road trip includes mountain views, charming towns, and scenic overlooks, the Blue Ridge Parkway is worth considering.

Potential stops include:

• Asheville, North Carolina: Explore local restaurants, art, and mountain-town culture.
• Boone, North Carolina: Enjoy a mountain getaway with access to outdoor activities.
• Roanoke, Virginia: Discover local attractions and scenic surroundings.

Where to stay: Asheville and Boone offer convenient accommodation options for travelers who want to explore the surrounding region.

Some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway may close during winter due to snow and ice. Check the official National Park Service road status before traveling.

3. Route 66: Chicago to the Southwest

Best for: Classic American road trip experiences and historic stops.

Route 66 is a road trip classic for a reason. Stretching from Chicago toward California, the historic route passes through small towns, roadside attractions, and iconic American landscapes.

You can build a shorter holiday trip around selected sections instead of driving the entire route.

Consider stopping in:

• Chicago, Illinois: Start with food, architecture, and city attractions.
• St. Louis, Missouri: Explore the Gateway Arch and historic neighborhoods.
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Discover museums, local dining, and Route 66 landmarks.
• Amarillo, Texas: Visit recognizable roadside attractions.

Where to stay: Choose overnight stops based on your driving distance. Larger cities along the route offer more accommodation choices and dining options.

4. Florida Keys Overseas Highway: Florida

Best for: Warm-weather road trips and coastal scenery.

Want to trade cold weather for sunshine? The Florida Keys offer a different kind of holiday escape.

The Overseas Highway connects a series of islands, with ocean views and opportunities to stop along the way.

Consider exploring:

• Key Largo: A great starting point for water activities.
• Islamorada: Known for its laid-back island atmosphere.
• Marathon: A convenient place to stop and explore.
• Key West: Enjoy restaurants, waterfront views, and local attractions.

Where to stay: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West all offer accommodation options. Compare locations based on your itinerary and budget.

For more destination inspiration, explore Visit Florida.

5. Las Vegas to Grand Canyon: Nevada and Arizona

Best for: Desert landscapes, national park scenery, and adventure.

If you want a holiday road trip that feels completely different from the usual city getaway, consider driving from Las Vegas toward the Grand Canyon.

The route offers desert landscapes, memorable viewpoints, and opportunities to explore the Southwest.

Potential stops include:

• Las Vegas, Nevada: Start with restaurants, entertainment, and attractions.
• Hoover Dam: Make a stop at this major engineering landmark.
• Williams, Arizona: Explore a historic Route 66 town.
• Grand Canyon National Park: Experience one of America's most recognizable natural landmarks.

Where to stay: Las Vegas, Williams, and Tusayan are useful accommodation bases depending on your route and which part of the Grand Canyon you plan to visit.

Check seasonal weather, park conditions, and entrance information before setting out.

How to Plan a Holiday Road Trip Without the Stress

A great road trip starts before you turn the ignition.

Here are a few ways to make your holiday travel easier.

1. Plan Your Route Before You Leave

Map out your starting point, destination, driving distance, and major stops. Leave room for unexpected discoveries, but avoid relying entirely on last-minute decisions.

2. Book Your Overnight Stays Early

Holiday travel can make popular destinations and accommodations more competitive. Identify where you want to stop overnight and compare places to stay before your departure.

You can start exploring accommodation options through Sevenly Travel.

3. Give Yourself Enough Driving Time

Don't plan every day around the maximum number of miles you can cover. Allow time for traffic, meals, rest breaks, and sightseeing.

4. Check Weather and Road Conditions

Winter weather can affect driving conditions, particularly in mountain regions. Check official road updates before departure and adjust your route when necessary.

5. Pack for the Unexpected

Keep essentials accessible, including:

• Phone chargers and power banks
• Water and snacks
• First-aid supplies
• Warm clothing and blankets
• Emergency supplies
• Offline maps or navigation backups
• 
  

Road Trips Can Be About More Than the Destination

The best road trips aren't always the ones with the most stops or the longest routes. They're the ones that give you time to reconnect, discover somewhere new, and create memories along the way.

Whether you're heading home for the holidays or exploring a new part of the country, make the journey part of the experience.

And when you're ready to plan your next getaway, explore Sevenly Travel to start finding places to stay.

With Sevenly, travel can also help support meaningful causes, including A21, Water.org, and Feeding America.

Your next trip can take you somewhere new and help make a difference along the way.