Plan A Road Trip With Google Maps

road trip planning using google maps Heath & Alyssa

Introduction

Are you ready to hit the road and explore all the beauty that the world has to offer? Planning a road trip can be a daunting task, but with Google Maps, it’s never been easier. With so many destinations to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate travel guide, covering everything from top attractions to hidden gems, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.

Top Attractions

If you’re looking for the must-see sights on your road trip, start with these top attractions:

The Grand Canyon
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Statue of Liberty
The Las Vegas Strip
Disney World

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is over 277 miles long and over a mile deep. There are several lookout points along the rim that offer breathtaking views of the canyon. For a more adventurous experience, take a hike down into the canyon or go white water rafting on the Colorado River.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark located in San Francisco, California. The bridge spans over 1.7 miles and offers stunning views of the bay and the city. Walk or bike across the bridge, or take a boat tour to see it from below.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy, located on Liberty Island in New York City. Take a ferry to the island and climb to the top of the statue for incredible views of the skyline. Don’t forget to visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about the history of immigration in the United States.

The Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is a vibrant and bustling destination that never sleeps. Home to world-class casinos, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, the Strip is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and exciting experience. Don’t miss the fountain show at the Bellagio or the light show at the Fremont Street Experience.

Disney World

Disney World is the ultimate destination for families and kids of all ages. Located in Orlando, Florida, Disney World is home to several theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Meet your favorite Disney characters, ride thrilling roller coasters, and experience the magic of Disney.

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, check out these hidden gems:

The Wave
Antelope Canyon
The Badlands
The Painted Hills
The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Wave

The Wave is a unique sandstone formation located in Arizona. Access to the Wave is limited to only 20 people per day, so be sure to plan ahead. The Wave is a photographer’s dream, with swirling patterns and vibrant colors.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located in Arizona. The canyon is known for its stunning light beams that shine through the narrow openings in the rock. Guided tours are available to explore the canyon and learn about its history and geology.

The Badlands

The Badlands are a rugged and beautiful landscape located in South Dakota. The unique rock formations and colorful layers of sediment make for incredible photo opportunities. Hike the trails to explore the Badlands up close.

The Painted Hills

The Painted Hills are a series of colorful hills located in Oregon. The hills get their name from the vibrant colors of the sediment layers, which change with the light throughout the day. Take a hike to explore the hills and enjoy the stunning views.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches from Virginia to North Carolina. The parkway offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its fall foliage. Stop at the many overlooks and hiking trails to explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Food Scene

No road trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Here are some of the best food scenes to explore:

New Orleans, Louisiana
Portland, Oregon
Austin, Texas
San Francisco, California
New York City, New York

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is known for its unique and flavorful cuisine, including gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. Don’t miss the famous po’ boy sandwiches and crawfish boils. Wash it all down with a Hurricane or a Sazerac cocktail.

Portland, Oregon

Portland is a foodie’s paradise, with a vibrant food cart scene and farm-to-table restaurants. Try the famous Voodoo Doughnuts or visit one of the many breweries for a craft beer. Don’t miss the fresh seafood from the Pacific Northwest.

Austin, Texas

Austin is known for its bold and spicy Tex-Mex cuisine, including breakfast tacos and barbecue. Visit Franklin Barbecue for some of the best brisket in the country. Wash it down with a margarita or a Lone Star beer.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, offering everything from dim sum to sourdough bread. Don’t miss the famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf. For a sweet treat, visit Ghirardelli Square for chocolate and ice cream.

New York City, New York

New York City is a food lover’s dream, with everything from pizza to bagels to pastrami sandwiches. Don’t miss the famous hot dogs and pretzels from street vendors. Visit Chinatown for dim sum or Little Italy for pasta and cannoli.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun and adventure. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money on your road trip:

Camp instead of staying in hotels
Cook your own meals instead of eating out
Use discount websites like Groupon and LivingSocial
Visit free attractions like national parks and museums
Travel during the off-season for lower prices

Outdoor Adventures

Get outside and explore the beauty of nature with these outdoor adventures:

Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon
Zip-lining in the Smoky Mountains
Biking through Acadia National Park
Kayaking in the Everglades

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 800 miles of trails to explore. Don’t miss the famous Half Dome hike, which offers stunning views of the park. For a more leisurely hike, visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Whitewater Rafting in the Grand Canyon

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Several companies offer guided tours for all experience levels. Be prepared for stunning views and exciting rapids.

Zip-lining in the Smoky Mountains

Zip-line through the trees in the Smoky Mountains for an adrenaline rush and stunning views. Several companies offer guided tours for all ages and experience levels. Don’t miss the night-time zip-line tours for a unique experience.

Biking through Acadia National Park

Bike the carriage roads in Acadia National Park for a scenic and peaceful ride. The roads are closed to motor vehicles, making for a safe and enjoyable ride. Stop at the many overlooks for stunning views of the coast and mountains.

Kayaking in the Everglades

Kayak through the mangrove forests and see the wildlife up close in the Everglades. Several companies offer guided tours for all experience levels. Don’t miss the sunset tours for a beautiful and peaceful experience.