15 Best Vacation Ideas or Road Trips in America

Looking for relaxation or adventure on your next vacation? Here are 15 great American trips, including quaint New England coasts, Napa Valley food and wine, Florida beaches, Chicago art and architecture, Washington DC history, Las Vegas energy, Palm Springs golf, and natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.

1. New England (Boston- New Hampshire- Vermont- Maine)

From the historical battle sites of Boston to the lush countryside of Vermont to the windy beaches of Cape Cod, New England has an abundance of history, wildlife, outdoor activities, and deliciously fresh seafood. I recommend reading the Eyewitness Guide to New England or the Backroads of New England for great vacation ideas or adventurous road trips for singles or families.

2. Northern California (Pebble Beach-San Francisco-Napa Valley-Redwood Forests)

There are so many things to do in Northern California that you won't have enough time to squeeze them all into one vacation. Pebble Beach and Monterey offer beautiful ocean views. San Francisco is a colorful and eclectic city overlooking the bay, where you can visit Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge before heading north towards wine country. If you have time to head further north beyond Sonoma and Napa Valley, you'll discover even more beautiful coastline and huge redwood forests. Read a Northern California travel guide to plan your trip.

3. Pacific Northwest (Portland- Seattle- Vancouver)

The Pacific Northwest has become an immensely popular vacation spot in recent years, especially among young people and outdoor lovers. Portland and Seattle both offer a variety of outdoor activities and rainforest-like hiking trails, along with a green, vibrant, eclectic city culture. Head a little further up north across the border to Vancouver, a beautiful, diverse metropolitan city full of culture and history. Read Pacific Northwest travel guides for more vacation ideas.

4. New York City (New York City-Philadelphia)

If you are looking for shopping, nightlife, Broadway shows, theater, comedy clubs, museums, art, and world-class restaurants on your next vacation, you could go all out in New York. A short train ride away is Philadelphia, another lively city with plenty of history and entertainment. Check out New York City travel guides for more.

5. Texas Hill Country (New Braunfels- Austin- San Antonio- Fredericksburg)

The beautiful rolling Texas countryside is a wonderful vacation escape for singles or families. The colorful San Antonio Riverwalk, the old German town of Fredericksburg, and the eclectic music scene in Austin may be more well known to tourists, but the Hill Country is where you'll find quaint little towns and charming bed-and-breakfasts with peaceful lakeside views. I recommend reading The Texas Hill Country: A Food and Wine Lover's Paradise.

6. Chicago - Great Lakes

Chicago is one of the most enjoyable American cities during the summer. Take a breezy riverboat tour to explore the city's architecture and history from the winding river, catch a baseball game at historic Wrigley Field, take the kids to Navy Pier along Lake Michigan, try a famous Chicago deep-dish pizza or hot dog, or take a road trip to a peaceful resort in the nearby Great Lakes region. I suggest the Eyewitness Top 10 Chicago guide for more vacation ideas.

7. Miami-Florida Keys- Key West- Everglades

If you need a sunny beachside vacation that's not too far from home, consider the Florida Keys and Key West. Only a few hours drive from Miami, the islands are a popular getaway for East Coasters in search of water sports (snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing, and kayaking) and great nightlife. Read more in Florida Keys, Key West, Everglades guides.

8. San Diego- Los Angeles- Palm Springs

San Diego is well known for its breezy climate and oceanside activities, but it's also just a 2 hour drive from Palm Springs, a popular resort town for hiking, biking, riding, shopping, and golf. If you want to squeeze Disneyland or Los Angeles into your vacation, no problem, it's on the way! Check out San Diego travel guides or a great book called 140 Great Hikes in and Near Palm Springs for more.

9. Virginia Beach-Williamsburg-Washington DC-Baltimore

If you're looking to take the family or kids to important historical sites, the Washington DC area is the perfect place for your vacation. In addition to all of the monuments and museums in DC, colonial Williamsburg is only a drive away. Nearby Virginia Beach is a relaxing stop where you can enjoy sun and seafood. See the Eyewitness Guides to Washington DC or Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown for more.

10. Yellowstone (Wyoming- Montana- Idaho)

Yellowstone National Park is a great vacation spot for families, singles, or outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the endless hiking, camping, fishing, and boating options, it's also exciting to watch the geothermal activity (Old Faithful) and get up close to hundreds of species of endangered wildlife, including grizzly bears, bison, and wolves. Snowmobile or snowcoach tours are fun in the winter. I suggest reading Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks or Yellowstone National Park travel guides.

11. Denver- Colorado Springs

Colorado is a great vacation destination in both summer and winter. Snow sports in the winter quickly give way to wonderful hiking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing activities in the summer. Check out Colorado travel guides for more adventurous vacation ideas.

12. New Orleans

Though still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is still a unique cultural travel spot that is brimming with nightlife and that delicious Cajun cuisine. It's a great place to visit for events like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, but stay away from the shady parts of downtown. For more vacation ideas, I'd suggest some New Orleans travel guides or a specialty book called Cajun Country and the River Road Plantations.

13. Grand Canyon-Sedona-Scottsdale-Phoenix

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring national landmark. While in Arizona, you can also visit the famous giant red rock formations in Sedona or the many relaxing resorts, spas, and golf courses in Scottsdale. Check out Arizona travel guides or Grand Canyon National Park for more.

14. Upstate New York-Finger Lakes-Niagara Falls-Toronto

The Finger Lakes in upstate New York are an often overlooked but beautiful part of the country. Driving a little further north will take you to the staggering Niagara Falls, where boats take visitors frighteningly close to the falls (raincoats provided). Cross the border and you will find yourself in Toronto, a lively metropolitan city much like New York. Check out a few books on Finger Lakes travel or Niagara Falls, Southern Ontario, Finger Lakes for more.

15. Las Vegas

Las Vegas doesn't need an explanation. If you have any interest whatsoever in casual gambling, entertaining shows and performances, world-class restaurants, or nightlife, you will enjoy your vacation here. I'd suggest these Las Vegas travel guides for more.

For more exciting vacation ideas, I recommend the books Great American Roadtrips and 1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die. Happy travels!