Have you ever taken a road trip across America? It can be one of the most fun and freeing experiences, just rolling down the freeway, windows down, wind in your hair, and nothing but an adventure in front of you. We’ve put together (what we think) the best road trip out west, one that’s filled with culture, food, and entertainment. It’s up to you to decide how long or short your trip is but, we recommend 3-4 weeks for this one.
Destinations:
- Nashville, TN (Starting destination)
- Dallas, TX
- Albuquerque, NM
- El Paso, TX
- Tucson, AZ
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- St. Louis, MO
- Chattanooga, TN
- Knoxville, TN
Starting Destination: Nashville, Tennessee | Duration: 2 Days
You’ll start your road trip out west in Music City! You’ll spend one day in Nashville taking in the sites and spirit of this beautiful city.
Where To Stay:
Have the comforts of home while you’re out on the road and stay at one of our InTown Suites Nashville locations. With apartment-style amenities like a complete kitchen, fully furnished room, and low rates, you’ll be able to feel at home while saving money!
What To Do In Nashville:
Spending the afternoon at the Country Music Hall of Fame, have lunch at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, or extend your stay and ride the Music City Circuit that tours the city for free!
Here’s a list of other cool attractions and activities worth checking out in Nashville:
- Ryman Auditorium
- The Parthenon
- Centennial Park
- Broadway
- Frist Art Museum
- Opryland Drive
Destination #2: Dallas, Texas | Road Time: 10 hours | Duration: 3 Days
Where To Stop Along the Way:
- Memphis, TN (Check out Graceland, Beale Street Historic District, and Sun Studio)
- Paris, TX (The Eiffel Tower with the cowboy hat is a bucket list item for any road trip out west!)
Where To Stay: InTown Suites Dallas
What To Do In Dallas:
There is SO much to do in Texas, you could honestly spend more than just a few days here and still have more to see. We highly recommend making sure to check out the Arlington Museum of Art, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and if you have the time a Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium!
Here’s a list of other exciting attractions and activities worth checking out in Dallas:
- The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Dallas Zoo
- Reunion Tower
- The Dallas World Aquarium
- Six Flags Over Texas
- Pioneer Plaza
Destination #3: Albuquerque, New Mexico | Road Time: 9 hours | Duration: 2 Days
Where To Stop Along The Way:
- Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX
Where To Stay: InTown Suites Albuquerque
What To Do In Albuquerque:
There’s nothing like the desert air in New Mexico’s largest city! While you’re there be sure to visit Petroglyph National Park (can we say prehistoric Native American drawings, so cool!). For an amazing view of the city, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway. Finally, if you can make it to the Hot Air Balloon Festival (Balloon Fiesta) in October you won’t be disappointed.
Other fun activities and attractions to check out while in Albuquerque:
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
- ABQ BioPark
- Tingley Beach
- Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
- Rattlesnake Museum
- Old Town Plaza
Destination #4: El Paso, Texas | Road Time: 4 hours | Duration: 1 Day
Where To Stop Along The Way:
- Hatch, NM, Chile Capital of the World
- Mesilla, NM (The Basilica San Albino Catholic Church and the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park are both breath-taking in their own ways.)
Where To Stay: InTown Suites El Paso
What To Do In El Paso:
The state parks in El Paso are probably the best reason to visit. Check out the Franklin Mountains State Park or the Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site for amazing views and great hiking trails.
Check out these other great attractions and activities in El Paso:
- Wyler Aerial Tramway
- Scenic Drive
- Magoffin Home State Historic Site
- El Paso Municipal Rose Garden
- Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
- International Museum of Art
Destination #5: Tucson, Arizona | Road Time: 4.5 hours | Duration: 2 Days
Where To Stop Along The Way:
- Las Cruces, NM (Stop and see the 20-ft tall Recycled Roadrunner!)
- Tombstone, AZ
Where To Stay: InTown Suites Tucson
What To Do In Tucson:
One of the coolest things to do in Tucson is to visit the Arizona-Senora Desert Museum, learn all about the plants and animals that habitat the desert! You can also check out Sabino Canyon, Titan Missile Museum, and Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway.
Other activities and attractions you may enjoy while in Tucson:
- San Xavier del Bac Mission
- Saguaro National Park
- Old Tucson
- Tucson Botanical Gardens
- DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
- University of Arizona Museum of Art
Destination #6: Salt Lake City, Utah | Road Time: 12 hours | Duration: 3 Days
Where To Stop Along The Way:
- Zion National Park, UT
Where To Stay: InTown Suites Salt Lake City
What To Do In Salt Lake City:
Walk the trails, see the butterflies, and take in a concert at Red Butte Garden or tour the beautiful Temple Square. If you’re road-tripping during the winter, be sure to check out some of the great skiing in Salt Lake City! Enjoy your day by taking in all the sights and sounds the city has to offer. Admire the beautiful Salt Lake Temple (built in 1893), enjoy the history of This Is The Place Heritage Park, or have a picnic at Ensign Peak.
Here’s a list of other exciting attractions and activities in Salt Lake City:
- Utah State Capitol Building
- Hogle Zoo
- Millcreek Canyon
- The Leonardo
- Utah Museum of Fine Arts
- Bingham Copper Mine
Destination #7: Colorado Springs, CO | Road Time: 9 hours | Duration: 2 Days
Where To Stop Along the Way:
- Moab, UT (this is a tad bit of a detour but SO worth it.)
Where To Stay: InTown Suites Colorado Springs
What To Do In Colorado Springs:
Colorado Springs is the epitome of natural beauty. Two really great places to check out are Red Rock Canyon, with great hiking and biking trails, and Garden of the Gods, an archaeological wonder!
Other cool activities and attraction you should check out while in Colorado Springs:
- Pikes Peak
- The Broadmoor Seven Falls
- Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
- Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
- Rainbow Falls
Destination #8: Oklahoma City, OK | Road Time: 9 hours | Duration: 2 Days
Where To Stop Along the Way:
- Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
- North Inlet Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
Where To Stay: InTown Suites Oklahoma City
What To Do In Oklahoma City:
Oooklahoma is the place to be! It truly one of the most fun and interesting cities in the United States. While you’re here be sure to visit Bricktown, the industrial-esque entertainment district, with great shopping, restaurants, piano bars, and more! You may also want to check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Museum of Osteology.
Here’s a list of other attractions and activities worth checking out in Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma City Zoo
- Frontier City Theme Park
- Martin Park Nature Center
- American Banjo Museum
- Oklahoma Railway Museum
- Bricktown Water Taxi
Destination #9: St. Louis, MO | Road Time: 7.5 hours | Duration: 2 Days
Where To Stop Along the Way:
- Lake of the Ozarks (again, another detour, but seriously worth it!)
Where To Stay: InTown Suites St. Louis
What To Do In St. Louis:
St. Louis is known for its wide variety of specialty foods, so what do we suggest you do while in St. Louis, EAT! Make sure you try the gooey-butter cake, St. Louis style pizza, and the toasted ravioli!
Here are some other activities and attractions you might want to check out while in St. Louis:
- The Gateway Arch National Park
- City Museum
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
- Saint Louis Art Museum
Destination #10: Chattanooga, TN | Road Time: 7 hours | Duration: 3 Days
Where To Stop Along the Way:
- Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri
- Nickajack Lake, Tennessee
Where To Stay: InTown Suites Chattanooga
What To Do In Chattanooga:
There are so many phenomenal views to behold in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While you’re there take the time to hike Rock City Gardens and Lookout Mountain. You’ll also want to see the limestone cavern at Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls. It’s a 145-ft underground waterfall that is absolutely breathtaking!
Other exhilarating activities and attractions to see while in Chattanooga:
- Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
- Chattanooga Choo Choo
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- Coolidge Park
- Walnut Street Bridge
- Bluff View Art District
- Point Park Road
- Prentice Cooper State Forest
Destination #11: Knoxville, TN | Road Time: 2 hours | Duration: 1 Day
Where To Stop Along the Way:
- Tennessee River Gorge
Where To Stay: InTown Suites Knoxville
What To Do In Knoxville:
Last stop on our road trip, and a great city to end on! Downtown Knoxville is much fun with great places to eat and shop. Be sure to check out the Sunsphere and climb to the top for a full 360-degree view of the city (bonus: it’s free!)
Here’s a list of other great attractions and activities you may want to explore while in Knoxville:
- Little River
- World’s Fair Park
- Market Square
- Seven Islands State Birding ark
- Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
- House Mountain
- Navitat Knoxville
- Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
