The spirit of adventure. Hidden treasures. Luxurious detours. A USA road trip inspires joie de vivre, bringing together the very best of what North America has to offer: jaw-dropping scenery, unique local encounters, and world-renowned landmarks. Stops in dynamic cities coupled with indulgent wellness and haute gastronomy detours deliver excitement and luxury all in one trip. Sofitel hotels along the way shine as havens not only to rest and replenish, but to experience French zest, cultural moments, and alluring architecture and design. Discover some of the best American road trips, including an unforgettable road trip in Canada.
Route 66
Where the American spirit rides
The most iconic road trip in the United States and perhaps the world, historic Route 66 is a voyage through American history. "The Mother Road" takes in eight states along its 2,500-mile path from Chicago to Los Angeles.
The very words Route 66 are synonymous with American culture, including song lyrics, road movies, and John Steinbeck's venerated novel The Grapes of Wrath. In the book, and in the broader American consciousness, Route 66 symbolizes hope, freedom, and adventure.
Begin your own adventure in Chicago, where the official starting point is designated by a sign at 122 South Michigan Avenue. Before you hit the road, grab a coffee at Lou Mitchell's, the classic diner where so many travelers have fuelled up for their cross-country adventure.
Don't miss the Gemini Giant at South Island Park in Wilmington, Illinois. This huge landmark statue beckoned people to Launching Pad Drive-In, which was once another famous Route 66 pitstop. Other must-see attractions include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.
Flagstaff, Arizona, is a wonderful location to find hidden gems like the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the Two Guns ghost town that was once a bustling stop along the route. Stop for a romantic picnic at Blue Hole Park in Salina, Oklahoma, or experience the Meramec Caverns near Stanton, Missouri, as a family.
- Best time to drive Route 66: Late spring
- How to plan a road trip: Map your must-see attractions, and be ready for changing weather along the Mother Road
- Recommended duration: 2-3 weeks
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
Where to stay: Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Start your journey in style at Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile by clinking champagne or Je M’Apple cocktail glasses in Le Bar the night before you depart, and fill up with a sumptuous breakfast at CDA restaurant on the morning of your first leg.
Historic East Coast
Where the nation's founding resonates
Any great USA road trip takes in scenery and history, and a journey around the historic cities of the East Coast promises both. The very names of Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, DC, resonate with history.
Begin in a historic capital of the United States. NYC was the first beacon of hope for immigrants who shaped the country, and their history is documented at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and in Tenement Museum apartments with period decor.
Plan an unforgettable evening in Midtown Manhattan. Experience the legendary acoustics of a concert at historic Carnegie Hall, sip cocktails amidst the Jazz Age elegance of The Campbell in Grand Central, and end your night with stunning Manhattan skyline views from a luxury One-Bedroom suite at Sofitel New York.
Take the scenic route to Philadelphia, which includes the River Road (PA-32) that follows the Delaware River through small towns with stone homes and colonial-era taverns. In Philly, explore the symbolic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution of the United States was adopted. Stroll Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest residential street, then delve into eclectic cuisine at the 19th-century Reading Terminal Market.
As you make your way slowly between Philadelphia and DC, spend time in Gettysburg, PA, to explore the historic downtown area. Further along US-15, absorb the small town charm of Frederick, Maryland, where architecture dates from as early as 1758.
Once in DC, along with the many world-renowned museums and monuments, embrace lesser-known gems like Dupont Underground, an abandoned streetcar station that's now used as an innovative exhibition space.
- Best time to travel: Spring or fall
- How to plan a road trip: Plan for walkable city exploration as well as scenic drives, and allow extra time for museums and tours
- Recommended duration: 10 days-2 weeks
WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES
Where to stay: Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Reside amid East Coast history at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, an Art Deco landmark in a storied 1920s building, where Opaline Bar and Brasserie momentarily transports you to Paris.
Pacific Coast Highway
Where USA road trips glisten and inspire
Beaches, celebrity mansions, and natural spots that speak to the soul define the sunniest USA road trip: the Pacific Coast Highway. Drive north from San Diego to San Francisco over several days and take your time over this route that offers luxury wellness stops along one of the best family road trip destinations in North America.
Balboa Park in San Diego is home to gardens, the family-friendly San Diego Zoo, and more than a dozen museums. Once your wheels start rolling, the next stop could be Encinitas, north of San Diego. This beach town is an ode to wellness, brimming with yoga studios, day spas, and juice bars.
Laguna Beach, a little over halfway to Los Angeles, is a small coastal city renowned for its coves, surf spots, and galleries. By the time you reach LA, a wellness break to rejuvenate may be just what your body and mind crave.
Once replenished, set out for Santa Barbara with its Spanish architecture, perhaps stopping off for a sandy interlude at Malibu Lagoon State Beach, known for its birdlife. The next day, head for Pismo Beach via Solvang, a Danish-style village. After an evening of coastal cuisine, Big Sur beckons the next morning, with its breathtaking waterfall that empties directly into the ocean. This leg also offers the opportunity to take in the extravagant Hearst Castle or spot sea otters at Morro Bay.
The final push for your ultimate destination, San Francisco, holds plenty of treasures along the way. Worthwhile stops include the unmissable redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the magical coastal viewing points on the 17-Mile Drive, and Monterey Bay Aquarium with its hands-on exhibits.
- Best time to travel: Spring or early fall
- How to plan a road trip: Bring beach gear, and allow extra time for exploring nature, indulging in wellness, or learning to surf
- Recommended duration: 7–10 days
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
Where to stay: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Indulge in serene moments at Vendôme Clinique & Spa inside Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, which is also home to a distinctive outdoor pool with pop-art surrounds. Esterel restaurant is about French culinary mastery and inventive international flavours, blending as easily as the ingredients of a poolside cocktail.
New England
Where the coast meets the mountains
New York City is a starting point for some of the best USA road trip routes. One such itinerary takes you on an enchanting tour of New England before ending up in Montreal, the Canadian city filled with French zest. Head out of NYC bound for Mystic, Connecticut, with stops in New Haven and Guildford along the way. Avoid 1-95 and take Highway 1 and smaller roads like Connecticut Route 146 to take in marshy coastlines and harbor towns, like peaceful Stony Creek. Breathe in sea-scented air and soak up maritime history in Mystic, before setting your coordinates for Newport, Rhode Island, where Gilded Age mansions and a yacht-filled harbor await.
Next, head for Rockport, Massachusetts, following MA-133 and the MA-3A coast road that rounds Cape Cod Bay. Boston is a possible stop along this route, though Plymouth is the best option for retaining the tranquility of New England small towns. Known as America's hometown, Plymouth was the site of the first Pilgrim settlement in 1620 and has a full-scale replica of The Mayflower II.
Stop by Salem for First Period architecture and witch trial history before visiting Portsmouth, New Hampshire – one of New England’s most walkable historic towns. Roll into the White Mountains as you drive the Kancamagus Highway, then head further inland to the Green Mountains of Vermont. From there, Montreal is just two hours' drive away, although the US-2 route through Lake Champlain Islands is such a gorgeous causeway drive that it may keep you a while longer.
Once in Montreal, you'll be rewarded with a 17th-century historic district, vibrant French-Canadian cultural scene, and local gems like Dépanneur Le Pick Up, a convenience store whose sandwiches have made it a beloved drop-in for Montreal's residents. Reflect on your USA road trip over dinner at the acclaimed RENOIR Restaurant inside Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile, where French gastronomic heritage is elevated by seasonal Québécois ingredients, then conclude your evening with a genteel nightcap at NINI Salon à Cocktails, a stylish lounge with a convivial summer terrace.
- Best time to travel: Summer for beach days or autumn for fall colors
- How to plan a road trip: Take time to choose from many possible detours, and keep your passport handy for the Canadian border
- Recommended duration: 10–14 days
Picture your bespoke USA road trip filled with local charm with world-class comfort, and elevate your experience with a luxury Sofitel stay.
