Winter is the perfect time to hit the road and discover the beauty of the season. From snow-covered landscapes to cozy cabin retreats, there are countless options for stunning winter road trips in the United States. Here are 10 destinations that are sure to create lasting memories:
01
of 10
Arches National Park, Utah
Starting point: Salt Lake City, UT
Route: Take I-70 East to exit 182 for Arches National Park. The drive should take about 3.5 hours.
What to expect: Arches National Park is known for its beautiful red rock formations and over 2,000 natural stone arches. In the winter, the park is blanketed in snow, creating a truly magical setting.
What to stop: Take some time to explore the park on foot and see iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch and Double Arch. Make sure to bundle up and bring warm clothing as temperatures can get quite chilly.
02
of 10
Seward Highway, Alaska
Starting point: Anchorage, AK
Route: Take the Seward Highway South towards Seward, AK. The drive should take about 2 hours.
What to expect: The Seward Highway is known for its breathtaking views of the Chugach State Park and Turnagain Arm. In the winter, the landscape is covered in snow and ice, making it a truly unique and scenic drive.
What to stop: Make sure to take a break and explore the charming town of Seward, which is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. You can also take a tour to see the wildlife, such as whales, sea otters, and bald eagles.
03
of 10
Yosemite National Park, California
Starting point: Washington, D.C.
Route: Take I-66 West towards Shenandoah National Park. The drive should take about 1.5 hours.
What to expect: Shenandoah National Park is known for its beautiful rolling hills and forests. In the winter, the park is blanketed in snow, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities like hiking and cross-country skiing.
What to stop: Take a break and explore the charming town of Front Royal, VA, which is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries. You can also take a drive along the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic route through the park.
04
of 10
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Starting point: San Francisco, CA
Route: Take CA-120 East towards Yosemite National Park. The drive should take about 4 hours.
What to expect: Yosemite National Park is a winter wonderland, with snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls. The park is home to an array of wildlife, including bears, mule deer, and coyotes.
What to stop: Take some time to explore the park on foot or by cross-country skiing. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
05
of 10
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
Starting point: Nashville, TN
Route: Take I-40 East towards the Great Smoky Mountains. The drive should take about 3 hours.
What to expect: The Great Smoky Mountains are a winter wonderland, with snow-covered trees and stunning views. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and white-tailed deer.
What to stop: Make sure to take a break and explore the charming towns of Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC, which are home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities.
06
of 10
Stowe to Rochester, Vermont
Starting point: Stowe, VT
Route: Take VT-100 South towards Rochester, VT. The drive should take about 1 hour.
What to expect: The drive from Stowe to Rochester takes you through the heart of Vermont’s beautiful countryside. The rolling hills and forests are particularly stunning in the winter, when they are blanketed in snow.
What to stop: Take some time to explore the charming town of Rochester, which is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. You can also visit the Vermont Toy and Train Museum, which features a collection of vintage toys and model trains.
07
of 10
Lakes to Locks Passage, New York
Starting point: Albany, NY
Route: Take NY-9N West towards the Lakes to Locks Passage. The drive should take about 2.5 hours.
What to expect: The Lakes to Locks Passage takes you through the heart of the Adirondack region, with stunning views of the mountains and lakes. In the winter, the landscape is covered in snow and ice, making it a truly unique and scenic drive.
What to stop: Take a break and explore the charming towns of Lake George and Ticonderoga, which are home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. You can also visit Fort Ticonderoga, which offers guided tours and historical reenactments.
08
of 10
Florida's East Coast
Starting point: Miami, FL
Route: Take A1A North towards the East Coast. The drive should take about 2 hours.
What to expect: Florida’s East Coast is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, making it a perfect destination for a winter road trip. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming towns and historic landmarks.
What to stop: Take a break and explore the charming town of Palm Beach, which is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. You can also visit the Flagler Museum, which showcases the history and architecture of the region.
09
of 10
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Starting point: Reno, NV
Route: Take US-50 East towards Lake Tahoe. The drive should take about 1.5 hours.
What to expect: Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland, with snow-covered trees and breathtaking views. The area is known for its outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
What to stop: Take some time to explore the charming town of South Lake Tahoe, which is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. You can also visit the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, which offers a variety of winter sports and activities.
10
of 10
Door County North, Wisconsin
Starting point: Milwaukee, WI
Route: Take I-43 North towards Door County. The drive should take about 3 hours.
What to expect: Door County North is a charming destination, with beautiful lakes and forests. In the winter, the area is blanketed in snow, creating a truly magical setting.
What to stop: Take a break and explore the charming towns of Sturgeon Bay and Ephraim, which are home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. You can also visit the Peninsula State Park, which offers a variety of winter sports and activities.
