Add These 20 Spots to Your US Bucket List
Plus Planning Tips + Lessons Learned From Our Cross Country Camper Van Trip!
We just made it back to Boston after 4.5 months of traveling in our Mercedes Sprinter self-converted camper van named Florence (Flo, for short!). We loved “going with the Flo 😉” on a clockwise loop around the United States, visiting 26 states and making endless memories. Every state, city, national park, and person we met plays a role in this exciting chapter of our lives, but I wanted to sum up 20 of our favorite spots (actually there are way more than 20 sprinkled into this list!) that made the trip so special. Definitely add one or all to your travel bucket list!
Planning Our Trip
A quick back story: We decided in the spring of 2022 that we were going to find a van, turn it into a house on wheels, and travel for a few months around the US, starting and ending in our home state MA. We made a lot of decisions and changes in our lives to be able to make it all happen, work remotely, and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Because we made some sacrifices and did a lot of planning we were able to choose a clockwise route around the states and give ourselves as much time as needed with a goal of around 3-4 months (which turned out to be 4.5!).
Our plan was to have a mix of destinations that had national parks, hiking and outdoor activities, good food, and fun cities to explore. Once we had a few key locations in mind, we built our route around them and tried to leave room for surprises knowing there’d be places we loved and wanted to spend extra time in, and that we’d meet locals and get recommendations along the way.
Thinking of Road Tripping?
Here are some things I’d suggest considering when planning your road trip:
Mode of transportation - a van, a car, an RV, a trailer? We settled on converting a Sprinter Van into a tiny travel home so that we could off-road, park in regular sized parking spots, and not need to worry about hotels. There is a lot to consider when you think about your road trip vehicle such as the activities you want to do and where you plan to drive.
Similar to above, will you need to reserve lodging or does your transportation serve as a home as well?
If you do have a home on wheels, do you know where you’ll park along the way? (Our favorite tool for this is iOverlander if your vehicle requires less planning and you’re able to choose sleeping locations on the fly!) Bigger RVs and trailers often require reserving spots in advance
How long do you want to be on the road?
What times of locations are you hoping to visit?
Are you planning on checking out a variety of national parks? If so, make sure to grab an America the Beautiful Pass - for $80 you can get into any national park in the US all year, as many times as you’d like!
Favorite Spots on Our Route
Regardless of your answers above, we hope our favorite places listed below provide some inspiration for travel. Keep in mind, these spots are organized by the route we took, a clockwise loop around the US starting and ending in Boston, MA!
Asheville, North Carolina
After a visit with friends in Pennsylvania and a quick stop in Virginia and Tennessee, we arrived at the first destination on our list: Asheville, North Carolina.
The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, museums, and an array of restaurants featuring a variety of food types, farm-to-table delicacies, and craft beverages. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or foodie, Asheville, North Carolina, promises a memorable and enriching experience.
We spent 3 days exploring and here were some of our favorite stops:
Restaurants: Chestnut Asheville and Curate
Coffee: Double D’s Coffee Bus
Activities: a visit to the Biltmore Estate
During this stop we stayed at Cracker Barrel! Most Cracker Barrels around the US allow overnight parking and many have RV spots. They just ask that you let them know you’re staying and purchase something from their restaurant or store when you stay. Though we always preferred staying in more scenic locations, Cracker Barrel kept us safe and sound during city stays when there was less open land. They were our go-to in Austin and Houston, Texas as well!
After Asheville we were excited to visit friends in Atlanta, Georgia before heading to the next destination on our list: Pensacola.
Pensacola is an inviting coastal city that offers many reasons to visit. The city's rich history is evident in its well-preserved historic district, where Spanish and British influences intertwine with American heritage. We were welcomed with warm weather, friendly locals, and a variety of delicious food and outdoor activities. If you’re looking to eat, explore, or relax, Pensacola should be high on your list!
Our favorites during the trip:
Pensacola Dog Beach - a beautiful beach where dogs are allowed even during busy seasons!
Lucy’s in the Square - a local and delicious restaurant (named after the owner’s dog!) with yummy food and cocktails that we visited twice during our short stay!
Fort Pickens - a coastal fortress located on Santa Rosa Island. Nestled within the picturesque Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into military history and natural beauty. The fort is surrounded by white sandy beaches, dunes, and maritime forests, making it a haven for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. The scenic trails offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset almost completely by ourselves.
We stayed in a Cracker Barrel one night during our Pensacola stay, and on the street our second night, right in front of Lucy’s after meeting a very friendly couple who lived next door and was kind enough to let us park right in front of their home.
After Pensacola our route took us through Alabama, Mississippi (we loved Biloxi!), Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Houston and Austin, Texas. Ask us for recommendations for any of these spots!
Marfa, Texas
After spending time in Houston and Austin we headed to one more Texas town before heading to New Mexico: Marfa. Marfa is a captivating destination that enticed us with its unique blend of art, culture, and natural beauty.
Located in the vast desert landscape of West Texas, Marfa gives an offbeat and unique experience. The town has become renowned for its thriving art scene, with contemporary art installations, galleries, and museums that showcase innovative and thought-provoking works. Marfa's small-town charm, friendly locals, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and boutique accommodations create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
We camped at the Marfa Lights Phenomenon where unexplained lights dance in the night sky (we didn’t see them, but we also didn’t want to stay up all night watching!). We recommend grabbing the drink of your choice at Cactus Liquors, an Italian sandwich at Bordo, and setting up shop at the viewing area - you won’t be disappointed even if you miss the lights!
Alamogordo, New Mexico
This was our first stop of many in New Mexico and we stayed at a Walmart. Not our top choice to stay at, but similar to Cracker Barrel many Walmarts around the US allow for parking overnight and are a good option when visiting a busy city. We recommend calling ahead to make sure it’s allowed at any specific location.
We stayed in Alamogordo to be close to a place we were so excited for: White Sands National Park. This park is a mesmerizing natural wonder that showcases a surreal landscape of gleaming white gypsum sand dunes. As you enter the park, you are greeted by an otherworldly sight: vast expanses of pure white sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. The gypsum sand, made up of fine grains that reflect sunlight, creates an ethereal glow, especially during sunrise and sunset, casting a magical ambiance over the park. New Mexico is known as “the land of enchantment” and our visit to White Sands National Park made us understand why immediately.
Tips during your visit:
Drive 20 minutes up into the mountains to the town of Cloudcroft for lunch at Mad Jacks BBQ. You’ll have to wait in line but it will be worth it!
When you’re done exploring White Sands and ready to explore more of New Mexico, make a stop in the town of Truth or Consequences. We loved Riverbend Hot Springs and Elephant Butte State Park (parking overnight here is allowed for a small fee and it was one of our favorite camping spots!). Both of these locations are right on the Rio Grande and we were glad we made the stop on our way to Albuquerque!
After a couple days in Albuquerque (we recommend taking the Sandia Peak Tramway here!) we ventured North to one of my bucket list locations: Santa Fe.
I’d always wanted to visit my namesake’s museum, Georgia O’Keeffe in Santa Fe, the enchanting capital of New Mexico. The museum was a dream come true and the city's adobe architecture and charming historic district were so fun to explore.
Santa Fe is renowned for its thriving art scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and art markets showcasing a diverse range of traditional and contemporary artwork. And if you’re a foodie, there’s much to try - one of our favorites was Paloma! We stayed 20 minutes outside of the city on BLM land and were very pleased with having a free place to stay so close to such a beautiful city.
We’d heard of Taos before, but it really piqued our interest when more than one local mentioned it to us and we realized we could make it for the mountain’s last open day of the season. Nestled in the scenic mountains of northern New Mexico, Taos is a captivating destination that has long been a magnet for artists. The town is home to numerous galleries, museums, and art festivals, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Taos Valley and Mountain, provide opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the Rio Grande Gorge.
We walked over the Gorge Bridge - with my fear of heights I could only make it half way across - but the views were stunning! We also checked out the famous Earthship homes - dwellings built with recycled materials that are completely self-sufficient - and highly recommend signing up for a tour if you are in the area!
When we made our way to the mountain we were delighted to find they offered parking for vans overnight. We also splurged on a cute airbnb one night for fun and Sergey enjoyed snowboarding on a beautiful sunny day while I enjoyed the music and festivities at the lodge on the last day of the season.
Another highlight of this stop was Aly’s Food Cart - some of the best Greek food we’ve ever had!
Bonus tip: if you’re a Georgia O’Keeffe fan like me, I recommend driving an hour to the tiny town of Abiquiu to visit the famous and beautiful Ghost Ranch - do the horseback riding tour and you will not be disappointed.
Moab, Utah
After New Mexico we made a quick stop in Durango, Colorado, and then made our way to Utah. Our first stop was Moab and it is possibly the most “van-friendly” stop on our trip (you can park almost anywhere overnight!). We absolutely loved everything about this city - its restaurants and coffee shops - Garage is a must visit for coffee/breakfast/lunch! - shops, hiking, and views.
The town of Moab is adorable and serves as a gateway to two iconic national parks, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, both showcasing breathtaking rock formations and towering arches. We visited Arches (only ten minutes from the town) and drove about 30 minutes to also check out Dead Horse Point State Park. Both offered stunning views like nothing we had ever seen before.
Moab is a mecca for outdoor adventures such as plethora of activities such as mountain biking, off-roading, and hiking. Our absolute favorite hike (of the entire trip!) was in Moab, the Grandstaff Trail.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Our next stop in Utah was Bryce Canyon, a mesmerizing destination with otherworldly landscapes and dramatic rock formations. The park's iconic hoodoos, tall and thin spires of rock, create a surreal and breathtaking sight, especially during sunrise and sunset. Hiking through the park's extensive trail network allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique beauty of the amphitheaters, natural bridges, and panoramic vistas.
When we visited the canyon much of it was still covered in snow, but we were able to hike the Queen’s Trail and it has been added to our list of favorite hikes! We headed to Zion National Park after Bryce which we also loved, but found Bryce to be our favorite of the two!
Our sleep spot in between the two parks was on some gorgeous BLM land with a very cool cave called Belly of the Dragon, and only five minutes from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Both worth checking out if you’re in the area!
Sedona, Arizona
Important to note that our first stops in Arizona were the Grand Canyon (we entered the South rim because the Norht was still closed for snow until July!) and Flagstaff. We love and recommend both, but we’re trying to keep this list to the 20 favorites!
Sedona is a short drive from Flagstaff and is truly unique with its stunning red rock formations, tranquil desert landscapes, and spiritual energy. The iconic red rocks provide a majestic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts to explore through hiking, biking, or jeep tours.
Sedona is also known for its renowned vortex sites, believed to emit powerful spiritual energy and attracting individuals seeking healing, meditation, and self-discovery. The charming downtown area offers a delightful mix of shops, spas and restaurants - check out 89 Agave! - and there’s something for everyone in Sedona.
As far as lodging, there are many boutique hotels and air b&b’s, but we didn’t consider the town to be super van-friendly - there were little to no areas for overnight parking. However, we were able to find some BLM land about 20 minutes away that we loved. The cows in Sedona are free-range, and we woke up one morning to about 20 adorable cows surrounding our van!
Lake Havasu, Arizona
When we were ready to head from Arizona to California we realized Lake Havasu, Arizona was on the way. We had never heard of this town before and considered it to be a wonderful surprise on our trip that we were glad we left space for.
Lake Havasu is a captivating destination that welcomes you with its stunning desert beauty and a wealth of recreational opportunities centered around its expansive reservoir. The crystal-clear waters of the lake, framed by rugged desert mountains, offer plenty of water activities and views.
You can enjoy boating, jet skiing, fishing, and paddle boarding on the lake (we went paddle boarding!), and the area is also famous for the historic London Bridge which was relocated and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, becoming an iconic landmark.
We stayed on BLM land just 10 minutes from the city, and it made for the perfect pitstop on our way to Joshua National Park which is not on this list but we definitely recommend, too - here’s a picture of us at Heart Rock in the Park!
Our route took us from Joshua Tree National Park to Palm Springs and a quick visit at a friend’s house in Las Vegas, then back to California to the Mammoth Lakes area.
Mammoth Lakes is nestled in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, with breathtaking alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and majestic peaks. Mammoth Mountain, a renowned ski resort, offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The area is also home to several hot springs, shops, restaurants, and breweries. We enjoyed relaxing at Convict Lake, June Lake, and Mono Lake, as well as Wild Willy’s Hot Springs.
Two of our favorite camping spots of the entire trip were in Mammoth Lakes, both found on iOverlander and both offering us seclusion, beautiful views, and plenty of nature to explore. The combination of warm weather and snowy mountain scenery was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and I can’t wait to spend more time in this area in the future!
After Mammoth Lakes we headed up to Lake Tahoe where the stunning views continued. The lake itself is nestled amidst the Sierra Nevada Mountains and we were amazed by the vivid blue waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks. The lake spans areas in California and Nevada, and offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, and the area is home to numerous scenic trails for hiking and skiing.
We spent the majority of our time in South Lake, where we met a local resident and fellow traveler on a short but beautiful hike, Cave Rock. We were lucky enough to have him share with us his favorite secret beach where we spent the day enjoying the peaceful and captivating views of the lake. Though we spent most of our time relaxing in nature, Lake Tahoe also offers resorts, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Bonus tip: After Lake Tahoe we took the famous Donner Pass through the mountains to get to the California coast and made pit stops in the town of Truckee and Nevada City - great stops if you are doing a similar road trip!
Mendocino, California
We stopped in Napa for one night and then headed to Highway 1 to take it all the way from our first stop on the coast, the adorable town of Jenner, up to Mendocino. The drive is beautiful, but scary at times - very high cliffs with little to no guardrails! - but we are grateful we added this scenic and unforgettable drive to our road trip.
Mendocino was one of our favorite stops along the coast. The town has stunning Pacific Ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. Its historic Victorian architecture and quaint village atmosphere create a timeless and enchanting ambiance.
Mendocino is a haven for artists, with numerous galleries showcasing a wide range of artwork, and the annual Mendocino Coast Garden Tour and Mendocino Music Festival attracting creative minds from near and far.
We found quiet overnight parking on a peaceful street right near the shops and restaurants, and enjoyed our short but sweet stay in this charming town.
After Mendocino we continued up the coast and were able to check out the Redwoods at Humbolt Redwoods State Park. Bonus tip: If you are ever heading to check out these amazing trees we recommend driving the incredible Avenue of the Giants - you will be amazed!
Ashland, Oregon
Our last major stop in California was the town of Eureka, and though we loved the coast of California and had planned to venture up the Oregon Coast, the weather was a bit dreary so we headed inland for some sunshine. Our first stop was Medford where we met a lovely woman who suggested for us to drive 20 minutes to Ashland.
Ashland is an adorable town renowned for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which presents world-class theater performances and celebrates the works of William Shakespeare and other playwrights. Ashland is surrounded by the nearby Siskiyou Mountains and the picturesque Lithia Park, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The town itself exudes charm with its historic downtown, lined with boutique shops, galleries, and excellent dining options.
We only spent a day here, but enjoyed a great meal at Greenleaf and slept close by at a local rest area.
Bonus tip: we highly recommend checking out Crater Lake on your way to our next stop on the list. It’s a gorgeous place to visit, even if you’re there when it’s still covered in snow and most trails and activities are closed. There is plenty of free state forest camping nearby and we recommend going in July or August when the majority of the park is open and not closed to snow.
Bend was next on our Oregon list. It sits in the high desert region of central Oregon, surrounded by majestic mountains, pristine rivers, and over 300 days of sunshine each year. The town itself has a charming downtown area filled with boutique shops, breweries, and restaurants, providing a vibrant and lively atmosphere. We had dinner and cocktails at a great restaurant, Zydeco, and spent the night in a beautiful state forest 20 minutes outside of town. The next day we headed to Smith Rock State Park enjoyed one of our favorite hikes of the trip - definitely check out the River Trail!
We headed north after Bend, stopping quickly in Portland and then up to Seattle for a very quick visit before beginning our drive east. We wish we had more time in both cities, but it was time to start heading back to Massachusetts.
We made it from Washington through Idaho in a day (Idaho is beautiful and deserved more time to explore that we simply didn’t have!), and arrived at one of the last main destinations of our planned route: Montana!
Montana was high on our list of places to see on our drive back east and though we had less time than we’d hoped for we made the best of it. Driving though any part of Montana is breathtaking, and Bozeman was exactly that with its rugged natural beauty and vibrant small-town charm.
We enjoyed huckleberry smoothies (huckleberries are very popular in Montana we found!) from Florence Coffee Company and an amazing hike just outside of Bozeman, Drinking Horse Mountain Trail. Bozeman is a gateway to world-renowned destinations such as Yellowstone National Park which we headed to next!
Livingston, Montana, was a recommendation from a local we met on the Bozeman hike. Though we only stopped briefly on our way to the Yellowstone entrance, we had a great lunch at Katabatic Brewery and a lovely walk through Livingston's historic downtown.
The town is lined with beautifully preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and exudes Western charm. Art galleries, boutique shops, and local eateries contribute to the town's vibrant and creative atmosphere and we will definitely be back.
Gardiner, Montana
The drive from Livingston to Gardiner is a short one, and Gardiner has a very similar feel! Because the North Entrance (and original entrance!) to Yellowstone National Park is located there, it’s slightly busier in Gardiner than Livingston, but just as fun to poke around, shop, and grab a bite before entering the park. We enjoyed the food truck area and were grateful to sleep at a lovely free campground only 20 minutes from the park entrance and right on the Yellowstone River.
Though we entered the park through Gardiner, Yellowstone National Park is primarily inWyoming. The park is the first national park in the United States and spans over 2.2 million acres. It’s renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including meadows, mountains, lakes, and awe-inspiring geothermal features. Yellowstone is home to an abundance of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison, roaming freely across its rugged landscapes. We didn’t have time to explore the entire park, but our drive from the Northern entrance to the Northeast entrance was breathtaking and filled with wildlife.
Bonus tip: When we exited the Northeast entrance of the park, we entered Silver Gate/Cooke City Montana and headed onto the Bear Tooth Highway to drive further east.
This drive ended up being one of our favorite drives of the trip. The highway took us through the Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet above sea level, and though we were driving though crazy clouds at this point it was utterly amazing. This drive was once called "the most beautiful drive in America," and we just might have to agree.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Our next (and final) main stop as we continued east was Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This park’s striking and unique landscape made us feel like we were on another planet.
Spanning over 244,000 acres, the park showcases a mesmerizing combination of rugged rock formations, deep canyons, and vast prairies. .
The park is renowned for its rich fossil deposits, providing a window into the ancient past and serving as a haven for paleontologists and fossil enthusiasts. Despite its seemingly harsh environment, Badlands National Park is teeming with life: bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species thriving amidst the rugged terrain.
Because we were on a time crunch to get home, we spent far less time here than we would have liked, but the time we spent in the park driving, having dinner, and watching the sunset, were unforgettable.
Boston, MA
After Badlands we pretty much flew through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York in order to get back to Boston in a matter of days. There’s so much we weren’t able to see, but we are so grateful for what we saw and we had to end this list with one of our favorite spots in the US - the Boston area! This experience has shown us so much beauty, but it has also reminded us that there is so much we love in our home state as well. Our favorites in the Boston area are:
The North End - famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, charming houses, bocce courts, and a plethora of Italian restaurants and bakeries.
The North Shore - a picturesque region that stretches along the Atlantic coastline with charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and quaint fishing villages. A few of our favorite towns to explore are Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Salem, and Swampscott.
The South Shore known for its sandy beaches, quaint seaside towns, and historic sites, the South Shore is a must visit during your visit to the Boston area. Our favorite seaside town on the South Shore is Scituate.
We’re excited to spend time in these areas we frequently visit this summer, as well as explore more of the beautiful Western Massachusetts and other New England states that we haven’t spent enough time in.
Reflection + Road Trip Tips
I’m an organized person by nature and this quality certainly came in handy when planning not only our van build but everything we needed to pack, and our general route. I might be a little over the top, but I loved having (and advise you to also!) a spreadsheet that kept track of our entire build process as well as our stays & our spending every week of the trip. Keeping track of our budget was helpful in mapping out excursions, and keeping track of our stays helps us to remember exactly where we want to go back to and where we can stay.
That being said, I think leaving room for surprises is one of the best ways to travel. Arriving at general areas you want to explore and getting recommendations from locals about the lesser-known attractions and offbeat destinations turned out to deliver some of our favorite stops.
Wrap Up
Whether you've traveled a lot or never before, I hope this recap serves as a starting point for your own unique adventure.
And don’t forget, you don’t have to go on a 4.5 month road trip to experience beauty: there’s probably a whole lot of amazing things your own back yard waiting for you to explore…
Keep following along for future blogs about:
Our favorite spots in Massachusetts and New England
Our favorite national parks and hikes around the country
General van life and travel tips
Simple steps for a happier + more organized life
Running small businesses from the road
PS: Need help with a website, content creation or organization in your small business?
That’s what I do while on the road!
