Winter might not seem like the ideal season for a long drive, but as our ranking of the 30 best American winter road trips proves, it’s a season full of possibilities. With quieter roads, fewer crowds and breathtaking landscapes, these trips are well worth considering. Just remember to prepare by packing a ‘winter survival kit’ (as recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and double-checking that your chosen routes are open.
Ready to be inspired? Click through the gallery to explore our top 30 picks for the ultimate US winter road trips...
The 100-mile-long (160km) Interstate 70 is incredibly popular, with a million vehicles a month driving along its mountain-lined roads. Your final destination? Vail, one of the most popular ski resorts in the US.
Along the way delights like breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery, historic villages, river walks and a superior shopping scene await – all of which can be found in the towns of Idaho Springs, Silverthorne and Frisco.
Beginning in the city of Green Bay and ending in the peaceful lakeside enclave of Gills Rock, this 85-mile (136km) road trip is ideal if you’re easily bored and short on time, as it’s remarkably diverse and takes just under two hours to drive.
Follow Wisconsin Highway 57, between the eastern and western shores of Lake Michigan, and you’ll encounter breweries, waterfalls, pretty coastal towns like Baileys Harbour, stunning State Parks like Whitefish and even cross-country skiing at Newport State Park.
Feeling the winter chill? Here’s your cure: a dip in one of several natural hot springs along the 133-mile (214km) drive from Boise to the pristine village of Stanley, at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Start at Kirkham Hot Springs, at the South Fork of the Payette River, before heading to Sunbeam, Bonneville and Elkhorn. You’ll arrive toasty and refreshed by the time you reach Stanley, where a smorgasbord of winter sports awaits – from ice skating and skiing to sledding.
A Deep South road trip, without the stickiness. Winter is the ideal time to venture south, as the humidity is lower, the crowds smaller and the sunshine (usually) plentiful. Enter this 179-mile (288km) East Coast extravaganza, which will take you on a whistlestop tour of two of the South’s most charming cities: St Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the US, and Savannah, Georgia, a leafy, art- and history-filled gem.
Both also boast an array of wintery activities, from St Augustine’s horse-drawn carriage rides and illuminated Spanish architecture, to Savannah’s fireworks and tree-lighting ceremony.
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One for history buffs, this award-winning trail spans 225 miles (362km) of the rugged countryside and breathtaking historical landmarks of upstate New York.
Starting in the charming riverside town of Waterford, wind your way through sites of interest like Saratoga Historical Park, Fort Edward and historic 18th-century Fort Ticonderoga, before arriving at Lake Champlain, a stunning freshwater lake that extends as far north as Québec, Canada.
The ultimate Rockies road trip, this mammoth 500-mile (804km) adventure is made for adrenaline junkies. Spanning some of the world’s best ski and snowboarding resorts (including Aspen, Vail and Jackson Hole) travellers can also hike through two breathtaking National Parks (Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton); soak in natural hot springs (Granite and Strawberry Park) or even try their hand (feet?) at snowshoeing.
While the Rocky Mountains are a true winter wonderland, weather conditions can be extreme, so cautious driving and constant vigilance are advisable. Don't forget that winter survival kit, either.
Both Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head can be tourist traps in the warmer months, but in winter you’ll find both smaller crowds and respite from the chill. That doesn’t mean you can’t cosy up with the comfort food the region is famous for, from Frogmore stew and she-crab soup to shrimp ‘n’ grits.
This 221-mile (355km) drive includes must-see stops like Brookgreen Gardens, which boasts a beautiful light display during the holiday season; the Harbour Town Lighthouse; ample opportunities for kayaking, fishing and birdwatching; and Huntington Beach State Park, where loggerhead turtles congregate in the winter months.
A fascinating journey through the cultural history of the state, this scenic byway is littered with historic landmarks and utterly unique architectural sights. While this 105-mile (170km) trip takes just 2.5 hours with no stops, allow time to wander through the remote mountain villages enroute and admire their colonial Spanish buildings.
These include Ranchos de Taos, where the San Francisco de Asis Church is a marvel of adobe architecture, Cordova, a traditional wood-carving community and finally Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the US.
This 70-mile (112km) drive through northeastern Pennsylvania follows the meandering Delaware River through the Pocono Mountains, where drivers can stop to hike in dense forests, admire waterfalls, or try their hand at snow-tubing.
Along this route are the quaint towns of Bushkill, which boasts the ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania' waterfalls (open from late March) and Jim Thorpe, a chocolate-box village known as the ‘Switzerland of America’, which has a yearly ‘Winterfest’ every February, featuring ice carvings, live music and scenic railway rides.
It wouldn’t be a road trip list without the Pacific Coast Highway. Stretching an incredible 650 miles (1,046km) from San Francisco in the north to San Diego near the Mexican border, mild winter weather and breathtaking views around every (winding) corner make the PCH a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
There’s almost too many highlights to mention, from exploring the breezy surf towns of Monterey and Mendocino; to forests filled with redwood trees; to seal- and whale-spotting. Considerations include rain, which can be heavy during winter months, and road closures due to construction.
The quintessential New England winter road trip, this 130-mile (209km), three-day route encompasses some of Vermont’s prettiest towns, mountain ranges and iconic skiing destinations – perfect for curious travellers and sports enthusiasts alike.
Driving along Vermont’s Route 100, you can bookend the trip with ski (and après-ski) at Stowe and Woodstock’s popular resorts, as well as pass through quaint towns including Burlington, Westbury and Waterbury, the home of the Ben & Jerry’s factory.
Unlike the other national parks on this list – which tend to be far quieter in the cooler months – the Everglades’ mild temperatures, lower humidity and fewer mosquitos make it more popular in winter than any other time of year.
But don’t let that put you off – after all, it spans an incredible 1.5 million acres. We suggest starting your road trip in Miami, just 45 minutes’ drive from the Everglades National Park, before alligator- and bird-spotting while exploring the vast marshy landscapes via bike or open-air tram.
Every winter the small town of Leavenworth transforms into ‘Christmastown’. From Thanksgiving until the end of February, half a million lights festoon the charming, Bavarian-inspired streets, alongside ice skating, live music and other festivities.
Not a fan of Christmas crowds? The stunning light displays stay up well into the New Year, with the bonus of real snow to add to the alpine vibe. Just over two hours’ drive from Seattle, you’ll pass through the stunning Cascade Mountain Range enroute, including the Franklin Falls waterfall.
Really not a fan of the cold? May we suggest one of the hottest places on Earth, Death Valley National Park, where average high winter temperatures are a comfortable 20°C (68°F). Winter is far and away the best time to visit, when the valley is filled with wildflowers, the nights are chilly and the expansive salt flats and fascinating desert basins look beautiful in the low light.
We recommend starting your road trip in Las Vegas, escaping the mayhem of Sin City for a 2.5 hour drive along Nevada’s Route 160. Highlights include the badlands at Zabriskie Point and hiking the Badwater Basin salt flats.
Starting in California, the iconic Highway 101 extends as far north as Washington. The most scenic part of this epic road? Oregon’s Pacific shoreline, a 363-mile (584km) stretch of unspoilt landscapes, rugged natural beauty and sea views on repeat. While winters in this region can be stormy and chilly (it is the Pacific Northwest, after all) travellers will be rewarded with gorgeous scenery and a host of wildlife spotting opportunities, from sea lions to whale watching.
Start in the city of Brookings, surrounded by the fir-covered Coastal Range Mountains, then head north for a road trip filled with points of interest including the cool college town of Eugene, the Oregon Dunes and the breathtaking Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach.
Bear spotting. Horseback riding. Crystallised waterfalls that resemble ice sculptures. As its name might suggest, the Skyline Drive gives travellers a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, and is the only public road through Shenandoah National Park.
Stretching for 105 miles (168km), the route takes approximately three hours to drive, watching for deer, black bears, wild turkeys and more woodland creatures who may cross your path. While generally open year-round, snow and ice can close the Skyline Drive, so check before you hit the road.
Utah’s national parks are more popular than ever before, but we suggest skipping the desert heat and summer crowds and visit during the winter, where you’ll be rewarded with unrestricted views of red rocks, creek hikes and awe-inspiring canyons.
The drive between the two national parks is just 4.5 hours, but we recommend taking your time and including plenty of stops to take in the sights. Highlights along the way include The Narrows hike in Zion, the National Capitol Reef National Park and Moab’s iconic rock formations.
Short for a traditional road trip, this adventurous cruise through the Appalachian Mountains still offers plenty of thrills, with a staggering 318 curves in just 11 miles (17km). Traversing the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Deals Gap is also known as ‘the dragon’, due to its high elevations (up to 3,000 feet/900m).
It’s one of America’s most-loved motorcycle routes, but is equally stunning from a car. Taking travellers through the Nantahala National Forest, it also provides exquisite views of the Great Smoky Mountains, which it borders. While it’s quieter during the winter, drivers should still be cautious and keep an eye out for wildlife crossing the road.
Another winter warmer, this epic road trip through one of America’s most iconic landmarks is best explored in the cooler months. Fun fact: just 10% of the Grand Canyon’s five million yearly visitors come during winter, making it a far more peaceful time to experience the many wonders it has to offer.
One notable advantage of visiting in winter is the accessibility of Hermit Road (formerly known as West Rim Drive). Typically closed during peak seasons, this scenic 7.5-mile (12km) route opens to vehicles from December, allowing visitors to explore its breathtaking vistas without relying on shuttle services. Other highlights include hiking the Bright Angel Trail or, for a real adrenaline rush, the West Rim Skywalk (pictured).
One of the world’s most beautiful drives, The Road to Hana, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is a ready-made road trip that works particularly well as a winter getaway. From verdant valleys to endless ocean views, waterfalls and exploring red, white and black sand beaches, it takes around two to three days to soak up everything there is to see.
Fifty-two miles (83km) long, made up of largely undeveloped roads, Hana includes 56 one-lane bridges and 617 curves – so it’s recommended to set off early in the morning to avoid traffic, although it’s a picturesque place to be stuck in gridlock.
One for true cold weather enthusiasts, this 120-mile (193km) route will take you on a magical journey to the stunning Apostle Islands ice caves surrounding Lake Superior, where you can don your weatherproof gear and hike through the snow.
You'll then pass through charming small towns like Solon Springs, Minong and Spooner, renowned for their beautiful winter scenery. Hayward is a charming resort town with incredible skiing and ice-fishing, while Duluth – the starting point of the road trip – is beloved for Bentleyville, its yearly Christmas festival with a free million-light display.
A strong contender for America’s most breathtaking open space, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also the country’s most visited – with 11.3 million flocking there annually. But in winter, a snowy hush falls over the forests, with the bears in hibernation and the chill making frozen ice sculptures of peaks and waterfalls.
Made up of 80 scenic miles (128km), popular stops like the Appalachian Trail, Grotto Falls and Cades Cove are far more peaceful than in peak season, although some roads do close. Don’t miss The Incredible Christmas Place, a dedicated festive superstore that’s open every day of the year, but is particularly magical in wintertime.
Aspen is a winter icon, thanks to its world-famous ski resort, but it’s also just the start of this ridiculously scenic road trip that will take you on a whistlestop tour of the Rocky Mountain region. Spanning just 40 miles (64km), the drive is short but sweet, winding through Highway 82 with the Elk Mountains on one side and the Roaring Fork River on the other.
Along the way, must-sees include the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, with its crystal-clear Maroon Lake, as well as the historic village of Redstone and its regal mansion, Redstone Castle. Before you set off, be sure to check weather conditions, as this is a seriously snowy region.
Lake Tahoe is an ever-popular swimming and vacation spot during the summer months, but it’s just as rewarding to visit during the winter, where you can admire the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Driving around the lake takes about three hours (not including time spent gazing at all the incredible vistas) – take the route on the eastern Nevada side for the best views, as it’s considered one of the most beautiful drives in America. Options for activities along the way are plentiful: winter hikes, snowshoeing, skiing or even snow tubing.
Driving across America's northernmost state is always an epic experience, but in winter it’s especially dramatic, thanks to the guaranteed snow and long stretches of remote, unspoilt landscapes (take note, introverts).
At 359 miles (577km), the route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is driveable in a day (bearing in mind, daylight hours are limited) and you’ll be rewarded with pristine wilderness and a plethora of outdoorsy activities, from husky sledding to ice fishing. The biggest draw? The chance to see the Northern Lights up close.
The Million Dollar Highway is just 24 miles (39km) long, but that’s more than long enough to live up to its name – it’s often called the most beautiful road in America, and reportedly cost a million dollars a mile to build.
Part of the San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway, it offers jaw-dropping views of Colorado’s mountain vistas, lakes, gorges and valleys, blanketed in the winter by untouched snow. Snow chains are essential in the winter, and it’s recommended for experienced drivers only, with its many hairpin turns, narrow lanes and steep cliffs.
Christmas enthusiasts, unite: you’re in for an incredible festive treat if you embark on this road trip. Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes its Christmas spirit. The first stop, Grapevine, is the official state capital of Christmas, and celebrates with an incredible 1,400 events over 40 days of festivities.
Up next is Fredericksburg, a German-inspired town complete with a traditional German Christmas Pyramid and beautiful daily lights in the ‘marktplatz’. Seventy miles (112km) later you’ll finally end up in San Antonio, where the Christmas magic continues with a holiday-themed River Walk and plenty of colourful decorations.
The Yosemite Valley is awe-inspiring 365 days a year, but particularly lovely in the colder months, with its snow-capped peaks, dramatic waterfalls and wildlife including mountain coyotes and the Sierra Nevada red fox.
While many of the national park’s roads are closed during winter, the Yosemite Valley and Wawona are accessible by car all year round, though tyre chains are often mandatory, so check before you drive. Starting in Groveland, popular activities on this 45-mile (72km) loop include cross-country skiing and hiking.
Got the winter blues? Here’s your antidote: a sun-splashed, 470-mile (756km) road trip, where you’ll swap bare branches for palm trees and frozen lakes for turquoise ocean. Beginning in St Augustine, with its unique Spanish colonial architecture, wind your way along the I-95 to Miami, sea breeze in your hair, before taking US 1 all the way to the Seven Mile Bridge enroute to Key West.
Also known as ‘the floating highway’, this famous landmark consists of 42 bridges, suspended above an archipelago of 1,600 islands, complete with palm coral reefs and crocodile habitats. The perfect road trip accompaniment? A slice of Key lime pie.
Topping our list is this mighty 600-mile (965km) surprisingly family-friendly trip. A true winter wonderland, this epic adventure spans some of the US’ most iconic destinations, from South Lake Tahoe and Park City to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park.
Winter sports enthusiasts young and old will love the plethora of skiing, snowshoeing and sleigh riding opportunities along the way, while Yellowstone offers breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife, from bison and elk to more than 300 species of bird. Pro-tip: many of Yellowstone’s roads are closed to vehicles in winter, so check for up-to-date information.
Now discover the most beautiful weekend road trip in every US state