Spring Breakout: 10 Best Road Trip Routes to Satisfy Travel Cravings

The Atlantic Coast

America’s longest north-south interstate, I-95, stretches for more than 1,900 miles down the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Miami, with plenty to see and do along the way. Road trippers can kick off their journey with a visit to Acadia National Park in Maine, followed by Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, before stopping in Boston to explore the cobblestone streets and the city’s waterfront neighborhood. Further adventure awaits in New York City, with endless sights to see, things to do and places to eat before venturing on to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Continue down the coast to the scenic shores of Outer Banks in North Carolina then explore historic downtown Charleston, S.C. and Savannah, Ga. before reaching your final destination in Miami. Consider these Hilton properties as your home away from home along the way:

• Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterfront Boston
• Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square-South, NY
• Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mount Pleasant
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Richmond Hill Savannah I-95
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport

Great River Road

The Great River Road has been dubbed “The Best Drive in America,” covering 3,000 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. While it would take about 36 hours to drive this entire route, travelers can make a spring break vacation out of this journey that follows the Mississippi River through 10 states. Starting in Minneapolis, road trippers can visit the famed Mall of America or one of Minnesota’s 11,842 lakes, before heading south to Wisconsin, where the longest main street in the nation awaits in Maiden Rock. This historic route also features iconic monuments like Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, and streets like Beale Street – otherwise known as ‘home of the blues’ –  in Memphis and the French Quarter in New Orleans. Road trippers can rest and recharge at these Hilton properties along the way:

• Tru by Hilton Minneapolis Mall of America
• Hampton Inn by Hilton St. Louis-Downtown (At the Gateway Arch)
• Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown
• Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans French Quarter

New England Trip

Spanning nearly 500 miles and eight hours of driving, this New England route is great for a weekend getaway that will keep everyone in the family entertained. Kicking off the trip in Maryland, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the National Aquarium are two must-see attractions before heading north along 1-95 to the Big Apple. While visitors could spend a lifetime experiencing all that New York City has to offer, some bucket list items include visiting the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Statue of Liberty. And don’t forget the pizza and bagels. The next leg of the trip is only a few hours away and ends up in downtown Boston, where you can explore historical attractions like the Freedom Trail, Boston National Historical Park and Bunker Hill Monument. Restaurants, biking trails and shopping are also great ways to fill your days and make priceless memories with your road trip crew. Book your stay at these Hilton properties along the way:

• Tru by Hilton Baltimore Harbor East
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/Manhattan-Midtown East
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Boston South Bay

Route 66

As one of the most iconic road trip routes, Route 66 crosses eight states and nearly 2,500 miles, making this route perfect for an extended spring break road trip. Through farmlands, deserts, cities and forgotten towns, there is plenty of open road and adventure ahead. Road trippers starting their journey in Chicago can enjoy a famous deep-dish pizza and snap a picture in front of Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean” before stopping at iconic and often quirky monuments along the way, including the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, the Painted Desert and Grand Canyon in Arizona, and finally the Santa Monica Pier in California. Road trippers looking for a comfortable place to stay along the way can consider these Hilton properties:

• Hiltons at McCormick Place
• Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Louis/Forest Park
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Amarillo
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Flagstaff East
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Santa Monica

South Pacific

This cross-country route along US-80 is the ultimate road trip for adventure travelers. From unique roadside attractions in the deserts and bayou swamps to experiencing the flavors of Tex-Mex and barbecue, this 3,000-mile journey begins in San Diego with stops in Arizona, Texas, Alabama and finally ending in Georgia. Road trippers will be immersed in varied landscapes and cultures across America with Hilton properties along the way that offer accommodations for the whole family:

• Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Tucson Paloma Village
• Tru by Hilton Dallas Market Center
• Hilton Garden Inn Montgomery – EastChase
• Tru by Hilton Savannah Midtown

Phoenix to the Grand Canyon

Discover the best of Arizona along this 563-mile road trip to Southwest hot spots. Along this route lies some of Arizona’s most fascinating towns and spectacular adventures. Be sure to check out the red rocks of Sedona and hike on its less-crowded trails to discover why this town is so memorable, before driving on to Flagstaff, a vibrant town known for its seven wonders. As you drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, the soil turns red, hinting at what’s to come at the Grand Canyon National Park, which is one of America’s most famous and awe-inspiring natural attractions, making it a road trip mainstay for generations. Make sure to book a stay at some of these Hilton properties along the way:

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale
• Hilton Garden Inn Prescott Downtown
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Sedona
• Hilton Garden Inn Flagstaff
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Flagstaff

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway extends from Charlottesville, Va., to Cherokee, N.C., and offers beautiful views that encourage travelers to truly slow down and enjoy the moment. With the speed limit rarely exceeding 45 MPH, this one-tank road trip is great for the outdoor enthusiast, with plenty of opportunities to explore nature’s beauty. Following the rocky ridges, green plateaus and soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains all the way from Shenandoah National Park down the Blue Ridge chain to the Great Smoky Mountains. Along this celebrated highway, you will see wild birds, shimmering mountain streams and hazy hilltops that will remind you of the true beauty of nature. If you need some places to stay along the way check out:

• Hampton Inn by Hilton Cherokee
• Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Roanoke

Denver to Montrose

Outdoor adventurers will love this route from Denver to Montrose, Colo., which offers plenty by way of hiking, fishing, rafting, rock climbing and more. Along the way be sure to stop by the Mount Evans scenic byway, the highest peak in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the Buena Vista hot springs to relax and Monarch Mountain, which is home to the third location on the Continental Divide. Check out this Hampton by Hilton property for a relaxing stay after your adventurous day:

• Hampton Inn by Hilton Montrose

Miami to Key West

Drive along US 1 – the Overseas Highway – from Miami to Key West, Fla., and you’ll traverse 42 bridges that connect 34 islands across more than 100 miles. This route takes you through a wonderland of mangrove trees, coral reefs, tropical savanna, quaint islands and historical sites. It’ll feel like you’re driving on water as you glide over bridges with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Upon reaching the final destination, the famous Mile Marker 0 in Key West welcomes travelers to their sunny getaway, where they have the option to stay at properties such as:

• Hilton Garden Inn Key West/The Keys Collection
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Key West
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Key Largo

California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Explore California with a spectacular, coastline drive on the Pacific Coast Highway. Driving north to south will keep you closest to the ocean, where you can pick up Route 1 in picturesque Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Experience quintessential California – sunny beaches and foggy coastline with active wildlife – as you head south, making time for stops in places like Slates Hot Springs and Santa Barbara before arriving in Los Angeles. Finish the trip at one of California’s sunniest destinations, San Diego, where you can enjoy sandy beaches or splash around Mission Bay. Be sure to check out these properties for a comfortable place to rest along the way:

• Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay
• Hilton Garden Inn Marina Del Ray
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Monterey