We’re talking waterfalls, canyons, wildlife, beaches, and hiking trails that absolutely hold their own. In many cases, state parks even offer more flexibility like swimming, boating, and fewer restrictions.

If you’re looking for unforgettable scenery without chaos, these state parks deserve a top spot on your travel list.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

Best State Parks on the East Coast for Waterfalls & Hiking

Franconia Notch State Park -New Hampshire

Set in the White Mountains, this park delivers dramatic alpine scenery in a compact, easy-to-explore area. Highlights include the Flume Gorge, a narrow granite canyon with waterfalls, covered bridges, and sweeping views from Cannon Mountain.

The Aeiral Tramway is also a great way to see the park. Best time to visit: May through October for full access. Winter offers skiing, but few amenities.

Pro Tip: Before you head to any park, be sure to check their website for any closures or changes so you aren’t disappointed when you get there.

Letchworth State Park – New York

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this park features three major waterfalls plunging into a 600-foot gorge. Add 60 plus miles of trails and you’ve got a dream for hikers and photographers. You can even take a hot air balloon ride over the park!

 The park is open year-round with skiing available in winter and swimming in summer.

 Don’t miss: Fall colors – they’re next level.

Fall Creek Falls State Park – Tennessee

Home to one of the tallest waterfalls (256 feet) in the eastern U.S., this park delivers big Appalachian scenery, without the crowds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 26,000-acre park encompasses multiple cascading waterfalls, deep gorges carved into the Cumberland Plateau, and forests that explode with color each autumn.

Birdwatching, cycling, and swimming in the lake give you plenty of options during your visit. The park is open all year, but keep in mind that the road and most activities close at sunset.

Pro Tip: Be sure your camera has a wide-angle lens; this way you can capture the waterfalls. We use the Kodak PixPro. It takes great pictures and videos, plus it’s a nice size for travel.

Falling Waters State Park – Florida

Florida’s tallest waterfall drops into a mysterious sinkhole. Yes, Florida has waterfalls. Tucked into the Panhandle, the trails here wind through pine forests, lot of wildflowers, and alongside remnants of an 1860s gristmill that once kept the local community fed.

 The park is open 8 AM until sunset, 365 days. Don’t miss this one, the water is amazing.

Midwest State Parks for Wildlife & Wide-Open Landscapes

Beavers Bend State Park – Oklahoma

 Tucked into the southeast corner of the state near Broken Bow Lake, this park sits inside the Ouachita Mountains and feels more like Colorado than the southern plains. Expect pine forests, crystal-clear water, and surprisingly great fall colors.

The Mountain Fork River runs right through the park, offering some great trout fishing along with kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Hiking is also popular here, especially in fall with underrated colors. Wildlife in the park offers beavers, foxes and black bears. The park is always open.

Prairie State Park – Missouri

Flat? Technically. Boring? Not even close. Visitors to the park see panoramic vistas of swaying grass and ever-changing wildflowers with unexpected beauty.

But the real stars are the bison. If you want to see some wildlife in their natural habitat, this park is for you. The park is open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Park buildings aren’t open on national holidays.

Pro Tip: Be sure to keep a safe distance from any wildlife. They are faster than you think. This is where a zoom lens comes in handy.

Read More: How to Safely View Wildlife in National and State Parks (And Still Get Amazing Photos)

Custer State Park – South Dakota

This 71,000-acre park with the diverse terrain of the Black Hills rivals entire national parks. The park is home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world, with around 1,300 animals roaming freely across grasslands and pine-covered hills.

The 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road offers guaranteed wildlife encounters, where you can see bighorn sheep, elk, whitetail deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, eagles, and hawks. While the Needles Highway winds through granite spires so narrow that tunnels had to be carved through the rock itself. The park is open year-round, but some amenities aren’t available in winter months.

Peninsula State Park – Wisconsin

Cliffs, beaches, lighthouse views, and classic Midwest charm, think Cape Cod, but quieter and more affordable.

 The park features 20 miles of trails winding along the Niagara Escarpment cliffs above Green Bay’s blue waters. The park offers many species of birds for bird watchers. Other animals you will find at Peninsula are foxes, coyotes and more. The park is open 6 AM to 11 PM daily all year.

Southwest State Parks with Desert & Canyon Views

Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Texas

The second-largest canyon (8800 feet deep) in the U.S. and way less crowded than Grand Canyon National Park. The canyon walls display 250 million years of geologic history in layers of red, orange, purple, and white rock.

Hiking trails wind through the canyon floor past hoodoos, juniper trees, and ancient rock formations.  One of the most iconic hiking destinations in the entire state is the Lighthouse.  Mountain bikers, horseback riders, and jeep tours are available to explore the park. The park is open from 7:30 AM to 10 PM all year round. Just be aware that it could close due to weather conditions.

Slide Rock State Park – Arizona

A natural water slide carved into red rock. Who thought you could swim in the middle of the desert, but you can near Sedona in Oak Creek canyon. It’s basically the most fun you can have in a state park.

There are also quite a few trails to hike while you’re drying off. The vibrant red cliffs surrounding the creek provide that classic Arizona scenery without requiring a trip to the Grand Canyon. The park is open year-round. It opens at 8 AM, fall and spring it closes at 6 PM, winter 5 PM and summer 7 PM.

Goblin Valley State Park – Utah

Feels like Mars with thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations rising from the desert floor. These ‘goblins’ were carved by wind and water over millions of years, creating a landscape that looks more like a sci-fi movie set than planet Earth.

You can wander freely among the formations here, unlike some of the national parks. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

Valley of Fire State Park – Nevada

Just outside Las Vegas, this park delivers fiery red rock landscapes that rival Utah’s Mighty 5 without the crowds. The park features 40,000 acres of stunning desert scenery, ancient petroglyphs carved by ancestral Puebloans, and unique rock formations.

The scenic drives offer great pull-offs for those who don’t enjoy hiking and for those that do there are plenty of trails for you. The park is open at sunrise to sunset, 365 days. Please keep in mind that summer is super-hot and some trails will be closed from May 15th to September 30th.

Learn more: Valley of Fire State Park: Nevada’s Hidden Gem

West Coast State Parks That Feel Like a Dream

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – California

Add Redwoods plus Big Sur River views and coastal mountains and you get pure California magic!

From hiking to whale watching and exploring lighthouses and redwoods, this park will keep you busy. The park stays beautiful year-round, whether you’re watching winter storms roll in or enjoying summer warmth. The park is open 8 AM to sunset, all year.

Emerald Bay State Park – California

One of the most photographed places in the U.S. and yes, it’s even better in person. One of the state parks on Lake Tahoe’s shores offers the beautiful blue-green bay surrounded by granite peaks, with the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm castle perched on its shore.

Trails lead to overlooks where you can see the entire bay spread out below, its colors shifting from emerald to sapphire depending on the light. There is no road leading to the lake from this park. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, although some trails close due to snow in winter.

Smith Rock State Park – Oregon

A rock climber’s paradise that towers above Crooked River with colorful cliffs and rock spires.  The park offers miles of trails for hikers, too, winding through the high desert with views of snow-capped Cascade peaks in the distance.

Towers of volcanic ash rise like the spires of a cathedral out of the sage and dust of the high desert. The Misery Ridge Trail leads to viewpoints that showcase why this park is considered one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. The park is open from dawn to dusk, every day.

Alaska & Hawaii: Next-Level State Parks

Chugach State Park – Alaska

Nearly 500,000 acres of pure wilderness, right next to Anchorage, makes it one of the largest state parks in America. Within its boundaries, you’ll find massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, and abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, and Dall sheep.

The fact that you can access this wilderness so easily from a major city makes it even more remarkable. This park is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Waimea Canyon State Park – Hawaii

They call it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and honestly, it earns the title. The canyon stretches more than 10 miles long and reaches up to 3,000 feet deep.

The park consists of a scenic drive, lookouts of the canyon, a viewpoint of Ni‘ihau Island, and trails. Adjacent forest reserves have long, strenuous hikes into and out of the canyon. Seasonal trout fishing is also available. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Why State Parks Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List

State parks started as local efforts to protect special places and now, they’ve grown into one of the best-kept secrets in travel. They’re easier to access, more affordable, and often less restrictive than national parks. And the biggest bonus? You don’t have to fight crowds to enjoy them.

If you want incredible scenery and a little breathing room, state parks aren’t the backup plan, they might just be the better one.

We love sharing tips and information with to help you plan your next trip. We hope to inspire you to find your next adventure, have lots of fun and make many memories.

The post State Parks That Rival National Parks (And Why You Should Visit Them Instead) appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

Taking a cheap cross-country road trip might seem impossible, especially with rising gas prices and hotel rates, but with a little planning and some savvy strategies, it’s more than doable. This budget road trip guide is packed with practical travel tips and cost-saving tricks to help you hit the road without draining your wallet. From pre-trip planning to on-the-road hacks, we’ll show you how to minimize expenses and maximize your road trip adventure.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Pre-Trip Planning: Laying the Foundation for Savings

The secret to a wallet-friendly road trip starts long before you leave the driveway. Here’s how to get the most value before your trip even begins:

1. Smart Destination Selection

Stay Local-ish: Choose destinations within a few hours’ drive to cut down on fuel costs. Explore hidden gems within a few hours’ drive instead of aiming for far-flung locations. But if you do want to do a cross-country or a little further trip, you can cut costs in other areas of your trip.

Plot Your Route: Plan gas stops, rest areas, and overnight stays in advance to avoid overpriced, last-minute decisions. Gas stations and services can be few and far between, especially when not traveling near cities or towns. Fill up your tank whenever you have the chance to avoid emergency expenses.

Travel Off-Peak: Hit the road during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for better deals and lighter crowds. The weather is still pleasant, and you’ll avoid peak season pricing.

*Pro Tip: Mid-week travel is often cheaper than weekends—for hotels and attractions.

Be Flexible: Spontaneity can lead to last-minute deals with better prices.

*Pro Tip: Being flexible with your destination can also lead to unexpected and exciting travel experiences. Sometimes, the best trips are to places you hadn’t initially considered.

2. Plan Low-Cost Activities

Seek Out Free Fun: National parks, public beaches, museums with free days, hiking trails, and local events all offer lots of fun.

Look for Discounts: Use travel apps, AAA, military, and senior discounts. Websites like Groupon can also help you score deals.

*Pro Tip: Local visitor centers often have brochures with coupons and ideas for free things to do. Libraries can often be great sources for local activities.

3. Prep Your Vehicle

Maintenance Check: Before leaving, check tire pressure, brakes, fluids, and oil. A breakdown can be a budget buster.

Drive Efficiently: If your car is a gas guzzler, consider renting a hybrid or compact car.

Roadside Assistance: Investing in a AAA membership can pay for itself the first time you need a tow.

4. Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Camp Out: Tents, sleeping bags, and a portable stove are your budget’s best friends. There are many free or very inexpensive campgrounds.

*Pro Tip: Use sites like Campspot.com to find affordable campgrounds with useful amenities. For more information about Campspot, check our blog.

Hostels: Hostels offer affordable dormitory-style accommodations, often with communal kitchens and social areas.

Budget Hotels: Look for budget-friendly hotel chains or motels outside of city centers.

Airbnb: Consider Airbnb for longer stays. These tend to offer bedding and towels so that you don’t have to pack them and offer a kitchen so you can prepare a lot of your meals.

Share the Cost: Road tripping with friends or family? Split costs for lodging and fuel.

*Pro Tip: Look for accommodations that provide kitchen facilities. Preparing some of your own meals can save a significant amount on dining out. Cooking your breakfast and dinners will cut costs and be comparable to what you would spend at home.

5. Packing Essentials:

Pack Smart: Pack only essential items to save space and weight, which can improve fuel efficiency. But don’t skimp either, bring a first aid kit, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for when you are exploring outdoors. You don’t want to have to buy them in an expensive tourist area.

Plan for Weather: Layers help you adapt without having to buy clothing on the road.

Bring Your Own Snacks: Gas station snacks add up. A cooler stocked with drinks and sandwiches saves cash.

Entertainment Essentials: Download movies, playlists, and podcasts in advance.

6. Create a Road Trip Budget

Estimate Costs: Factor in fuel, food, lodging, attractions, and emergency funds.

Track Spending: Use a budget app or notebook to avoid overspending.

Set a Daily Limit: Helps keep your finances in check throughout the trip.

On-the-Road Savings: Staying Frugal While Cruising

1. Save on Gas

Drive Smart: Cruise control, steady speeds, and avoiding idling can boost fuel economy.

Use Gas Apps: Apps like GasBuddy help you find the cheapest fuel nearby.

Keep Tires Inflated: Proper tire pressure improves mileage.

2. Food & Drink Hacks

Cook It Yourself: Portable stoves or fire pits let you prepare meals on the go.

Picnic Stops: Pack lunch and eat at scenic rest stops or parks.

Grocery Shop: Skip fast food and stock up at local grocery stores.

Reusable Water Bottles: Refill at fountains and rest areas.

3. Budget-Friendly Activities

Go Outdoors: Hiking, swimming, and stargazing are fun and free.

Passes Pay Off: Get an America the Beautiful Pass or state park passes to save on multiple park visits. For more information about the America the Beautiful Pass check out our blog.

Find Free Events: Farmers markets, parades, and concerts often cost nothing.

Check Libraries: Free Wi-Fi, books, movies, and even local attraction passes.

4. Save on Sleep

Campgrounds: Camp when you can to slash lodging costs.

Rest Stops: Some allow overnight parking, just check the rules.

Join Rewards Clubs: Hotel chains like Choice or Wyndham offer discounts and free stays.

5. Miscellaneous Money Savers

Avoid Toll Roads: Use your GPS settings to route around them.

Leverage Wi-Fi: Libraries, cafes, and even fast-food spots offer free internet.

Negotiate Rates: Ask for better prices at independent motels or markets.

Travel Insurance: A small upfront cost that can save you big in emergencies.

Cash Back Cards: Use cards that give you rewards for fuel, dining, or travel.

Final Thoughts: Hit the Road Without Emptying Your Wallet

A budget-friendly road trip isn’t just a dream, it’s a totally doable and rewarding way to travel. With a little strategy, smart spending, and a flexible attitude, you can explore the open road without going broke. If you don’t know where to start or need help planning your next road trip go to roadtrippers.com for helpful routes and stops for your trip. Use code BTR5QTP for $5 off.

We pass on information and tips that we learn along the way to help planning your trip with more confidence and less stress. We hope to encourage you to find your adventures. Remember: the memories are free, and often the best adventures come when you spend less and explore more. So, pack your snacks, fire up your map’s app, and hit the road- budget style.

The post Budget-Friendly Road Trip Guide: How to Save Big and Travel Far appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

]]> https://scenicroutetravelers.com/budget-friendly-road-trip-guide-how-to-save-big-and-travel-far/feed/ 0 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/hit-the-road-smart-essential-road-trip-tips-for-a-safe-and-stress-free-journey/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/hit-the-road-smart-essential-road-trip-tips-for-a-safe-and-stress-free-journey/#respond Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:32:00 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=4418 There’s nothing quite like a road trip- freedom, the scenery, the detours to quirky roadside attractions, and that unbeatable sense of adventure. But to really enjoy the ride, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend escape or a cross-country odyssey, these practical tips will help you hit the […]

The post Hit the Road Smart: Essential Road Trip Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Journey appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

]]> There’s nothing quite like a road trip- freedom, the scenery, the detours to quirky roadside attractions, and that unbeatable sense of adventure. But to really enjoy the ride, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend escape or a cross-country odyssey, these practical tips will help you hit the highway with confidence, comfort, and just the right amount of flexibility.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you’ll find our favorite picks and support us at the same time. And we really appreciate your support!

 Map It Out: Plan Your Route & Schedule

The best road trips are the ones with room to explore and relax. Start by knowing how many days you have and whether your trip has a destination or is all about the journey. Limit your daily driving to 2–5 hours so you can enjoy the sights, not just the pavement. Identify rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, and lodging ahead of time so you’re not stuck in no-man’s-land when your stomach growls or your gas light comes on.

Pro Tip: Leave space in your itinerary for unexpected roadside gems. Some of the best memories happen when you go off script (within reason).

 Prep Your Vehicle Like a Pro

Before you even think about packing the snacks, give your car a once-over:

-Check tire pressure and tread

-Top off fluids (oil, coolant, wiper fluid, etc.)

-Inspect lights and wipers

-Make sure your registration and insurance are up to date

-Renting a car? Snap photos of its condition before you drive off the lot, just in case.

 Pack for Safety, Comfort & “Just in Case”

Everyone remembers to bring clothes. But a seasoned road tripper brings the essentials that really matter:

Safety & Emergency Kit:

First aid kit– even basics like bandages and alcohol wipes can come in handy.

Flashlight and batteries– Flashlights have so many uses, don’t forget yours.

Waterproof matches– Never know when you need a flame lit or a fire.

Power bank or solar charger– Basic for all travel. This power bank from Blavor is the one we use.

Blankets (Mylar or cozy throw)– In case of emergency for warmth and for comfort during your trip. During winter travel, we take them to the hotel with us for extra comfiness.

Spare tire and basic tools– This is something you should always have, but on a road trip it can save time if you get a flat. We always carry our portable tire inflator with us too. We got this one on Amazon.

Jumper cables and roadside flares– Roadside flares are so important for safety so other travelers see you. Not everyone has jumper cables, so if someone stops to help you it may save you from waiting for roadside assistance. We carry this roadside emergency kit with us.

Paper maps– Cellphones are great, but if you can’t get a signal, then a paper map can be invaluable if you’re lost.

Bottled water and non-perishable snacks– Not only will these come in handy if you break down and must wait for help, but they’re great to have on stops when you want them.

Comfort & Convenience:

Cooler and ice packs– I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for buying all sorts of things when traveling and I love buying food that I can’t get at home (specialty jams, gourmet cheese, etc.) so coolers are very handy.

Trash bags or small bin– The last thing you want to do when you get home is clean out the litter from your vehicle.

Wipes, napkins, plastic utensils– These come in handy when you want to grab something to eat on the go.

Kleenex, hand sanitizer and sunscreen– Having these handy in the car is great when you make a stop for a roadside attraction with nothing else nearby.

Comfy clothes and shoes– There’s nothing worse than shoes that hurt your feet while driving or being uncomfortable with miles to go.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that you’ll be staying at least a few nights in different places and will have to take your suitcases in and out of the car, so pack with as few suitcases as possible.

Don’t Skimp on Rest

Sleep is not optional. Get a full night’s rest before driving and plan to take a break every 2–3 hours to stretch and rehydrate. If you’re tired, pull over—it’s better to arrive late than not at all.

Booking Hotels: Be Strategic, Not Spontaneous

Unless you’re winging it with an RV or planning to sleep under the stars, make your lodging plans early:

-Book rooms in advance if you know your overnight stop. You will save time and gas by not having to get on and off exits and stopping at different hotels to find out the rates and availability.

-If you’re more flexible, start looking by early afternoon to avoid fully booked hotels and inflated last-minute rates

-Check for AAA, AARP, or warehouse club discounts.

 Traveling with Pets?

Treat them like any other passenger. Use seatbelt harnesses or carriers, never let them roam freely in the vehicle, and bring their essentials: food, water, bowls, meds, leash, ID tags, and a favorite toy. Plan stops where pets are welcome to stretch and sniff.

Read more: Road Tripping with Your Pet: Tips for a Safe & Fun Adventure

 Use the Right Tools for the Trip

Turn your phone into your co-pilot with these apps:

Roadtrippers: This app and website lets you map your route and discover unique attractions, natural wonders, monuments, and roadside stops along your way. You can explore the map for recommended points of interest and even let their Autopilot feature suggest an itinerary based on your preferences. For more information about using this app, see our blog. For a discount of $5 click here and use code BTR5QTP.

Google Maps: Input your route, then use the search function to find rest areas, restaurants, gas stations, and landmarks along your journey. Google Maps also shows real-time traffic and can help you avoid highways or tolls if needed.

Furkot: Plan your route, set daily driving limits, and let the app suggest overnight stops and attractions based on your schedule and preferences.

iExit: Especially useful on interstates, iExit shows what amenities are available at each exit, including restrooms, restaurants, gas stations, and hotels.

Other helpful apps include GasBuddy (for fuel), AllTrails (for parks and hikes), and National Parks Passport (for park info).

Research and Select Safe Rest Stops

Look for well-lit, well-maintained rest areas with visible security measures and regular traffic. If a rest stop feels unsafe, continue to the next one.

Plan to stop at travel centers, reputable gas chain stations, or busy public areas rather than isolated spots, especially at night.

For overnight stays, book hotels or campgrounds in advance, check reviews for security and cleanliness.

Diversify Your Stops

Mix traditional highway rest areas with local attractions, parks, playgrounds, or scenic viewpoints to keep the trip engaging and allow everyone to stretch and recharge.

Use resources like state tourism websites, TripAdvisor, or community forums to find hidden gems and popular landmarks along your route.

By combining these strategies and tools, you can create a safe, efficient, and memorable road trip itinerary that balances rest, safety, and sightseeing.

 Final Thoughts: Keep the Fun and Ditch the Stress

A road trip should be just as much about the journey as the destination. With a little planning and preparation, you’ll avoid the common headaches like no gas station for 60 miles, hungry passengers, or fully booked motels, and be able to focus on what matters: discovering new places and making memories that last way beyond the next tank of gas.

We give you information and tips that we learn on our adventures to help you plan your trip. We love road trips and hope this helps you plan your perfect trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, have fun and make lots of memories. So, pack smart, plan loosely, and most of all, enjoy the ride.

The post Hit the Road Smart: Essential Road Trip Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Journey appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

]]> https://scenicroutetravelers.com/hit-the-road-smart-essential-road-trip-tips-for-a-safe-and-stress-free-journey/feed/ 0 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/roadtrippers-plan-the-ultimate-road-trip-with-ease/ https://scenicroutetravelers.com/roadtrippers-plan-the-ultimate-road-trip-with-ease/#respond Fri, 04 Jul 2025 20:06:57 +0000 https://scenicroutetravelers.com/?p=4435 Planning a road trip should be fun, not frustrating—and that’s where Roadtrippers comes in. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, the Roadtrippers app and website make mapping your route, finding quirky stops, and discovering unforgettable destinations a breeze. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get started, make the […]

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]]> Planning a road trip should be fun, not frustrating—and that’s where Roadtrippers comes in. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, the Roadtrippers app and website make mapping your route, finding quirky stops, and discovering unforgettable destinations a breeze. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get started, make the most of its features, and plan a memorable journey tailored to your interests.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Getting Started with Roadtrippers

Start by entering your starting point and destination. You’ll be offered two planning options:

Autopilot ON: Let Roadtrippers’ AI-powered trip planner suggest stops, lodging, and routes. (Available to Premium members only; a free trial is available.)

Autopilot OFF: Manually build your trip using the interactive map and suggested waypoints.

Once your route appears, you can click and drag the route to different roads or add custom waypoints to adjust it. Roadtrippers will show driving hours, mileage, and fuel estimates—you can even tweak your vehicle’s fuel efficiency to customize cost predictions.

Adding Stops to Your Trip

Click “+ Add to Trip” or use the (+) icon to enter cities, addresses, or attractions. Roadtrippers will organize your route in the most efficient order, but you can manually rearrange stops however you like.

Near the top of your itinerary, you’ll see mileage, drive time, and fuel cost estimates. If you aren’t planning a round-trip, remember to factor in your return journey!

Explore Tab: Discover Along the Way

This can be used to filter the map by categories and find places to add to your trip. There are two parts to the Explore tab: searching for places and browsing categories.

Categories– One of our favorite parts of a road trip is discovering new places along the way, and this feature will help you find some new places to check out by using the categories to explore places on the map. Whether you want to look for quirky attractions, want to find a place to spend the night or a place to grab a meal, you can use categories to find all the best spots near your route or near your current location. Places on Roadtrippers are assigned categories, making it easy to discover and find new places.

If you’re using the website, you can browse categories in the Explore tab. The Explore tab is the first option in the tool dock on the left of your screen.

If you’re using the app, you can browse categories from the map view by tapping the Search & Explore bar at the top of the map.

You can browse categories with or without a trip loaded on the map. If you explore with a trip loaded, Roadtrippers will look for places within a radius of your route. If you explore without a trip loaded, Roadtrippers will look for places in the location in view on the map.

Search– If you already know some of the places you’ll be visiting, you can use the search tab to add those to your trip. Search is best used when you know the name of a place, such as Monument Valley. Categories are best for discovering types of places along your route.

Pro Tip: Zoom in to reveal more options! Roadtrippers limits the visible pins based on your zoom level to avoid clutter.

Waypoints and Filters

Use the toolbar to select popular categories like:

-Food & Drink

-Camping & RV Parks

-Outdoors & Recreation

-Attractions & Culture

You can refine these categories with filters (price, type, rating) and narrow your results to a set radius off your route (5–30 miles).

Roadtrippers Autopilot: Let AI Do the Planning

Available with Premium membership, Autopilot helps plan your trip based on: Travel dates, Daily drive limits, Vehicle type, Group size, Accommodation & food preferences and Activity Interests. Answer a few simple questions and Autopilot builds your itinerary—complete with stops, stays, and suggested eateries.

Just Browsing? No Problem!

You don’t need a trip planned to explore. Use the “Explore Destination” option on the homepage to browse any area. Pick a location, zoom around the map, and check out nearby attractions using category filters.

Getting Started is Easy

Getting started with Roadtrippers is easy, starting with a 7-day free trial. During the trial period you’ll have access to all the features of our highest membership level, Roadtrippers Premium. This trial membership can be used across all platforms and on multiple devices. If you start a trial on our website, you can install the Roadtrippers mobile app on your phone and access the same great features in both places – just make sure you’re logged into the same account across devices.

After the trial period you will have your choice of 3 memberships:

Basic ($35.99/year): Great for short trips

Pro ($49.99/year): Includes 5 saved trips and up to 50 stops per trip

Premium ($59.99/year): Full access to Autopilot, filters, and longer trips

* To sign up for Roadtrippers, use this link and the referral code BTR5QTP for a $5 discount!

Final Thoughts

Not only can Roadtrippers help you plan that trip you’ve been wanting to take but it will give you great ideas for even more places to visit! I like the fact that you can put in filters to fit what you’re looking for. For us, the important things are the quirky places to stop or scenic places, so this is very helpful. Once you get your perfect trip itinerary, remember to review and confirm details about your trip such as visiting hours, booking availability, pet restrictions, and road closures before you hit the road.

We want to pass on tips and information that we learn along the way to help planning your trip easier and less stressful. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, have fun and make lots of memories. Safe travels and happy Roadtripping!

The post Roadtrippers: Plan the Ultimate Road Trip with Ease appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

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