The Best Spring Weekend Road Trips
Snowy landscapes give way to blooming flowers on these five short but sweet springtime road trip adventures
Ready for a change of scenery? Spring is the “season of new beginnings,” and one of the easiest ways to shake up your routine is to pack up your car and hit the road in search of new sights. Whether you’re heading toward the thawing mountains, the mild high deserts, or the meadows overflowing with wildflowers, these short but memorable road trip itineraries from each of the five major U.S. regions provide the perfect excuse to get out and have a grand adventure.
A Slice of Big Sky Country Road Trip – 343 miles
Late-spring in Big Sky Country is awash with wildflowers—particularly in the valleys and mountain meadows surrounding cities like Helena. The best time to see blooms like yellow arrowleaf balsamroot is around mid-to-late May.
DAY 1 – 175 miles. The beautiful wide-open spaces of central and southwest Montana make for a perfect late-spring drive. Start your Big Sky adventures in Great Falls at sunrise. Fuel up for the day’s journey with an early breakfast (or take it to-go) at the Double Barrel Coffee House Café. Their giant, homemade, sticky-sweet cinnamon rolls are heavenly. Or, order up the humongous, eight-egg “Garbage” omelet—loaded with meats, veggies, and cheese—to share. After breakfast, hop on US-87 S. Take the Highway 89 turnoff once you reach Armington Junction and continue south on the Kings Hill Scenic Byway. Stop for a short morning hike through gorgeous scenery and past two waterfalls at the Memorial Falls Trailhead. Then, head 40 minutes away to White Sulfur Springs and stop by the Castle Museum and Carriage House for a photo-op or short tour.
From here, it’s just 45 minutes via US-12 west into Townsend, where you’ll stop for quick lunch to-go at Full Belli Deli. For an easy after-lunch hike along the Missouri River, check out the nearby Crimson Bluffs Trailhead. Or, hit the road again on US-287 N. for the last leg of this day’s drive up to the capital city of Helena. Swing by the beautiful State Capitol Building, followed by the Original Governor’s Mansion for a couple of neat vacation photos. Next, take a journey back in time with a walking tour through Reeder’s Alley—designated on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the oldest intact buildings from early Helena. Finish up your day by checking into your Helena hotel, and then chowing down on a heaping plate of hot, smothered ribs at Bad Betty’s BBQ. Or, enjoy a tasty meal and a brew in either the upstairs or downstairs dining rooms (each has a unique menu) at Brewhouse Pub & Grill.
One of the largest freshwater springs in the country (with a constant temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit), the water of Giant Springs is said to take nearly 3,000 years to travel up to the surface from its underground source.
DAY 2 – 168 miles. Your second day in Big Sky Country starts with a yummy breakfast at Steve’s Café in northern Helena. If you’d rather take something for the road, stop by Florence Coffee Co. for your favorite coffee drink or try a “Huck” (short for huckleberry) smoothie. This popular morning meal in a cup is made from locally sourced berries and offers a tasty way to kick off the day. Next, take I-15/Highway 287 north to exit 200 and head west on Lincoln Road past Silver City and Wilborn. Pull off at the Flesher Pass Trailhead for a moderate hike along the Continental Divide Trail—be sure to check the weather and trail conditions before attempting! Continue on Flesher Pass Road and take MT-200 N. back to Highway 287. Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery as it gives way to the valleys and streams below, likely carpeted with blooming wildflowers.
Your next stop is about 80 miles away in the town of Choteau. Head to the Log Cabin Café for lunch in a family-friendly setting. Once you’re back on the road, take US-89 to Vaughn and connect with I-15 toward Great Falls. Along the way, stop for a photo-op at J.C. Adam’s Stone Barn. Once in Great Falls, follow the Missouri River on the north side of town toward Giant Springs State Park. Stroll along the beautiful natural springs, tour The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and hike up the River’s Edge Trail to the Black Eagle Viewpoint. Finally, check into a Great Falls hotel and round out your Big Sky adventures with dinner at Tracy’s Family Restaurant. Or, enjoy a slice or two with a view at the famous MacKenzie River Pizza Co.
Pro Tip: If you happen to be driving through the town of Choteau on or after Memorial Day, you should pay a visit to the Old Trail Museum. The whole family will love exploring all the fossils, dinosaur sculptures, local history exhibits and Native American artifacts. The best part? There’s an ice cream parlor right onsite!
Desert Wonders & Wildflowers Road Trip – 496 miles
Formed nearly 50,000 years ago when a meteorite about 150 feet in length slammed into the ground, Meteor Crater is now considered to be one of the best-preserved craters of its kind on earth.
DAY 1 – 214 miles. Witness the deserts awaken with springtime colors and see some of the state’s wildest wonders with a road trip through central Arizona. Start in Phoenix and say, “good morning” to the Valley of the Sun with breakfast at local favorites like Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles or Matt’s Big Breakfast—both with several locations around town. Then, hop on the 1-17 north for about 90 minutes and take exit 298 toward Sedona. This arty town is surrounded by red rock buttes rising from the high desert punctuated by springtime wildflowers. It’s a dream vacation destination unto itself! For the best experience on your quick adventure, take a morning hike (with camera at the ready) along the Mystic, Little Horse or Cathedral Rock trails. On your way out of town, stop by Slide Rock State Park for another photo-op. Continue on State Route 89A until you reach the I-17 again.
Take the I-40 through Flagstaff and grab lunch on the east side of town at either the Eat n’ Run Route 66 Café or The Toasted Owl East Side. Then, hop back on I-40 (the old Route 66) for about 33 miles and take exit 233 onto Meteor Crater Road. Your next stop is truly out of this world! Tour the Visitor Center and its museum at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark before taking the short walk up to the north rim of the majestic crater for an epic view. It’s nearly a mile across and over 500 feet deep! Afterward, hop back on the road for the last leg of the day into nearby Winslow. Take a walk downtown and explore the Old Trails Museum, visit the World’s Smallest Church (technically just the smallest on Route 66), tour the 66 Motor Palace, and find yourself Standin’ on the Corner just steps away from Winslow hotels. Finally, it’s time to end this full day with a full stomach at RelicRoad Brewing Company.
The massive sandstone buttes of Papago Park are one of the city’s most iconic and unmistakable landmarks. Plan your hike before dusk to enjoy the famous, colorful Phoenix sunsets from the perfect vantage point.
DAY 2 – 282 miles. Take it slow on your second day in high deserts with a several-hour visit to Petrified Forest National Park, about an hour northeast of Winslow on the Old Route 66. Drive the loop from the north entrance. Along the way, plan to stop at the Visitor Center, the Rainbow Forest Museum, and several scenic outlooks and trails like the Painted Desert Inn, Puerco Pueblo, the Crystal Forest and so much more. Once you’ve reached the south end, take US-180 west through Holbrook (stop by and say “hi” to the Dinos of Holbrook, if you have the time) and then continue south for about 45 minutes to Heber-Overgaard. Fuel up with lunch at the family-friendly Three Bears Café, then continue through Payson—the “heart” of Arizona—on your way back into Phoenix via AZ-87. End your journey with a visit to the incomparable Desert Botanical Garden, followed by a sunset hike through Papago Park. Finally, join the locals for a burger and a craft beer at the bike-themed O.H.S.O. or a house-brew with a wood-fired pizza from Fate Brewing Company. You'll find plenty of Phoenix hotels nearby.
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Adventures in the Black Hills & Badlands Road Trip – 311 miles
Wind Cave National Park in the spring is alive with color and local wildlife. The cave itself is one of the longest and most complex systems in the world and was the first to be designated a national park.
DAY 1 – 93 miles. You can take your time on the next springtime road trip, where you’ll explore majestic monuments, grand vistas, and otherworldly landscapes in western South Dakota. Begin this Midwest adventure in Rapid City, which is also known as the City of Presidents. Enjoy your morning coffee with a tasty pastry from Harriet & Oak. Then, hop on the Skyline Drive, plan a stop for the kids (and kids at heart) at Dinosaur Park, then continue south onto US-16/US-16A. Once in Keystone, visit either the Borglum Story Museum to learn about the famed sculptor of Mount Rushmore or the National Presidential Wax Museum before continuing on to Mount Rushmore National Memorial itself for some awesome vacation photos. After a quick visit with the presidents, take SD-244 west and connect with US-385 south to the Crazy Horse Memorial for more mountain sculpture majesty. Then, stop for lunch in Custer at Black Hills Burger and Bun.
From here, you’ll trek along the winding SD-87 highway south through the forest and mountain passes until you reach the Heddy Draw Overlook at Mount Coolidge. Stretch your legs on a short hike to the grand vista overlook, then hop back on the road for about 35 minutes until you reach Wind Cave National Park. Take in the sights—from the rolling prairie grasslands to the wild bison and elk that live here—and then check out the world’s largest collection of rare boxwork formations inside the cave. Afterward, you’re just a short, 15-minute drive from your hotel in Hot Springs, which will be your final stop for the day. If you have the time (and arrive early enough), be sure to visit either the World Fossil Finder Museum or the Pioneer Museum. Then, grab an end-of-the-day meal at the popular Woolly’s Grill & Cellar.
With its colorful geological formations, rich fossil beds, and vast prairielands home to bison, bighorn sheep and more—the striking natural beauty of Badlands National Park in the spring cannot be denied.
DAY 2 – 218 miles. On your second day, you’ll start with breakfast at Mornin' Sunshine Coffee House and then head on over to the Hot Springs Mammoth Site around opening time. Take an indoor, self-guided tour of this incredible active dig site to see Ice Age fossils and explore interactive exhibits. Next, get back on the road and swing north onto SD-79 through Maverick Junction. After about eight miles, you’ll take the road east through Buffalo Gap to Big Foot Trail north of Rockyford into the southern reaches of Badlands National Park. Take the back roads through the aptly named town of Scenic and drive the SD-240 – Sage Cree/Rim Road (Badlands Loop) to experience the most breathtaking landscapes in the state. On your way out, visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Make a pit-stop in the tiny town of Wall (snap a photo of the 80-foot dino advertisement at Wall Drug) and grab a late lunch at Red Rock. From here, it’s just under an hour back into Rapid City. End your day with a visit to The Journey Museum and Learning Center or take the City of Presidents Walk. After checking into a Rapid City hotel, it’s time to grab some grub at either Millstone Family Restaurant or Firehouse Brewing Co.
Historic Finger Lakes Towns and Trails Road Trip – 208 miles
The namesake waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park carves a 400-foot gorge through what was once an ancient seabed before tumbling over 200 feet below, making it an even taller plunge than the world-renowned Niagara Falls.
DAY 1 – 100 miles. Slow and steady is the theme of this lovely weekend road trip through the small towns of this historic Upstate New York region, where there are endless wonders to explore. Start in Rochester and kick off your day the right way with a great cup of coffee and breakfast at Busy Bean Café, a local favorite. Next, take I-490 south to Victor and avoid the tolls by taking NY-444 through Holcomb, and then turn east to Canandaigua. Stop by Kershaw Park Lakeside to stroll the shores of Canandaigua Lake. Then, visit either the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum or Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. Highway 20 will take you into Geneva, your next Finger Lakes stop. Here you can visit the Finger Lakes Welcome Center and stroll the paths along the shores of Seneca Lake.
Next, continue east into Waterloo and enjoy lunch with locally sourced ingredients at the charming Green Apple. Pass through the town of Seneca Falls next door and connect to NY-89 south along the verge of Lake Cayuga. There are several wineries and cider houses along the next 30 mile stretch of road—and any one of them is worth visiting. Your next stop, however, is Taughannock Falls State Park—home of a towering, 251-foot waterfall, miles of hiking trails, a Visitors Center at the overlook, and plenty of family-friendly outdoor recreation. From here, it’s just a 15-minute drive into Ithaca, where more outdoor wonders await in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, Ithaca Children’s Garden, Mulholland Wildflower Preserve, Buttermilk Falls State Park and so much more! You’ll also have several top dining options near your hotel in Ithaca for your end-of-day meal, like The Rook, Ithaca Ale House, and the family-friendly Boatyard Grill.
Pro Tip: On your way to Taughannock Falls, take a short detour off NY-89 onto County Road 139 east toward Sheldrake Point. Take in the gorgeous scenery of Cayuga Lake, and then—if you happen to be traveling without kids—stop by Sheldrake Point Winery for a quick tasting of some of the region’s best vine-fresh offerings. Just be sure to call ahead!
Located near downtown, High Falls (the first in a series of five waterfalls on the Genesee River) is one of the most photographed spots in all of Rochester.
DAY 2 – 108 miles. Start out with a heaping plate of freshly made waffles at the popular (and often busy) Waffle Frolic. Then, kick off your second day in the Finger Lakes region with a short drive north to the town of Moravia to visit the replica Millard Filmore Birthplace Cabin. Next, continue north on NY-38 along Owasco Lake to Island Park in Auburn. Enjoy a lakeside stroll, or rent a paddle boat, canoe or kayak from Owasco Paddles. Stop by Harriet Tubman National Historical Park on your way out of town. Swing west on Highway 20 for about 12 miles until you reach the spectacular Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Check out the Visitor Center and Lodge Nature Store, then hike the Seneca Trail to the Observation Tower.
Afterward, you’ll find yourself back in Seneca Falls enjoying lunch at Café 19, followed by a tour of the It’s A Wonderful Life Museum. Fun fact: Seneca Falls is said to be the place where the fictional “Bedford Falls” from the movie is based. Next, continue on NY-96 for a scenic drive through Phelps, Manchester and back into Victor, where you’ll connect with I-490 north into Rochester—the final stop of your weekend in the Finger Lakes region. While in town, check out Rochester’s creative side, or plan a visit to either the Strong Museum of Play, the George Eastman Museum or the Rochester Museum & Science Center. If you still seek fun in the Great Outdoors, take a short drive up to Ontario Beach Park to stroll the shores of the Great Lake. After checking into your Rochester hotel, round out your incredible adventure with an awesome meal at either The Owl House or Roc Brewing Co. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, check out The Red Fern.
Tennessee & North Carolina Mountain Magic Road Trip – 269 miles
The circa-1900 log cabins and farm buildings at the Mountain Farm Museum were moved to their current spots just north of Cherokee in the 1950s from locations all throughout the Great Smoky Mountains.
DAY 1 – 132 miles. On our final spring weekend road trip, you’ll find yourself crisscrossing through two states to experience the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountain region. Your first day begins in the historic Tennessee town of Knoxville, where you’ll make a stop for some early breakfast nosh at Pete’s Coffee Shop. Take the scenic route from US-441 S. to Martin Mill Pike Road through the tiny towns of Wildwood and Melrose. Hop onto US-321 toward Townsend and Wears Valley. Take Line Springs to Fighting Creek Gap until you reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Get out and stretch your legs on a short hike up to Cataract Falls, then it’s back on the road for a gorgeous mountain trek down US-441 through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the town of Cherokee, NC.
While in town, pay a visit to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and tour the historic buildings at the Mountain Farm Museum. Take a break with lunch in the springtime air at the unassuming BJ’s Diner. Then, check out either the Oconaluftee Indian Village or the Museum of the Cherokee Indian before hopping back on the road. From here, Highway 19 connects to I-40 into the arty mountain town of Asheville, your final stop of the day. Spend some time in the historic downtown area—with all its galleries, boutiques, and curious shops—followed by a casual hike through the beautiful outdoor spaces at Helen’s Bridge. Then, it’s time to settle down for scratch-made Southern eats at Tupelo Honey, creative cuisine at Chestnut, or craft brews and bites at Pack’s Tavern. Your Asheville hotel is just a short walk away.
Pro Tip: As you pass through Townsend, consider taking a side trip to explore the Tuckaleechee Caverns, nicknamed the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies” and considered the top-rated cave or cavern in the Eastern U.S. It’s also home to the most sensitive seismic station on earth. Tours range from an hour and 15 minutes to two hours.
At 26 stories tall, with its 24-carat gold glass-pane top, the iconic Sunsphere was the centerpiece of the 1982 World’s Fair and now stands as the only structure of its kind in the world.
DAY 2 – 137 miles. Leave Asheville behind and head north to the small town of Mars Hill for a quick breakfast at The Library Coffee House in charming downtown. Take NC-213 west to US-25 and discover a couple of morning hike options. Choose either the 45-minute Lovers Leap overlook hike in Hot Springs (part of the Appalachian Trail), or the Wolf Creek Falls trail. Afterward, take NC-160 just north of Newport until you reach Briarwood Ranch Safari Park. One admission price gets you as many drives through the loop to see the animals as you want. Afterward, grab a sandwich for lunch from Sheree’s Sweets & Treats Parlor and don’t forget the ice cream! Then, it’s just a 30-minute drive into Knoxville, your final stop. You can continue your outdoor adventures with hiking and ziplining at the Ijams Nature Center, or take a stroll through historic Market Square downtown followed by dinner at either Stock & Barrel or Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar. And be sure to snap a sunset photo of the iconic Sunsphere at World’s Fair Park on the way to your Knoxville hotel!
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