Some road trips are about the miles – but the best ones are about the moments. These diverse, scenic routes in make it easy to slow down, take it all in and maybe even discover something new along the way. You’ll find hot springs to soak in, waterfalls to chase, lighthouses to admire and small towns that are big on charm. All you have to do is pick a trail and hit the road.

Coastal Gems & Sports in Massachusetts

If you’re looking for waterfront views and local flavor, start with the Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail, where postcard-perfect beacons from Greater Boston to Newburyport guide you along the breathtaking coastline. Sports fans can hit the Massachusetts Sports Trail, which interprets the state’s long and storied athletic history through stops at iconic stadiums, halls of fame, dining establishments and recreational opportunities. For photo-ready sights, the Massachusetts Scenic Trail offers routes dotted with beaches, rolling hills and eye-catching attractions. No Massachusetts getaway is complete without a sweet treat (or 12). Follow the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail to discover more than 100 parlors, dairy farms and stands scooping locally loved flavors from Moose Tracks to Black Raspberry.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites & History in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has helped shape the national identity of the USA since the 1600s. To explore the state’s rich and varied history, plan a road trip that blends iconic landmarks with fascinating museums and fun-filled attractions. Start at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were adopted. Head north to Bethlehem, home to an exceptionally preserved 18th-century commune that is part of the historic Moravian Church Settlements.

In Hershey, dive into sweet history with interactive museum experiences and a beloved amusement park celebrating chocolate entrepreneur Milton Hershey’s legacy. Out west, the battlefields and museums of Gettysburg offer a moving look at pivotal moments of the Civil War, which abolished slavery in the USA. Finish your journey in the Laurel Highlands at Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece suspended above a waterfall.

Chasing Waterfalls in West Virginia

Build a trip around West Virginia’s Waterfall Trail, a collection of 43 cascades that showcase the state’s rugged beauty and wild spirit. Check eight waterfalls off your list at New River Gorge National Park, where dramatic cliffs and forested overlooks frame one of the oldest rivers on the continent. In Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, tucked at the meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, trails lead to glimpses of cascades big and small. Craving an adrenaline rush? Connect with a local outfitter in the area for a whitewater rafting adventure through churning rapids or opt for gentler float trips along calmer stretches. After a day outdoors, unwind in one of West Virginia’s many cozy cabins. Tucked into rolling hills or perched near peaceful streams, they’re perfect for planning your next waterfall stop.

Relaxation & Recreation Along the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop

Thermal hot springs flow abundantly throughout Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. To take in the best of these soothing attractions, hop on the 800-mile Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, dotted with 23 hot springs destinations. In Steamboat Springs, soak in the rustic charm of Strawberry Park Hot Springs or enjoy the waterslides at Old Town Hot Springs. Then head south to Glenwood Springs, home to the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. Drive to Ouray, nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” for the family-friendly Ouray Hot Springs Pool, or book a quieter, more intimate experience at Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodging. Southern Colorado is home to Durango’s Hot Springs Resort & Spa’s  natural mineral waters, pampering treatments and sweeping mountain views. Near Durango, Pagosa Springs offers 25 terraced pools at the Springs Resort, where soaking is available to overnight guests at all hours.

Seaside Beauty & Farm-Fresh Cuisine in Maine

Maine is made for road-trippers – and the Acadia All-American Road is a great place to start. This 64-kilometer route begins at the Ellsworth-Trenton town line, follows Route 3 onto Mount Desert Island, winds through Bar Harbor and loops into Acadia National Park. Along the way, stop to enjoy quintessential Maine views: Seaside villages, craggy shorelines, glistening lakes and old-growth forests. For more scenic beauty, head to Peaks-Kenny State Park to boat, fish or swim at peaceful Sebec Lake. Maine also delivers big on flavor. Feast on lobster rolls and seafood-loaded steamed buns at waterfront shacks, or follow the Maine Oyster Trail, which highlights nearly 100 farms and raw bars. Sip your way through the state’s craft beverage scene, from grain-to-glass whiskey to award-winning beers. For a hands-on experience, visit local farms and orchards offering blueberry picking, alpaca meet-and-greets and wine or beer tastings.

Oregon’s Covered Bridges Electric Byway

The past and the future converge along Oregon’s Covered Bridges Electric Byway, a route through Lane County featuring electric vehicle charging stations and 20 of the state’s surviving covered bridges (the largest concentration in the Western USA). Start in Eugene, where Lake Creek Covered Bridge makes a lovely stop on route to boating, fishing or swimming in Triangle Lake. In Cottage Grove, five picturesque truss bridges are on  your list, as well as a hearty lunch at Buster’s Main Street Cafe or wine tasting at King Estate Winery. Around Springfield and Marcola, explore four more architectural gems, including the Earnest Bridge, famously featured in the 1965 film “Shenandoah.”