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If “take a road trip across the country” is on your bucket list, you’re not alone. From winery tours in northern California to the mountainous Acadia National Park in Maine, the US has plenty of unforgettable sights and experiences to offer. But dreaming is one thing — and sitting down to actually plan a cross-country excursion is something entirely different. Fortunately, it’s never been easier with the combination of Tripadvisor and RVshare.
How Tripadvisor works
Tripadvisor aims to make everyone a better traveler by helping you book hotels, plan unforgettable experiences and find the best restaurants in cities all over the world, all in one place. Since the site displays ratings and reviews from real travelers, you instantly know which spots are worth your time — and you can get 10% off Tripadvisor experiences this summer with code CNNSUMMER.
Planning a summer RV trip with RVshare
Once your trip is planned, you’ll need a way to get there. RVshare is the largest online community for RV renters and owners with a diverse selection of vehicles for rent across the US, so if you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the country at your own pace and getting up close and personal with nature, this is the way to do it. The site has more than 100,000 campers, RVs, vans and trailers (some of which are pet-friendly), and since rental prices start as low as $50 per day, it’s an affordable way to both get where you’re going and reconnect with your loved ones along the way. If driving or towing an RV isn’t your thing, many of the RVs are able to be delivered right to your destination.
To make your planning even easier, check out these road trip destinations, RV recommendations and nearby experiences from Tripadvisor and RVshare.
National Park destinations
These gorgeous protected areas are sure to ‘wow!’ the entire family, plus they’re packed full of exciting outdoor activities.
Recommended RV rental type: A travel trailer attaches to a truck or large SUV so you can tow your home base behind you when you need it and leave it behind when you don’t. It usually spans 21 to 28 feet long and comes in a range of floor plans with all different amenities.
This coastal national park in Maine has it all for the nature lover, including lakes, forests, ocean shores and the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast. The park itself offers stunning hikes, cycling trails, boating, fishing and horseback riding, while the nearby towns have picturesque views and delicious food.
Popular experiences near Acadia National Park
Experiences nearby
The Lulu lobster boat tour is the number-one-rated activity in Bar Harbor. Spend two hours on a Downeast-style boat catching lobsters and experiencing Maine’s sea life.
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Take half a day to privately explore the highlights of Acadia National Park, including panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain. Snacks, refreshments and transportation in a vehicle (with AC) are included.
Recommended RV rental type: Class B or C motorhomes are a rent-and-go option that offers the simplicity of a vehicle and home base in one. They’re smaller, more affordable and easier to maneuver than a Class A.
Home to mountains, rainforests, archeological sites and 60 miles of coastline, Olympic National Park is a must-see in Washington. Regularly scheduled events include biking, kayaking, swimming and hiking, and the nearby cities of Seattle and Tacoma offer shopping, restaurants and sightseeing.
Popular experiences near Olympic National Park
This stunning coastline in Olympic National Park has sandy beaches, rugged peaks, caves and rainforest trees. Get there early in the morning for quiet trails and your pick of parking.
Hurricane Ridge sits at an elevation of over 4,000 feet, but despite its scenic views, it’s still pretty accessible. Get a free map from the visitor’s center before starting your 18-mile drive up.
Beach destinations
Sand and salty air are calling and you must go! Make your next beach vacation your favorite one, even if it’s lake-based!
Recommend RV rental type: A small drivable allows you to bring your most important essentials and amenities with you on the go. It’s also easy to maneuver and park for an instant campsite.
At Lake Lure Beach, you’ll find shimmering waters and soft sands to lay your towel on — as well as a separate water park for kids. You can also rent a boat or book a water tour at the nearby marina.
Popular experiences near Lake Lure
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For the thrillseeker, this whitewater rafting trip guides you through 4 miles of French Broad River’s Class II and III rapids. You’ll stop for swims and views of the Pisgah National Forest, and the tour ends with a local craft beer in Asheville.
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An expert naturalist guides you along the Blue Ridge Parkway on foot, where you’ll experience beautiful waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, the Pisgah National Forest and the meadows of Asheville.
Recommended RV rental type: Towed behind a full-size pickup, a Fifth Wheel is one of the roomiest options, granted it can have as many as five slideouts that expand your living space when you’re parked. Some even have primary bedrooms and full-size kitchens with islands.
Despite its midwestern location, Michigan has more than 3,000 miles of shoreline and multiple lake islands to explore. The beaches span from sandy to historic, and some offer fishing, lighthouses and even horse-drawn carriage rides.
Popular experiences near Sleeper Bear Dunes
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Explore Old Mission Peninsula and visit four wineries along the way. This tour takes care of the transportation so you can focus on wine tasting and taking in the views (though your ticket doesn’t cover the cost of wine).
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This private eight-hour tour is led by a guide who knows Frankfort, Michigan, and will help you customize your day to make the most out of your experience. Kayak, hike, swim and see shipwrecks — plus, enjoy an included breakfast and lunch.
Winery destinations
Whether you’re in the East or the West, as long as you have a crisp glass of rosé from one of these vineyards, you’ll be in vacation bliss.
Recommended RV rental type: A Class A motorhome lets you travel in luxury with high-end amenities and, in some cases, more than 40 feet of living space, including secondary sleeping areas. A travel trailer is a little more compact, but granted it tows behind a truck or large SUV, it still has plenty of amenities and space for relaxation.
California produces 90% of all American wine, which is why a north coast winery tour is a must for the vino lover. While you sip, you can see picturesque Napa Valley views and experience California’s largest freshwater lake, Lake County.
Popular experiences near The North Coast
Located in St. Helena, this winery features shady outdoor spaces with fountains, rustic tasting rooms beside wine barrels and, of course, delicious California wine. Reviewers have called it “gorgeous” and “impressive.”
A Travelers’ Choice winner for 2023, this vineyard is voted the number-one thing to do in Napa. Discover diverse, highly acclaimed wines while sitting in intimate, cave-style tasting rooms — or get stunning views of the valley when you sit outside.
Recommended RV rental type: Explore northern New York in a Class A motorhome, which can feel like an entire house on wheels, thanks to its roomy sleeping spaces, residential-size appliances, full bathrooms and entertainment systems.
The Fingerlakes Region of New York is known for its Germanic grapes that produce sweet dessert wines and unique whites like Riesling and Gewurztraminer. The lakes also offer gorgeous views and plenty of other activities.
Popular experiences near The Fingerlakes Region
This vineyard has an old-world ambiance that, according to reviewers, is great any time of year: “In spring, you can find gardens full of blooms and bumblebees. In the fall, you can enjoy the crisp air, a warm fire pit, and if you time your visit right, you will see the gorgeous changing leaves,” one writes. Others visit during winter for a cozy cabin feel.
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In between your wine tastings, make your way to the world’s most complete collection of glass, which contains more than 50,000 pieces. See historical glass from Ancient Rome and Colonial America, and even witness a glassblowing demo.
Glamping destinations
For those who love nature but also appreciate a warm shower and a cozy bed, glamping is the way to go. You can set up your motorhome next to the most picturesque rivers, lakes and mountains, but the comforts of home are never too far.
Recommend RV rental type: For glamping, a Class A motorhome or a travel trailer both offer plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable. You just need to decide if you want a home base and a vehicle in one, or if you want to tow a trailer so you can detach your truck.
This RV resort is 20 minutes outside of Savannah, Georgia. See towering oaks dripping with Spanish moss and catch a bass in the Ogeechee River for dinner — but you’ll still have free Wi-Fi and an on-site store where you can purchase any essentials.
Popular experiences near Savannah Oaks
This tour takes you through the city squares of Savannah, showing you historic buildings and famous cemeteries. It spans 90 minutes and is packed with information and memorable sights, according to reviewers.
Voted the number-one thing to do in Savannah, the historic district brings the traditional southern atmosphere to life with brightly colored houses, intricate architecture, charming fountains and centuries-old Southern live oak trees.
Recommend RV rental type: Any RV size would be great for this trip! Camp Margaritaville has pads that accommodate all sizes of RVs and trailers, with pull-through spots for easy entrance and exit.
Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale has countless fun activities for the whole family, including a giant tiki bar, grills, hammocks, a dog park, an arcade, nearby theme parks and a new pool complex with a 147-foot water slide.
Popular experiences near Camp Margaritaville
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This three-hour tour is designed for foodies who want to experience the diverse flavors of Winter Haven without hours of restaurant research. Potential tastings include Thai spring rolls, kombucha, olive oil and desserts.
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Less than an hour away from Camp Margaritaville, this ropes course offers a series of treetop adventures, including ziplines, trapeze swings and challenging obstacle courses. “Orlando's Tree Trek is a hidden gem,” one reviewer writes. “While participating in ziplines and obstacle courses with my group, I had a fantastic experience.”