Embarking on a road trip from Washington DC to Seattle is a quintessential American adventure that promises breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences. Spanning over 2,796 miles, this journey will take you through the heart of the United States, offering a diverse array of cultures, cuisines, and natural wonders. With a well-planned itinerary, you can explore the best of what this country has to offer in just 7 days. In this article, we will delve into the ultimate road trip guide, providing you with expert insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your journey from Washington DC to Seattle an epic one.
Key Points
- Day 1-2: Explore the historic city of Washington DC and drive to Columbus, Ohio (approx. 340 miles, 5 hours 30 minutes)
- Day 3: Visit the iconic city of Chicago, Illinois, and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan (approx. 340 miles, 5 hours 30 minutes from Columbus)
- Day 4: Drive through the picturesque landscapes of South Dakota, visiting Mount Rushmore and the Badlands (approx. 900 miles, 12 hours from Chicago)
- Day 5: Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (approx. 560 miles, 8 hours from Mount Rushmore)
- Day 6: Explore the stunning scenery of Glacier National Park, Montana (approx. 410 miles, 6 hours from Yellowstone)
- Day 7: Drive to Seattle, Washington, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere (approx. 560 miles, 8 hours from Glacier National Park)
Day 1-2: Washington DC to Columbus, Ohio
Begin your journey in Washington DC, the nation’s capital, where you can visit iconic landmarks like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian Museums. After exploring the city, hit the road and head to Columbus, Ohio, a vibrant city known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and delicious food. Be sure to visit the Columbus Museum of Art, the Franklin Park Conservatory, and the Short North neighborhood, which offers a unique blend of art, culture, and entertainment. With a population of over 892,800 people, Columbus is a city that seamlessly blends Midwestern charm with urban sophistication.
Columbus, Ohio: A Hidden Gem
Columbus is a city that is often overlooked by travelers, but it has a lot to offer. From its rich history to its thriving cultural scene, Columbus is a city that will surprise and delight you. Be sure to try some of the city’s famous cuisine, including its BBQ, Polish boy sandwiches, and buckeye candy. With over 35 craft breweries in the city, Columbus is also a great destination for beer enthusiasts. Some popular breweries include Columbus Brewing Company, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, and Land-Grant Brewing Company.
| City | Population | Distance from Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, Ohio | 892,800 | approx. 340 miles, 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Chicago, Illinois | 2,670,504 | approx. 340 miles, 5 hours 30 minutes from Columbus |
| Mount Rushmore, South Dakota | N/A | approx. 900 miles, 12 hours from Chicago |
| Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming | N/A | approx. 560 miles, 8 hours from Mount Rushmore |
| Glacier National Park, Montana | N/A | approx. 410 miles, 6 hours from Yellowstone |
| Seattle, Washington | 730,400 | approx. 560 miles, 8 hours from Glacier National Park |
Day 3: Chicago, Illinois
From Columbus, head to Chicago, a world-class city that is famous for its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and delicious cuisine. Be sure to visit iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, which features famous sculptures like the “Cloud Gate” (also known as “The Bean”). Take a stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, and enjoy the city’s renowned deep-dish pizza. With a population of over 2.7 million people, Chicago is a city that has something for everyone.
Chicago’s Food Scene
Chicago is a city that is passionate about its food, and you can find a wide range of cuisines to suit every taste and budget. From classic deep-dish pizza to trendy restaurants in the West Loop, Chicago’s food scene is not to be missed. Be sure to try some of the city’s famous hot dogs, which are typically served on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, and pickle spears. Some popular restaurants include Alinea, Girl & the Goat, and Pizzeria Uno.
Day 4: Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, South Dakota
From Chicago, head to South Dakota, where you can visit the iconic Mount Rushmore, a monumental sculpture featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Take a scenic drive through the stunning Badlands, a unique landscape of rugged hills, canyons, and rock formations. Be sure to visit the Badlands National Park, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. With over 244,000 acres of protected land, the Badlands are a nature lover’s paradise.
The Badlands: A Geological Wonder
The Badlands are a unique geological formation that was created over millions of years through erosion and weathering. The area is characterized by its rugged hills, deep canyons, and distinctive rock formations, which are made up of layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. The Badlands are also home to a wide range of fossils, including those of ancient animals like dinosaurs and mammoths. Be sure to visit the Badlands Fossil Museum, which features a wide range of fossils and artifacts from the region.
Day 5: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
From the Badlands, head to Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, which is famous for its geothermal wonders, including Old Faithful, hot springs, and geysers. Take a scenic drive through the park’s stunning landscapes, which feature an array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk. Be sure to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest hot spring in the United States, and the Upper Yellowstone Falls, which is a breathtaking waterfall that drops over 100 feet into the Yellowstone River.
Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles. The park’s unique geology is the result of a volcanic hotspot, which has been active for millions of years. The park’s most famous feature is Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts regularly, shooting steam and water up to 185 feet into the air. Be sure to visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, which features interactive exhibits and a live webcam of the geyser.
Day 6: Glacier National Park, Montana
From Yellowstone, head to Glacier National Park, a stunning park that features glaciers, alpine lakes, and towering mountain peaks. Take a scenic drive through the park’s breathtaking landscapes, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Be sure to visit the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a 50-mile scenic drive that takes you through the heart of the park. The road is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Glacier National Park’s Scenic Drives
Glacier National Park is home to some of the most scenic drives in the world, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Beartooth Highway. The park’s scenic drives offer