6 of the top road trips in the US and where to stay along the way

• While international trips might not be feasible, there are plenty of great destinations close to home, where the drive is as much of a treat as the destination. 
• We've picked top road trips known for scenic views and activities like hiking and cycling where it's fairly easy to practice social distancing. To make an overnight trip of it, we've added top hotel picks, too.
• Read more: 10 getaways across the US that are within a 1- to 4-hour drive from major cities 

It might not feel safe to travel overseas just yet, but planning a road trip is becoming an increasingly attractive option.

Indeed, recent data from Booking.com showed an increase in users wish-listing domestic locations, and Airbnb also revealed that bookings in popular US locations were up year-over-year. Even travel agents and tour operators are seeing domestic travel options like national parks as a popular choice for clients. And now, with a recent EU ban on American travelers entering the country, many international destinations are off the table completely.

So, as states begin to reopen and Americans consider summer travel, the best options will likely be those that are close to home and accessible by car.

And while we recently compiled a list of the best getaways across the US located near major cities, sometimes, you just want to hit the road and make the trip as much about the journey as the ultimate destination. For that reason, we've picked top road trips around the country renowned for scenic routes that are also great for social distancing. Think access to nature, hiking, and plenty of fresh air.

Of course, there's no guarantee of safety without a vaccine, and we always recommend following guidelines from the CDC and WHO. For those wondering if travel is safe right now, the good news is that experts say with proper precautions, rental cars are largely safe as they offer a way to travel while practicing social distancing since you likely know all the individuals within the car. As for how to prepare for the actual trip, we also spoke to medical and hospitality experts who all weighed in with advice and tips on how to safely plan and pack for a road trip right now. 

From a trip through the quaint towns of the Hudson Valley to a quirky Bavarian-inspired village in Washington, these driveable destinations are all ideal for a day trip, weekend jaunt, or a full vacation. And fear not urban dwellers; if you don't have a car, we rounded up the best car rental companies.

For those looking to make their road trips into long weekends, we also included top hotel picks for each.

These are the best road trips to take in the US.

NYC to Upstate New York

Just a few hours' drive from the dense city blocks of Manhattan you'll find the serene natural beauty of upstate New York's Hudson Valley.

Ideal for both day tripping or a weekend trip, there are plenty of small-but-happening towns like Hudson, Beacon, and New Paltz that make for charming bases to start and end a couple of days of hiking, boutique browsing, and antique hunting.

An hour and a half from the city and within an hour's drive of most Hudson Valley destinations, is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, the mile-long Walkway Over the Hudson. Take a stroll and follow with ample hiking trails that will suit most, from a 3-mile loop around the grounds of the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park to a challenging 3.5-hour hike to Anthony's Nose further south in Peekskill, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Hudson River.

The town of Hudson is long beloved by city-dwellers for its antiquing, galleries, and live music scene, and Kingston is hot on its heels courting the hipster set with a vibrant arts district and great dining scene. 

Where to stay: For a true getaway, book a spa escape at the French-manor inspired Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Rhinebeck, 20 minutes from Kingston. The treatments are indulgent, and rooms offer great amenities like fireplaces and cozy bathrobes for real pampering. Rates start at $275.

The hotel is currently open and accepting reservations with the following COVID policies in place: the spa, boutique, and restaurant are all open. The latter is offering curbside takeout. Fitness classes and the gym are expected to reopen in July. All points of entry will be limited to allow for non-invasive temperature and wellness checks and physical distancing will be required. Staff has undergone extensive training.

Hand sanitizer dispensers, touchless whenever possible, will be placed at key areas and masks will be used. All cleaning products and protocols meet EPA guidelines and are approved for use and effective against viruses, bacteria, and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens. 

Chicago to Cincinnati via the Ohio Scenic Byway

City-dwellers looking for a nature break, but don't want to totally escape urban comforts, should head east along the Ohio Scenic Byway, a route that can be picked up in Madison, Indiana, about four and a half hours south of Chicago.

The byway stretches through around 300 miles of southern Indiana's hills and along the Ohio River. The land includes acreage called the "Long Reach" that was once surveyed by George Washington (you can find his campsites from 1770 marked out along it).

Four hours from Madison is the Wayne National Forest, which comes into view once you get closer to the Appalachian foothills. It's a great place to pull off for a late afternoon of hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking.

Take a night or two to camp (here are all the essentials you'll need) and then head into Cincinnati for a day and night of exploring the city's downtown, which has vibrant dining and the family-friendly Cincinnati Museum of Art, filled with 67,000 works. Even with a slow start to the day (for some extra time exploring the city), you'll be back in Chicago around dinner — it's only a four-and-a-half-hour drive home. 

Where to stay: Throw your tent in the car. There's plenty of camping in Wayne National Forest and the outdoors setting will be a nice contrast to your second night's stay in Cincinnati where your top option is 21c Museum Hotel, an innovative boutique gem that doubles as a contemporary art museum. Rooms start at $160 and feature art woven into the design, alongside an impressive art gallery, rooftop bar, and on-site spa for a massage after all that hiking.

The hotel is currently set to reopen on July 6 and accepting reservations with the following COVID policies in place in line with parent company Accor's new measures:

• Stringent new health and safety standards focused on 20 key touchpoints throughout the guest and employee journey.
• Oversight by a team of expert advisors to ensure maximum efficacy.
• Validation under the new global ALLSAFE Cleanliness label, which confirms and commits to guests that the new standards have been met in Accor properties worldwide. All Accor hotels must apply the global and regional standards and be audited either by the Group's operational experts or third-party auditors to achieve the new ALLSAFE label.
• Rollout of a new comprehensive, hands-on safety and hygiene training program to ensure that all employees worldwide have the skills and education necessary to protect themselves and all who visit the Group's hotels.

Denver to the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway

Our weekend road trip from Denver follows some of the Rockies' tallest peaks.

Drive about two-and-a-half hours south to the historic town of Twin Lakes, where you can refresh with a late lunch at the Twin Lakes Inn and Saloon (est. 1879) and browse works at the Shooting Star Gallery. Or, take a stroll around the twin lakes themselves where two glacial lakes reflect the Rockies off their surfaces.

Leadville is the next stop. About a 30-minute drive from Twin Lakes, this Victorian mining town is the highest incorporated city in North America. It's a great base for summer hiking (there's also an ADA-accessible 11.6-mile paved pathway) and winter snow sports. Or, take a scenic train ride, or check out museums like the National Mining Museum and Hall of Fame.

For a twist on the day's more rustic activities, hike, ski, or snowshoe a mile into the backcountry for a fine-dining experience at the Tennessee Cookhouse. The next day, head toward Independence Pass, with a high point of 12,095 feet. Open during summer only, it connects the area with posh Aspen.

Where to stay: After your backcountry dinner your first night, head back to Leadville for a historic sleep at The Delaware, the last Victorian "grand hotel" that still remains from Leadville's boomtown heyday. Today, it's also partly a gallery and museum. Rooms start at $95 for a Standard Room with a Queen-sized bed. The Delaware is currently open and accepting reservations with the following COVID policies in place: Daily housekeeping service and self-service continental breakfast buffet are not available. Continental breakfast is still provided upon request. Masks are required to be worn by all guests and customers in common areas and hallways. Early check-ins and late departures cannot be accommodated during this restriction period. 

The next night, take in the spectacular mountain views from one of The Gant's rustic condos, which start at $345 for a Standard Room with rustic touches like wooden ceilings and cozy fireplaces. The Gant is currently open and accepting reservations with the following COVID policies in place:

• Enhanced cleaning standards and signage throughout the property, including guest rooms, meeting spaces, public common areas, and back-of-house employee spaces.
• Superior, locally sourced, cleaning products in accordance with CDC guidelines.
• Social distancing practices and reduced person-to-person contact.
• Access to certain guest amenities such as the pools, hot tubs, fitness center, and Pepperjack's Café will be guided by state and local health guidelines.
• The hotel has temporarily adjusted cancellation policies to ease the worry of committing to future travel plans.

See Also:

• The best glamping vacations in the US
• Staying in a hotel will be very different post-pandemic — here are the new safety and cleaning plans and precautions being implemented by every major hotel brand
• Is it safe to stay in a hotel right now? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in.