Owning a Tesla opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to road trips. With its impressive range, cutting-edge autopilot features, and an ever-expanding Supercharger network, Tesla road trips are not only fun but also eco-friendly.
Whether you’re looking for coastal drives, scenic national parks, or vibrant city escapes, the U.S. offers plenty of stunning routes that are perfect for your next Tesla adventure.
In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 best Tesla road trip destinations in the U.S., complete with travel tips, charging options, and must-see highlights.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is arguably one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this 450-mile coastal route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming beach towns. It’s a dream road trip for Tesla owners, with plenty of Superchargers along the way.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: Superchargers are readily available at key stops like Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. You can charge your Tesla while enjoying the local attractions, whether it’s wine tasting or a beachside lunch.
Don’t Miss: Stop by Big Sur for dramatic cliffside views, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and tour the historic Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
Pro Tip: Try to travel during off-peak seasons like spring or fall to avoid heavy tourist traffic. Use Tesla’s built-in trip planner to map out your charging stops.
2. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)
Route 66 is an iconic road trip route that takes you through classic Americana. Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, this historic route spans over 2,400 miles and passes through eight states. While many sections have been modernized or bypassed by highways, it’s still a nostalgic journey through small towns, quirky roadside attractions, and stunning desert landscapes.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: There are plenty of Superchargers along the route, with key stops in major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Amarillo, and Albuquerque. Although Route 66 can take you through more rural areas, Tesla’s expanding charging network makes it manageable.
Don’t Miss: Explore Cadillac Ranch in Texas, visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and end your trip on the Santa Monica Pier in California.
Pro Tip: Plan your charging stops in larger cities and use third-party charging stations in more remote areas. Also, download offline maps since parts of Route 66 have limited cell signal.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a peaceful and scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers. This 469-mile stretch connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, with stunning mountain views, forests, and charming small towns along the way.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: While the parkway itself doesn’t have Superchargers, nearby towns like Roanoke, VA, and Asheville, NC, are equipped with charging stations, so you can easily plan your route.
Don’t Miss: Drive through the vibrant fall foliage, hike sections of the Appalachian Trail, and explore the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville.
Pro Tip: Autumn is the best time to visit for breathtaking fall colors, but spring is also beautiful with blooming wildflowers. Download offline maps for areas with limited signal.
4. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River, taking you from northern Minnesota down to Louisiana. Spanning over 2,300 miles and passing through 10 states, this road trip is a great way to explore historic river towns, local culture, and scenic riverfront views.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: Superchargers are available in key cities along the route, including Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans. This makes it easy to keep your Tesla charged as you explore different parts of the river.
Don’t Miss: Visit the historic town of Natchez, Mississippi, take a riverboat cruise in New Orleans, and stop by Graceland in Memphis.
Pro Tip: Plan for charging stops in larger cities, as smaller towns may have fewer charging options. Also, be prepared for more humid weather as you head further south.
5. Florida Keys (Miami to Key West)
The drive from Miami to Key West along the Overseas Highway is an unforgettable experience.
This 113-mile stretch takes you over 42 bridges that connect a series of tropical islands. With crystal-clear waters on both sides, it’s one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: Superchargers are conveniently located in Miami and Key Largo, making it easy to recharge before and after your drive to Key West. While there are no Superchargers in Key West, you can find destination chargers at local hotels and resorts.
Don’t Miss: Explore the vibrant streets of Key West, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and take in the sunset at Mallory Square.
Pro Tip: Book your accommodations in advance, as Key West can get busy, especially during holidays and festivals. Keep in mind that third-party charging options may be limited in the Florida Keys.
6. Utah National Parks (Zion to Arches)
Utah is home to five national parks, also known as the “Mighty Five,” which include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. A road trip through these parks offers incredible rock formations, scenic canyons, and endless outdoor adventures.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: Superchargers are available in nearby towns such as St. George, Moab, and Richfield, making it easy to explore Utah’s stunning national parks without worrying about range anxiety.
Don’t Miss: Hike Zion’s Angels Landing, see the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and visit the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit Utah’s national parks is in spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler. Use destination chargers available at some lodges or campsites for convenient overnight charging.
7. The Texas Hill Country (Austin to Fredericksburg)
The Texas Hill Country offers rolling hills, vineyards, and charming small towns, making it a perfect road trip for those seeking scenic beauty and a relaxed atmosphere. The drive from Austin to Fredericksburg is about 80 miles, but you can extend the trip by exploring nearby towns like Johnson City and Luckenbach.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: Superchargers are available in Austin, Kerrville, and San Antonio, making it easy to charge along the route. Fredericksburg also has destination chargers at several hotels and wineries.
Don’t Miss: Visit the Texas Wine Trail in Fredericksburg, explore the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, and sample some authentic Texas BBQ in Lockhart.
Pro Tip: Spring is a great time to visit for the blooming wildflowers, especially the famous Texas bluebonnets. Make sure to plan your charging stops around wine tastings for a relaxing day out.
8. Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada)
Lake Tahoe, located on the California-Nevada border, is a year-round destination for outdoor activities. Whether you’re into hiking, swimming, or skiing, Tahoe offers something for everyone.
The drive around the lake itself is scenic, with plenty of viewpoints and outdoor adventures along the way.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: Superchargers are available in Truckee, CA, and South Lake Tahoe, NV, so you can charge up while enjoying the lake’s beauty. Additionally, many hotels and resorts around the lake offer destination charging.
Don’t Miss: Hike to Emerald Bay, enjoy the stunning views from the Rubicon Trail, and hit the ski slopes in the winter.
Pro Tip: Visit during the summer for water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, or plan a winter trip for skiing and snowboarding. Either way, you’ll have access to convenient charging stations.
9. Pacific Northwest Loop (Seattle to Portland)
The Pacific Northwest is known for its lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant cities. A road trip from Seattle to Portland offers the perfect mix of urban exploration and natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the region’s famous national parks.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: Superchargers are located throughout the region, including in Seattle, Portland, and along I-5. You’ll also find charging options near major attractions like Mount Rainier and the Columbia River Gorge.
Don’t Miss: Visit Pike Place Market in Seattle, hike to Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, and explore Portland’s famous food trucks.
Pro Tip: Fall and spring are great times to visit to avoid the rainy season. Be sure to plan your charging stops around scenic detours like Mount St. Helens or Olympic National Park.
10. Colorado’s Scenic Byways (Denver to Aspen)
Colorado’s scenic byways offer some of the most breathtaking mountain drives in the U.S. A road trip from Denver to Aspen takes you through the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning views, hiking trails, and the chance to explore charming mountain towns.
Why It’s Great for Tesla Owners: Superchargers are available in Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Aspen, making it easy to keep your Tesla charged while exploring the mountains. Additionally, Aspen offers destination chargers at many hotels and resorts.
Don’t Miss: Visit the Maroon Bells near Aspen, one of the most photographed spots in Colorado, and enjoy a relaxing soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs.
Pro Tip: Summer and early fall are the best times for hiking and outdoor activities, while winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Colorado’s high elevation means you’ll want to factor in some extra time for charging, especially in colder weather.
Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the road trip destinations, distances, and key travel details:
| Destination | Length | Charging Stops Needed | Type of Terrain | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast Highway | 450 miles | 3-4 | Coastal, scenic | Year-round (spring/summer ideal) |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 469 miles | 1-2 | Mountainous, scenic | Fall for foliage, spring |
| Route 66 | 2,400 miles | Multiple (depending on stops) | Desert, rural, urban | Spring and fall |
| Utah National Parks | Varies | 2-3 | Desert, national parks | Spring and fall |
| Great River Road | 2,300 miles | 3-4 | Riverfront, rural | Spring and fall |
| Florida Keys | 113 miles | 1-2 | Coastal, tropical | Winter and spring |
| Lake Tahoe | 72 miles around | 1-2 | Mountain, lake | Year-round |
| Texas Hill Country | 80 miles (Austin to Fredericksburg) | 1 | Rolling hills, rural | Spring and fall |
| Pacific Northwest Loop | 175 miles (Seattle to Portland) | 1-2 | Forest, urban, mountainous | Spring and fall |
| Colorado Byways | 200 miles | 2-3 | Mountainous, forest | Summer and fall, winter for skiing |
Tesla Travel Tips
- Use Tesla’s Trip Planner: Tesla’s built-in trip planner automatically calculates charging stops based on your route and remaining range, making long-distance road trips easier to plan. This feature is a lifesaver, especially in areas where charging stations may be sparse.
- Take Advantage of Destination Chargers: Many hotels, restaurants, and resorts offer destination chargers for Tesla vehicles. These allow you to charge overnight while you relax, ensuring you start the next leg of your journey fully charged.
- Download Offline Maps: In more remote areas like national parks or rural routes, cell service can be spotty. Download offline maps on your phone or in your Tesla to make sure you don’t lose navigation when you need it most.
- Plan Charging Stops Around Meals and Attractions: Make the most of your charging stops by combining them with meal breaks or visits to nearby attractions. This way, you won’t feel like you’re wasting time while waiting for your Tesla to recharge.
Sarah’s Experience
“Driving my Tesla Model 3 along the Pacific Coast Highway was one of the best road trips I’ve ever taken. The views were incredible, and I loved the fact that I didn’t have to worry about finding gas stations along the way. With Superchargers located in convenient spots, I could easily charge up while grabbing lunch or taking in the scenery,” says Sarah, a Tesla owner from California.