While working as a salaried employee, we should know our yearly salary. Missing a shift or a few hours here or there is not something we need to fret about. Our paycheck will remain the same as last time, allowing us to budget our money toward our bills and other expenses accordingly.
Knowing what each paycheck will bring peace of mind they would not otherwise have for many people.
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Budgeting our money is more manageable when we have a fixed yearly salary. With ease, using some basic math, we can determine how much we make per year, month, week, day, or even per hour. We can begin to make better financial decisions when we know this crucial information.
If you earn a yearly salary of $70,000, you might wonder, 70000 a year is how much an hour? A calculator is the easiest way to figure this out, of course, but I’ve done all the math for you already! So keep reading to see the answer to the hourly, per paycheck, per month, and even per day breakdown of 70k per year.
$70,000 a Year Is How Much an Hour?
Let’s get straight to answering the question: of 70000 a year, how much an hour? When you make an annual salary of $70,000 a year, you’ll earn a gross hourly wage of $33.65 an hour before paying your taxes.
This calculation of wages assumes you work for 2080 hours a year (40 hours per week times 52 weeks for the year, and you are not eligible for overtime pay). However, your salary is considered ordinary income.
Therefore, you’ll have to pay federal income taxes, reducing your take home per hour to be less than $33.65 per hour.
Many aspects of your life can reduce or increase how much you’ll owe federal income taxes. Here are a few factors:
Your state of residence (some have no state income tax!)
The number of children andor other dependents you support
Filing status(married, single, or head of household, for example)
The most important thing for a taxpayer is their tax bracket, which affects their federal tax rate. Still, any of the above factors, plus many more, will alter your after-taxes hourly wage, for better or worse. Throughout this post, I’ll use the 25% tax bracket as an example.
For 70000 a year, is how much an hour, the original gross pay of $33.65 becomes $25.24 per hour after accounting for the 25% you’ll pay in federal taxes. This calculation is relatively basic. It does not take any other factors into account, so it will not be exact, but it should give you an idea of a relative starting point.
You’ll earn a monthly salary of $5,833.33 when you have a yearly salary of $70,000, again assuming you are a full-time employee. Deducting 25% for federal income taxes, $4,375.00 will be your remaining take-home monthly salary.
How Much Is $70,000 a Year per Paycheck (Biweekly)?
The most common payment period for salaried employees is a bi-weekly paycheck(26 paychecks per year). For this reason, the biweekly paycheck (every two weeks) is the timeframe I’ll use to determine how much you’ll earn per paycheck when making a 70k per year salary.
Still using the assumption that you are a full-time employee and earning a salary of $70,000 a year, you’ll earn $2692.31 per paycheckpay period. Taking 25% for taxes brings us to $2019.23 as your take-home wages. But, again, this is a simple calculation only.
$2019.23 represents what an average worker can expect to bring home; the factors listed above and others will change your actual take-home pay.
How Much Is $70,000 a Year Weekly?
We can go further down the rabbit hole with 70000 a year is how much an hour to determine a weekly pay amount. Having an annual salary of $70,000, your pre-tax income would be $1,346.15.
Calculating a 25% deduction for federal taxes leaves us with a weekly take-home pay of about $1,009.62 a week.
How Much Is 70,000 Dollars a Year Daily?
You’ll make $269.23 for each workday (about 260 total days) when earning $70,000 a year. So your post-tax take-home pay will come out to about $201.92 every day.
Post-Tax Breakdown of a $ 70,000-a-Year Salary
We’ve thrown a lot of math and numbers out there so far; below is a recap of the different amounts you could earn with a yearly salary of $70,000 per year. It contains the analysis of a gross annual income of $70,000 a year for multiple timeframes.
The figures below also assume the 25% federal income tax rate. The chart is a simple guide of what an average worker can expect to get paid as an hourly salary, daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and yearly wage.
As you can see, the amount of money in your take-home paycheck is significantly impacted by your federal income tax rate.
$70,000 a Year Is How Much an Hour After Taxes?
You’ll pay roughly $17,500 in federal taxes a year while earning a salary of 70000 per year, assuming you’re in the 25% bracket.
You’ll have an annual take-home pay of about $52,500 after subtracting the $17,500 in taxes from your yearly salary. An 8-hour workday, 40-hour work week, and 2080 work year were used for this calculation.
Your tax situation will be different from anyone else’s, ever so slightly. Your final take-home will be different from someone else making 70k per year, but you can use $52,500 in take-home pay as a guide.
Contributing to a 401k retirement plan (or others like it), an HSA, and other tax-deferred accounts are an excellent way to lower your tax burden if you are looking for ways to reduce your tax bill.
How To Make 70,000 Dollars a Year?
Most of us did not or will not acquire a yearly starting salary of 70k a year from our first jobs. Still, after a few years of experience in the workforce, it is certainly an achievable goal. Having a college education is a good starting point when looking to earn a yearly salary of 70k or more.
However, it’s not the only way. There are many ways you can obtain an occupation with 70k or higher pay.
These days, it seems everyone has a side hustle going. Our 9-5’s are still our primary source of income, but more often than not, they are not our only source. Part-time jobs and part-time weekend jobs are more traditional ways to boost your yearly income and are still very popular.
More than likely, you won’t earn over 70k with a side hustle or part-time job alone, but combined with your primary job, you can surpass 70k per year quite easily.
Is $70,000 a Year a Good Salary?
“Is 70,000 a year a good salary?” might be your next question after learning how it breaks down. There is more to a good salary than the amount of your yearly pay. Many other factors need to be considered.
An annual salary of $70,000 per year is sufficient in many cases. However, many times that $70,000 a year won’t be enough or difficult to live on. A few factors that change how good a 70k salary might be are below:
State of residence
If you owe a debt and how much
Kids or other dependents you support
Being married or single (and if your spouse works or not)
Additional necessary costs you pay for
For someone living in a low cost of living area like Indiana, a 70,000 yearly salary can be good. But, on the flip side, while residing in an area with a higher cost of living, like New York City, a salary of 70,000 won’t get you as far.
US Airlines That Get The Most And Least Consumer Complaints » Savoteur
US Airlines With The Most And Least Complaints
Stacker ranked airlines by those which received the most customer complaints in March 2022, based on data from the 2022 Air Travel Consumer Report, released in May 2022. Data points covering the total number of complaints and passengers served during that period are included for each carrier. The ranking was based on the number of complaints per 100,000 passengers to account for the varying sizes of airlines.
In March 2022, there were a total of 2,414 complaints to the airlines in this report, for a total of 3.42 complaints per 100,000 passengers who boarded planes. Compared to the same month in 2021, complaints increased from 2.41 per 100,000 to 3.42. Experts have attributed the last year’s tumultuous flying conditions to a shortage of pilots and other airline workers, worker absenteeism driven by the continued spread of COVID-19, and extreme weather conditions. And most airlines and travel experts expect more of the same for the summer of 2022, only with 25% more expensive ticket prices compared with last year.
In fact, airports this summer are anticipated to be even busier than they were pre-pandemic, in a trend experts have come to call “revenge travel.” Flyers got a taste of the busy summer travel season to come in May, which saw travel spending surge above pre-pandemic levels for the first time, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Continue reading for intel on which airlines you may be wise to avoid.
Skywest Airlines
– Number of complaints: 25 (0.74 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 3,369,837
Utah-based regional airline Skywest is contracted to operate flights for larger airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines. The company operated a fleet of more than 600 planes and flew the most routes on behalf of United and Delta in 2021, according to a filing.
In today’s difficult labor environment, regional airlines like Skywest are increasingly seeing their routes cut by the larger airlines they’re contracted by in favor of more profitable ones.
Horizon Airlines
– Number of complaints: 4 (0.79 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 509,229
Washington-headquartered Horizon is Alaska Airlines’ sister carrier. The company is in the midst of transitioning its fleet to Embraer jets, which it says will improve operations and fuel efficiency.
In conjunction with parent airline Alaska, Horizon flies to about 120 destinations in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Mexico. The regional airline took a $10 million loss in the first quarter of 2022.
Endeavor Air
– Number of complaints: 10 (0.9 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 1,112,257
Minnesota-based Endeavor is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. The regional carrier was known as the best-paying airline for beginner pilots until early June when pilots at Piedmont Air and Envoy Airlines secured massive pay raises.
Pilots’ push for higher wages comes as airlines struggle to hire and retain them, affecting flight operations and the number of routes airlines can offer travelers.
Mesa Airlines
– Number of complaints: 7 (0.98 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 711,214
Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group is a regional carrier operating flights for American Airlines and United Airlines.
Regional carriers like Mesa are seeing their pilots poached by larger airlines to address labor shortages, creating operational issues, according to airlines and analysts. Mesa’s CEO recently told Congress its labor woes are “the single greatest threat to the industry” he has witnessed since 9/11.
Mesa employs around 3,600 people and said in May it needs to hire hundreds more pilots.
Southwest Airlines
– Number of complaints: 155 (1.2 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 12,966,182
Like other major carriers, Dallas-based Southwest is facing labor troubles that have hampered its summer flying schedule. The airline cut 20,000 flights this summer to accommodate fewer pilots, mechanics, and other workers critical to its operations.
Southwest’s pilots and customer care workers spent the month of May in tense contract renegotiations with their employer. Those customer care workers will be working completely remotely effective Sept. 1, and the airline is closing its physical customer care and reservations centers.
Delta Air Lines
– Number of complaints: 175 (1.43 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 12,206,554
Delta Air Lines is slashing the number of flights it will run this summer to avoid having to make last-minute cancellations for travelers. At the end of May, the airline said it would cut about 100 flights a day from July through August.
Earlier this year, Delta CEO Ed Bastian suggested the U.S. Department of Justice create a no-fly list for unruly passengers.
While flying hasn’t been the most comfortable experience for passengers since the pandemic, airline customers have become increasingly ill-tempered themselves. There have been reports and viral videos of passengers spitting on and assaulting attendants—sometimes even forcing pilots to prematurely land planes.
PSA Airlines
– Number of complaints: 18 (1.53 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 1,173,706
PSA Airlines is one of three regional subsidiaries owned by American Airlines. The regional carrier flies to destinations in the eastern and midwestern U.S. including between the hubs of the Philadelphia National Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
In the first three months of 2022, PSA had an above-average flight cancellation rate and a below-industry-average on-time arrival rate, according to the latest Air Travel Consumer Report data.
Alaska Airlines
– Number of complaints: 49 (1.8 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 2,714,785
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is the fifth-largest airline in the U.S., operating more than 200 jets in its fleet. The pilot shortage began hitting Alaska’s operations hard in April, one month after this data was collected, according to reporting by The Seattle Times.
Prior to skyrocketing gas prices and labor issues, Alaska had hoped to return to pre-pandemic flying volumes this summer. The company said in March it is aiming to hire 700 additional employees by June to assist with operations over the busy travel months.
Republic Airways
– Number of complaints: 34 (2.17 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 1,567,592
Republic Airways, an Indiana-headquartered regional airline, operates a fleet of more than 200 jets on behalf of American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Republic recently proposed the Federal Aviation Administration cut the required training hours for pilots in half to address the industry-wide labor shortage.
Envoy Air
– Number of complaints: 31 (2.36 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 1,311,867
Texas-based Envoy Air is another subsidiary of American Airlines, which operates largely from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport alongside its parent company.
Envoy has flown fewer jets recently because there aren’t enough pilots to fly them. When American Airlines grounds flights due to operational issues, it tends to ground jets under regional carriers like Envoy and Piedmont Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines
– Number of complaints: 27 (3.45 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 782,921
Hawaiian Airlines is the largest operator of flights to and from the Hawaiian islands. The airline is looking to hire around 600 employees companywide as labor shortages threaten to upend the summer travel season.
The company is still seeing revenues below pre-pandemic levels and took a $120 million loss in the first three months of this year, according to its most recent filing.
American Airlines
– Number of complaints: 474 (3.73 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 12,713,424
Fort Worth-based American Airlines flies to around 350 destinations in at least 50 countries. The behemoth airline saw its revenues climb above pre-pandemic levels for the first time in March, according to executives.
The airline has struggled to keep up with exploding demand for travel this year, grounding at least 100 of its smaller regional jets and ramping up hiring efforts recently. American is hiring pilots away from its regional carriers like Envoy and Piedmont to make up for its staffing deficit.
Nearly 13,500 of the airline’s pilots and flight attendants took voluntary leave or early retirement packages during the pandemic, according to reporting by The Dallas Morning News.
United Airlines
– Number of complaints: 375 (4.17 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 8,996,173
Illinois-based United Airlines is the third-largest U.S. airline. It took a steep $1.4 billion loss over the first three months of the year as the omicron variant of COVID-19 kept travel demand low. With demand surging back, it anticipates spring 2022 will bring in record revenues.
The airline recently debuted a bag check “shortcut” at its terminals that allows passengers to check a bag in a minute or less on average.
In response to the pilot shortage, United is spending $100 million to expand its pilot training center. It’s aiming to hire 2,000 new pilots this year to meet travel demand. It also outright bought a flight training academy in Phoenix.
Spirit Airlines
– Number of complaints: 256 (7.59 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 3,372,010
Florida-based Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airline that operates a major hub out of Orlando International Airport.
Like other airlines, Spirit intended to grow its operations this year but has instead had to cut back on how many flights it will offer because of staffing issues and rising costs. The company posted a nearly $200 million loss in the first three months of 2022.
Spirit is currently being pursued for a merger with JetBlue Airways and Frontier Airlines. Regardless of which company moves ahead with the transaction, it will create the fifth largest airline in the U.S., according to CNBC.
JetBlue Airways
– Number of complaints: 266 (7.91 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 3,361,302
New York-based JetBlue is among the top 10 airlines in the U.S. by passenger volume, and is considered a low-cost carrier similar to Spirit and Frontier.
JetBlue’s president and COO said the airline will run at around 10% reduced capacity this summer. Like other airlines, it’s mostly cited staffing shortages as its reason for cutting back.
In the first three months of 2022, JetBlue ranked among the worst for on-time arrivals and flight cancellations, according to the latest Air Travel Consumer Report data.
Both JetBlue and Frontier have made offers to merge with Spirit this year, though Wall Street has favored JetBlue in the bidding war. The two airlines pursuing Spirit believe the merger would be critical to growth in the coming years.
Allegiant Air
– Number of complaints: 175 (10.39 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 1,684,775
Nevada-based Allegiant Air is a low-cost airline similar to Spirit Airlines. The company has seen its passenger volumes increase to start the year. In March, Allegiant served 12% more passengers vs. the same period in 2019.
It recently announced seven new routes made possible by its new base of operations in Provo, Utah. The routes are expected to be available in August and will connect travelers in Ohio and Minneapolis with coastal Florida destinations.
The airline said it’s on track to start selling flights to Mexico by the end of 2022 as part of a joint venture with Viva Aerobus. The budget airline took an $8 million net loss in the first three months of this year, according to a filing.
Frontier Airlines
– Number of complaints: 333 (15.86 per 100k)
– Total passengers boarded: 2,100,206
Colorado-headquartered Frontier Airlines is another low-cost airline offering flights to more than 100 destinations in the U.S. It’s the last airline to operate in Delaware and ended its service to the state effective June 6.
The airline struggled through the first three months of 2022, losing $120 million due to increased gas prices and other rising costs. Frontier is currently pursuing a merger with low-cost peer carrier Spirit Airlines, though JetBlue Airways has made a more competitive offer to merge with Spirit.
This article originally appeared on Stacker.
18/18 SLIDES
In either scenario, you might be supporting several children andor a spouse and be adding in debt and other expenses. In that case, 70,000 might not be enough to make ends meet no matter where you live.
How To Live Off of 70K a Year
Once we know the answer to 70000 a year is how much an hour, day, week, month, and year, we can begin to create a better budget for our money. So here are some ways to best live within your means, no matter your salary.
Budgeting
If you want to be financially successful, budgeting is crucial, no matter your yearly salary. Knowing how much you earn in income and how much of that you pay in expenses, you’ll be able to fully get a hold of your money better.
In addition, by having a budget, we’ll have the most precise picture of everything that happens in our lives financially, making it 100% a top priority.
Move to an Area With a Lower Cost of Living
If you are looking for an easy way to save hundreds of dollars a month, living in an area with a lower cost of living is something you need to consider. The difference between struggling to make ends meet and living a comfortable lifestyle could simply be changing where you live.
If you fall into the struggling to make ends meet category, look for an area nearby that you could live in that is less costly.
If there isn’t one nearby, you might need to consider a more significant move. On the plus side, many companies will allow employees to keep their current salary even if they move to a lower cost of living area.
Having groceries, gas, rent, and other necessities cost less can make a significant difference when earning a 70k per year salary.
Erase Your Debt
Paying interest on any loan or debt is a waste of money. Having to pay interest is always a hindrance to creating wealth. Don’t despair. There are many ways to tackle any debt you might have. Research a few debt-paying strategies to find the one that works best for you.
Emergency Funds
Another financial staple to consider is having an emergency fund. Once you have them set up, they can act as a financial safety net. Unexpected expenses can pop up at any time, hence, being unexpected. It also seems they like to travel in packs, having a few happen simultaneously.
Be ready by putting four to six months of expenses in a high-yield savings account. This will allow you to be prepared for any unexpected expense that might come your way.
The other reason to have an emergency fund is in case you lose part or all of your primary income source and you need time to get back on your feet.
Get Your Side Hustle On
Apps such as InstaCart, DoorDash, GrubHub, and tons of others provide anyone with a car with a great way to get their side hustle on. It seems like everyone is doing at least one these days.
The main advantage to these and other side hustles, like online surveys, is working when it’s convenient for you.
This is a luxury that was not available in the past. So, take full advantage of all options available to you if possible.
Boost Your Salary
As a salaried employee, getting extra money from your primary job can be challenging. Our yearly salary isn’t always enough to pay for all our expenses, and salaried employees don’t typically earn extra income for overtime hours worked like hourly workers.
Hourly workers can make a lot of additional pay when filling their timesheets with paid overtime hours. Overtime rates can be as much time-and-a-half or even double-time. As a result, salaried employees don’t have as many options when we need more money from our 9-5.
Getting a raise each year is expected for salaried employees. However, it’s no guarantee. When in need of a pay raise, your most straightforward option is to ask your employer directly.
Before going to the appropriate person and asking for a raise, make sure you are ready to explain why you think you are deserving of more money.
When you have reasoning on your side, it will help you reach your goal of a higher hourly rate instead of simply saying you want one. However, your employer may disagree with your reasoning for a higher hourly pay rate even with your logic.
If that’s the case, it might be time to look for a new job or occupation to pay you a higher salary.
As mentioned above, it is crucial to budget your money when looking to get a hold of your finances. This is still true if you make $70,000 or a million dollars a year. Spending more than you make is a guaranteed way to go broke eventually.
The 50-30-20 rule is a general budgeting rule many people use for their money. Using the 50-30-20 rule is a simple method to budget your money and lower your financial stress.
Here’s the rule and how it works:
Fifty percent of your income will pay for necessities
Thirty percent of your income will pay for any wants you may have
Twenty percent of your income will pay for savingpaying off debtboth.
With a salary of 70k per year, here’s how the rule could look:
$26,250 per year (or $2187.50 a month) is for your needs.
Rent/ Mortgage + Utilities= $992
Car Insurance= $160
Health Insurance= $160
Gas= $50
Groceries= $200
$15,750 per year (or $1312.50 a month) is for your wants.
Cellphone= $110
Internet= $100
Personal & Misc= $180
Entertainment= $100
$10,500 per year (or $875.00 a month) is for saving and paying off debt.
Savings = $400
Debt Pay Off = $260
70000 a Year Is How Much an Hour – Final Thoughts
An essential step with finances can simply be knowing our yearly salary breaks down to per month, paycheck, week, day, or even hour. Hopefully, by reading this post, you can better understand the question “70000 a year is how much an hour” and the best ways to handle your money.
Federal income taxes play a significant role in our take-home pay, but many other factors will change the amount of money we have at the end of the day. When determining if $70,000 per year is good enough for you, the cost of living in your area, dependents, and debt are just a few things to consider.
Once you have all the information available, take the time to make a budget. The 50-30-20 rule above is an example; many other budgeting rules and strategies exist. Find the one that works best for you.
Related Questions on Annual to Hourly Rates
$68,000 a year is how much an hour? Making 68k per year will give you an hourly salary of $32.69 an hour if you’re working 2080 hours worked a year, no overtime.
$71,000 a year is how much an hour? If you make $71k per year, your hourly wage would be about $34.13 an hour if you’re working 2080 hours worked a year, no overtime.
How much is $72,000 a year per hour? Making 72k per year will give you an hourly salary of $34.62 an hour if you’re working 2080 hours worked a year, no overtime.
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Most Iconic Road Trips in Every State » Savoteur
Alabama’s Mobile to Fort Morgan
Mobile is less than two hours from the white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast and is perfect for a weekend road trip. Take I-10, Baldwin Beach Express to Foley Beach Express, and you’ll be on island time in no time. En route to the shore, see over 500 animals at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Explore the 32-mile-long peninsula of sugar-white sand beaches, watch for dolphins, and fish, or visit the 200-year-old Fort Morgan on the coastal roads of AL-180 and AL-182.
Alaska’s Anchorage to Seward
Alaska is a regular destination on people’s bucket lists. Whether you’re looking to extend a cruise or prefer road trip vacations, driving the Seward Highway is awe-inspiring. From Anchorage, the Highway passes between the shoreline and Chugach Mountains’ giant peaks.
Along the route, take your pick of National Heritage areas to explore and immerse yourself in the history of the determined people who have lived in this land.
Arizona’s Phoenix to the Grand Canyon
While you could drive this stretch of I-17 in about 4 hours, give yourself a week to explore all its beauty. From Phoenix, head north to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Next, spend two or more days in Sedona to explore the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, a stunning mix of red rocks and pine forests.
Enjoy Flagstaff’s college culture and star gazing at Lowell Observatory. For a grand finale, explore the South Rim of The Grand Canyon 90 minutes away.
Arkansas’ Eudora to Ohama County
Travel the entire length of the state on a 300-mile Great Highway 65 Road Trip. U.S. 65 passes by some of Arkansas’ most popular attractions. Starting in the state’s southern delta, drive north to Pine Bluff, with museums, history, and numerous family-friendly attractions.
Continue to Little Rock, and explore the state capital and the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Next, hike Pinnacle Mountain to take in the views at the top of East Summit Trailhead. On your way to Clinton, stop at Woody Hollow State Park. As you finish your road trip, see the infamous Natural Bridge of Arkansas, and spend a day canoeing on the Buffalo National River.
California’s San Francisco to San Diego
California‘s Pacific Coast Highway is perhaps the most famous road trip in America. Enjoy all that California has to offer over a 600-mile two-week trip. Explore large cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles and small towns like Cambria and Manhattan Beach.
Savor Santa Barbara wine country, the magnificent mountains of Big Sur, the glamour of Hollywood, and the opulent beach towns of Orange County. End your trip with the picture-perfect weather and family-friendly attractions of San Diego.
Colorado’s National Parks Loop
This epic week-long road trip allows you to see stunning destinations like Red Rocks Canyon and Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs and four of our country’s beautiful National Parks. Start and end in Denver not only for the convenience of their international airport but a bustling downtown and craft beer scene.
As you leave Denver on I-25 South, stop at Colorado Springs’ sandstone rock sites on your way to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Next, take 160 West to Mesa Verde National Park, known for its well-preserved Pueblo cliff dwellings.
As you make your way back north on CO-145 and US-550, enjoy the dramatic mountain views while hiking the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. As you travel north to Rocky Mountain National State Park, make a stop in Glenwood Springs for thrilling outdoor adventures.
Connecticut’s Lisbon to North Woodstock
This 32-mile road trip on National Scenic Byway State Route 169 is perfect for a day trip or staycation. Leave the crowds behind and explore small, quaint New England towns and countryside.
Particularly beautiful in the fall, take your time exploring The Quinebaug and Shetucket River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Mashamoquet Brook State Park, and historical museums in Canterbury, Brooklyn, and Woodstock.
Delaware’s New Castle to Fenwick Island
Explore the entire length of the state on this 100-mile road trip. In New Castle, hop on the Bayshore Byway, a scenic two-lane road that hugs the Delaware river and bay. Stop in historic Dover for lunch or snacks before exploring the tranquil small towns far away from the interstate. At the end of the byway, take Highway One to beloved shore towns Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany Beach.
Florida’s Miami to Key West
One of the most iconic road trips in America takes you from a vibrant multicultural city to the edge of the world, U.S. Route 1 Mile Zero, the southernmost point in the continental United States. The 150-mile Miami to Key West drive includes the over-water Seven Mile Bridge linking towns and islands in the Florida Keys. Take your time stopping at award-winning beaches, state parks, and fabulous restaurants before arriving in Key West.
Georgia’s Atlanta to Helen
Leave the urban sprawl of Atlanta behind on a US-19 N road trip to experience Georgia’s rolling hills, valleys, and mountains. Stop at Amicalola Falls State Park with incredible vistas, hiking, fishing, waterfalls, and a chance to step foot on the Appalachian Trail.
On your way to Helen, make sure to stop in history-rich Dahlonega. Helen, one of the most popular destinations in Georgia, is a mini-Bavarian alpine village and the gateway to the Chattahoochee River, perfect for tubing.
Hawaii’s Paia to Hana
The Road to Hana day trip is one of the most popular activities on Maui for a reason. This 52-mile journey allows you to explore an undeveloped portion of east Maui that feels like the Hawaii of yesteryear. From a “Half Hana” to a full 12-hour day, plan your Road to Hana stops at famous sites like Keanae Peninsula, Wai’anapanapa State Park, and the world-famous Hamoa Beach Pipiwai Trail located in Haleakala National Park.
The Road to Hana is about enjoying the journey, not reaching the final destination, so don’t forget to stop at infamous food stalls like Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread and Coconut Glen’s.
Idaho’s Swan Valley to Ashton
The Teton Scenic Byway road trip is perfect for fall foliage, the spring bloom of wildflowers, or the annual summer balloon festival. This 70-mile drive has stunning views of the Teton Mountains, skirts nearby Targhee National Forest, a geotourism excursion in Driggs, and year-round activities at Grand Targhee Resort.
Illinois’s Cave-in-Rock to Cairo
Add what Teddy Roosevelt called “the world’s most beautiful drive” to your vacation bucket list. The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs next to the Ohio River and puts the best of Southern Illinois on display. Destinations include Shawnee National Forest, historic small towns, and various recreation areas like Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Glen O’Jones Lakes, and Cave in the Rock State Park.
Indiana’s Northern State Parks Loop
This road trip features six state parks offering soaring sand dunes, lakeside relaxation, and rugged hiking. Start at Indiana Dunes State Park and explore Lake Michigan before hopping on IN-4 E to Potato Creek Park. Take I-80 E/I-90 E to Pokagon State Park, then I-69 S to Chain O’Lakes.
Stay for the night in nearby Fort Wayne and explore the Freimann Botanical Conservatory and Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Head to Ouabache State Park on Route N 450 E. As you loop back, check out Tippecanoe State Park as your finale. Whether you live in Chicago or nearby South Bend, it’s an excellent staycation road trip.
Iowa’s New Albin to Keokuk
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway runs parallel to the Mississippi River through the length of the state. A perfect trip for outdoor enthusiasts or history buffs, this 328-mile drive features stunning vistas, quaint river towns, limestone bluffs, and the history of the people living there for thousands of years.
Kansas’ Canton to Ellsworth
The Prairie Trail Scenic Byway is an 80-mile road trip full of scientific landmarks, historical sites, cultural experiences, and fun activities. Highlights include the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and Buffalo Tour, Kanopolis Reservoir State Park, Smoky Hill Wildlife Area, Marquette Pioneer Trail, Coronado Heights Bluff, Valkommen Rail Trail, and Broadway RFD, the state’s longest-running outdoor theater.
Kentucky’s Louisville to Lexington
Few things are more iconic in Kentucky than bourbon, so why not explore the state on a Bourbon Trail road trip? After enjoying Louisville, travel south on I-65 to Shepherdsville, home of Jim Beam, the most popular bourbon in the world. Continue south via KY-245 to Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto and enjoy a different tasting bourbon known for its delicate sweetness.
Travel east on US-150 to Danville, the birthplace of Kentucky. Grab a bite to eat in their historic downtown and stroll their award-winning Main Street. You’ll be rewarded at the end of your trip with the scenery of Woodford County as you travel along US-127 N to Woodford Reserve Distillery outside of Lexington. Whether you have a designed driver or join day trip tours, stay safe along the Bourbon Trail.
Louisiana’s New Orleans to Lake Charles
A perfect add-on to a NOLA visit, this short road trip along I-10 West illustrates a more diverse side of Louisiana. First, stop in Baton Rouge for lunch at the famous Louie’s Cafe and explore the capital city, home to LSU. Continue to Avery Island, home of Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge and The Tabasco Factory.
In Lafayette, learn about exiled French Canadian settlers and the forefathers of Louisiana Cajuns at the Acadian Cultural Center, and enjoy James Beard’s award-worthy chicken and waffles at The French Press. Plan to stay a night, or two, in Lake Charles.
Maine’s Acadia National Park Loop
Acadia’s Park Loop Road covers 27 miles of one of America’s favorite National Parks. This mostly one-lane road was thoughtfully created over 30 years to protect and display the stunning landscape. This loop begins at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and gives easy access to the park’s sites like Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, and Jordan Pond, one of Acadia’s most pristine lakes.
The road steeply climbs Cadillac Mountain, the top destination in the park. It’s the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard and offers gorgeous coastal views.
Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Loop
Far away from the suburban crowds of Bethesda and Baltimore, enjoy a weekend road trip on the Chesapeake Country Blue Crab Byway. Explore lower Eastern Shore historic towns and quaint villages on a scenic 210-mile stretch.
Along both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean routes, you’ll have many chances to enjoy local Maryland Blue Crab dishes. Fans of the movie Wedding Crashers might want to add Saint Michaels to their itinerary and book at night at the real Inn at Perry Cabin.
Massachusetts’ Boston to the Berkshires
Whether you’re off to see the fall foliage, a summer show at Tanglewood, or skiing at Jiminy Peak, explore the countryside of Massachusetts and vibrant small towns along the Massachusetts Turnpike or its northern parallel route, MA-2.
From hiking trails at Mount Greylock, featuring the highest peak in the state, to the MassMOCA in North Adams, the entertainment of Great Barrington, or fine dining in Lenox, it’s perfect for a long weekend or even a week.
Michigan’s Standish to Mackinaw City
This coast road trip on the historic Heritage Route US-23 puts the best of the Sunrise Coast on display. You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re visiting another world. As you drive along Lake Huron’s coast, there are miles of beautiful beaches, lighthouses, bike trails, and remnants of mysterious shipwrecks. Plan to stop at Tawas Point State Park to experience one of Michigan’s best beaches, Au Sable, for a day of fly-fishing, kayaking, and the quiet of the oceanfront forest, Shipwreck Alley in Harrisville State Park, and bike riding, swimming, and picnicking in Ocqueoc Falls.
Minnesota’s Park Rapids to Winona
Drive US-10 across the state for a 600-mile journey through cities, country, and everything in between. Stop first at Itasca, a 32,000-acre state park with more than 100 lakes. Consider staying in the Brainerd area, known for its hundreds of lakes and legendary resorts. Continue to St. Cloud for its granite Quarry Park Scientific area, The Twin Cities for epic views of meeting rivers, and end in Winona, an art lover’s mecca.
Mississippi’s Hernando to Woodville
For music lovers, U.S. Highway 61, or The Blues Highway, is sacred as it gave birth to the roots of modern music. Whether you want to leave your troubles behind like blues artists or just pack up and go, you can experience the history of the blues in the places where it was born.
This route is marked with Mississippi Blues Trail signs across city streets, cotton fields, train depots, cemeteries, nightclubs, and churches. Make sure to stop at The Birthplace of the Blues Dockery Farms, GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi in Cleveland, and the various birthplaces of your favorite blues artists.
Missouri’s St. Louis to Joplin
Experience Americana at its finest by taking a road trip on our most famous Highway – Route 66. Missouri, the show me state, has plenty to offer from National Forests, museums, retro drive-ins, and all the neon and kitsch of yesteryear.
While not the famed Rosebud Motel, you can stay in some of the original route 66 hotels like the Wagon Wheel, the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, and the 1939 Boots Court Motel. Leave time to explore the Mark Twain National Forest, The Meramec Caverns, Route 66 State Park, and the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.
Montana’s Bozeman to Yellowstone
While you could do this drive along US-191 in two hours, savor all that Big Sky country has to offer over a weeklong road trip. Start in Bozeman, the adventure capital of the Northern Rockies, for fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or backcountry tours. Drive south to Big Sky Resort, a four-season mountain destination.
Lastly, continue to West Yellowstone, a convenient base for exploring Yellowstone National Park. Give yourself at least two full days to explore all of its beloved 2 million acres.
Nebraska’s Odell to Scott’s Bluff
Travel along the Oregon National Historic Trail to see the beauty of Nebraska and learn what life was like for those early settlers who traveled the same land. There are over 60 historical mile markers and museums to explore during this road trip. Consider stops at Rock Creek Station State Historic Park, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Lincoln County Historical Museum, and Chimney Rock, one of the most noted landmarks along the Oregon Trail.
Nevada’s Las Vegas to Valley of Fire
While some never leave Las Vegas during their vacation, consider a road trip along I-15 to Valley of Fire State Park. The 100-mile round trip drive and 40,000-acre state park are perfectly sized for a day trip. See for yourself why this otherworldly place is the filming location for faraway lands in movies like Star Trek and how the sun’s rays on red sandstone rocks illuminate the valley like fire.
New Hampshire’s White Mountain Trail Loop
Explore the 100-mile National Scenic Byway White Mountain Trail, particularly beautiful during the fall. In the words of New Hampshire resident Robert Frost, consider taking the road less traveled. Take your time exploring waterfalls, covered bridges, and endless overlooks.
Start at White Mountains Visitor Center, and continue to Franconia Notch State Park and Crawford Notch State Park, with stunning views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.
New Jersey’s Englewood Cliffs to the Delaware Water Gap
While most people only know The Jersey Shore, the congestion of The New Jersey Turnpike, or towns featured in The Sopranos, the garden state actually has a wide range of destinations and natural beauty. Before traveling I-80, fill up with a big breakfast at Brownstone Pancake Factory and take in Manhattan Skyline views in Englewood Cliffs.
Stop at Paterson State Falls National Historical Park to see the 77-ft. waterfall that Alexander Hamilton used to launch the country’s first industrial city. Stop in Denville for dinner at Hunan Taste, lauded as the best Chinese food in the state, or The Pasta Shop, a local favorite. Enjoy a relaxing and quiet getaway at one of the many Bed and Breakfasts in Sussex County.
New Mexico’s Ohkay Owingeh to Las Cruces
Whether you’re a foodie, a historian, or an outdoor enthusiast, this road trip has it all. The El Camino Real National Scenic Highway traverses the length of the state. Take a week to enjoy the cities (and food) of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, as well as the historical sites of 16th-century Spanish explorers. Explore White Sands National Park, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, and the 1.6 million acres of the Santa Fe National Forest.
New York’s Albany to Niagara Falls
Take a week-long road trip covering the length of the Empire State along I-90 West. Start in the state capital to experience America’s Main Street before visiting quaint towns and farms on your way to Syracuse. It’s a large city and college town in one chock full of museums, shops, amusement parks, and a zoo.
Next up is family-friendly Rochester with The Strong National Museum of Play and boat rides on the Erie Canal. Continue your road trip by driving along Lake Ontario to witness where the lake meets the Niagara River. Enjoy a day exploring Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world.
North Carolina’s Cumberland Knob to Heintooga Overlook
Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway through the whole state right to the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plan a week-long road trip to experience the variety of attractions North Carolina has to offer.
From Cherokee life, agricultural history, Southern Appalachian culture, the largest home in America, and some of the world’s oldest mountains, there’s something for everyone. Explore the beauty of Grandfather Mountain, Pisgah National Forest, and trendy Asheville, home of The Biltmore Estate.
North Dakota’s Washburn to Stanton
Travel the route of Lewis and Clark along the Sakakawea Scenic Byway and Missouri River Valley. Retrace their incredible journey while learning about the people who’ve lived in this land for centuries. Plan for stops at Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Cross Ranch State Park, Fort Clark State Historic Site, and Fort Mandan Historic Site.
Ohio’s Cleveland to Cincinnati
Give yourself time to explore the major cities of Ohio on this I-71 South road trip. Start in Cleveland to enjoy the shore of Lake Erie and visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Continue South to Columbus for its arts & food scene and beautiful botanical gardens.
For airplane enthusiasts, take a side trip to The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton. End with two days in Cincinnati. It’s the largest metro area in the state with history, art, architecture, children’s museums, and a zoo.
Oklahoma’s Talihina to Heavener
Take a week to explore all the destinations and historic towns along the Talimena National Scenic Byway. Plan day trips and hiking excursions in Ouachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. For white water enthusiasts, enjoy the Ouachita, Mountain Fork, Caddo, and Cossatot Rivers’ adventures. Don’t miss the 1,000-year-old Viking carvings in the stunning Heavener Runestone Park.
Oregon’s Portland Loop
The Columbia River Gorge Highway connects some of our county’s most stunning sites. Stop first at Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area with beautiful vistas, trails, and 90 waterfalls. At the Washington state border, the Columbia River Gorge will take your breath away. Take the windy drive up to Sandy River and stop at Crown Point Vista House for an incredible view of The Gorge.
As you continue, make sure to visit Multnomah Falls, one of the most visited sites in the Pacific Northwest. As you return to Portland, explore Benson and Ainsworth State Parks, the Eagle Creek hiking trail, and the town of Hood River, a favorite with kiteboarders.
Pennsylvania’s Jim Thorpe to Milford
For over 100 years, the Pocono Mountains have attracted visitors to their quiet beauty and outdoor adventures. The small towns along Route 209 are known for their seasonal celebrations, historical sites, and family-friendly activities. Start in Jim Thorpe, dubbed America’s Switzerland, for its international architecture. Whether you’re an advanced hiker, train fanatic, biker, or white water rafter, it’s a great place to kick off your vacation.
Next, enjoy Stroudsburg’s downtown as you make your way to The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area. This 70,000-acre park offers endless outdoor adventures and stunning views of the Delaware River Valley. Dingman’s Falls, right off US-209, is a must-do stop, even if you’re short on time. End in Milford to tour their historical sites and Raymondskill Falls, the largest waterfall in the state.
Rhode Island’s Watch Hill to Newport
Take a weekend road trip along historic Route 1 to see all that coastal Rhode Island has to offer. Start at Watch Hill, the southernmost point in the state, and snake your way through quintessential New England towns.
Rhode Island’s coast contains beautiful historic lighthouses scattered on gorgeous peninsulas, islands, and cliff sides like Point Judith Lighthouse. In Newport, stay a night, or two in luxurious resorts, tour historic mansions and enjoy award-winning restaurants.
South Carolina’s Cleveland to Charleston
While you could drive this stretch of the state in five hours, take your time traveling from the mountains to the coast. Start in Cleveland and enjoy a portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Caesars Head State Park. As you drive south on Poinsett Highway, stop in Greenville, dubbed America’s Friendliest City.
As you continue towards the coast on Veterans Highway, visit Columbia, the capital city, and take a stroll in its riverside park. Plan for a day in nearby Congaree National Park and Lake Marion. Conclude your drive where Route 26 ends in Charleston, one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. Leave time to enjoy the state’s oldest city and some of the best restaurants in South Carolina.
South Dakota’s Crazy Horse to Badlands National Park
Consider taking a road trip through South Dakota’s rolling prairies, twisting mountain roads, and iconic American monuments. Start at the historical Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Take US-16 E to enjoy a couple of days in Rapid City, a vibrant town with outdoor festivals, concerts, and a unique food scene.
Travel I-90 E to Wall as a base for exploring Badlands National Park. Drive the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway to see its 16 stunning overlooks and hike among its surreal landscape.
Tennessee’s Nashville to the Smoky Mountains
With a music capital, amusement parks, foodie havens, history, and the most visited national park in the country, it’s no wonder so many Americans are flocking to Tennessee. This 200-mile I-40 E road trip starts in the entertainment-rich Nashville, the country music capital of the world. Next, drive to Knoxville with stops in Old City and Mead’s Quarry.
Before entering the Great Smoky Mountains National park, enjoy a day in family-friendly Pigeon Forge, home to Dollywood Amusement park. Its neighbor city, Gatlinburg, is a perfect base to explore half a million acres of the Smoky Mountains.
Texas’s Austin to San Antonio
While 30 million people visit The Live Music Capital of the World annually, many don’t leave Austin. Consider expanding your vacation with an I-35 S road trip to San Antonio and experience the Texas Hill Country. Stop first in San Marcos and enjoy the hundreds of river springs perfect year-round at 72 degrees.
Next, explore New Braunfels, a beloved vacation destination for Texans. This small town boasts a historic downtown, an infamous water park, and Comal River, a beloved tubing spot. Next, visit San Antonio, a vacation destination in its own right, with a beautiful miles-long River Walk, unique culture, and historical sites like The Alamo. On your way back to Austin, consider a side trip to Lockhart, with some of the best barbeque in the state.
Utah’s Torrey to Bryce Canyon
If there’s a Million Dollar Highway, it must be on your bucket list. U.S. Route 550 features two national parks, one national monument, a national forest, and a stunning state park, all with million-dollar views. While the Highway is under 150 miles long, leave at least a week to explore all the incredible sites in this portion of the state.
Start on Capitol Reef Scenic Drive to reach the first of many, National Parks in Utah. Explore Larb Hollow Overlook, Burr Trail in Long Canyon, and Lower Calf Creek Falls. Continue to the town of Escalante, home of Grand Staircase with 1 million acres of mind-boggling geological formations. Don’t skip over Kodachrome Basin State Park. It’s so vibrant it was named after the popular color photography film. End this epic road trip in Bryce Canyon National Park’s Mossy Cave Trail, often overlooked by the crowds.
Vermont’s Brandon to Goshen
Witness the beauty of Vermont on the West-Central Mountains & the Appalachian Gap Loop, particularly beautiful in the fall. This 100-mile route passes through Green Mountain National Forest, Lake Dunmore, and ten quaint, welcoming towns. If you’re looking to stay for the weekend or longer, make lodging reservations well in advance for this popular road trip destination.
Virginia’s Arlington to Shenandoah Valley
If you’re planning a vacation to Washington, D.C., add a Shenandoah Valley road trip to your itinerary. As you head west on I-66, stop at the historic Manassas National Battlefield Park and Skyline Caverns. Stay at family-friendly four-season resorts, inns, or romantic bed & breakfasts to explore nearby Shenandoah National Park. During your stay or on your drive back, check out the Shenandoah Spirits Trail featuring more than 45 vineyards, craft breweries, distilleries.
Washington’s Seattle to Portland
Whether you live in the Seattle area or are visiting the area on vacation, this awe-inspiring road trip to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most awe-inspiring sites is bucket-list worthy. From Seattle, travel along I-5 N on the coast to Bellingham, your base for exploring nearby Mount Baker.
Continue to North Cascade National Park, Stevens Pass, and Cascade Valley. Next, explore all that the White Pass Scenic Byway offers, like Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, before ending in Portland. This walkable city is known for its food and distinct culture that turns visitors into residents.
West Virginia’s Charleston to White Sulphur Springs
Travel 180 miles of The Midland Trail National Scenic Byway to see stunning vistas, experience thrilling outdoor adventures, and learn the history of the people who lived in these hills for centuries. Jump on U.S. Route 60 in the capital city of Charleston and snake your way through the mountains to Hawks Nest State Park, with panoramic views and white water rafting. Fayette County offers fishing, horseback riding, and world-class rock climbing.
Continue to Greenbrier Valley’s limestone landscapes, farms, historic sites, and quaint towns. End your journey with a stay at The Greenbrier, a National Historic Landmark and world-class resort that has hosted half our country’s presidents, royalty, celebrities, and guests from around the world since 1778.
Wisconsin’s Madison to Prairie du Chien
Explore 100 miles of the Lower Wisconsin River countryside on the Wisconsin Scenic Byway. One hour west of Madison is Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s sprawling estate with a national historic landmark designation to honor our country’s most famous architect.
Follow the Wisconsin River to the town of Boscobel with one of the best River Outing tour companies in the region. You can book an excursion for a couple of hours or even days. End your road trip in Prairie du Chien, a town established in the 1800s. Make sure to visit Wyalusing State Park 500 feet above the river for stunning views.
Wyoming’s Beartooth Pass To Yellowstone
Did we save the best road trip for last? The Beartooth Highway, a National Scenic Byway, is thought to be the most scenic drive in the United States. While less than 100 miles across Northeast Wyoming, this 80-year-old road draws global visitors to its diverse environment, family-friendly wild west cities, and breathtaking scenery.
Set next to epic mountain ranges are endless glacial lakes, national forests, waterfalls, and fantastic wildlife. You can experience the highest and most rugged mountain areas in the continental United States from your car. Leave time to explore Custer, Gallatin & Shoshone National Forests, and the Crown Jewel of America’s National Park System – Yellowstone.
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