This article originally appeared in Travel+Leisure.
Nothing quite beats the experience-of-a-lifetime exhilaration of a cross-country road trip. If you are looking to get lost in adventure, nature, and the pristine surrounding beauty, then this route is for you. Here we mapped out the quintessential stops and exciting points of respite along the northern route from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast. The best part? There is no exact science to it, so begin your journey from whichever coast you prefer and immerse yourself in all that this route has to offer.
Seattle, Washington
Before you depart Seattle, a city known for its iconic Space Needle cityscape, be sure to grab a coffee from Storyville Coffee Company and some artisanal Greek yogurt from Ellenos at Pike Place Market before continuing east. Snoqualmie Falls, a short drive from Seattle, is a great place to stop for a brief hike with exceptional views and a 270-foot waterfall. If starting your trip from the East Coast, Seattle will be your final stop on the route, so an overnight stay at Inn at the Market will be a must — if only for the views of Pike Place and the tranquil waterfront. Save room for the all-day breakfast menu at Bacco Cafe, one of the three restaurants at this hotel, for a taste of the local daily catch.