By Planet Ride — motorcycle travel specialists. The United States offers winding roads, mountain passes, vast coastlines and iconic national parks. This first part of our Top 51 presents 13 places, from Alabama to Florida in the French alphabetical order of the states used in the original article. These are ideas for a USA motorcycle road trip, not the stages of one continuous tour.
General tips for riders
- Season and weather: always check seasonal closures, including mountain roads such as Tioga Road in Yosemite and access to Denali Park Road.
- Access and permits: some sites on tribal lands, such as Antelope Canyon, require guided visits and advance reservations.
- Safety: respect wildlife and signs, keep a safe distance and arrange roadside assistance suitable for motorcycles.
Places to visit in the USA: state-by-state inspiration
Alabama — Cathedral Caverns State Park
A spectacular cave with stalagmites and imposing chambers. Riders can approach along smaller state roads and park at the visitor centre. Guided visits run regularly; check schedules outside the main season.
Alaska — Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali offers vast mountain landscapes and wilderness. Private vehicles can only use the first stretch of Park Road, generally as far as Savage River at mile 15; buses or excursions are needed beyond that point. Weather changes quickly. Favour summer for riding and anticipate wildlife without approaching animals.
Arizona — Antelope Canyon, Navajo Nation
This famous slot canyon lies near Page. Visits require a guide authorised by the Navajo Nation; flash flooding is a risk during storms. Page is a practical stopping point, with road views around Glen Canyon and US-89.
Arkansas — Hot Springs National Park
A compact national park centred on hot springs and a spa town. It offers a relaxing stop after a long riding day. Historic establishments on Bathhouse Row provide paid services.
California — Yosemite National Park
Granite cliffs, waterfalls and forests make this a memorable stop. Tioga Road, Highway 120, and the valley offer striking scenery; allow for winter closures and summer traffic. Book accommodation and check entrance charges and any reservation requirements for your dates.
To discover Yosemite on an organised itinerary, explore our Great West motorcycle tour. This trip does not include all 13 places in this selection.
North Carolina — Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Biltmore is a vast private residence open to visitors and a possible cultural stop when exploring the region around the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s renowned riding roads.
South Carolina — Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach
This lakeside entertainment complex can provide a lively evening stop between stages along the coast.
Colorado — Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Spectacular red rock formations, scenic roads and parking accessible to motorcycles. Early or late daylight brings out the landscape.
Connecticut — Mystic Seaport
A living maritime museum with historic boats and shipyard exhibits. An appealing cultural stop on the northeastern coast.
North Dakota — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
A badlands park divided into three units. Open landscapes and rural roads appeal to riders, with opportunities to observe bison and wild horses. Carry water and protection against dust.
South Dakota — Mount Rushmore
The memorial to four presidents is reached by scenic roads from Rapid City. Expect busy summer periods and consider combining it with Custer State Park.
Delaware — Cape Henlopen State Park
A former military site, including Fort Miles, now valued for beaches, cycle paths and observation areas. A coastal break for riders exploring the East Coast.
Florida — Everglades National Park
A distinctive ecosystem of mangroves and wetlands. Tamiami Trail, US-41, offers an approach to the region. Prepare for heat and mosquitoes, and consider guided excursions for exploring safely.
From inspiration to your next trip
This first part combines natural attractions and cultural stops to inspire your motorcycle road trip. Continue with part two of the Top 51. To turn ideas into a plan, choose a USA motorcycle tour according to the region and programme that suit you.