Take a Scenic Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
One of the highlights of a Lynchburg, VA to LAX road trip is the opportunity to take in the breathtaking vistas along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Winding for over 450 miles through the Appalachian Highlands region, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides drivers with endless scenic overlooks and access to incredible mountain hiking trails.
As you head west out of Lynchburg, consider stopping at Peaks of Otter, where you can take a moderate hike up Sharp Top mountain. At just over a mile round trip, Sharp Top offers panoramic 360 degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge peaks and valleys. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the summit before continuing your drive.
Further along the Parkway, be sure to pause at the Whetstone Ridge and Yankee Horse Ridge overlooks, which offer spectacular long-range mountain scenes. And don’t miss a photo opp at the iconic Triple Arch at Milepost 43, where three gracefully curving bridges carry the Parkway over a steep mountain gap.
For an easy family-friendly hike, check out Fallingwater Cascades National Scenic Trail, just off the Parkway at Milepost 83. At just under 2 miles round trip, the trail follows a refreshing mountain stream past a series of small waterfalls. It’s the perfect leg-stretcher to break up a full day of driving.
Whether you choose to stop for hours or just pause briefly at a roadside overlook, the Blue Ridge Parkway guarantees one breathtaking view after another. Its scenic beauty is the perfect introduction to the natural wonders that await you farther west on your Lynchburg to LAX road trip adventure.
Spend Time Exploring the Historic Downtown of Charlottesville, VA
About an hour’s drive west of Lynchburg along the Blue Ridge Parkway lies the vibrant college town of Charlottesville, VA, which makes for an engaging stopover on your road trip to LAX.
Charlottesville’s historic downtown district centered around the pedestrian Downtown Mall is home to over 120 shops, 30 restaurants, and a lively arts scene. Take your time strolling the brick-paved streets, popping into the various boutiques, cafes, and galleries that line the Mall.
Don’t miss the chance to sample the incredible cuisine in Charlottesville, which ranges from downhome Southern cooking to upscale local fare. Be sure to try some of Virginia’s signature dishes like country ham, hearty Brunswick stew, or fresh shad and rockfish. For a special night out, make reservations at one of Charlottesville’s award-winning farm-to-table restaurants, many of which source ingredients straight from the surrounding countryside.
Art lovers will enjoy exploring the studios and galleries of the Downtown Mall, home to over 20 artists who work in mediums ranging from painting to print-making to sculpture. Charlottesville has a thriving local arts scene, thanks in large part to its proximity to the University of Virginia. Don’t miss the chance to take home a unique souvenir from one of the local artisans.
History buffs will also appreciate the Charlottesville area, which is home to Thomas Jefferson’s magnificent estate at Monticello. Tour the house and grounds to learn about Jefferson’s life and explore his innovative architecture and landscaping. Nearby is Ash Lawn-Highland, the historic home of Jefferson’s friend and fellow Founding Father James Monroe.
With its charming shops, acclaimed restaurants, galleries, and fascinating historical attractions, downtown Charlottesville is the perfect place to stop and explore for a day or two on your Lynchburg to LAX road trip. It encapsulates so much of the culture, cuisine, and heritage that makes Virginia such a special place.
Marvel at the Natural Beauty of Shenandoah National Park
As you continue heading west from Charlottesville on your road trip to LAX, one of the most spectacular natural attractions you’ll encounter is Shenandoah National Park. Spanning a long stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwestern Virginia, Shenandoah is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails through lush forests and alongside stunning waterfalls and vistas.
No visit to Shenandoah would be complete without driving the entire length of Skyline Drive, the iconic 105-mile scenic road that runs along the ridge of the mountains through the length of the park. Stop at overlooks all along the drive to take in views of the verdant Shenandoah Valley rolling out to the west and the Piedmont region to the east. Be sure to have your camera ready for iconic sights like Old Rag Mountain and Hawksbill Peak, the tallest peak in the park.
For an easy family-friendly hike, consider the Limberlost Trail, a 1.3 mile loop that winds past historic homesites and through forests that glow with mountain laurel blooms in early summer. More ambitious hikers will enjoy challenging trails like Old Rag Ridge and Stony Man, both of which end with panoramic views of the entire Shenandoah wilderness from rocky clifftops.
No trip to Shenandoah is complete without watching the sunrise or sunset from one of the park’s many overlooks. Consider timing your drive so you can wake early and watch the changing light cascade over the rolling Blue Ridge peaks and valleys. End your day with a dazzling golden hour vista before turning in for the night under a blanket of stars, only visible from the dark-sky mountain wilderness.
With its unspoiled forests, tumbling waterfalls, challenging hikes and breathtaking vistas, Shenandoah National Park is a highlight of any Virginia road trip. Don’t rush through – take time to immerse yourself in its natural splendor as you continue your journey west towards LAX.
See Wild Ponies on Assateague Island off the Coast of Virginia
After taking in the mountain scenery of Shenandoah, head east from the Blue Ridge to visit the wild ponies of Assateague Island. This unique barrier island located off the coast of Virginia features over 37 miles of pristine beaches, coastal marshes, and abundant wildlife, including a population of feral horses that roam freely across the island.
Assateague is accessed by crossing the soaring Verrazano Bridge, which offers beautiful views over Chincoteague Bay. Once on the island, drive slowly along the main road, keeping an eye out for the small bands of ponies grazing roadside. The best times to spot them are early morning and evenings during their daily migration between the marshy interior of the island and the oceanside beaches.
Be sure to stop by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to obtain an off-road vehicle permit before driving onto the beach. With a permit, you’re allowed to explore the beaches via 4×4 – the best way to get an up-close look at the ponies in the wild. Drive slowly and keep a safe distance as you snap photos of these iconic wild horses in their natural habitat.
While Assateague’s wild ponies are undoubtedly the star attraction, keep an eye out for other wildlife like herons, egrets, oystercatchers, and the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel. Between 200 to 300 bird species make their home on Assateague due to its remote location and diversity of freshwater wetlands, maritime forests, and sandy dunes.
After a day spent enjoying Assateague’s natural treasures, head back to the charming town of Chincoteague for dinner. Be sure to sample local specialties like fresh caught Chincoteague oysters and clams before turning in after a day of beach and wildlife adventures.
Experience Small Town Americana in Abingdon, VA
After exploring the beaches and barrier islands of Virginia’s eastern shore, head back inland and slightly south to soak in some quintessential small town charm in Abingdon, VA. Nestled in the verdant Appalachian southwest region of the state, Abingdon offers a delightful taste of Americana with its brick-lined streets, preserved historic homes, cozy cafes, and thriving arts scene.
Take time to stroll the fetching downtown area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pop into converted 19th century buildings that now house charming boutiques, bookstores, and galleries filled with Appalachian folk art. Be sure to sample a show at the historic Barter Theatre, a regional gem known for producing high-quality dramas since 1933.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the 30+ miles of scenic hiking trails in and around Abingdon, many of which wind past tumbling creeks and waterfalls. The Virginia Creeper Trail offers 34 miles of flat, easy biking through some of Abingdon’s most beautiful protected wilderness between Abingdon and Damascus.
Abingdon comes alive Tuesdays through Sundays during summer months thanks to free outdoor concerts, art festivals, plays, and classes held in the idyllic setting of the Abingdon Town Park. Pack a picnic and blanket and settle in for an evening enjoying small town entertainment at its finest.
Be sure to take time for a stop at the iconic Martha Washington Inn, a historic Victorian lady newly restored to Gilded Age grandeur. Even if you’re not staying overnight, pop in for tea on the veranda or a fine dining experience surrounded by the grace and elegance of the Old South.
With its plethora of livability amenities like excellent healthcare, a walkable historic downtown, an accessible regional airport, and abundant year-round arts and culture, Abingdon offers the best of small town living at its finest. It’s the perfect place to pause and recharge as you traverse Virginia on your way west to LAX.
View Prehistoric Cave Art at Cumberland Gap National Park
Just a short drive northwest of Abingdon lies Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, an often overlooked but fascinating stopover as you traverse Virginia and Kentucky on your road trip to LAX. The key feature of this park is the Cumberland Gap, a narrow pass that cuts through the Appalachian mountains near the intersection of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Throughout history, the Cumberland Gap provided a key passageway through the formidable Appalachian mountain range, allowing early pioneers to head westward to settle new frontiers. Take time to drive through the gap and explore the collection of historic homes, cabins, and settlements within the park to get a taste of frontier life in late 18th and early 19th century America.
However, the most intriguing attraction at Cumberland Gap National Park is a series of caves that contain rare Native American rock art. Archaeologists have found evidence that these remote caverns were used by Indigenous peoples dating back 10,000 years. Tours of Gap Cave and Tri-State Peak Cave provide access to see this preserved cave art first-hand. Marvel at the archaic petroglyphs and pictographs left behind by prehistoric cave dwellers, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of America’s first inhabitants.
Above ground, enjoy the array of hiking trails that wind through Cumberland Gap’s lush forests and ridge-top overlooks. The gentle, 1.2 mile loop around the Pinnacle Overlook ascends to a breathtaking 360 degree view of the mountains and valleys surrounding the historic Cumberland Gap. It’s the perfect leg-stretcher after hours in the car.
Whether you’re interested in pioneer history, prehistoric artifacts, or scenic hiking, Cumberland Gap National Park is worth a stop as you trace your way west through Virginia. It offers a glimpse into the stories and scenery that have made this region part of the iconic American frontier.
Sample Bourbon Along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
As your Virginia road trip continues into Kentucky, be sure to devote time to exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This region of central Kentucky contains an abundance of legendary distilleries crafting bourbon from local corn and limestone-filtered water.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail features over 50 distilleries, but even if you just have time for a few, you’ll come away with an appreciation for the art and heritage of bourbon making in America. Consider touring majestic, centuries-old distilleries like Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam, where you can witness firsthand the traditional processes like mashing, distilling, barreling, and bottling. Most tours end with a tasting of the featured bourbons – sipping them where they were made provides unique insight into the distinct flavor profiles.
In addition to the well-known large distilleries, be sure to visit some smaller craft distilleries like Town Branch or Barrel House to taste rare, local bourbons you won’t find anywhere else. Chat with the passionate local distillers there to learn the stories behind each homemade liquor. Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase special single batch and small-run bourbons only available onsite.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is also a chance to take in classic Kentucky scenery like gently rolling bluegrass pastures dotted with grazing thoroughbreds, endless corn and wheat fields, and historic red-roofed barns. The scenic byways connecting the distilleries pass through quintessential American horse country, making for a memorable road trip experience.
With over 10 million annual visitors, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an iconic American attraction. Taking the time to tour a few distilleries and savor their spirits will give you an invaluable taste of Kentucky’s proudest tradition and most famous export as you traverse the state on your way to LAX.
Explore Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
After sampling bourbons along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, head west to immerse yourself underground at Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the most extensive cave system in the world with over 400 miles mapped so far. This natural wonder should not be missed on your Lynchburg to LAX road trip itinerary.
Mammoth Cave offers a variety of guided tours that take you deep beneath the earth’s surface to marvel at the diverse subterranean landscapes and formations hidden in the cave’s inky depths. Sign up for the moderate Grand Avenue Tour to see magnificent sights like the Snowball Dining Room with its giant suspended boulders, and the Bottomless Pit, a deep sinkhole shrouded in mystery. Or challenge yourself on the strenuous, 5-hour Wild Cave Tour, where you’ll crawl through narrow tunnels to take in awe-inspiring geological formations few visitors access.
Above ground, Mammoth Cave National Park contains over 84 miles of scenic hiking trails that spotlight the park’s biodiverse forests and prairies. A standout is the scenic 0.8 mile Cedar Sink Trail that winds amongst verdant ferns past a dramatic circular limestone pit that seems to swallow the small creek flowing into it.
Late spring and summer showcases blooming wildflowers across the park, especially in more open areas like the Nolin River Prairie. Mammoth Cave provides some of the best accessible spots in Kentucky to witness stunning floral displays like purple prairie clover, orange butterfly weed, and rare occurrences of endangered pink lady slipper orchids.
Whether you take a heart-pounding cave tour, stroll above ground through wildflower meadows, or simply pause to appreciate the park’s unspoiled natural beauty, Mammoth Cave deserves a long stopover as you cross Kentucky. This natural wonder highlights the incredible biodiversity hidden beneath the state’s rolling green landscapes.
Visit the Gateway Arch Landmark in St. Louis, MO
As your road trip heads into the heartland, one unmissable stop is St. Louis, Missouri to view the iconic Gateway Arch on the riverfront. This sweeping monument to westward expansion has become a quintessential symbol of the American heartland.
The Gateway Arch stands an astounding 630 feet tall on the banks of the Mississippi River, demanding awe and attention. Take time to explore the subterranean museum at its base, which contains fascinating exhibits about the architecture and history of the arch. Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time to take the tiny tram up to the narrow observation platform at the arch’s peak – the views of St. Louis and the rolling Midwest are phenomenal.
After visiting the arch, spend time in the buzzing downtown of St. Louis city. Wander through attractions like the Missouri Botanical Garden, Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the neighborhoods of Soulard and The Hill with their vibrant food and arts scenes.
St. Louis boasts an impressive restaurant culture, so be sure to indulge in local specialties. Stop for hearty German fare and beers in The Hill, sample Memphis-style BBQ ribs and sauces in Soulard, or splurge on a world-class meal from a James Beard-recognized chef like Gerard Craft or Kevin Nashan. Don’t leave town without trying St. Louis’s beloved gooey butter cake.
With intriguing museums, picturesque parks, exciting nightlife districts, and mouthwatering cuisine, St. Louis is an engaging stopover in the heart of America. It provides the perfect break to recharge as you traverse the expansive distances between Kentucky and the Southwest on your journey to LAX. The Gateway Arch is a photo-opp not to be missed on this quintessential American road trip.
Soak Up Urban Energy in Las Vegas, Nevada
The neon lights and indulgent energy of Las Vegas provides an alluring stopover as you traverse the desert landscapes between the American Southwest and the West Coast on your road trip. Even if you only have a day or two, Las Vegas packs in enough entertainment, dining, and spectacle to fill weeks.
Beyond the flashy casinos and lively nightlife, spend time discovering Las Vegas’s unique attractions like the Mob Museum, the Pinball Hall of Fame, and the haunting art installations at the Neon Museum. Take in a mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil show, or catch a concert under the stars by a legendary musician at one of the Strip’s open air venues.
Fuel up on an epic buffet at Caesars Palace or the Bellagio before testing your luck at the slots and tables. Then dance the night away at famous Vegas nightclubs like Omnia, Drai’s, or Marquee where you can revel in the vibrant, electric atmosphere until the neon-lit desert sunrise.
Be sure to venture off the Strip to soak in sights like the 18billion bright lights of the Fremont Street Experience in historic downtown Las Vegas, or the funky, artsy vibe of the Arts District. Take in a local music show or a comedy routine by renowned headliners who often workshop new material in Vegas’ intimate clubs.
Famous for its unrestrained energy and opulence, Las Vegas provides the perfect place to indulge your adventurous side for a day or two as you traverse the open highways of Nevada and the desert landscapes nearby. The city encapsulates America’s fascination with risk-taking, people-watching, and unapologetic extravagance.
Hike Through the Magnificent Red Rock Canyon Scenery
Just a short drive from the pulsing energy of Las Vegas lies an oasis of natural tranquility and beauty in Red Rock Canyon. With its towering red sandstone cliffs, pine-dotted mesas, and serene desert vistas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area provides essential respite as you journey across Nevada towards California.
Red Rock Canyon offers over 30 miles of hiking trails that range from easy, like the 1 mile Moenkopi Loop, to strenuous all-day treks like the 6.7 mile Turtlehead Peak trail. Choose an adventurous hike up to an elevation viewpoint to take in the sweeping desert landscapes unfolding dramatically below you. Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning times to marvel at the glowing red and orange hued rock formations that give the park its name.
Make sure to pause at the 13-mile scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, which provides access to awe-inspiring vistas and trailheads by vehicle. Stop frequently at roadside vista points to appreciate unique geological features like the massive, curved Wilson Cliffs or the dreamlike sandstone formations of Pine Creek Canyon.
Keep your eyes peeled along the scenic drive for Desert Bighorn Sheep, rare herds of wild mustangs, jackrabbits, and desert tortoises. Early morning or dusk are the best times to spot wildlife before the desert heat drives them into shade. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens to get up close looks at these elusive desert dwellers.
With convenient proximity to Las Vegas, spectacular natural scenery, and endless outdoor recreation, Red Rock Canyon is an essential stop on your road trip across Nevada. It encapsulates the rugged beauty and allure of the Mojave desert, providing adventure and solace before reaching the populated coasts of California.
Drive Along Historic Route 66 for a Classic American Road Trip
As you journey across the expansive deserts of the Southwest on your trip from Lynchburg to LAX, be sure to spend some time driving along the remaining accessible stretches of the iconic Route 66 highway. This historic roadway, one of the first cross-country routes established in America, provides an authentic mid-century road trip experience as you traverse Arizona and New Mexico.
Look for brown heritage signs in cities like Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Kingman that mark the alignment of original Route 66 and guide you to preserved sections you can still travel today. Drive Route 66 out of Flagstaff through the open vistas of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, where remnants of neon-tinged diners and roadside curios still remain from the highway’s more bustling past.
Pause in the railroad town of Williams, AZ, where vintage motor courts and eateries line Route 66. Continue west towards Kingman, stopping at nostalgic trading posts, drive-in burger joints, and Old West attractions that seem frozen in the 1960s heyday of family road trips along the Mother Road.
Traveling segments of original two-lane Route 66 provides rich scenery of the American Southwest, from lonely windswept plains to rolling green high desert to the towering Grand Canyon. You’ll enjoy an immersive vintage road trip experience far from sterile interstate highways.
Following Route 66 lets you commune with adventure-loving explorers from the past as you traverse some of the same open roads they did in the American West. Seeing the small towns sustained by this historic route provides unique insight into the evolution of transportation and travel in America.
Explore Sunny Beach Towns Along the Pacific Coast
As your trip across America nears its end in California, make sure to devote ample time to stop at the iconic beach towns and coastal communities that dot the Pacific Coast highway. After so many days traversing the nation’s interior, emerging to Pacific views provides a refreshing jolt of energy.
Classic surf towns like San Diego, Newport Beach, and Santa Monica exude the laidback, fun-loving vibe that the California coastline is famous for worldwide. Make time to stroll wooden boardwalks and white sand beaches, catching sunsets over the glittering blue Pacific each evening.
Keep heading north to the wilder, windswept beauty of the Central Coast around Big Sur. Take in the staggering views at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and from the soaring vistas along Highway 1 where the mountains seem to plunge into the sea. Stop to hike redwood forests or laze on hidden coves where the water shimmers brilliant turquoise in the afternoon light.
Eventually, you’ll reach San Francisco where chilly mists shroud the Golden Gate Bridge and Victorian homes cling precariously to steep hills looming over the bay. Make time to sample San Francisco’s legendary food scene, from glutinous mission burritos to decadent cioppino seafood stews to nation-defining Napa Valley wines.
By including stops down California’s captivating coast, you’ll finish your cross country journey with sunshine on your shoulders and the sound of crashing waves accompanying you as you make the final few hours’ drive down to LAX.
Arrive Refreshed at LAX Airport After an Epic American Road Trip
After over a week traversing the backroads, coastlines, deserts, mountains, and cities along the route from Lynchburg, VA to Los Angeles, pulling up to LAX airport will likely bring bittersweet feelings. You’ll be excited for whatever new adventure awaits as you board your flight, but also nostalgic for the experiences you’re leaving behind from your classic American road trip.
Hopefully you’ve structured your journey to allow leisurely stops along the way rather than just racing to your final destination on the West Coast. Avoiding interstate highways for two-lane byways wherever possible keeps you immersed in local cultures and quintessential scenery throughout the trip.
Take time before reaching Los Angeles to soak in a Pacific sunset from an iconic beach, savor one last farm-fresh Southern meal, and revel in wide open desert vistas one more time. This road trip across the USA encapsulates the diversity of landscapes, regional traditions, and freedoms that make road travel so integral to the American experience.
You’re likely to arrive at LAX feeling inspired and rejuvenated, with fresh perspective on the vastness and beauty of your home country as seen from its backroads and small towns. Cherish the memories from chance encounters and conversations across many states that will stick with you as much as the grand national parks and monuments themselves.
Now you can board your flight reflecting on this USA road trip’s incomparable blend of natural splendor, fascinating history, cultural diversity, and pioneer spirit that makes America travel so remarkable. The memories and perspectives gained will stay with you far longer than any direct flight could ever provide.
Begin Planning Your Next Epic American Road Trip Adventure
As your Lynchburg to LAX road trip comes to a close, you’re probably already thinking ahead to your next great American driving adventure. One cross country journey is rarely enough to take in the enormity and diversity of landscapes and experiences the United States has to offer road trippers.
Consider mapping out an itinerary for a Pacific Northwest road trip to explore the striking volcanic scenery, verdant rainforests, and lively port cities between Seattle and Portland. Or wind your way through the rich cultural gumbo and sultry landscapes between New Orleans and Miami.
If you still crave deserts, plan a loop from Phoenix through the staggering vistas of the Southwest like Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, and Zion on your way up to the neon lights of Las Vegas. Or lose yourself in the folksy small towns and friendly people of America’s heartland on a trip from Chicago to Louisville and Nashville.
Endless possibilities await those with a passion for exploration and meeting fellow travelers. America’s backroads, scenic byways, and offbeat stops continue to call, awaiting new stories and adventures.
Soon enough, you’ll find yourself tossing bags in the trunk again, ready for the open road. You’ll stop one last time to appreciate your home as you set out, imagining the people you’ll meet and places you’ll see as the miles roll by. Another spectacular American road trip awaits.