If two cities in the United States are completely different, you probably couldn’t find a better pair than these. And yet a Boston to Las Vegas road trip is the kind of cross-country expedition that will feel like the perfect ride. Going from the Cradle of Liberty to the Entertainment Capital of the World is a logical progression. After all, you need the freedom of expression before you can create a center for arts and performance.
All along the way, you will find the perfect set of Americana destinations that almost tell the story of that evolution without even noticing it. After all, you’re going to be having too much fun to ponder the grandiosity of our national identity! We envy those taking this exploration into the amazing diversity that our beloved country has to offer.
Pack your bags, rally the troops, and fill the tank, because we have all the road trip recommendations to have the best Boston to Las Vegas drive.
For your Boston to Las Vegas drive, doing it in a straight shot would take around 40 hours. But who would want to zip through all those sites without a chance to even blink? A reasonable pace is what we want, so consider doing the 2,700+ miles in over a week or maybe a bit more. You’ll start with the I-90, which will take you to the outskirts of Chicago. Your westward trajectory will curve slightly south when you switch to the I-80 until you edge Colorado and take Highway 76 toward Denver. Once there, you’ll cut through the Rockies by grabbing the I-70 until you’re about halfway through Utah. Then, the I-15 will take you southwest to Vegas.
Since you’ll be cutting through some of America’s biggest and busiest cities, try to time your passage through them outside of normal rush hours during the week. Also, allow extra time for getting through slower weekend traffic. That’s especially true in Vegas with all the huge events in Las Vegas that are constantly happening! Choose Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to avoid heavy traffic getting into Las Vegas. No matter where you’re driving from or which day of the week, the traffic is sure to pick up closer to the city.
There’s no better way to start a road trip than fueling up with great food. Northampton is known for brunch, and Jake’s is top-tier. Breakfast is served all day, with unique entrees like the pork belly benedict and Korean BBQ burrito.
Who would have thought that central New York State would have one of the great architectural marvels of the world? The Niagara Mohawk Building in Syracuse is an Art Deco dream, rivaling what you’d see in NYC or Chicago.
One of the Cleveland area’s most storied homes, the Franklin Castle, has long been rumored to be haunted. Whether you see a ghost or not, this Victorian house is sure to give you spooky horror movie vibes.
Sorry Florida and California, some of America’s best beaches are in the Midwest! These 15 miles of sandy coast on Lake Michigan are perfect for sunning, swimming, and nature hikes. Bring your towels and a picnic basket.
Here in the middle of Iowa is a real-life 19th-century general store. Perfectly preserved and selling the same goods since 1857, this store is your chance to pick up items found nowhere else. It’s an authentic piece of American history for you to explore – and take home!
This natural subterranean structure has been used by everybody from Native peoples to beer brewers, and maybe even some criminals. Taking a tour means seeing artifacts and remnants of centuries’ worth of the cave’s dwellers.
Now that you’ve been covered with the dusty road for over 2,500 miles, it’s time to take a refreshing dip. This Steamboat Springs, Colorado, river is the perfect place to relax on a tube and float downstream.
This is America’s real Jurassic Park! The original treasure trove of dinosaur quarries has been preserved so you can experience its fossils. There are over 800 of these extinct giants to explore, as well as Native peoples’ hieroglyphs.
In Utah’s Fishlake National Park, these natural hot springs will relax your muscles and loosen those cramps you got from sitting in the car all day. Enjoy the crisp desert air as you warm up in 100-degree bathing.
Now that you’re on Las Vegas’ doorstep, make one more food stop before you delve into the big city. Sitting on Lake Mead, this kitschy destination has solid menu items and pirate-themed décor with a lovely waterfront view.
Some say life isn’t only about the destination, it’s about the journey. If you’re planning your next trip to Vegas from Boston, consider hitting the road and making an adventure out of it. While you’re planning all your Las Vegas road trip pit stops, be sure to book your room at Golden Gate Las Vegas to have a place to call home after your drive. On top of comfortable rooms and suites (or penthouses for added luxury), you’ll be in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas to walk around town and stretch your legs after your Boston to Las Vegas drive. Drive safely, and see you soon!