Do you want to get the most out of your US travel experience? Or you’re just thrilled by travel guides filled with gorgeous photos and captivating stories.
Then you must read these 13 best US travel books and top-selling US guides. These travel guide books are a must to read before or while traveling to the US and exploring unique places there.
From road trip ideas to hidden gems and everything in between, this list of US travel guides will have you itching to explore this great country as soon as possible!
1/ 50 States 500 State Parks: The Essential Guide To Exploring America’s State Parks
By Publications International Ltd || Read: Amazon | Walmart
50 States, 500 State Parks is a must-have guide for any traveler exploring the United States. This visually stunning book takes readers on an epic journey of discovery through America’s wild and wonderful national parks.
Featuring hundreds of stunning color photographs and detailed maps of each park, it’s sure to be a hit with nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
The book includes unique travel tips and ideas of things to do and see in each state, conveniently organized by region.
2/ 100 Drives, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to Do, What to See
By: Joe Yogerst, National Geographic || Read: Amazon | Walmart
100 Drives, 5,000 Ideas is a sequel to the best-selling US travel book 50 States, 500 State Parks. You will surely love this book if you are a road trip traveler.
This ultimate US travel guide takes you on 100 epic journeys across all 50 states and Itond. It also discusses 10 Canadian provinces, offering thousands of sites and roadside attractions.
That’s not all. There’s something here to satisfy every traveler to the US.
- Take magnificent turns along Alaska’s Route One.
- Wind through retro spots from Chicago to Lat Angeles on Route 66.
- Stop off at old sites on 600 miles of New Mexico’s Trail of the Ancients.
- Discover fossils along Dinosaur Drive, a route that winds its way from Calgary to Denver.
- Beach lovers will delight in Hawaii’s Oahu Circle Island Drive.
- And history lovers can follow Canada’s War of 1812 trail.
From a vineyard route through Northwest wine country to a winter wonderland on Alberta’s Icefields Parkway, this informative travel guide offers epic sights, sound bites, and pure fun.
Pack your car and hit the United States and Canada,e road to experience 100 drives – across the United States and Canada.
You’ll find innovative itineraries outlining your route, along with when to go and what to see and do along the way.
Filled with expert tips, tons of activities, and plenty to see and do as you drive, 100 Drives, 5,000 Ideas is the ultimate US travel guide book for road trips.
3/ Lonely Planet USA’s Best Trips: 51 Amazing Road Trips
By: Simon Richmond, Lonely Planet || Read: Amazon | Walmart
If you’re looking for a complete guide to exploring the United States by road trip, then Lonely Planet USA’s Best Trips is perfect.
This book has detailed maps, vivid photos, and a comprehensive guide to 51 amazing road trips that span the entire US.
Each trip includes a detailed itinerary, special attractions, unique places to visit, and insider tips from the author.
No matter what kind of traveler you are, you’ll find something to inspire your next great American road trip in this book.
4/ Off The Beaten: A Travel Guide To More Than 1,000 Interesting Places
By: Reader’s Digest || Read: Amazon | Walmart
Off The Beaten Path is the best-selling travel book for anyone looking to discover the hidden gems of the United States.
This US travel book will inspire you to dig deeper, contains over 1,000 destinations, and is packed full of amazing insightful stories.
This guide covers everything from lesser-known national parks to the quirkiest roadside attractions and the most off-the-beaten-track locations.
The book has detailed maps and directions to help you get from A to B. So, if you’re looking for a truly unique experience and an adventure off the beaten path, this book is for you!
5/ Road Trip USA: The Ultimate Guide for Cross-Country Adventurers
By: Jamie Jensen || Read: Amazon | eBay
Road Trips USA is one of the best US travel books and guides, without a doubt. This best-selling seventh edition of Road Trips USA offers mile-by-mile highlights of more than 35,000 miles of classic American highways and byways.
Experience a cross-country journey celebrating our great nation’s diversity, spirit, and beauty.
This USA travel book covers all the major cities and thousands of obscure towns and attractions in between.
Packed with road-tested advice from experienced adventurers, this guide gives you all the practical information you need to prepare for a successful trip.
With Road Trips USA, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning views, hidden gems, and lasting memories.
6/ Road Food, 10th Edition: An Eater’s Guide to More Than 1,000 of the Best Local Hot Spots and Hidden
By: Jane Stern || Read: Amazon | Walmart
Road Food is perfect if you’re looking for the ultimate US road trip guide. This 10th edition of Roadfood features detailed reviews and directions on all the best local spots and hidden gems America offers.
Organized by region, this book includes mouth-watering descriptions of iconic dishes, unique restaurants, and delicious eats from coast to coast.
The American travel book also includes tips and tricks on finding the best food in each area and interviews with locals who know the best places to get a good meal.
So, if you’re looking for the ultimate US travel guide book to finding all the most delicious food in America, look no further than Roadfood.
7/ The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA
By: Jessica Dunham || Read: Amazon | Official Site
Are you ready to leave your comfort zone and experience a journey like no other? With The Open Road, you can explore America from coast to coast with complete peace of mind thanks to its comprehensive guide.
From strategic lists and road trip options to flexible itineraries, this guide has all the information you need to plan an unforgettable adventure.
The book is packed with expert advice and essential tips, so you can ensure you don’t miss any of the best stops from coast to coast.
Not only does it have local flavors and attractions, but it also has gorgeous full-color photographs and a fold-out map for each route.
Grab your copy of The Open Road and hit the highway. It’s time to discover America like never before for an unforgettable adventure.
8/ The New York Times (NYT) 36 Hours: USA & Canada, Revised and Updated
By: Barbara Ireland || Read: Amazon | Walmart
The New York Times 36 Hours is one of the US travel books and guides for any traveler looking to explore North America.
Don’t get the title wrong; it’s not just about New York.
This revised and updated edition covers 125 destinations throughout the USA and Canada, with detailed information on the best sights, restaurants, and activities for every location.
The guide includes popular and off-the-beaten-path attractions, so you can discover hidden gems and explore beyond the typical tourist locations.
The travel guidebook also features practical tips and insider advice from locals, ensuring your journey is as exciting and comfortable as possible.
With The New York Times 36 Hours, you can confidently experience North America’s best offers. Get your copy today and start planning an unforgettable adventure!
9/ Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 63 Parks (Travel Guide)
By: Becky Lomax || Read: Amazon | Walmart
Moon USA National Parks is one of the best US travel books to discover the beauty of America’s national parks.
This US guidebook includes everything you need to know about all 63 parks in the US, from the iconic Yellowstone and Yosemite to lesser-known gems like Redwood National Park.
The guide has detailed maps and guides to each park’s trails, activities, and wildlife. It also provides insider tips on getting the most out of your visit and staying safe in all kinds of weather.
You can also explore aquariums, parks, and zoos here.
10/ National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 9th Edition
By National Geographic || Read: Amazon | Walmart
The National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States is essential for anyone interested in exploring America’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
This updated edition covers the country’s 63 national parks and provides an in-depth look at each park’s flora, fauna, and natural features.
It also includes detailed maps, tips on the best times to visit, advice on activities and accommodations, and lists of nearby attractions.
With this guide, you can ensure you get the most out of your visit to any of America’s national parks.
11/ Secret Route 66: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure
By Jim Ross & Shellee Graham || Read: Amazon | Walmart
Explore the hidden gems of Route 66 with Secret Route 66. This US travel guide book takes you off the beaten path and reveals all the weird, wonderful, and obscure stops along the iconic route of the United States of America.
Discover quirky roadside attractions, historical sites, abandoned ghost towns, and more. The guide includes detailed maps, photos, and insider tips on how to get the most out of your journey.
If you’re itching to explore the famous Route 66 and its wonders, grab your copy of the book today and prepare for an amazing getaway.
Embrace this unique journey as it will offer a one-of-a-kind experience – so don’t miss out on making memories that will last forever.
12/ Fodor’s Best Weekend Road Trips: Full-color Travel Guide
By Fodor’s Travel Guides || Read: Amazon | Walmart
Experience the best of North America with Fodor’s Best Weekend Road Trips. This full-color US travel guide is packed with inspiring ideas for where to go, what to do, and how to get there.
You’ll find detailed information on over 50 road trips across the US and Canada, from coastal getaways to mountain escapes and more.
The book has route maps, driving times, and tips on where to stay along the way, making it one of the top US travel books.
Fodor’s Best Weekend Road Trips is perfect if you want to explore North America quickly and make the most of your limited time.
13/ Where To Go When the Americas: Inspirational Ideas for Your Perfect Trip
By DK Eyewitnes || Read: Amazon | Walmart
Discover the best places to visit in the Americas with DK Eyewitness’s Where To Go When The Americas. This inspirational guidebook features a range of ideas for your perfect trip – from city breaks to beach holidays and adventure tours.
The guide includes:
- Detailed maps.
- Itineraries.
- The best places to eat and stay.
- Insider tips from local experts.
Without “Where To Go When The Americas,” you won’t be able to make the most of your travels.
So don’t miss out on having this US travel guidebook that will make your holiday experiences even more memorable.
So which of these US travel books and guides will you read first? Let me know in the comments below. Also, tell me if I missed out on a masterpiece here. Also, read my detailed posts if you are traveling to the US.
