NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, AND WEST
Embarking on a scenic coast-to-coast bus trip across the U.S. that touches the East, South, North, and West is a dream route for adventure seekers. Here’s a sample itinerary that maximizes scenic beauty and state coverage:
Coast-to-Coast Scenic Bus Route (East → South → North → West)
Start: Miami, Florida (East Coast)
Scenery: Tropical beaches, Art Deco architecture
States touched: Florida
Southern Stretch
Route: Miami → Atlanta → New Orleans → Houston → San Antonio
Scenery: Southern charm, bayous, Gulf Coast, Texas Hill Country
States touched: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas
Western Climb
Route: San Antonio → El Paso → Tucson → Phoenix → San Diego
Scenery: Desert landscapes, cacti forests, mountain passes
States touched: New Mexico, Arizona, California
Pacific Coast Ride
Route: San Diego → Los Angeles → San Francisco → Portland → Seattle
Scenery: Pacific Coast Highway, cliffs, redwoods, vineyards
States touched: California, Oregon, Washington
Northern Return
Route: Seattle → Spokane → Missoula → Fargo → Minneapolis
Scenery: Cascades, Rockies, Great Plains
States touched: Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota
Eastern Loop
Route: Minneapolis → Chicago → Cleveland → Pittsburgh → Philadelphia → New York City
Scenery: Great Lakes, Rust Belt cities, Appalachian foothills
States touched: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York
Total States Touched: ~25+
This route covers nearly half the country and showcases:
Beaches
Mountains
Deserts
Forests
Cities
Small towns
For a real-life version, Greyhound and other intercity bus lines offer long-haul routes like Miami to Seattle, which span 88+ hours and cross the Continental Divide. You can also explore curated scenic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway or New England foliage tours.
I’ve very nearly talked myself into scheduling this dream bus trip.
Once I travelled from San Diego to Arlington, Va., from one duty post to another via Greyhound bus while in the Marine Corps. Stopped for a few days in Neosho to see my parents, then resumed my long, tiring, boring, ride to Arlington.
However, more than six decades later, this seems to be an adventure I’d like to try.
ALTERNATIVE TOUR
Coast-to-Coast Scenic Bus Trip Itinerary
East Coast Kickoff: New York City, NY
Highlights: Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park
Bus Route: NYC → Washington, D.C.
States Touched: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland
Southern Charm: Washington, D.C. → Atlanta, GA → New Orleans, LA
Highlights: Civil Rights history, Southern cuisine, jazz culture
States Touched: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
Western Desert & Mountains: New Orleans → Houston → El Paso → Tucson → Phoenix → San Diego
Highlights: Bayous, desert landscapes, cactus forests, border culture
States Touched: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
Pacific Coast Ride: San Diego → Los Angeles → San Francisco → Portland → Seattle
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, redwoods, wine country, urban vibes
States Touched: California, Oregon, Washington
Northern Adventure: Seattle → Spokane → Missoula → Fargo → Minneapolis
Highlights: Cascades, Rockies, Great Plains
States Touched: Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota
Midwest to Northeast: Minneapolis → Chicago → Cleveland → Pittsburgh → Philadelphia → Boston
Highlights: Great Lakes, industrial heritage, colonial history
States Touched: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts
Total States Touched: ~30
This route blends urban excitement, natural beauty, and regional culture across the U.S.