6 Unforgettable Road Trips Inspired by Famous Books
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Those of us who are avid readers know how easy it is to get lost in a good book. You can go anywhere when you’re reading, especially when an author describes the setting so vividly that you can picture it. But when a story really engulfs you, you might want to see these real-life places for yourself—and what better way to do that than on a road trip? Read on for six unforgettable road trips inspired by your favorite famous books.
RELATED: The 10 Best Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip .
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Throughout the Twilight books, readers are reminded of how crucial the main location of Forks, Washington, is to the plot. With its primarily rainy climate and lack of sun, it makes a perfect spot for the Cullen family of vampires to hide in plain sight.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to visit the home of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, you certainly can, as Forks is a real place—and a great destination for a road trip through the Pacific Northwest.
The Olympia Peninsula tourism site actually maps out an ideal start to a Twilight road trip. Begin in Forks, where the visitor center will provide you with a map of important sites, including the home that Stephanie Meyer cited as the inspiration for the Swan House . You can even spend the night there—it’s an Airbnb now—and then move on to La Push, home to everyone’s favorite werewolf, Jacob Black.
If you’re interested in filming locations from the movie adaptations, continue your Pacific Northwest road trip south to Oregon. There, you can visit Bella’s house (which is also an Airbnb ), see the waterfall from the famous baseball scene at Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, and reenact the chase scenes in the mossy forests of Silver Falls State Park.
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Whether in high school or for pleasure, chances are you’ve given F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby a read. The novel is set in the hustle and bustle of 1920s New York: Fitzgerald used the fictional names East and West Egg for the Cow Neck and Great Neck peninsulas on Long Island, meaning you can drive through the inspiration spots.
Feel like you’re visiting the Buchanan home and Jay Gatsby’s mansion, then drive into New York City (just like our protagonist, Nick, does several times).
If you’ve got some cash to burn, consider a stay at the famous Plaza Hotel, and don’t forget to step into an NYC speakeasy for the full Prohibition-esque experience.
Want to go beyond New York? Consider following the actual journey Fitzgerald took with his wife, Zelda Fitzgerald . Their travels south from Connecticut to Montgomery, Alabama, were documented in articles written for Motor magazine that were then compiled into a book called The Cruise of Rolling Junk .
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Zora Neale Hurston’s 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is set primarily in Florida. Take a trip across the state—not just to the beaches—and enmesh yourself in this story, which is rich with African American folklore.
Start your trip in Jacksonville in Northeast Florida, the spot where Janie meets and marries Tea Cake. From there, head southwest to the real-life town of Eatonville, Florida—the main setting of Their Eyes Were Watching God .
The town is one of the first all-Black towns incorporated in the U.S., and it was Hurston’s home from the age of three, per Salvation South. While you’re there, a visit to the Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts is a must, as it pays tribute to both the author and the cultural history of Eatonville.
Salvation South recommends traveling down to Fort Pierce, Florida, to walk the Zora Neal Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail . Hurston spent her final years in Fort Pierce, which is located just an hour north of Palm Beach, another location in Their Eyes Were Watching God .
Finish up your road trip in the Florida Everglades—you may be just as amazed by them as Janie was.
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Hop in the car and buckle up for an adventure through the Southwest, inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s novel Blood Meridian .
The Western is set in the late 1840s and ’50s in the area surrounding the Mexican-American border. And while the premise is dark and violent—focusing on a young protagonist’s travels with the sadistic Glanton gang—it’s setting is one that you might want to explore for yourself.
Start your trip in Texas, where the protagonist, known only as “the Kid,” starts out as well. There are several McCarthy-related stops to hit in the Lonestar State before you continue your trip through New Mexico, Arizona, and finally California, where the novel also concludes.
RELATED: 10 Scenic Road Trips That Will Make You Fall in Love with America .
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No list of book-inspired road trips would be complete without On the Road , Jack Kerouac’s novel that’s actually about a road trip.
You’ll need to set aside some time to complete the full journey, which will bring you across the U.S., starting in New York. You can follow Sal and Dean’s hitchhiking journey along Route 66, stopping in Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco.
The book is loosely autobiographical, based on a trip that Kerouac actually took during the winter of 1947 and ’48. So, if you’re more inclined to follow in his footsteps, you can check out his hand-drawn map that documents his stops.
While this trip is a bit longer, there are some spots worth checking out, including Kerouac’s 1850s brownstone in New York and City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. If you’re really embracing the Beatnik vibe, opt for some less conventional stops along the way, whether diners, motels, or unique landmarks.
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If you have a four-legged friend, consider taking them along on a road trip inspired by John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley: In Search of America , which documents Steinbeck’s journey alongside his French poodle Charley.
There are official maps of the journey Steinbeck took, starting at Sag Harbor, New York, and moving north through Maine before setting out west, then south through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Wrapping up back on the East Coast, his road trip will take you to the outskirts of the U.S.—and if you’re sticking to Steinbeck’s route, you’ll be hitting 38 out of 50 states .
The 10 Best Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip
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Packing up the car and heading out on a road trip is a rite of passage. Many of us remember our first road trip as a kid, when we loaded up our suitcases to venture out toward a new destination. Maybe you also hit the road with friends after college, or have taken your kids on a road trip of their own, seeing the sites or exploring different national parks . But if you’re spending hours in the car—no matter who you’re with—you need something to pass the time. Music and podcast episodes can only cover so many miles, which is why you might be in the market for an audiobook.
According to Hayley Yager , bookstagrammer and blogger of Backpacking Bookworm , there are a few key factors that go into selecting the right audiobook for a road trip. To maximize your listening experience, she recommends looking for “engaging and authentic narrators,” who will keep your attention. Second, consider the genres or types of books you’re most interested in. Podcast-lovers might prefer a non-fiction pick, and if you’ve always wanted to learn about some historical or contemporary figure, a biography or memoir could be a great option. Fiction is also a great option, and you’ll find a plethora of different stories that you can immerse yourself in on a long drive.
If you’re having trouble making the right call, travel experts and book bloggers have recommended some of their top audiobook choices, which you can either purchase or borrow from your local library. Read on to find out what you should be listening to while on the road.
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Anything by renowned nonfiction author Bill Bryson is worth a read or a listen. He writes about complex concepts—including the intricacies of the human body and the history of the universe—but does so in an accessible, often comical way. Of Bryson’s many worthy reads, Anthony Presti , travel writer of ValueQuack, recommends The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America .
“Follow Bill on his cross-country road trip in the United States. From the backwoods of Kentucky to the badlands of South Dakota, Bryson covers it all in this hilarious account of his journey,” Presti says.
Bryson travels across 38 states in total over the course of the travelogue, as he searches for the perfect small American town—and you’ll be waiting to see if he finds it. “If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud book to listen to on your road trip, this is the one for you,” Presti says. “It is one of the funniest books you’ll ever read, whether at home or on the road.”
Random House Audio
If you love a good modern mystery, The Flight Attendant is a solid choice for your next road trip. Full of suspense, this story follows Cassie, a binge drinker who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. It’s also been turned into a popular show on HBO Max, so you can engage in the age-old debate of book versus TV series when you’re done listening.
“Why not infuse a little ‘travel talk’ into your travels? With the release of the new HBO show based on this novel, I wanted to give the book a try before watching it,” Bryan Mullennix , founder of the travel website Feeling Vegas, explains. “It’s a suspenseful novel and makes for a good road trip audiobook because of how it is written and also the fact that it kind of relates to travel.”
This audiobook has three narrators, meaning you’ll hear different voices for different characters in this chilling and thrilling read. Looking for something even darker? You might want to opt for Yager’s thriller pick, The Night Swim by Megan Goldin .
Macmillan Audio
If you just want to be transported to another world, let TJ Klune take you there by listening to Under T he Whispering Door . Klune has quickly become a mainstay in the fantasy genre, often featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Under The Whispering Door also adds a splash of romance, humor, and some more intense themes of grief and loss.
John Hubbard , founder and CEO of the outdoor blog Urban Dare, recommends Under The Whispering Door if you want something that will truly keep your attention. “The audiobook gives you all types of feeling with every character’s unique and suitable voice,” he explains, adding that Kirt Graves , a well known audiobook reader and audio producer, narrates. “It provides a great message from life and love to death with its lovable characters.”
Hubbard recommends this for a long drive, “as it will take some time to understand the deep questions Klune’s tale poses throughout.” The audiobook has a listening length of 14 hours and 54 minutes, so it’ll get you through a good stretch of your trip. “Some listeners might find the audiobook a bit slow at the start,” he notes. “It is better to listen at 1.5 speed until you begin to understand the plot of the story.”
Random House Audio
If you’re choosing a memoir for a long-haul drive, Yager recommends selecting one that is recorded by the author. “In my experience, stories are brought more to life when read by the person who knows the book better than anyone,” she tells Best Life , suggesting Becoming by Michelle Obama as a notable choice.
The former First Lady narrates her memoir, discussing her childhood all the way through her time in the White House and after. You’ll feel connected to Obama when listening to her tell her story, and if you needed any more convincing, she won the 2020 Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for her audio edition of the book.
If you’ve already checked Becoming off of your reading list—it was, after all, the best-selling book of 2018—Presti also recommends Barack Obama’s 2020 memoir A Promised Land . “It chronicles his upbringing, his time in office, and the challenges he faced throughout his presidency,” he says. “It’s an inspiring story that will leave you feeling hopeful and motivated—perfect for a road trip where anything can happen.”
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Pottermore Publishing
One of the most beloved series of all time centers on a young wizard named Harry Potter. The stories have captivated young and old readers alike since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was first published in 1997. Presti recommends this audiobook for your next trip on the open road, especially if you’ve got your kids in tow.
“If you’re looking for a book the whole family can enjoy on your road trip, look no further than Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ,” he explains. “With its magic, adventure, and suspense, this book is sure to keep everyone entertained on a long car ride.”
As The Sorcerer’s Stone is the first installment in the seven-part series, you might also want to bring Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets along as well, just in case the kids (or you) can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Macmillan Audio
While you can’t watch a rom-com while you’re driving, you can certainly listen to one. Yager recommends The Switch , which is set in the U.K. and features a plot line that might remind you a little of the movie The Holiday . The story focuses on a newly-single grandmother looking for love in the rural town of Yorkshire and her granddaughter, who has become exhausted by life in London. The two decide to switch places, and drama, romance, and comedy ensue.
The audiobook is read by two English actors, Daisy Edgar-Jones , of Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing , and Alison Steadman , award-winning stage, film, and television star.
“This is an easy and light listen with two celebrity narrators, which evokes familiarity,” Yager says. “The chapters are the perfect length, enabling you to get invested in one storyline before moving on to the next when the narrators switch.”
You can listen to this 10-hour audiobook on a longer drive, but Yager notes that you can also “dip in and out for shorter trips.”
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Random House Audio
Some stories are classics for a reason, and even if you haven’t picked up a copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , odds are you’ve heard of it. First published in 1979, it was adapted from author Douglas Adams’ radio series and follows the journey of the only man to survive after earth is destroyed.
“Full of laughs, science fiction, and awesome ’70s and ’80s references, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is the perfect audiobook for a road trip,” Tim White , CEO and founder of the travel site MilePro, says. This pick is more “lighthearted,” he adds, making it a good choice for those who don’t want an audiobook that’s too intense.
The book is just under six hours long, White points out, making it optimal for shorter journeys. It’s also narrated by English actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry , so you might recognize a familiar voice.
Harlequin Audio
Another one of Yager’s fiction picks is The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman , which has all the necessary components of a family comedy—think Little Miss Sunshine with a twist.
“This is the perfect road trip listen as the book itself revolves around a family taking a detour-heavy road trip up to Edinburgh so 12-year-old Norman can perform at the Fringe,” she says.
For those unfamiliar with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, it’s the largest arts festival in the world, dating back to 1947. In this contemporary fiction novel, young Norman is hoping to take his comedy act to center stage at the event. “It’s an absolute rollercoaster of one hilarious feat after another, yet still manages to retain every ounce of authenticity,” Yager says. “It’s a feel-good book that anyone can enjoy, making it perfect for a long road trip.”
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Hachette Audio
For those who want an audiobook that is chock-full of different stories, check out David Sedaris’ When You Are Engulfed in Flames .
“If you’re looking for a more introspective, thought-provoking read, When You Are Engulfed in Flames is the book for you,” Presti tells Best Life .
Sedaris narrates the audiobook himself, and you’re sure to be entertained by his wit as he covers topics that range from ridiculous to deeply insightful. “It’s a hilarious and poignant look at the human condition that will have you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading,” Presti says. “Follow as David travels the world and tries to make sense of it all.”
Random House Audio
Ernest Cline’s fantastic 2011 novel Ready Player One is a must-read—or listen, in this case—for anyone interested in gaming, virtual reality, or just science fiction in general.
“If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun book to keep you entertained on a road trip, look no further than Ready Player One ,” Presti says. “This science fiction novel follows the story of Wade Watts, a teenager who finds himself thrust into a virtual world in search of an Easter egg that will grant its finder ultimate power and control over the world. Along the way, he makes allies and enemies as he fights to be the first to find the egg.”
The novel has also been adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg , but the book has significant differences. S0, even if you’ve seen the movie, you should still give the book a go. “It will have you laughing, crying, and cheering—the perfect way to pass the time on a long car ride,” Presti says.
