Best fly-drive destinations in North America

There’s arguably no better place for a fly-drive adventure than North America, where coastlines, mountain ranges, desert highways and small towns make the journey every bit as rewarding as the destination. Road trips offer a kind of freedom that few other holidays can match: the chance to slow down, take the scenic route and discover places you never planned on visiting. 

With Cathay flying to a growing number of gateways across the continent, these five fly-drive routes rank among some of the best in North America. Best of all, you’ll also be able to drive with full confidence with Hertz, one of our trusted partners, with our Asia Miles and discount offer running between now and 30 June. Cathay members can earn up to 1,888 and enjoy a 10 per cent discount when booking a five-day or more car rental with Hertz, provided the rental is picked up by 31 July. Discover more about the offer here.

1. Vancouver to Banff National Park 

As Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park is also one of the country’s most breathtaking natural treasures. The journey from Vancouver is well worth the long drive, and it remains one of Canada’s classic road trips.  

Driving inland, British Columbia’s rolling interior gives way to dramatic mountain scenery as you enter the Rockies. The trip is best done over two days, with overnight stops in Revelstoke, Sicamous or Golden. Here, there are plenty of campsites, glamping retreats and mountain lodges to choose from. 

Continue into Alberta, where the national park’s winding mountain highways reveal turquoise lakes and wildlife sightings – including elk, bighorn sheep, moose and even bears. Base yourself in Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise and balance hiking trails, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and scenic gondolas with excellent dining options, spas and luxury hotels, such as the legendary Fairmont Château Lake Louise . Avoid winter drives unless you’re confident driving in snow and ice conditions. 

Best for: iconic Canadian Rockies scenery 

Ideal length: 5-7 days 

Drive time: 10-12 hours one way 

2. New York City to the Hudson Valley 

If Manhattan starts to feel overwhelming, the Hudson Valley offers one of the easiest and most rewarding escapes from New York City. Within a couple of hours, forested hillsides, riverside roads and storybook towns replace the city’s intensity. 

Cold Spring is known for its picturesque Main Street lined with cafés, boutiques and bookstores, while Beacon has evolved into a creative hub brimming with art galleries, studios and museums. Further north, Rhinebeck combines excellent restaurants with historic taverns, Kingston is home to well-preserved Dutch colonial-era architecture and Hudson has a reputation for its antique shops and stylish weekend retreats. 

The drive is particularly famous during autumn foliage season, when the hillsides turn vivid shades of red and gold. 

Best for: fall foliage, arts and cosy small towns 

Ideal length: 1-3 days 

Drive time: flexible, depending on route 

3. Toronto to Montreal and Quebec City 

Experience a little slice of Europe by taking on this eastern Canada road trip. Following the St Lawrence River through Ontario and Quebec, the route links together three very different cities, alongside cottage country landscapes and some of Canada’s best food. 

Break up the journey from Toronto with lunch in Prince Edward County before staying the night in Montreal, where neighbourhoods like Mile End and Plateau Mont-Royal introduce French-Canadian culture through cafés, wine bars and bagel shops. 

From there, continue to Quebec City, one of North America’s oldest cities, known for its cobbled streets, stone buildings and deeply rooted French identity. Food is central here, with acclaimed restaurants clustered within the city’s historic centre. Book ahead to experience the tasting menus at the Michelin-starred La Tanière3 or Kebec Club Privé. 

Best for: culture, food and francophone charm 

Ideal length: 4-6 days 

Drive time: around 5.5 hours from Toronto to Montreal; 2.5 hours from Montreal to Quebec City 

4. San Francisco to Napa Valley and Sonoma 

For a road trip that’s light on driving but heavy on indulgence, California wine country is hard to beat. Within hours of leaving San Francisco, vineyard-covered hills and quiet country roads take over. 

Napa Valley delivers polished luxury, Michelin-starred dining and iconic wineries, while Sonoma is slower-paced and understated. Spend your time hopping between tasting rooms, boutique hotels and spa retreats in towns like Yountville, Healdsburg and Sonoma Plaza.  

As expected, food is a major draw, with acclaimed restaurants like The French Laundry making this as much a culinary pilgrimage as it is a wine-focused getaway. 

Best for: wine, food and relaxed luxury 

Ideal length: 2-4 days 

Drive time: around 1.5-2 hours depending on route 

5. Boston to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket 

Pack your boat shoes and Breton stripes ahead of this quintessential New England road trip, where historic seaside towns and island escapes have long served as the summer playground of America’s political dynasties, creatives and old-money families. 

Drive south to Cape Cod to explore sand dunes, clapboard cottages, seafood shacks and lighthouse-dotted coastlines. The Cape works well as either a day trip from Boston, or an overnight stop before continuing onwards by ferry from Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.  

Both islands are known for their preserved harbour towns, cycling trails, upscale boutiques and maritime history tied to New England’s whaling past. Days are best spent beach-hopping, cycling along the coast and eating fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder by the water. 

Best for: classic New England summer glamour 

Ideal length: 3-6 days 

Drive time: around 1-1.5 hours Boston to Cape Cod, plus ferry connections