The great American road trip is a rite of passage—the feeling of freedom when you hit the open road is unparalleled. Best of all, planning your ideal adventure doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you're craving beach time and sunshine or you want to explore some National Parks, it's easy to plan an epic road trip on a budget.

We've partnered with Red Lion Hotels family of brands to curate this guide to affordable road trip experiences that are definitely worth the trip.

1A-1B: San Francisco to Monterey

Stay: San Francisco, CA

Stay at Signature San Francisco for an ideal mix of value, comfort, and convenience. This family-friendly hotel is located a short distance from SF hotspots Lombard Street and Little Italy.

Stay: Pacifica, CA

Stop here for a fantastic beach pit stop before hitting Hwy 1 to Monterey. This pristine beach is easy to access from the main road, and you can park for free for 30 minutes.

While in Monterey, visit Cannery Row, a vibrant waterfront street full of shops and restaurants and the site of now-defunct sardine canning factories.

1B-2: Monterey to Santa Barbara

Stay: Solvang, CA

Relax with a glass of wine in this picturesque vineyard nestled among the oak-studded rolling hills of beautiful Ballard Canyon.

This museum explores Solvang's Danish heritage through personal stories and photographs.

2-3: Santa Barbara to Long Beach

Stay: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

With so many seafood dishes to choose from, San Pedro Fish Market is a must-try. It was named the 5th most Instagrammed restaurant in the US and has inspired the creation of 3 additional fast-casual restaurants.

Enjoy gorgeous views of rugged cliffs and expansive ocean as you walk the 1.6-mile trail from the Interpretive Center to the lighthouse.

3-4: Long Beach to San Clemente

Stay: San Clemente, CA

A fantastic place to gaze at the ocean and people-watch—check out the outstanding Fisherman's Restaurant on the pier.

Share dinner on the patio at this delicious seafood and steak spot.

4-3: San Clemente to San Diego

Stay: San Clemente, CA

Home to the only panda bears in the US, visiting this world-famous family-friendly attraction is a must.

Taste some delicious fish tacos, and then explore the beautiful neighborhood of La Jolla.

1: Albuquerque, NM to Gallup, NM

Stay: Gallup, NM

View the most extensive collection of prehistoric buildings and pueblos on the continent.

Check out the petroglyphs that adorn the ancient sandstone cliffs of the monument.

1-2: Gallup, NM to Flagstaff, AZ

Stay: Flagstaff, AZ

On Route 66, you'll be in easy reach of the majestic Grand Canyon, a bucket-list experience and vast and beautiful World Heritage Site.

Stargaze through world-class telescopes and see incredible views of the cosmos at this leading astronomical and planetary science research institution.

2-3: Flagstaff, AZ to Cedar City, UT

Stay: Cedar City, UT

Visit this rugged and beautiful park for unparalleled hiking, canyoneering, and climbing.

Check out Bryce Point and the Natural Bridge for incredible hiking trails and stunning views that astound and amaze.

3-4: Cedar City, UT to Provo, UT

Stay: Cedar City, UT

Take an awe-inspiring drive through the canyon, stopping to hike or for a picturesque picnic under giant shade trees.

Visit this breathtaking natural waterfall in scenic Provo Canyon by hiking a short trail that connects to the parking lot.

4-5: Provo, UT to Grand Lake, CO

Stay: Grand Lake, CO

Explore one of the highest-elevation parks in the US, with peaks reaching over 14,000 feet. Experience exceptional scenery, from evergreen forests and meadow valleys to alpine tundra and small cirque glaciers.

Once a rustic log house in Grand Lake, this museum now features historic house displays, clothing, furniture, stereopticon photos, and more from the town's past.