Bend
Distance from LA: 821 miles; 12hrs
Distance from PDX: 178 miles; 3hrs
Distance from SD: 939 miles; 14hrs
Distance from SEA: 329 miles; 6hrs
Distance from SF: 492 miles; 8hrs
Why it’s iconic: Bend’s unique nature rests in its Bio-Dome-like climate anomalies. It’s a town in Oregon’s high desert, but it’s also home to roaring rivers. It’s situated between forests and volcanic scree. And, as such, there’s something for everybody — whether you ski, mountain bike, white-water raft, climb, hike, or just sit around drinking beer (as it stands, it’s one of America’s best under-the-radar beer cities, home to the likes of Deschutes, Boneyard, and 10 Barrel). But what makes Bend an exceptional road-trip destination is, well, the roads that lead in, including paths that take you around the switchbacks of Mount Hood and one that takes you through thick forests with insane mountain and river views.