The I-80 traverses the width of the U.S., taking travelers from coast to coast, crossing 11 states, passing by incredible cities and taking in both big-hitting and lesser-visited highlights on an epic journey. By Josephine Price
The sheer size of the U.S. and its abundance of sights has made it prime road-trip territory since leisure travel began. Hit the road to take in some of the best landscapes in the country on the I-80, an iconic interstate route. The second- longest Interstate Highway in the U.S. traces approximately the same path as the historic Lincoln Highway, the first road to cross the States. Traversing 2,900 miles from east coast to west coast, from Teaneck, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, the route takes in major cities, national parks and vast open spaces. It’s a highlight-filled voyage across the great states.
34 | ASTA | Worldwide Destination Guide 2024/25
Sacramento, California Ninety miles from San Francisco, Sacramento is one of the first big cities that travelers hit on the I-80. As California’s capital city, it has plenty to shout about, but is perhaps best known as America’s farm-to-fork capital. Situated amid 1.5 million acres of farmland, their bounty makes its way to fine-dining restaurants and farmer’s markets. Tours at local breweries, vineyards and coffee houses offer further tastes and insights. As travelers depart, the Sierra Nevada mountain range frames the horizon and accompanies them into the wilderness.
Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah Stretching out over 4,000 square miles, the Great Salt Lake Desert is a vast space to stretch the imagination. The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere sits in northern Utah and the I-80 cuts straight through it. It’s a wild drive. Visitors should stop off at the Bonneville Salt Flats between Wendover and Salt Lake City — these otherwordly landscapes are best appreciated by treading delicately across the salt flats and around the lakes. From here, head on to Salt Lake City to explore the urban metropolis in the foothills of the mountains.