If you're currently scoping out road trip destinations from Toronto, you've got a treasure trove of incredible towns and cities just across the border in the USA, all within easy reach of Ontario's capital.
Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in nature, connect with history or sample iconic foods across the northeast, there's a spot in the USA just a few hours away that has what you're after.
From the bustling streets of Detroit to the scenic shores of Lake Erie, there's something for every traveller to discover just a stone's throw from home. To inspire your next trip to the USA, here are eight must-see spots you can road trip to in less than a day from Toronto.
Buffalo, New York
Drive time from Toronto: About 2 hours
Putting the word "Buffalo" in "Buffalo wings," this destination is basically around the corner of Toronto in road-trip terms, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. While you can (and arguably should) follow the Buffalo Wing Trail to find your favourite wing in the city that started it all, you've plenty more to discover in this gem on the bank of Lake Erie.
An art and architecture hot spot, Buffalo is home to seven Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces, including the Martin House. You can view Jackon Pollock's Convergence at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum or take a selfie with Casey Riordan's iconic Shark Girl sculpture at Canalside.
Catch a jazz set at the historic Colored Musicians Club, sip a cocktail at Marble & Rye or spend a laid-back day taking in the murals on retro-yet-trendy Hertel Avenue.
Detroit, Michigan
Drive time: About 4 hours
Detroit (aka Motor City, aka Hitsville, USA) has a well-earned reputation for being the birthplace of many of the USA's most notable cultural icons. Today, it's the perfect destination for anyone who loves sports, art, music and nightlife.
At the top of the Detroit to-do list is the Motown Museum, where history buffs can stand precisely where The Temptations recorded "My Girl," and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, home to the Rosa Parks bus, JFK's presidential limousine and so much more.
Sports fans need to check out Comerica Park, where you can catch an MLB game, ride a Ferris wheel with baseball-shaped cars and stroll the Walk of Fame. Located in the middle of downtown, the park also puts you close to the city's best food and drink. Fill up on all-day brunch at Dime Store, then walk it off along the Riverfront.
Other great neighbourhoods for adventurous foodies in Detroit include Corktown, Eastern Market and Hamtramck.
Cleveland, Ohio
West Side Market.
Drive time: About 5 hours
There's Buffalo for jazz and Detroit for Motown; now buckle up for Cleveland and its museum-turned-concert venue — the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
After ogling Prince's electric guitar, instruments from The Beatles, and the Rolling Stones' OG stage outfits, hop on a narrated boat tour of Lake Erie and the twisting Cuyahoga River for a unique view of downtown Cleveland and its waterside neighbourhoods.
The West Side Market is an unmissable spot for anyone keen to taste Cleveland's foodie culture. When you've had your fill of handmade pierogi, fresh crêpes or Cambodian sticky rice, step into the nearby Great Lakes Brewing Company brewpub for a local-as-local-gets pint.
Plan a stop at Playhouse Square to catch some stand-up comedy, a concert or a Broadway show many miles from Manhattan and soak up the art-deco charm of this cultural cornerstone.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Drive time: About 5 hours
If you love the convenience of the city but crave small-town vibes with a dash of quirk, Ann Arbor is the spot. Public art abounds in this charming city west of Detroit, with murals, sculptures and tiny "fairy doors" to discover downtown.
The greenery-lined Huron River carves its way through Ann Arbor, and you can explore it via kayak, boat or tube rental from the city itself. When you've worked up an appetite, check out the city's iconic eateries like Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, Zingerman's Delicatessen or Aventura (where you can try their world-class paella).
Visit the century-old Nickels Arcade for some boutique shopping, or head to Kerrytown for the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and check out the 125 producer-only stalls selling fresh produce and homemade goods from Michigan.
Ithaca, New York
Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Drive time: About 5 hours
Another artsy city with small-town vibes, Ithaca, New York, is surrounded by abundant natural beauty. When you're not wandering through the gorgeous (pun intended) scenery of Six Mile Creek, Robert H. Treman State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park, you can check out downtown Ithaca, where tree-lined streets mingle with sculpture installations, murals and community art spaces galore.
Plan your visit for the first Friday of the month to take advantage of Ithaca Gallery Night, the city's walkable art show. You can also stop at the State of the Art Gallery or Ink Shop to see pieces by Ithaca's artists, and check out Handmade for a locally crafted souvenir.
Ithaca was also home to the late Carl Sagan, and his legacy is honoured with the Sagan Planet Walk, a 1.2-kilometre stroll through a 1 to 5 billion scale model of the solar system. Each planet is honoured by a stone plinth — even dwarf planet Pluto is included.
You can find top dining at Moosewood and Monks on the Commons and excellent vegan fare at Angelhearts Diner.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Two people enjoying a music festival at Hartwood Acres Park.
@blakelaurennelewis | Instagram
Drive time: About 5 hours
Pittsburgh is a not-to-miss destination for art lovers. The Andy Warhol Museum features iconic works by the artist himself, like Crushed Campbell's Soup Can (Beef Noodle). The Carnegie Museum of Art and The Mattress Factory offer mind-boggling installations.
You can see the Gilded Age in the flesh at Pittsburgh's historic mansions, like Clayton and Hartwood Acres, some of which offer tours. If you want to truly step into history, ride the Duquesne Incline, an almost 150-year-old funicular cable car that takes you up Mount Washington to unmatched views of Pittsburgh.
For food, a visit to Pittsburgh is only complete with a Primanti Bros. sandwich, a chipped chopped ham from Isaly's or a Pittsburgh salad from Union Grill.
Sandusky, Ohio
A roller coaster at Cedar Point Amusement Park.
Drive time: About 6 hours
Water parks, island hopping, quirky museums and delicious local cuisine are on the cards when you visit Sandusky, a small town west of Cleveland on the edge of Lake Erie.
The roller coasters of Cedar Point Amusement Park dominate the Sandusky skyline and set the scene for this family-friendly, action-packed spot. For back-to-back entertainment, visit the largest indoor waterpark in the Midwest, the Merry-Go-Round Museum and the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center.
For the best free beach access to Lake Erie, head west to Huron for Nickel Plate Beach or take the ferry to Kelley Island State Park Beach. Stop by Landmark Kitchen & Bar in Sandusky for great food that's only matched by the stunning view.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Drive time: About 6 hours
East of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids has long been a must-visit spot for art fans, beer enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
Arguably, the first thing to check out during your visit is the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This beautifully curated property offers indoor and outdoor art, horticulture exhibitions and themed gardens to explore, including a tropical conservatory, a Japanese garden, an English garden, a farm garden, a wildflower meadow and more.
Since winning the title of Beer City USA in 2012, Grand Rapids has lived up to its reputation. Over 40 breweries are on the Beer City Ale Trail, all within a 30-minute drive of each other. Must-try food stops in Grand Rapids include Forty Acres Soul Kitchen, Butcher's Union, and Leo's, a local institution for top-tier seafood.
Plus, if you go in the fall, you can be there in time for ArtPrize — a yearly art competition that attracts up to 1,500 artists to Grand Rapids.
Less than a day's drive from Toronto, you can see world-class art, incredible architecture, and historical collections in the USA, all of which will leave you speechless. That's not to mention the award-winning eateries, breweries, and iconic local fare created by the one-of-a-kind communities that are super proud of their local scene.
No two destinations in the USA are the same, and the only way to experience their uniqueness is to pack your bags, fuel up the car and set forth on a journey of your own.
To learn more about great road trip destinations in the USA, check out Visit The USA's website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.