Directions Across the United States is a free printable Grade 3 to Grade 5 social studies worksheet on using cardinal and intermediate directions between US places, aligned to C3 Framework indicator D2.Geo.1.3-5. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Directions Across the United States

D2.Geo.1.3-5

NameDate

Choose the best answer. Picture a map of the United States with north at the top.

1.Which ocean is west of California?

A.The Arctic Ocean
B.The Pacific Ocean
C.The Atlantic Ocean

2.The Mississippi River flows from Minnesota to Louisiana. In which direction does it flow?

A.South
B.North
C.West

3.Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean. In which direction is it from California?

A.North
B.Southwest
C.Northeast

4.Which state is in the far northeast corner of the 48 states that touch each other?

A.California
B.Maine
C.Florida

5.In which direction is Mexico from the United States?

A.South
B.North
C.East

6.A family drives from Los Angeles, California, to Chicago, Illinois. In which direction do they travel?

A.Southeast
B.Northeast
C.Southwest

7.Which ocean is along the east coast of the United States?

A.The Indian Ocean
B.The Pacific Ocean
C.The Atlantic Ocean

8.A plane flies from Seattle, Washington, to Miami, Florida. In which direction does it fly?

A.Northwest
B.Southeast
C.Northeast

LessonPrint · D2.Geo.1.3-5 · Set 25 · free to copy for classroom use

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to D2.Geo.1.3-5 of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.

Answer key — Directions Across the United States