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Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. Often called a National Park Pass, it offers 1-year unlimited entrance to so much more, and includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites! Share time outdoors with family and friends. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands.

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10 of the best road trips in the USA

Jan 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Take to the open road and discover a different side to the USA © monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

While a plane may get you there faster, road-tripping across the US is one of the most iconically American things you can do.

Get up close and personal with the country’s most striking landscapes – dense eastern forests, windswept plains, red rock canyons, dramatic Pacific coastlines – and make pit stops at some of its most famous cities all in one go.

Crisscrossed with an extensive network of pretty well-maintained highway systems, the US is remarkably easy to traverse by car . Some distances may be long, but gas, food and accommodations are largely easy to come by (except in some of the most rural locales), and a set of wheels gives you the freedom to do extra side quests along the way.

Here’s a list of our favorite routes across America’s wide open spaces, along with some tips on how to make the most of your journey.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Best road trip for Pacific views San Diego–Seattle; 1600 miles; 8–12 days

The Pacific Coast Highway delivers one of the US’ most iconic road trip experiences, linking together the West Coast’s most notable metropolises, quirky California beach towns, ancient redwood forests, and the dramatic capes and pools of the Pacific Northwest . The route includes Hwy 1, Hwy 101 and I-5, starting in San Diego ; it winds up the coast through LA , Big Sur , San Francisco and Redwood National & State Parks , eventually terminating in Seattle .

Planning tip: Always check for road closures, particularly in the Big Sur area, where rockslides are common along the sea cliffs.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

Best Appalachian road trip Cherokee, NC–Waynesboro, VA; 469 miles; 2–5 days

This spectacular route takes you through the heart of the US’ oldest mountain range, delivering view after view of rolling green mountains chock full of enchanting hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, ancient rock formations and prolific wildlife. The Parkway – part of the NPS system – begins adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and passes through the spectacular Pisgah National Forest, a number of state parks and recreation areas, and Roanoke, VA, before ending at the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park .

Detour: In addition to state and national parks , many one-off hikes originate along the parkway. Consult trail maps to avoid missing some of Appalachia’s top routes.

3. Route 66

Best road trip for American kitsch Chicago–Los Angeles; 2250 miles; 1–2 weeks

Nicknamed the Mother Road, Route 66 has permanently ingrained itself in the international psyche as the original US road trip. Starting in Chicago , it crosses eight different states and connects travelers to national parks, weird-but-wonderful roadside attractions and tons of vintage Americana.

Planning tip:  The route can be driven in pieces or all at once, but we suggest allotting plenty of time to explore – distances are long, and the activities are numerous.

4. Natchez Trace

Best road trip for Southern history Pasquo, TN–Natchez, MS; 444 miles; 2–3 days

The path for the Natchez Trace was originally carved not by humans, but by buffalo that wandered the region from middle Tennessee to Natchez, MS. Indigenous hunters and traders soon followed, and later the route became a full-fledged thoroughfare for European colonists, soldiers and dignitaries. Today, a trip down the Trace yields gorgeous scenery, historic towns and the experience of traveling one of the most storied roads in the country.

5. Florida Highway 1

Best road trip for Gulf Coast culture Amelia Island–Key West; 475 miles; 6 days

Florida’s Hwy 1 runs the length of the state’s Atlantic Coast before banking east at Miami  and ending in stunning Key West . This sublime multi-day journey takes you through tons of Florida ’s most iconic stops: historic St Augustine , windswept Canaveral National Seashore , Nascar-fueled Daytona, laid-back Fort Lauderdale and the glam and glitter of Miami and South Beach.

Planning tip: Hurricane season lasts from June through October – with the most active months being August and September – and has the potential to significantly affect Florida. If you’re visiting during this window, keep your eyes on the forecast.

6. Badlands – Black Hills Loop

Best road trip to experience the Great Plains Badlands National Park–Badlands National Park; 330 miles; 2 days

If you want to get a taste of how expansive the Great Plains really are, head to South Dakota for this fascinating road trip through a state of huge ecological and cultural importance. Start your trip at the mind-bendingly beautiful Badlands National Park before looping over to the Black Hills, home to the Crazy Horse Memorial , Mt Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park . Along the way, take in views of thriving buffalo herds, fascinating rock formations and plenty of rolling hills.

7. San Juan Skyway

Best road trip for Rocky Mountain peaks Durango–Durango; 236 miles; 1–3 days

The San Juan Skyway delivers some of the Rockies ’ biggest views in high definition. This route – which includes the renowned Million Dollar Highway – leapfrogs across central Colorado’s mountainous core connecting Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Mesa Verde National Park , known for the cliff dwellings left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans.

Whether you’re a history buff, ski bum, landscape photographer or simply someone who enjoys a thrilling drive, San Juan Skyway has something for you.

Planning tip: A fact that can be deduced by its name, the San Juan Skyway runs through high-altitude terrain, and that makes road conditions somewhat unpredictable, particularly during shoulder season. Always check for closures or local warnings before heading out.

8. Richardson Highway

Best road trip for Alaska outdoors Fairbanks–Valdez; 364 miles; 2–4 days

No road trip list would be complete without a journey through the country’s largest, northernmost state. The Richardson Highway, Alaska’s oldest highway, connects Fairbanks with Valdez, winding past dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers and giving travelers a front seat to some of the country’s most jaw-dropping natural attractions. Be sure to make pit stops for hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting.

9. Scenic Byway 12

Best road trip through red rock country Bryce Canyon National Park–Capitol Reef National Park; 122 miles; 1 day

Southern Utah feels like an entirely different planet, and this backroads route takes you through the best scenery this geologically diverse state has to offer. Start your journey in the town of Panguitch – right outside of Bryce Canyon – and follow the road through red rock canyons, historic towns and pine forests until you finish your journey in Torrey, gateway to Capitol Reef National Park , one of the west’s best-kept secrets.

Detour: From Torrey, it’s an easy 2.5-hour drive to Moab , Canyonlands and Arches , making these routes the best way to see Utah’s Big 5 . And the road itself takes you through some amazing lunar-like scenery that contrasts sharply with the red rocks – wild.

10. Coastal New England

Best road trip for Atlantic maritime vibes New York City–Portland, ME; 430 miles; 3–5 days

Prep yourself for seafood chowder, picturesque oceanside towns and all the lobster you can handle – this coastal New England trip will definitely help you find your sea legs. Start in New York City and make your way north along the coast, stopping to enjoy the lovely beaches in Rhode Island , Massachusetts’  wealth of historical heavy hitters and New Hampshire’ s lighthouses before arriving in culinary-minded Portland, ME .

This article was first published May 2019 and updated January 2024

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Best road trips in the US

Few things say summer in the U.S. like the great American road trip. It's almost a national rite of passage dating back to Model T days, with Americans hitting the wide-open road across the 3,000 miles stretching from sea to shining sea.

From mountain roads to stunning seaside escapes, there's no shortage of fantastic road trip-worthy routes across the U.S.

Here are 10 road trips through Florida, Oregon, California and many other beautiful destinations that you can take any time of year.

If you start in the South

Overseas highway: florida.

This aptly titled highway crosses over the turquoise waters separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico via a series of 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, Florida's longest. The 100-mile journey, lined with palms and native flora, hosts retro motels, shell shops and an impressive array of fauna.

The drive takes about four hours round trip, starting from Florida City. However, you can easily extend it by starting in Miami, heading 40 miles south to Homestead for a trip to Everglades National Park, Knaus Berry Farm for cinnamon rolls and the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand for tropical provisions and smoothies before meandering down the coral cay archipelago to Key West . Note that Knaus Berry Farm is open from November through mid-April during the area's farming season.

Related: Battle of the Key Largo beachfront hotels: Baker's Cay and Playa Largo

Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina

Spanning 469 miles from Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to some of the oldest mountains in the world.

The area is lush and green from spring through summer and equally beautiful in autumn (especially from late October to mid-November) when the landscape is painted with fiery shades of red, yellow and orange.

Consider a stop in Asheville, North Carolina, a mountain town known for some of the best food and craft beer in the Southeast, along the way.

Related: Upscale stay but missing amenities: My time at The Foundry Hotel in Asheville

If you start in the Midwest

Route 66: illinois to california.

Dating back to 1926, Route 66 is one of America's original highways, with well-preserved historic sites and wide-open landscapes, where you'll find distinctive landmarks at each stop along the way.

In the 1940s and '50s, the 2,500-mile stretch of road from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, was the American road trip. Though it's changed since then, you'll still find plenty of Americana stops during your drive, including the World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois.

The section of road lying next to Interstate 40 through New Mexico and Arizona is particularly picturesque and features several notable landmarks, including Arizona's Jack Rabbit Trading Post, a popular pitstop for travelers for more than a half-century. New Mexico's 400-mile section is lined with Native American monuments and centuries-old ruins like Laguna Pueblo, and in Amarillo, Texas, the famous Cadillac Ranch art installation features rows of graffiti-painted Cadillacs sticking end-first out of the ground. Just a 12-minute drive from the Cadillacs, you'll find killer brisket at Tyler's Barbecue.

In general, spring through fall is the best time to travel Route 66. Keep in mind that while many of the road trips listed are clearly delineated from start to finish, Route 66 isn't indicated as a single route on contemporary maps, so you'll want to use a resource like Historic 66 to get turn-by-turn directions.

Related: Here's how you can see the spectacular California superbloom

Great River Road National Scenic Byway: Minnesota to Louisiana

What the Pacific Coast Highway is to the Pacific Ocean the Great River Road is to the Mississippi River. Starting in northern Minnesota, the Great River Road nearly spans the width of the U.S., stretching more than 2,000 miles and ending around New Orleans.

Like Route 66, it's not just one road but rather a series of roads that follows the eastern and western sides of the Mississippi River through Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.

Each state along the Great River Road has its own interpretative center educating travelers about the route's history: In Mississippi, you'll find the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center; Missouri is where you can check out the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum; and in Iowa, there's the 200-mound-strong, prehistoric Effigy Mounds National Monument.

Consider a fall or spring road trip for the best weather.

If you start out West

Pacific coast highway: california to washington.

Though there's some debate, the California Department of Transportation says the Pacific Coast Highway officially starts at Dana Point in Orange County and stops 150 miles later in Oxnard. However, we'd argue that the 1,650 miles from San Diego to Olympic National Park in Washington is worth driving.

Sweeping views from high above the blue-green Pacific Ocean make the PCH one of the most beautiful road trips, with a few state parks along the way. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is known for viewings of sea otters, seals and whales, while Garrapata State Park is renowned for its redwood groves. Just south of Garrapata is the most photographed icon of the PCH: Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the world's tallest single-span concrete arch bridges.

From there, the largest concentration of stops is in and around the coastal area of Big Sur . Enjoy a glass of wine, lunch or both at the European-style Nepenthe restaurant, where spectacular views of over 60 miles of coastline await patrons. Grab a quick nosh at Big Sur Bakery before pausing at the McWay Falls overlook or taking a peek at the sunset through Keyhole Arch on Pfeiffer Beach.

Just past the southern end of Big Sur is Hearst Castle, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst's 1920s-style Spanish Colonial Revival property that's open to the public.

Related: 12 stops to make on your Southern California family road trip

Historic Columbia River Highway: Oregon

Dating back to 1913, the Historic Columbia River Highway was the first designated scenic highway in the U.S. This 75-mile route, beginning east of Portland, Oregon, in Troutdale and continuing on to The Dalles, can be driven in a day.

Must-see features of this stunning thoroughfare include its numerous waterfalls, such as Shepperd's Dell and the 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls, plus scenic vistas like Chanticleer Point (one of the first overlooks you'll encounter traveling east) and Crown Point (one of the most photographed spots along the Columbia River). If time permits, stop at some of the historical landmarks along Lewis and Clark's journey, such as Rooster Rock State Park, Cascade Locks and the Rock Fort Campsite in The Dalles.

Spring through fall is the best time to visit this heavily forested area, though fall will afford you the most colorful views.

US Route 89: Through Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and Montana

Though no longer an official U.S. national park road, U.S. Route 89 (formerly known as the National Park to Park Highway) is ripe for those wishing to take the road less traveled. Start this journey in Arizona, moving through Utah and up to Wyoming until you get to Montana.

As you travel U.S. Route 89, you'll pass 150 towns, cities and reservations, as well as seven national parks (including the Grand Canyon , Glacier and Yellowstone ) and three geographic regions (Basin and Range National Monument, the Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountains).

While going from border to border is an option, those looking for a quicker route can consider a shorter stretch that takes you from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Glacier National Park.

Related: A family adventure: Rafting, horseback riding and hotel hopping 1,000 miles from Jackson Hole to Glacier

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana

The 53-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only road through Glacier National Park. It's also one of the most narrow and winding thoroughfares on this list, rewarding travelers with some of the most epic natural landscapes in the country.

From the Jackson Glacier Overlook and the route's highest point, the 6,646-foot-tall Logan Pass, you might even spot some mountain goats. The road also runs by several lakes, including Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake, and majestic waterfalls like McDonald Falls and Bird Woman Falls.

The road's accessibility is dependent on the amount of snow from the previous winter. It usually opens by the first of June and stays open until October. The busiest traffic times are from late June through late August.

If you start in Maine

Us route 1: maine to florida.

Beginning near the Canadian border at Fort Kent, Maine, historic U.S. Route 1 spans nearly 2,500 miles along the Atlantic coast of New England, passing through a slew of East Coast destinations — including New York City , Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. — before ending in Key West, Florida.

In New Hampshire, you'll find Colonial towns such as 400-year-old Portsmouth, a harborside locale full of charming restaurants, inns and shops. There's also Salem, Massachusetts, famous for its witch trials (and home to the Salem Witch Museum). Additionally, drivers can check out Newport, Rhode Island, which is known for historical mansions like The Breakers, the lavish summer "cottage" of Cornelius Vanderbilt II.

Farther south, U.S. Route 1's highlights include northern Virginia's Mount Vernon, the one-time home of former President George Washington, and South Carolina's more than 45,000-acre Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.

If you're starting this route in New England , consider driving in late September or early October. You'll not only enjoy the spectacular fall colors but will also avoid worrying about getting snowed in.

Acadia All-American Road: Maine

Though you could complete the Acadia All-American Road in half a day, there's a lot to see in its 40 miles through Acadia National Park . The scenic byway starts at U.S. Route 3 just south of Trenton, crossing the bridge onto the 108-square-mile Mount Desert Island.

Highlights of the Acadia All-American Road include Bass Harbor Head Light Station, a lighthouse that dates back to the mid-1800s, and Cadillac Mountain, the park's highest point. The latter includes interconnected carriage roads and old stone bridges, most of which are closed off to cars.

To explore these areas, bring your bicycles or rent them in the island's seaside community of Bar Harbor . For food, there's nothing better than fresh seafood at Bar Harbor's Thirsty Whale Tavern.

During the summer months, the scenic byway can be very crowded. The colorful foliage of late fall (rather than earlier in the season) can offer gorgeous scenery with fewer tourists.

Related: A daytrip to Maine: The fun way we used the elusive Delta companion certificate

Bottom line

Whether you are road-tripping this summer or prefer to hit the road this fall, remember these trips. No matter which routes you choose to traverse, keep in mind that the journey isn't solely about the main highlights; the lesser-known destinations you find along the way are an equally important part of the road trip experience.

Related reading:

• The ultimate road trip through the coastal South
• Here's why 1 hotel chain is investing in summer road trippers with this new app feature
• The ultimate guide to road-tripping with an electric car
• 6 tips for surviving a road trip with a large family
• How to avoid these 7 mistakes every road tripper makes at least once

Spencer Spellman and Sara Ventiera previously contributed reporting.

21 Great American Road Trips Around the US

Jessica Spiegel

August 8, 2023

Road trips in the US come in all flavors—from looping journeys perfect for a long weekend to epic point-to-point trips ideal for a week or more. There are routes through National Parks, to historic and archaeological sites, and designated drives themed around traditional arts and crafts or local cuisine. And being behind the wheel means you can let spontaneity be your guide, stopping for quirky roadside attractions and breathtaking vistas.

Skip the highways and look instead for those little squiggly lines on the map—you never know what you’ll find.

Note that the timeframes listed are just starting points, since part of the appeal of a road trip is being able to adjust the schedule as you go, and there’s no requirement to drive the entirety of any route listed—especially the two-week trips.

Day Trip Routes

Road to hana.

• State(s) included: Hawaii (island of Maui)
• Miles: 64.4
• Minimum days needed: 1
• Best time to go: Year-round; start early in the day (7:00-7:30am)
• Highlights: Wai’anapanapa State Park; Hamoa Beach; Keanae Peninsula; Ho’okipa Beach Park; Twin Falls; Garden of Eden; Hana Town; Wailua Falls
• Airports: Kahului Airport (OGG)

The Road to Hana is among the shorter road trips on this list in terms of distance, but it’s so jam-packed with reasons to get out of the car that attractions are identified by individual mile markers. It’s also nowhere near a straight line, with hairpin twists and turns that enforce slower speeds. The tiny road grips the edge of the island and is often shrouded by dense rainforest. 

There are dozens of gorgeous waterfalls, picturesque beaches, botanical gardens, and viewpoints at regular intervals so you can admire the lush beauty. All this to say that yes, you could drive the Road to Hana in a day, but you should spend more time if you can. Extend an out-and-back trip with an overnight in Hana to maximize sightseeing. You still won’t see everything in two days, but you’ll be far less rushed.

Sample deals to Maui: 

• Phoenix nonstop to Maui for $188 roundtrip
• Honolulu or Kona nonstop to Maui for $58 roundtrip
• San Diego nonstop to Maui for $259 roundtrip   

>>Read more about the Road to Hana in our Maui guide

Trail ridge road.

• State(s) included: Colorado
• Best time to go: June-September
• Highlights: Rocky Mountain National Park; Milner Pass; Fall River Pass
• Airports: Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 77 miles from Estes Park at one end of the road

The most famous scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park is Trail Ridge Road, which connects the park’s gateway towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. The fact that it climbs a staggering 4,000 feet almost immediately, coupled with 11 miles of the road being above the treeline, means drivers are treated to expansive views in all directions. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass (10,120 feet), but the highest point of the road is a whopping 12,183 feet. 

Be on the lookout for wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and ptarmigans, and stop at the Tundra World Nature Trail to see colorful carpets made of hundreds of tiny alpine flowers. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore on foot, either at the many scenic viewpoints and trails, but keep in mind that conditions can be pretty windy at these elevations—bring along warm gear even if it’s summer.

Sample deals to Denver:

• Los Angeles nonstop to Denver for $49 roundtrip 
• Charlotte nonstop to Denver for $151 roundtrip 

Historic Columbia River Highway

• State(s) included: Oregon
• Miles: 74.1
• Best time to go: May-October
• Highlights: Crown Point; Multnomah Falls; Bonneville Lock and Dam; city of Hood River
• Airports: Portland International Airport (PDX) is a little more than 16 miles from the western end of the highway

The original road built on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, completed in 1922, was the first US road specifically designed to be a scenic highway—and it remains the prettiest route through the gorge. The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its many waterfalls, including one of the tallest in the country: Multnomah Falls. 

Dozens of hiking trails at all skill levels spread like spiderwebs away from the highway and up to lofty viewpoints overlooking the river, such as the challenging hike from Angel’s Rest to Devil’s Rest, but even non-hikers can enjoy spectacular views from Crown Point (don’t miss a peek inside Vista House and its tiny museum). Stop at Bonneville Lock and Dam to see Herman the Sturgeon (he’s about 10 feet long and 60 years old). And, if you’re visiting during the late summer or early fall, a detour from Hood River through what’s known as the “Fruit Loop” is a great way to stock up on freshly-picked pears, peaches, and apples.

Sample deals to Portland: 

• San Francisco nonstop to Portland for $99 roundtrip
• Los Angeles nonstop to Portland for $115 roundtrip

Beartooth Highway

• State(s) included: Montana, Wyoming
• Miles: 68.7
• Best time to go: Late May through mid-October
• Highlights: Absaroka-Beartooth Mountain Range; Yellowstone National Park
• Airports: Red Lodge Airport (RED) is near one end of the road; the nearest airport on the other end will depend on where you exit Yellowstone (Yellowstone Regional Airport is near Cody, Wyoming to the east of the park, Yellowstone Airport is near West Yellowstone, Montana to the west of the park)

Planning a road trip to Yellowstone National Park gives you a chance to add another day to your itinerary to take in what’s been called one of the most scenic drives in the country—the Beartooth Highway. This stretch of US Route 212 not only crosses the highest highway points in both Wyoming and Montana (10,947 feet and 10,350 feet respectively), it also dips into Yellowstone itself, making it an ideal prelude to the park. 

Viewpoints along the way entice drivers with truly epic views of national forests, alpine lakes, snow-covered mountains, and—if you’re lucky—wildlife like bears, moose, mountain goats, and wolves.

Sample deals to Yellowstone:

• San Francisco to West Yellowstone for $161 roundtrip
• Austin to Jackson Hole for $164 roundtrip

Going-to-the-Sun Road

• State(s) included: Montana
• Best time to go: July-October
• Highlights: St. Mary Lake; Jackson Glacier Overlook
• Airports: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell

Most National Parks have scenic drives enclosed entirely within their borders, but few are as spectacular as Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. Built in the early 1930s, this scenic byway cuts the park nearly in half from northeast to southwest, giving visitors a look at a variety of landscapes. 

Take your time, stopping frequently to see the many glaciers that give the park its name, not to mention all the mountain peaks and dramatic valleys between them. Pack some provisions and go for a hike, or spend the night at one of the five park campgrounds located along the route. And while the Going-to-the-Sun Road is technically a one-way trip, many visitors turn around and go back the way they came—the scenery changes depending which way you’re headed.

Sample deals to Kalispell: 

• Chicago or Denver nonstop to Kalispell for $197 roundtrip 
• Portland to Kalispell for $166 roundtrip 

Overseas Highway

• State(s) included: Florida
• Minimum days needed: 1-2
• Best time to go: Spring
• Highlights: Key Largo; Pennekamp Park; Seven Mile Bridge; Dolphin Research Center; Bahia Honda State Park; Key West
• Airports: Miami International Airport (MIA) is a little more than 63 miles from Key Largo, near the start of the Overseas Highway; Key West International Airport (EYW) is at the end if you don’t want to backtrack

While US Route 1 extends all the way from the Canadian border with Maine to Key West, Florida, it’s the southernmost hundred miles that are arguably the most interesting. Dubbed the “Overseas Highway,” this two-lane engineering marvel seems to cross more water than land on its journey from the southern tip of mainland Florida to Key West. 

There are more than 40 bridges en route, including one that’s seven miles long. It’s not all watery scenery, though—there are white sand beaches, lots of places beloved by snorkelers and divers (just don’t touch the coral), and even a place where you can swim with dolphins. At the end of the road (literally), eclectic Key West is an excellent place to watch sunsets.

Sample deals to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West: 

• San Francisco nonstop to Fort Lauderdale for $197 roundtrip 
• Portland to Key West for $206 roundtrip 
• Boston to Key West or Miami for $123 roundtrip 

>> Read more about finding cheap flights to Miami

High Road to Taos

• State(s) included: New Mexico
• Best time to go: May-September
• Highlights: Chimayó; Córdova; San José de Gracia Church; Taos Pueblo
• Airports: Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF); flights are usually cheaper into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) which is located around 60 miles southwest of Santa Fe

There are two roads connecting Santa Fe and Taos—but only one of them is designated a scenic byway. The High Road to Taos isn’t very long, but you’ll need at least a day for all the stops you’ll make en route to check out the unique arts and crafts and to explore New Mexico’s Spanish history. 

Stop in Chimayó to visit the diminutive santuario , where pilgrims come by the thousands every Easter, and see examples of traditional weaving. Look for wood carvings in Córdova, visit the 18th-century adobe San José de Gracia Church in Las Trampas, and wander among the traditional adobe homes in the UNESCO World Heritage Taos Pueblo. If you’re making this a day trip from either Santa Fe or Taos, returning via the Low Road offers a change of scenery as it snakes along the Rio Grande.

Sample deals to Albuquerque and Santa Fe: 

• Austin nonstop to Albuquerque for $138 roundtrip 
• Atlanta to Santa Fe for $199 roundtrip 

Road Trips Perfect for Long Weekends

Bluebonnet trail.

• State(s) included: Texas
• Miles: ~145
• Highlights: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area; Willow City Loop; Lyndon B. Johnson State Park; Inks Lake State Park
• Airports: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is just over 54 miles from Burnet.

The bluebonnet is Texas’ state flower, and while the state government has designated the city of Ennis as the official bluebonnet city, one the best scenic drives through bluebonnet country doesn’t include Ennis at all. Instead, it follows Route 29 in Texas Hill Country from Burnet west to Llano, then south to the Willow City Loop and Fredericksburg, then east to Johnson City and back up to Burnet. Burnet and Llano say they’re the bluebonnet “co-capitals,” and the aforementioned Willow City Loop is particularly well-known for wildflowers. During the spring, you’ll see vast fields of the signature blue blossoms—and plenty of other colorful blooms—in all directions. It’s a feast for the eyes and your Instagram followers.

Sample deals to Austin:  

• Raleigh nonstop to Austin for $178 roundtrip
• Chicago nonstop to Austin for $81 roundtrip  

Blue Ridge Parkway

• State(s) included: Virginia, North Carolina
• Minimum days needed: 3-4
• Best time to go: Autumn
• Highlights: Natural Bridge; Mabry Mill; Blue Ridge Music Center; Moses Cone Manor; Grandfather Mountain; Mile High Swinging Bridge; Craggy Gardens; Biltmore Estate
• Airports: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) in Virginia; Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs, appropriately enough, along the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian range) and connects two of the best National Parks in the east—Shenandoah to the northeast and Great Smoky Mountains to the southwest. 

Far from being a simple route to get visitors from one park to another, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a road trip destination all its own. In addition to the natural beauty and scenic stops along the way, there are also noteworthy cultural attractions. Tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center to learn about Appalachian music and stay to hear a performance. And don’t miss Asheville’s Biltmore Estate; the largest private home in the United States, it’s now open to visitors.

Sample deals to the Blue Ridge Parkway: 

• Austin to Asheville for $163 roundtrip ‍
• Austin, Houston, Denver, Phoenix, Portland, or SF open-jaw to the Blue Ridge Parkway for $186-$203 roundtrip

Natchez Trace Parkway

• State(s) included: Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee
• Minimum days needed: 2-3
• Best time to go: Spring or Autumn
• Highlights: Sunken Trace; Jackson Falls; Emerald Mound; Cypress Swamp
• Airports: Nashville International Airport (BNA) is at the northern end of the parkway; Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) is the nearest major airport to the southern end at 73 miles away

The original Natchez Trace was something of a bison superhighway, expanded and frequently used by native peoples for thousands of years. Today, the Natchez Trace Parkway roughly follows the original trail’s route between Nashville, Tennessee, and Natchez, Mississippi. Parts of the “Old Trace” remain and are open for visitors to walk on the historic trail, and there are also ancient burial mounds along the route. 

Among the other attractions, don’t miss the fantastic Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, the elevated boardwalk through Cypress Swamp (look for alligators in the water below) and the gravesite of famed explorer Merriweather Lewis—he died on the Trace in 1809.

Sample deals to Nashville and Baton Rouge : 

• Boston nonstop to Nashville for $167 roundtrip 
• San Francisco to Baton Rouge for $206 roundtrip 

Utah Route 12

• State(s) included: Utah
• Miles: 122.9
• Highlights: Capitol Reef National Park; Dixie National Forest; Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument; Escalante Petrified Forest State Park; Bryce Canyon National Park
• Airports: Cedar City Airport (CDC) is a little less than 69 miles from Panguitch, the southern end of the road, but only has service from Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) is 213 miles from Torrey, Route 12’s northern end, and 245 miles from Panguitch

Technically, you might only need a day to drive the entire length of Route 12 in Utah, but there are so many places to stop and explore along the way that you probably won’t even see it all with three days to spare. The road is bookended by two National Parks—Capitol Reef just outside Torrey in the north and Bryce Canyon near the other end of the road in Panguitch. 

Between the two, Route 12 winds through the canyons and cliffs of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, often hugging the edge of red rock cliffs (it even goes right through two red rock arches in Red Canyon). There is no shortage of hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, and campgrounds to make it worth lingering.

Sample deals to Salt Lake City: 

• Portland nonstop to Salt Lake City for $157 roundtrip
• Phoenix nonstop to Salt Lake City for $77 roundtrip 

Green Mountain Byway

• State(s) included: Vermont
• Miles: ~200
• Minimum days needed: 2-4
• Best time to go: Autumn, for the fall foliage
• Highlights: Green Mountain National Forest; town of Stowe; Ben & Jerry’s factory tour (Waterbury)
• Airports: Albany International Airport (ALB) at the southern end and Burlington International Airport (BTV) at the northern end (if you don’t want to backtrack)

Nearly every road in New England is awash with riotous foliage colors in the fall, but Vermont’s Route 100—the Green Mountain Byway—is among the best “leaf-peeping” scenic drives in the region. It stretches the length of the state for about 200 miles, with offshoots like beautiful Route 125 (or the “Middlebury Gap”) and the Green Mountain National Forest, making it ideal for a long weekend of exploring. Take your time, stopping to browse art galleries and farm stands in between short hikes to admire the views.

Olympic Peninsula Loop

• State(s) included: Washington
• Miles: ~430
• Best time to go: Summer
• Highlights: Olympic National Park; Hurricane Ridge; Hoh Rainforest; city of Port Townsend; Lake Quinault; town of Forks; Cape Flattery
• Airports: Seattle International Airport (SEA) is a little more than 103 miles from Port Townsend via car on the Hood Canal; from Seattle, you can also take a car ferry to Bainbridge Island and then drive to Port Townsend from there

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its wet weather, and there may be no better place to see all that rain put to good use than Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Part of the route around the peninsula is Highway 101—the Pacific Coast Highway—but this part is unlike anything you’ll see further south. 

Start your loop in pretty Port Townsend and meander along the coastline. Stop at Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge for a hike and to admire the views of the mountains. Take a detour to Cape Flattery (the northernmost point of the lower 48) before continuing on the loop to the town of Forks for a bit of “Twilight” kitsch. Keep going and Mother Nature shows off her majesty again at the spectacular Hoh Rainforest and Lake Quinault. If you’re headed back to Port Townsend along the Hood Canal and you like oysters, don’t miss a stop at the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon in Lilliwaup.

Sample deals to Seattle: 

• Dallas nonstop to Seattle for $187 roundtrip
• Denver nonstop to Seattle for $147 roundtrip  

Nome’s 3 Scenic Highways

• State(s) included: Alaska
• Miles: ~460 (this is round-trip; each drive is out-and-back on the same road)
• Minimum days needed: 3
• Highlights: Inupiat town of Teller; Pilgrim Hot Springs; Salmon Lake; “Last Train to Nowhere”
• Airports: Nome Airport (OME) has service from Anchorage on Alaska Airlines

The city of Nome, Alaska, is about as remote as you can get in the United States, sitting near the western-most point of the state. While Nome might be well-known in winter as the finish line for the famous Iditarod, three (gravel!) roads serve as scenic drives for summer adventurers . 

Base yourself in Nome and choose a different leisurely drive each day. Take the Nome-Teller Highway to get within 55 miles of Russia across the Bering Strait. Detour off Nome-Taylor Highway to visit Pilgrim Hot Springs. Wind along the coastal Nome-Council Highway. Bird-watching is particularly fabulous in this area, with several species not often seen in the lower 48.

Sample deals to Anchorage: 

• Chicago, Phoenix, LA, or SF nonstop to Anchorage for $197 roundtrip 
• Minneapolis to Anchorage for $294 roundtrip 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

• State(s) included: Kentucky
• Miles: ~260
• Best time to go: September-October
• Highlights: Louisville; Bardstown; Lexington
• Airports: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)

Assuming you’ve got a designated driver, this loop starting and ending in Louisville is a great way to learn about Kentucky’s bourbon history as you sip. Don’t miss the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey in Bardstown and some non-bourbon sights like the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum. There is an official “Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” but even some of the bourbon distilleries that aren’t on that list have tasting rooms and offer tours—so if you’ve got a favorite tipple, check their site for open hours.

Sample deal to Louisville: 

• Austin to Louisville for $166 roundtrip 

One Week Road Trips

Black hills & badlands.

• State(s) included: South Dakota
• Miles: ~300
• Minimum days needed: 4-6 days
• Best time to go: Late August through September
• Highlights: Badlands National Park; Black Hills National Forest; Mount Rushmore; Crazy Horse Memorial, Devil’s Tower
• Airports: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

Rapid City sits between the Black Hills and the Badlands , with plenty of interesting and quirky detours along the way. Head east to stop at the funky Wall Drug store before exploring the stark beauty of Badlands National Park. To the northwest of Rapid City, fans of the HBO series, “Deadwood,” can walk the streets of the actual town before turning south to meander through the dense forests of the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for bison, antelope, and other wildlife. Take a brief detour into Wyoming to check out Devil’s Tower, one of the most unique rock formations in the country.

Sample deal to Rapid City:

• Austin to Rapid City for $164 roundtrip 

Pacific Coast Highway: Seattle to San Francisco

• State(s) included: Washington, Oregon, California
• Miles: ~1,100 (includes the Olympic Peninsula)
• Minimum days needed: 5-6
• Best time to go: April-May (south to north) or September-October (north to south)
• Highlights: Olympic National Park; town of Astoria; Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area; Redwood National Park; Point Reyes National Seashore
• Airports: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on the northern end and your choice of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), or Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)  at the southern end

Highway 101, called the Pacific Coast Highway in California, stretches all the way up the West Coast. From Seattle, first head northwest to take in the lush rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula before starting your drive south along Highway 101. In Oregon, stop in Astoria for a “Goonies” tour or explore the cheese factory in Tillamook in between beach walks. Some of Oregon’s most popular beaches are in Newport, but the small towns of Bandon and Brookings aren’t to be overlooked—and be sure to check out the huge and ever-changing sand dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. 

Once you cross the border into California, you’re in redwood country. Redwood National Park is the obvious draw, but stop in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (outside Crescent City) for a less crowded walk among giant trees. You can drive through a tree in Klamath before taking in the adorable and artsy towns of Arcata and Eureka. Further down the coast, explore the gorgeous Point Reyes National Seashore on foot or two wheels before a contemplative walk through Muir Woods National Monument and making your way into San Francisco.

Sample deals to Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose: 

• Chicago nonstop to Seattle for $129 roundtrip
• Nashville to San Francisco for $83 roundtrip  
• Detroit to San Jose for $96 roundtrip 

>> Read our travel guide to Seattle

Pacific coast highway: san francisco to los angeles.

• State(s) included: California
• Miles: ~500
• Minimum days needed: 3-5
• Best time to go: 
• Highlights: Big Sur; Hearst Castle; town of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo
• Airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) at the northern end; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), or Ontario International Airport (ONT) on the southern end

If ever a road trip screamed for a convertible and the perfect playlist, this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway is it. The highway hugs the coast, giving you plenty of options when you want to soak up some California sun right on the beach. Along the way, there are also lots of non-beachy attractions to lure you out of the car. Visit the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and nearby Hearst Castle, and stop to check out some of the California Missions, including one in charming Santa Barbara.

Sample deals to San Francisco and Los Angeles: 

• Boston nonstop to San Francisco for $197 roundtrip 
• Phoenix nonstop to Los Angeles for $90 roundtrip
• Salt Lake City nonstop to Los Angeles over Christmas/New Year’s for $167 roundtrip

Road Trips Ideal for Two Weeks (or More)

Historic route 66.

• State(s) included: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, California
• Miles: 2,448
• Minimum days needed: 10-14
• Best time to go: May-June or September
• Highlights: Lincoln Home National Historic Site; Ozark Mountains; Cadillac Ranch; Petrified Forest National Park 
• Airports: Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) is near the eastern end of Route 66; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), or Ontario International Airport (ONT) are all near the western end; if you’re only driving the section detailed below, fly into Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) and out of Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA)

Route 66 is perhaps the most famous American road, inspiring a jazz standard and countless road trips. If you know the song, you’ve already got a good idea of the path the “Mother Road” traces across the country from Chicago to Los Angeles. Some parts of the historic road have been co-opted by newer highways, but some parts have been maintained as “National Scenic Byways” for maximum road trip nostalgia. 

The segment between Springfield, Missouri and Tulsa Oklahoma is a favorite, or you could just concentrate on the roughly 400 miles of Route 66 that cut diagonally across Oklahoma itself—more than any other state. The National Route 66 Museum is in Elk City, Oklahoma, and there are some quirky roadside attractions along the way, including a huge blue whale made of cement in Catoosa and the world’s largest concrete totem pole in Chelsea.

Sample deal to Route 66: 

• Denver, Phoenix, or San Francisco nonstop open-jaw to Route 66 for $137-$147 roundtrip

The Road to Nowhere

• State(s) included: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas
• Miles: ~1,800
• Minimum days needed: 7-10
• Best time to go: Fall
• Highlights: Wall Drug; Badlands National Park; Sitting Bull Memorial; the Alamo
• Airports: Minot International Airport (MOT) is near the northern point of US-83 in North Dakota and McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE) isn’t far from the end of the road in Brownsville, Texas; you can also detour a bit to fly out of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Austin (AUS), or San Antonio (SAT)

Ignore the ominous nickname given to US Route 83 ( some prefer to call it the Great Plains Highway ) and think instead of driving from the Canadian to the Mexican border along what used to be the only paved road connecting the two. The road, finally completed in 1959, is almost a straight shot through quintessentially Midwestern plains and farmland into the heart (and heat) of Texas. 

Optional detours (like Badlands National Park and the memorial to Sitting Bull) are plentiful, but the true appeal of this under-appreciated road trip is that it’s not a list of attractions strung together by highways—which makes it perfect for travelers who love serendipity and have nowhere in particular to be.

Great River Road

• State(s) included: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana
• Miles: ~2,500
• Minimum days needed: 10-14 days
• Best time to go: Fall (Drive the Great River Road Month is September)
• Highlights: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium; Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum; Gateway Arch National Park
• Airports: Hector International Airport (FAR) is about two hours from the headwaters though you could also start from Minneapolis (MSP), St. Louis (STL), or Memphis (MEM); Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is near the end of the river

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River and it serves as the border of most of the ten states along its route. The full length of the river, from the headwaters in northern Minnesota to where it spills into the Gulf of Mexico on the Louisiana shore, is more than 2,500 miles, and the diversity of landscapes the river informs is impressive. There are lots of river-related interpretive centers, scenic overlooks, and attractions in every state (just look for the “pilot’s wheel” road signs), including locks and dams.

Sample deals to New Orleans: 

• Charlotte to New Orleans for $87 roundtrip ‍
• Dallas nonstop to New Orleans for $81 roundtrip

‍ Save up to 90% on domestic flights within the US. Join Going and get alerts for amazingly cheap flights delivered right to your inbox.

Freelance Writer

Published August 8, 2023

Last updated December 19, 2023

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The Scenic Route: A Guide to the World’s Best Road Trips

The 10 best road trips around the world, a mix of classic and unexpected, coastal and countryside..

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There’s something about seeing a country or a region on four wheels that lets you feel immersed in a place. The roadside restaurants, the freedom to pause and linger, the exhilaration and pain of getting lost in an age of constant Google Mapping... Isn’t half the fun of travel the detours, anyway? In this package, we pick the 10 best road trips around the world, a mix of classic and unexpected, coastal and countryside. You’d be remiss not to drive California’s Highway 1 at least once in your life—but what about South Africa’s Garden Route?

For a road trip in South Africa, drive the Garden Route.

Photo by Andrea Willmore/Shutterstock

Garden Route, South Africa

Hugging the eastern coastline of South Africa , the Garden Route takes you through the nation’s hits. There are farm stalls brimming with local produce, reserves with wildlife like elephants, ostriches, and monkeys, and memorable scenery throughout. Hiking, swimming, and surfing are all on offer, and you can finish days with a local glass of wine from one of the many wine farms along the way.

Ready to hit the road? Read more here.

North America

Road trip through Alaska.

Michael Rosebrock/Shutterstock and Justin Kaneps

A Loop out of Anchorage, Alaska

This seven-day journey that starts and ends in Anchorage is an outdoorsy road-tripper’s dream. You’ll be awestruck by Denali National Park , as well as the less-trafficked and equally beautiful Wrangell—St. Elias. You’ll meet sled dogs and sample Alaska ’s bountiful produce at organic farms along the way. If you’re really adventurous, take a detour on a bush flight and enjoy Alaska’s small-town delights—and its famous salmon. You’ll want to make time for a glacier trek, so don’t forget your fleece and hiking boots.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Perhaps the most iconic of road trips, California ’s Pacific Coast Highway takes you all along the state’s picturesque coastline. Winding through beach towns, big cities, and miles of untouched coast, PCH is the perfect way to see the Golden State. There are aquariums, a castle, and, of course, jaw-dropping scenery on this route. Be sure you plan enough time to take it slow, watch for whales, and, when you’re at the car rental, spring for the convertible.

San Juan Skyway, Colorado

This quick jaunt among the 14,000-foot peaks of southwestern Colorado has no shortage of dramatic vistas. The roads are not for the faint of heart—10,000-foot passes beckon. Stomach-churning heights give way to sprawling pastures and waterfall-flecked canyons. Hot springs and tiny mountain towns also make this road trip an irresistible stunner.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

A five-day journey along the Parkway from Charlottesville, Virginia , to Asheville, North Carolina, showcases the wonders of Appalachia. You’ll sample local cheeses, seasonal, farm-to-table cooking, and barbecue. Down-home bluegrass music plus local crafts make for a truly authentic trip into this scenic, mountainous region. There’s no shortage of hikes, ranging from easy to difficult, including an opportunity to set foot on the storied Appalachian Trail.

South America

Go fishing on a road trip in Patagonia, which is known for some of the best fly-fishing in the world.

Photo by Peter Bohler

Patagonia Lake District, Argentina and Chile

Outdoor adventures await throughout the Lake District in northern Patagonia in Argentina and Chile . From white-water rafting to heli-skiing to hiking, there’s something for everyone no matter the season, all amid charming, European-style towns. National parks, volcanoes, and the eponymous lakes dot the route, offering arresting views and more places to stop and explore than you’ll have time for. Locally sourced steak and trout will keep you fueled up on this weeklong journey.

Epic waterfalls are just one of the things you will see on an Iceland road trip.

Photo by Smit/Shutterstock

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

A drive along Ireland ’s windswept coastline brings endless opportunities for nature walks and hunkering down in cozy pubs. You’ll encounter live traditional music and plenty of chances to get on the water, from boat tours to kayaking. Dolphin and whale-watching tours, too, are on your route. Castles and colorful villages also take center stage on this trip. Although our itinerary covers five days, you could easily take two weeks to discover this massive, 1,600-mile route.

North Coast 500, Scotland

This 516-mile loop out of Inverness showcases the rugged beauty of northernmost Scotland. Cathedrals, historic sites, and distilleries abound here, and you’ll need at least five days to wind your way around the scenic drive. Accommodations range from rustic to country luxury to castle estates, so there’s something for every type of traveler. Fill your plate with loads of seafood and game, then burn it all off with hikes, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Ready to hit the road? Read more here .

Diamond Circle, Iceland

This less-traveled circuit in northern Iceland showcases the highlights. Waterfalls and colonies of puffins await alongside opportunities for whale-watching. Days filled with delectable seafood, ancient rock formations, and soaring views create the kind of trip that will have you stopping every few miles for a photo op. No trip through Iceland would be complete without geothermal baths, so a good soak is on your agenda as well.

Drive the Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Photo by Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria

Great Ocean Road

Spend at least three days on a leisurely tour of Australia ’s Great Ocean Road, a spectacular coastal route that runs south out of Melbourne . There are pristine beaches, yes, but also a stunning national park with waterfall hikes and zipline adventures. Add beachfront hotels and restaurants and you’ve got the makings of a truly special road trip, particularly if you take the time for a beach day or two as you explore. On this drive, you’ll want to remain beach-ready. Pack plenty of sunscreen.

11 of the Best Road Trips in the USA (in 2021)

05/22/2021 by Kristin Addis 1 Comment

Even though you can find a great road trip just about anywhere in the world , the United States’ wide roads and abundance of open spaces make it one of the best countries to explore by car.

With an abundance of playlists on standby and some snacks on hand, the journey just as fun as the destination. Heading from the West and moving east, here are 11 of the best road trips in the United States:

Table of Contents

Hawaii’s Road to Hana

Powerful bodies of water, bamboo forests, and hundreds of twists and turns––that basically sums up the Road to Hana. It’s a must-do for visitors to Maui!

This 64-mile road is no walk in the park, with its fair share of blind corners and narrow bridges. But if you’re careful and selective about which places to stop, you’ll be able to see some of the best of what Maui has to offer. Click here for an in-depth guide to the Road to Hana .

➵ A complete guide to Hawaii

➵ Rent a car in Hawaii

Utah’s Big Five

With fiery desert landscapes that seem like they’re from a different planet, it’s no wonder the American Southwest is such a popular road trip region ! Visitors coming to see the area’s geography for themselves usually come to Utah’s five national parks, which have earned the title as “The Big Five”.

A road trip is the perfect way to see the unique trails and landmarks that Arches , Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks have to offer. Read about the Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip to help you plan your trip!

➵ A complete guide to Utah

➵ Rent a car in Utah

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

Highway 101 loops around most of the over 3,500 square miles of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, forming the Olympic Peninsula Loop. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so even a short drive through parts of this area is worth it. Be sure to check out the Hoh Rain Forest and Port Angeles.

You can take advantage of a ton of places along the loop, with an abundance of hiking trails and coastlines to explore.

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most popular road trips in the United States––and rightfully so! This 1,650-mile highway runs through California, Oregon , and Washington alongside the west coast. The variety of sights you can see along the PCH are enormous. You can spend one day exploring bustling Los Angeles, only to spend the next exploring the Redwood trees of Big Sur!

Going North to South is the more preferred route as it puts drivers in the lane right next to the beaches, but the opposite direction is just as scenic.

Idaho’s Hot Springs

Idaho is one of the best kept secrets among well-informed travelers. Exploring the state’s lush landscapes and hot springs make for a great girls’ trip or solo adventure.

Because the state hasn’t been (thankfully!) as crowded by tourists, there is no one set path to exploring Idaho. You can create routes that follow some of the state’s best hot springs or cross items of your bucket list to name a couple of ideas! Read BMTM’s Idaho road trip itinerary for inspiration.

➵ Rent a car in Idaho here.

Alaska’s George Parks Highway

Alaska is truly “The Last Frontier”. As state full of uninhibited beauty, Alaska can be an intimidating destination to plan around. This is where scenic byways, like the George Parks Highway , offer the perfect solution. George Parks Highway has been in Alaska since the ’70s, and it connects the state’s two largest cities––Anchorage and Fairbanks––to one another.

The highway is around 320 miles long and runs through much of Alaska’s untamed wilderness. You’ll have the chance to see wild moose along the byway, as well as Denali , the tallest mountain in North America. If you decide to follow this journey, you’ll be able to see the intense nature that makes Alaska one of a kind.

➵ A complete guide to Alaska

➵ Rent a car in Alaska here

Nevada’s Highway 50

During the ’80s, a Life magazine called Nevada’s portion of Highway 50 the “Loneliest Road in America”. The name seemed fitting––with miles upon miles of desert and the occasional small town in between, it didn’t seem like there was anything interesting to do along the route.

Fast forward to the present, when this type of peace and quiet has become a source of pride for the state. Journey through this road and you’ll find small town gems like  Middlegate Station  and  Ely’s Nevada Northern Railroad Museum . There are quiet a few natural landmarks here too––you can find a 600-feet-high sand dune and Great Basin National Park with some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, all in one trip!

➵ Rent a car in Nevada here

Colorado’s State Highway 82

Colorado is a premier state for outdoor enthusiasts. Road trippers are no exception, as landscapes of all kinds exist here. While the wintertime is great for skiing and snowboarding, the warmer months are a great time to see this state by car. Click here to read about the perfect Colorado road trip itinerary .

If you road trip through Colorado, Independence Pass is a must for its magnificent views. The pass is a part of State Highway 82 and runs through 32 miles of the state’s mountainous area. While this might not seem like a long time, many travelers take their time to fully grasp the views of the road. Autumn is a great time to drive through here, as you can see the leaves change colors before the road closes for the winter.

➵ Rent a car in Colorado here

U.S. Route 66

This road trip will appeal to the part of you that reminisces about the good ol’ days of mom-and-pop shops and a simpler life. Americans have historically regarded US Highway 66, also known as “Route 66”, as the ultimate cross-country trip, taking travelers from Chicago to Santa Monica. Though Route 66 doesn’t officially exist anymore, you can still drive most of it. Several states have even implemented their own Scenic Byway programs to preserve their leg of the journey!  

Visit the National Park Service’s Route 66 webpage to learn more about the route. Because each state is in charge of their specific section of the route, it’ll be easiest to plan this route by state . You could also plan your trip around the different national parks you come across along the way.

Blue Ridge Parkway

For a scenic drive through the Appalachian region, the Blue Ridge Parkway encapsulates some of the best landscapes that the Southeast has to offer. The parkway runs between North Carolina’s part of the Great Smoky Mountains and Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

Along the parkway’s 469 miles there are a bunch of natural landmarks to explore, like Mount Mitchell and Linville Gorge. But the parkway isn’t just nature––you can find major cities like Asheville on its path too! Wherever you choose to stop, there’s an abundance of opportunities to take in the landscape at the overlooks on the side of the road.

There are plenty of Airbnb and Booking options along the parkway, depending on your itinerary. But if you want to spend your nights on the parkway, there are various campgrounds interspersed throughout. Check out BMTM’s guide to Blue Ridge Parkway camping for more in-depth information!

Some parts of the road may be closed due to incidents such as bad weather. Check out the park’s map to get the latest information as to different road closures.

Florida Keys’ U.S. Highway 1

U.S. Highway 1 is the longest north-south road in the United States, running down the East Coast from the Canadian border to Key West. While there are plenty of chunks within 2,369-mile road filled with exciting landscapes, Florida’s section of Highway 1 is particularly beautiful.

Florida’s southernmost portion of Highway 1 even has its own name: the Overseas Highway. This 113-mile part is one of the country’s 31 All-American Roads and offers landscapes (and seascapes!) central to the Florida Keys region.

First Name:

The United States has endless road trip possibilities. While this list includes some of the more famous routes, it is by no means exhaustive. Use these road trips to serve as inspiration for your next adventure. Who knows––maybe you’ll find yourself planning a road trip unique to you!

Is there a road trip you’d like to take? Let me know!

How to Plan A Road Trip in 4 Easy Steps

The ultimate road trip essentials checklist, about kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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reliablerider says

09/28/2021 at 7:00 am

Thanks for sharing this update with us. this is really a informative blog. keep sharing

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With temperatures warming up and summer on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning for a quintessential American pastime: the road trip. Here are six of the best road trip ideas for your next getaway.

6 Best American Road Trips

• Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most scenic highways in the US. Curving along California’s coast, it starts in Dana Point and winds past picturesque towns like Long Beach, Malibu, Big Sur, Monterey, and San Francisco. The 72-mile stretch passing through Big Sur, the Big Sur Coast Highway , is designated an All-American Road . The PCH boasts intrinsic beauty and national significance. Experience dramatic cliffs, majestic redwoods, and various marine life as you drive along the crashing blue Pacific.

• Zion National Park to Grand Canyon National Park (Grand Circle)

This road trip , often called the Grand Circle, takes you through an incredible line-up of National Parks in the southwest. From Zion to Bryce Canyon, Arches, and even the iconic Grand Canyon, you’ll get to see some of America’s finest landscapes in one unforgettable trip. Explore Zion National Park on the Zion Scenic Byway, which earned a national scenic byway designation in February 2021.

• Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Yet another of the most scenic drives in America, the Blue Ridge Parkway is an All-American Road that leads you through breathtaking Appalachian views. The parkway passes through the Great Smoky Mountains and leads you up to the stunning Shenandoah National Park .

4. San Juan Scenic Skyway, Colorado

The San Juan Scenic Skyway All-American Road traverses 235 miles of Colorado landscape. Explore mountain scenery, pueblo ruins, mining towns, and even hot springs as you go

5. Overseas Highway US 1, Florida Keys Scenic Highway

If you’re looking for a drive that’s novel and exciting, the Overseas Highway Florida Keys Scenic Highway is for you. As the name suggests, this highway that leads to the Florida Keys takes you right over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. Feel like you’re driving on water as you cross this awe-inspiring 113-mile roadway.

6. Kancamagus Scenic Byway, New Hampshire

Kancamagus Highway , affectionately known as “the Kanc,” is a Scenic Byway that offers gorgeous views year-round. In autumn, though, it’s one of the best places to view fall foliage . Drive its forested path and take in the White Mountains, the Swift River, and various waterfalls and hiking trails.

Here at Scenic America, we’re working to preserve these iconic Scenic Byways and the many other roads, landscapes, and towns that define our nation’s visual character. Read about our principles of conservation , see what we’ve accomplished in 2021, or sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our work and how you can help .

Scenic America’s mission is to preserve and enhance the visual character and scenic beauty of America. Donate today to help us protect our beautiful places and the heart of our country’s character!

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23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.

From Hawaii to the Florida Keys, these are 23 of the best road trips in the U.S.

Sarah Rose is a journalist and the author of two best-selling novels. She was a news columnist at The Wall Street Journal and her features have appeared in Outside , The Washington Post , Travel + Leisure , Bon Appétit , and more.

Loki1100/Getty Images

From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the U.S. is brimming with scenic drives, some more stunning than others. Take the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway for example, meandering past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty, offering different panoramic vistas depending on the season.

Sometimes it's not just the nature but also the human-made sights that make the trip. As you cruise along Chicago's Lake Shore Drive, the view to the west includes such iconic feats of American architecture as the Willis Tower, better known as the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world. And on U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West, travelers pass over coral reefs on the Seven-Mile Bridge to arrive at marinas where they can hand-feed tarpon and drink margaritas at beach bars blaring Jimmy Buffet hits.

Those road trips and more around the U.S., ahead.

Hana Highway, Maui

The T-shirts all say: "I survived the road to Hana." It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside stalls and take in the Jurassic vistas at every turn. In tiny Hana, a town on eastern Maui, a cinder cone shields a red-sand beach where nudists and endangered monk seals bake idly in the sun. Just beyond where the Road to Hana terminates, about 30 minutes further, are the must-visit Pools of Oheo, a gently cascading, seven-tiered gulch in Haleakala National Park .

Blue Ridge Parkway, the Carolinas and Virginia

Andre Jenny/Alamy

The nearly 469 miles of blacktop twisting through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks. It's a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in autumn, a bounty of forest canopy in summer, and ski resorts in winter. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for emeralds, amethyst, rubies, topaz, and gold. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, with hundreds of bird species and more types of trees than the whole continent of Europe.

Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

The rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive. Chicago's buildings are decidedly showstopping, from the blocky staircase of the Willis Tower — formerly the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world — to the Belle Époque elegance of Burnham and Root's Rookery, to the stark post-Bauhaus boxes of Mies van der Rohe. It could easily be called the greatest road for architecture-spotting on earth. Lake Shore Drive is just 15 miles long, but you'll want to break up the brief journey with a stop at Millennium Park to visit the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as "The Bean").

17-Mile Drive, California

The so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the towns of Pacific Grove to Carmel , the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs through the parts of the Del Monte Forest belonging to an exclusive golf community. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the $11.25 entry fee to drive it. Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has sunlit kelp-forest tanks, a petting pool, and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles.

U.S. 1, Florida Keys

M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy

Leaving the mainland for Florida's Keys, travelers enter a paradise of beach bars, water sports, and Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffett fans). From Key Largo to Key West, the Overseas Highway strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the Seven-Mile Bridge, among the longest bridges in the world. On the docks at Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed bait fish to tarpon more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the National Key Deer Refuge .

Route 12, Utah

The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12 winding between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks. The 124-mile strip has funky small towns and very few entry and exit points, so it takes some commitment to witness the steep sandstone canyons and bluffs of purple sage, and to tackle the narrow cliff-hanging ridgeline road called The Hogback around the halfway point. Stop in at Escalante's artsy log-and-sandstone Kiva Koffeehouse , open Wednesdays to Sundays April through October, to get your caffeine fix with a stunning view of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument .

Bluebonnet Trail, Texas

Bluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the U.S. Southwest. They're especially abundant in Texas (where they're the official state flower) from March to May. Start this road trip in Austin, home of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority. Stop by to admire the native flower, then embark on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit Brenham's official tourism website for up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou and Hermann parks.

North Shore Drive, Minnesota

Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of glacial beauty. In Duluth, a walking path along the lake's edge shows off the city highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out to the world. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out to the right, birch and northwood maples climbing high on the left. At your destination, you'll find the Split Rock Lighthouse , now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

Welcome to the highest continuously paved road in the U.S. Trail Ridge Road begins at the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took) visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural body of water, which is also home to a historic town and year-round lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is not a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Though the White Mountains are a year-round sportsperson's paradise, the autumnal fireworks are the undisputed highlights of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway. Serious leaf-peepers visit in October to see the maples, alder, and birch blazing in full technicolor glory. In the spring, expect yellow violets and wood anemone.

This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa) and takes about two to three hours to drive. However, you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a three-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

One of America's most inspiring public works projects runs along the spine of the Rockies past Glacier National Park's snow-covered peaks, sub-alpine meadows, and lakes across the Continental Divide. The 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. Snowdrifts threaten to top 100 feet in winter, so Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open only when conditions allow (typically in the summer months). To learn more about the geology of glaciers, local Native American customs, or the park's ecosystem, supplement your road trip with a class at the Glacier Institute .

Highway 101, Oregon

Unlike the rest of the West Coast, Oregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The 400-or-so miles of beaches off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive, fierce sea cliffs stand in contrast to the pastoral farmland and roaming cattle of Oregon's small towns . Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the Prehistoric Gardens, where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape.

Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, Highway 101 loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. From the base of the peninsula, drive counterclockwise to climb into the Hoh Rain Forest, dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. You can spy the San Juan Islands from the top of Hurricane Ridge, 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish, sand dollars, and crabs. Take a break in the spooky logging town of Forks, a must for Twilight fans, but travel onward to Lake Quinault Lodge if you're looking for a place to stay. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops.

Route 6, Massachusetts

The easternmost portion of Route 6 — which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California — links together Cape Cod's network of sand dunes, beaches, marshes, tidal ponds, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to Provincetown's music festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the Cape Cod National Seashore . Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between May and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale).

Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska

The trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with so many peaks a lot of them haven't even been named. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez includes a 30-mile drop from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon, opening into Prince William Sound.

Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho

Meriwether Lewis came to the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass (7,323-foot elevation) in 1805. Instead of the fabled Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean, Lewis looked west over the mountains and saw more mountains. Determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on single-lane Forest Service roads from either Beaverhead Rock State Park in Montana or the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho.

For the full experience, go in July to see men dressed in buckskin traveling on dugout canoes at the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from Beaverhead Rock State Park.

Silverado Trail, California

Here's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by dozens of vineyards and wineries, the Silverado Trail on the eastern edge of Napa Valley gives the California road tripper endless vino options and perhaps some of tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting flight at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars , where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star French Laundry restaurant in Yountville is a highlight.

Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island

This 10-mile coastal route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded-Age "cottages" of Ocean Drive — which confusingly follows Ocean Avenue , not Drive — compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of fin de siècle industry, the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which remained an active United States Army post from the early 19th century up until World War II.

Park Loop Road, Maine

The loop through Acadia National Park can be completed in an hour — when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the high ridgelines, sheer rock precipices, and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside cavern dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper.

Highway 143, Tennessee

Set out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in heather — and purple rhododendron blossoms come early summer. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its "balds" (summits covered in thick grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan

Only 7.4 miles long, this short-and-sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant Sleeping Bear Dunes , dense forest canopies, and a freshwater lake so wide you won't be able to see the opposite shore. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the '60s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake from the top of the " Dune Climb ," a sand mound estimated to be about 450 feet tall.

The High Road to Taos, New Mexico

The 77-mile route between Santa Fe and Taos delivers one photo op after another: ancient pueblos, deserts, forests, wildflower meadows, and artists' colonies in 17th-century adobe towns. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history, and provides canyon views over Truchas Peak at 13,102 feet. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the Santa Fe Opera .

Highway 2, Nebraska

Sandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) make up nearly one-fourth of Nebraska, undulating in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2, stretching 52 miles from the South Dakota border to Grand Island, for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. The sand dunes are smack in the middle of the Central Flyway Migration Corridor ; look out for cranes at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center just off Highway 2 in Wood River.

Best Road Trips in the U.S., Ranked

You'll love these top 25 road trips in the u.s..

There’s nothing like cruising along an open road with the music blaring, a car full of snacks and no idea where you’re going. That sense of adventure gave way to the classic American road trip. After all, there aren’t many other places where you can drive amidst tall pine trees, dart along the coast or zig-zag over a mountain range — all while staying in the same country. 

So, why do we love road trips? Because of the freedom and discovery that come along with them. You might stop at a roadside diner that serves the best pancakes you’ve ever had, or you could find a cabin next to a peaceful lake to channel your zen for a few days. 

For this ranking of the 25 best road trips in the U.S., we used data gathered by Geotab that looked at TripAdvisor review ratings, annual average daily traffic data and a country-wide survey to score these classic highway and parkway routes. While the iconic Route 66 didn’t break into the top 25, other popular routes throughout the Southwest made the top 10. No matter your travel interests, here’s all the info you need to plan your next American road trip.

25. Natchez Trace Parkway

Good for: History and culture

Traffic: 9,500

Total mileage: 485

Why the Natchez Trace Parkway Road Trip Is One of the Best

A road trip along the Natchez Trace Parkway extends from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, on the Mississippi River. Take it slow and stop at Leiper’s Fork (a small town in Tennessee) for antique shopping and country cooking. Check out Jackson Falls for an Insta-worthy lookout, and don’t miss Tupelo in northeast Mississippi to tour the birthplace of Elvis Presley. 

The Natchez Trace Parkway is full of historic sites and scenic hikes, and you’ll find plenty of bed and breakfasts for shelter along the way.

24. The Tour of Four Ivies

Traffic: 68,962

Total mileage: 228

Why the Tour of Four Ivies Road Trip Is One of the Best

While the Tour of Four Ivies may seem like an academic excursion, it’s an ideal road trip full of colonial architecture and small towns. The journey starts at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut, and includes stops at Brown in Providence, Rhode Island, and Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, before making its way up to Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire. 

Each university is home to some of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. Embark on this road trip during the fall to catch the colorful fall foliage and possibly a football game! Sports not your thing? The Yale University Art Gallery is home to incredible works of art with exciting new exhibitions!  

23. The Native Trails of Oklahoma

Traffic: 20,303

Total mileage: 395 (from Ponca City to Sulphur to Spiro)

Why the Native Trails of Oklahoma Road Trip Is One of the Best

The Native Trails of Oklahoma is an ideal road trip for those interested in Native American history. The route travels around the Trail of Tears, a series of forced relocations of thousands of Native Americans in the 1830s and teaches you about traditional tribes. 

Along the way, stop at Standing Bear Park and Museum in Ponca City, Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur and Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center in Spiro. While this route only takes you through Oklahoma, the Trail of Tears spans across Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky. 

22. Around the Big Bend

Good for: Nature and the outdoors

Traffic: 20,323

Total mileage: 40+

Why the Around the Big Bend Road Trip Is One of the Best

Big Bend National Park is in the wilderness of West Texas, and its isolated location can make it tricky to visit. But once you get here, you’ll be hard-pressed to find much traffic along these country roads, as it’s one of the least visited national parks in the nation. Start the journey at the Big Bend Information Center in Marathon, Texas, and from there, drive about 40 miles to the entrance of the park at Permission Gap. The rest of the road trip can be done at your leisure. 

You’ll pass through the Chisos Mountains, the Chihuahuan desert, Santa Elena Canyon, hot springs and miles of backroads. Along this route, you’ll even come across Wild West ghost towns you’ve only seen in movies. The park is also a certified dark sky park , meaning you’ll get a clear view of the stars at night. Pack extra food and gas, and take your time exploring this beautiful part of the world. Big Bend has three campgrounds within the park and options for indoor accommodations.  

21. The Four Corners of the Southwest

Traffic: 29,488

Total mileage: 869 (if you start and end in the same place)

Why the The Four Corners of the Southwest Road Trip Is One of the Best

The Four Corners of the Southwest is a classic road trip that showcases the incredible natural beauty of America. This road trip follows the area around where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. Start in Arizona to see the Grand Canyon and Moenkopi dinosaur tracks . Then zoom over to New Mexico to take that iconic photo on the Four Corners monument (say cheese!). 

Colorado offers plenty of highways, including the Trail of the Ancients, which highlights the cultural history of southwestern Native Americans. Continuing on towards Utah, be sure to visit Monument Valley , which belongs to the Navajo Nation and includes impressive rock formations. This route is a loop (or a square if you’re getting technical), so if you start in Arizona, you’ll end there if you complete the full, 10-day trip. 

20. Two Roads to Taos

Traffic: 16,126

Total mileage: 70

Why the Two Roads to Taos Road Trip Is One of the Best

If New Mexico caught your eye during the Four Corners road trip, check out more of the state by doing the Two Roads to Taos road trip. The journey connects Sante Fe, New Mexico, to Taos, New Mexico. Along the way, you’ll see ancient Indian pueblos, views of the Rio Grande and small adobe villages. 

Craving the local cuisine? Stop at Rancho de Chimayo , which dishes out traditional family recipes in a 19th-century house. Taos is known for its sunsets, so be sure to catch one before hopping back in the car! 

19. The Cascades of Oregon

Traffic: 3,723

Total mileage: 300+

Why the Cascades of Oregon Road Trip Is One of the Best

The word “cascades” in Spanish means “waterfalls.” So, you know the Cascades of Oregon is going to be an epic road trip! This round-trip route stretches between Portland and Ashland and is not only waterfalls but also crater lakes, breweries, hiking trails and artsy towns. 

A portion of the route is taken up by the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway, one of those drives where you’ll want to stop and take a picture about every 10 minutes. So, keep a car charger handy! 

18. The All-American Acadia Byway

Traffic: 8,611

Total mileage: 40

Why the All-American Acadia Byway Road Trip Is One of the Best

Stretch out your time on the All-American Acadia Byway . Sure, it’s only 40 miles, but it provides a great opportunity to slow down and experience the great state of Maine. Along the way, you’ll drive past 22 lakes, cute (for lack of a better word) cottages and plenty of food spots. 

Of course, we’re going to recommend eating a whole Maine lobster because why not? Embark on this road trip during the summer with the windows rolled down and the sun shining. 

17. US-1 Florida

Traffic: 45,829

Total mileage: 503 (Jacksonville to Key West)

Why the US-1 Florida Road Trip Is One of the Best

US-1 stretches 2,369 miles from Fort Kent, Maine to Key West, Florida. But only Florida’s section made it on this list. (Way to go, Florida.) The length of US-1 in Florida is about 500 miles from Jacksonville to Key West. 

The road goes along the Atlantic coast of the Sunshine State, passing through the Space Coast, Daytona Speedway and Miami. If you’re driving north to south, reward yourself with a big slice of Key lime pie once you make it to the southernmost point of the continental United States.

16. Great River Road

Traffic: 16,173

Total mileage: 3,000

Why the Great River Road Road Trip Is One of the Best

You probably learned all about the Mississippi River in school, but this road trip will give you a first-hand look at the country’s most famous river. Great River Road stretches 3,000 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It passes through 10 states and hundreds of small towns. During this drive, notice the green pilot’s wheel logo on signs along the highway. This symbol represents which roads are part of the designated route, as this is a popular and high traffic road trip. 

Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of tourism amenities along the way. Think the Gateway Arch in St. Louis or author Mark Twain’s house in Hannibal, Missouri. There are several wonderful places to stop to help you learn about the Midwest and Southern states while also meeting locals who are happy to talk to you.

15. New England’s Coast

Traffic: 50,057

Total mileage: 292

Why New England’s Coast Road Trip Is One of the Best

New England’s Coast paves the way for a scenic road trip best experienced during the summer or fall months. This route stretches from Massachusetts to Maine, and it’s full of surprises. Your New England coast bucket list may vary, but try to include exploring historic Salem, relaxing on the beaches of Ogunquit and eating your way through Portland. 

Our best insider tip? Taste the many versions of clam chowder throughout New England, and find your favorite! 

14. Minnesota’s Route 61

Traffic: 4,887

Total mileage: 27

Why Minnesota’s Route 61 Road Trip Is One of the Best

Minnesota’s Route 61 is a short drive along the Minnesota side of Lake Superior. It’s a quiet road with little traffic and a lot to see. If you’re into waterfalls, check out Gooseberry Falls just off of Two Harbors. Iona’s Beach is also a tranquil spot to reconnect with nature. 

Fun fact: This scenic drive was the inspiration for Bob Dylan’s album “Highway 61 Revisited.” Blast that album on the speakers for a quintessential road trip experience.   

13. Vermont’s Scenic Route 100

Traffic: 4,300

Total mileage: 216

Why Vermont’s Scenic Route 100 Road Trip Is One of the Best

With “scenic” in the title, you know this is going to be a worthwhile road trip. Vermont’s Scenic Route 100 cuts right through the middle of the state. It runs along the Green Mountains and offers plenty of stops for history, food and outdoor activities. 

This route is famous for spots that offer skiing during the winter and horseback riding during the summer as well as golf courses, hiking trails and biking paths. Plus, you’ll pass through the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge. A road trip of Route 100 is stellar, no matter the time of year. 

12. Fall Foliage Drive

Traffic: 18,490

Total mileage: 188

Why the Fall Foliage Drive Road Trip Is One of the Best

As the name implies, the Fall Foliage Drive is the most scenic from September to November. This route stretches from Connecticut to New Hampshire, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Be sure to get out of the car, and take a walk through the brightly colored trees while snacking on warm apple cider donuts (aka the actual taste of fall). 

Walker’s Roadside Stand in Little Compton, Rhode Island, is a great place to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. This isn’t the longest drive in terms of mileage, so make sure to take your time stopping at different farms, cafes, and bed and breakfasts for an all-American experience.

11. Smoky Mountains

Traffic: 17,442

Total mileage: 270 miles of roadways within the park (but the total depends on your starting point)

Why the Smoky Mountains Road Trip Is One of the Best

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 270 miles of roadways. Zoom through the park from Tennessee to North Carolina (or vice versa). The best time of year to take this road trip is during the fall, as the Smoky Mountains are also famous for having brightly colored fall foliage. 

Stop for a break to paddle along Fontana Lake, and be sure to visit the historical sites of Cades Cove. Pack enough food for the group so that you can have a picnic at one of the campgrounds along the way.

10. Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park

Traffic: 7,055

Total mileage: 74

Why the Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park Road Trip Is One of the Best

While the road trip between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks is only 74 miles, it’s best to stretch this trip out because there are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities during the summer or fall when both parks are open. We recommend getting on the trails bright and early, as treks like Mossy Cave Trail, Bristlecone Loop Trail, Angels Landing Trail and Observation Point get crowded during the day.

 Also, make sure to pack plenty of meals and snacks, so you’re not overpaying for groceries in these somewhat isolated parts. 

9. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Traffic: 6,681

Total mileage: 213

Why the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Road Trip Is One of the Best

Did you ever play the game Oregon Trail when you were a kid? Well, a road trip along Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is reminiscent of that beloved computer game. The route is a backward C-shape that starts at La Grande, Oregon, encircles the Wallowa Mountains and intersects with Interstate 86 to end at Baker City, Oregon. 

Stop at Hells Canyon overlook for a view of North America's deepest river gorge. At Baker City, you can visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center to catch living history demonstrations of, you guessed it, the Oregon Trail. This road trip will also show you the wild side of America with small towns, lush valleys and wide-open ranges. Keep in mind that this route experiences road closures in the winter.

8. Grand Canyon Road Trip

Traffic: 12,561

Total mileage: Depends on where you start your road trip

Why the Grand Canyon Road Trip Road Trip Is One of the Best

In case the name didn’t give it away, the Grand Canyon road trip is a route along the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re starting your journey in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver or parts of Arizona and New Mexico, you’re sure to have one hell of an experience. 

Keep in mind that the South RIm is the best way to access the Grand Canyon, no matter which route you take. If you’re a lucky one driving from New Mexico, you get the chance to stop at the world’s largest pistachio in Alamogordo. I mean, we’d take that route just to visit the “nuttiest place in New Mexico.”

7. Colorado Rockies

Good for: nature and the outdoors

Traffic: 22,254

Total mileage: 1,553

Why the Colorado Rockies Road Trip Is One of the Best

Some may say the Colorado Rockies rival the Swiss Alps, but we think it has a different personality. A journey through this mountain range stretches from Denver to Jasper, Alberta, Canada. You don’t have to commit to the whole thing, but at least stop at Rocky Mountain National Park to visit the Continental Divide, Sprague Lake and Estes Park. 

This route is gorgeous during the winter but is probably best taken during the summer months so that you can enjoy comfortable camping, easy hiking and avoid road closures. Don’t forget: You can’t leave the Rockies without trying Rocky Mountain oysters. Yes, they’re a thing!

6. Oregon’s Pacific Coast

Traffic: 8,724

Total mileage: 323

Why the Oregon’s Pacific Coast Road Trip Is One of the Best

Oregon is full of scenic road trip routes! The Pacific Coast is no exception. Dramatic cliffs drop off to pleasant beaches on this oceanside drive from Astoria, Oregon to Samual H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor . Stretch your legs at Ecola State Park , or splash in the cold water at Cannon Beach. 

Take your time driving, and stay the night in rural campsites or luxurious Airbnbs. No matter the time of year, pack a puffer jacket and a hat. It gets chilly in the Pacific Northwest. 

5. Blue Ridge Parkway

Traffic: 17,251

Total mileage: 400

Why the Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Is One of the Best

Blue Ridge Parkway has a reputation for being America’s favorite drive. The road goes from North Carolina to Virginia and zips along the Appalachian Mountains, where you’ll drive through thick forests and see an abundance of wildlife. 

Because this route has gained so much adoration for experiencing America’s iconic landscape, it’s jam-packed with other road trippers, especially during the fall.

4. Along the Missouri River

Traffic: 10,464

Total mileage: 1,025

Why the Along the Missouri River Road Trip Is One of the Best

The Along the Missouri River road trip follows the path of Lewis and Clark’s exploration of America. Stretch out this seven-day journey from St. Louis to Williston, North Dakota, and ride through Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; and Pierre, South Dakota. 

This road trip is a great opportunity to experience the music scene and cultural history of middle America. Oh, and of course, order a mysterious McRib from McDonald’s in Omaha. 

3. Mesa Verde and San Juan Mountains

Traffic: 7,049

Total mileage: 236

Why the Mesa Verde and San Juan Mountains Road Trip Is One of the Best

This list gives more love to the Southwest with a big road trip of Mesa Verde National Park and into the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado. Mesa Verde is one of America’s least-visited national parks . But it’s home to the largest archeological preserve in the U.S. Here you’ll find cliff dwellings that were home to Native Americans for several centuries. 

Continue onto the San Juan Skyway , a 236-mile loop with the title of “America’s Best Spring Drive” — keyword being “spring” — so you know exactly which months to visit. 

2. Yellowstone and the Tetons

Traffic: 3,879

Total mileage: 225

Why the Yellowstone and the Tetons Road Trip Is One of the Best

Wild animals, geysers and incredible mountain scenery make up the road trip of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park . But first, you have to get there. The best way to start (if coming from other parts of the country) is to fly into Salt Lake City and drive five hours to Grand Teton National Park. From there, hike Death Canyon Trailhead, followed by a jump in Jenny Lake! 

Continuing into Yellowstone, you must stop at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring and mammoth hot springs for that all-American, natural wonders vibe. You can loop back to Salt Lake City or continue driving towards Jackson, Wyoming, to end this road trip. This trip is best done during the summer months when roads and lodging are open. 

Note: There are plenty of accommodations within the parks, including Signal Mountain Lodge (which is also a restaurant that serves blackberry margaritas).

1. Monument Valley Trails

Traffic: 1,985

Why the Monument Valley Trails Road Trip Is One of the Best

The traffic on the Monument Valley Trails road trip is virtually non-existent. The route spans 70 miles from Mountain Valley, Utah, to Natural Bridges National Park via Route 261. Buckle up and prepare to climb the Moki Dugway in your car. 

This detour is a gravel road that winds around a steep cliff filled with switchbacks and beautiful views. You’ll also get to see Valley of the Gods rock formations and pinnacles, along with miles backcountry on this No. 1 road trip in the U.S.

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

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Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

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North America , Travel , USA

The 25 best road trips in the usa.

 If you’re looking for the best road trips in the USA, look no further! These great road trips will have you driving for the rest of your life.

This post was written in partnership and paid for by Hum by Verizon . All opinions are my own.

There’s probably nothing more American than packing up your car and hitting the open road with family or friends, some good snacks, and great tunes… and for good reason. With more than 3.7 million square miles to discover and 4,071,000 miles of road , the United States has so many hidden gems accessible by car.

Although I’ve got about 194 countries on my bucket list right now, I’m grateful to live in the great US of A and think it’s one of the most amazing countries to explore from the road. There are so many fun road trips that you can take all over the country!

Here's a Short Cut

The Best USA Road Trip Safety Tips

Get ready for the best road trips in the usa, 1. pacific coast highway, 2. park loop acadia national park, 3. washington-oregon coast, 4. great river road, 5. big island loop road, 6. musical road usa trip, 7. northern national parks road trip, 8. southwest national parks road trip, 9. hana highway road trip, 10. new york city to finger lakes, 11. williamsburg, va to charlottesville, va to washington d.c., 12. miami to the overseas highway to key west, fl: 160 miles from miami, 13. the grand canyon to las vegas, 14. black hills of south dakota, 15. maine lobster trail, 16. blue ridge parkway, 17. grand teton national park to glacier national park, 18. outer banks scenic byway, 19. olympic peninsula, 20. route 66, 21. alaska highway, 22. ultimate florida road trip, 23. the great american road trip – cross country on the i-90, 24. anchorage to seward, 25. canada to mexico.

If you’re planning to take a road trip this year, I’ve compiled the best American road trip routes in the country.  These are 25 of the best road trips in the USA that everyone should take in their lifetime. We’ve been lucky enough to drive almost every inch of this country and there is some beautiful land to see out there.

Before you leave on any road trip, be sure your car is road trip ready.  If you’re traveling the US by car, it’s important to know how to prepare.

Prepare Your Car for the Best Road Trips in the USA

Before heading out on your USA road trip, be sure your car has been serviced, and everything is working properly. When you road trip around the US, anything could go wrong! It’s best to be prepared.

Use Hum by Verizon  to Prepare for Road Trip Vacations I’ve talked about my love of Hum by Verizon before, but it’s because I love my HumX and think anyone taking a road trip should have one!

Hum by Verizon is campaigning to make the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day the “100 Safer Days of Summer.” During these 100 Days, you can find helpful tips for safer driving on their Facebook page.

According to a study from Hum by Verizon and Wakefield Research that surveyed 1,000 U.S. adult drivers ages 20 and older, 80% of participants think that drivers are more likely to speed during the summer months. The survey also found that 61% of millennial drivers struggle to focus while driving during the summer, and one in five drivers have received at least one speeding ticket within the past five years.

Hum by Verizon wants to change that, by helping us practice important road safety with “100 Safer Days of Summer.”

With so many great summer road trip destinations around the country, and so many more Americans traveling these days, safety has never been more important! The best summer trips are safe summer trips!

We use HumX in our car. HumX is a little device that is easily installed in your car and takes the guesswork out of driving by using connected car technology. It allows you to have quick access to emergency services and loved ones while on a road trip, or any time on the road.

If you have an accident or emergency, HumX can send assistance to help you get back on the road.

Hum X car also runs diagnostics on your vehicle to make sure that things are running smoothly so you can take these cool road trips worry-free.

I love that HumX helps you keep track of general maintenance like oil changes and tire rotation, and you can set up alerts to remind you when it’s time for service.

All the Hum by Verizon services can be accessed on your smartphone from the Hum App which you can find in the App Store or Google Play . HumX also comes with a Bluetooth speaker that clips to your visor. This will give you access to roadside assistance with the touch of a button and can also be used as a speaker for your phone and be connected to your contacts.

I’m also really excited to have this service when my kids start driving, which is only in 3 more years (HELP)! It provides a safety score, boundary alerts, and records speed, so you can monitor your teen’s driving.

You can also track your fuel and mileage using HumX, which is great if you’re taking road trips that are for work and need to track mileage for expenses or tax purposes.

To prepare for your American road trip of choice, be sure to follow these tips that I’ve shared in How to Plan a Road Trip . If you don’t know what to do on a road trip, these tips will help you prepare and also help you have the best time! Learn a lot and have fun along the way while you road trip USA style!

25 Best Road Trips in the USA

● Begin: San Francisco, California ● End: San Diego, California ● Distance: 655 miles ● Drive Time: 12 Hours

California is one of the best places to road trip in the USA! Its size and diversity provide so many options and the Pacific Coast Highway is just one. This iconic highway along the California coast covers 655 miles of awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, stretching from San Francisco to San Diego. See classic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Bixby Creek Bridge along the way. The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best summer road trips in the world!

Read more about our detailed West Coast Road Trip.

● Begin: Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Acadia National Park, Maine ● End: Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Acadia National Park, Maine ● Distance: 27 miles ● Drive Time: 2 hours This is one of the best east coast road trips I’ve ever taken. This is a quick road trip but packed full of stunning views as you drive along the Park Loop in Acadia National Park. Forests, mountains, and rocky shores greet you on your drive along with plenty of wildlife. Be sure to spend some time in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine , the town where you can base your Acadia trip from. All good road trips include some amazing scenery, and this one is no exception!

If you’re looking for a great guide to the park, check out this Acadia National Park Guide.

● Start: San Juan Islands ● End: Brookings, Oregon ● Distance: 600 miles ● Drive Time: 15 hours

The Pacific Northwest is one of the best places to go on a road trip due to its geographical diversity and stunning scenery. One of the most dramatic coastlines in the world, the Pacific Northwest offers rocky beaches, turbulent waters, thick forests, and great food. Begin in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington and continue down to the southern tip of Oregon for one of the best road trips in the USA.

● Starting point: Minnesota ● Ending point: Louisiana ● Distance: 3,000 miles ● Drive Time: 20 hours Follow along the mighty Mississippi River from its beginning in Minnesota, all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. This route is called the Great River Road and it cuts 3,000 miles down the center of our great nation, passing through 10 states, where you’ll see St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, and everything in between. This United States road trip is one of my all-time favorites as it explores some lesser-known destinations in the “fly over” states!

● Starting point: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii ● Ending point: Mauna Kea, Hawaii ● Distance: 300 miles ● Drive Time: 7 hours The Island Loop Road of the Big Island of Hawaii offers scenic views of beaches, mountains, lava fields, active volcanos, black sand beaches, and heated swimming pools. This may be the most diversity in landscape you’ll ever see in one day.

● Begin: Nashville, Tennessee ● End: New Orleans, Louisiana ● Distance: 600 miles ● Drive Time: 9 hours If you’re a music fan, then Route 61 (also known as the Blues Highway) will be a perfect road trip for you, giving you the chance to hear live music, visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, and see famous recording studios. Finish in New Orleans, where you’ll hear live jazz on the streets nightly!

If you want to continue on farther, you can do this amazing gulf coast road trip !

● Begin: Jackson, Wyoming ● End: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming ● Distance: 70 miles ● Drive Time: 1.5 hours National Parks make for the best road trip destinations. Explore both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park with this road trip full of stunning mountainous scenery! It’s the perfect summer road trip.

● Begin: Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim), Arizona ● End: Moab, Utah (one of the most amazing things to do in Utah !) ● Distance: 600 miles ● Drive Time: 11 hours This nature-packed road trip will allow you to see five stunning Utah national parks including the Grand Canyon, Zions’, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Arches. This is a great Utah road trip itinerary if you’re interested in exploring even more of this beautiful state.

Check out this Utah Road Trip Itinerary

● Begin: Kahului, Hawaii ● End: Hana, Hawaii ● Distance: 52 miles ● Drive Time: 2.5 hours This is possibly the most popular road trip in all of the Hawaiian Islands. The 60-mile Road to Hana takes you along the eastern coast of Maui where you will be sandwiched by beautiful ocean views and jungles filled with waterfalls. The Hana highway will wind you around approximately 600 curves, crossing 59 bridges, but the ride is worth it!

● Begin: New York, New York ● End: Corning, New York ● Distance: 250 miles ● Drive Time: 4.5 hours I love this New York road trip! After enjoying the busy city life, escape into the Fingerlakes region of upper state New York. Enjoy culture, scenery, great food and wineries along the way. New York City with kids is so much fun, but it’s great to mix it with a more relaxing and nature-filled vacation.

• Begin: Williamsburg, Virginia
• End: Washington, D.C
• Distance: 240 miles
• Drive Time: 4.5 hours

Brush up on your colonial history and visit the homes of some of our founding fathers while reliving the past. Begin your journey in southern Virginia where you can visit Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement, where you’ll witness historical reenactments and join in on living history.

Next, head to Charlottesville and visit the homes of former presidents Thomas Jefferson (Monticello) and James Monroe (Highland). Head to Mount Vernon, just outside Washington DC to visit George Washington’s home (Mount Vernon) and finish off your trip in our nation’s capital. The distance from Williamsburg VA to Washington DC isn’t much, but the history that can be found on the side of the road is amazing!

You can also do this trip in reverse. It’s one of the best road trips from DC I’ve ever taken.

Begin: Miami, Florida End: Key West, Florida Distance: 170 miles Drive Time: 3.5 hours Take the 150-mile drive on Route 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, from Miami to the Florida Keys, crossing 42 bridges. These sandy islands are full of history, sun, and relaxation. This southern USA Florida road trip is sure to be one of the most sun-filled, fun-filled drives ever!

Begin: Grand Canyon National Park End: Las Vegas, Nevada Distance: 250 miles Drive Time: 4.5 hours Start out with nature, and end in Sin City. This desert drive will take you through the majestic Grand Canyon, with a stop in St. George, Utah and end with some fun in Las Vegas.

Check out this awesome Utah road trip.

Begin: Deadwood, South Dakota End: Hot Springs, South Dakota Distance: 100 miles Drive Time: 2.5 hours The Black Hills of South Dakota offer more than just Mount Rushmore. Drive along the Badlands Scenic Byway, making stops at Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park and the infamous Wall Drug. National parks are some of the places to stop on a road trip. Stunning sunsets and sunrises in the Badlands will take your breath away. Keep an eye out for bison on the road. Check out this South Dakota road trip planner for more information.

Begin: Milbridge, Maine End: Eastport, Maine Distance: 125 miles Drive Time: 6 hours Explore the southeastern corner of Maine, also known as “Downeast Maine” as you drive along the Lobster Trail on Coastal Route 1. This colorful and delicious journey will take you through beautiful coastlines and forests while providing tasty and adventurous stops where you can find lobster and all kinds of local seafood. Try your hand at some local activities like clam digging or goat milking. There are so many more incredible east coast road trips .

Begin: Shenandoah National Park End: Asheville, North Carolina Distance: 469 miles Drive Time: 6 hours The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular road trips in the US. Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, this 469-mile stretch of scenic road is the most visited road controlled by the U.S. National Parks system. Stops along the way include Skyline Drive (particularly beautiful in the fall), Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge, and Asheville.

Begin: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming End: Glacier National Park, Montana Distance: 500 miles Drive Time: 9 hours Explore two national parks in one road trip by driving from Grand Teton National Park to Glacier National Park . The drive along the way will provide some of the most diverse landscapes in the U.S.

Begin: Carova, North Carolina End: Ocracoke, North Carolina Distance: 138 miles Drive Time: 5 hours North Carolina’s Route 12, otherwise known as the Outer Banks Scenic Byway spans 21 coastal villages and 138 miles of paved road and 25 ferry-traveling miles along the coast of North Carolina. Dotted with lighthouses, museums, houses and hotels, the Outer Banks is a great beach road trip.

Begin: Seattle, Washington End: Seattle, Washington Distance: 300 miles Drive Time: 10 hours Explore Washington’s Olympic Peninsula on this scenic road trip which takes you through the Olympic National Park and Forest and the lush Hoh Rainforest. There are great spots along the way for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.

Begin: Santa Monica Pier, California End: Chicago, Illinois Distance: 2,500 miles Drive Time: Several days Follow in the path of your grandparents by taking a quintessential cross-country road trip along one of the original highways in the U.S., Route 66. This road is not traveled very often now that the Interstate Highway system is established, but you can still visit many old towns that once thrived in the middle of the last century along The Mother Road. Route 66 crosses 8 states and dozens of historic sites along the way. It’s the ultimate US road trip, but with so many good road trip places around the country, this classic can be overlooked for bigger cities and National Parks. Don’t skip Route 66!

Begin: Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada End: Anchorage, Alaska Distance: 2,500 miles Drive Time: 27 hours Stretching nearly 1,500 miles between Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada and ending in Anchorage, Alaska, the historic Alaska Highway (also known as the ALCAN) is not for the faint of heart. Though most of the road is paved, many sections are constantly under construction and parts of the road are only gravel.

It’s a road that should only be attempted in the best of weather, usually during the summer months, but the views and wildlife along the way are worth the adventure. An Alaska highway road trip should be well planned out in advance, with stops and accommodations mapped out at least six months in advance!  But it is worth the planning. Alaska is one of the most amazing places to take a road trip! Learn more about planning a trip to Alaska.

Begin: St. Augustine, Florida End: Destin, Florida Distance: 1,400 miles Drive Time: 24 hours See the majority of Florida by circling the entire state, starting in St. Augustine(America’s oldest town) then bring out your inner-child in Orlando, eat your way through Miami, and relax on the beach in Clearwater, then explore the panhandle in Destin. This route is long, but the stops and scenery are breathtaking. Learn more about the best things to do in Destin, Florida .

Begin : Boston, Massachusetts End : Seattle, Washington Distance : 3,000 miles Drive Time: 45 hours This is the best cross country road trip! We’ve done this road trip across America many times out of necessity. It’s more exciting to do it when it’s just for fun. The I-90 spans 3,000 miles across the entire country from Boston to Seattle or vice versa, running along the northern part of the U.S. This route makes some incredible stops like Niagara Falls, Chicago, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Yellowstone. This is one of the best American road trips you will ever take! A US cross country road trip can seem a little daunting. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time and map out your stops ahead of time, breaking up the long drive.

Begin: Anchorage, Alaska End: Seward, Alaska Distance: 125 miles Drive Time: 2.5 hours This quick 125-mile drive along the Seward Highway takes you from Anchorage to Seward. While small, this strikingly beautiful route offers incredible stops like seeing the Bore Tide at the Turnagain Arm, glacier hiking, berry picking, fishing, rafting, kayaking and more. Once in Seward you can finish off your trip with a fishing excursion or a wildlife cruise in the Kenai Fjords National Park where you’ll sail among whales, puffins, seals and more.

Begin: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada End: Tijuana, Mexico Distance: 2,300 miles Drive Time: 24 hours Hit three countries in one epic road trip by starting in British Columbia, Canada and using this itinerary all the way down to the border of U.S. and Mexico into Tijuana.

Whatever road trip you choose this summer, be sure to prepare your car for an epic road trip and install a HumX in your vehicle to take the worry out of your journey and to get you on the road!

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6 thoughts on “ the 25 best road trips in the usa ”.

thanks for all the info and pictures! would love to do some of these one day I’ve done a lot of road trips in Europe but none in the US yet! route 66 and the grand canyon is definitely on the bucket list!

America certainly has some awesome road trips! I’ve done a lot in Europe, but would definitely love to do more!!

I love that some of these road trip destinations are kid friendly. The kids and us could really use some time off from the house after all that’s happening. But we ‘d like to go once things get better. or rather, safer.

Cross country trips and most of the iconic rides like Route 66 are the best! Gotta love having the countries (and even the continents) so close to us that we can travel by land all we want.

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21 Best Road Trips in USA to Put on Your Bucket List

• In the City / North America / Outdoors / USA

Don’t miss out on these amazing road trips!

Since we got married, we’ve done five cross-country road trips and dozens of shorter ones. In our opinion, road-tripping is the best way to see the beauty of the United States. There is so much this country has to offer. Here is a list of 21 American Road Trips that we think everyone needs to put on their bucket lists.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 5, 2024

− − Content Menu

• 21 Best Road Trips in USA
• Map of Best Road Trips in USA
• More Scenic Road Trips to Check Out
• Essential Tips for First Timers

Planning Checklist

• More Resources

Whether you love the mountains, want to drive above the clouds, or cruise over the ocean, there’s a road trip for you. Here are 21 of the best road trips in the United States. Let us know in the comments below if there are more we should add to the list.

1. Pacific Coast Highway →

Location:  California    |    Distance:  123 Miles

Enjoy the endless views of the ocean and drive through some of the best beach towns on California’s Route 1. Don’t forget to stop at Hearst Castle, spend some time in  Big Sur   (one of our favorite places in the US), and Glass Beach in Fort Bragg.

Local Tip: Check the news to see if there are any big events occurring. We’ve done this road trip a handful of times with no issues, but the last time we went, there was a bike race, and we were stuck in traffic for hours.

See More: The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

2. Historic Route 66

Location:  Illinois to  California    |    Distance:  2,451 Miles

Route 66 is one of the most iconic drives in America. The best stretch of this highway runs from the  Grand Canyon  to the Colorado River. To dive into the history, visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois.

Local Tip: Unfortunately they’ve painted over most of the Route 66 signs on the road because it was dangerous for people to try to take photos with it. Apparently, some still exist, but we haven’t found them yet.

See More: Your Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

3. Overseas Highway

Location:   Florida    |    Distance:  120 Miles

We just came back from a trip to the Keys and ended up driving the Overseas Highway. It was unbelievably beautiful.

Unlike any other drive in the country, this route takes you on bridges right over the ocean. It gives you the sensation of floating over the water. Plus, the  Florida Keys  ain’t a bad destination either.

See More: 7+ Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida

4. Million Dollar Highway (San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway)

L ocation:  Colorado    |    Distance:  305 Miles

Twist and turn through the winding roads between two historic gold-mining towns. Take in the amazing views and don’t forget to take deep breaths as you’ll be over two miles above sea level.

5. Columbia River Scenic Highway →

L ocation:  Oregon    |    Distance:  75 Miles

See the amazing Columbia Gorge on a highway built purely for scenery. This drive gives you views of waterfalls and mountains, and there are plenty of pull-offs. Here are  21 best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge from short and easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips .

Local Tip: Part of the charm of this area is the rainy weather. Come prepared with  solid waterproof boots  and a  raincoat  ; the hikes are magical.

See More: 21 Best Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge Oregon

6. Skyline Drive

L ocation:  Virginia    |    Distance:  105 Miles

This scenic drive takes you along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. Drive through the Appalachians and stop to enjoy any of the 75 overlooks.

7. Hana Highway (Road to Hana) →

L ocation:  Maui, Hawaii   |    Distance:  51.1 Miles

Explore the coastlines of Maui along the Hana Highway. You’ll find black sand beaches, waterfalls, jungles, and roadside stands. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!

See More: 19 Incredible Road to Hana Stops You Shouldn’t Miss

8. Black RIver Scenic Byway

L ocation:  Michigan    |    Distance:  11 Miles

Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Black River Scenic Byway has much to offer in a short distance. Pass by waterfalls and dense forests as you follow the river to the lakeshore.

9. The Loneliest Road in America (HWY 50) →

L ocation:  Nevada    |    Distance:  408 Miles

Named for the largely uninhabited region that you drive through, explore mining camps, cross mountain ranges, and stop in small cafes. Don’t forget to look up at the stars at night for some of the most spectacular views.

See More: Ultimate Nevada Road Trip – Best Places to Visit in NV

10. Route 12

L ocation:  Utah    |    Distance:  124 Miles

Drive through some of the most breathtaking views and explore Capitol Reef National Park and  Bryce Canyon National Park . You can even stop in  Boulder Mountain for a night’s stay  and a great meal.

See More: 15 Amazing Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

11. Kancamagus Highway

L ocation:  New Hampshire    |    Distance:  34.5 Miles

Make a trip down this highway in the fall to get some of the best fall foliage views. Enjoy the crisp breeze with your windows down and take in all the colors of the leaves.

The first time we did this drive, we missed the peak of the fall foliage by one day. The rain and wind the day before we arrived took out most of the leaves.

12. THe High Road to Taos

L ocation:  New Mexico    |    Distance:  56 Miles

This scenic, winding road takes you through deserts, mountains, forests, and ancient Indian pueblos. You’ll find beautiful wildflower meadows and there are art galleries scattered throughout the drive. You can also take the Low Road through the valleys on the way back.

13. Beartooth Highway

L ocation:  Montana and Wyoming    |    Distance:  68 Miles

Drive through southwest Montana and northwest Wyoming with breathtaking views of the Absoroka and Beartooth Mountains. You’ll drive by glacial lakes, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. To top it off, you end at the entrance to  Yellowstone National Park .

See More: Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park + Essential Tips For Your Visit

14. Highway 2

L ocation:  Nebraska    |    Distance:  200 Miles

See the Great Plains of Nebraska and the rolling sandhills that makeup nearly one-fourth of the state. You’ll also see huge farmlands, marshes, and winding rivers. Certain times of the year will bring huge numbers of migrating birds too.

15. ROute 6

L ocation:  Massachusetts    |    Distance:  117 Miles

Explore the Cape Cod area on this scenic drive. Drive through forests, colonial villages, and tidal pools, and explore the harbor.

16. Park Loop Road →

L ocation:  Maine    |    Distance:  27 Miles

This coastal drive gives you views of Acadia National Park and is one of the best places for spotting bald eagles and peregrine. You’ll get amazing views from above but also from the harbor below.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Acadia National Park

17. Going to the Sun Road →

L ocation:  Montana    |    Distance:  50 Miles

This drive through Glacier National Park gives you views of mountain peaks and alpine lakes while having the least negative impact on the delicate environment.

Local Tip: It closes every winter because of snow, which can reach up to 80 feet in depth. When we went in late June, they had just opened the road the week before.

See More: What You Need to Know Before Visiting Glacier National Park

18. Tail of the Dragon

L ocation:  Tennessee and North Carolina    |    Distance:  11 Miles

This drive is more about the drive and less about the scenery. Known for its degree of difficulty and sheer excitement when driving, the Tail of the Dragon is full of sharp curves, twists, and turns that demand your full attention.

19. Route 100

L ocation:  Vermont    |    Distance:  216 Miles

Route 100 runs through almost the entirety of Vermont and takes you right through the center. See the fall foliage, stop for ice cream, and enjoy the views of the lush mountains.

20. Cascade Loop →

L ocation:  Washington    |    Distance:  400 Miles

See rainforests, apple orchards, beautiful lakes, small towns, and more on this 400-mile loop that takes you through some of the best of what Washington has to offer.

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

21. Mount Washington Auto Road

Location:  New Hampshire   |    Distance:  8 Miles

This short drive climbs nearly 5,000 feet allowing you to stop at viewpoints, see waterfalls, and gaze out at sprawling meadows. The end offers a spectacular view from above.

Bonus: Cross Country Road Trip

There’s no better way to see the country than to drive across it. There are many different routes to take, but if you’re ambitious, check out  this road trip plan  that was computed to be the most optimal way across the United States.

Map of Great American Road Trips

More US Road Trip Ideas for Your Bucket List

• 17-Mile Drive, CA
• Alaska Highway, AK
• Big Island Loop Road, HI
• Black Hills, SD
• Bluebonnet Trail, TX
• Blues Highway (Route 61), TN
• Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
• Great River Road, LA
• Highway 143, TN
• Historic National Road, MD
• Lake Shore Drive, IL
• Maine Lobster Trail, ME
• North Shore Drive, MN
• Ocean Drive, RI
• Olympic Peninsula, WA
• Oregon Coast, OR
• Outer Banks Scenic Byway, NC
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, MI
• Silverado Trail, CA
• Trail Ridge Road, CO
• Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, CA

Essential Tips

• Take your time! These trips are all about the journey so enjoy the views and pullouts. Don’t try to cover too much ground each day.
• Avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, have a  car emergency kit  ready to go.
• Stay safe on the road by picking up a  dash cam .
• Stay hydrated by bringing enough water and beverages with you. These  insulated water bottles  will keep your drinks cool (or hot). These are the best water bottles for travel we tested on the road.
• Bring a few extra bags to collect garbage in the car.
• We love having  this cooler  with us on our road trips. Helps us keep anything we need cold.
• It’s always good to have a  physical road map  with you just in case you lose service.
• Worried about bathroom stops, we always have  these handy  in our car in case we just can’t hold it anymore.  Wet wipes  are always handy too.
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

More RESOURCES

• Rand McNally Road Atlas
• The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA
• USA Travel Guide

Can you think of any other road trips in the US to be added to this list? What’s the best road trip you’ve been on?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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