Everyone should take a road trip in their lives. Nothing beats the feeling of hitting the open road, windows down, and a world of adventure ahead. America is home to some of the most amazing road trips on the planet. It has everything from views to history, from ocean-kissed highways to mountain-framed routes, these unforgettable drives offer something for every type of traveler.
Route 66
Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this legendary highway wants you to experience the old America. Route 66 isn’t just a road; it’s a living museum of vintage diners and roadside attractions like the Cadillac Ranch. Whether you’re passing through bustling cities or sleepy towns, every mile will tell you a story of history and Americana.
Famous landmarks like the Wigwam Motel and some incredible views make this trip perfect for anyone longing for a taste of the past.
The Pacific Coast Highway
With its endless ocean views, this drive feels more like a scenic retreat than a road trip! The Pacific Coast Highway winds through some iconic destinations like Big Sur and Monterey, where massive cliffs meet some beautiful waters. Charming towns like Carmel and Santa Barbara provide perfect pit stops for wine and seafood, if you’re looking for some small-town charm.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Billed as “America’s Favorite Drive” by the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. Along this tree-lined route, you’ll find rolling hills and charming Appalachian towns. Fall always transforms this landscape into a fiery display of reds and golds.
Whatever the season, nature lovers can stop for a hike or pull over at scenic overlooks to soak in the panoramic mountain views.
The Great River Road
This route offers a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Small river towns, bustling cities like Memphis and New Orleans, and historic landmarks pepper the journey. Along the way, why not sample local cuisines like BBQ ribs in Memphis or beignets in the French Quarter? Whether you’re exploring Civil War sites or simply admiring the river’s ever-changing scenery, this drive is a feast for the senses.
Alaska’s Seward Highway
Driving along the Seward Highway almost feels like you’re stepping into a postcard. Along this 125-mile stretch, you can stop at Turnagain Arm to watch beluga whales or take a detour to hike at Exit Glacier. Wildlife lovers will also appreciate the chance to spot moose or bald eagles.
The road ends in Seward, a charming coastal town perfect for exploring marine life at the Alaska SeaLife Center. If you love animals and you don’t mind the cold, this could be the perfect road trip for you!
The Overseas Highway in Florida
Dubbed the “Highway That Goes to Sea,” this route is as unique as the tropical paradise it traverses. The Overseas Highway spans more than 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West, with amazing blue waters on either side. Don’t miss the iconic Seven-Mile Bridge, which gives some crazy views of the Atlantic and the Gulf.
The laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys makes it easy to find fresh seafood shacks if you get hungry, and snorkeling spots if you fancy a swim.
The Loneliest Road in America
Highway 50 lives up to its name, with loads of open desert and distant mountain ranges. Though isolated, the route has some really beautiful and fascinating stops, like ghost towns and ancient petroglyphs. Small towns like Ely and Austin can give you glimpses into Nevada’s mining past, if you fancy some history.
The Million Dollar Highway
This short but unforgettable drive has jaw-dropping views around every turn. Starting in Ouray and ending in Silverton, the Million Dollar Highway is both beautiful and exhilarating. Stops like the Red Mountain Pass or the quaint Victorian buildings in Silverton are definitely places you’ll enjoy. The dramatic peaks and deep canyons mean you’ll want to drive slowly so you can take it all in.
Yellowstone to the Grand Tetons
Not many drives are as good as this route. It goes between Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders and the dramatic peaks of the Grand Teton range. Along the way, wildlife like bison and elk roam freely. Keep an eye out, though, because sometimes bears can appear! The parks have loads of opportunities for adventure, from looking at geysers to kayaking on the alpine lakes.
Texas Hill Country
In the heart of Texas, Hill Country offers a mix of beauty and culture. Rolling hills with bluebonnets lead to some small towns like Fredericksburg, where German heritage meets Southern hospitality. Enchanted Rock has an excellent stop if you like hiking, while nearby wineries serve up some award-winning Texas wines.
Lake Michigan
Picturesque shorelines, quaint towns, and vibrant cities are just some of the things you’ll see on this route. From Chicago’s skyline to the sandy shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes, this trip has a perfect mix of urban excitement and natural beauty.
There are fresh cherries in Traverse City, or you can explore Wisconsin’s Door County for its amazing lighthouses. With endless activities, it’s a road trip for all seasons.
The Natchez Trace Parkway
With its roots in ancient history, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers a peaceful drive through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. This 444-mile journey winds through forests and farmlands, with historic landmarks all along the way. Whether you’re stopping to hike or explore Civil War-era ruins, the parkway has so much American South history for you to love.
The Oregon Trail
This was the journey of pioneers! From Missouri to Oregon, a road trip here combines history with stunning scenery such as the Chimney Rock in Nebraska or Columbia River Gorge. Fort Laramie is another highlight of the route for its incredible history. If this is your vibe, get stuck in and visit all the sites that bring the hardships and triumphs of westward expansion to life.
The Hana Highway
A true Hawaiian experience should go through lush rainforests and dramatic waterfalls. The Hana Highway does not disappoint, even leading you to black sand beaches! With 620 curves and 59 bridges, this journey is about the adventure as much as the destination.
Make sure to stop for banana bread from local stands if you get hungry, or explore hidden trails if you want to find some secret swimming holes!
The Black Hills and Badlands
South Dakota offers a road trip like no other. You can go through the canyons and imagine you’re on another planet because they’re so amazing! If you want, why not stop at some Native American cultural sites or spot some wildlife like bison and pronghorns? The mix of history and scenery makes this route endlessly captivating.
The Cascade Loop
This Washington State route showcases the Pacific Northwest’s diverse beauty. The tasty wine country and small mountain towns make the Cascade Loop an unforgettable adventure. Highlights include hiking in the North Cascades, where you’ll find some easy and hard routes. After, why not sample some local wines in Chelan and soak in the Bavarian charm of Leavenworth?
Southern Utah’s National Parks
Southern Utah has so many awe-inspiring landscapes it’s hard to believe. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef are all connected by scenic highways. Each park offers something unique, whether it’s towering red cliffs or surreal arches and hoodoos. For outdoor enthusiasts, this road trip will feel like you’re stepping into another world.