There’s something magical about hitting the open road in the United States. The roads are more than just highways—they’re gateways to unforgettable experiences! Each of these routes promises something new, exciting, and uniquely American. So, start packing your bags and get stuck into a list of the best American road trips for showing you the real U.S.A.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
One of the most scenic drives in the world, this route offers sweeping ocean views and rugged cliffs that seem to stretch forever. Spanning from San Francisco to Los Angeles, the Pacific Coast Highway takes you through some of California’s most breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you’ll discover charming seaside towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, and find stretches of pristine beaches that seem almost too perfect to be real.
Route 66
Step back in time on this iconic road, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. This road trip offers lots of small towns with quirky diners for you to tuck into classic American meals. Each state along the way brings its own unique flavor, with everything from the neon lights of classic motels to vast stretches of desert and charming historic sites.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains, this parkway connects Virginia and North Carolina with over 400 miles of lush, mountainous scenery. This route is packed with beautiful foliage in the fall and wonderful summer wildflowers. Beautiful vistas with every turn offer panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below. You’ll also pass through quaint mountain towns like Asheville, North Carolina, and find plenty of places to pull over and explore hiking trails or visit waterfalls.
Great River Road
Following the Mississippi River, this route is a journey through the cultural heart of the South and Midwest. The Great River Road will take you through a diverse range of landscapes and historical sites, from Louisiana’s bayous to Wisconsin’s rolling bluffs. Along the way, you’ll get a taste of the South’s rich traditions, with opportunities to sample authentic Creole cuisine, explore charming towns, and take in the scenic beauty of the Mississippi River.
Alaska’s Seward Highway
Adventure calls on this stunning journey between Anchorage and Seward, where dramatic peaks and icy fjords steal the spotlight. You’ll be greeted by towering mountains and glaciers, with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters around you. There are plenty of places to stop for hikes amidst the stunning Alaskan views. It’s the perfect route for anyone looking to experience the raw, untouched wilderness of the Last Frontier.
Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
This island-hopping drive connects Miami to Key West, with jaw-dropping waters on all sides. The Overseas Highway offers more than just stunning views; it’s a journey into paradise. You will be taken across 42 bridges, including the famous Seven-Mile Bridge. Along the way, you can stop for delightful fresh seafood at local shacks, and even snorkel in the bay where your dinner has been caught! Quirky landmarks like the Southernmost Point Buoy make this tropical location feel like the ultimate road trip escape from everyday life.
The Loneliest Road in America
The surreal U.S. Route 50 through Nevada delivers a sense of endless adventure. Known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” this route stretches across miles of open desert, with the occasional ghost town or small roadside diner to keep you from feeling too lonely! The towering mountain ranges and vast, open spaces make this journey feel like stepping into another world. If you’re someone who loves wide-open spaces and the feeling of truly getting away from it all, then this road trip is for you.
Beartooth Highway
Soaring above 10,000 feet, this highway boasts stunning views of alpine lakes and snowfields. It’s an adventure into the heart of the Rockies, with some of the best views you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the wealth of hiking trails and fishing spots that are scattered throughout the Rocky Mountains, and if you’re into photography, you’ll find countless opportunities to snap some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the U.S.
Texas Hill Country
The small towns of Fredericksburg and Bandera provide a warm welcome for music and food lovers alike in a place with rich local culture. You’ll find the landscape dotted with picturesque vineyards and hidden swimming holes that are perfect for relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the countryside, why not try this tranquil corner of the U.S.A.?
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Steep climbs and breathtaking views fill the Million Dollar Highway’s adventurous route. With sharp hairpin turns, sheer drops, and rugged terrain, this road is not for the faint-hearted. But do not fear!
The payoff is well worth it. You can dive into waterfalls or burrow into abandoned mines, there’s plenty to explore. This is the perfect highway for those who crave a bit of adrenaline with their road trip.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Tracing centuries-old trade routes, the Natchez Trace Parkway provides a peaceful drive with loads of history. The route follows a historic pathway that Native Americans and early settlers used to use. Along the way, you’ll find Civil War sites and prehistoric mounds in the pastures around you. This is the ideal trip for those who prefer a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the quiet towns within it.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
This tropical journey on Maui is as much about the drive itself as it is about the stops along the way. Only Hawaii could give you lush rainforests with a tropical climate that will really make you question whether you are really still in America!
It’s a route that’s full of surprises, like the gorgeous black sand beach in Waianapanapa State Park. The road is narrow and winding, but every turn reveals something magical. It’s well worth the trip.
Lake Superior Circle Tour
Few routes rival the Circle Tour for sheer variety. From Canada’s rocky shores to Minnesota’s scenic byways, this road trip offers pristine wilderness and charming towns. As it loops around the world’s largest freshwater lake, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in some wondrous fishing breaks. Why don’t you try your hand at catching a tasty trout for your road trip dinner?
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
This majestic route has some of the most amazing views in the Pacific Northwest. The Gorge is famous for its many waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. Along the way, you should drop into the charming town of Hood River, where you can have a glass of local wine or even try your hand at some windsurfing!
The Black Hills and Badlands, South Dakota
An enchanting mix of natural wonders and historic landmarks, this route takes you through the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills and Badlands. You’ll visit some of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S. such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. But it’s not just about the monuments, because the surrounding landscapes are equally stunning. The Badlands offer dramatic scenery, while the Black Hills are home to lush forests and wildlife like bison and wild mustangs. Natural beauty, history and culture are sure to draw just about everyone to this magnificent route.
Highway 1, Maine
If you’re craving some classic New England charm, Highway 1 in Maine is the perfect road trip for you. As you drive along this picturesque coastal route, you’ll pass through quaint fishing villages, where colorful boats bob in the harbors, and rocky shorelines make for some amazing photos.
Iconic lighthouses, like the one at Cape Elizabeth, litter the coastline along your route, so take your time along the way and stop off as much as you can! This route is meant for soaking in the relaxing vibe of small-town New England.
Oregon Coast Highway
Highlights like Cannon Beach, with its iconic Haystack Rock, will take your breath away along this highway, while Cape Perpetua’s towering cliffs and forested trails offer a chance to get up close with nature. This is the kind of drive where you’ll want to stop often.
One place is the quirky town of Bandon, which is known for its sea stacks that look like ancient sculptures rising from the ocean. Whether it’s to dip your toes in the cool ocean waters, snap some photos of the towering cliffs, or just enjoy the sound of the waves crashing, every mile on this route is a new adventure.
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