The 10 Best Road Trips in the USA
Explore America’s spectacular highways, vibrant cities, and wild landscapes with these unmissable classic road trips.
Taking a road trip across the United States is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the country’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and iconic roadside attractions. Whether you’re drawn to red-rock canyons, dramatic coastlines, forested mountains or historic highways, these celebrated routes have something for everyone. Planning a journey by car grants you the freedom to explore towns and scenery off the traditional tourist track, turning every mile into an experience as memorable as the destination itself.
The US is crisscrossed by a web of highways and scenic byways, offering easy access to gas, food, and accommodations. From epic cross-country trips to quick weekend escapes, this guide highlights ten of the country’s most unforgettable drives and offers expert tips to maximize your adventure on the open road.
1. Pacific Coast Highway
Best road trip for Pacific views
San Diego–Seattle; 1600 miles (2575km); 8–12 days
Experience the unmatched beauty of the American West Coast through the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, a journey that traces the shoreline from sun-soaked Southern California, through the towering redwoods of Northern California, to the misty vistas of the Pacific Northwest. This iconic route blends sweeping ocean views with charming towns, glamorous cities, and wild parks.
- Key highlights: Los Angeles beaches, Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs, Monterey’s marine life, San Francisco’s Golden Gate, Redwood National & State Parks, and the rocky Oregon coast.
- Planning tip: Due to frequent landslides, especially near Big Sur, always check for road closures before setting out.
- Expect diverse experiences: from urban art in Seattle to tiny fishing villages in Oregon and California’s surf vibes.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Best Appalachian road trip
Cherokee, NC–Waynesboro, VA; 469 miles (755km); 2–5 days
Winding through the oldest mountains in the US, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a serene escape into rolling valleys, ancient forests, and a tapestry of wildflowers and waterfalls. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this scenic route celebrates the timeless magic of the Appalachian range.
- Top sights: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Linville Gorge, Roanoke’s artsy downtown, and the approach to Shenandoah National Park.
- Outdoor adventures: Countless hiking trails and scenic overlooks, famed autumn foliage, and abundant wildlife sightings.
- Detour tip: Explore spur roads for one-off hikes and less-visited viewpoints. Check local trail maps to maximize your route.
3. Route 66
Best road trip for American kitsch
Chicago–Los Angeles; 2250 miles (3620km); 1–2 weeks
No road in the United States is more mythologized than Route 66, the “Mother Road” that once linked Chicago’s lakeside energy to the sunny promise of Los Angeles. Today, it delivers an irresistible dose of nostalgia and Americana, connecting travelers with quirky stops, vintage motels, and grand landscapes that reveal the spirit of the open road.
- Attractions:
- Chicago’s Millennium Park and Cloud Gate sculpture
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
- Weird and whimsical sights like Cadillac Ranch and Totem Pole Park
- Natural wonders including Stanton’s Meramec Caverns and the Painted Desert
- Historical resonance: Experience a living museum of American 20th-century dreams and struggles, immortalized in Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.
- Planning tip: Take time to savor each section—the journey is packed with unexpected, heartwarming finds.
4. Natchez Trace Parkway
Best road trip for Southern history
Natchez, MS–Nashville, TN; 444 miles (715km); 3–5 days
Following a historic Native American trail, the Natchez Trace Parkway glides through lush southern countryside, connecting small towns, battlefields, and mysterious ancient mounds. It’s a journey through time, culture, and the gentle landscapes of the Deep South.
- Enjoy: Cypress swamps, antebellum mansions, Civil War landmarks, and rustic hiking trails.
- The parkway is free of billboards and commercial traffic, preserving a tranquil, unplugged vibe throughout its stretch.
- Travel tip: The pace here is laid-back — take time for food detours and overnight stops at historic inns.
5. Florida Keys Overseas Highway
Best road trip for island hopping
Miami–Key West; 113 miles (182km); 1–3 days
Connecting the mainland to a string of subtropical islands, the Overseas Highway skips across the Atlantic via an astonishing series of bridges. With balmy breezes, turquoise waters, and endless photo ops, this journey feels like a joy ride from reality.
- Don’t miss: The Seven Mile Bridge, colorful coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo’s sunsets, and the offbeat charm of Key West.
- Travel tips: Plan to swim, snorkel, or kayak along the way — and don’t forget to try Key Lime pie.
6. The Great River Road
Best road trip for following the Mississippi
Lake Itasca, MN–New Orleans, LA; 2000 miles (3220km); 10–14 days
This epic journey follows the path of the mighty Mississippi River from its northern headwaters to the vibrant southern city of New Orleans. The route moves seamlessly through ten states, exploring America’s music, history, and soul.
- Attractions: Historic river towns, lively cities (St. Louis, Memphis, Baton Rouge), Civil War sites, blues joints, and atmospheric bayous.
- Great for: Lovers of culture, music (jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll), and culinary adventures.
7. Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks
Best road trip for red-rock wonders
Loop: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion; 800 miles (1287km); 7–10 days
Utah’s high desert showcases some of the USA’s most otherworldly landscapes. This circuit, known as the “Mighty Five,” links a quintet of national parks easily stitched together for one unforgettable southwestern adventure.
- Highlights: Delicate Arch at Arches, hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, slot canyons in Zion, and epic stargazing in Capitol Reef.
- Tip: Reserve campsites well in advance — parks are popular year-round.
8. San Juan Skyway
Best road trip for mountain majesty
Loop: Durango–Silverton–Ouray–Telluride–Mesa Verde; 236 miles (380km); 3–5 days
Set amid Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains, the San Juan Skyway serves up alpine passes, booming waterfalls, and chocolate-box mining towns. It’s perfect for those who crave high peaks and frontier tales.
- Must-sees: Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, hot springs in Ouray, ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, and Telluride’s alpine charm.
- Note: Some passes close in winter—check conditions before travelling.
9. Alaska Highway
Best road trip for remote wilderness
Dawson Creek, BC–Delta Junction, AK; 1387 miles (2232km); 7–14 days
An enduring symbol of northern adventure, the Alaska Highway whisks travelers from the Canadian wilderness deep into Alaska’s wild heart. Expect encounters with formidable landscapes, wildlife, and history at every turn.
- Look for: Wildlife such as bears, moose, and eagles; mountain vistas aplenty; and rustic roadhouses.
- Essential tip: Services can be sparse — plan fuel, food, and lodging stops carefully.
10. Hawaii’s Hana Highway
Best road trip for tropical beauty
Kahului–Hana (Maui); 52 miles (84km); 1–2 days
One of the most exhilarating drives on Earth, the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) is both short and spectacular. The winding road carves along Maui’s rainforest coast, curving over 600 turns and 50 bridges as it reveals waterfalls, sea cliffs, and lush valleys at every bend.
- Highlights: Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, and the incredible trek to Waimoku Falls in Kipahulu.
- Advice: Go slow and stop often; the journey is as magical as the destination. Watch for locals and respect the speed limits and weather conditions.
Essential Tips for Your USA Road Trip
- Plan for flexibility: weather, road closures, and unexpected detours are common, especially in rural or coastal routes.
- Book accommodations ahead during high season, or try roadside motels for a classic experience.
- Pack a cooler with snacks and water, especially on long stretches with few stops.
- Check your vehicle’s tires, brakes, and fluids before departure — breakdowns can be far from help.
- Use a navigation app, but also bring a physical map for areas with patchy mobile service.
- Allow time to explore side roads and local gems—this is where many road-trippers find their favorite memories.
Best Times to Road Trip Across the USA
- Spring: Ideal for wildflowers and fewer crowds in national parks.
- Summer: Best for Alaska and northern routes, but expect more traffic and higher lodging prices.
- Autumn: Spectacular foliage in Appalachia and New England, cooler desert travel in the Southwest.
- Winter: Mild weather in Florida and the Southwest; watch for snow along mountain and northern routes.
Top Roadside Attractions on the Way
- The Bean (Cloud Gate), Chicago: Start your Route 66 adventure with this iconic public art piece.
- Cadillac Ranch, Texas: Art installation meets roadside oddity; bring spray paint and add your mark.
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona: Fossilized trees and the colorful Painted Desert along Route 66.
- Gateway Arch, St. Louis: Symbol of America’s westward expansion.
- Key West’s Southernmost Point: Snap a photo at the end of the road in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most scenic road trip in the USA?
The Pacific Coast Highway is often recognized as the USA’s most scenic drive, thanks to its jaw-dropping ocean vistas, forested cliffs, and access to iconic cities like San Francisco and Seattle.
How long does it take to drive Route 66?
Allow at least one to two weeks for the full Route 66 journey from Chicago to Los Angeles to experience the wealth of attractions, towns, and landscapes along the way.
When is the best time to take a US road trip?
Spring and autumn are generally best for mild weather and thinner crowds, though certain routes (like the Pacific Northwest and Alaska) may be optimal in summer.
Are accommodations easy to find during a US road trip?
Yes, most routes are dotted with a range of options—from classic motels and national park lodges to cozy bed-and-breakfast inns and chain hotels. Some remote roads may require advance planning.
Do I need a special vehicle for these road trips?
Most routes are paved and accessible by any standard car. For remote or northern trips, like the Alaska Highway, an SUV with all-weather tires is advisable.
Final Thoughts
Traversing the USA by car is one of the most rewarding journeys a traveler can embark on, offering a blend of freedom, diverse landscapes, and a deep dive into local history and culture. Whether you crave the coastal majesty of California or the timeless allure of Route 66, these road trips promise adventure on every mile. Happy travels!
