10 Best Road Trips in USA

Road trips are the classic American pastime, allowing you to explore the country’s vast and varied landscapes. You can experience its diverse cultures and create unforgettable memories. From scenic coastal drives to winding mountain roads and historic highways, the United States offers many options for road-trippers.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or planning to relax, we have a plan for you! In this article, we’ll look at some of the best road trips in the USA. Of course, we would highlight each destination’s unique features and attractions so you can enjoy a smooth, hassle-free trip.

So buckle up, roll down the windows, and let’s hit the open road!

Best Road Trips in USA

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Stretching for over 650 miles along the stunning California coast, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic road trips you would ever find in the USA. Starting from San Francisco and ending at San Diego, this route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and charming seaside towns that will compel you to explore them. The course takes you through Big Sur, a 90-mile stretch of California’s Central Coast that offers stunning views of the ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Now, who wouldn’t want to explore it?

Route 66, Illinois to California

When discussing a road trip, the classic Route 66 must be on your list! This legendary route runs over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, passing through eight states. Once a major highway, Route 66 is now a nostalgic reminder of America’s past, offering a glimpse into the country’s lifestyle, history, and culture. The route takes you through small towns, big cities, and stunning natural landscapes. Now, that’s a road trip we are sure you all must add to your bucket list.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

If you ask us for the most scenic drive in the USA, we will point towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 469-mile route takes you through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, verdant forests, and vibrant fall foliage. The course starts in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, and ends at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It is also said to be America’s longest linear park. If you plan on going here, take advantage of Mount Pisgah.

Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana

The Great River Road is a 3,000-mile route that follows the course of the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana. This historic route takes you through 10 states of exploration, offering stunning views of the river, charming towns, and fascinating history that you would wish to take back home. You can also visit national parks, historic sites, and cultural attractions.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is among the most scenic drives in the USA, offering stunning views of Glacier National Park in Montana. This 50-mile route takes you through the park’s heart, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and wildlife. The trail is only open from late June to early October to provide you with the best rides, so plan your trip accordingly.

Overseas Highway, Florida

The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile route that connects Miami to Key West, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This scenic beauty drive takes you across 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters. You can visit national parks, coral reefs, and charming seaside towns.

Highway 101, Oregon

Highway 101 is a 363-mile route along the Oregon coast, offering enchanting views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. The course takes you through various seaside towns, national parks, and historic sites. Who’s ready for some outdoor sports? You can also choose to visit the iconic Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of US Route 550 from Silverton to Ouray in Colorado. This scenic drive offers eye-catching views of the San Juan Mountains, including the Red Mountain Pass. It is considered one of the most beautiful mountains you will ever come across in the United States of America. You can visit several historic mining towns, hot springs, and stunning natural landscapes.

Utah’s Scenic Byway 12

Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is a 122-mile route that runs through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the USA, including the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. This route offers stunning views of red rock formations, deep canyons, and expansive plateaus—a road trip where like-minded travelers and people who love road trips of all backgrounds come together. All vehicle modes, such as RV, motorcycle, convertible, classic roadster, and sedan, coexist in absolute harmony.

The Loneliest Road, Nevada

Curious about what we meant by the loneliest road? The Loneliest Road, also known as US Route 50, runs for over 400 miles across Nevada, offering a glimpse into the state’s stunning desert landscapes and small towns as we pass by. This route takes you through remote areas of the state, which people usually don’t visit. These areas have few services and little traffic, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. So, want to find a special place with lots of experience? You got your site, then.

The Great Northern, Montana to Washington

The Great Northern is a 3,600-mile route that follows the historic Great Northern Railway, which runs from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, Washington. This route takes you through some of the most magnificent landscapes you would hardly come across in the USA, including Glacier National Park, the Cascade Mountains, and Puget Sound.

The Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile route that follows the historic Natchez Trace, a trail used by Native Americans and European explorers for centuries to navigate their journey across this continent. This route takes you through some of the USA’s most beautiful landscapes, which include national forests, historic sites, and charming towns.

The Black Hills, South Dakota

The Black Hills of South Dakota offer some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the USA, including the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This route takes you through winding roads, scenic byways, and charming towns, offering a small glimpse into the state’s rich history and culture.

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway, Florida

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway is a 113-mile route that runs through the Florida Keys, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This course takes you through the heart of the Florida Keys, with opportunities to visit national parks, coral reefs, and charming seaside towns. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Pacific Northwest Loop, Oregon, and Washington

The Pacific Northwest Loop is a 1,100-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of Oregon and Washington. This route offers diverse scenery, including the Columbia River Gorge, the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula, and the Cascade Mountains. You can visit small towns, national parks, and world-class wineries.

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is a 138-mile route that takes you through the stunning landscapes of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This route offers opportunities to visit historic lighthouses with their local tales, wildlife refuges, and charming coastal towns. Along the way, you can also enjoy miles of pristine beaches and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Florida Gulf Coast, Florida

The Florida Gulf Coast is a 200-mile route that takes you through some of Florida’s most beautiful and lively coastal towns and natural landscapes. This route offers opportunities to visit national parks, wildlife refuges, and historical sites and enjoy miles of pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Give this road trip a try. We are sure you will fall in love with the trip’s scenic beauty, which will last you a lifetime.

Top 5 tips to have the best road trip ever

If you want to experience the best road trip ever, here are the top five tips you may consider:

• Choose your mode of transportation
• Pick your route ahead of time
• Set up a budget
• Know what you are going to eat and where you are going to sleep
• Make sure you carry enough water and a bit of cash

Conclusion

Road trips are the perfect way to explore life king-size. So, here’s a list of the best road trip destinations in the USA that offers some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse cultures worldwide. There are endless possibilities for unforgettable road trips from the Pacific Coast Highway to the Great River Road. From Hawaii to the Florida keys, these are the best road trips in the United States.

Whether looking for breathtaking views, historic sites, or charming towns, there’s a road trip for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your keys, and hit the road for the ever-lasting adventure you will cherish forever!