Road trips are a quintessential American experience, offering the freedom to explore diverse landscapes, charming towns, and iconic landmarks at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking the rugged beauty of coastal drives or the scenic tranquility of mountain routes, the USA is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking road trips.
In this article, we’ve gathered insights from travel experts to highlight the 14 best road trips in the USA, each promising unforgettable adventures and unique discoveries along the way.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is one of the most iconic drives in the United States. Stretching along the stunning California coastline, this road trip offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, charming seaside towns, and towering cliffs.
How to Go
Start your journey in San Francisco and head south towards Los Angeles. The route is about 655 miles long and can be completed in 2-3 days, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
What to See
Don’t miss the scenic Bixby Creek Bridge, the famous 17-mile Drive, and the enchanting town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Big Sur offers dramatic coastal views, while Santa Barbara provides a relaxing end to your journey with its beautiful beaches and Spanish-style architecture.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic highway that runs through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It’s famous for its stunning fall foliage and peaceful mountain vistas.
How to Go
Start in Charlottesville, Virginia, and follow the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Asheville, North Carolina. The entire route can be driven in 2-3 days, but plan for longer if you want to explore the surrounding parks and towns.
What to See
Highlights include the overlooks at Humpback Rocks, Mabry Mill, and Linville Falls. Explore the charming town of Asheville, and don’t miss a visit to the historic Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home.
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3. Route 66 (Illinois to California)
Route 66, known as the “Main Street of America,” is a historic highway that spans 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This legendary road trip takes you through the heart of America, with vintage diners, motels, and attractions along the way.
How to Go
Begin your journey in Chicago and follow the old Route 66 signs westward through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The trip can take around two weeks, depending on stops.
What to See
Key attractions include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. End your journey with a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier.
4. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
The Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. This road trip offers a journey through American history, culture, and landscapes.
How to Go
Start in Itasca State Park, Minnesota, and drive south through states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and Tennessee, ending in New Orleans, Louisiana. The full route can take 10 days to two weeks.
What to See
Visit the historic city of Natchez, explore the vibrant culture of New Orleans, and experience the natural beauty of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.
5. The Loneliest Road (Nevada)
The Loneliest Road, or U.S. Route 50, stretches across central Nevada and offers a unique, solitary road trip experience through vast deserts, mountain ranges, and historic mining towns.
How to Go
Start in Carson City, Nevada, and head east through the Nevada desert, eventually ending in Ely, Nevada. The drive covers about 287 miles.
What to See
Stop in the historic towns of Austin and Eureka, and take in the expansive desert landscapes. Visit Great Basin National Park, home to ancient bristlecone pines and the Lehman Caves.
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6. The Overseas Highway (Florida)
The Overseas Highway connects the Florida mainland to the Florida Keys, a series of tropical islands stretching 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West. This road trip offers stunning ocean views and a laid-back island atmosphere.
How to Go
Start in Miami and drive south along U.S. 1 to Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States. The trip takes about 3-4 hours without stops.
What to See
Visit the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, explore the historic town of Key West, and enjoy the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest in the world.
7. Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)
Scenic Byway 12 in Utah is a 122-mile route that takes you through some of the state’s most breathtaking landscapes, including red rock canyons, desert vistas, and alpine forests.
How to Go
Start in Panguitch, Utah, and follow Scenic Byway 12 eastward through Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park. The drive can be done in a day, but plan for longer to explore the parks.
What to See
Marvel at the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, hike in the Grand Staircase-Escalante and visit the unique rock formations of Capitol Reef. Don’t miss the small town of Boulder, Utah, known for its farm-to-table dining.
8. The Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. This road trip is known for its steep, winding roads and jaw-dropping mountain scenery.
How to Go
Start in Silverton and drive north to Ouray, navigating the narrow and curving road that hugs the cliffs of the San Juan Mountains. The drive takes about an hour but can be longer if you stop for photos.
What to See
Take in the dramatic mountain views, explore the historic mining town of Silverton, and relax in the hot springs of Ouray. The Red Mountain Pass and Bear Creek Falls are must-see sights along the way.
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9. The Tail of the Dragon (North Carolina to Tennessee)
The Tail of the Dragon is an 11-mile stretch of U.S. Route 129 that features 318 curves, making it one of the most challenging and exhilarating drives in the country. Located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, this road trip is a favorite among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.
How to Go
Start in Deals Gap, North Carolina, and drive north into Tennessee. The short drive can be completed in under an hour, but the thrill of the curves may have you turning around for another go.
What to See
Experience the adrenaline of navigating the tight curves, and enjoy the scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Nearby, explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam.
10. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile route that cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park in Montana. This engineering marvel offers spectacular views of rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and pristine wilderness.
How to Go
Start your journey at the west entrance of Glacier National Park and drive east through the park to St. Mary. The drive takes about two hours, but allow extra time for stops.
What to See
Stop at Logan Pass, the highest point on the road, for stunning mountain views. Explore the Weeping Wall, Bird Woman Falls, and Lake McDonald. Wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and grizzly bears, are common.
11. The Alaska Highway (Alaska to Canada)
The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan, stretches 1,390 miles from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction in Alaska. This epic road trip offers an unforgettable journey through remote wilderness and rugged landscapes.
How to Go
Start in Dawson Creek and drive northwest through the Yukon Territory and into Alaska. The trip takes about 4-5 days, depending on your pace and stops.
What to See
Experience the vast, untouched beauty of the North, with highlights including Muncho Lake, the Liard River Hot Springs, and the wildlife-rich Kluane National Park. Watch for moose, bears, and bison along the way.
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12. The Texas Hill Country (Texas)
The Texas Hill Country is a scenic region in central Texas known for its rolling hills, wildflower fields, and charming small towns. A road trip through this area offers a taste of Texas culture and natural beauty.
How to Go
Start in Austin and head west into the Hill Country, exploring towns like Fredericksburg, Llano, and Bandera. The route can be completed in a weekend, with plenty of time for stops.
What to See
Visit the historic town of Fredericksburg, hike in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and sample wine at one of the many local vineyards. Don’t miss the stunning bluebonnet fields in the spring.
13. The Great Lakes Circle Tour (Midwest)
The Great Lakes Circle Tour is a scenic road trip that loops around the five Great Lakes, offering stunning water views, charming lakeside towns, and a mix of natural and cultural attractions.
How to Go
The entire loop covers over 6,500 miles and can take several weeks to complete. Start in Chicago and head north along Lake Michigan, then follow the coastlines of Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.
What to See
Highlights include Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Niagara Falls, and the Apostle Islands. Explore vibrant cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Toronto, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Great Lakes.
14. The Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive that follows an ancient Native American trail from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This road trip offers a peaceful journey through history, with numerous historical sites and natural areas to explore.
How to Go
Start in Natchez and drive northeast through Mississippi and Alabama, ending in Nashville. The drive takes about two days, but plan for extra time to explore the stops along the way.
What to See
Visit the Natchez National Historical Park, the Meriwether Lewis Monument, and the charming town of Franklin, Tennessee. The scenic beauty of the Trace, with its rolling hills and lush forests, makes this road trip a serene and memorable experience.
