Katie and Pierce
There’s something magical about hitting the open road in America. From coast to coast, our country has some of the most incredible road trip routes in the world. Whether you’re looking for stunning mountain views, historic small towns, or endless ocean horizons, these USA road trips will give you memories that last a lifetime.
Pack your bags, fill up the gas tank, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
1. Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica
The granddaddy of all American road trips, Route 66 is pure nostalgia on wheels. This legendary highway stretches 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through nine states along the way.
You’ll see classic 1950s motels, vintage diners, and quirky roadside attractions that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Don’t miss the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, or the neon signs of old Las Vegas.
The route takes you through small-town America at its finest, with plenty of mom-and-pop restaurants serving up comfort food and friendly conversation. Plan for at least two weeks to really soak in all the history and charm.
2. Pacific Coast Highway, California
California’s Highway 1 hugs the coastline for over 650 miles of pure coastal beauty. This scenic drive takes you past rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and some of the most photographed spots in America.
Start in San Francisco and work your way south through Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. The stretch through Big Sur is absolutely breathtaking, with redwood forests meeting the Pacific Ocean. End your journey in sunny Los Angeles or continue down to San Diego.
Make sure to stop at Hearst Castle, McWay Falls, and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The drive can be done in a day, but you’ll want at least a week to really enjoy all the stops along the way.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia and North Carolina
Called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains. This peaceful route connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
The parkway is famous for its fall colors, but it’s beautiful year-round. You’ll pass rolling hills, mountain meadows, and charming towns like Asheville, North Carolina. Don’t miss stops at Mabry Mill, Craggy Gardens, and Linville Falls.
The road has plenty of scenic overlooks where you can pull over and take in the mountain views. Spring brings wildflowers, summer provides hiking opportunities, and fall delivers some of the best leaf-peeping in the country.
4. New York to Los Angeles: The Ultimate Cross-Country Drive
The classic American cross-country road trip covers nearly 3,000 miles of diverse landscapes. You’ll drive through bustling cities, endless farmland, desert landscapes, and mountain ranges.
The most direct route takes you through Chicago, across Iowa and Nebraska, through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and into the desert Southwest before reaching the Pacific Coast. Along the way, you can visit national parks like Rocky Mountain, Zion, and Joshua Tree.
This isn’t a trip to rush. Plan for at least two weeks to avoid spending all your time on highways. The journey is just as important as the destination on this epic American adventure.
5. Great River Road: Following the Mississippi
The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. This historic route showcases the heart of America and the river that shaped our nation’s history.
You’ll pass through river towns, see paddle-wheel steamboats, and visit historic sites that tell the story of American expansion. The route includes stops in cities like Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans.
Each state along the river has its own flavor, from Minnesota’s pristine lakes to Louisiana’s bayou country. The changing landscapes and rich history make this one of America’s most underrated road trips.
6. Miami to Key West: The Overseas Highway
This unique road trip literally takes you over the water as you drive from island to island in the Florida Keys. The 113-mile Overseas Highway connects the tropical islands with 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
Start in Miami and work your way south through Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon before reaching the southernmost point in the continental United States at Key West. The turquoise waters and laid-back island vibe make this feel more like a Caribbean vacation than a typical road trip.
Stop for snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visit the Christ of the Abyss statue underwater, and catch a sunset at Mallory Square in Key West. The drive takes about 4 hours, but plan for a long weekend to enjoy the islands properly.
7. Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park
This 50-mile road through Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in America. The narrow, winding road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, providing incredible views of glaciers, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness.
The road is typically open from late June to October, depending on snow conditions. You’ll see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and if you’re lucky, grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
Don’t miss stops at Lake McDonald, the Weeping Wall, and the visitor center at Logan Pass. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours without stops, but you’ll want to spend the whole day taking in the scenery and hiking the trails.
8. Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks
Utah’s “Big Five” national parks are close enough to visit on one incredible road trip. Start in Las Vegas and create a loop that takes you to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands national parks.
Each park has something different. Zion features towering red cliffs and narrow slot canyons. Bryce Canyon showcases otherworldly rock formations called hoodoos. Capitol Reef displays colorful geological layers. Arches contains over 2,000 natural stone arches. Canyonlands provides vast desert vistas.
Plan for at least a week to see all five parks, or longer if you want to do serious hiking. The scenery changes dramatically as you drive between parks, keeping the journey interesting from start to finish.
9. American Southwest from Las Vegas
Las Vegas makes a perfect starting point for a Southwest road trip that hits some of America’s most iconic natural landmarks. You can easily visit the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend on one trip.
Head north from Vegas to Zion National Park, then continue to Bryce Canyon before looping back through Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. Add on stops at Valley of Fire State Park, Goblin Valley, and Page, Arizona for even more stunning scenery.
The red rock landscapes and dramatic desert vistas make this region unlike anywhere else in the world. Plan for 10 days to two weeks to really appreciate all the natural wonders.
10. Route 1: Maine’s Coastal Beauty
Maine’s Route 1 takes you along some of the most beautiful coastline in America. Drive from Kittery to Bar Harbor, passing through charming seaside towns, historic lighthouses, and rocky beaches.
You’ll see classic New England fishing villages like Kennebunkport, Portland, and Camden. The route is famous for its lobster shacks, antique shops, and art galleries. Don’t miss the Portland Head Light, one of America’s most photographed lighthouses.
End your journey at Acadia National Park, where you can hike Cadillac Mountain for sunrise views over the Atlantic Ocean. The lobster rolls alone make this trip worth taking.
11. New England Road Trip
New England’s six states are perfect for a road trip through American history and fall foliage. Start in Boston and wind your way through New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Vermont’s green hills, and Maine’s rugged coastline.
Visit historic sites like Plymouth Rock, Lexington and Concord, and the homes of famous authors in Concord, Massachusetts. Drive through picture-perfect towns with white church steeples and covered bridges.
Fall is the most popular time to visit when the leaves turn brilliant colors, but each season has its own charm. Summer brings warm weather and outdoor festivals, while winter provides skiing and cozy fireplaces.
12. Texas Hill Country
Central Texas Hill Country features rolling hills, crystal-clear rivers, and some of the best barbecue in America. This region west of Austin and San Antonio is known for its German heritage, wildflowers, and friendly small towns.
Visit Fredericksburg for German culture and wine tasting, Wimberley for antique shopping, and Luckenbach for live music. Don’t miss swimming holes like Jacob’s Well and Hamilton Pool, or climbing Enchanted Rock for panoramic views.
Spring is the best time to visit when the famous Texas bluebonnets bloom, covering the hills in waves of blue. The Hill Country is also home to numerous wineries and distilleries worth visiting.
13. Southeast Coastal Road Trip
This coastal journey from St. Augustine, Florida to the Outer Banks of North Carolina showcases the best of the Southeast coast. You’ll visit historic cities, beautiful beaches, and charming Southern towns.
Start in America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, then head north to Savannah with its stunning architecture and Spanish moss-draped squares. Continue to Charleston for antebellum mansions and incredible food, then finish in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Each city has its own personality and charm. Savannah features ghost tours and riverfront walks. Charleston serves up she-crab soup and takes you back to Civil War history. The Outer Banks provide wild horses and the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight.
14. Washington State Road Trip
Washington State has incredible diversity, from Seattle’s urban attractions to Olympic National Park’s temperate rainforests and the North Cascades’ alpine scenery.
Start in Seattle, then head to the Olympic Peninsula to see pristine beaches, hot springs, and the famous Hoh Rainforest. Continue north to the North Cascades for hiking and the turquoise waters of Lake Diablo.
The state features everything from wine tasting in Walla Walla to whale watching in the San Juan Islands. Mount Rainier and Mount Baker provide stunning mountain backdrops wherever you go.
15. Southwest Colorado Road Trip
Colorado’s southwestern corner combines dramatic mountain scenery with fascinating history. This route takes you through mining towns, hot springs, and some of the state’s most beautiful national parks.
Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park where you can sandboard down 750-foot dunes, then continue to Mesa Verde to see ancient cliff dwellings. Soak in hot springs in Pagosa Springs and Ouray, ride the gondola in Telluride, and take a scenic train ride in Durango.
The million-dollar views along the San Juan Skyway make this one of America’s most scenic drives. Plan for at least 10 days to really enjoy all the outdoor activities and mountain towns.
16. Denver to Yellowstone Loop
This mountain road trip connects three of America’s most famous national parks. Start in Denver, visit Rocky Mountain National Park, then continue to Grand Teton and Yellowstone before looping back.
Base yourself in Estes Park to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can drive Trail Ridge Road and see elk, bighorn sheep, and incredible mountain views. Continue north to Grand Teton for pristine lakes and jagged peaks.
Yellowstone features geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities. You might see bison, bears, wolves, and eagles. The loop takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in America.
17. San Francisco to Yosemite Loop
This California road trip combines city excitement with natural beauty. Start in San Francisco, drive down part of the Pacific Coast Highway, then head inland to Yosemite National Park before returning through wine country.
Visit San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Lombard Street before heading to Monterey Bay and Carmel. The drive through Big Sur provides some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world.
Yosemite brings a complete change of pace with waterfalls, giant sequoias, and granite cliffs. End your trip with wine tasting in Napa Valley or Sonoma County before returning to San Francisco.
18. South Dakota Road Trip
South Dakota features wide-open spaces, fascinating geology, and a taste of the Old West. Drive from the Badlands in the east to the Black Hills in the west for a complete South Dakota experience.
Start at Badlands National Park to see layered rock formations and prairie dog towns. Continue west to the Black Hills for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the wild west town of Deadwood.
Don’t miss Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park with its buffalo herds, and kitschy attractions like Wall Drug. The state’s biggest surprise might be how beautiful and diverse the landscape really is.
19. Northern New Mexico Road Trip
Northern New Mexico features a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures set against stunning high desert landscapes. The region around Santa Fe and Taos provides art, history, and natural beauty.
Start in Albuquerque to see Old Town and ride the Sandia Peak Tramway. Continue to Santa Fe for art galleries, historic architecture, and the famous Plaza. End in Taos to visit the ancient Taos Pueblo and see where many famous artists found inspiration.
The high desert landscape, with its red rocks and wide skies, creates a dramatic backdrop for this cultural journey. Don’t miss the chance to try authentic New Mexican cuisine with its distinctive green chile.
20. New York State Road Trip
New York State has much more than just New York City. This road trip from Buffalo to Manhattan shows off the state’s natural beauty and diverse attractions.
Start at Niagara Falls for one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. Continue through the Finger Lakes region for wine tasting and scenic lake views. Visit Saratoga Springs for horse racing and mineral baths.
The Catskills feature hiking and charming mountain towns, while the Hudson Valley provides historic mansions and river views. End in New York City for world-class museums, Broadway shows, and incredible food.
21. The Loneliest Road: U.S. Route 50
Highway 50 across Nevada earned the nickname “The Loneliest Road in America” for good reason. This 400-mile stretch of highway crosses some of the most remote and beautiful desert landscape in the country.
The road passes through historic mining towns, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and wide-open valleys surrounded by mountain ranges. You’ll see ghost towns, petroglyphs, and some of the darkest night skies in America.
This road trip is perfect for people who want to get away from crowds and experience the vastness of the American West. The small towns along the route provide friendly hospitality and fascinating local history.
22. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway follows a historic 444-mile route from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi. This peaceful road has been traveled for thousands of years, first by Native Americans, then by early settlers.
The parkway passes through hardwood forests, rolling hills, and historic sites that tell the story of the Old South. You’ll see ancient Native American mounds, Civil War battlefields, and antebellum mansions.
Unlike interstate highways, the Natchez Trace has no commercial traffic, making it a peaceful drive through history and nature. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall provides beautiful foliage throughout the route.
23. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
This 25-mile section of highway between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado is considered one of the most beautiful and thrilling drives in America. The road winds through the San Juan Mountains with dramatic drop-offs and no guardrails.
The highway earned its name either from the cost to build it or the million-dollar views you’ll see around every curve. You’ll pass abandoned mining equipment, waterfalls, and some of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
The road is part of the larger San Juan Skyway loop, but this section is the most dramatic. Drive carefully and pull over at scenic overlooks to really appreciate the incredible mountain views.
24. Northern Michigan Road Trip
Michigan’s northern regions feature beautiful Great Lakes scenery, charming small towns, and unique attractions like Mackinac Island. This road trip shows off a side of the Midwest that many people never see.
Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan for towering sand dunes and beautiful beaches. Continue to Mackinac Island, where no cars are allowed and horse-drawn carriages provide transportation.
End at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior to see colorful sandstone cliffs and pristine wilderness. The Great Lakes feel more like inland seas, with beaches that rival any ocean coastline.
25. Road to Hana, Maui
The Road to Hana is 52 miles of winding, narrow road that takes you through some of Maui’s most beautiful and remote scenery. This isn’t a road trip you do for speed, but rather for the journey itself.
The road has over 600 curves and 50 one-lane bridges as it passes through bamboo forests, past waterfalls, and along dramatic coastlines. You’ll see black sand beaches, tropical flowers, and hidden swimming holes.
Popular stops include Twin Falls, the Garden of Eden Arboretum, and Wai’anapanapa State Park with its black sand beach. Pack snacks and drinks, fill up your gas tank, and plan for a full day of adventure.
26. Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail takes you to 18 different distilleries throughout the Bluegrass State. This road trip combines beautiful countryside with tastings of America’s native spirit.
Base yourself in Louisville or Lexington and visit distilleries like Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Woodford Reserve. Each distillery provides tours that show how bourbon is made and aged, followed by tastings of their products.
Between distilleries, you’ll drive through Kentucky’s famous horse country, with rolling green pastures and historic farms. The trail can be completed in 4 to 6 days, depending on how many distilleries you want to visit.
27. Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage to Valdez
Alaska features some of the most dramatic road trip scenery in America. The drive from Anchorage to Valdez takes you through mountain passes, past glaciers, and into some of the most remote wilderness left in the United States.
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage to learn about indigenous cultures, then drive to see Matanuska Glacier up close. The Richardson Highway to Valdez passes through Thompson Pass with incredible mountain and waterfall views.
In Valdez, take a glacier cruise to see tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife. This road trip gives you a taste of Alaska’s incredible natural beauty and the adventure of driving through true wilderness.
