The Best Road Trips in the USA
Dreaming of open roads and breathtaking scenery? Discover the best road trips in the USA, from iconic highways like Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway to hidden gems like the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Florida Keys Scenic Highway. Learn how to plan your perfect adventure, from securing your rental car and accommodations to crafting a flexible itinerary. Explore national parks, scenic byways, and historic routes, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through America’s stunning landscapes. Start planning your dream road trip today!
Important information
- Plan your road trip by booking rental cars and accommodations ahead of time, especially during busy travel times.
- Classic road trips include Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, each offering unique experiences.
- Scenic drives like Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Florida Keys Overseas Highway provide stunning views and access to national parks.
- Consider historical routes like the Oregon Trail or Badlands–Black Hills Loop for a different road trip adventure.
- Enhance your road trip by checking your vehicle, making a flexible itinerary, and packing snacks and drinks.
The Best Road Trips in the USA
California’s Pacific Coast Highway enchants travelers with breathtaking ocean vistas and charming coastal towns. Route 66, fondly known as “America’s Main Street,” offers a nostalgic journey past quirky roadside attractions. The Great River Road meanders along the Mississippi, inviting exploration of America’s heartland.
For those seeking mountain majesty, the Blue Ridge Parkway’s scenic beauty and vibrant fall foliage await in the Appalachians. Further south, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway showcases a stunning chain of islands, connected by bridges across a tropical paradise. Beyond these iconic routes, Going-to-the-Sun Road winds through the stunning Glacier National Park. Oregon’s dramatic coastal scenery can be experienced along its Great Ocean Road, a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Planning Your Perfect Road Trip
Planning a road trip? Here’s how to make it smooth:
Secure your rental car two to three weeks in advance, especially for popular destinations. This ensures availability and potentially better rates.
Reserve your accommodations early. Booking hotels in advance secures your preferred choices, particularly during peak season.
Give your vehicle a thorough check-up. Ensure it’s in top condition for a safe and worry-free journey.
Craft a flexible itinerary. While pre-booking major attractions guarantees entry, a flexible plan allows for spontaneous detours and discovering hidden gems.
Pack snacks and drinks. Having refreshments on hand keeps everyone happy and energized during the drive.
Iconic American Road Trips
Route 66 is a classic American road trip, famous around the globe.
Other iconic routes beckon adventurers, like the Pacific Coast Highway. Equally captivating are the scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Northern Highway.
Scenic Beauty and Attractions
Embark on a breathtaking journey along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, where stunning ocean vistas unfold before your eyes.
Experience the vibrant mountain scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway as it winds through Virginia and North Carolina, especially captivating during the fall.
Journey through Americana on the historic Route 66, passing through charming small towns and iconic landmarks.
For dramatic landscapes, explore Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, a true testament to nature’s grandeur.
Island hop along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, connected by picturesque bridges over turquoise waters.
Discover the stunning coastal views of the Monterey Peninsula along California’s scenic 17-Mile Drive.
Other scenic routes include the Natchez Trace Parkway and Route 12, each offering its own unique and beautiful natural landscapes.
Coastal and Mountain Views
Cruise Florida’s Highway 1 for breathtaking Atlantic views.
For stunning Rocky Mountain vistas, try Colorado’s San Juan Skyway.
But if you crave scenic views alongside outdoor adventures, choose New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, a unique blend of nature and recreation.
Historic and Cultural Routes
Looking for a unique historical journey? Consider the Oregon Trail, a captivating alternative to the Pacific Coast Highway. If the allure of the Great Plains beckons, the Badlands–Black Hills Loop presents an unforgettable experience, revealing the area’s varied landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage.
National Parks and Outdoor Activities
From hiking and camping in iconic locations like Acadia and Zion to exploring the vast wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula Loop, national parks offer a diverse range of outdoor adventures. Scenic drives, such as the Kancamagus Highway, provide yet another way to experience these natural wonders.
