The 10 Best Road Trips in the USA You Must Take takes center stage in this guide, offering a thrilling journey through some of the most iconic routes across the country. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique experiences that will make your road trip dreams a reality.
Each road trip on this list promises excitement, from the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway to the historic Route 66, ensuring that every mile traveled is packed with unforgettable moments waiting to be discovered.
Introduction to Road Trips in the USA
Road trips are a quintessential American experience, allowing travelers to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the United States at their own pace. Whether it’s cruising down iconic Route 66, winding through the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, or taking on the challenging terrain of the Rocky Mountains, road trips offer a unique way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the country.
One of the main appeals of road trips is the freedom and flexibility they provide. Unlike other forms of travel that are bound by schedules and itineraries, road trips allow you to make spontaneous detours, stop at hidden gems along the way, and truly connect with the places you visit. You have the power to decide where to go, how long to stay, and what sights to see, making each road trip a personalized adventure.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway in California is renowned for its stunning coastal views, winding roads, and iconic landmarks. This road trip offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it a must-do journey for any traveler.
Scenic Route and Key Stops
The Pacific Coast Highway stretches along the rugged California coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and majestic cliffs on the other. Key stops along the way include the picturesque Big Sur, known for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, as well as the upscale beach town of Malibu, famous for its celebrity homes and stunning sunsets.
Driving along this route, travelers can also visit charming coastal towns like Santa Barbara, known for its Spanish architecture and wine country, and Monterey, home to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
Breathtaking Views and Experiences
- Witness stunning sunsets over the ocean from cliffside viewpoints.
- Explore hidden coves and sandy beaches along the coastline.
- Drive through lush forests and past rolling hills, offering a diverse landscape.
- Spot wildlife such as whales, dolphins, and sea lions from various lookout points.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” holds a special place in American history as one of the original highways within the U.S. highway system. Established in 1926, Route 66 stretched from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering a total of 2,448 miles. It served as a major path for those migrating west during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and later gained popularity as a symbol of freedom and adventure.
Must-See Attractions
- Chain of Rocks Bridge – Crossing the Mississippi River, this historic bridge offers stunning views and a glimpse into the past.
- Cadillac Ranch – Located in Amarillo, Texas, this unique art installation features a row of half-buried Cadillacs that have been spray-painted by visitors over the years.
- The Grand Canyon – While not directly on Route 66, a slight detour will lead you to this breathtaking natural wonder that is well worth the visit.
Nostalgia and Americana Feel
Route 66 embodies the nostalgia of a bygone era, with its classic diners, neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions. Traveling along this historic route allows visitors to step back in time and experience the charm of small-town America. The Americana feel is enhanced by the vintage motels, gas stations, and trading posts that still dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into the past and a sense of adventure that is unparalleled on any other road trip.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching from Virginia to North Carolina, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, offering travelers a scenic journey through the Appalachian Mountains.
Natural Beauty
- The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its stunning mountain vistas, lush forests, and vibrant wildflowers that paint the landscape in a myriad of colors.
- Travelers can enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and serene valleys along the route, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Points of Interest
- Shenandoah National Park: Located in Virginia, this park offers visitors the chance to explore over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.
- Asheville: A charming city in North Carolina, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and the iconic Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the United States.
Wildlife and Outdoor Activities
- The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species, providing ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to spot these creatures in their natural habitat.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping along the parkway, with numerous scenic overlooks and picnic spots to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
The Great River Road is a scenic route that follows the course of the Mississippi River, stretching from Minnesota all the way down to Louisiana. This iconic road trip offers travelers the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the towns and cities along the way.
Cultural Significance of Towns and Cities
- The Great River Road passes through charming towns like Galena in Illinois, known for its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene.
- In Memphis, Tennessee, travelers can explore the birthplace of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul music, immersing themselves in the city’s musical history.
- New Orleans, Louisiana, is a melting pot of cultures with its unique Creole and Cajun influences, offering visitors a taste of delicious cuisine and lively music scenes.
Unique Experiences and Attractions
- Embark on a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River, taking in the scenic views and learning about the history of the region.
- Visit historic sites like Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, where pivotal Civil War battles took place, offering insight into the country’s past.
- Explore the Great River Road Interpretive Center in Dubuque, Iowa, to learn about the ecological importance of the Mississippi River and its surrounding landscapes.
Overseas Highway, Florida
The Overseas Highway in Florida is a stunning drive that takes you through the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys. This iconic road trip offers breathtaking views of the crystal-clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Scenic Drive Through the Florida Keys
- The Overseas Highway stretches over 100 miles and connects the mainland of Florida to Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States.
- As you drive along this scenic route, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and picturesque bridges that link the islands together.
Attractions like Key Largo and Key West
- Key Largo, the first of the Florida Keys, is known for its world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- Key West, the final destination on the Overseas Highway, is a vibrant and eclectic town famous for its colorful architecture, lively nightlife, and historical sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home.
Tropical Landscapes and Aquatic Activities
- Driving through the Florida Keys, you’ll encounter lush tropical landscapes teeming with wildlife, including mangrove forests and exotic bird species.
- Visitors can also enjoy a variety of aquatic activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Keys.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic drive that winds its way through Glacier National Park in Montana, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. This iconic road is a must-visit for any road trip enthusiast looking to experience the beauty of the great outdoors.
Drive through Glacier National Park
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road spans 50 miles and crosses the Continental Divide, providing stunning vistas of the park’s diverse landscapes.
- Travelers will encounter lush forests, alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged mountains as they make their way through this picturesque route.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep that call the park home.
Challenges and Rewards
- Navigating the Going-to-the-Sun Road can be challenging due to its narrow lanes, sharp curves, and steep drop-offs, especially for larger vehicles.
- However, the rewards of conquering this mountainous road are well worth it, with unparalleled views of glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and the stunning beauty of Glacier National Park.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as snow can linger at higher elevations well into the summer months.
Stunning Views
- One of the highlights of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the chance to see the park’s namesake glaciers up close, including the iconic Grinnell Glacier.
- Visitors can also marvel at the beauty of waterfalls such as Bird Woman Falls and the roaring McDonald Falls along the route.
- Don’t forget to stop at scenic overlooks like Logan Pass to take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Loneliest Road, Nevada
Driving along Highway 50, known as the Loneliest Road in America, offers a truly unique experience for road trippers. This stretch of highway cuts through vast and remote landscapes, providing a sense of solitude and adventure unlike any other road trip.
Remote Landscapes and Quirky Attractions
- Highway 50 takes you through the heart of the Nevada desert, where you’ll encounter stunning desert vistas and expansive mountain ranges.
- Along the way, you’ll come across quirky attractions like the Shoe Tree, where travelers hang old shoes from the branches as a form of roadside art.
- Make a stop at the historic mining town of Eureka to get a glimpse of Nevada’s rich mining history and explore its charming streets.
Solitude and Peacefulness
- Traveling the Loneliest Road allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the desert landscape.
- Experience the peacefulness of the open road as you drive for miles without encountering another soul, giving you a sense of freedom and tranquility.
- Take in the breathtaking sunsets and starry skies that can only be truly appreciated in the vast expanse of the Nevada desert.
Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
The Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon offers a scenic drive through the stunning Columbia River Gorge, showcasing breathtaking views and iconic landmarks along the way.
Scenic Route and Landmarks
- The drive along the Columbia River Gorge is known for its lush greenery, towering waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs, providing a picturesque backdrop for your road trip.
- Iconic landmarks like Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States, and Crown Point, offering panoramic views of the gorge, are must-see stops along the way.
- As you wind along the historic highway, you’ll encounter numerous viewpoints and opportunities to admire the beauty of the surrounding nature, making it a perfect route for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Rich History and Natural Beauty
- The Historic Columbia River Highway was the first scenic highway in the United States, designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and provide access to the stunning landscapes of the region.
- Constructed in the early 1900s, the highway is a testament to both human ingenuity and the awe-inspiring power of nature, offering a glimpse into the history of transportation and the preservation of natural landscapes.
- This road trip not only allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history of the area but also provides an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all who embark on the journey.
The Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills in South Dakota offer a stunning road trip experience filled with a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Drive through the Black Hills National Forest
Driving through the Black Hills National Forest is a scenic adventure with winding roads surrounded by lush forests, granite peaks, and pristine lakes. The picturesque landscapes make for a relaxing and enjoyable journey.
Key Attractions
- Mount Rushmore: A iconic symbol of American history, featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore.
- Custer State Park: Home to diverse wildlife, including bison herds, elk, and pronghorn. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping opportunities.
Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage
The Black Hills offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the towering granite peaks to the rich Native American history, this road trip provides a deep appreciation for both the land and its people. The area is also known for its outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Conclusive Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of The 10 Best Road Trips in the USA You Must Take, remember that the open road holds endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or planning your first journey, these iconic routes offer something special for every traveler, so start planning your next epic road trip today.
