Best Road Trip Routes in the USA

Nothing compares to the thrill of an open road adventure across the United States. The country offers breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you crave coastal views, mountain scenery, or desert landscapes, these road trip routes guarantee unforgettable experiences.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1)

Highlights:

• Breathtaking coastal views along the Pacific Ocean
• Iconic stops in San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, and Los Angeles
• Dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and sandy beaches

This legendary route stretches along the California coastline, delivering some of the most scenic views in the country. Starting in San Francisco, travelers pass through Monterey’s famous Cannery Row and 17-Mile Drive before entering the rugged beauty of Big Sur. McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach offer must-see landscapes. Further south, Santa Barbara and Malibu provide sun-soaked beaches and luxurious coastal towns before reaching the vibrant city of Los Angeles.

2. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)

Highlights:

• Historic roadside attractions
• Small-town charm and classic diners
• The Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Park

Route 66, known as the “Mother Road,” represents the golden age of American road trips. Beginning in Chicago, this historic highway crosses through eight states, offering quirky roadside stops such as the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma. The route meanders through Arizona, where travelers can explore the Grand Canyon before ending their journey at the Santa Monica Pier in California.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

Highlights:

• Stunning mountain vistas
• Charming Appalachian towns and rich cultural history
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This 469-mile scenic byway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Travelers experience rolling hills, dense forests, and panoramic overlooks. In the fall, vibrant foliage transforms the region into a photographer’s dream. The journey includes stops in Asheville, North Carolina, where the famous Biltmore Estate and a thriving arts scene await.

4. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

Highlights:

• Scenic Mississippi River views
• Historic river towns and cultural sites
• Delicious Southern cuisine

Following the path of the Mississippi River, the Great River Road offers a journey through ten states. Starting in Minnesota, the route winds through picturesque river towns like Galena, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri, where the Gateway Arch dominates the skyline. Further south, travelers can explore the vibrant music scenes of Memphis and New Orleans, experiencing blues, jazz, and mouthwatering Southern dishes along the way.

5. The Loneliest Road (U.S. Highway 50, Nevada)

Highlights:

• Vast desert landscapes and mountain ranges
• Historic mining towns
• Stargazing opportunities in remote locations

U.S. Highway 50, known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” stretches across Nevada’s rugged terrain. Travelers pass through historic towns like Ely and Austin while enjoying the isolation of the vast desert. The route offers some of the darkest night skies in the country, making it perfect for stargazing. For those seeking adventure, Great Basin National Park provides hiking trails and breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak.

6. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

Highlights:

• Crystal-clear turquoise waters
• Tropical island scenery
• Key West’s vibrant nightlife and historic sites

Spanning 113 miles from Miami to Key West, the Overseas Highway crosses 42 bridges over the stunning waters of the Florida Keys. Along the way, travelers can visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for snorkeling, stop in Islamorada for fresh seafood, and explore the historic sites of Key West, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Southernmost Point.

7. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

Highlights:

• Majestic Rocky Mountain views
• Glacier National Park’s pristine wilderness
• Wildlife spotting, including bears and mountain goats

This 50-mile stretch through Glacier National Park offers jaw-dropping scenery and dramatic mountain passes. Travelers drive past glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. The route, open only in the summer, provides an unforgettable journey through one of America’s most spectacular national parks.

8. The Oregon Trail (Missouri to Oregon)

Highlights:

• Historic landmarks from pioneer history
• Diverse landscapes, including plains, mountains, and forests
• National parks such as Yellowstone and Crater Lake

This modern-day road trip follows the historic Oregon Trail route, retracing the steps of early pioneers. Starting in Independence, Missouri, travelers pass through Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho before reaching Oregon. Stops include Chimney Rock, the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, and scenic wonders like Yellowstone National Park and Crater Lake.

9. Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)

Highlights:

• Rich Native American and Civil War history
• Scenic countryside and dense forests
• Historic sites, including antebellum mansions

The Natchez Trace Parkway, spanning 444 miles, offers a journey through time. Once a Native American trade route, this scenic road passes through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Stops include the Emerald Mound, the historic town of Natchez, and the Tupelo birthplace of Elvis Presley.

10. Alaska Highway (British Columbia to Alaska)

Highlights:

• Rugged wilderness and remote landscapes
• Opportunities for wildlife viewing
• Adventure-filled stops in Yukon and Alaska

For those seeking a true wilderness experience, the Alaska Highway delivers. This 1,390-mile route begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and winds through Yukon before reaching Alaska. Travelers witness breathtaking mountain ranges, glacial rivers, and encounters with wildlife such as moose and bears. Along the way, Liard River Hot Springs provides a perfect place to relax in natural thermal pools.

Conclusion

The United States offers road trip routes for every traveler, from coastal highways to mountain passes and historic trails. Whether you seek scenic beauty, cultural experiences, or adventure, these routes provide unforgettable journeys. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and hit the road for an experience of a lifetime.