Road trips are the quintessential American adventure, offering a blend of freedom, discovery, and breathtaking scenery.
The United States boasts some of the world’s most iconic and jaw-dropping roads, ranging from coastal drives to mountainous terrains and historic routes.
Buckle up and hit the road with this ultimate guide to driving across the U.S.
Highway 101, Oregon Coast
Travel along Oregon’s Highway 101, winding through picture-perfect coastal towns, lush forests, and stunning ocean views.
This 363-mile route stretches along the Pacific coastline, offering opportunities for whale watching, beachcombing, and exploring historic lighthouses.
Towns like Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Newport are great bases for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Along this breathtaking route, explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, and the Sea Lion Caves.
There are tons of Airbnbs on the Oregon coast for staying a few nights if one of these cities demands a longer stay—the best road trips are those with flexibility!
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Drive the thrilling Million Dollar Highway in Colorado, navigating steep cliffs, hairpin turns, and breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.
This 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 between Ouray and Silverton offers some of the country’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
Explore historic mining towns and enjoy physical activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
The Million Dollar Highway is particularly stunning in the fall when the Aspen trees turn golden, creating a vibrant contrast against the rugged mountain landscape.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Traverse the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, offering awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes.
This 50-mile route crosses the Continental Divide, providing breathtaking views from Logan Pass and the Weeping Wall.
Explore hiking trails, spot wildlife such as grizzly bears and mountain goats, and enjoy the serenity of one of America’s most beautiful national parks. The road is typically open from late June to mid-October, making it a perfect summer and early fall destination.
Hana Highway, Maui
Experience the tropical paradise of Maui on the Hana Highway, a winding road offering waterfalls, lush rainforests, and panoramic ocean views. This 64-mile route stretches from Kahului to the town of Hana, passing through some of Maui’s most scenic landscapes.
Adventure to waterfalls like Wailua Falls and Ohe’o Gulch, hike through the lush rainforest of Haleakalā National Park, and enjoy the serenity of one of Hawaii’s most photo-worthy islands. The road has many beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the natural beauty of this tropical paradise.
When trying to figure out where to stay in Maui along your adventure, save money by opting for an Airbnb rather than one of the island’s many ritzy resorts.
Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica
Drive the legendary Route 66 and experience the nostalgia of classic Americana. This historic route takes you through eight states, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
From Chicago‘s skyscrapers to the deserts of Arizona and California’s beaches, historic Route 66 is a journey through time.
Stop at iconic landmarks like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and the Santa Monica Pier in California. Indulge in classic diner food, explore quirky roadside attractions, and soak up the vibrant culture along the Mother Road.
Pacific Coast Highway, California (Highway 1)
Embark on a mesmerizing journey along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, stretching from Monterey to Morro Bay. This iconic route offers a stunning blend of rugged coastline, romantic beaches, and iconic landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge and Big Sur.
Stop at charming coastal towns, indulge in fresh seafood, and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the coastal redwoods in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the artist community of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
Journey from Miami to Key West on the stunning Overseas Highway, driving over breathtaking bridges and experiencing the laid-back island vibes of the Florida Keys.
This 113-mile route takes you through a series of tropical islands, offering opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and enjoying the pristine beaches.
Stop at iconic landmarks like the Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, and the southernmost point of the continental U.S. in Key West. Indulge in fresh seafood, explore quirky art galleries, and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
Follow the mighty Mississippi River on the Great River Road, passing through river towns, historic sites, and natural landscapes. This 3,000-mile route stretches from Minnesota to Louisiana, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the American South.
Party on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home in Missouri, and admire the natural tranquility of the Mississippi River Valley. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample regional cuisine, attend local festivals, and enjoy the hospitality of the communities along the river.
Bluebonnet Trail, Texas
Experience the beauty of Texas Hill Country on the Bluebonnet Trail, where you’ll be surrounded by fields of vibrant bluebonnet wildflowers in the spring.
This scenic route stretches through the heart of Texas, passing through sweet small towns like Fredericksburg, Burnet, and Marble Falls.
Enjoy the peacefulness of the Texas countryside, explore local wineries, and indulge in authentic Texas barbecue. The Bluebonnet Trail is particularly stunning in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom, creating a colorful landscape that is truly a sight to behold.
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12
Discover Utah’s diverse landscapes on Scenic Byway 12, which passes through Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef National Parks.
This 124-mile route offers breathtaking views of red rock canyons, towering rock formations, and stunning desert landscapes.
Spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep and mule deer and enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Along this route, stop at gorgeous overlooks like Bryce Point, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, and the Anasazi State Park Museum.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, this amazing route offers panoramic views of lush forests, rolling hills, and vibrant foliage in the fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina, passing through Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Discover quaint mountain towns and enjoy breathtaking overlooks like Craggy Gardens and Linville Falls. The parkway is particularly stunning during the fall months when the leaves change colors, creating a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
See history and nature at its finest on the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile route dotted with archaeological sites, hiking trails, and dramatic overlooks.
This historic trail follows the path of the Old Natchez Trace, a significant trade route used by Native Americans and early settlers.
Start your trip with a few nights at a hotel in Nashville before driving to explore historic sites like Emerald Mound while enjoying breathtaking views of the Tennessee and Mississippi countryside.
The parkway offers opportunities for birdwatching, cycling, and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the American South.
The Loneliest Road, Nevada (Highway 50)
Explore the remote landscapes of Nevada on Highway 50, aptly named “The Loneliest Road.” This road offers solitude, vast desert vistas, and intriguing roadside attractions.
This 287-mile route stretches from Carson City to Baker, passing through the Great Basin National Park and the high desert of central Nevada.
Discover historic mining towns, marvel at the stark beauty of the desert, and enjoy the tranquility of one of America’s least-traveled highways. Stop at quirky roadside attractions like the Shoe Tree and the petroglyphs at Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area.
The Black Hills, South Dakota
Explore the iconic Black Hills of South Dakota, home to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and stunning natural landscapes.
This 125-mile route takes you through some of South Dakota’s most famous attractions, including Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. During your drive, you can also discover historic towns like Deadwood and Lead.
The best time to drive this route is in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a colorful backdrop against the rock formations.
The Enchanted Circle, New Mexico
Journey through the Land of Enchantment on the Enchanted Circle, a loop showcasing New Mexico’s diverse terrain, from mountains to deserts.
This 85-mile route takes you through the Carson National Forest, passing through cute towns like Taos, Angel Fire, and Eagle Nest.
Explore historic adobe churches, hike trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and fishing. During your drive, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Taos Pueblo, Rio Grande Gorge, and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Byway.
The Oregon Trail, Oregon to Wyoming
Trace the historic Oregon Trail from Oregon to Wyoming, exploring landmarks, museums, and breathtaking natural landscapes along the way.
This 2,000-mile route follows the path of the Oregon Trail, a historic route used by pioneers traveling west during the 19th century. Historic sites like Fort Laramie, Independence Rock, and the Oregon Trail Ruts, along with landscapes such as the Snake River and the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center are among the best things to do while on your way.
The Oregon Trail offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the challenges and adventures faced by early American settlers.
The Great Northern, Montana
Experience the beauty of Montana on The Great Northern, which offers views of Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and the Northern Rocky Mountains.
This 430-mile route takes you through some of Montana’s most stunning landscapes, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, the quaint town of Whitefish, and the scenic shores of Flathead Lake.
Spot wildlife such as grizzly bears and elk and enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Great Northern is best embarked on in the summer and early fall when the wildflowers are in bloom, creating a colorful landscape.
The Florida Scenic Highway, A1A
Drive along Florida’s stunning coastline on the A1A, passing through laidback beach towns, pristine waters, and breathtaking ocean views.
This 328-mile route stretches along Florida’s Atlantic coastline, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the Sunshine State’s famous beaches.
Discover historic landmarks like the St. Augustine Lighthouse, explore top towns like Daytona Beach and Palm Beach, and get outside with activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. While driving, ensure you make time to visit the Kennedy Space Center, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, and the Sebastian Inlet State Park.
There’s a reason to visit every US state
From coast to coast, each US state offers at least one family-friendly reason to visit. The best things to do in every US state prove that the country is a diverse quilt of culture and cuisine.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
