Discover the Best Road Trip Routes in the United States

Road trips are an American pastime, and for good reason. With endless miles of open roads and beautiful scenery, there is nothing quite like hitting the highway and exploring new places by car. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, an adventure through rugged landscapes, or a culinary journey, there are countless destinations perfect for a road trip. Here are some of the best places to take a road trip in the United States.

1. California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is arguably one of the most beautiful drives in the country, and for good reason. This iconic stretch of highway winds along the coast of California, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches. The drive is particularly stunning between San Francisco and Los Angeles, where the highway hugs the coast and passes through charming coastal towns like Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Barbara. Along the way, be sure to stop at Hearst Castle, Big Sur, and the Bixby Creek Bridge for some of the most unforgettable views in the state.

2. The Florida Keys

If you’re looking for a tropical road trip, the Florida Keys are the perfect destination. The Overseas Highway, which runs from Key Largo to Key West, offers some of the most stunning ocean views in the country

Along the way, you’ll pass through quaint fishing villages, crystal clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States, is a particularly popular destination for road trippers, with its laid-back island vibe, historic architecture, and colorful sunsets.

3. The Blue Ridge Parkway

For a scenic drive through the mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is hard to beat. This 469-mile road winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning views of the rolling hills, lush forests, and vibrant fall foliage. The drive is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Along the way, be sure to stop at the many overlooks, hiking trails, and historic sites, including the Blue Ridge Music Center and the Biltmore Estate.

4. The Great River Road

For a historic road trip, the Great River Road is a must-see. This 3,000-mile route follows the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana, passing through 10 states and countless historic sites along the way. Along the way, you’ll see the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri, the Civil War battlefields at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana.

5. The Grand Circle

For an adventure through rugged landscapes, the Grand Circle is the perfect road trip destination. This 1,400-mile loop winds through some of the most stunning national parks in the Southwest, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon. Along the way, you’ll see towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and otherworldly landscapes that have to be seen to be believed.

6. Route 66

No list of the best road trips in the United States would be complete without Route 66. This iconic highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states and countless classic American towns and landmarks along the way. Along the way, you’ll see the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and the Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs, Arizona.

7. The Oregon Trail

For a historic road trip through the Wild West, the Oregon Trail is a must-see. This 2,000-mile route follows the trail of pioneers who traveled west in the 1800s, passing through six states and countless historic sites along the way. Along the way, you’ll see landmarks like Independence Rock in Wyoming, the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon, and the Whitman Mission National Historic Site in Walla Walla, Washington. The route also passes through stunning landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge.

8. The Texas Hill Country

For a road trip through charming small towns and rolling hills, the Texas Hill Country is a must-see. This region is home to quaint towns like Fredericksburg, Bandera, and Gruene, as well as stunning natural landscapes like Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and the Guadalupe River. Along the way, you’ll also find some of the best barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine in the country.

9. The Great Lakes Circle Tour

For a scenic drive through the Midwest, the Great Lakes Circle Tour is a great option. This route follows the shores of all five Great Lakes, passing through charming towns and offering stunning views of the water. Along the way

You’ll see the Mackinac Bridge, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

10. The Outer Banks

For a coastal road trip through some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, the Outer Banks in North Carolina are a great option. This narrow strip of barrier islands stretches for over 100 miles, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Along the way, be sure to stop at landmarks like the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Final Destination

No matter what kind of road trip you’re looking for, there’s a destination in the United States that will fit the bill. From coastal drives to mountain vistas to historic landmarks, these ten destinations offer some of the best road trips in the country. So pack up your car, hit the open road, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget.

Discover the Best Road Trip Routes in the United States