Top Road Trip Routes Across the USA

While a plane may get you there faster, road-tripping across the US is one of the most iconically American adventures you can undertake. Get up close and personal with the country’s most striking landscapes—dense eastern forests, windswept plains, red rock canyons, and dramatic Pacific coastlines—while making pit stops at some of its most famous cities all in one journey.

Crisscrossed with an extensive network of well-maintained highway systems, the US is remarkably easy to traverse by car. Some distances may be long; however, gas, food, and accommodations are largely easy to come by. Therefore, having a set of wheels provides you the freedom to explore extra side quests along the way.

Here’s a list of our favorite routes across America’s wide-open spaces, along with some tips on how to maximize your adventure.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Best road trip for Pacific views
San Diego–Seattle; 1600 miles; 8–12 days

The Pacific Coast Highway delivers one of the US’ most iconic road trip experiences, linking together the West Coast’s most notable metropolises, quirky California beach towns, ancient redwood forests, and the dramatic capes and pools of the Pacific Northwest. This route includes Hwy 1, Hwy 101, and I-5, starting in San Diego; it winds up the coast through LA, Big Sur, San Francisco, and Redwood National & State Parks, eventually reaching Seattle.

Planning tip: Always check for road closures, particularly in the Big Sur area where rockslides are common along the sea cliffs.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

Best Appalachian road trip
Cherokee, NC–Waynesboro, VA; 469 miles; 2–5 days

This spectacular route takes you through the heart of the US’ oldest mountain range, delivering stunning views of rolling green mountains full of enchanting hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, ancient rock formations, and prolific wildlife. The Parkway, part of the NPS system, begins adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and passes through the spectacular Pisgah National Forest before ending at Shenandoah National Park.

Detour: In addition to state and national parks, many unique hikes originate along the Parkway. Consult trail maps to ensure you don’t miss some of Appalachia’s top routes.

3. Route 66

Best road trip for American kitsch
Chicago–Los Angeles; 2250 miles; 1–2 weeks

Nicknamed the Mother Road, Route 66 has permanently ingrained itself in the international psyche as the original US road trip. Starting in Chicago, it cuts across eight states and connects travelers to national parks, quirky roadside attractions, and an abundance of vintage Americana.

Planning tip: The route can be taken in sections or in its entirety; however, it is advised to allot plenty of time to explore, as distances are long and the activities are numerous.

4. Natchez Trace

Best road trip for Southern history
Pasquo, TN–Natchez, MS; 444 miles; 2–3 days

The path of the Natchez Trace was originally carved by buffalo that wandered the region. Indigenous hunters and traders soon followed, and later, the route became a vital thoroughfare for European colonists, soldiers, and dignitaries. Today, a journey down the Trace offers stunning scenery, historic towns, and the experience of traversing one of the nation’s most storied roads.

5. Florida Highway 1

Best road trip for Gulf Coast culture
Amelia Island–Key West; 475 miles; 6 days

Florida’s Hwy 1 runs the length of the state’s Atlantic Coast before banking east at Miami and concluding in stunning Key West. This splendid multi-day journey brings you through Florida’s most iconic stops: historic St Augustine, windswept Canaveral National Seashore, NASCAR-fueled Daytona, laid-back Fort Lauderdale, and the glam of Miami and South Beach.

Planning tip: Be aware of hurricane season from June through October, with the most active months being August and September, which can significantly impact your travel plans.

6. Badlands – Black Hills Loop

Best road trip to experience the Great Plains
Badlands National Park–Badlands National Park; 330 miles; 2 days

If you seek to understand the vastness of the Great Plains, head to South Dakota for this captivating road trip. Start at the breathtaking Badlands National Park before looping over to the Black Hills, home to the Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt Rushmore, and Wind Cave National Park. Along the way, witness buffalo herds, fascinating rock formations, and beautiful rolling hills.

7. San Juan Skyway

Best road trip for Rocky Mountain peaks
Durango–Durango; 236 miles; 1–3 days

The San Juan Skyway provides some of the Rockies’ most stunning views, featuring the famous Million Dollar Highway. This route connects Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and Mesa Verde National Park, known for the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, ski lover, landscape photographer, or simply enjoy a thrilling drive, San Juan Skyway has something for everyone.

Planning tip: Given its altitude, the San Juan Skyway can have unpredictable road conditions, especially during shoulder seasons. Therefore, always verify for closures or local alerts before embarking.

8. Richardson Highway

Best road trip for Alaska outdoors
Fairbanks–Valdez; 364 miles; 2–4 days

No road trip list would be complete without a journey through Alaska, the country’s largest and northernmost state. The Richardson Highway connects Fairbanks with Valdez and winds past dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers, offering travelers breathtaking natural attractions. Don’t forget to stop along the way for hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting opportunities.

9. Scenic Byway 12

Best road trip through red rock country
Bryce Canyon National Park–Capitol Reef National Park; 122 miles; 1 day

Southern Utah feels like an entirely different planet, and this backroads route showcases the best scenery this geologically diverse state has to offer. Starting your journey in Panguitch—right outside of Bryce Canyon—you’ll follow the road through red rock canyons, historic towns, and pine forests, concluding your adventure in Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, one of the west’s best-kept secrets.

Detour: From Torrey, it’s just a short drive to Moab, Canyonlands, and Arches, making these routes prime for witnessing Utah’s breathtaking national parks. The scenery along the route, with its sharp contrasts of red rocks, is simply spectacular.

10. Coastal New England

Best road trip for Atlantic maritime vibes
New York City–Portland, ME; 430 miles; 3–5 days

Prepare for delightful seafood chowder, charming oceanside towns, and abundant lobster to sample—this coastal New England adventure will definitely help you experience the region’s maritime culture. Start in New York City and head north along the coast, enjoying lovely beaches in Rhode Island, Massachusetts’ historical landmarks, and New Hampshire’s picturesque lighthouses before arriving in culinary-rich Portland, ME.

This article was first published May 22, 2019, and updated Jan 5, 2024.