There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road and exploring the beauty of the United States by car. From coast to coast, the US is home to some of the most scenic and iconic road trips in the world. Here are 7 of the best road trips in the US that are sure to create lasting memories.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
This iconic road trip takes you along the California coast, where you’ll be treated to breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside towns. The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is particularly scenic, taking you through Big Sur and Hearst Castle. The Big Sur section of the Pacific Coast Highway is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The winding road hugs the cliffs, offering panoramic ocean views and passing through redwood groves. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights, including famous landmarks like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Also known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 is one of the most famous road trips in the US. The route takes you through the heart of America, passing through small towns, deserts, and the Grand Canyon. Route 66 was one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway System and it runs from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, covering around 2,448 miles (3,940 km). This historic road trip offers a glimpse into Americana, passing through small towns and iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The road trip passes through 8 states, and offers a variety of scenery, from deserts to mountains, and the route is dotted with quirky roadside attractions, historic landmarks, and charming small towns.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
This scenic drive takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. The parkway is home to many hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and charming small towns. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile-long scenic drive that runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breath-taking views of the Appalachians. The route passes through the states of Virginia and North Carolina and offers a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills, and majestic peaks. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike, camp, and explore the great outdoors. Some of the must-see sights along the Blue Ridge Parkway include the Mabry Mill, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and the Craggy Gardens.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
This road trip takes you along the Mississippi River and through 10 states. You’ll pass through small towns, national parks, and cities like St. Louis and New Orleans. The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles, passing through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. The route offers a diverse array of landscapes, from the upper Mississippi’s bluffs to the lower Mississippi’s swamps. Along the way, you’ll find historic towns, national parks, and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the great outdoors. Some of the must-see sights along the Great River Road include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, and the French Quarter in New Orleans.
Overseas Highway, Florida
This road trip takes you through the Florida Keys, where you’ll be treated to views of crystal-clear waters and lush tropical landscapes. The drive takes you over 42 bridges, including the famous 7-Mile Bridge. The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile-long stretch of road that runs through the Florida Keys, connecting Key Largo to Key West. The route offers breathtaking views of the ocean, as well as access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to fish, snorkel, and explore the great outdoors. Some of the must-see sights along the Overseas Highway include the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Southernmost Point in the continental United States.
Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
This scenic drive takes you through the Rocky Mountains and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The route is known for its stunning views, including the majestic Beartooth Pass, which at an elevation of 10,947 feet, it is one of the highest points of the highway. The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile stretch of road that runs through the Rocky Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike, camp, and explore the great outdoors. Some of the must-see sights along the Beartooth Highway include the Top of the World Store, the Beartooth Lake, and the Natural Bridge.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This road trip takes you through the heart of Glacier National Park, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile stretch of road that runs through the heart of Glacier National Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike, camp, and explore the great outdoors. Some of the must-see sights along the Going-to-the-Sun Road include Logan Pass, the highest point on the road at 6,646 feet, the Weeping Wall, a beautiful waterfall that cascades down the cliffs, and the Jackson Glacier Overlook, where you can see one of the park’s remaining glaciers. The road is only open during the summer months, usually from June to September, due to heavy snowfall during the winter. This road trip offers a chance to see the diverse landscapes of the park, such as glaciated valleys, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks.
Each of these road trips offers a unique and memorable experience, showcasing the diverse beauty of the United States. Whether you’re looking for ocean views, mountain vistas, or historic landmarks, there’s a road trip out there for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the open road, and explore the best the US has to offer.
