Hit the Open Road on One of These Unforgettable 18 US Road Trips
Embarking on a road trip across vast and diverse U.S. landscapes is a one-of-a-kind adventure that promises a tapestry of experiences along rugged coastlines, over majestic mountain ranges, and right through the heart of American towns big and small.
The open road is calling and the anticipation of discovering hidden gems on so many exciting U.S. routes is an irresistible escapade for the adventurous traveler.
Pacific Coast Highway
California
Driving along Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, travelers can wind their way along the rugged California. Along with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, adventurers can explore charming coastal towns like Monterey and Santa Barbara, and iconic landmarks such as Big Sur and Hearst Castle.
Route 66
Illinois to California
Prepare to “get your kicks” as travelers embark on a historic and nostalgic journey from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Experience classic Americana through quirky roadside attractions, historic eateries, incredible scenery, and small towns that line this legendary highway.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Virginia to North Carolina
Cruise along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching through the Appalachian Mountains from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Visitors can marvel at the panoramic mountain vistas, verdant forests, and vibrant spectrum of yellow, red, and orange foliage if they’re visiting in the fall.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Montana
This engineering marvel winds through the heart of Glacier National Park. The park offers breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. The road spans about 50 miles and crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass at an elevation of more than 6,600 feet.
Great River Road
Mississippi River
Journeyers can follow the Great River Road along the mighty Mississippi Rover as it winds through 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana. It offers a fascinating look at different regions of America in charming river towns, historical sites, and scenic overlooks while experiencing the cultural richness of the Mississippi Delta.
Overseas Highway
Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway connects the mainland of Florida to the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys. Residents and visitors can travel the 113-mile highway while enjoying picturesque views of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and lush islands on the way from Key Largo to Key West.
Lake Superior Circle Tour
Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Officially, the Lake Superior Circle Tour runs for 1,300 miles along the deepest Great Lake through Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada. Staying in the US still allows drivers to see the beauty and explore the secrets of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and parts of Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Starting in the UP, travelers can enjoy Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and the Keweenaw Peninsula. Duluth, Minnesota offers picturesque lake views and Northern Wisconsin offers access to exploring the lake’s sea caves around the Apostle Islands.
Monument Valley Loop
Arizona and Utah
Monument Valley, with its iconic red rock landscapes on the border of Arizona and Utah, looks like something straight out of a movie. Visitors can marvel at the towering sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires that have served as the backdrop for countless films, including The Searchers and Forrest Gump.
Beartooth Highway
Montana and Wyoming
Visitors of all ages can experience the breathtaking beauty of the Beartooth Highway, which spans about 70 miles on the way to Yellowstone National Park. Travelers can wind their way through alpine forests, rugged peaks, and high mountain passes, including the famous Beartooth Pass, which sits nearly 11,000 feet above sea level.
Route 1A Coastal Byway (Maine)
Maine
This massive highway runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean coastline for over 2,000 miles, stretching from Maine all the way to Florida. In Maine, the route runs from Fort Kent to Kittery. Travelers can journey through nearly a half dozen regions of Maine and enjoy picturesque fishing villages, rocky shores, charming lighthouses, and savor fresh seafood along the way.
The Loneliest Road
Nevada
Though US-50 stretches from California to Nevada, the nearly 400+ mile stretch in Nevada is known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” as it cuts across the vast deserts and rugged mountain ranges of central Nevada. Despite its name, explorers can enjoy ghost towns, wide-open spaces, and beautiful, surreal landscapes.
Oregon Coast Highway
Oregon
US-101 in Oregon is the picturesque Oregon Coast Highway, a stretch that covers more than 350 miles in the Pacific Northwest. The rugged coastline features rocky cliffs, and pristine beaches alongside charming seaside towns, majestic lighthouses, and stunning natural wonders like Cannon Beach and Cape Perpetua.
Texas Hill Country
Texas
Texas Hill Country offers something for everyone — quaint towns, rolling hills, scenic vineyards, wildflower-lined roads, and historic landmarks such as the Alamo in San Antonio. The region includes bustling cities like San Antonio and Austin and the natural scenery of state parks and waterfalls, allowing travelers to create their own itineraries.
The Great Northern
Montana to Washington
After enjoying Glacier National Park in Montana, adventurers can continue their westward journey to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula on a route that follows the path of the former Great Northern Railway. This trip includes the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, pristine wilderness areas like North Cascades National Park, and vibrant cities like Seattle.
The Grand Circle
Arizona, Utah, Colorado
Those who love attraction-driven road trips will be in heaven as they discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of the American Southwest. The full loop covers over 1,500 miles and includes iconic sights like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands, each offering unique geological formations and breathtaking vistas.
Historic Columbia River Highway
Oregon
Follow the Historic Columbia River Highway for about 75 miles while it winds through the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Outdoor enthusiasts can marvel at magnificent waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, hike through lush forests, and admire stunning views of the gorge and Mount Hood.
Midwest College Football Stadium Tour
Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio
College football is a big deal in the Midwest each fall, so what better way to feed your pigskin passion than by visiting the Midwest’s iconic football stadiums?
From the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio to the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, there are plenty of spots to choose from. Whether travelers are fans of those teams or not, experiencing the atmosphere at each of them is a must for football fans.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois
Spanning well over 1,100 miles, a journey along the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline allows roadtrippers to enjoy a little bit of everything as they pass through big cities, a national park, national lakeshores, lighthouses, and plenty of magnificent beaches.
Adventurers can travel from Wisconsin to Northern Illinois, then loop around the lake and discover Michigan’s scenic lakefront from St. Joe over the Mackinac Bridge and across the southern Upper Peninsula.
Start Making Plans for an Exciting US Road Trip
From coast to coast and north to south, there’s an exciting road waiting to be traveled and an unforgettable trip to take. From iconic landmarks to magnificent views of natural beauty to historic and culturally rich towns, a road trip offers something for everyone.
The open road is beckoning, so pack a suitcase, chart a course, start the engines, and embark on an extraordinary adventure!