In the United States, there are a lot of different types of road trips. There are mountain roads that wind through majestic peaks, highways that hug shimmering coasts, and national park routes that wind through breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the best road trips in the United States that you should take at least once in your lifetime.
1. Hana Highway (Hawaii)
Maui’s winding Hana Highway takes you through lush jungles, over exciting coastal cliffs, and past beautiful waterfalls. On the Hana Highway, there are beautiful views at every turn. In just 64 miles, you can drive over 600 bends and 50 bridges. Hana town, Waianapanapa State Park, and Oheo Gulch, with its series of flowing pools, are some of the best places to visit.
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2. Seward Highway Road Trip
From Anchorage to Seward, Alaska’s Seward Highway takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Last Frontier. This US road trip takes you through the dramatic Turnagain Arm, where you can see ice, mountains, and the rough coast. The cute town of Girdwood, the beautiful Kenai Peninsula, and the grand Exit Glacier Area are all fun places to stop along the way. On a road trip along the Seward Highway, you can see wildlife, go hiking, and learn about the rich cultural history of Alaska’s native people.
3. Arcadia All-American Road (Maine)
On this All-American Road in Maine, you can see the rough coastal beauty of Acadia National Park. Along this scenic drive, you can see rocky shores and thick woods. The beautiful Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, the loop road around Mount Desert Island, and the top of Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the East Coast, are some of the best places to visit. This drive is great for photographers and people who like being outside. During this US road trip, you can stop at rest stops to enjoy hikes, take pictures, and see cute New England towns.
4. Outer Banks Scenic Byway (North Carolina)
Take a road trip along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, which goes along the coast and has lighthouses, sandy beaches, and cute seaside towns. The Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the pretty town of Ocracoke are all historic places that you should see. If you’re looking for the perfect coastal road trip in the U.S., this drive has it all: natural beauty, naval history, and a laid-back beach town vibe.
5. Florida Keys Scenic Highway
Through a network of routes that connect a beloved group of islands in Florida, this US road trip goes right through the ocean. From Miami to Key West, it goes across 42 bridges that join different islands. See beautiful ocean views, coral reefs that are full of life, and cute beach towns. Some of the best things to see in Key West are the Seven Mile Bridge, the old town of Key West, and the beautiful beaches at Bahia Honda State Park. People who want a taste of the Caribbean in the mainland U.S. will love this tropical drive’s laid-back vibe.
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6. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
In the United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful road trip that goes from Virginia to North Carolina through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The parkway has many overlooks, hiking trails, and camping areas. It is famous for its beautiful views, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing color. To learn about the area’s cultural history, go to the Blue Ridge Music Center, the Linville Falls, and the old Mabry Mill.
7. Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)
Along the Beartooth Highway, you can see some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the United States. People have called it “the most beautiful drive in America” since it was built in the 1930s. In Wyoming, close to Yellowstone National Park, the road runs from Montana to Wyoming. At a high elevation, this trail goes through dramatic switchbacks, alpine meadows, and hills covered in snow. Some important stops are Beartooth Pass, which has great views, and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, which has beautiful vistas. People who like being outside will love this route because it lets them hike, watch wildlife, and even camp.
8. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Glacier National Park is part of this US road trip. The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road in the middle of Montana’s most famous park is a work of engineering genius. Along this mountain road, you can see glacial slopes, tall mountains, and clear lakes. The beautiful views of Lake McDonald and the Logan Pass, where you might see mountain goats and bighorn sheep, are two of the best parts. This route is a photographer’s dream and an outdoor lover’s dream, with lots of chances to hike, see wildlife, and enjoy the park’s rough beauty.
9. Columbia River Gorge (Oregon)
You can see waterfalls, lush woods, and stunning views of the Columbia River on a scenic drive through the Columbia River Gorge. The famous Multnomah Falls, the historic Vista House at Crown Point, and the beautiful Hood River Valley are some of the best things to see. This path is great for people who love being outside because it has lots of places to hike, windsurf, and learn about the area’s plants and animals. The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most famous examples of how beautiful Oregon’s nature is.
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10. Highway 101 (Oregon Coast)
Along Highway 101, you can see the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. This beautiful drive has dramatic views of the coast, sandy beaches, and cute seaside towns. At Cannon Beach, you can see the famous Haystack Rock. At Cape Meares, you can look at the old lighthouses and eat fresh fish. Along the way, you’ll also find lush forests, tide pools full of sea life, and beautiful lookouts like the one at Heceta Head Lighthouse. Oregon’s stretch of Highway 101 has a lot to offer, whether you want to go on a trip outside or just relax by the water.
11. Route 66 (Illinois to California)
Through the spirit of Americana, the Mother Road cuts a path. As it winds its way to the West Coast from the Midwest, this path kisses many of the most famous events in American history. It’s also one of the most famous road trips in the US. People come from all over the world just to run this road. Along this famous route, you can find unique roadside attractions, old motels, and classic diners. Visit the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the art deco buildings in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the desert ghost towns in the Mojave Desert. Route 66 is a unique way to see America’s past, whether you’re interested in history or just love road trips. Route 66 is now EV-friendly, so you can even go on an electric trip.
12. Minnesota’s North Shore
On a car trip along Highway 61, which goes from Duluth to Grand Portage, you can see the rugged beauty of Alaska’s North Shore. Along this scenic drive, you can see Lake Superior, tall cliffs, and lush woods. The beautiful Split Rock Lighthouse, the thundering waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls State Park, and the peaceful serenity of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are some of the best things to see. Hiking, kayaking, and visiting cute lakeshore towns like Two Harbors and Grand Marais are all possible on this US road trip.
13. Michigan Upper Peninsula Road Trip
People from Michigan are very proud of their beautiful Upper Peninsula, and they have good reason to be. People know the “U.P.” for its pristine wilderness, dramatic coastlines, and ancient sites. You can drive along US Highway 2 and M-28 to see beautiful places like the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which has rocks and waterfalls that are full of color, and the calm beaches of Lake Superior. You can see the beautiful Tahquamenon Falls, the historic town of Marquette, and experience the peace and quiet of Isle Royale National Park. Between Lakes Superior and Michigan, the Upper Peninsula splits. At the very end, it kisses Lake Huron. You can see these Great Lakes from the road, stop to hike, and take as many water breaks as you want along the way.
14. Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is known for its beautiful scenery and cultural diversity. This road trip takes you through its rolling hills, vineyards, and old towns. You should visit cute places like Bandera, which is known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” and Fredericksburg, which has German roots. You can taste wine at nearby wineries, see wildflowers in the spring, and visit the Hill Country State Natural Area to see its unique limestone formations. Along these roads, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports, cultural sites, and beautiful scenery.
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15. Great River Road (Mississippi River)
Along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is a beautiful side road that goes through ten states and shows a lot of American history and culture. From the river’s source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, there are cute river towns, historic places, and beautiful views of the river. Some of the best parts are Memphis’s lively music scene, Louisiana’s historic houses, and Iowa’s beautiful bluffs. For that reason, the Mississippi River is an important part of American culture. This is one of the best car trips in the USA.
16. The Great Lakes Circle Tour
Along this road trip, you’ll see the beautiful shores of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. It has both busy towns (like Chicago and Toronto) and peaceful nature spots (like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Sleeping Bear Dunes). This plan includes boating, fishing, and a variety of natural and cultural sights. For those in the US who take the time to do this road trip right, it will be an experience they will never forget.
17. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Almost all US road trip lists include this route because it’s so beautiful. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, it has beautiful views of the ocean, rough rocks, and cute beach towns like Santa Barbara and Monterey. Along the PCH, famous places to visit include the dramatic coastline of Big Sur, the cute Danish town of Solvang, and the glitzy beaches of Malibu. This is a great road trip for nature fans and people who like to try new things because there are lots of chances to see whales, hike, and check out coastal state parks.
18. San Juan Skyway (Colorado)
This beautiful (and a little scary) loop has dramatic mountain roads, old mining towns, and stunning views. Some important stops are Telluride, a great place to ski and visit in the summer, the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Ouray, a beautiful alpine town. The famous Million Dollar Highway is part of this US car trip. It’s not for the faint of heart. The highway goes right through the middle of the beautiful mountains, following the edges of sheer cliffs, tall peaks, dense woods, and raging waterfalls.
19. The Loneliest Road (Nevada)
The Loneliest Road in America, also known as U.S. Route 50, takes you through Nevada’s remote scenery. It goes through huge deserts, rough mountains, and empty towns that remind you of the state’s mining history. Take a trip to Austin, which is an eccentric town, Great Basin National Park, and Sand Mountain, which has interesting dunes. The stark beauty and lack of people on this drive make it a famous pick.
20. Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 takes you through red rock canyons, high desert, and old Native American sites that look like they belong in another world. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the many beautiful natural sights along this 124-mile road. It goes through two national parks, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. Enjoy hikes, rock climbing, and learning about the area’s unique rocks and bright colors. This drive is great for people who like to explore and people who want to see Utah’s stunning natural beauty.
21. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (New Mexico)
On this New Mexico road trip, you’ll go around the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Over the course of its 84 miles, this loop takes you through alpine woods, high deserts, and beautiful valleys. Visit the old town of Taos, the artist village of Arroyo Seco, and the ski resort of Red River. Check out the Rio Grande Gorge and Eagle Nest Lake for their beautiful scenery. Along the Enchanted Circle road trip, you can learn about history, enjoy nature, and see beautiful scenery.
22. Route 89A (Arizona)
This American road trip goes through Northern Arizona’s incredibly beautiful scenery. You’ll pass through the Oak Creek Canyon and see the red rocks of Sedona. The cool mountain town of Flagstaff is where the trip ends. Along the 89A, you can see beautiful canyons, colorful rock formations, and dense woods. Sedona is a great place to stop because of its tall red rocks and spiritual vortexes. As you drive through Oak Creek Canyon, there are several places to park and take a hike.
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