Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? The United States is a land of diverse landscapes, rich history, and unparalleled beauty. In other words, it’s the ultimate playground for road trippers.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 classic American road trips that you can enjoy on your next vacation. From interstate highways to little-known scenic byways, these routes are the best places to go on a US road trip.
Read on to discover the perfect blend of adventure and nostalgia, where every mile is a story waiting to be told. Whether you’re chasing the sunset on Route 66 or winding through the breathtaking landscapes of the Blue Ridge Parkway, these road trips promise memories that will last a lifetime.
Get ready to hit the open road and experience the heart and soul of America.
1. Overseas Highway – Florida
Imagine embarking on a journey along the Overseas Highway, a remarkable stretch of road that connects mainland Florida to the tropical paradise of Key West. Covering a distance of approximately 113 miles, this iconic highway stretches across the shimmering waters of the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway was built over the remnants of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Begin your adventure in Key Largo, known for its world-class diving and the enchanting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Continue south to Marathon, where you can visit the Turtle Hospital and explore the picturesque Seven Mile Bridge. Finally, arrive in Key West, where you’ll find vibrant Duval Street, Hemingway’s Home, and the southernmost point of the United States.
If you want to make the most of your drive, there’s even a self-guided audio tour that you can listen to on the way. The Overseas Highway promises a captivating journey through a tropical paradise, making it one of the great American road trips to remember.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: If you don’t have a car that’s fit for a long road trip, consider a long term car rental. You’ll enjoy a comfortable and reliable vehicle without the responsibilities of ownership, and it can be more cost-effective than renting short-term.
2. Pacific Coast Highway – California to Washington
Did you know the PCH, also known as Highway 1, boasts one of the most scenic drives in the world? Driving along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway is an adventure like no other. This iconic route stretches 655 miles from San Diego to San Francisco, revealing breathtaking coastal landscapes that you won’t want to miss.
As you wind your way along the rugged shoreline, keep an eye out for elephant seals sunbathing on the beaches and migrating gray whales breaching the waves.
Highlights along the way include the vibrant artist enclave of Laguna Beach, the majestic Big Sur cliffs, and the charming coastal town of Monterey. Each bend in the road brings new vistas and adventures, making the Pacific Coast Highway an unforgettable American road trip.
Not counting the stops along the way, it takes about 10 to 12 hours of driving time to complete the entire journey.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
If you want a calm and relaxing drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place for it. This American scenic drive stretches 469 miles from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is out of bounds to commercial vehicles.
As you wind through the Appalachian Highlands, you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, vibrant wildflower meadows, and glimpses of indigenous wildlife. There are lots of scenic overlooks along the way, not to mention attractions.
In Virginia, you can immerse yourself in the region’s cultural richness at the Blue Ridge Music Center and stop at Chateau Morrisette Winery & Restaurant.
In North Carolina, the iconic stops include the Linn Cove Viaduct and the enchanting Craggy Gardens. You can also explore the vibrant city of Asheville and the Native American town of Cherokee, and stay at the New Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown for a comfortable visit.
It’s a breathtaking journey, but plan at least 12 to 15 hours behind the wheel. The road has a 45 MPH speed limit (72 KMH).
ⓘ PRO TIP: The Parkway does not plow or treat the road with chemicals, so sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are often closed to motor vehicles in winter due to snow and ice on the roadway.
4. Lincoln Highway – New York to California
When it comes to classic American road trips, few have as much cultural significance as the Lincoln Highway. This historic route was the first transcontinental roadway in the United States and one of the earliest roads built specifically for automobiles.
If you drive the entire distance—from Times Square to Lincoln Square, San Francisco—you’ll cover 3,142 miles and pass through 13 states and over 700 cities. The journey typically takes around 4-5 days if you power straight through.
However, that’s hardly the point of this adventure. The real charm lies in taking your time to explore the charming towns, scenic byways, and the remnants of a bygone era. You’ll stay at nostalgic motels, eat at quaint roadside diners, and stop at quirky attractions all along the way.
Some notable stops along the route include the Lincoln Highway Experience Museum in Pennsylvania, the World’s Largest Teapot in Ohio, the Great Salt Lake in Utah, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Nevada, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
You’ll also come tantalizingly close to the famous North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Regrettably, public tours are not available, but the proximity to this strategic command center adds a touch of intrigue to your journey.
5. Hana Highway – Maui Island, Hawaii
Hawaii may be known for its beaches, but it also offers a wonderful road trip experience. The Hana Highway, fondly known as the Road to Hana, is a breathtaking and iconic scenic road that spans approximately 64 miles along the northeastern coast of Maui.
Known for its stunning natural beauty, the highway is characterized by over 600 hairpin turns and numerous narrow one-lane bridges, making it an exhilarating and sometimes challenging drive. The winding route takes you through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and offers jaw-dropping coastal vistas.
Along the way, the road passes through charming small towns, such as Paia and Hana, where you can experience local culture and enjoy Hawaiian cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore attractions like the Garden of Eden Arboretum, Wai’anapanapa State Park (at mile marker 32), and the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o Gulch.
The Hana Highway road trip offers a unique opportunity to connect with Hawaii’s natural beauty and is a must-do for anyone seeking an adventure through tropical paradise. Be prepared with food, water, and a full tank of gas, because services are limited on this remote journey.
6. Route 66 – California to Illinois
No list of classic American road trips would be complete without mentioning the iconic Route 66. Spanning over 2,400 miles and cutting through 8 US states, this legendary highway runs from downtown Chicago to Santa Monica, California. It played a pivotal role in westward migration during the Dust Bowl era and became a favorite among California-bound vacationers.
As you traverse this historic road, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and an intimate glimpse into American culture, with numerous small towns dotting the landscape. Remnants of old gas stations, motels, and diners can still be found along the way, whispering tales of a bygone era.
You’ll need 32-38 hours behind the wheel to drive from beginning to end, so keep this in mind as you plan your Route 66 itinerary. The real magic of Route 66 lies in the stops and detours along the way. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the quirky Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and Missouri’s Jesse James Wax Museum. You’ll also be able to stop at the St. Louis Gateway Arch and drive down the main drag in Albuquerque. (Breaking Bad fans, rejoice!)
Two other things to do on Route 66 are visiting the fascinating Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma and staying at the Wigwam Motel in San Bernadino, California. The rooms are shaped like wigwams!
7. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway – New Mexico
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a hidden gem in the landscape of American road trips. This 83-mile route through northern New Mexico covers around 83 miles and encircles Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the state. The road travels through a diverse terrain, showcasing the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, lush forests, serene valleys, and high desert plains.
Starting and ending in Taos, this scenic drive passes through the charming towns of Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire, each offering its own unique character and attractions. Along the way, you’ll find remnants of the region’s mining and ranching history, coupled with the rich cultural tapestry of Native American and Hispanic influences.
One of our favorite stops on the drive was the iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which spans a dramatic canyon. It’s truly an engineering marvel and the breathtaking views make it a must-see stop on the journey.
It takes 3 hours to drive, but plan to spend most or all of the day on your journey. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a treat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, so if you have the time, enjoy the opportunities for hiking, skiing, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
8. Natchez Trace Parkway – Tennessee to Mississippi
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile road that winds its way through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. This historic route dates back to the late 1700s and was once used by Native Americans as a trading path.
Today, it’s a designated National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, offering visitors an opportunity to step back in time and explore the natural beauty of the southern United States. The speed limit never exceeds 50 mph, so you’ll have a leisurely and immersive journey.
The parkway is dotted with Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, as well as numerous historic sites, such as the ghost town of Rocky Springs and the burial mound at Emerald Mound. And for nature lovers, it also offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, birdwatching, and camping.
While you can drive the entire route nonstop in around 10 hours, we recommend spending 2-3 days to fully enjoy all this historic route has to offer. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy picnicking at one of the many scenic overlooks or historical sites along the way. The Natchez Trace Parkway truly offers a tranquil and unique road trip experience.
9. Kancamagus Highway – New Hampshire
Few experiences can rival a New England road trip in the fall, and The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is a breathtaking 34-mile scenic drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Also known as the “Kanc,” this winding road offers spectacular views of rugged mountain peaks, pristine forests, and crystal-clear rivers year-round.
If you’re a nature lover, this road trip is a must-do. You’ll want to make plenty of stops to take in the stunning landscape and explore hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, swimming holes, and overlooks. The Kanc also passes by popular attractions such as Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge.
While there are no services or gas stations on the highway itself, there are several campgrounds and motels nearby, in case you want to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the White Mountains.
The drive itself takes around 45 minutes to an hour, but we recommend dedicating a full day to enjoy all the stops and activities along the way.
ⓘ PRO TIP: To see all of the area’s famous highlights, download this inexpensive Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour app. Directions, local tips, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories will play automatically, all based on your location. The app runs offline using GPS; no cell service needed.
10. Great River Road – Minnesota to Louisiana
Spanning nearly 3,000 miles and following the course of the mighty Mississippi River, the Great River Road is a quintessential American road trip experience. Beginning in northern Minnesota at Lake Itasca, the road winds through 10 states, concluding at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.
This road trip is a profound exploration of American history. You can immerse yourself in the past by visiting key historical sites such as the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, the childhood home of Mark Twain in Missouri, and the well-preserved French colonial town of St. Genevieve in Illinois.
This journey isn’t just about the sights; it’s also a feast for your senses. Your taste buds will travel from the cheesy delights of Wisconsin to the zesty Cajun and Creole cuisine of Louisiana. Satisfy your BBQ cravings in Memphis, savor Mississippi’s freshest fish, and save room for the heavenly beignets of New Orleans.
Don’t miss attractions like the musical heritage of Memphis, Tennessee, the antebellum architecture of Natchez, Mississippi, and the vibrant riverfront of St. Louis, Missouri. You’ll also find plenty of chances for outdoor pursuits like birdwatching, hiking, and boating.
It takes approximately 35-40 hours to drive the route nonstop. But, we recommend taking at least 10-14 days to truly savor the experience.
Endnote
Taking long drives across America is a fantastic way to spend your holiday and bond with your family and friends. Pick one of these locations and plan a road trip with your loved ones. And don’t forget your camera!
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