19 Best Road Trips in The US in 2023

Dave and I really like highway journeys, and we’ve taken plenty of them all over the world. In our 30 years collectively, we’ve pushed plenty of the United States. It is a big nation and it will take a lifetime to see all of it, however we have now put fairly a dent in the backroads of America and put collectively this information the place we have now compiled among the greatest highway journeys in the USA that promise breathtaking views, fascinating points of interest, and an unforgettable journey.

From the sun-drenched coasts of California to the rugged fantastic thing about the Rocky Mountains, the USA is dwelling to among the most various and placing landscapes in the world. There isn’t any higher method to discover this huge nation than by taking a highway journey. So buckle up and put together to hit the open highway!

Great Road Trips in The US

Before hitting the highway in America, make sure you decide up your National Parks Entrance Pass. The $80 USD annual payment provides entry to United States nationwide parks and nationwide wildlife refuges and nationwide forests. This American Road Trip information goes by means of plenty of National Parks and National Forests and also you don’t need to at all times be scrambling for money.

If you might be flying in and have to hire a automotive, try RentalCars.com for automotive rental comparisons in the vacation spot of your alternative.

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is without doubt one of the most iconic and greatest highway journeys in the US and for good motive. Stretching from simply north of San Francisco to Capistrano Beach between Los Angeles and San Diego, this drive gives unimaginable views of the Pacific Ocean and provides you an unmatched style of the California shoreline.

The most scenic stretch begins as you drive south from San Francisco. Driving throughout the Golden Gate Bridge, the town is left behind and also you begin to see the true fantastic thing about this drive. A bit additional down the highway is Santa Cruz, identified for its laid-back surf tradition and the colourful Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Continue on to Monterey, the place you possibly can Kayak with sea lions as we did or simply stroll alongside Cannery Row, made well-known by novelist John Steinbeck. Then comes the piece de resistance, Big Sur. This is a superb place to cease and do some tenting and it’ll let you take a while to cease at McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades instantly into the Pacific Ocean, and Pfieffer Beach which is an unimaginable place for sundown.

Pass by means of the opulent city of Santa Barbara, referred to as the “American Riviera”, earlier than ending your journey in Los Angeles or persevering with on to San Diego. The complete route is understood for its stunning seashores and family-friendly points of interest.

After doing this drive we understood why the PCH is a standout amongst American highway journeys. Its imposing shoreline, intriguing points of interest, and various landscapes present a really unforgettable journey.

Location: California Distance: Approximately 600 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 5 to 7 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer crowded vacationer spots

2. Route 66: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California

One of essentially the most iconic and historic highways in the United States, Route 66, often known as the Main Street of America, is a highway journey steeped in the tradition and historical past of the nation. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, all the way in which to Santa Monica, California, this epic 2,448-mile journey takes you thru a broad cross-section of American landscapes and landmarks.

Starting in Chicago, you’ll move by means of the cornfields of Illinois, the plains of Kansas, the desert landscapes of Arizona, and eventually, the sandy seashores of California. This various journey is an immersive expertise that provides you a way of the vastness and variety of the nation.

Along the way in which, you’ll encounter many iconic landmarks and sights. These embody the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, the Cadillac Ranch public artwork set up in Texas, and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Every cease on Route 66 holds a bit of American historical past, whether or not it’s a classic fuel station, a basic diner, or a unusual roadside attraction.

Route 66 isn’t only a freeway—it’s a slice of Americana. It embodies a spirit of freedom, discovery, and nostalgia that resonates with road-trippers. Traveling alongside Route 66 is a journey again in time, providing a glimpse into a major period of American historical past.

Whether you’re eager on exploring the cultural heritage of America, in its architectural landmarks, or just in search of various experiences, Route 66 gives an unforgettable highway journey. As you traverse this historic freeway, you’ll not solely witness the altering landscapes but additionally the evolution of America itself.

See the entire prime points of interest on Route 66 right here.

Location: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California Distance: Approximately 2,448 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 weeks Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate

3. Scenic Byway 12: Red Canyon to Torrey, Utah

Scenic Byway 12 is a 123-mile-long highway situated in Utah. This magnificent stretch of highway is understood for its various geological options and jagged formations and crimson rock landscapes. It is without doubt one of the most scenic highways in the nation.

Starting at Red Canyon, you’ll traverse landscapes that shift from rust-red cliffs to sprawling alpine forests. The drive takes you thru a number of state parks and nationwide parks, together with Bryce Canyon National Park which is famend for its distinctive spire-shaped rock formations that everybody is aware of so properly from outdated Westerns. You’ll be dazzled by the slot canyons and sandstone cliffs of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

A spotlight of the drive is the stretch referred to as the Hogback, the place the highway is bordered by steep cliffs dropping off into the valley beneath, providing exhilarating views. Other notable stops alongside the route embody the Anasazi State Park Museum, which showcases the historical past and tradition of the Anasazi People, and the city of Boulder, which holds the excellence of being one of many final communities in the U.S. to obtain mail by mule.

End your journey in the city of Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. Here you possibly can additional discover Utah’s distinctive geological landscapes, characterised by layered sandstone, canyons, and placing rock formations.

If you might be searching for an important National Parks Road Trip, Scenic Byway 12 gives a rewarding journey by means of among the most picturesque and various landscapes in the United States.

Location: Red Canyon to Torrey, Utah Distance: Approximately 123 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 1 to 2 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer crowds

4. Hana Highway: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii

The world-famous Hana Highway is without doubt one of the prime highway journeys in America. This 45-mile (72 km) stretch of highway runs from Hana to Paia on Maui in Hawaii. It could also be brief, however this single-lane freeway working alongside the north shore of Maui is an awe-inspiring drive with a twisting coastal highway clinging to the rocky shores containing 600 hairpin turns and crossing 59 bridges.

If you’re up for an unique and tropical highway journey, the Hana Highway on the island of Maui, Hawaii, is the one for you. This 64.4-mile stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 is understood for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and ocean vistas.

Beginning in Paia, the Hana Highway winds alongside Maui’s northeastern coast, traversing 59 bridges (a lot of that are one-lane) and greater than 600 curves. The drive is famend for its breathtaking views of pristine rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the glowing Pacific Ocean.

Stop by the Garden of Eden Arboretum, dwelling to a various vary of tropical vegetation, or go to the historic Keanae Peninsula for a glimpse of outdated Hawaii. Another must-see is the Wai’anapanapa State Park, the place you possibly can discover a black sand seashore, a seabird colony, lava tubes, blowholes, and freshwater caves.

Your journey concludes in the small, remoted city of Hana, a spot that feels worlds away from the bustling resorts of Maui. Here, you possibly can discover Hana Beach Park, the Hasegawa General Store, and the Hana Cultural Center and Museum.

The Hana Highway gives an unforgettable tropical highway journey, permitting you to discover the pure wonders and cultural heritage of Maui at a leisurely tempo. With 18 waterfalls, the Haleakala National Park, bamboo forests, and Banyan timber, that is the drive of a lifetime. See the entire information to Road to Hana: Highway Map, Things to Do, And Tips

Location: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii Distance: Approximately 64.4 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 1 to 2 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Year-round, though winter could be rainier

5. Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West, Florida

It is really certainly one of our favourite highway journeys in America. Driving from Miami to Key West transforms from mainland USA to a bit of slice of the Caribbean. Once you hop on the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys you are feeling as you probably have entered a unique nation.

If you’re dreaming of an idyllic coastal drive, then the Overseas Highway will definitely ship. This 113-mile freeway, a part of U.S. Route 1, begins in Miami and ends in Key West, the southernmost level of the continental United States. The route traverses the beautiful archipelago of the Florida Keys, providing placing views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the encompassing islands.

Your journey will begin amidst the bustle of Miami. As you proceed, the city panorama regularly provides method to the serene tropical fantastic thing about the Keys. The freeway, typically known as the Highway That Goes to Sea, is a marvel of contemporary engineering. It contains 42 bridges, essentially the most iconic of which is the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.

Along the route, there are various alternatives for leisure actions equivalent to fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking. You can even go to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the primary undersea park in the United States, or the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key.

Upon reaching Key West, benefit from the laid-back vibe of this small however vigorous island metropolis. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, benefit from the sundown at Mallory Square, or simply calm down at one of many many sandy seashores. Now that’s a highway journey!

The Overseas Highway gives an distinctive mix of lovely coastal views, leisure actions, and cultural experiences. It’s a highway journey that mixes journey, rest, and the distinctive attraction of the Florida Keys.

Location: Miami to Key West, Florida Distance: Approximately 113 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three days Best Time of Year to Travel: Winter and spring, when the climate is gentle and dry

6. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina

Connecting two nationwide parks – Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina – the Blue Ridge Parkway is a serene and scenic route identified for its beautiful mountain vistas, various plant and animal life, and historic and cultural treasures.

Starting in Virginia, the Parkway meanders by means of the Appalachian Mountains, providing unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge mountain vary. The route’s many overlooks present numerous alternatives to cease, take in the views, and snap a memorable photograph.

Attractions alongside the way in which embody the Humpback Rocks, which supply perception into the lifetime of the area’s early settlers, and the Peaks of Otter with its plentiful leisure actions. Don’t miss the enduring Mabry Mill, some of the photographed websites on the Parkway, and an important place to be taught concerning the early grist and sawmilling processes.

Upon reaching North Carolina, you’ll come throughout the very best level of the Parkway at Richland Balsam Overlook, standing at an elevation of 6,053 toes. Further alongside, the Parkway concludes close to the southern entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited nationwide park.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is greater than only a highway; it’s a wonderful journey that intertwines with the cultural and pure historical past of the Appalachian Mountains.

Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina Distance: Approximately 469 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring for flowering shrubs and timber, fall for vibrant foliage

7. Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana

For a really spectacular mountain driving expertise, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park is a must-do. This 50-mile route, identified for its excellent pure magnificence, dramatic cliffs, and awe-inspiring vistas, is a testomony to human engineering skill.

Your journey begins on the park’s west entrance and winds by means of mountainous terrain, providing breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. A spotlight of the drive is Logan Pass, the very best level on the highway, with an elevation of 6,646 toes. Here, you possibly can cease on the customer middle or discover the close by mountain climbing trails.

Along the way in which, there are quite a few alternatives for outside actions. You can hike alongside the park’s intensive path system, go wildlife recognizing, or just get pleasure from a picnic amidst the beautiful panorama. The highway can also be a gateway to lots of the park’s prime points of interest, together with Lake McDonald, the Garden Wall, and the St. Mary Valley.

Going-to-the-Sun Road gives an unforgettable journey by means of among the nation’s most dramatic landscapes. This drive is not only about reaching your vacation spot—it’s about soaking in the grandeur of nature alongside the way in which.

Location: Glacier National Park, Montana Distance: Approximately 50 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 1 day Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer, when all the route is open. Note that sure sections of the highway could also be closed in different seasons attributable to snow.

8. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

If you’re seeking to discover a panoramic mix of coastal, rainforest, and mountainous landscapes, the Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington State is the highway journey for you. Encircling the Olympic National Park, the Loop is a veritable showcase of the Pacific Northwest’s pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage.

Starting from Seattle, the 330-mile journey brings you onto scenic Highway 101. Your first cease could possibly be the Victorian seaport city of Port Townsend, identified for its well-preserved Victorian buildings and vibrant arts scene.

As you proceed west, make sure that to discover the magnificent Hoh Rainforest, one of many largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail, and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped into one other world, the place each floor is roofed in a lush blanket of moss.

Further alongside the coast, the placing sea stacks and driftwood-covered seashores of Ruby Beach supply an ideal spot for images. Stop by the coastal Native American village of La Push to soak in the sights and be taught concerning the native Quileute tradition.

The city of Forks is a must-visit for Twilight followers, whereas the Sol Duc Hot Springs is the place to calm down in mineral-rich thermal swimming pools. As you full the Loop, don’t miss the panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada from Hurricane Ridge.

The Olympic Peninsula Loop gives an immersive exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s various ecosystems and charming communities. It’s a highway journey that lingers in your reminiscence lengthy after the journey’s finish.

Location: Olympic Peninsula, Washington Distance: Approximately 330 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring to fall; summer season gives the most effective climate, whereas fall presents spectacular autumn colours.

9. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

Trail Ridge Road in Colorado, part of Rocky Mountain National Park, is an awe-inspiring journey by means of certainly one of America’s most iconic landscapes. Known because the “Highway to the Sky,” Trail Ridge Road holds the excellence of being the very best constantly paved highway in the United States, reaching elevations of over 12,000 toes.

Your journey begins in the charming city of Estes Park, a vacation spot in its personal proper, famed for its distinctive retailers, eating places, and the historic Stanley Hotel, which impressed Stephen King’s “The Shining.”

As you ascend on Trail Ridge Road, you transition from verdant forests into the subalpine area, the place wildflowers shade the panorama in the hotter months. Eventually, you attain the alpine world above the tree line. This tundra-like surroundings, sparse but hauntingly stunning, gives panoramic views that stretch to Wyoming in the north and the guts of Colorado in the south.

Don’t miss the Alpine Visitor Center, situated close to the very best level of the highway. It gives displays on the alpine tundra ecosystem, a present store, and a café. Take a stroll alongside the adjoining Alpine Ridge Trail for much more breathtaking vistas.

Descending the western slope, you arrive at Grand Lake, a serene mountain city on the shores of Colorado’s largest pure lake. Here, you possibly can calm down, dine, and recreate earlier than persevering with your Colorado journey.

Driving Trail Ridge Road is a mesmerizing expertise, crammed with pure grandeur and infinite views. It’s a testomony to the wild, rugged fantastic thing about the Rocky Mountains.

Location: Estes Park to Grand Lake, Colorado Distance: Approximately 48 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three hours, however permit additional time for stops and exploration Best Time of Year to Travel: Late May to October, relying on snow situations; the highway is closed in winter attributable to heavy snowfall.

10. Alaska Highway: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska

For the adventurous road-tripper searching for the grandeur of untouched wilderness, the Alaska Highway, often known as the ALCAN, is a visit of a lifetime. Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska, the freeway traverses by means of among the most distant and rugged landscapes in North America.

Experience unparalleled vistas of snow-capped mountains, huge forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Along the route, preserve an eye fixed out for an array of wildlife, together with moose, bears, and eagles. Attractions embody Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, certainly one of Canada’s largest pure sizzling springs, and Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its glaciers and excessive peaks.

Location: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska Distance: Approximately 1,387 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 5 to 7 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer, for the most effective climate and highway situations

11. Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway, a part of U.S. Route 550, is a brief however unforgettable route in Colorado. Known for its jaw-dropping mountainous views, the drive from Silverton to Ouray is taken into account some of the stunning in the nation.

As you traverse this route, you’ll be handled to staggering views of the Uncompahgre Gorge, the San Juan Mountains, and quite a few waterfalls. The highway is particularly stunning in the autumn when the encompassing aspen timber flip a superb gold. Note that this drive isn’t for the faint-hearted—it options steep cliffs, slim lanes, and no guardrails.

Location: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado Distance: Approximately 25 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 1 day Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer and fall, when the highway is freed from snow

12. Natchez Trace Parkway: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive by means of distinctive surroundings and 10,000 years of North American historical past. Used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” settlers, and future presidents, the Old Trace performed an vital position in American historical past. Today, guests can get pleasure from not solely a scenic drive but additionally mountain climbing, biking, horseback using, and tenting.

Beginning in Natchez, Mississippi, the Parkway takes you thru a myriad of fixing landscapes: from the deep forests of Mississippi, the rolling farmland of Alabama, to the hills of Tennessee. It’s not unusual to see quite a lot of wildlife from the consolation of your automotive, together with deer, turkeys, and quite a few fowl species.

Historical highlights alongside the way in which embody the Emerald Mound, one of many largest Native American mounds in the United States, and the Meriwether Lewis Monument, devoted to the famed explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Near the Tennessee finish of the Parkway, you possibly can discover the Old Trace Drive, one of many final remaining segments of the unique Natchez Trace.

Upon reaching the colourful metropolis of Nashville, you’ll discover a distinction to the tranquil journey alongside the Parkway, however with its personal historic and cultural points of interest, such because the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the historic Ryman Auditorium.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a journey of magnificence, historical past, and tradition, that really has one thing for everybody.

Location: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee Distance: Approximately 444 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring for blooming wildflowers, fall for colourful foliage

13. Park Loop Road, Maine

Nestled in the guts of Acadia National Park, the Park Loop Road in Maine presents a fascinating journey by means of a various array of landscapes together with mountains, forests, and the rugged Atlantic shoreline. This 27-mile loop showcases the park’s highlights, making it a must-visit highway journey for nature lovers and outside lovers.

Your journey begins on the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the place you possibly can collect maps and details about the park. As you enterprise onto Park Loop Road, you’ll first encounter the Sieur de Monts Spring, dwelling to the Wild Gardens of Acadia and the Abbe Museum, which highlights the tradition and historical past of Maine’s Native American tribes.

Further alongside, you possibly can marvel on the sheer cliffs and crashing waves at Thunder Hole, a pure rock inlet the place the ocean typically creates thunderous sounds and spectacular splashes. The close by Sand Beach, though often too chilly for swimming, is ideal for a scenic stroll or a picnic.

Don’t miss the chance to drive as much as the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the very best level alongside the North Atlantic seaboard. Arrive at dawn or sundown for a really unforgettable spectacle.

Continuing on, you’ll discover a number of pullouts with views of picturesque harbors, off-shore islands, and mountain vistas. Explore Jordan Pond Path, a leisurely path round a crystal-clear glacial lake with the North and South Bubble Mountains framing the scene.

A drive alongside Park Loop Road supplies a various and enriching expertise of Acadia National Park’s pure treasures. It’s a highway journey that encapsulates the sweetness and attract of coastal Maine.

Location: Acadia National Park, Maine Distance: Approximately 27 miles Suggested Time to Complete: Half to a full day, relying on stops and actions Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring by means of fall; the highway is often closed in winter attributable to snow situations.

14. Arizona Road Trip

Arizona is without doubt one of the biggest states for road-tripping in the United States. From Tucson to The Grand Canyon, this drive takes you thru essentially the most stunning desert and rocky panorama in the nation. Explore the Wild West Town of Tombstone Arizona and be awed by the cactus forests of Saguaro National Park West. See the cosmically religious metropolis of Sedona for some Native historical past and marvel on the Montezuma Castle monument.

This highway journey route pops onto Route 66 the place you’ll get to face on the nook of Winslow, Arizona earlier than witnessing the unimaginable monument valley.

There are so many issues to see and earlier than the journey is over you’ll witness Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon previous to reaching the Grand Canyon National Park. Could this be higher? Read all the Arizona Road Trip, Itinerary to begin planning.

15. California’s Interior – LA to Yosemite

Most folks consider the Pacific Coast Highway 1 by means of Big Sur on a California highway journey, however driving the inside of California is the place all the enduring surroundings involves life.

California Route 95 is a basic drive stretching from the Mexico border in Arizona all the way in which to Canada. While this highway journey doesn’t spend plenty of time on that freeway, it does cease at unimaginable highway journey locations unto itself.

From Los Angeles drive west to see Joshua Tree National Park and marvel at these unusual outdated twisted timber earlier than driving on to the Mojave National Preserve earlier than popping into the most well liked, lowest and driest place you’ll ever encounter. Death Valley National Park is a stark panorama that reaches temperatures of 120 levels.

At 282 toes beneath sea stage, additionally it is the bottom level in all of North America but it surely captures a magnificence past creativeness. The journey continues to stunning Mammoth Lakes and eventually ends at Yosemite National Park. Read extra at our: California highway journey.

16. Scenic Route 100: Wilmington to Stowe, Vermont

Crossing into Vermont is our “Go-To” vacation spot for snowboarding exterior of Quebec. But in the summer season, this can be a beautiful highway journey that can also be well-known for its fall colors. Vermont’s longest freeway takes you thru the New England Villages of the Green Mountains. While this may be pushed any time of 12 months, we recommend in autumn when the autumn colors are in full swing.

Pop into Lake Whitingham for some paddling earlier than heading to West Dover to do some mountain climbing or mountain biking up the mountain of Mount Snow.

Don’t neglect to pop into Plymouth Notch to see the birthplace of President Calvin Coolage earlier than driving on to Waterbury to tour the Ben and Jerry’s manufacturing facility. Mmm, I really like ice cream on a highway journey.

The journey ends at Stowe, our favourite ski resort in Vermont the place you possibly can go to the highest of Mt. Mansfield for epic views. (you don’t even should hike this one, you possibly can drive straight to the highest! This is unquestionably among the finest east coast highway journeys in the US.

17. Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (and Beyond)

We spent one summer season driving throughout the inside of California, Nevada, and Utah, and the place that stunned us essentially the most was Las Vegas. Not the town itself, however the stunning panorama surrounding it. Make positive to do some mountain climbing at Red Rocks earlier than you allow city.

As you allow the town, cease to see Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. It’s solely a four-hour drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon however there’s a lot happening in this little circle tour by means of Nevada and Arizona.

For one thing distinctive cease on the Grand Canyon West Skywalk Glass Bridge that takes you 4,000 toes above the canyon. Spend a couple of days going mountain climbing or whitewater rafting. Make positive to move a bit of farther south to Flagstaff to hop on  Route 66 for a bit.

From right here you possibly can head again to Vegas, or go north to see the well-known Antelope Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument earlier than heading to Zion National Park to do some epic mountain climbing. That is usually a lot, however there’s a lot to see and do in this a part of the United States. You might want a complete summer season!

18. Loneliest Road in America

Stretching from Sacramento to Maryland, Route 50 has been dubbed the Loneliest Road in America. But how can or not it’s lonely when it passes by means of so many nice locations? I’ll admit we haven’t pushed all the route, however we have now popped on it and we’ve witnessed a lot of its fashionable points of interest.

If you need to drive some of the epic highway journeys in the US, route 50 is the way in which to go. This 3,000-mile drive takes you thru 11 states.

After leaving San Francisco (the place you’ll begin your lengthy drive) spend a day or two in Sacramento earlier than heading to Lake Tahoe for a couple of nights earlier than crossing into Nevada. With National parks alongside the way in which, you’ll see a few of America’s most iconic surroundings at Arches National Park and Canyonlands NP.

Take your time going by means of the Colorado Rockies after which benefit from the midwest hospitality of Kansas City. You’ll even get to discover the monuments of Washington DC. This capital metropolis completely stunned us. Celebrate the tip of your drive at Ocean City in Maryland.

And there you may have it, you’ve just about crossed America from Coast to Coast and from Canada to Mexico. Alaska didn’t make our USA highway journeys checklist solely as a result of we took a practice by means of the state, but it surely’s excessive on our checklist to drive, particularly after we drove the Dempster Highway in the Neighbouring Yukon Territories. Northern North America is spectacular!

19. Cross Country Road Trip: East Coast to West Coast

If you’re up for the last word American highway journey journey, why not traverse all the width of the United States? A cross-country highway journey from the East Coast to the West Coast lets you expertise the huge range of landscapes, cultures, and points of interest that the United States has to supply.

Begin your journey in New York City, the place you possibly can discover iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. From there, you may take Interstate 80 by means of the guts of Pennsylvania and Ohio, the place you’ll discover charming small cities and bustling cities alike.

In Illinois, a detour to Chicago gives a style of deep-dish pizza and views from the Willis Tower Skydeck. As you head west into Iowa and Nebraska, you’ll be handled to the sight of America’s heartland, with its lush farmlands and open skies.

The mountains begin to seem as you attain Colorado. Take a pause in Denver for some Rocky Mountain exploration earlier than persevering with westward into Utah, the place the beautiful pure fantastic thing about its nationwide parks awaits.

Nevada will greet you with the intense lights of Las Vegas, a stark distinction to the tranquility of the desert. Finally, as you attain the Pacific Ocean in California, you may both drive as much as San Francisco or right down to Los Angeles relying in your choice.

A cross-country highway journey is an epic journey that showcases the nation’s vastness and variety. It’s a journey that creates reminiscences to final a lifetime.

Location: New York City, New York to Los Angeles or San Francisco, California Distance: Approximately 2,800 to three,000 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 weeks Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer site visitors

Best Road Trips in the US FAQs:

What is essentially the most scenic highway journey in America?

While magnificence is subjective and every highway journey gives its distinctive scenic attraction, many vacationers think about the Pacific Coast Highway in California and the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana among the many most scenic in America.

Which month is greatest for a USA highway journey?

The greatest month for a highway journey in the USA can rely upon the precise route. Generally, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) supply milder climate and fewer crowded points of interest.

How do I plan American highway journey?

Planning American highway journey includes researching your required route, planning your stops and in a single day stays, making ready your automobile, packing appropriately, and guaranteeing you may have leisure and snacks for the journey.

How many days do you want for an American highway journey?

The variety of days wanted for an American highway journey can differ drastically relying on the route and the way a lot time you need to spend at every cease. For instance, a highway journey alongside Route 66 would possibly take 2-4 weeks, whereas the drive alongside the Pacific Coast Highway would possibly take 3-7 days.

Our American Road Trips – Final Thoughts

I do know what you might be considering, there are fifty states in America and we solely scratched the floor. There are loads of wonderful highway journeys that we missed! We admit it, we haven’t seen all of them but, however with our new truck and a roof tent on the way in which, we’re planning on hitting the highway when the borders open. Who is aware of, we might love road-tripping America a lot, we’ll swap in our truck for an RV! Nah we love staying in resorts an excessive amount of, however a little bit of tenting alongside the way in which is a should.