10 of the Best Road Trips to Take in the USA: The Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

Few travel experiences rival the freedom, discovery, and wonder of a great American road trip. The United States is built for the open road—where scenic byways, dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, and vast deserts create some of the most breathtaking drives on the planet. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, a foodie, or someone who simply loves the rhythm of the highway, the U.S. offers an unforgettable journey for every type of traveler.

This guide explores 10 of the best road trips across America, featuring iconic routes, hidden gems, route details, and tips to help you plan the perfect getaway. So buckle up—these unforgettable miles are calling.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Route: San Francisco → Los Angeles via Highway 1
Distance: ~450 miles
Best For: Coastal scenery, beach towns, dramatic cliffs, sunsets

The legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world—and for good reason. You’ll follow rugged oceanside cliffs, cruise through charming seaside towns, and witness some of California’s most stunning landscapes.

Highlights:

Big Sur: Miles of jaw-dropping cliffs and ocean views.
Bixby Bridge: One of the most photographed bridges in the U.S.
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: World-class coastlines and food.
Malibu: Sun, surf, and celebrity culture.

Pro Tip: Drive north to south for ocean-facing views and easier scenic pull-offs.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina & Virginia)

Route: Shenandoah National Park → Great Smoky Mountains
Distance: ~469 miles
Best For: Fall foliage, mountain views, hiking

Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a nature-lover’s paradise. Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, it’s known for serenity, scenic overlooks, and vibrant fall colors.

Highlights:

Linn Cove Viaduct: A marvel of engineering hugging the mountainside.
Craggy Gardens: Gorgeous blooms in spring and summer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Wildlife, waterfalls, and trails.

Pro Tip: Enjoy leisurely speeds—the parkway max speed is 45 mph.

3. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)

Route: Illinois → Missouri → Kansas → Oklahoma → Texas → New Mexico → Arizona → California
Distance: ~2,400 miles
Best For: Americana, classic diners, quirky roadside attractions

Historic Route 66 is more than a road—it’s an American icon. This retro, nostalgia-filled trip is perfect for travelers who love vintage motels, neon signs, and classic roadside kitsch.

Highlights:

Cadillac Ranch (Texas): Graffiti-covered cars planted nose-first in the desert.
The Blue Whale of Catoosa (Oklahoma): A giant, happy blue whale sculpture.
Santa Monica Pier: The official end of the route.

Pro Tip: Seek out original stretches of the 1920s road for an authentic experience.

4. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

Route: Miami → Key West
Distance: ~113 miles
Best For: Tropical vibes, island hopping, unique engineering

Imagine floating across turquoise water for miles—that’s the Overseas Highway, connecting the islands of the Florida Keys with a series of awe-inspiring bridges.

Highlights:

Seven Mile Bridge: One of the longest bridges in the world.
Key Largo: Snorkeling and underwater coral parks.
Key West: Laid-back Caribbean energy and legendary sunsets.

Pro Tip: Winter is peak season—book rooms early.

5. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

Route: Lake McDonald → Logan Pass → St. Mary
Distance: ~50 miles
Best For: Wildlife, mountain peaks, alpine lakes

Located in Glacier National Park, this dramatic route crosses mountains, hugs cliffs, and showcases glacial valleys carved by time. Despite being short, it’s among the most stunning drives in the country.

Highlights:

Logan Pass: Incredible hikes and bighorn sheep sightings.
Wild Goose Island: A famous photo stop on St. Mary Lake.
The Weeping Wall: Seasonal waterfall pouring onto the road.

Pro Tip: The road is usually open late June through early October due to snow.

6. The Loneliest Road (Nevada’s U.S. Route 50)

Route: Fallon → Ely
Distance: ~260 miles
Best For: Solitude, desert landscapes, stargazing

The nickname says it all—“The Loneliest Road in America” is remote, quiet, and hauntingly beautiful. It’s ideal for travelers who crave space, silence, and endless sky.

Highlights:

Sand Mountain Recreation Area: Giant singing sand dunes.
Austin: A quirky Old West town.
Great Basin National Park: Some of the darkest night skies in the U.S.

Pro Tip: Fill up when you see gas—you won’t see many stations.

7. The Great River Road (10 States Along the Mississippi River)

Route: Minnesota → Louisiana
Distance: ~3,000 miles
Best For: Culture, history, regional food

This river-hugging journey follows the mighty Mississippi River from its northern headwaters to its southern delta. It’s one of the most culturally rich road trips in the country.

Highlights:

Minneapolis & St. Paul: Scenic riverfront culture.
Memphis: Blues, BBQ, and the home of Elvis.
New Orleans: Music, Creole cuisine, and vibrant energy.

Pro Tip: Break this route into regions—it’s huge.

8. The Southwest National Parks Loop (Arizona, Utah, Nevada)

Route: Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef → Arches → Canyonlands → Grand Canyon
Distance: ~1,400 miles
Best For: Red rock deserts, bucket-list parks, photography

This loop packs some of the country’s most iconic landscapes—including canyons, arches, hoodoos, mesas, and more—into one unforgettable trip.

Highlights:

Zion National Park: Narrow slot canyons and towering cliffs.
Bryce Canyon: Surreal hoodoo formations.
Grand Canyon: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Pro Tip: Summer is hot—spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

9. The Alaska Highway (Canada to Alaska)

Route: Dawson Creek (BC) → Delta Junction (Alaska)
Distance: ~1,390 miles
Best For: Rugged adventure, wildlife, remote wilderness

The Alaska Highway is a pilgrimage for road trip purists. Constructed during WWII, it travels through pristine landscapes where you’re more likely to see bears or moose than people.

Highlights:

Kluane National Park: Glaciers and towering peaks.
Whitehorse: Yukon’s cultural hub.
Delta Junction: Official end point and photo op.

Pro Tip: Carry emergency supplies—gas stations can be far apart.

10. The Oregon Trail Route (Missouri to Oregon)

Route: Independence → Wyoming → Idaho → Oregon
Distance: ~2,100 miles
Best For: History buffs, varied landscapes, small towns

Follow in the footsteps of the pioneers on a modern version of the Oregon Trail. The drive crosses plains, mountains, and river valleys rich with history and natural beauty.

Highlights:

Chimney Rock (Nebraska): A famous landmark for settlers.
Fort Laramie: Preserved 19th-century frontier history.
Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls, cliffs, and unparalleled views.

Pro Tip: Stop at historical centers—they bring the journey to life.

Choosing the Perfect Road Trip for You

Here’s a quick guide to choosing based on your style:

Travel Style	Best Road Trip(s)
Beach & Sunshine	Pacific Coast Highway, Overseas Highway
Mountain Views	Blue Ridge Parkway, Going-to-the-Sun Road
Adventure & Wildlife	Alaska Highway, Southwest Parks Loop
History & Culture	Route 66, Great River Road, Oregon Trail
Quiet & Solitude	Nevada’s Loneliest Road

Road Trip Tips for a Smooth Journey

1. Plan Your Stops but Leave Room for Spontaneity
The best road trips mix structure and surprise.

2. Keep Your Car Road-Ready
Check your tires, brakes, fluids, and spare tire before leaving.

3. Pack Smart
Bring snacks, water, chargers, maps, and a roadside kit.

4. Savor Local Food
Road trips are perfect for discovering small-town diners and regional cuisine.

5. Take Your Time
Beautiful moments often happen between your destinationstrips

America’s diverse landscapes make it a paradise for road trip enthusiasts. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, exploring national parks, tracing history, or simply seeking the call of the highway, each of these 10 routes offers a journey you’ll remember long after you return home.

So pick your route, pack your bags, and hit the road—your next great adventure awaits.