Ready to hit the open road? These best USA road trips showcase America’s diverse landscapes at their finest.
From dramatic coastlines to desert canyons, winding mountain passes to historic highways, each journey offers something unique.
Whether you’re after natural wonders, cultural experiences, or classic Americana, these routes capture the essence of American adventure.
The Best USA Road Trips To Do Once-in-a-Lifetime
Get ready to discover the best road trips in USA with these 10 ultimate routes across America.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
- Route: Start in San Francisco and finish up in San Diego
- Distance: 951 miles
- Recommended Days: 6-7 days
- Highlights: San Francisco, Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego
Wind along one of America’s most celebrated coastal drives where endless ocean views meet world-famous attractions.
The Pacific Coast Highway offers travelers a perfect blend of natural beauty and California culture.
Stop for wine tasting in Santa Barbara, browse art galleries in Carmel, or watch surfers catch waves in Malibu—each town along this route has its own unique personality and charm.
2. Route 66 (Chicago to Los Angeles)
- Route: Start in Chicago and finish in Los Angeles
- Distance: 2146 miles
- Recommended Days: 1-2 Weeks
- Highlights: Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Los Angeles
Experience the ultimate American road trip on the historic Mother Road via Route 66. This legendary route spans eight states and takes you back in time to the golden age of American highways.
Along the way, you’ll find vintage diners, neon signs that light up the night, and quirky roadside attractions that define classic Americana.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
- Route: Start in Virginia and finish in North Carolina
- Distance: 469 miles
- Recommended Days: 3-5 days
- Highlights: Shenandoah National Park, Roanoke, Boone, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains
Considered one of the most scenic drives on the East Coast, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts drivers with its stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This engineering marvel connects two of America’s most visited national parks while offering endless opportunities for exploration.
Pull off at countless overlooks, hike to cascading waterfalls, or time your trip for peak fall colors that transform the landscape into a vibrant tapestry.
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park, Montana)
- Distance: 50 miles
- Recommended Days: 1 Day
- Key Stops: Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, St. Mary Lake, Wild Goose Island Overlook
Navigate hairpin turns and steep mountain passes through Glacier National Park.
This engineering marvel provides access to some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in America.
This bucket-list drive takes you over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, with frequent pullouts for photos—making it one of the best America road trips for nature lovers.
5. Florida Keys (Miami to Key West)
- Route: Start in Miami and finish in Key West
- Distance: 165 miles
- Recommended Days: 2-3 days
- Key Stops: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, Key West
Drive the Overseas Highway hopping between tropical islands connected by 42 bridges over turquoise waters.
This unique route feels more like a Caribbean journey than a typical American drive.
Each island has its own character—dive the coral reefs in Key Largo, sport fish in Islamorada, or experience the quirky culture of Key West.
6. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
- Route: Start in Minnesota and finish in Louisiana
- Distance: 1400 miles
- Recommended Days: 10-14 days
- Key Stops: Minneapolis, La Crosse, Dubuque, St. Louis, Memphis, Natchez, New Orleans
Follow America’s most famous river on this culturally rich journey that showcases the heartland’s diverse heritage.
The Great River Road isn’t just one of the longest USA road trips ideas—it’s a tour through American music, food, and history.
Discover the birthplace of jazz in New Orleans, blues in Memphis, and Mark Twain’s legacy in Hannibal as you trace the Mississippi from its Minnesota headwaters to the Gulf.
7. Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks
- Route: Start in Salt Lake City and finish in Las Vegas
- Distance: 850 miles
- Recommended Days: 7-10 days
- Key Stops: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion
Utah’s Mighty 5 connects five distinctly different parks, each offering its own jaw-dropping scenery and adventures.
It’s one of the best road trips routes in USA for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike the Narrows in Zion, watch sunrise at Mesa Arch, and walk among the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.
8. Coastal Maine (Kittery to Bar Harbor)
- Route: Start in Kittery and finish in Bar Harbor
- Distance: 230 miles
- Recommended Days: 4-5 days
- Key Stops: Portland, Camden, Rockland, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor
Discover New England’s rugged coastline dotted with lighthouses and fishing villages.
This classic journey showcases quintessential Maine experiences—from lobster pounds to rocky beaches.
Explore historic lighthouses, and end your trip among the granite peaks of Acadia National Park. It’s one of the most picturesque USA road trip routes.
9. Southwest Grand Circle (Arizona, Utah, Nevada)
- Route: Circular route from Las Vegas, Nevada and back
- Distance: 1,400 miles
- Recommended Days: 10-14 days
- Key Stops: Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Sedona, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam
Circle through the desert Southwest’s most spectacular landmarks. This route combines natural wonders with Native American cultural sites and modern attractions.
Stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon, drive through Monument Valley’s iconic buttes, and experience the contrast of neon-lit Las Vegas.
10. Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee to Mississippi)
- Route: Start in Nashville and finish up in Natchez
- Distance: 444 miles
- Recommended Days: 3-4 days
- Key Stops: Nashville, Tupelo, Jackson, Natchez
Travel back in time on this historic route following Native American trails.
The Natchez Trace takes you through Southern pine forests and past antebellum mansions.
Learn about Native American heritage, Civil War history, and Southern culture while enjoying a peaceful drive free from commercial traffic and billboards.
Final Thoughts on The Best America Road Trips
These epic journeys showcase the incredible diversity of America’s landscapes, cultures, and experiences waiting to be discovered by the adventurous traveler.
For more USA travel inspiration, check out our:
- United States Bucket List,
- 20 Best Places Americans Can Travel Without a Passport, and
- 15 Prettiest Cities in the US
Find even more USA travel articles on our blog.
