Route 66, CA to IL
A road trip may be the exact essence of a vacation, allowing you to explore new areas, take in as much of the beauty as you can, set the music to the surroundings, and, if you'd like, refuel with gas station food.
And much like those other continents, the United States is home to a lot of amazing places and things to do. And when you travel the top US road trips north or south, first exploring one coast, then another, you'll be shocked at how much one nation can vary.
Route 66, CA to IL
Any list of the best road trips would be blasphemy if it didn't mention Route 66. One of the first routes included in the US Highway System, the fabled "Mother Road" stretches from downtown Chicago to Santa Monica's pier.
The famous roadway, which spans eight states and around 2,500 miles, is interspersed with glimpses of kitsch and vintage Americana. Join a tour of Missouri's 400-million-year-old Meramec Caverns.
It was reportedly used as a hideaway by Jesse James, and the Jesse James Wax Museum is only a few minutes away.
Overseas Highway (Miami to Key West)
The Florida Keys' Overseas Highway, which connects the many islands, is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, including the coast's sand and palm trees on one side and the glistening blue water on the other.
The Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest road bridges in the world, is a noteworthy portion of this incredible route because it runs low enough to the water to make driving seem more like sailing than like you're moving along a road. For relaxed drivers who prefer driving under clear skies, this is the perfect road trip.
The Loneliest Road in America, Nevada
Nevada's Route 50, sometimes known as the "loneliest road in America," is a sight to behold and one of the spookiest drives in the country. Up and down the edges of innumerable valleys, seemingly infinite lengths of road go on for miles and miles.
One of those routes, Route 50, features endless stretches of the same landscape. You could use this route or the one that leads to Ely, Nevada, if you're traveling to Great Basin National Park. Otherwise, it's out of the way, yet its unearthly view is unforgettable (like something out of Star Wars).
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Ocean views along Highway 1 are what road trip fantasies are made of, which is precisely why this California road trip is so well-liked. There were so many rest sites along the 655-mile route.
As you travel from Dana Point, which is located just south of Los Angeles, to San Francisco, don't forget to stop at Pismo Beach for the ideal surfing waves, enjoy the seasonal food in Malibu, or spend the night in Big Sur.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile route across the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, is regarded as one of the country's most picturesque drives.
The highway literally connects the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks. The parkway is particularly well-known for its breathtaking vistas in the fall when the forest's leaves begin to change color.
Black River Scenic Byway, Michigan
The Black River Scenic Byway, which is tucked away in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has a lot to offer in a short amount of time. Follow the river as it flows to the edge of the lake, passing past waterfalls and deep trees.
The 15-mile scenic route, which starts in Bessemer and follows the Black River before ending with sights of Lake Superior, became a member of the byway network in 1992.
Here, old growth pine, hemlock, and hardwood trees are abundant in the Ottawa National Forest. The hardwoods are the ones that never let us down when the fall puts on its vibrant canopy.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Take a drive along this road in the autumn to see some of the most beautiful fall foliage. With the windows down, take in the vibrant hues of the leaves while taking in the cool breeze.
Imagine taking leisurely drives and walks under maple, alder, and birch trees that are ablaze with brilliant shades of crimson, gold, and amber; touring quaint New England villages; harvesting apples on a crisp Fall day; and curling up next to a roaring fire with hot cider or a glass of red.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Since its completion in 1932, this amazing route has been fulfilling its original objective of promoting tourism and encouraging people to visit America's national parks. The 50-mile highway cuts through Glacier National Park in Montana before ascending to Logan Pass and crossing the Continental Divide.
Keep an eye out for blind corners and spectacular drop-offs, and avoid this one in the winter, when snowbanks may reach 80 feet in depth. Plan to stop in Logan Pass in the summer. Reaching a height of 6,646 feet, it offers wide-open scenery, mountain goats grazing nearby, and swaths of meadows covered with vibrant wildflowers.
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail road trip is becoming increasingly popular among all road excursions, with passengers cruising the Eastern shore in the luxury of their own vehicle, particularly any of these best road trip automobiles.
This Appalachian Trail driving path mimics the adventurous trek. It brings you through uninterrupted natural splendor from the top of New England to the center of Dixie—without the sweat, mosquitoes, or blisters.
The Great River Road
Follow the enormous Mississippi River as it flows from Minnesota to Louisiana, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
This highway is known as the Wonderful River Road, and it runs for 3,000 miles through the heart of our great country, travelling through ten states and passing through St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, and all in between.
Natchez Trace Parkway Road Trip
One of the highlights of the South and one of the most beautiful drives in the USA is the Natchez Trace. This route, which travels from Mississippi to Alabama and Tennessee, passes through classic southern splendor.
You must stop at the Meriwether Lewis Museum, Emerald Mound, Chickasaw Village, and many more places in route. The All-American Road is run and maintained by the National Park Service.
American Southwest Road Trip
It will take a bit more than a week to complete this nearly 1500-mile journey. Enjoy the Grand Canyon's spectacular views, explore the challenging trails in Zion National Park, and take pictures of Bryce Canyon's many hoodoos.
The list goes on and on, including Monument Valley's expansive views, Grand Staircase-arid Escalante's off-road excursions, and a plethora of slot canyons to explore. If you have more time, you may continue your road trip and go farther into Utah to visit the national parks of Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.
Mighty 5, Utah
Utah is a fantastic location for a road trip if you enjoy seeing new places. This is without a doubt among the finest US road trips.
Explore the hoodoo fantasyland in Bryce Canyon, the arches and unusual rock formations in Arches National Park, the waterpocket fold in Capitol Reef, Canyonlands Island in the Sky, and The Needles at Canyonlands. Hike through the unusual terrain in The Needles at Canyonlands.
Road to Hana, Hawaii Road Trip
Although Hawaii's beautiful scenery and underwater adventures are its most famous attractions, the 50th state of the US is also home to one of the greatest road trips in the country. 60 miles of breathtaking curves connect Kahului to Hana on this trip through paradise.
Usually people can drive there in three hours or less, although heavy traffic during rush hour can significantly lengthen travel times. Watch for swinging mango trees, impressive coastal cliffs, and colonies of monk seals lazing in the sun as you travel.
Visit Waianapanapa State Park at mile marker 32, where undulating emerald rainforests meet stark, black basalt lava coasts.
Maine Coastal Road Trip
One of the many reasons to go to Maine is to take a drive along its coastline. Portland to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor is one of the most well-liked drives along the coast of Maine. The journey may be finished in about three hours, and it is simple to do a round trip in a single day.
The historic town of Brunswick, Camden, the trendy port city of Portland, and Acadia National Park may all be visited. You can go on hikes, bike rides, go camping, go fishing, and take pictures of this stunning New England paradise in this exceptional location of extraordinary natural beauty.