There’s something truly American about packing up a car with your family or friends, buying a bunch of road-snacks and jamming out to some great music. The United States is a huge country, offering 3.8 million square miles of land to explore! So, if you’re planning a road trip vacation in the U.S., look no further! Here are some of the best road trips to take in America!
Route 66
Start Drive: Chicago, Illinois
End Drive: Santa Monica, California
Drive Time: Suggested time is 2 weeks to a month
Trip Distance: 2,500 miles (4,023 km)
Also known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 is one of the most well-known roads in America. This road was traveled way more in the past before the Interstate Highway system was developed, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the trip now! Route 66 crosses 8 states and provides access to historical towns and beautiful National Parks. Some of the highlights include the Chicago River, Cadillac Ranch, The Grand Canyon, the Barringer Crater, The Painted Desert, The Petrified Forest and Santa Monica Pier.
Pacific Coast Highway
Start Drive: San Francisco, California
End Drive: San Diego, California
Drive Time: 12 hours
Trip Distance: 655 miles (1,054 km)
Arguably one of the best road trips in the country, the Pacific Coast Highway offers some classic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Barbara. This road trip provides a little bit of everything, from gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean to coastal towns and untouched forests, making it the perfect summer road trip!
Great River Road
Start Drive: Minnesota
End Drive: Louisiana
Drive Time: 20 hours (suggested time, 1-2 weeks)
Trip Distance: 3,000 miles (4,800 km)
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River through a total of 10 states! This portion of America is often overlooked, but it actually provides a lot of history and culture. Interestingly enough, the Mississippi River played a vital role in winning the U.S. Civil War. You can expect to see Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis, Minneapolis and so many more cities on this road trip!
Big Island Loop
Start Drive: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
End Drive: Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Drive Time: 7 hours
Trip Distance: 300 miles (482 km)
This scenic drive will take you on a 7-hour journey through black sand beaches, lava fields, mountains, and active volcanos! The diversity in the landscape makes this road trip one of the best for nature lovers. Don’t forget your bathing suit and a good pair of tennis shoes!
Overseas Highway
Start Drive: Miami, Florida
End Drive: Key West, Florida
Drive Time: 4 hours
Trip Distance: 170 miles (273 km)
The Overseas Highway is an absolutely beautiful drive from Miami to Key West. The further south on the highway you drive, the more you find yourself surrounded by turquoise waters. Although it only takes 4 hours, you should consider making multiple stops out of your trip down because there’s so much to do and see in the Florida Keys!
Jackson, Wyoming to Glacier, Montana
Start Drive: Jackson, Wyoming
End Drive: Glacier National Park, Montana
Drive Time: 9 hours
Trip Distance: 500 miles (805 km)
If you are a nature lover, you’ll love this road trip! This drive will provide breathtaking views of the mountains, glacial lakes, waterfalls, forests, and amazing wildlife. You also get to visit Yellowstone National Park at the beginning or end of your trip, whichever you prefer.
Alaska Highway
Start Drive: Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada
End Drive: Anchorage, Alaska
Drive Time: 27 hours (suggested time to take is 1 week)
Trip Distance: 2,500 miles (4,023 km)
The Alaska Highway (ALCAN) is known for being a little rougher in places (sometimes gravel areas or a lot of potholes). During the summer months, it is common to see construction being done. While this is true, the ALCAN provides access to untouched nature, amazing wildlife, and plenty of outdoor adventures! Some of the highlights are Muncho Lake, Liard River Hot Springs, the Continental Divide, and Kluane National Park!
The Great American Road Trip
Start Drive: Boston, Massachusetts
End Drive: Seattle, Washington
Drive Time: 45 hours (suggested 2 weeks)
Trip Distance: 3,000 miles (4,800 km)
This is considered the best cross-country road trip in the U.S. and for good reasons! This ultimate American road trip offers some amazing stops like Yellowstone National Park, Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands. Traveling this distance can be a bit daunting though, so allow yourself plenty of time to stop and enjoy the highlights!
The Eastern Sierras
Start Drive: Lake Tahoe, California
End Drive: Death Valley, California
Drive Time: 6 hours
Trip Distance: 330 miles (483 km)
The Eastern Sierra Mountains are California’s backbone and highway 395 offers one of the most beautiful drives in California! There’s plenty of room for hiking and adventure as you’ll pass through places like Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Whitney, and The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Don’t miss Indian Wells Brewing Company! They offer a variety of delicious beer as well as over 100 varieties of soda’s with crazy flavors.
Washington Oregon Coast
Start Drive: San Juan Islands
End Drive: Brookings, Oregon
Drive Time: 15 hours
Trip Distance: 600 miles (966 km)
One of the most diverse road trips in America, the Washington Oregon Coast offers thick forests, rocky beaches, and beautiful waters. Take your time and enjoy this trip as there are plenty of little places to pull over, stop and enjoy the scenery!
Skyline Drive
Start Drive: Front Royal, Virginia
End Drive: Rockfish Gap, Virginia
Drive Time: 4 hours
Trip Distance: 105 miles (169 km)
The best time to do this drive is in the fall when the foliage has changed colors and the mountains appear to be orange and red. This is the only road that goes through Shenandoah National Park, which is definitely worth a stop! Skyline drive is another great road trip for outdoorsman as there are so many opportunities to hike, kayak, see wildlife and so much more. Consider visiting Skyline Caverns, Luray Caverns and the Appalachian Trail!
Read more: The Complete Travel Packing Guide
There are so many great road trips in America
The United States has a lot to offer! So, whatever road trip you choose, you won’t be disappointed! While these are some of the best road trips in America, there are so many more. I would love to hear about your American road trip experiences!
