The Ultimate US Road Trips

The “Great American Road Trip” is iconic, this is understandable in such a large nation that epitomizes freedom and venerates the open road. There is so much to see: forests, mountains, rivers, valleys, coastlines and more. Along the western seaboard, visitors can travel along the Pacific Coast Highway through California, up to Oregon and finally reaching Washington state and the Canadian border. Over on the east coast, drivers can travel on Route 6 to reach the beach towns in New England and dozens of famous cities and towns. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer cross-country driving adventure, our list of ultimate US road trips should provide plenty of inspiration. 

Route 66

Let’s start with this well known US road trip that spans a distance of 2,250 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. To drive the entire route, it will be necessary to set aside one to two weeks, or you’re likely to miss too much. Route 66 is also known as “The Mother Road,” and it crosses eight states. Along this route, there are roadside attractions, national parks, and vintage Americana to explore. This route can be driven in its entirety, or drivers can drive certain sections that interest them. To get the most out of the experience, it’s important to allow for exploration time to enjoy the numerous sights and activities. 

The Pacific Coast Highway

If you want to take in some fantastic views of the western US coastline, consider this San Diego to Seattle route. The Pacific Coast Highway stretches 1,600 miles and it would take from eight to 12 days to complete. This road connects together some amazing experiences, from California beach towns to large sprawling cities and ancient Redwood forests. Drivers will pass through San Diego, Los Angeles, Big Sur, San Francisco, the Redwood National & State Parks until the route terminates in Seattle. Visitors should check for Big Sur road closures because rockslides are fairly common in that area,

The San Juan Skyway

This is the best way to enjoy the Rocky Mountain peaks. The San Juan Skyway has a total length of 235 miles that takes one to three days to complete. The route includes the famous “Million Dollar Highway,” which weaves through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and the Mesa Verde National Park. This route offers a spectacular drive, and it’s a must for photographers, skiers, and history buffs. This is a high altitude route, so it’s a great idea to check the road and weather conditions before you hit the road.

The Florida Highway

This 474 mile route stretches from Amelia Island to Key West, and it takes around 6 days to complete. Hwy 1 runs along the entire length of the Atlantic Coast before it turns east at Miami and then continues south to Key West. Some iconic stops along the way include Fort Lauderdale, St, Augustine, Daytona, and the windy Canaveral National Seashore. Hurricane season is June to October, and the worst months are historically August to September. Florida can be hit pretty hard, so if you are determined to visit during these months, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecasts. 

The Coastal New England

From New York City to Portland, the Coastal New England route stretches 430 miles, and it takes three to five days to complete. This is the route to experience an Atlantic coast atmosphere with oceanside towns, fresh seafood, comfortable beaches and plenty of history. The best beaches can be found in Rhode Island, Portland has some amazing places to eat and the New Hampshire lighthouses have to be seen to be believed. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway

This Appalachian route connects Cherokee to Waynesboro with a total length of 469 miles and it takes two to five days to complete. Visitors will travel through the green mountains that are filled with waterfalls, hiking trails and rock formations. The route takes in the Pisgah National Forest and a plethora of recreation areas and state parks. Those that want to take one-off Appalachian hikes will find opportunities aplenty along the parkway.

The Lincoln Highway

The lesser known 3,389 mile route was the original automobile road. It was opened in 1913, and it runs from Times Square in New York City all the way to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. This route now passes through 14 states due to an alignment change in 1928. More than 700 villages, towns and cities in 128 counties can be visited. With some research, a classic road trip can be planned, and the route passes very close to the North American Aerospace Defense Command or NORAD base, which fans of the TV show Stargate will find familiar.

The “Going to the Sun Road”

This 50 mile long road was built to promote tourism and give visitors an easy way to access national parks. The road was completed in 1932, and it winds its way through the Glacier National Park in Montana up to the Rockies and then to Logan Pass to pass over the Continental Divide. This is a challenging drive; there are drop-offs and blind curves, which accompany the spectacular views. It’s a great idea to avoid winter driving when the roads are icy, and snowbanks can be 80 feet deep! The highlight of this trip is Logan Pass that has an elevation of 6,646 feet and offers mountain views and wildflower meadows.

Route 12

The Scenic Byway 12 in Utah extends from Panguitch to Torrey with a climb up to the Dixie National Forest. Visitors will find scenic lookout points and pass under red rock arches along their 122 mile drive. The views of the Capitol Reef National Park and Henry Mountains are spectacular. Some highlights include Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with its natural “stairs”. 

The Richardson Highway

This 364 mile Alaskan road trip from Fairbanks to Valdez takes two to four days to complete. This is the oldest highway in Alaska and it offers visitors an easy way to see some dramatic glaciers and mountain peaks that line the route. Along the way, there are numerous opportunities to take part in hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing and landscape photography.