From the sun-drenched coasts of California to the rugged fantastic thing about the Rocky Mountains, the USA is dwelling to a few of the most various and beautiful landscapes in the world. There isn’t any higher strategy to discover this huge nation than by taking a highway journey.
Dave and I like highway journeys, and we’ve taken numerous them world wide. In reality, we’re planning on hitting the highway once more in our new truck to take a highway journey throughout America. In our 30 years collectively, we’ve pushed numerous the United States. It is a big nation and it could take a lifetime to see all of it, however now we have put fairly a dent in the backroads of America and put collectively this information the place now we have compiled a few of the finest highway journeys in the USA that promise breathtaking views, fascinating sights, and an unforgettable journey. So buckle up and put together to hit the open highway!
Great Road Trips in The US
Great Road Trips in The US1. Pacific Coast Highway, California2. Route 66: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California3. Scenic Byway 12: Red Canyon to Torrey, Utah4. Hana Highway: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii5. Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West, Florida6. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina7. Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana8. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington9. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado10. Alaska Highway: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska11. Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado12. Natchez Trace Parkway: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee13. Park Loop Road, Maine14. Arizona Road Trip15. California’s Interior – LA to Yosemite16. Scenic Route 100: Wilmington to Stowe, Vermont17. Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (and Beyond)18. Loneliest Road in America19. Cross Country Road Trip: East Coast to West CoastBest Road Trips in the US FAQs:Our American Road Trips – Final Thoughts
Before hitting the highway in America, make sure to choose up your National Parks Entrance Pass. The $80 USD annual charge provides entry to United States nationwide parks and nationwide wildlife refuges and nationwide forests. This American Road Trip information goes by means of numerous National Parks and National Forests and also you don’t wish to all the time be scrambling for money.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is without doubt one of the most iconic and finest highway journeys in the US and for good purpose. Stretching from San Francisco to San Diego, this picturesque route provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and offers you an unmatched style of the California shoreline. The PCH, also referred to as Highway 1, meanders by means of charming coastal cities, previous sprawling vineyards, and alongside cliff-hugging stretches of highway that present panoramic ocean views.
As you drive south from San Francisco, you’ll encounter the enduring Golden Gate Bridge, a feat of engineering that by no means fails to impress. Slightly additional down the highway is Santa Cruz, identified for its laid-back surf tradition and the colourful Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Continue on to Monterey, the place you’ll be able to discover the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or stroll alongside Cannery Row, made well-known by novelist John Steinbeck. As you drive by means of the beautiful Big Sur area, be certain that to cease at McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades instantly into the Pacific Ocean.
Pass by means of the opulent city of Santa Barbara, often known as the “American Riviera”, earlier than ending your journey in San Diego, a metropolis famed for its lovely seashores, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly sights just like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
As you enterprise on this journey, you’ll perceive why the PCH is a standout amongst American highway journeys. Its beautiful shoreline, intriguing sights, and various landscapes present a really unforgettable journey.
Location: California
Distance: Approximately 600 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 5 to 7 days
Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer crowded vacationer spots
2. Route 66: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
One of probably the most iconic and historic highways in the United States, Route 66, also referred to as the Main Street of America, is a highway journey steeped in the tradition and historical past of the nation. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, all the best way to Santa Monica, California, this epic 2,448-mile journey takes you thru a broad cross-section of American landscapes and landmarks.
Starting in Chicago, you’ll move by means of the cornfields of Illinois, the plains of Kansas, the desert landscapes of Arizona, and at last, the sandy seashores of California. This diversified journey is an immersive expertise that provides you a way of the vastness and variety of the nation.
Along the best way, you’ll encounter many iconic landmarks and sights. These embrace the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, the Cadillac Ranch public artwork set up in Texas, and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Every cease on Route 66 holds a bit of American historical past, whether or not it’s a classic gasoline station, a traditional diner, or a unusual roadside attraction.
Route 66 isn’t only a freeway—it’s a slice of Americana. It embodies a spirit of freedom, discovery, and nostalgia that resonates with road-trippers. Traveling alongside Route 66 is a journey again in time, providing a glimpse into a major period of American historical past.
Whether you’re eager on exploring the cultural heritage of America, in its architectural landmarks, or just in search of various experiences, Route 66 provides an unforgettable highway journey. As you traverse this historic freeway, you’ll not solely witness the altering landscapes but additionally the evolution of America itself.
See all the high sights on Route 66 right here.
Location: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
Distance: Approximately 2,448 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 weeks
Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate
3. Scenic Byway 12: Red Canyon to Torrey, Utah
Scenic Byway 12, a 123-mile lengthy highway situated in Utah, is thought for its various geological options and fascinating landscapes. As one of the crucial scenic highways in the nation, this route provides a singular glimpse into the world’s wealthy geological and cultural historical past.
Starting at Red Canyon, you’ll traverse landscapes that shift from rust-red cliffs to sprawling alpine forests. The drive takes you thru a number of state and nationwide parks, together with Bryce Canyon National Park, famend for its distinctive spire-shaped rock formations, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, an unlimited, rugged panorama that includes a collection of beautiful cliffs and terraces.
A spotlight of the drive is the stretch often known as the Hogback, the place the highway is bordered by steep cliffs dropping off into the valley beneath, providing exhilarating views. Other notable stops alongside the route embrace the Anasazi State Park Museum, which showcases the historical past and tradition of the Anasazi Indians, and the city of Boulder, which holds the excellence of being one of many final communities in the U.S. to obtain mail by mule.
End your journey in the city of Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. Here you’ll be able to additional discover Utah’s distinctive geological landscapes, characterised by layered sandstone, canyons, and putting rock formations.
If you might be in search of a fantastic National Parks Road Trip, Scenic Byway 12 provides a rewarding journey by means of a few of the most picturesque and various landscapes in the United States.
Location: Red Canyon to Torrey, Utah
Distance: Approximately 123 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 1 to 2 days
Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer crowds
4. Hana Highway: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
The world-famous Hana Highway is without doubt one of the high highway journeys in America. This 45-mile (72 km) stretch of highway runs from Hana to Paia on Maui in Hawaii. It could also be quick, however this single-lane freeway working alongside the north shore of Maui is an awe-inspiring drive with a twisting coastal highway clinging to the rocky shores containing 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges.
If you’re up for an unique and tropical highway journey, the Hana Highway on the island of Maui, Hawaii, is the one for you. This 64.4-mile stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 is thought for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and ocean vistas.
Beginning in Paia, the Hana Highway winds alongside Maui’s northeastern coast, traversing 59 bridges (a lot of that are one-lane) and greater than 600 curves. The drive is famend for its breathtaking views of pristine rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the glowing Pacific Ocean.
Stop by the Garden of Eden Arboretum, dwelling to a various vary of tropical vegetation, or go to the historic Keanae Peninsula for a glimpse of outdated Hawaii. Another must-see is the Wai’anapanapa State Park, the place you’ll be able to discover a black sand seaside, a seabird colony, lava tubes, blowholes, and freshwater caves.
Your journey concludes in the small, remoted city of Hana, a spot that feels worlds away from the bustling resorts of Maui. Here, you’ll be able to discover Hana Beach Park, the Hasegawa General Store, and the Hana Cultural Center and Museum.
The Hana Highway provides an unforgettable tropical highway journey, permitting you to discover the pure wonders and cultural heritage of Maui at a leisurely tempo. With 18 waterfalls, the Haleakala National Park, bamboo forests, and Banyan bushes, that is the drive of a lifetime. See the entire information to Road to Hana: Highway Map, Things to Do, And Tips
Location: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Distance: Approximately 64.4 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 1 to 2 days
Best Time of Year to Travel: Year-round, though winter could be rainier
5. Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West, Florida
It is actually considered one of our favourite highway journeys in America. Driving from Miami to Key West transforms from mainland USA to just a little slice of the Caribbean. Once you hop on the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys you’re feeling as you probably have entered a special nation.
If you’re dreaming of an idyllic coastal drive, then the Overseas Highway will definitely ship. This 113-mile freeway, a part of U.S. Route 1, begins in Miami and ends in Key West, the southernmost level of the continental United States. The route traverses the beautiful archipelago of the Florida Keys, providing putting views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the encompassing islands.
Your journey will begin amidst the bustle of Miami. As you proceed, the city panorama regularly provides strategy to the serene tropical fantastic thing about the Keys. The freeway, typically known as the Highway That Goes to Sea, is a marvel of contemporary engineering. It consists of 42 bridges, probably the most iconic of which is the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.
Along the route, there are various alternatives for leisure actions reminiscent of fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking. You also can go to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the primary undersea park in the United States, or the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key.
Upon reaching Key West, benefit from the laid-back vibe of this small however full of life island metropolis. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, benefit from the sundown at Mallory Square, or simply chill out at one of many many sandy seashores. Now that’s a highway journey!
The Overseas Highway provides an distinctive mix of gorgeous coastal views, leisure actions, and cultural experiences. It’s a highway journey that mixes journey, rest, and the distinctive allure of the Florida Keys.
Location: Miami to Key West, Florida
Distance: Approximately 113 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three days
Best Time of Year to Travel: Winter and spring, when the climate is delicate and dry
Plan Your Road Trip to Florida the Florida Keys with these different Florida guides
6. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina
Connecting two nationwide parks – Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina – the Blue Ridge Parkway is a serene and scenic route identified for its beautiful mountain vistas, various plant and animal life, and historic and cultural treasures.
Starting in Virginia, the Parkway meanders by means of the Appalachian Mountains, providing unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge mountain vary. The route’s many overlooks present numerous alternatives to cease, take in the views, and snap a memorable photograph.
Attractions alongside the best way embrace the Humpback Rocks, which supply perception into the lifetime of the area’s early settlers, and the Peaks of Otter with its ample leisure actions. Don’t miss the enduring Mabry Mill, one of the crucial photographed websites on the Parkway, and a fantastic place to be taught in regards to the early grist and sawmilling processes.
Upon reaching North Carolina, you’ll come throughout the best level of the Parkway at Richland Balsam Overlook, standing at an elevation of 6,053 ft. Further alongside, the Parkway concludes close to the southern entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited nationwide park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is greater than only a highway; it’s a gorgeous journey that intertwines with the cultural and pure historical past of the Appalachian Mountains.
Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Distance: Approximately 469 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three days
Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring for flowering shrubs and bushes, fall for vibrant foliage
7. Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana
For a really spectacular mountain driving expertise, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park is a must-do. This 50-mile route, identified for its excellent pure magnificence, dramatic cliffs, and awe-inspiring vistas, is a testomony to human engineering capability.
Your journey begins on the park’s west entrance and winds by means of mountainous terrain, providing breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. A spotlight of the drive is Logan Pass, the best level on the highway, with an elevation of 6,646 ft. Here, you’ll be able to cease on the customer middle or discover the close by mountaineering trails.
Along the best way, there are quite a few alternatives for out of doors actions. You can hike alongside the park’s intensive path system, go wildlife recognizing, or just get pleasure from a picnic amidst the beautiful panorama. The highway can be a gateway to lots of the park’s high sights, together with Lake McDonald, the Garden Wall, and the St. Mary Valley.
Going-to-the-Sun Road provides an unforgettable journey by means of a few of the nation’s most dramatic landscapes. This drive isn’t just about reaching your vacation spot—it’s about soaking in the grandeur of nature alongside the best way.
Location: Glacier National Park, Montana
Distance: Approximately 50 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 1 day
Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer, when all the route is open. Note that sure sections of the highway could also be closed in different seasons as a consequence of snow.
8. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
If you’re trying to discover a panoramic mix of coastal, rainforest, and mountainous landscapes, the Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington State is the highway journey for you. Encircling the Olympic National Park, the Loop is a veritable showcase of the Pacific Northwest’s pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage.
Starting from Seattle, the 330-mile journey brings you onto the scenic Highway 101. Your first cease could possibly be the Victorian seaport city of Port Townsend, identified for its well-preserved Victorian buildings and vibrant arts scene.
As you proceed west, be certain that to discover the magnificent Hoh Rainforest, one of many largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail, and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped into one other world, the place each floor is roofed in a lush blanket of moss.
Further alongside the coast, the putting sea stacks and driftwood-covered seashores of Ruby Beach provide an ideal spot for pictures. Stop by the coastal Native American village of La Push to soak in the sights and be taught in regards to the native Quileute tradition.
The city of Forks is a must-visit for Twilight followers, whereas the Sol Duc Hot Springs is the place to chill out in mineral-rich thermal swimming pools. As you full the Loop, don’t miss the panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada from Hurricane Ridge.
The Olympic Peninsula Loop provides an immersive exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s various ecosystems and charming communities. It’s a highway journey that lingers in your reminiscence lengthy after the journey’s finish.
Location: Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Distance: Approximately 330 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 days
Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring to fall; summer time provides the very best climate, whereas fall presents spectacular autumn colours.
9. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Trail Ridge Road in Colorado, part of Rocky Mountain National Park, is an awe-inspiring journey by means of considered one of America’s most iconic landscapes. Known because the “Highway to the Sky,” Trail Ridge Road holds the excellence of being the best repeatedly paved highway in the United States, reaching elevations of over 12,000 ft.
Your journey begins in the charming city of Estes Park, a vacation spot in its personal proper, famed for its distinctive retailers, eating places, and the historic Stanley Hotel, which impressed Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
As you ascend on Trail Ridge Road, you transition from verdant forests into the subalpine area, the place wildflowers colour the panorama in the hotter months. Eventually, you attain the alpine world above the tree line. This tundra-like surroundings, sparse but hauntingly lovely, provides panoramic views that stretch to Wyoming in the north and the center of Colorado in the south.
Don’t miss the Alpine Visitor Center, situated close to the best level of the highway. It provides displays on the alpine tundra ecosystem, a present store, and a café. Take a stroll alongside the adjoining Alpine Ridge Trail for much more breathtaking vistas.
Descending the western slope, you arrive at Grand Lake, a serene mountain city on the shores of Colorado’s largest pure lake. Here, you’ll be able to chill out, dine, and recreate earlier than persevering with your Colorado journey.
Driving Trail Ridge Road is a mesmerizing expertise, crammed with pure grandeur and countless views. It’s a testomony to the wild, rugged fantastic thing about the Rocky Mountains.
Location: Estes Park to Grand Lake, Colorado
Distance: Approximately 48 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three hours, however permit further time for stops and exploration
Best Time of Year to Travel: Late May to October, relying on snow circumstances; the highway is closed in winter as a consequence of heavy snowfall.
10. Alaska Highway: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska
For the adventurous road-tripper looking for the grandeur of untouched wilderness, the Alaska Highway, also referred to as the ALCAN, is a visit of a lifetime. Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska, the freeway traverses by means of a few of the most distant and rugged landscapes in North America.
Experience unparalleled vistas of snow-capped mountains, huge forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Along the route, hold an eye fixed out for an array of wildlife, together with moose, bears, and eagles. Attractions embrace Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, considered one of Canada’s largest pure sizzling springs, and Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its glaciers and excessive peaks.
Location: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska
Distance: Approximately 1,387 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 5 to 7 days
Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer, for the very best climate and highway circumstances
11. Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway, a part of U.S. Route 550, is a brief however unforgettable route in Colorado. Known for its jaw-dropping mountainous views, the drive from Silverton to Ouray is taken into account one of the crucial lovely in the nation.
As you traverse this route, you’ll be handled to staggering views of the Uncompahgre Gorge, the San Juan Mountains, and quite a few waterfalls. The highway is very lovely in the autumn when the encompassing aspen bushes flip a superb gold. Note that this drive isn’t for the faint-hearted—it options steep cliffs, slender lanes, and no guardrails.
Location: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado
Distance: Approximately 25 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 1 day
Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer and fall, when the highway is freed from snow
12. Natchez Trace Parkway: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive by means of distinctive surroundings and 10,000 years of North American historical past. Used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” settlers, and future presidents, the Old Trace performed an vital position in American historical past. Today, guests can get pleasure from not solely a scenic drive but additionally mountaineering, biking, horseback driving, and tenting.
Beginning in Natchez, Mississippi, the Parkway takes you thru a myriad of fixing landscapes: from the deep forests of Mississippi, the rolling farmland of Alabama, to the hills of Tennessee. It’s not unusual to see a wide range of wildlife from the consolation of your automotive, together with deer, turkeys, and quite a few chook species.
Historical highlights alongside the best way embrace the Emerald Mound, one of many largest Native American mounds in the United States, and the Meriwether Lewis Monument, devoted to the famed explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Near the Tennessee finish of the Parkway, you’ll be able to discover the Old Trace Drive, one of many final remaining segments of the unique Natchez Trace.
Upon reaching the colourful metropolis of Nashville, you’ll discover a distinction to the tranquil journey alongside the Parkway, however with its personal historic and cultural sights, such because the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the historic Ryman Auditorium.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a journey of magnificence, historical past, and tradition, that actually has one thing for everybody. acadia nationwide park
Location: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee
Distance: Approximately 444 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 days
Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring for blooming wildflowers, fall for colourful foliage
13. Park Loop Road, Maine
Nestled in the center of Acadia National Park, the Park Loop Road in Maine presents a fascinating journey by means of a various array of landscapes together with mountains, forests, and the rugged Atlantic shoreline. This 27-mile loop showcases the park’s highlights, making it a must-visit highway journey for nature lovers and out of doors fanatics.
Your journey begins on the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the place you’ll be able to collect maps and details about the park. As you enterprise onto Park Loop Road, you’ll first encounter the Sieur de Monts Spring, dwelling to the Wild Gardens of Acadia and the Abbe Museum, which highlights the tradition and historical past of Maine’s Native American tribes.
Further alongside, you’ll be able to marvel on the sheer cliffs and crashing waves at Thunder Hole, a pure rock inlet the place the ocean usually creates thunderous sounds and spectacular splashes. The close by Sand Beach, though normally too chilly for swimming, is ideal for a scenic stroll or a picnic.
Don’t miss the chance to drive as much as the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the best level alongside the North Atlantic seaboard. Arrive at dawn or sundown for a really unforgettable spectacle.
Continuing on, you’ll discover a number of pullouts with views of picturesque harbors, off-shore islands, and mountain vistas. Explore Jordan Pond Path, a leisurely path round a crystal-clear glacial lake with the North and South Bubble Mountains framing the scene.
A drive alongside Park Loop Road gives a various and enriching expertise of Acadia National Park’s pure treasures. It’s a highway journey that encapsulates the sweetness and attract of coastal Maine.
Location: Acadia National Park, Maine
Distance: Approximately 27 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: Half to a full day, relying on stops and actions
Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring by means of fall; the highway is often closed in winter as a consequence of snow circumstances.
14. Arizona Road Trip
Arizona is without doubt one of the best states for road-tripping in the United States. From Tucson to The Grand Canyon, this drive takes you thru probably the most lovely desert and rocky panorama in the nation. Explore the Wild West Town of Tombstone Arizona and be awed by the cactus forests of Saguaro National Park West. See the cosmically religious metropolis of Sedona for some Native historical past and marvel on the Montezuma Castle monument.
This highway journey route pops onto Route 66 the place you’ll get to face on the nook of Winslow, Arizona earlier than witnessing the unbelievable monument valley.
There are so many issues to see and earlier than the journey is over you’ll witness Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon previous to reaching the Grand Canyon National Park. Could this be higher? Read all the Arizona Road Trip, Itinerary to begin planning.
15. California’s Interior – LA to Yosemite
Most folks consider the Pacific Coast Highway 1 by means of Big Sur on a California highway journey, however driving the inside of California is the place all the enduring surroundings involves life.
California Route 95 is a traditional drive stretching from the Mexico border in Arizona all the best way to Canada. While this highway journey doesn’t spend numerous time on that freeway, it does cease at unbelievable highway journey locations unto itself.
From Los Angeles drive west to see Joshua Tree National Park and marvel at these unusual outdated twisted bushes earlier than driving on to the Mojave National Preserve earlier than popping into the most well liked, lowest and driest place you’ll ever encounter. Death Valley National Park is a stark panorama that reaches temperatures of 120 levels.
At 282 ft beneath sea stage, it’s also the bottom level in all of North America however it captures a magnificence past creativeness. The journey continues to lovely Mammoth Lakes and at last ends at Yosemite National Park. Read extra at our: California highway journey.
16. Scenic Route 100: Wilmington to Stowe, Vermont
Crossing into Vermont is our “Go-To” vacation spot for snowboarding exterior of Quebec. But in the summer time, it is a attractive highway journey that can be well-known for its fall colors. Vermont’s longest freeway takes you thru the New England Villages of the Green Mountains. While this may be pushed any time of yr, we advise in autumn when the autumn colors are in full swing.
Pop into Lake Whitingham for some paddling earlier than heading to West Dover to do some mountaineering or mountain biking up the mountain of Mount Snow.
Don’t overlook to pop into Plymouth Notch to see the birthplace of President Calvin Coolage earlier than driving on to Waterbury to tour the Ben and Jerry’s manufacturing unit. Mmm, I like ice cream on a highway journey.
The journey ends at Stowe, our favourite ski resort in Vermont the place you’ll be able to go to the highest of Mt. Mansfield for epic views. (you don’t even must hike this one, you’ll be able to drive straight to the highest! This is certainly probably the greatest east coast highway journeys in the US.
17. Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (and Beyond)
We spent one summer time driving throughout the inside of California, Nevada, and Utah, and the place that stunned us probably the most was Las Vegas. Not town itself, however the lovely panorama surrounding it. Make certain to do some mountaineering at Red Rocks earlier than you allow city.
As you allow town, cease to see Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. It’s solely a four-hour drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon however there’s a lot happening in this little circle tour by means of Nevada and Arizona.
For one thing distinctive cease on the Grand Canyon West Skywalk Glass Bridge that takes you 4,000 ft above the canyon. Spend just a few days going mountaineering or whitewater rafting. Make certain to move just a little farther south to Flagstaff to hop on Route 66 for a bit.
From right here you’ll be able to head again to Vegas, or go north to see the well-known Antelope Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument earlier than heading to Zion National Park to do some epic mountaineering. That is usually a lot, however there may be a lot to see and do in this a part of the United States. You might want a whole summer time!
18. Loneliest Road in America
Stretching from Sacramento to Maryland, Route 50 has been dubbed the Loneliest Road in America. But how can or not it’s lonely when it passes by means of so many nice locations? I’ll admit we haven’t pushed all the route, however now we have popped on it and we’ve witnessed a lot of its widespread sights.
If you want to drive one of the crucial epic highway journeys in the US, route 50 is the best way to go. This 3,000-mile drive takes you thru 11 states.
After leaving San Francisco (the place you’ll begin your lengthy drive) spend a day or two in Sacramento earlier than heading to Lake Tahoe for just a few nights earlier than crossing into Nevada. With National parks alongside the best way, you’ll see a few of America’s most iconic surroundings at Arches National Park and Canyonlands NP.
Take your time going by means of the Colorado Rockies after which benefit from the midwest hospitality of Kansas City. You’ll even get to discover the monuments of Washington DC. This capital metropolis completely stunned us. Celebrate the tip of your drive at Ocean City in Maryland.
And there you may have it, you’ve just about crossed America from Coast to Coast and from Canada to Mexico. Alaska didn’t make our USA highway journeys record solely as a result of we took a practice by means of the state, however it’s excessive on our record to drive, particularly after we drove the Dempster Highway in the Neighbouring Yukon Territories. Northern North America is spectacular!
19. Cross Country Road Trip: East Coast to West Coast
If you’re up for the last word American highway journey journey, why not traverse all the width of the United States? A cross-country highway journey from the East Coast to the West Coast means that you can expertise the huge variety of landscapes, cultures, and sights that the United States has to supply.
Begin your journey in New York City, the place you’ll be able to discover iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. From there, you would take Interstate 80 by means of the center of Pennsylvania and Ohio, the place you’ll discover charming small cities and bustling cities alike.
In Illinois, a detour to Chicago provides a style of deep-dish pizza and views from the Willis Tower Skydeck. As you head west into Iowa and Nebraska, you’ll be handled to the sight of America’s heartland, with its lush farmlands and open skies.
The mountains begin to seem as you attain Colorado. Take a pause in Denver for some Rocky Mountain exploration earlier than persevering with westward into Utah, the place the beautiful pure fantastic thing about its nationwide parks awaits.
Nevada will greet you with the brilliant lights of Las Vegas, a stark distinction to the tranquility of the desert. Finally, as you attain the Pacific Ocean in California, you would both drive as much as San Francisco or all the way down to Los Angeles relying in your desire.
A cross-country highway journey is an epic journey that showcases the nation’s vastness and variety. It’s a journey that creates recollections to final a lifetime.
Location: New York City, New York to Los Angeles or San Francisco, California
Distance: Approximately 2,800 to three,000 miles
Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 weeks
Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer site visitors
Best Road Trips in the US FAQs:
What is probably the most scenic highway journey in America?
While magnificence is subjective and every highway journey provides its distinctive scenic allure, many vacationers think about the Pacific Coast Highway in California and the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana among the many most scenic in America.
Which month is finest for a USA highway journey?
The finest month for a highway journey in the USA can rely upon the precise route. Generally, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) provide milder climate and fewer crowded sights.
How do I plan American highway journey?
Planning American highway journey includes researching your required route, planning your stops and in a single day stays, making ready your automobile, packing appropriately, and making certain you may have leisure and snacks for the journey.
How many days do you want for an American highway journey?
The variety of days wanted for an American highway journey can fluctuate enormously relying on the route and the way a lot time you wish to spend at every cease. For instance, a highway journey alongside Route 66 may take 2-4 weeks, whereas the drive alongside the Pacific Coast Highway may take 3-7 days.
Our American Road Trips – Final Thoughts
I do know what you might be pondering, there are fifty states in America and we solely scratched the floor. There are loads of wonderful highway journeys that we missed! We admit it, we haven’t seen all of them but, however with our new truck and a roof tent on the best way, we’re planning on hitting the highway when the borders open. Who is aware of, we could love road-tripping America a lot, we’ll swap in our truck for an RV! Nah we love staying in inns an excessive amount of, however a little bit of tenting alongside the best way is a should.
See extra nice highway journeys world wide