The United States is a vast and varied country, with a wealth of natural beauty and cultural diversity to explore. A road trip is the perfect way to see all that this amazing country has to offer, and there are so many incredible routes to choose from. Here are 15 of the best road trips in the USA:
1. The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is a legendary road trip route that stretches for more than 600 miles along the California coast. Starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego, this iconic route takes you through some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the country. Along the way, you’ll see the rolling hills of wine country, the rugged beauty of Big Sur, and the stunning beaches of Southern California. The Pacific Coast Highway is a must-do road trip for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and laid-back culture of California.
2. The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile route through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. This scenic drive is known for its stunning views of the mountains and forests, as well as its rich cultural and historical significance. The parkway passes through a number of small towns and villages, each with its own unique character and history. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and camping. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-do road trip for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of the Appalachian region.
3. The Great River Road
The Great River Road is a network of scenic byways that follows the course of the Mississippi River through ten states in the United States. It begins in Minnesota and ends in Louisiana, passing through Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi along the way. The road is named for the mighty Mississippi, which is the fourth longest river in the world and the second longest in the United States. The Great River Road offers travelers the opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Mississippi River Valley, and is a popular route for road trips and motorcycle tours.
4. The Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile long highway that stretches from the mainland of Florida to the Florida Keys, a chain of tropical islands located off the southern coast of Florida. The highway is also known as State Road A1A and is the southernmost part of the mainland United States. The Overseas Highway is a popular tourist destination, offering beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as access to a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The highway is also home to several small towns and villages, each with their own unique character and charm. The Overseas Highway is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Florida.
5. The Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile long scenic byway that runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. The Parkway follows the historic Natchez Trace, a Native American trail that was later used by European settlers, and offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the southern United States. Along the Parkway, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the countryside, as well as access to a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Parkway is also home to a number of historic sites and landmarks, including the Meriwether Lewis National Monument and the Sunken Trace. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the southern United States.
6. The Great Lakes Circle Tour
The Great Lakes Circle Tour is a designated scenic road system that encircles the five Great Lakes of North America: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. The tour route covers over 5,300 miles and passes through the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario in Canada. The Great Lakes Circle Tour is a popular destination for road trips and recreational vehicle tours, and offers access to a variety of natural and cultural attractions, including state and national parks, beaches, lighthouses, and historic sites. The tour also provides the opportunity to experience the unique culture and charm of the Great Lakes region, from the bustling cities to the peaceful countryside.
7. The Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile long stretch of road that travels through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana and Wyoming. The Highway, which is also known as U.S. Route 212, is known for its stunning scenery, with views of mountains, lakes, forests, and meadows. The Beartooth Highway reaches elevations of over 10,000 feet and is usually only open from May to October due to heavy snowfall in the winter months. The Highway is a popular destination for tourists and is a great place for activities such as hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. The Beartooth Highway is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the United States and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.
8. The Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway in the United States. It was established in 1913 and stretches from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, covering a distance of approximately 3,389 miles. The highway passes through a total of 13 states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California. The Lincoln Highway was named after President Abraham Lincoln and was designed to provide an easier and more efficient way for people to travel between the East Coast and the West Coast. Today, the Lincoln Highway is a popular route for road trips and is considered a significant piece of American history.
9. The Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile long stretch of road that runs through the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The Highway, which is also known as New Hampshire Route 112, is known for its stunning fall foliage and is a popular destination for tourists during the autumn months. The Kancamagus Highway offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains and passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, mountains, and rivers. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. The Kancamagus Highway is a must-see destination for anyone visiting New Hampshire and is a great place to experience the beauty of the White Mountains.
10. The Dinwoody Circle Tour
This route takes you on a journey through the Wind River Range of Wyoming, covering more than 300 miles of breathtaking mountain scenery.
11. The Yellowstone Loop
The Yellowstone Loop is a popular road trip that takes visitors through the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The Loop, which is also known as the Grand Loop Road, is a 142-mile long route that encircles the park and provides access to a variety of natural attractions, including geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Along the way, visitors can stop at a number of scenic overlooks and take in breathtaking views of the park’s unique geological features. The Yellowstone Loop is a great way to experience the beauty and wonder of Yellowstone National Park and is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
12. The San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile long scenic byway that runs through the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. The Skyway, which is also known as Colorado State Highway 145, offers breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and valleys of the region. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and sightseeing. The San Juan Skyway is a popular destination for tourists and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of southwestern Colorado. The Skyway passes through a number of small towns and villages, each with their own unique character and charm, making it a great place to explore and discover the rich history and culture of the region.
13. The Olympic Peninsula Loop
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a scenic drive that takes visitors through the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington. The Loop, which is also known as State Route 101, is a 425-mile long route that encircles the Olympic Peninsula and provides access to a variety of natural and cultural attractions. Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, forests, mountains, and lakes, as well as access to a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and beachcombing. The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Olympic Peninsula and is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
14. The Cascade Loop
The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile long scenic byway that runs through the Cascade Mountain Range in the state of Washington. The Loop, which is also known as State Route 20, offers breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and valleys of the region. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and sightseeing. The Cascade Loop is a popular destination for tourists and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Cascade Mountains. The Loop passes through a number of small towns and villages, each with their own unique character and charm, making it a great place to explore and discover the rich history and culture of the region.
15. The Mount Rushmore Loop
The Mount Rushmore Loop is a 400-mile route through the Black Hills of South Dakota, passing through some of the most stunning natural and cultural attractions in the region. The highlight of the loop is, of course, the famous Mount Rushmore National Monument, where you can see the massive sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into the side of a mountain. Along the way, you’ll also see other natural wonders, such as the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and the Badlands National Park.
Featured Image: Photo by Leslie Cross on Unsplash
