Photo by Pung at Shutterstock
There’s something about seeing a country on four wheels that makes you feel absorbed by a place. The roadside restaurants, the freedom to linger, the exhilaration and pain of getting lost in an age of constant Google Mapping, isn’t half the fun of travel the detours?
The best road trips in the country will take you through some iconic places. But with an untold number of miles of roadways tracing the country, it can be hard to pick the best route. So grab your car, turn the speakers up, and get ready for a road trip of a lifetime.
With beautiful coastlines, opulent National Parks, incredible small towns, and fantastic wildlife, there’s so much to see and do on America’s incredible roads, and we’ve picked out the best of the lot. Here are 10 of the US’s best road trips.
Where: The Florida Keys, starting in the southernmost leg of the Florida Peninsula and ending at Key West.
Why: Traveling along the southern part of US Route 1 for 113 miles, this drive is undoubtedly a feast for the eyes for those who love the big blue ocean. Emerald waters and colorful coral reefs can be seen for miles as you make your way across 42 overseas bridges, the most famous being the seven-mile bridge. You’ll feel as if you may be lost at sea as you travel across this highway.
The Florida Keys islets are very accessible for adventurers, and all have a unique trait about them to enjoy. Islamorada is perfect for fishermen, The Moorings is filled with quaint, colorful cottages, and Key West is an energetic island with quirky street entertainment you won’t want to miss.
Where: This highway follows the Hawaii Routes 36 and 360, nestled on the island of Maui.
Why: You can lose yourself in the tropical oasis of Maui’s rainforest on this twisted 64-mile road, shrouded by exotic trees and passing by unique black sand beaches, marvelous waterfalls, and favoured tourist attractions along the way. As you make your way through these gorgeous views, you’ll be driving over 59 bridges, many of which date back to 1910, and traveling past beautiful vistas and lookouts, some with attractions to explore.
At the beginning of your journey towards Hana, you’ll find natural pools, nature trails, churches and plenty of food carts and cafes. Be sure to try a deliciously fruity smoothie at Huelo Lookout, or tuck into Caribbean fare at Ka Haku Smoke Shack. There’s even the Garden of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Garden, a lush garden used as the opening sequence for Jurassic Park.
Where: This trip connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Why: This drive will grace you with theatrical scenery! Think mountain ranges, sweeping vistas, flourishing alpine forests, and unbelievable skylines. Following a snaking road bordered by the soaring Blue Ridge mountain ranges, you’ll be able to observe the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains with your own eyes and be part of one of the most explored parts of the National Parks system.
The exceptional scenery is by far the best part of this drive, which you can enjoy even more by settling for a leisurely picnic, or camping within the luscious forests that cover the area in vibrant greens, reds, and yellows.
Where: This coastal route runs along State Route 1, winding along the Pacific coastline of California.
What: With wide open roads, incredible sceneries, and brilliant stop-offs, this scenic drive from Carmel to Morro Bay personifies the American road trip experience. Prefer two wheels instead of four? This is considered one of the top motorcycle rides in the US, offering the perfect ground to whizz through incredible Big Sur and enjoy glistening sea views.
It’s not just the coastline that will astonish you, though. This route also threads through Monterey filled with history, Carmel-by-the-sea with its charming, colorful cottages, and the rocky Garrapata State Park, home to those adorable sea otters.
Where: US Route 101, going through Oregon along the Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Why: Running from the Pacific Ocean to the Washington State line on the Columbia River, this scenic drive is positively laidback and will be sure to give you beach holiday vibes. So pop down the roof and get driving. On one side, you’ll be graced with magnificent mountain ranges, while on the other, you’ll notice the sea fighting against the sand and jagged rocks.
Your journey will take you through plenty of charming coastal towns, including the small fishing town of Port Orford and pretty Gold Beach, as well as leading you across the highest and grandest bridge in Oregon, the Thomas Creek Bridge. Also, don’t miss the chance to see wild sea lions at the aptly named Sea Lion Cave.
Where: Glacier National Park in Montana.
Why: Inspirational sceneries await you on this mountain road. Crossing the width of Glacier National Park between the east and west entrances, you’ll be met with various dramatic backdrops, with plenty of vistas to stop at so you can take in the park’s incredible beauty. Cascading waterfalls, frosty glaciers, sweeping valleys, and depth-defying gorges trace the journey for you, including the Weeping Waterfall, where water tumbles down the mountain wall right next to your car.
And the Jackson Glacier Overlook, which graces you with the best view of an enormous glacier. As a bonus, hop on one of the famous Red Buses! Created in the 1930s, Glacier National Park operates 33 of the original vintage buses today. Offering guided tours amidst the amazing park landscapes.
Where: This 368-mile highway connects the cities of Valdez and Fairbanks in Alaska.
Why: This highway boasts the first major road built in Alaska and two stunning hundred-mile sections that are designated State Scenic Byways. The wide-open road offers incredibly satisfying views, leading you along straight and curvy roads towards huge snow-capped mountain ranges and through expansive fields.
If that doesn’t impress you, we bet you’ll be amazed by the glaciers, alpine forests, and elusive wildlife. It’s undoubtedly a feast for the eyes. Don’t forget to stop by Thompson Pass. You can find the unforgettable Worthington Glacier here. This extraordinary glacier is one of few in the world you can actually drive to, so make sure you take advantage of the adventure.
Where: The southwest part of Colorado, going through the heart of the San Juan Mountains.
Why: Colorado is an oasis of bright colors, commendable sceneries, and wonderful, charming towns. You won’t miss any of it as you drive along this All-American road, journeying through the lush landscapes with tall mountain ranges, topaz lakes, and dark green forest racing past your window.
The route is best in spring when the small mountain towns of Dolores, Durango, and Telluride are awash with colorful trees and flora, and the San Miguel River flows through the meadows. You should definitely make a stop in Telluride at ANY time of the year. This world-class skiing resort is also home to lively jazz, films, and bluegrass festivals during summers.
Where: Sitting in Utah, linking the cities of Parowan and Panguitch.
Why: The rugged landscapes of Cedar Breaks National Monument, the picturesque ski town Brian Head, and the sparkling water and tall trees surrounding Panguitch Lake make this scenic route incredibly assorted. Twisting through Utah is a genuinely picture-perfect experience with historic towns, interesting geologic formations, wildlife habitats, and plenty of fun recreational events await you wherever you go.
This particular route, though, takes you to the State’s most entertaining areas, including the red Vermillion Cliffs, and the pink cliffs of Paunsagunt Plateau, giving you a myriad of colors and landscapes. After an afternoon of exploring, examine the verdant Dixie National Forest surrounding the area for a few hours of hiking, camping, or picnicking.
Where: Leadville in Colorado
Why: Big skies and majestic views unfold with every curve of this road! Soaring mountains over 14,000ft high are the mecca for skiers and hikers alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to stand in your very own postcard and find out why Maroon Bells is known as the most photographed peak in all of North America. In this area, any season will astound you in this iconic Colorado landscape, but fall glows with the golden color of aspen trees.
Discover charming historic towns and developed mountain villages with 5-star comforts. This route explores the roots of the Native Americans and of those who came to find riches through silver mining. Take in towering Rocky Mountain peaks, blue alpine lakes, and two crossings of the Continental Divide in 122 scenic miles. Stop for pizza at High Mountain Pies in Leadville, a former hub for silver mining.
In our post-pandemic World, road trips are going to be the trend and definitely going to take hold over other kinds of trips, especially in the USA. Not only does it give you total control of who you are getting in contact with, but road trips also give you plenty of freedom to experience many destinations at your own pace.
Some are short distances involving only a few hours drive, while others span over a couple of days but cover a lot of fantastic pit stops while driving only a few hours a day. It only makes sense to pack up and get in your car or rent one and go on an epic road trip!
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Have you ever heard of the Highway to the Stars (a section of the route is designated as a star gazers paradise) in north central Pennsylvania? It is PA state route 44 starting at the PA/NY border in Ceres, NY. It goes through Coudersport, PA, the Black Forest, Jersey Shore, PA, crosses route US 15 at Allenwood, PA and ends near I-80 near Bloomsburg, PA. It is an excellent view filled highway for cars and motorcycles.
We are headed back out in early Fall, stops at ‘must see’ new NFL Stadiums to see games along the way. Drive around the USA, Windows Down, good eats for dinner, pet friendly hotel nightly. Kickoff most likely Mackinac Island and Upper Michigan Peninsula to put the pedal to the metal from our crib in the corn fields of Rocky Point/Currie SE NC and the Moore’s Creek Bridge National Battlefield and the beginning of the American Experience.
👍🏴🇬🇧🇺🇸😎