Best Road Trips In The USA: Scenic Routes And Hidden Gems 2024

Going on a best road trips in the USA is American because it allows you to see tremendous scenery, famous sites and cute little towns. Some of the world’s most beautiful and exciting roads are in the United States making it an excellent place for incredible adventures. The Pacific Coast Highway in California goes along a rough shore while the Blue Ridge Parkway goes through beautiful mountains.

Each path has its charm and beauty. There are best road trips in the USA for every type of tourist whether they want to see beautiful nature, learn about other cultures or enjoy the freedom of the open road. Take your keys and hit the road to see America’s stunning and varied scenery on its highways and narrow streets.

9 Best Road Trips In The USA

Pacific Coast Highway

Highway 1 often known as the Pacific Coast Highway runs along California’s stunning coastline. This legendary journey from San Francisco to sunny Los Angeles covers over 600 miles of breathtaking scenery and coastline. Drive along the rough Pacific Ocean cliffs to see beautiful beaches, coastal communities and redwood woods. Explore Big Sur, a rough coastline with secret coves and stunning cliffs.

Visit Monterey Bay to see playful sea otters and migratory whales. Whether you drive the full road or stop to enjoy each magnificent spot, the Pacific Coast Highway is a memorable trip along one of the world’s most stunning coasts.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a magnificent drive across the Appalachian Mountains. This picturesque byway which runs nearly 450 miles from Virginia to North Carolina showcases the region’s history and natural beauty. As you weave along the roadways you’ll see rolling hills, lush woods and cascading waterfalls.

Visit Shenandoah National Park which has over 200000 acres of wilderness and plentiful animals. Take time to see the picturesque mountain communities along the way each with distinct Southern friendliness and Appalachian culture. Blue Ridge Parkway provides something for everyone whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff or just looking for a calm getaway.

Historic Route 66

Travel on Historic Route 66 the Mother Road of America. This iconic roadway connects Chicago to Santa Monica revealing the American heartland cultural richness and nostalgia. Traveling the Midwest and Southwest you’ll see eccentric roadside attractions, throwback eateries and legendary buildings from the past.

Route 66 is rich in history and Americana from Las Vegas’ neon lit streets to the Mojave Desert ghost villages. Visit bustling St. Louis Oklahoma City and Albuquerque each with its own culture and food. Historic Route 66 offers an incredible journey through the American heart whether you’re a history buff music enthusiast or road tripper.

The Great River Road

Following the Mississippi River the Great River Road is a spectacular tour of America’s heartland. This picturesque byway which runs almost 2000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana exhibits its areas’ cultural and environmental variety. Along the riverbanks you’ll see lovely river villages, ancient plantations and extensive fields that exemplify Southern charm.

Stop in Memphis Tennessee for a delicious barbecue and rich musical history. With its jazz clubs and Creole food New Orleans is well worth seeing. The Great River Road offers an unforgettable adventure through America’s heartland whether you drive it all or part of it.

The Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway is a rough and lonely route from British Columbia to Alaska but it offers an unforgettable trip. With over 1300 miles of untouched wilderness this fabled path offers a view into some of the world’s most stunning vistas. You’ll see grizzly bears, moose and bald eagles as you travel through majestic mountain ranges, enormous woods and dazzling lakes.

Visit Liard River Hot Springs, a Northern Rockies refuge where you can relax in warm waters surrounded by nature. Along the way visit the lovely frontier communities with their own rough adventure and frontier warmth. The Alaska Highway offers an extraordinary tour across the North for adventure enthusiasts, animal lovers and those seeking natural beauty.

The Southern Pacific Coast

Drive south down the Pacific Coast from Southern California to San Diego for a sunny laid back road adventure. With its beautiful beaches, quaint beach towns and thriving coastal villages this lesser known road provides a calm alternative to the West Coast busy freeways. Every turn on the sun drenched coastline will reveal famous surf locations, secluded coves and spectacular ocean vistas.

Visit Santa Barbara for its Spanish architecture, world class vineyards and beautiful beaches for sunbathing and surfing. Visit Los Angeles’ varied districts to sample gourmet food shops, shop for designer clothes and experience the colorful culture. Southern California golden scenery makes the Pacific Coast a memorable sun surfing or leisurely drive destination.

The Loneliest Road

Explore Highway 50 the Loneliest Road in America off the main route. This renowned road crosses nearly 400 miles of Nevada harsh terrain, some of the country most distant and sparsely inhabited. Ghost villages, abandoned mines and frozen natural treasures dot the vast desert plains and steep mountain ranges.

Visit Great Basin National Park to see Lehman Caves and old bristlecone pine woodlands. Visit Eureka, a historic mining town with wonderfully restored Victorian era structures to wander along Main Street. For thrill seekers history buffs and loners the Loneliest Road offers an extraordinary adventure across the American West wilds.

The Enchanted Circle

Enjoy the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway which showcases New Mexico high desert scenery. This 83 mile circle in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offers incredible vistas of alpine forests, lakes and volcanoes. From ancient Taos you’ll journey via picturesque settlements like Angel Fire and Red River each with its distinct Southwestern culture and outdoor excitement.

Visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge to see the canyon below in spectacular detail. Visit the UNESCO World Inheritance Site Taos Pueblo, one of North America oldest continuously inhabited villages. The Enchanted Circle offers a memorable tour through northern New Mexico magnificent landscapes for nature art and peace lovers.

The Great Lakes Circle Tour

Drive along the Great Lakes, one of the world’s most best road trips in the USA significant freshwater systems. The Great Lakes Circle Tour covers 6500 miles in eight states and two Canadian provinces offering a variety of landscapes, cultures and attractions. Each leg of the voyage offers distinct natural beauty and cultural diversity from the sandy beaches of Lake Stops to the rocky shores of Lake Superior

Visit Mackinac Island to see its ancient buildings and calm scenery. Remember to see Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most famous sights. The Great Lakes Circle Tour offers a fantastic tour of these spectacular inland seas for beachgoers, history buffs and scenery lovers.

Conclusion

Going on a best road trips in the USA is a great way to see the country’s beautiful scenery from rough coasts to tall mountains from vast deserts to dense woods. Whether you take the Pacific Coast Highway or the Great River Road each trip has beautiful scenery and secret gems ready to be found.

It is not just about getting where you’re going on a best road trips in the USA, it also about the journey itself. It is about the memories you make, the things you do together and the places you see. These road trips have something for everyone whether you want to relax, have fun or do a bit of both.

So get your bags ready, hit the best road trips in the USA has to offer in terms of culture and beauty. Whether you’re going by yourself with friends or with your family, a best road trips in the USA will be a fantastic adventure full of beautiful scenery, charming towns and memories that will last a lifetime.

FAQs

What Are Some Of The Best Road Trips In The USA?

The Blue Ridge Parkway Historic Route 66 the Great River Road the Alaska Highway and other roads are famous places to go on best road trips in the USA.

How Long Does It Take To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway?

The Pacific Coast Highway is more than 600 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It can take several days to finish depending on how many stops you make.

What Are Some Highlights Of Driving Historic Route 66?

Historic Route 66 goes through several states and has strange roadside sights, retro restaurants and famous old buildings.

How Can I Prepare For A Road Trip On The Alaska Highway?

Before you go on a trip along the Alaska Highway ensure you have the right supplies such as food, drink and emergency supplies since services can be limited along the way.

What Is The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway?

The 83 mile loop of the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is in the New Mexico Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It has beautiful views of mountain woods, lakes and volcanoes.

How Long Does It Take To Drive The Loneliest Road In America?

Highway 50 the Loneliest Road in America goes through nearly 400 miles of Nevada rough terrain. It can take several days to drive depending on how quickly you drive and how frequently you stop.

What Are Some Attractions Along The Great Lakes Circle Tour?

Along the Great Lakes Circle Tour you can see Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls and many beaches and lookouts with beautiful views of the lakes.

How Can I Plan A Road Trip Itinerary?

When making a road trip plan you need to research the sights along the way, estimate the time it will take to get from one place to another and leave some room for last minute stops or changes.

What Are Some Safety Tips For Road Trips?

Some safety tips for best road trips in the USA are ensuring your car is in good shape, bringing emergency supplies, staying alert while driving and following all traffic laws and rules.

How Can I Make The Most Of A Road Trip Experience?

To get the most out of a road trip take the time to enjoy the ride, check out off the beaten path sights, eat local food and write down or take pictures of your memories.