Embark on the ultimate American adventure with these 12 must-do road trips.
Each one brings something special—coastal drives, mountain passes, historic highways, and culture-rich routes that hit you right in the feels.
Some are perfect for a weekend getaway, others are full-on bucket list epics.
Let’s dive into the good stuff.
Pacific Coast Highway
This West Coast classic runs from Washington all the way down to Southern California.
You’ll cruise past towering redwoods, dramatic cliffs, surfer beaches, and colorful coastal towns.
It’s about 1,650 miles, but you could easily spend 10 days or more if you take your time.
Highlights include Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, the Oregon Dunes, and Olympic National Park.
You’ll want to stop often—this is a slow, scenic kind of drive.
Best done in late spring to early fall when the fog stays away and the skies are coastal-blue.
Route 66
This is the “Mother Road” for a reason.
It stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, about 2,450 miles of vintage motels, neon signs, desert weirdness, and retro Americana.
Plan at least two weeks if you want to soak it all in.
You’ll hit places like Cadillac Ranch, the Wigwam Motel, ghost towns in Arizona, and a corner in Winslow.
And yeah, you’ll want to stop for pie in Oklahoma and roadside dinosaurs in New Mexico.
The old-school charm of Route 66 makes it a time-traveling trip through American nostalgia.
Blue Ridge Parkway
This one’s all about peaceful mountain roads and vibrant fall foliage.
The parkway links Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
It’s about 469 miles long and feels like a gentle ride through a nature documentary.
Expect overlooks, hiking trails, and views that’ll make you pull over every ten minutes.
Don’t miss the Linn Cove Viaduct or Craggy Gardens in North Carolina.
Come in October if you want that Instagram-level fall color.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
If you’re going to Glacier National Park, this road is non-negotiable.
It’s just 50 miles long but packs in some of the most jaw-dropping alpine views in the U.S.
You’ll climb to Logan Pass, see waterfalls spilling over cliffs, and maybe spot some mountain goats.
It’s only open in summer—snow tends to shut it down most of the year.
A permit is usually required, so plan ahead if you want to drive it yourself.
Overseas Highway
This Florida Keys drive feels like cruising over the ocean.
It connects Miami to Key West and takes you across a string of islands on 42 bridges—including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
It’s only 113 miles but has a whole different vibe than the mainland.
Stop for beach breaks, fresh seafood, and that Key West pastel sunset.
Perfect for winter when everything up north is frozen.
Road to Hana
This one’s wild—in a rainforest-meets-cliffside kind of way.
You’re driving 52 twisty miles through Maui’s lush jungle with over 600 curves and 59 bridges.
It’s not about speed—it’s about waterfalls, black sand beaches, and “Did you see that?” moments every few minutes.
Stops like Twin Falls and Waianapanapa State Park are musts.
Start early and bring snacks—there’s not a lot of cell service out there.
Great River Road
Want to follow the Mississippi from top to bottom?
This scenic byway runs nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana.
It’s a mix of nature, small-town charm, and riverfront cities full of jazz, BBQ, and blues.
You’ll pass through towns like Dubuque, St. Louis, Memphis, and finally New Orleans.
Think steamboats, Civil War history, and some of the best food in the country.
Ideal for a two- to three-week road trip if you want the full experience.
Natchez Trace Parkway
This one’s slower-paced and deeply Southern.
The 444-mile route winds through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, following an old Native American trail.
It’s calm, quiet, and filled with historical markers and forested stretches.
You can stop at old inns, Civil War sites, and nature spots that feel untouched.
No trucks allowed—just you, the trees, and the open road.
Civil Rights Trail
More than a road trip—this is a journey through American history.
The Civil Rights Trail spans multiple Southern states and takes you to landmarks that shaped the movement.
Think Selma, Montgomery, Birmingham, Memphis, and Atlanta.
You’ll see the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the Lorraine Motel, MLK’s church and home, and more.
It’s powerful, emotional, and something everyone should experience at least once.
Lake Superior Circle Tour
This loop around the largest of the Great Lakes is stunning and underrated.
You’ll drive about 1,300 miles through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and even parts of Ontario.
Expect lighthouses, waterfalls, rocky shorelines, and fresh air that smells like pine and lake spray.
Highlights include Pictured Rocks, the Apostle Islands, and the massive Mackinac Bridge.
Best in late summer or early fall when the colors pop and the mosquitos chill out.
Alaska Highway
This one’s remote, rugged, and absolutely unforgettable.
The Alaska Highway starts in British Columbia and winds its way up through the Yukon into Alaska—about 1,400 miles total.
It was built during WWII, and it still feels like an adventure today.
You’ll pass wild rivers, hot springs, and plenty of wildlife (think moose, bears, and caribou).
Plan for slow travel, limited gas stations, and stunning scenery every mile.
Go in summer—this isn’t a road you want to drive in winter.
Scenic Byway 12
If red rocks are your thing, Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is going to blow your mind.
It connects Bryce Canyon with Capitol Reef and passes through Grand Staircase-Escalante.
The landscapes are straight out of a sci-fi movie—slot canyons, arches, hoodoos, and cliffs that go on forever.
It’s only 124 miles, but the views change constantly.
Take your time and definitely stop for a hike at Calf Creek Falls.
Night skies here are pitch black—perfect for stargazing.
