There’s nothing quite like a road trip across the USA. With diverse landscapes, iconic highways, quirky roadside attractions, and endless small-town charm, America is built for the traveler with a sense of adventure. Whether you’re chasing coastal views, mountain peaks, or desert sunsets, these road trips offer the best of what the U.S. has to offer.
Here are some of the most epic road trips to take across the United States.
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Route: San Francisco to San Diego (Highway 1)
Distance: ~600 miles
This legendary drive hugs the California coast, offering cliffside ocean views, charming seaside towns, and vibrant cities.
Highlights:
- Big Sur and Bixby Bridge
- Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Santa Barbara wine country
- Malibu beaches and Los Angeles skyline
Best For: Scenic views, beach lovers, food and wine enthusiasts
The Southwest Desert Loop
Route: Las Vegas ➝ Grand Canyon ➝ Monument Valley ➝ Arches ➝ Zion ➝ Back to Vegas
Distance: ~1,300 miles
The American Southwest is full of red rock wonders, natural arches, and otherworldly landscapes that feel like a different planet.
Highlights:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Monument Valley’s sandstone formations
- Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Hiking Angels Landing in Zion
Best For: National parks, photography, hiking enthusiasts
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Route: Shenandoah National Park ➝ Great Smoky Mountains
Distance: ~469 miles
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this scenic byway winds through the Appalachian Highlands with mountain vistas and dense forests.
Highlights:
- Skyline Drive and Shenandoah trails
- Blue Ridge Music Center
- Asheville’s arts and craft breweries
- Great Smoky Mountains hiking and waterfalls
Best For: Fall foliage, peaceful drives, mountain views
The Great Northern Route (U.S. Route 2)
Route: Seattle, WA to Bar Harbor, ME
Distance: ~3,600 miles
One of the longest cross-country routes, this trip traverses the northern USA, passing through stunning nature, charming small towns, and lesser-known gems.
Highlights:
- Glacier National Park
- Lake Superior’s North Shore
- Adirondack Mountains
- Acadia National Park
Best For: Long-distance travelers, national park lovers, summer road trips
The Southern BBQ Trail
Route: Austin ➝ New Orleans ➝ Memphis ➝ Nashville ➝ Charleston
Distance: ~1,400 miles
If your ideal road trip involves great food and music, the Southern BBQ Trail is calling. From Texas brisket to Carolina pulled pork, every stop is a taste explosion.
Highlights:
- Live music on Austin’s Sixth Street
- Beignets and jazz in New Orleans
- Memphis BBQ and Graceland
- Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway
- Charleston’s Lowcountry cuisine
Best For: Foodies, music lovers, cultural travelers
Route 66 – The Mother Road
Route: Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA
Distance: ~2,400 miles
The ultimate American road trip, Route 66 is packed with nostalgia, quirky stops, and Americana charm.
Highlights:
- Cadillac Ranch in Texas
- Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Santa Monica Pier
Best For: History buffs, vintage lovers, classic Americana
Alaska’s Seward Highway
Route: Anchorage to Seward
Distance: ~125 miles
Short but jaw-dropping, this route winds through mountains, glaciers, fjords, and wildlife-rich wilderness.
Highlights:
- Turnagain Arm coastal views
- Chugach National Forest
- Wildlife spotting (moose, eagles, bears)
- Kenai Fjords National Park
Best For: Nature lovers, scenic photography, off-the-beaten-path adventure
Road Trip Tips:
- Plan flexible stops: Some of the best moments come from spontaneous detours.
- Pack essentials: Maps, snacks, water, a good playlist, and a spare tire.
- Book early: National park lodges and scenic inns fill up fast.
- Support local: Eat at diners, shop small, and talk to locals for hidden gems.
- Respect nature: Leave no trace, obey park rules, and drive safely.
