The United States is a vast and diverse country, and one of the best ways to experience its beauty is to hit the open road. There are countless road trips with unique scenery, history, and culture.
Let’s look at nine of the best road trips in the USA. These routes cover a variety of landscapes, from the deserts of the Southwest to the coastlines of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The most famous routes include Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Great River Road.
Route 66: The Mother Road
A road trip list would only be complete by mentioning Route 66. This iconic highway stretches 2,500 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It was once the main road between the Midwest and the West Coast and has been featured in countless movies and songs.
Today, Route 66 is a patchwork quilt. Newer highways have bypassed some sections, while others have been preserved as historic landmarks. But the central portion of the route remains true to its roots, and it offers a classic American road trip experience.
Pacific Coast Highway: Cruising the California Coast
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Route 101, is a stunning drive following the Pacific coast from California to Washington. The scenery is breathtaking, with cliffs that plunge into the ocean, sandy beaches, and redwood forests.
The Pacific Coast Highway is also home to some of the most famous landmarks in California, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Napa Valley wine region.
Great River Road: Following the Mighty Mississippi
The Great River Road is a 2,300-mile road trip that follows the Mississippi River through 10 states. This route is all about the natural beauty of the American Midwest. You’ll see wetlands, bayous, flat plains, mountains, and forests.
The Great River Road is also home to several charming towns and cities, such as Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri.
These are just a few great road trips you can take in the USA. So get in your car, roll down the windows, and hit the open road!
Other road trips to consider:
- The Blue Ridge Parkway: This scenic route winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia.
- The Rocky Mountain National Park: This park is home to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world.
- The Southwest Deserts: This region is home to iconic landmarks like Death Valley and the Grand Canyon.
- The Gulf Coast: This area is known for its white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
- The Pacific Northwest has lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and a stunning coastline.
No matter your interests, there will surely be a road trip to the USA that is perfect for you! The possibilities are endless, from the sun-drenched beaches of the Pacific Coast Highway to the towering redwoods of the Redwood Empire and the vibrant culture of the Southwest deserts. So buckle up, grab your road trip essentials, and hit the open road!
And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our other travel posts on the top travel destinations in the US. We’ve got tips for planning your perfect itinerary to packing like a pro. So, let’s get planning – your dream American road trip awaits!