Katie and Pierce
There’s something magical about hitting the open road. From coastal highways where mountains meet ocean to historic routes cutting through the heartland, the United States offers some of the world’s most spectacular driving experiences.
Whether you’re dreaming of fall foliage in New England, red rock wonders in Utah, or tropical vibes in the Florida Keys, these ultimate American road trips showcase the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Pack your bags, cue up your favorite playlist, and get ready to experience the freedom and wonder that only a great American road trip can deliver.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
You can’t beat cruising along California’s coastline with the windows down, salty breeze in your hair, and the endless blue Pacific stretching to the horizon. The Pacific Coast Highway is pure magic.
You’ll wind around cliffs with the ocean sparkling beside you, tempting you to pull over at countless spots just to soak it all in. Don’t miss Big Sur with its dramatic cliffs or the charming seaside vibes of Monterey.
This drive is all about those moments where mountains tumble into the ocean, creating jaw dropping views at every turn. If you’re looking for that quintessential California coastal experience, this drive delivers big time.
Highlights:
- Big Sur
- Monterey
- Dramatic coastal cliffs
- Pacific Ocean views
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
They call it “America’s Favorite Drive” for good reason. Stretching 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway serves up the kind of views that make you pull over every few minutes just to stare in wonder.
It’s like driving through an endless Bob Ross painting, especially in fall when the mountains explode with color. Take your time visiting Asheville’s funky downtown, crossing the thrilling Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain, and wandering through misty valleys in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This soul soothing journey connects you with Appalachian culture and some of the oldest mountains on earth. Trust me, you’ll want at least a week to soak it all in.
Highlights:
- Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park
- Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
- Asheville
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
3. Route 66
Get your kicks on the ultimate American road trip classic. Route 66 is a 2,400 mile journey through the heart and soul of America, from the bustling streets of Chicago to the sunny shores of Santa Monica.
This isn’t just a highway, it’s a living museum of Americana. You’ll cruise past quirky roadside attractions like the colorful, graffiti covered Cadillac Ranch, grab burgers at retro diners that haven’t changed since the 50s, and witness the stunning desert landscapes of the Southwest.
Stop for a photo at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and explore the fascinating petrified wood at Petrified Forest National Park. By the time you reach the Santa Monica Pier with your toes in the Pacific, you’ll have experienced America in a way few travelers ever do.
Highlights:
- Chicago
- St. Louis
- Cadillac Ranch
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Santa Monica
4. Utah National Parks (The Mighty 5)
Utah might just be showing off with its collection of five mind blowing national parks all within road trip distance of each other. This journey through red rock country will have you constantly picking your jaw up off the floor.
Start with the otherworldly arches and rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands, where nature seems to have gone wild with its geological sculptures. Continue through Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon, with its surreal hoodoo spires that look straight out of a fantasy novel.
Cap it all off with the soaring cliffs and emerald pools of Zion, where some of America’s most spectacular hiking trails await. For outdoor lovers and photography buffs, this route is absolute paradise. Just bring plenty of memory cards for your camera, you’ll need them.
Highlights:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
5. Big Sur Area
Big Sur feels like California kept its most precious 90 miles of coastline as a secret gift for those willing to make the journey. This stretch of undeveloped paradise is where mountains dramatically plunge into the sea, creating a landscape that feels almost mythical.
Start in the storybook cute town of Carmel by the Sea, where you can browse art galleries and enjoy the fairytale architecture. Then head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to spot playful sea otters and seals lounging on rocks.
The iconic Bixby Creek Bridge offers that classic Instagram shot everyone dreams of, while McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park might just be the most beautiful waterfall you’ll ever see, tumbling 80 feet directly onto a pristine beach. Big Sur is all about disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Carmel by the Sea
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
6. Oregon Coast
The Oregon coastline is like nowhere else on earth, a wild, rugged paradise where forest meets sea in the most dramatic fashion. This journey takes you past lighthouses perched on rocky cliffs, through charming coastal towns, and along beaches where massive sea stacks rise from the surf like ancient sentinels.
Stroll along Cannon Beach with its iconic Haystack Rock towering from the sand, explore the breathtaking rock formations at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and feel the power of the ocean at Devils Punchbowl.
Walk the same paths as Lewis and Clark, hunt for agates on Bandon’s beaches, and climb the massive sand mountains at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. With refreshing salty air and endless ocean vistas, this coastal journey feels like therapy for the soul.
Highlights:
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- Bandon
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
- Cannon Beach
7. New England Fall Foliage
Mother Nature puts on her most spectacular show every autumn across the six states of New England. This road trip through Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont transforms ordinary landscapes into a painter’s dream of fiery reds, sunny oranges, and golden yellows.
Wind your way along the famous Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, where mountain vistas explode with color. Stop in the quintessential Vermont village of Woodstock, with its covered bridges and picture perfect town square.
Explore the rugged coastal beauty of Acadia National Park in Maine, where fall colors meet ocean blues. Meander through the rolling hills and charming farms of the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Along the way, you’ll find country stores selling fresh apple cider, roadside stands with pumpkin treats, and endless photo opportunities. Just remember to check those foliage trackers before you go, as Mother Nature keeps her own schedule.
Highlights:
- Kancamagus Highway
- Woodstock, VT
- Acadia National Park
- The Berkshires
8. Northern California
Northern California packs more diverse landscapes into one road trip than seems possible. This incredible journey takes you from the iconic city vibes of San Francisco, where you can watch sea lions bark at Pier 39, to some of the most awe inspiring natural wonders in America.
Wind your way to Point Reyes National Seashore to walk through the magical Cypress Tree Tunnel that feels plucked from a fairytale. Continue to Redwood National Park where ancient trees tower overhead and the prehistoric feeling Fern Canyon makes you wonder if dinosaurs might still lurk around the corner.
Cap it all off with the volcanic wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park, with its bubbling mud pots and stunning mountain lakes. The best part? This northern route lets you escape the crowds and heat that often overwhelm Southern California, giving you space to truly connect with these natural wonders.
Highlights:
- San Francisco
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Redwood National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
9. Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park deserves a road trip worthy of its legendary status. Setting out from Salt Lake City, you’ll wind through the stunning landscapes of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park before reaching the crown jewel itself, Yellowstone.
Watching Old Faithful erupt is like witnessing the earth’s power firsthand, while the rainbow colored Grand Prismatic Spring seems almost too vibrant to be real. Wander among the ethereal terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, spot wolves and bison in the wildlife rich Lamar Valley, and feel the spray from the dramatic Tower Fall.
Beyond these iconic sites, Yellowstone offers countless treasures including pristine forests, meadows filled with wildflowers, and frequent wildlife encounters. This journey through America’s most famous national park delivers natural wonders that will stay with you forever.
Highlights:
- Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Boiling River Hot Springs and Lamar Valley
- Tower Fall and Dunraven Pass
10. Florida Keys (Overseas Highway)
Driving the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys feels like a tropical dream come true. This unique road trip literally takes you across the ocean, jumping from key to key on 42 bridges with turquoise waters stretching to the horizon on both sides.
Starting from Miami, you’ll cruise south through a string of paradise islands until you reach the southernmost point of the continental US at Key West. The journey itself is the destination here, as you pass over crystal clear waters filled with coral reefs perfect for snorkeling adventures.
For the ultimate experience, take a boat trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, where an impressive 19th century fort rises from a remote tropical island. This sun soaked journey delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in a setting that feels more Caribbean than American.
Highlights:
- Miami to Key West drive
- Ocean views throughout
- Coral reefs and tropical waters
- Dry Tortugas National Park
11. Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park
Sometimes the most unforgettable road trips come in smaller packages. The Going to the Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park may be relatively short at just 50 miles, but it packs in more jaw dropping mountain scenery than roads several times its length.
This engineering marvel climbs right through the heart of the park, taking you from valley floors to alpine heights that would normally require days of hiking to reach. Around every curve, another postcard worthy vista unfolds, with rugged peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and meadows bursting with wildflowers.
Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats perched on seemingly impossible cliffs and perhaps even a grizzly bear ambling through a distant valley. Though you could drive it in a couple of hours, plan to spend a full day stopping at overlooks, taking short hikes, and simply soaking in some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in America.
Highlights:
- Dramatic mountain landscapes
- Wildlife viewing
- Panoramic vistas
