Best American Road Trips
Home » North America » USA » 17 Legendary American Road Trips

17 Legendary American Road Trips

Pin this post for later!

There’s nothing better than a badass American road trip.

Road tripping is my absolute favorite thing to do, and I have to admit, my home country provides an endless compilation of stunning vistas, incredible national parks, and adventures for dayyyys (actually, years!).

There’s only one issue—There are too many choices! Where does one begin?!

17 Amazing American Road Trips


It’s hard to choose, but I wanted to share with you a pretty sweet list to start off with. Below are some of my favorite scenes from road tripping the USA along with some trips I’m dying to do, and of course, some mega classic USA road trips that almost have to be on your list.

It’s a lot, I know, BUT I hope this list inspires you road trip America, again and again. Because really, there’s no running out of options here. Before you head off, I have a few more posts that will be crazy helpful for your road trip, be sure to check them out:

The USA road trip list below features some short and some long trips, some that can take just a day if you don’t have time and others that will take weeks! The days I’ve listed are simply an estimate. You can spend way more or way less time in each area, depending on what you’re after.

19 Mistakes to Avoid When on A Road Trip! (The Best Road Trip Tips)
In my happy place.

Looking for a few quick viewpoints while on a scenic ride? Sweet, we have that! Looking for a challenge where you can hike and camp for a few days? We have that too. Want to see everything on this list of national parks? You’ll be driving through most of them on these road trips!

The timing I’ve displayed below is relative, and if you were to do ALL of the highlights I’ve listed for each USA road trip, you’d definitely need more time.

But I decided to give you more info as opposed to less so you had more choices and could pick and choose. Well, I guess we should get started, right? We have a LOT of adventures to uncover…

1. Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana – 1-2 Day American Road Trip

Going the Sun Road is a world-renown highway in Montana that bisects Glacier National Park from east to west. It spans the whole width of the park, crossing the Continental Divide, passing through almost every sort of terrain within the park.

Expect to see vast stretches of alpine tundra, rich cedar forest when driving through the valleys and incredible blue glacial lakes. You will never get tired of the scenic pull-outs that line the road, each one offering something a little different.

Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the best American road trips.
Going-to-the-Sun Road will definitely be THE thing to do in Glacier National Park during your visit.

No matter which direction you are traveling, the views are seriously impressive. It was the first road to be designated both a National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark.

Although a relatively short USA road trip at 50 miles, be sure to give yourself a whole day to explore, with plenty of photos and hiking stops.

RELATED: Your Adventurous Montana Road Trip

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Lake McDonald is a stunning 10-mile long body of water that runs alongside the road for a few miles. Rent a kayak from the shores of the lake to better take in this beautiful stretch of water.
  • Avalanche Creek and the Trail of the Cedars is a short but sweet hike that takes you past some of the most impressive trees in the park, some of which have been there over 500 years and are more than 7 feet in diameter.
  • One of the most significant parts of the road is the loop switchback, the main reason why large RVs are not allowed on the road. There are some great hikes that start here, such as the Loop Trail.
  • In the spring and summer, the 500 foot Bird Woman Falls is worth stopping for, as this is when the cascading water is at its most impressive.
  • Logan Pass is one of Glacier’s most famous spots, as the highest point on the road, it offers stunning 360 views with a couple of trails to explore.
  • One of the most iconic sights on the road is of Wild Goose Island, in the middle of Saint Mary Lake. Stop here for a bite to each and to admire the views.
  • Detour up to the Many Glacier area for access to some of the best hikes in the park and more stunning lakes and glaciers to discover.

RELATED:

Things to Do in Glacier National Park—Hikes, Camping, Tips & Itinerary (Montana)

Where to Stay in Glacier National Park—Lodging to Camping

2. West Coast – California to Washington American Road Trip – 17 Days

A drive along America’s western coastline is one of the best road trips in the USA, and for good reason. Imagine rugged beaches, ancient forests, and some incredible coastal towns.

You’ll be driving on Hwy 1, which is better known as the Pacific Coast Highway, Hwy 101 and I-5. Along the way, you will pass some vibrant and exciting American cities including San Diego, LA, Monterey, and San Francisco. Around 1,500 miles of rugged coastline lies between Washington and Southern California, waiting for you to explore.

Start the trip at laid back San Diego before winding your way up the coast to the skyscrapers and walk of fame in LA. Take in the beaches and stunning coastlines as you follow the road through the Big Sur to hilly San Fran, stopping to admire the impressive Golden Gate bridge.

End your journey in California and pass through to the state of Oregon, where the landscape changes to windswept capes and rocky tide pools. Finish the trip by driving over the Columbia River and into Washington.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Explore the laid back city of San Diego and enjoy the rugged coastline in this area of California.
  • Take a trip to Griffith Park in LA, where you will be greeted with stunning views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign. For those that want to hike up to the Hollywood Sign, there are four routes to choose from, such as the Brush Canyon Trail and Burbank Peak Trail.
  • Cruise down to Monterey and visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, and take in the famed Cannery Row.
  • Stop to spot for seals off the piers in San Francisco or take a boat out into the bay for some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Indulge in some of the finest wines at Napa and Sonoma Valley areas, with vineyards stretching out before you for miles.
  • Head to Redwood National Park to witness these magnificent towering trees in all their glory, some of which reach 100m high.
  • A volcano topped with a crystal clear lake, sounds incredible right? Crater Lake is a must-stop on this road trip. A deep blue lake surrounded by cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet high, with two picturesque islands, is undoubtedly an impressive sight and offers an insight into the area’s volcanic past.
  • Enjoy all that the city of Portland has to offer, such as the many waterfall hikes in the surrounding area. The Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop will take your breath away.
  • Explore all the varied and wild ecosystems in Olympic National Park, a place of outstanding natural beauty. There are so many hikes to choose from, mountains to climb, and wildlife to spot.

RELATED:

27 Incredible Waterfall Hikes on the West Coast, USA

Seattle to San Francisco West Coast Road Trip

12 Marvelous Things To Do in Monterey, California

3. Yellowstone and Tetons – 5-Day American Road Trip

This is one of the best American road trips as it takes in the best of two of the most stunning National Parks in America. Start the adventure at Salt Lake City and drive the 5 hours to the town of Jackson WY.

This is a great place to rest up for the night before heading onto the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park.

The scenery here will take your breath away. After spending a few days exploring the park, begin the drive towards Yellowstone. Before entering the park, make a stop at West Thumb Geyser Area to get your first geothermal experience.

Once in Yellowstone, there is no end to things to do and see, so be sure to stay for at least a few days. Before heading back, take the short Firehole Drive before driving the 5 hours back to Salt Lake City.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Stop off to take some incredible photos of Grand Teton, towering at 13,770 feet.
  • Take the hike around Jenny Lake or take a shuttle boat across the lake to stand at the base of the powerful Hidden Falls.
  • You can’t leave Yellowstone without seeing the most famous geyser in the park, Old Faithful. There are also hundreds of colorful hot springs and pools, such as the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for wild bears, wolves, eagles, and of course, the world’s largest bison herd in Yellowstone National Park. There are wildlife watching tours available, which will give you the best chance of spotting these creatures, such as Buffalo Roam Tours.
  • Go on a hike around the Yellowstone white water rafting.
  • Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which features three incredible waterfalls— Upper, Crystal, and Lower Falls.
  • If you have got the guts, you could take on the river on one of the many white water rafting trips that are offered in the area, such as Paradise Rafting.

RELATED:
Yellowstone National Park Itinerary + Yellowstone Country & Grand Tetons 
14 Best Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park

4. The Deep South American Road Trip- 14 Days

This Deep South USA road trip will take you on a musically themed route through 6 different states, as well as the stunning Great Smoky Mountains.

Starting and finishing in Atlanta, this loop takes in the very best of the Deep South, including Asheville, Nashville, Memphis, Natchez, New Orleans, the Florida Panhandle, and more.

After two weeks, be an expert in blues, BBQ, bourbon, and so much more. Starting in Ashville, you’ll drive down to the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina, over to the incredible Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The musical city of Nashville is the next stop, followed by its musical neighbor of Memphis, before following the Great River Road down to New Orleans.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Explore the city of Atlanta, including Stone Mountain Park, a large park featuring a huge quartz monzonite dome.
  • Hike and sightsee in America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Whether you are taking a swim in the river at the Sinks, enjoying the view from Clingmans Dome, or taking a scenic drive around Cades Cove, you will soon see why this is one of America’s most popular national parks.
  • Venture to the home of country music in Nashville, stopping at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and head to Broadway for a night you will remember. Elvis fans need to pay a visit to Graceland and Sun Studios to see where the great recorded some of his best songs.
  • Make a stop at the Mammoth Cave National Park, deep below the fields and forests of Kentucky. It is the world’s most extensive system of caves, reaching for around 400 miles. Take a tour with the NPS rangers to truly see what this natural wonder offers.
  • Take in the views at Rock City Gardens, which offers a scenic vista into seven states.

5. Blue Ridge Parkway American Road Trip – 5 Days

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives on the East Coast and one of the best road trips in the USA, snaking its way through the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia, all the way down to South Carolina, ending at the Smoky Mountains National Park.

One of the best times of year to do this trip is in the fall, when the trees that line the road turn a rich golden color, and the scenery burns with all shades from yellow to red.

Although the drive itself is pretty spectacular, along the way, you can enjoy plenty of hiking trails, panoramic views, waterfalls, and more. Because this part of the country is a little away from some of the major cities, it is often missed out of a trip in the USA, but the beauty of the area definitely makes it worth the excursion.

The speed limit is 45mph, so you can enjoy the route at a leisurely pace, taking in the views outside the windows.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Be sure to check out the Natural Bridge, a vast, naturally occurring rock bridge. For the best views of the bridge, take the Cedar Creek Nature Trail. If you don’t want to walk, you can always take the shuttle bus.
  • Grab a seat in the outdoor amphitheater for a concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center.
  • Make a stop at the Blowing Rock, sitting on a cliff that hangs 3000 feet above Johns River Gorge, named for the incredibly strong winds that blow up the cliff.
  • Waterfall lovers should stop at Linville Falls, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall that cascades into Linville Gorge.
  • Take a step back in time and experience Cherokee history at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, where you can learn about their culture, dress, and lifestyle.

6. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway American Road Trip – 7 Days

Spanning 500 miles, the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway takes you from Chemult in Oregon to Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. You could easily spend a week heading along this route, making time for the ample stops along the way. The byway runs along the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range, with incredible mountain vistas around every turn.

One of the best things about this route is the seamless merge of old and new. The landscape itself has been created from countless volcanic eruptions which span back millions of years, while the more modern town of Bend is a great place to kick off the trip.

From Bend, pick up the byway, and it won’t be long before you hit Crater Lake National Park, where the collapse of Mount Mazama formed the deepest lake in the US.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Stop to see the incredible Newberry Caldera at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, here; you will be able to learn more about how the area was shaped over the years. There are more than 110 miles of trails in the area, so take your pick! You could also explore the 1 mile long Lava River Cave, which can be explored on a self-guided tour.
  • Crater Lake is a must-see stop along the route. This deep blue lake is surrounded by towering cliffs, with two islands helping to make it one of the most incredible sights in the area. You can take a boat tour to Wizard Island, the cinder cone located in the lake.
  • Don’t miss out on stopping at Petroglyph Point, which is one of the country’s largest pieces of Native American Rock Art.
  • Keep an eye out for some of the fascinating volcanic geology, such as the many chimney-like fumaroles as you drive.
  • Make a stop at the stunning 30 miles long Upper Klamath Lake, which just begs to be explored by canoe or kayak. The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail is a great way to see the sights of the area.

RELATED: 17+ Badass Things to Do in Oregon: Portland and Bend 

7. Anchorage to Valdez American Road Trip – 2 Days

The short but sweet 300 mile USA road trip from Anchorage to Valdez will allow you to witness some of the most stunning Alaskan landscapes. You’ll be driving on the Glenn and Richardson Highways, past huge towering mountain ranges filled with glaciers.

If you did the drive without stopping, it would take you around 6 hours, but there are so many incredible natural wonders along the way, it is worth spending at least a few days doing the drive, stopping for hikes and viewpoints along the way.

The town of Valdez itself is stunning, known as the Little Switzerland of Alaska its incredible surroundings never cease to amaze visitors. Although you’ll be traveling on highways rather than smaller roads, you’ll still get a great insight into the Alaskan wilderness on one of the best American road trips around.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Take a hike along the Thunderbird Fall Trail, which leads to an impressive 200-foot waterfall. The trail is only a mile, making it perfect for anyone.
  • Enjoy a scenic float along a glacial river, floating downstream takes around 2 hours, and you can enjoy some incredible scenery along the route. NOVA Alaska Guides run these trips around 90 minutes from Anchorage.
  • Pay a visit to the colorful Spirit Houses in the Eklunta Village, which dates back to 1650.
  • Make use of the roadside pull out to see the Matanuska Glacier stretching out into the distance. If you feel like getting a little closer, you can walk up and touch this towering wall of ice.
  • The Eagle River Nature Center is the gateway to the Chugach State Park, home to some genuinely wild scenery. The 3 mile Albert Loop trail is a great place to stretch your legs.
  • Check out Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, accessible via a short hike and a roadside pullout.

8. Hana Highway – 1-3 Days American Road Trip

Located on Maui’s east coast, the road to Hana from Kahului in Hawaii is one of the most spectacular American road trips in the world. With 59 narrow bridges and 620 curves, it is not for the faint of heart but is certainly a lot of fun.

There is a new, incredible vista around every one of those curves, with plenty of white, red, and black beaches along the route.

The Hana Highway is one of the most picturesque USA road trips.
Hana Highway is one of the most picturesque USA road trips.

At 100 miles long, the journey is achievable in a day, but with such stunning views and lots to do, why not stretch it out over 2 or 3 days? It is an awe-inspiring drive filled with cliffs, beaches and waterfalls, tropical jungles, and panoramic views of the emerald Pacific Ocean.

The road begins at the central town of Kahului and ends at the rustic little village of Hana, part of Hawaii State Routes 36 and 360.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Stop off at the Nahiku Village for some of the best views of the crenulated coastline.
  • Take a hike and a swim at the Three Bears Falls, the perfect place to cool off.
  • Twin Falls provides the perfect little spot for a swim. Hike along the Waikamoi Natural Trail while in the area soak in the expanse of the bamboo forest.
  • Plant lovers should not miss a trip to the Garden of Eden Arboretum, full of brilliantly colored botanical flowers.
  • Don’t miss the Hana Lava Tube, a massive cave that has been formed by lava flows. For those that would prefer to stay above ground, enjoy the black sands of Pailoa Beach.

RELATED: First Time in Hawaii: A Perfect One Week Hawaii Itinerary 

9. Overseas Highway American Road Trip – Miami to Key West – 2 Days

With over 42 bridges in 110 miles and almost more sea than land, this American road trip will feel as though you are driving over the ocean. Along the way, you will have some incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean on both sides of the road, an experience you won’t get anywhere else on earth, making it quite a unique trip.

The Overseas Highway is a fan favorite American road trip.
The Overseas Highway is a fan favorite American road trip.

You’ll travel from island to island, including Plantation Key, Tea Table Key, Sugarloaf Key, Ragged Key, and more before reaching the end of the Florida Keys, Key West, where you can enjoy great weather and beautiful beaches.

June to November is hurricane season, so you will have to keep an eye on the weather if traveling at this time of year.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Dive into the beautiful ocean for a snorkeling adventure for a chance to spot some sea turtles, nurse sharks, and parrotfish around the shallow reefs in the area.
  • Visit the house of Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West during the 1920s. Be aware that around 50 cats now call the house their home.
  • You can’t make this road trip without stopping at the southernmost point of the continental United States. Get there early to avoid waiting in line for a photo.

10. Las Vegas Loop – 14-Day American Road Trip

There is a lot more to the Las Vegas Loop than just casinos and bright lights. Making this your starting and endpoint of this USA road trip, you can take in some of the most spectacular landscapes that America has to offer.

RELATED:
Your Adventurous Utah Road Trip
15 Adventurous Things To Do in Moab, Utah

The red rock of the American West has some magnificent scenery and will allow you to take in several National Parks such as Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, and the Grand Canyon.

Learn about the local Navajo culture as you go, driving through long stretches of wide, empty roads with nothing but red rock and desert on all sides.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • See the sunrise through Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, and watch the sunset over Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.
  • Take a hike up in Zion National Park up to Angels Landing and be rewarded with some incredible views.
  • Walk between the red rocks of Antelope Canyon, one of the most spectacular and photographed canyons in the world.
  • Take in the sights at Grand Canyon National Park. There are many different hikes and viewpoints along the rim of the Grand Canyon, all of which offer different viewpoints. Bright Angel Point Trail is a short round trip on a paved path to a spectacular view, or if you are up for something a bit more challenging, the North Kaibab Trail will take you into the canyon. Be sure to read the advice before using this trail and do not go too far as it can be dangerous.
  • You don’t have to be a gambler to enjoy Las Vegas. Walk the strip to see the water fountains, watch the volcano show, take a ride on a rollercoaster, and more.

RELATED: Antelope Canyon in Winter + Which Tour to Take (Hint: Not Upper or Lower!)

11. New York to New England – 7-Day American Road Trip

A great place to start an American road trip is the Big Apple. Spend the first few days exploring this busy, vibrant, crazy city before even thinking about picking up a car.

Get your beach hit by driving to Cape Cod, with miles of pristine beaches and plenty of quaint fishing villages to chill in. This is quite a contrast to the city you have left behind.

If you're looking for one of the best American road trips to go on, add New York to New England on your list!
If you’re looking for one of the best American road trips to go on, add New York to New England on your list!

After hugging the coast for a while, visiting spots such as Nantucket Island and Provincetown, you will arrive at the city of Boston.

This city is filled with things to do and see, including a harbor full of islands and the well-known ‘Freedom Trail.’ From Boston, you can continue to hug the coast up to Acadia National Park, before returning to New York via the Adirondack Mountains, with a side trip to Niagra Falls.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • See the sights of Metropolitan New York City, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park; there is no end to the things to do and see.
  • Enjoy canoeing at the Finger Lakes, a beautiful and photogenic part of New York State!
  • Hop on a boat for a spot of whale watching when you reach Provincetown. There is nothing more exciting than spotting one of these majestic creatures out in the wild. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch offers these trips.
  • See the most famous waterfall in the world, Niagara Falls. Take in the views of the falls or even take in the sights on a boat trip.
  • Visit Acadia National Park in the state of Maine, home to the tallest mountain on the US Atlantic Coast. Take a hike or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
  • If you are visiting Boston in Autumn, make time to fit in a harbor trip to the surrounding islands on one of the regularly departing boats.

12. Route 66 – 21-Day American Road Trip

A list of American road trips would not be complete without including the iconic Route 66, arguably the most well-known roads in America. The road spans 2,400 miles across eight states and three time zones.

From Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, this is a pretty long road trip. You will be passing many of the old fashion motels and truck shops that have made this road so famous over the years.

One of the most famous American road trips is Route 66.
One of the most famous American road trips is Route 66.

There are countless sights, museums, and places to eat along the way, many of which have now become an important part of American history. The towns along this route are places that you would unlikely to ever visit, so it is a good way of exploring some of the less popular areas of the country.

After leaving Chicago, you will venture through the wide, open plains of the Midwest, over the mountains of New Mexico, and barren desert before making it to the Pacific Coast.

Cities you’ll pass include St Louis, Tulsa, Stillwater, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and finally, Los Angeles and the end of your journey.

RELATED: Your Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (1 Week – 2 Months)

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • As you make your way into Arizona, you will come across the Petrified Forest National Park. This is a really cool place to explore, with many examples of fossilized wood.
  • Take a little side trip to see the incredible Grand Canyon. There are plenty of hikes in the area, all of which offer incredible viewpoints of the deep canyon below.
  • Just outside the town of Flagstaff is a massive meteor crater, a mile across, created when a meteor struck the earth 50,000 years ago. There is a hiking trail that will take you all around the edge of the crater.
  • The kaleidoscope of colors and layers of rock are what has given the Painted Desert its name. Take a short detour off the route and enjoy watching the sunset over this stunning spot in Arizona.
  • Hire a bike and enjoy riding through the beautiful Forest Park in the center of St Louis.
  • Make a stop at the second largest canyon in the US, the Palo Duro Canyon, also home to some extraordinary rock formations. Take one of the many trails to see the landscape up close.
  • Explore the Meramec Caverns, one of the most visited cave systems in Missouri, and for good reason. The 4.6-mile canyon system is a true natural wonder, with incredible rock formations and deep caverns.
  • Ascend 2.7 miles up the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway in Albuquerque in the Sandia Foothills. Once at the summit, admire the vistas of the Rio Grande Valley, and go for a hike in the surrounding forest.
  • Trek to the Cima Dome in the Mojave National Preserve, where the world’s most extensive collection of Joshua Trees are located.

RELATED: Your Adventurous Arizona Road Trip

13. Black Hills American Road Trip – 5 Days

Start this Black Hills trip with the Badlands Loop, in Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This area is made up of nearly 244,000 acres of buttes, pinnacles, and spires, all of which have been shaped by erosion.

From the Badlands, head to nearby Rapid City with its vibrant downtown. Keep heading south towards the city of Keystone, before taking Hwy 244 to Mt. Rushmore, one of America’s most iconic sights.

The Black Hills is one of the best USA road trips.
Cathedral Spires Hike

Your next stop will be Hill City, an area in the Black Hills which is full of some stunning scenery. There are lots of things to do in the city and the surrounding area. Take Hwy 16 south and travel to Hot Springs and visit the Mammoth site, where you can learn all about the Ice Age and the many animals that came with it.

Your next stop will be Wind Cave National Park, followed by Custer State Park. Although not the longest route, the Black Hills area has so much to see and do, making it one of the best road trips in the USA.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Stop to admire the incredible rock formations in Badlands National Park. You can also pop into the visitor’s center to learn more and visit the Prairie Homestead, one of the few sod dwellings still standing.
  • Stop at the Petrified Forest of the Black Hills to marvel at great trees that have now turned to stone.
  • Animal lovers should pay a visit to Bear Country USA, a fun, drive-through park where you will be able to see plenty of North American Wildlife around your car.
  • Take a guided walking tour of Mt. Rushmore, where you can learn more about its fascinating history.
  • In Custer State Park, you have a good chance of seeing some of the wild buffalo that call the area home. The Sunday Gulch Trail is a 4-mile loop trail by Sylvan Lake taking you down into the valley.

RELATED: 13 Cool Things to Do Around Rapid City, South Dakota

14. Great River Road American Road Trip – 7 Days

The Mississippi River is likely one of the most famous rivers in the world, and The Great River Road follows it from head to toe. The road is specifically designed to show off the ten states that border this river, so expect to see a lot packed into this USA road trip.

Discover one of the best scenic American road trips on the Great River Road.
Discover one of the best scenic American road trips on the Great River Road.

Farms line the road, as well as upland meadows, Cyprus swamps, thick forest, wildlife refuges, and towering limestone cliffs; it is nothing if not scenic.

It crosses the river often and passes through long-forgotten towns, as well as some major cities. The 3000 mile National Scenic Byway will take you from Minnesota all the way down to Louisiana.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Head to the Nelson Dewey State Park for breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River from the park’s 500-foot bluff. It is a great place to stop and camp, go hiking, or simply enjoy a picnic with an incredible vista stretching out before you.
  • The Trail of Tears State Park can be found in Missouri, the perfect place for hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding.
  • Make a stop at the Yellow River Forest State Recreation Area, an 8,000-acre forest that contains some of Iowa’s most incredible landscapes. There are many high, scenic bluffs to climb, while canoeing can be enjoyed on the streams.
  • Pikes Peak State Park boasts one of Iowa’s most spectacular views of the Mississippi River, making it a very rewarding climb.

15. Atlantic Coast – 7-Day American Road Trip

Many people think of the East Coast of the USA to be primarily urban sprawl, but hug the coastline, and you will be surprised about what you find.

Large stretches of rugged coastline are indispersed with picture-perfect beach resorts, so you can get your beach fix along the way.  The road runs for around 2000 miles, with views of the ocean the majority of the way making it one of the best American road trips.

You can start this trip in New York, spending a few days exploring this famous, busy city, before hitting the road and experiencing a very different part of America.

Another adventurous USA road trip is through the Atlantic coast.
Another adventurous USA road trip is along the Atlantic coast.

How far you travel on this road is up to you, and if you kept driving the full distance, you would end up at Key West; however, many people tend to curve inland and head to the city of Washington DC as a finishing point.

The route really does have something for everyone, urban city scenes and bright lights, quiet fishing towns, photogenic lighthouses on deserted cliff faces and low lying islands, connected via a series of bridges.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Experience the grand Victorian charms of Cape May, before boarding the ferry with your car to cross over this stretch of ocean.
  • Enjoy the miles and miles of picture-perfect beaches of Long Beach Island, a long thin island only half a mile wide at its widest point.
  • Stop at some of the state parks along the coast, such as First Landing State Park, Carolina Beach State Park, and Huntington Beach State Park. Each of these parks offers a good range of hiking trails, fishing, and camping.

16. San Francisco to Las Vegas American Road Trip – 7 Days

The drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas will take you through three incredible National Parks. After leaving the hilly city of San Fran, head north to Napa Valley, before driving across the state of California to the incredible Yosemite National Park.

From here, drive south through the foothills of the mountain to Sequoia National Park, home of some of the biggest and most impressive trees in the world.

You will continue heading south until you reach the desert landscape of Death Valley National Park. The final stop before reaching Las Vegas will be Hoover Dam, an incredible architectural wonder.

There is something for everyone on this route. Nature lovers will enjoy getting out and about in the mountains or experience the wonders of the desert.

City dwellers can experience all that two of the most famous cities in the state has to offer, and you can enjoy some of the finest California wines along the way.

RELATED: 15 Things To Do in Sequoia National Park

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Take in the hilly scenery of San Francisco. Take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, visit the most famous prison in the world and see the seals from the piers that line the waters.
  • Sample some of the finest wines in the region in the many wineries that dot the Napa Valley region. The scenery here isn’t too bad, either.
  • Waterfalls, towering cliffs, and plenty of wildlife, Yosemite National Park, will take your breath away. The Mist Trail skirts the 317 foot Vernal Fall and 594 foot Nevada Falls and heads into the Yosemite Valley. The Valley Loop Trail will allow you to see all of the Yosemite Valley highlights, including Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Rock, El Captan, and more, covering 11.5 miles.
  • You can’t even contemplate the size of the trees in Sequoia National Park until you see them. Only found in a few places around the world, these great forests deserve a whole day of exploration.
  • Take in the salt plains, desert landscapes, and miles of sand dunes in Death Valley National Park. If you stay the night, it is one of the best places for stargazing.
  • Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel, and well worth a stop on the road trip.
  • Take a walk down the sparkling strip of Las Vegas. Even if you are not a gambler, this is a fun place to explore, with plenty of entertainment all night long.

RELATED: Your Adventurous Nevada Road Trip

17. Cross Country American Road Trip – 21-Day Epic American Road Trip!

Starting in Boston and ending in Seattle, this cross-country American road trip is an excellent way of seeing some of the country’s many highlights. Spanning 3000 miles, there are plenty of places to stop along the way, from great cities to mountain wilderness, each day will bring something new.

The route runs along the northern part of the US. You will be taken through the incredible glacial landscapes of Montana, past wild west towns in South Dakota, and through the Amish Countryside in Pennsylvania.

Highlights on This American Road Trip

  • Spend some time in Boston exploring the streets of this picturesque city. A boat trip around the harbor is a great way to spend the day.
  • Make a stop in Chicago, a city known for its many museums and urban art. From the pier, you can take in the views or take a cruise around Lake Michigan.
  • Drive through Badlands National Park to see the iconic buttes and canyons in all shades of red, orange, and gold. Keep a lookout for the bison and bighorn sheep that call this part of the country their home.
  • Head into South Dakota and explore the Black Hills region, such as the Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial.
  • Find the hidden beaches around the beautiful Flathead Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful day in a picturesque setting.
  • Venture into the Bavarian village of Leavenworth at the foothills of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, with 300 days of sunshine a year; it is a great place to explore.

Resources for Your Trip:

Don’t forget insurance!

Get a quote with the best and easiest travelers insurance: Safety Wing

Where to Stay?

How to Get Free Accommodation Anywhere!

Check my top 3 (legit) ways to get free stays!

I hope this post helped you plan some epic American road trips. Are there any other road trips that I didn’t mention in the post? Let me know in the comments below!



Don’t lose this! Click to pin it now.

Amazing USA Road Trips

Pin this post for later!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *