Discover the 10 best scenic road trips in the USA—from the Pacific Coast Highway to Route 66. Plan your epic American adventure with must-see stops and tips!
There’s nothing like the freedom of the open road. From coastal cliffs to alpine passes, these iconic American road trips serve up unforgettable views, charming pit stops, and adventures around every corner.
Best Road Trips in the USA
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Route: San Francisco to San Diego (~600 miles)
Best Time to Go: Late spring to early fall
Cruising down Highway 1 with the windows down and the ocean breeze in your hair—there’s no better California experience. A Pacific Coast Highway road trip should be at the top of the list! The weather is amazing and the views can’t be beat.
Photo Suggestion:
- Big Sur coastline with cliffs and waves crashing below
- Bixby Creek Bridge with a car crossing
Must-Sees: Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Barbara, Malibu
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Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Route: Shenandoah NP to Great Smoky Mountains (469 miles)
Best Time to Go: September–October for fall foliage
Winding through Appalachian peaks, this drive is painted in reds and golds each fall.
Photo Suggestion:
- Linn Cove Viaduct wrapped in fall colors
- Sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains
Must-Sees: Craggy Gardens, Asheville, Peaks of Otter
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Route: Glacier National Park (~50 miles)
Best Time to Go: July to early September
Short but spectacular, this alpine road takes you into the heart of Glacier National Park. This is an easy and fun day trip idea.
Photo Suggestion:
- Logan Pass wildflowers
- View of Wild Goose Island at sunrise
Must-Sees: Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, Weeping Wall
Route 66 (Illinois to California)
Route: Chicago to Santa Monica (~2,400 miles)
Best Time to Go: Spring or fall
A vintage slice of Americana, Route 66 is a nostalgic ride past kitschy motels, neon diners and plenty of roadside attractions.
Photo Suggestion:
- Cadillac Ranch in Texas
- Retro gas station or neon sign in Arizona
Must-Sees: Petrified Forest, Santa Monica Pier, Route 66 Museum
Olympic Peninsula Loop (Washington)
Route: Loop around Olympic National Park (~330 miles)
Best Time to Go: Late spring to early fall
Rainforests, coastlines, and mountains—all in one trip around Washington’s wildest peninsula.
Photo Suggestion:
- Moss-covered trees in Hoh Rain Forest
- Ruby Beach at low tide
Must-Sees: Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Hot Springs
Maine Coast on Highway 1 (New England)
Route: Kittery to Bar Harbor (~230 miles)
Best Time to Go: Summer through early fall
Lighthouses, lobster rolls, and salty sea air define this breezy New England road trip.
Photo Suggestion:
- Portland Head Light with waves crashing
- Bar Harbor with boats at sunset
Must-Sees: Camden, Rockport, Acadia National Park
The Loneliest Road – US Route 50 (Nevada)
Route: Ely to Fallon (~400 miles)
Best Time to Go: Spring and fall
This remote stretch through Nevada’s high desert is ideal for stargazing and introspective drives.
Photo Suggestion:
- Open road disappearing into the desert
- Night sky filled with stars
Must-Sees: Great Basin NP, Eureka, Austin
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Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
Route: Silverton to Ouray (~25 miles)
Best Time to Go: Late summer to early fall
Thrilling switchbacks and steep drop-offs give this mountain road its name—and its fame.
Photo Suggestion:
- Hairpin turns with snow-capped peaks
- Fall colors in the San Juan Mountains
Must-Sees: Red Mountain Pass, Ouray, Box Canyon Falls
Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
Route: Along the Mississippi River (~2,000 miles)
Best Time to Go: Spring or early fall
Follow the mighty Mississippi through ten states and centuries of American history.
Photo Suggestion:
- River bluffs in Iowa or Wisconsin
- Steamboat docked in Mississippi
Must-Sees: Hannibal, Memphis, Natchez, New Orleans
Florida Keys Scenic Highway (US 1)
Route: Miami to Key West (~113 miles)
Best Time to Go: Winter to early spring
Island hop over turquoise waters and end your drive at a tropical paradise in Key West.
Photo Suggestion:
- Aerial shot of Seven Mile Bridge
- Sunset celebration at Mallory Square
Must-Sees: Key Largo, Islamorada, Bahia Honda State Park
