12 Bucket List National Road Trips in the United States
The most memorable way to experience the United States is through its iconic highways and backroads. This article introduces 12 national road trips that combine history, culture, and diverse natural settings.
You’ll find coastal drives, mountain passages, and cross-country journeys worth the miles. Let’s get into it.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Spanning over 400 miles between Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this drive emphasizes natural beauty. The parkway moves through rolling hills, mountain overlooks, and hardwood forests that change dramatically with the seasons. You’ll find hiking trails, visitor centers, and Appalachian heritage sites along the way. It’s a slower-paced route, best enjoyed with time and curiosity.
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles places you next to the Pacific Ocean for nearly the entire trip. You’ll encounter cliffside views, redwood forests, and small towns like Carmel and Big Sur. The route also runs near Hearst Castle and several beach state parks. It’s a scenic corridor that allows you to stop frequently without straying far from the water.
Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)
Known for its cultural legacy, Route 66 runs through Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and several other states, ending in California. The route is lined with vintage diners, neon signs, and roadside attractions that reflect mid-century Americana. Cities like Albuquerque and St. Louis offer urban exploration along the way. It’s a road that represents the historic westward push of American travelers.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Inside Glacier National Park, this 50-mile road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and offers alpine views in every direction. It typically opens in late June due to snow removal at high elevations. You’ll pass waterfalls, glacial lakes, and wildlife, including mountain goats. It’s a short but unforgettable mountain drive restricted to smaller vehicles.
The Loneliest Road (Nevada)
U.S. Route 50 in Nevada cuts across the state with long stretches of desert and few signs of life. The highway connects remote towns like Ely and Austin, each with mining-era architecture and small museums. The openness of the drive makes for an unfiltered view of the Basin and Range region. It’s quiet, raw, and perfect if you prefer solitude over crowds.
Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
Stretching 113 miles between Miami and Key West, the Overseas Highway crosses dozens of bridges over clear tropical water. One highlight is the Seven Mile Bridge, which appears to float over the sea. Coral reefs, seafood shacks, and marine sanctuaries are easy detours. The mix of ocean views and island culture makes it unlike any other American road trip.
Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)
Linking Red Lodge, Montana, with the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this road climbs to nearly 11,000 feet. The elevation offers access to alpine plateaus, snowfields, and dramatic switchbacks. In summer, wildflowers and mountain views fill the horizon. It’s a high-altitude drive that often closes due to weather, so timing matters.
Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)
This 444-mile route follows an ancient trail used for centuries by Native Americans and later settlers. Today, it’s a preserved corridor with no commercial traffic, limited billboards, and ample historical markers. Key stops include Native burial mounds and Civil War battle sites. The route encourages reflection and slows your pace through the southern United States.
Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
The Great River Road winds through ten states, following the path of the Mississippi River. It brings you near river bluffs, wetlands, and towns deeply shaped by the water’s presence. Cities like Memphis, Davenport, and St. Paul offer cultural stops and historic districts. The river anchors the journey and helps guide your experience.
Highway 12 (Utah)
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, cutting through the heart of canyon country. It takes you through varied terrain, including slick rock, pine forests, and small ranch towns. Stops along the way include Grand Staircase-Escalante and the Anasazi State Park Museum. It’s ideal for those who appreciate geology and remote beauty.
Columbia River Highway (Oregon)
Built in the early 20th century, this road follows the Columbia River Gorge and showcases waterfalls, basalt cliffs, and dense forest. Key sights include Multnomah Falls, Crown Point, and viewpoints over the river. The route is relatively short but packed with places to pull over and explore. It also offers quick access to hiking trails and wineries.
Alaska Highway (Canada to Alaska)
This road trip includes dramatic wilderness, beginning in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska. Though it passes through Canadian provinces, it remains a classic American road route into the heart of the Last Frontier. Wildlife sightings, including bears and moose, are common. Services are spread out, so preparation is essential, but the sense of scale is unmatched.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Read More:
- Ultimate Guide To Picking The Best Travel Credit Card
- The 5 Best Budget Airlines in the United States
- 15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca
