14 Best United States Destinations for a Spontaneous Road Trip
Hitting the open road with no real itinerary, map (or phone GPS), and a tank full of gas is one of the freest things out there. When you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, quirky towns, or vibrant cities, the U.S. is filled with destinations to choose from and they’re all great for getting in your car and hitting the road on a whim. The destination may be your goal, but the journey itself is often as memorable.
Here are 14 incredible spots in the U.S. that are perfect for your next road trip.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
If jaw-dropping ocean views are what you are after, then this iconic route is for you. The Pacific Coast Highway runs from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Northern California, and provides miles of stunning coastal vistas. Big Sur’s golden cliffs, Santa Barbara’s lazy charm, and San Francisco’s vibrancy are among the highlights. This is one of those drives where you’re practically required to pull over and take in the scenery.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles across the west side of Virginia and North Carolina, is a 469 mile visit into the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The show-stopper season here is Fall, when fiery red and gold foliage lights up the landscape. The lush summer greenery and spring wildflowers aren’t too shabby, though, honestly.
Illinois to California, Route 66
The Mother Road is no stranger to any list of road trip destinations. Once running from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic highway has retained its retro charm. There are vintage diners, neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions like Cadillac Ranch in Texas. For some, Route 66 means snapping photos, and for others blowing diets on diner milkshakes, it’s a nostalgia-packed road trip.
Mississippi River, Great River Road
The Great River Road traces the mighty Mississippi River through 10 states and is a treasure trove of small-town charm and historic landmarks. This drive is a history buff’s dream, with stops like Natchez, Mississippi, and Hannibal, Missouri (Mark Twain’s boyhood home). On top of that, there are riverside views and local eats—fried catfish, anyone?—for every mile.
Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
Tropical road trip paradise is the Overseas Highway. You’ll be driving over crystal clear turquoise waters with islands dotting the horizon on this 113 mile stretch from Key Largo to Key West. On this drive, there is equal parts adventure and relaxation — between scuba diving, fresh seafood, and the vibrant nightlife of Key West.
The Badlands, South Dakota
If you aren’t thinking of South Dakota as the first place in mind for a road trip, you might want to reconsider. For those wanting to see the Badlands’ rugged canyons and unique rock formations, they are a must-see. If you add in nearby attractions such as Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, you’ve got a route full of ‘wow’ moments.
Texas Hill Country
Texas Hill Country is a road trippers’ paradise if you like rolling hills, wildflowers, and small-town hospitality. Fredericksburg is a slice of German heritage taking a drive through explore the wineries and wildflower tails in the area. Bluebonnets carpet the fields; it’s especially stunning in the Spring.
Lake Superior Circle Tour
Lake Superior Circle is a 1,300-mile loop around the world’s largest freshwater lake that crosses Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario. The Lake Superior Circle Tour with its unspoiled beaches, attractive lighthouses, and unlimited outdoor activities is the perfect nature lover’s tour. Bring a camera—every turn on this drive is Instagram-worthy.
Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a short but unforgettable route through Arizona’s desert landscapes, just south of Sedona. This is a great detour for adventurers to see towering red rock formations, ancient ruins, and hiking trails all in one. Proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages—or shorter drives.
Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is moody, dramatic beauty and the Olympic Peninsula is no exception. It has lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped peaks. Extra magic is added to the journey, by places like Hurricane Ridge and Ruby Beach.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, New England
The Kancamagus Highway is known for its dazzling fall foliage and if autumn colors make your heart sing, it’s a must-see. Even outside of leaf-peeping season, this scenic drive through the White Mountains is beautiful with hiking trails and hidden swimming holes.
Alaska’s Seward Highway
Alaska’s Seward highway is all about majestic scenery and stretches 127 miles from Anchorage to Seward. Seem like stepping into a nature documentary with glaciers, fjords, and lots and lots of wildlife sightings (bears, moose, eagles!). You don’t want to miss the opportunity to stop at Kenai Fjords National Park for some glacier hiking or kayaking.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Although distant, Big Bend is worth the effort, with its combination of canyon country, dramatic mountains, and meandering Rio Grande. There are so many ways to stretch your legs on the drive through the park, from hiking in Santa Elena Canyon to stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.
The Black Hills and Needles Highway, South Dakota
The black hills and a needle highway, a 14-mile drive of scenic quality, is thrilling, as you wind through granite spires and dense forests. Sharp turns and tight tunnels might throw you a curve ball, but it’s worth the effort for the very dramatic landscapes on this road. On your way there you will find hidden lakes and sun-drenched picnic spots to recharge.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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