17 Best Road Trips In America Worth The Drive

There’s nothing quite like rolling the windows down, cranking up your favorite playlist, and hitting the open road with no limits on adventure. Whether you’re chasing ocean views, snow-capped peaks, or desert horizons, the best road trips in america promise a mix of scenery, culture, and excitement.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway delivers jaw-dropping ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and iconic stops like Big Sur and Malibu that make it unforgettable. It’s one of the best road trips in america for travelers craving golden sunsets and endless beach vibes. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, every curve feels like it was designed for adventure and Instagram-worthy moments.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

Rolling through the Appalachian Mountains, this scenic byway is bursting with overlooks, trails, and breathtaking fall colors that light up the landscape. As one of the best road trips in america, it blends nature’s beauty with calm winding roads perfect for a weekend escape. Wildlife spotting and hiking detours add plenty of excitement along the way.

Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica

Often called the “Mother Road,” Route 66 is the definition of a classic American drive filled with diners, neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions. It’s easily one of the best road trips in america for travelers looking to soak up history and nostalgia. Every pit stop feels like stepping back in time, making the journey just as thrilling as the destination.

Overseas Highway, Florida Keys

This road practically floats above the ocean, connecting Miami to Key West with turquoise water stretching in every direction. Among the best road trips in america, it delivers laid-back island vibes and unforgettable stops in Key Largo and Islamorada. The final Key West sunset seals the deal, leaving you wishing the drive lasted longer.

Great River Road, Along the Mississippi

Following the mighty Mississippi through ten states, this drive is rich in history, culture, and soulful food experiences. It’s one of the best road trips in america for travelers who love charming river towns, jazz music, and authentic southern hospitality. From Louisiana flavors to Midwestern charm, every mile brings something new to savor.

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Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

This Glacier National Park gem offers towering peaks, alpine meadows, and sparkling glacial lakes around every corner. It’s easily one of the best road trips in america for nature lovers who crave epic views and thrilling mountain roads. Summer brings blooming wildflowers, while wildlife sightings make the journey even more memorable.

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Highway 101, Oregon Coast

Highway 101 winds along rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns that feel straight out of a movie. It’s considered one of the best road trips in america for travelers who love exploring hidden coves and lighthouses. Cannon Beach and its famous Haystack Rock are highlights you won’t want to miss.

Stretching across Nevada, U.S. Route 50 is quiet, vast, and filled with wide-open skies that feel endless. Despite the name, it’s one of the best road trips in america for those seeking solitude, peace, and a true escape from the noise of everyday life. Desert landscapes and quirky small towns keep the ride surprising and serene.

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Alaska’s Seward Highway

This dramatic route showcases glaciers, fjords, and snow-capped mountains that make every mile breathtaking. As one of the best road trips in america, it gives travelers a front-row seat to wild Alaska at its finest. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bald eagles, and whales along the way.

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Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee

Once a Native American trail, this historic parkway blends natural beauty with fascinating stories from centuries past. It ranks high among the best road trips in america thanks to its peaceful drive, forested landscapes, and cultural landmarks. Small southern towns offer plenty of charm and delicious food stops.

Beartooth Highway, Montana to Wyoming

Climbing up to nearly 11,000 feet, this thrilling route offers sharp turns, alpine lakes, and breathtaking mountain panoramas. It’s one of the best road trips in america for travelers who love adventure and don’t mind a little altitude. Summer brings cool air and crystal-clear skies that make the journey unforgettable.

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Skyline Drive, Virginia

Stretching through Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is famous for its 75 overlooks that show off valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife. Among the best road trips in america, it’s perfect for a slow-paced drive surrounded by pure natural beauty. In fall, the foliage explodes into brilliant reds, oranges, and golds.

San Juan Skyway, Colorado

Winding through the San Juan Mountains, this route brings you face-to-face with rugged peaks, alpine passes, and historic mining towns. It’s easily one of the best road trips in america for travelers chasing mountain adventure and wild west charm. Durango, Telluride, and Silverton make for unforgettable pit stops.

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Hana Highway, Maui

The Hana Highway is packed with waterfalls, lush rainforests, and dramatic coastal cliffs that make every mile spectacular. This tropical treasure is one of the best road trips in america and delivers postcard-worthy scenery at every turn. Narrow roads, roadside fruit stands, and hidden beaches add extra magic to the drive.

Black Hills Scenic Byway, South Dakota

This drive takes you through Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills’ striking granite peaks. It’s one of the best road trips in america for travelers who love mixing natural wonder with iconic landmarks. Bison herds, winding roads, and endless views make it a trip to remember.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Utah’s Byway 12 is pure adventure, with red rock canyons, natural arches, and desert landscapes that feel otherworldly. It’s easily one of the best road trips in america for outdoor enthusiasts who love exploring unique terrain. Every twist reveals a new jaw-dropping scene you’ll never forget.

Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Circling Olympic National Park, this loop delivers everything from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines and snow-capped mountains. As one of the best road trips in america, it offers an incredible variety of landscapes in a single drive. Beaches, hot springs, and scenic trails make it a nature lover’s paradise.

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At the end of the day, road trips are about more than just getting from point A to point B — they’re about freedom, discovery, and stories that stay with you forever. The best road trips in america show off the country’s most breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and endless adventure. From coastal highways to mountain passes, there’s a route that fits every traveler’s dream.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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