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Top 10 Best Road Trips in America

Roll down the windows, crank up the classics, and hit the road on America’s most unforgettable routes—from the iconic Route 66 and the coastal breeze of Highway 1 to the mountain vistas of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the scenic drives along the Gulf Coast. These trips capture why the United States was built for the open road.

Location: US2026137 viewsAug 31, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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#1
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
The Pacific Coast Highway in California offers one of the most dramatic coastal drives imaginable, stretching over 650 miles. This iconic route is particularly renowned for the Big Sur section, where cliffs plunge into the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking vistas. Travelers can experience the majestic redwood forests and cross engineering marvels like the Bixby Bridge, a 714-foot-long concrete open-spandrel arch bridge completed in 1932. The drive provides unparalleled views of the California coastline, showcasing a diverse range of natural beauty from sandy beaches to rugged bluffs. While some sections can be slow-going due to winding roads and elevation changes, the panoramic ocean views and access to numerous state parks and scenic overlooks make it a quintessential American road trip.
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#2
Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)
Route 66, often called the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road," is an iconic highway spanning nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Established on November 11, 1926, the route became a symbol of American wanderlust and economic migration, particularly during the Dust Bowl era. Along its path, travelers can discover historic diners, quirky roadside attractions, and remnants of ghost towns that evoke a bygone era. While much of the original alignment has been replaced by the interstate highway system, sections of the historic route are still navigable, preserving the nostalgic charm of classic Americana. This enduring popularity continues to draw visitors eager to experience a tangible piece of American history.
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#3
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of scenic driving along the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Conceived in 1936, the parkway was designed as a recreational motor road, intentionally avoiding commercial traffic to provide an uninterrupted natural experience. It is particularly famous for its stunning fall foliage, which typically peaks in mid-October, transforming the landscape into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. The route features numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and cultural exhibits, celebrating the region's rich Appalachian heritage and natural beauty. While the winding roads require a slower pace, the absence of commercial development and the constant access to panoramic mountain views create a uniquely tranquil and immersive journey.
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#4
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Going-to-the-Sun Road is an engineering marvel that traverses Glacier National Park in Montana, spanning 50 miles across the Continental Divide. Completed in 1932, this historic road is the only one that crosses the park, offering unparalleled access to its rugged interior. It reaches its highest point at Logan Pass, with an elevation of 6,646 feet, providing breathtaking views of glacial-carved peaks and alpine meadows. Due to heavy snowfall, the road is typically only fully open for about two to three months each year, usually from late June or early July through mid-October, making the window for experiencing its grandeur quite limited. Despite its relatively shorter length, the road's dramatic scenery, including waterfalls, ancient cedar forests, and abundant wildlife, makes it an unforgettable adventure.
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#5
Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
The Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys offers a spectacular 113-mile drive that creates the sensation of driving on water, connecting 42 islands with 37 bridges. This All-American Road, a section of US1, was built in part on the route of the historic Overseas Railroad, completed in 1912. One of its most notable features is the Seven Mile Bridge, which was considered one of the longest bridges in the world upon its completion in 1982. The highway provides stunning views with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, making it a unique tropical savanna road trip.
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#6
Utah's Mighty Five Loop
The Utah's Mighty Five Loop offers a concentrated tour of five diverse national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. This ~1,100-mile road trip can be completed in 7–10 days, with 7 days being a tight but doable timeframe. The landscapes encountered are so unique that areas within these parks, such as the Mars-like terrain, have been utilized by NASA for testing Mars rovers. The loop is ideal in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Visitors can witness over 2,000 natural stone arches in Arches National Park and the distinctive hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.
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#7
Hana Highway (Maui, Hawaii)
Maui's Hana Highway, a 52-mile (84 km) route from Kahului to Hana, is renowned for its challenging yet scenic drive. The road features approximately 620 curves and 59 bridges, many of which are one-lane, requiring careful navigation. This serpentine coastal road winds through a lush tropical jungle, past magnificent seascapes, and offers views of numerous waterfalls, with over 18 waterfalls identified along the route. Despite its twists and turns, the Hana Highway is paved throughout and is considered one of the best coastal drives in the world.
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#8
Trail Ridge Road (Colorado)
Trail Ridge Road, located in Rocky Mountain National Park, is recognized as the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching a peak elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters). This 48-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 34 connects Estes Park and Grand Lake, offering sweeping views of the Continental Divide and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Eleven miles of the road are above the tree line, at approximately 11,500 feet, where the landscape transitions to alpine tundra. The road, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built between 1926 and 1932 and is typically open from late May to mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
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#9
Great River Road (Mississippi River)
Following the Mississippi from Minnesota to Louisiana through 10 states, this 3,000-mile route covers more American history than any textbook—and it’s 500 miles longer than the iconic Route 66.
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#10
Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)
Charles Kuralt called it the most beautiful drive in America, and the 10,947-foot summit with views of 20 peaks over 12,000 feet makes a strong case he was right. It also outperforms the #2-ranked Going-to-the-Sun Road with 35% higher elevation gain, delivering a more dramatic alpine experience than the average mountain highway.
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Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular road trips in America?

The most popular road trips include Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great River Road, each offering iconic scenery and cultural landmarks.

How long do the top road trips in America typically take?

Most top road trips range from 3 to 10 days, though longer routes like Route 66 may require two weeks to complete the full 2,400-mile journey.

What is the best time of year for a road trip in the USA?

Late spring through early fall (May to October) is ideal for most routes, but desert trips like Route 66 are best in spring or fall to avoid extreme heat.

How much should I budget for a road trip in America?

Budget varies widely, but expect $150–$300 per day for gas, food, lodging, and attractions, depending on vehicle efficiency and accommodation choices.

What should I pack for a long road trip across the US?

Essentials include a emergency kit, maps or GPS, snacks, water, warm layers, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit, plus entertainment like music or audiobooks.