Dave and I really like highway journeys, and we’ve taken a whole lot of them around the globe. In our 30 years collectively, we’ve pushed a whole lot of the United States. It is a big nation and it could take a lifetime to see all of it, however now we have put fairly a dent within the backroads of America and put collectively this information the place now we have compiled a number of the finest highway journeys within the USA that promise breathtaking views, fascinating sights, and an unforgettable journey.
From the sun-drenched coasts of California to the rugged great thing about the Rocky Mountains, the USA is residence to a number of the most various and putting landscapes on the planet. There isn’t any higher option to discover this huge nation than by taking a highway journey. So buckle up and put together to hit the open highway!
Great Road Trips in The US
Before hitting the highway in America, you’ll want to choose up your National Parks Entrance Pass. The $80 USD annual payment provides entry to United States nationwide parks and nationwide wildlife refuges and nationwide forests. This American Road Trip information goes via a whole lot of National Parks and National Forests and also you don’t wish to at all times be scrambling for money.
If you might be flying in and have to hire a automotive, try RentalCars.com for automotive rental comparisons within the vacation spot of your selection.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is likely one of the most iconic and finest highway journeys within the US and for good purpose. Stretching from simply north of San Francisco to Capistrano Beach between Los Angeles and San Diego, this drive gives unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean and provides you an unmatched style of the California shoreline.
The most scenic stretch begins as you drive south from San Francisco. Driving throughout the Golden Gate Bridge, town is left behind and also you begin to see the true great thing about this drive. Just a little additional down the highway is Santa Cruz, recognized for its laid-back surf tradition and the colourful Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Continue on to Monterey, the place you may Kayak with sea lions as we did or simply stroll alongside Cannery Row, made well-known by novelist John Steinbeck. Then comes the piece de resistance, Big Sur. This is a superb place to cease and do some tenting and it’ll permit you to take a while to cease at McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades straight into the Pacific Ocean, and Pfieffer Beach which is an unbelievable place for sundown.
Pass via the opulent city of Santa Barbara, generally known as the “American Riviera”, earlier than ending your journey in Los Angeles or persevering with on to San Diego. The whole route is understood for its stunning seashores and family-friendly sights.
After doing this drive we understood why the PCH is a standout amongst American highway journeys. Its imposing shoreline, intriguing sights, and various landscapes present a very unforgettable journey.
Location: California Distance: Approximately 600 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 5 to 7 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer crowded vacationer spots
Plan Your Pacific Coast Highway Trip With these Resources
2. Route 66: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
One of probably the most iconic and historic highways within the United States, Route 66, often known as the Main Street of America, is a highway journey steeped within the tradition and historical past of the nation. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, all the best way to Santa Monica, California, this epic 2,448-mile journey takes you thru a broad cross-section of American landscapes and landmarks.
Starting in Chicago, you’ll go via the cornfields of Illinois, the plains of Kansas, the desert landscapes of Arizona, and eventually, the sandy seashores of California. This assorted journey is an immersive expertise that provides you a way of the vastness and variety of the nation.
Along the best way, you’ll encounter many iconic landmarks and sights. These embrace the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, the Cadillac Ranch public artwork set up in Texas, and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Every cease on Route 66 holds a chunk of American historical past, whether or not it’s a classic gasoline station, a traditional diner, or a unusual roadside attraction.
Route 66 isn’t only a freeway—it’s a slice of Americana. It embodies a spirit of freedom, discovery, and nostalgia that resonates with road-trippers. Traveling alongside Route 66 is a journey again in time, providing a glimpse into a major period of American historical past.
Whether you’re eager on exploring the cultural heritage of America, concerned about its architectural landmarks, or just in quest of various experiences, Route 66 gives an unforgettable highway journey. As you traverse this historic freeway, you’ll not solely witness the altering landscapes but additionally the evolution of America itself.
See the entire high sights on Route 66 right here.
Location: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California Distance: Approximately 2,448 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 weeks Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate
Plan Your Route 66 Trip With these Resources
3. Scenic Byway 12: Red Canyon to Torrey, Utah
Scenic Byway 12 is a 123-mile-long highway positioned in Utah. This magnificent stretch of highway is understood for its various geological options and jagged formations and crimson rock landscapes. It is likely one of the most scenic highways within the nation.
Starting at Red Canyon, you’ll traverse landscapes that shift from rust-red cliffs to sprawling alpine forests. The drive takes you thru a number of state parks and nationwide parks, together with Bryce Canyon National Park which is famend for its distinctive spire-shaped rock formations that everybody is aware of so effectively from previous Westerns. You’ll be dazzled by the slot canyons and sandstone cliffs of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
A spotlight of the drive is the stretch generally known as the Hogback, the place the highway is bordered by steep cliffs dropping off into the valley beneath, providing exhilarating views. Other notable stops alongside the route embrace the Anasazi State Park Museum, which showcases the historical past and tradition of the Anasazi People, and the city of Boulder, which holds the excellence of being one of many final communities within the U.S. to obtain mail by mule.
End your journey within the city of Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. Here you may additional discover Utah’s distinctive geological landscapes, characterised by layered sandstone, canyons, and putting rock formations.
If you might be in search of an excellent National Parks Road Trip, Scenic Byway 12 gives a rewarding journey via a number of the most picturesque and various landscapes within the United States.
Location: Red Canyon to Torrey, Utah Distance: Approximately 123 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 1 to 2 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer crowds
Plan Your Utah Trip With these Resources
4. Hana Highway: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
The world-famous Hana Highway is likely one of the high highway journeys in America. This 45-mile (72 km) stretch of highway runs from Hana to Paia on Maui in Hawaii. It could also be brief, however this single-lane freeway operating alongside the north shore of Maui is an awe-inspiring drive with a twisting coastal highway clinging to the rocky shores containing 600 hairpin turns and crossing 59 bridges.
If you’re up for an unique and tropical highway journey, the Hana Highway on the island of Maui, Hawaii, is the one for you. This 64.4-mile stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 is understood for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and ocean vistas.
Beginning in Paia, the Hana Highway winds alongside Maui’s northeastern coast, traversing 59 bridges (lots of that are one-lane) and greater than 600 curves. The drive is famend for its breathtaking views of pristine rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the glowing Pacific Ocean.
Stop by the Garden of Eden Arboretum, residence to a various vary of tropical vegetation, or go to the historic Keanae Peninsula for a glimpse of previous Hawaii. Another must-see is the Wai’anapanapa State Park, the place you may discover a black sand seaside, a seabird colony, lava tubes, blowholes, and freshwater caves.
Your journey concludes within the small, remoted city of Hana, a spot that feels worlds away from the bustling resorts of Maui. Here, you may discover Hana Beach Park, the Hasegawa General Store, and the Hana Cultural Center and Museum.
The Hana Highway gives an unforgettable tropical highway journey, permitting you to discover the pure wonders and cultural heritage of Maui at a leisurely tempo. With 18 waterfalls, the Haleakala National Park, bamboo forests, and Banyan bushes, that is the drive of a lifetime. See the entire information to Road to Hana: Highway Map, Things to Do, And Tips
Location: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii Distance: Approximately 64.4 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 1 to 2 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Year-round, though winter might be rainier
Plan Your Maui Trip With these Resources
5. Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West, Florida
It is actually one in all our favourite highway journeys in America. Driving from Miami to Key West transforms from mainland USA to slightly slice of the Caribbean. Once you hop on the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys you are feeling as when you’ve got entered a special nation.
If you’re dreaming of an idyllic coastal drive, then the Overseas Highway will definitely ship. This 113-mile freeway, a part of U.S. Route 1, begins in Miami and ends in Key West, the southernmost level of the continental United States. The route traverses the beautiful archipelago of the Florida Keys, providing putting views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the encircling islands.
Your journey will begin amidst the bustle of Miami. As you proceed, the city panorama regularly provides option to the serene tropical great thing about the Keys. The freeway, typically known as the Highway That Goes to Sea, is a marvel of contemporary engineering. It contains 42 bridges, probably the most iconic of which is the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.
Along the route, there are various alternatives for leisure actions akin to fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking. You may go to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the primary undersea park within the United States, or the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key.
Upon reaching Key West, benefit from the laid-back vibe of this small however vigorous island metropolis. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, benefit from the sundown at Mallory Square, or simply calm down at one of many many sandy seashores. Now that’s a highway journey!
The Overseas Highway gives an distinctive mix of lovely coastal views, leisure actions, and cultural experiences. It’s a highway journey that mixes journey, leisure, and the distinctive allure of the Florida Keys.
Location: Miami to Key West, Florida Distance: Approximately 113 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three days Best Time of Year to Travel: Winter and spring, when the climate is delicate and dry
Plan Your Road Trip to Florida the Florida Keys with these different Florida guides
6. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina
Connecting two nationwide parks – Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina – the Blue Ridge Parkway is a serene and scenic route recognized for its beautiful mountain vistas, various plant and animal life, and historic and cultural treasures.
Starting in Virginia, the Parkway meanders via the Appalachian Mountains, providing unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge mountain vary. The route’s many overlooks present numerous alternatives to cease, take within the views, and snap a memorable photograph.
Attractions alongside the best way embrace the Humpback Rocks, which supply perception into the lifetime of the area’s early settlers, and the Peaks of Otter with its plentiful leisure actions. Don’t miss the enduring Mabry Mill, some of the photographed websites on the Parkway, and an excellent place to be taught in regards to the early grist and sawmilling processes.
Upon reaching North Carolina, you’ll come throughout the very best level of the Parkway at Richland Balsam Overlook, standing at an elevation of 6,053 toes. Further alongside, the Parkway concludes close to the southern entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited nationwide park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is greater than only a highway; it’s an attractive journey that intertwines with the cultural and pure historical past of the Appalachian Mountains.
Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina Distance: Approximately 469 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring for flowering shrubs and bushes, fall for vibrant foliage
7. Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana
For a very spectacular mountain driving expertise, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park is a must-do. This 50-mile route, recognized for its excellent pure magnificence, dramatic cliffs, and awe-inspiring vistas, is a testomony to human engineering capacity.
Your journey begins on the park’s west entrance and winds via mountainous terrain, providing breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. A spotlight of the drive is Logan Pass, the very best level on the highway, with an elevation of 6,646 toes. Here, you may cease on the customer heart or discover the close by mountaineering trails.
Along the best way, there are quite a few alternatives for outside actions. You can hike alongside the park’s in depth path system, go wildlife recognizing, or just get pleasure from a picnic amidst the beautiful panorama. The highway can be a gateway to lots of the park’s high sights, together with Lake McDonald, the Garden Wall, and the St. Mary Valley.
Going-to-the-Sun Road gives an unforgettable journey via a number of the nation’s most dramatic landscapes. This drive isn’t just about reaching your vacation spot—it’s about soaking within the grandeur of nature alongside the best way.
Location: Glacier National Park, Montana Distance: Approximately 50 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 1 day Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer, when your complete route is open. Note that sure sections of the highway could also be closed in different seasons as a result of snow.
8. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
If you’re seeking to discover a wide ranging mix of coastal, rainforest, and mountainous landscapes, the Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington State is the highway journey for you. Encircling the Olympic National Park, the Loop is a veritable showcase of the Pacific Northwest’s pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage.
Starting from Seattle, the 330-mile journey brings you onto scenic Highway 101. Your first cease may very well be the Victorian seaport city of Port Townsend, recognized for its well-preserved Victorian buildings and vibrant arts scene.
As you proceed west, be sure to discover the magnificent Hoh Rainforest, one of many largest temperate rainforests within the U.S. Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail, and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped into one other world, the place each floor is roofed in a lush blanket of moss.
Further alongside the coast, the putting sea stacks and driftwood-covered seashores of Ruby Beach supply an ideal spot for images. Stop by the coastal Native American village of La Push to soak within the sights and be taught in regards to the native Quileute tradition.
The city of Forks is a must-visit for Twilight followers, whereas the Sol Duc Hot Springs is the place to calm down in mineral-rich thermal swimming pools. As you full the Loop, don’t miss the panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada from Hurricane Ridge.
The Olympic Peninsula Loop gives an immersive exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s various ecosystems and charming communities. It’s a highway journey that lingers in your reminiscence lengthy after the journey’s finish.
Location: Olympic Peninsula, Washington Distance: Approximately 330 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring to fall; summer season gives one of the best climate, whereas fall presents spectacular autumn colours.
Plan Your Washington State Trip With these Resources
9. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Trail Ridge Road in Colorado, part of Rocky Mountain National Park, is an awe-inspiring journey via one in all America’s most iconic landscapes. Known because the “Highway to the Sky,” Trail Ridge Road holds the excellence of being the very best repeatedly paved highway within the United States, reaching elevations of over 12,000 toes.
Your journey begins within the charming city of Estes Park, a vacation spot in its personal proper, famed for its distinctive outlets, eating places, and the historic Stanley Hotel, which impressed Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
As you ascend on Trail Ridge Road, you transition from verdant forests into the subalpine area, the place wildflowers coloration the panorama within the hotter months. Eventually, you attain the alpine world above the tree line. This tundra-like surroundings, sparse but hauntingly stunning, gives panoramic views that stretch to Wyoming within the north and the center of Colorado within the south.
Don’t miss the Alpine Visitor Center, positioned close to the very best level of the highway. It gives displays on the alpine tundra ecosystem, a present store, and a café. Take a stroll alongside the adjoining Alpine Ridge Trail for much more breathtaking vistas.
Descending the western slope, you arrive at Grand Lake, a serene mountain city on the shores of Colorado’s largest pure lake. Here, you may calm down, dine, and recreate earlier than persevering with your Colorado journey.
Driving Trail Ridge Road is a mesmerizing expertise, full of pure grandeur and countless views. It’s a testomony to the wild, rugged great thing about the Rocky Mountains.
Location: Estes Park to Grand Lake, Colorado Distance: Approximately 48 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to three hours, however enable further time for stops and exploration Best Time of Year to Travel: Late May to October, relying on snow circumstances; the highway is closed in winter as a result of heavy snowfall.
Plan Your Colorado Trip With these Resources
10. Alaska Highway: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska
For the adventurous road-tripper looking for the grandeur of untouched wilderness, the Alaska Highway, often known as the ALCAN, is a visit of a lifetime. Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska, the freeway traverses via a number of the most distant and rugged landscapes in North America.
Experience unparalleled vistas of snow-capped mountains, huge forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Along the route, preserve a watch out for an array of wildlife, together with moose, bears, and eagles. Attractions embrace Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, one in all Canada’s largest pure scorching springs, and Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its glaciers and excessive peaks.
Location: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska Distance: Approximately 1,387 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 5 to 7 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer, for one of the best climate and highway circumstances
Plan Your Alaska Trip With these Resources
11. Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway, a part of U.S. Route 550, is a brief however unforgettable route in Colorado. Known for its jaw-dropping mountainous views, the drive from Silverton to Ouray is taken into account some of the stunning within the nation.
As you traverse this route, you’ll be handled to staggering views of the Uncompahgre Gorge, the San Juan Mountains, and quite a few waterfalls. The highway is very stunning within the fall when the encircling aspen bushes flip a superb gold. Note that this drive isn’t for the faint-hearted—it options steep cliffs, slim lanes, and no guardrails.
Location: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado Distance: Approximately 25 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 1 day Best Time of Year to Travel: Summer and fall, when the highway is freed from snow
12. Natchez Trace Parkway: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive via distinctive surroundings and 10,000 years of North American historical past. Used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” settlers, and future presidents, the Old Trace performed an vital position in American historical past. Today, guests can get pleasure from not solely a scenic drive but additionally mountaineering, biking, horseback driving, and tenting.
Beginning in Natchez, Mississippi, the Parkway takes you thru a myriad of adjusting landscapes: from the deep forests of Mississippi, the rolling farmland of Alabama, to the hills of Tennessee. It’s not unusual to see quite a lot of wildlife from the consolation of your automotive, together with deer, turkeys, and quite a few fowl species.
Historical highlights alongside the best way embrace the Emerald Mound, one of many largest Native American mounds within the United States, and the Meriwether Lewis Monument, devoted to the famed explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Near the Tennessee finish of the Parkway, you may discover the Old Trace Drive, one of many final remaining segments of the unique Natchez Trace.
Upon reaching the colourful metropolis of Nashville, you’ll discover a distinction to the tranquil journey alongside the Parkway, however with its personal historic and cultural sights, such because the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the historic Ryman Auditorium.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a journey of magnificence, historical past, and tradition, that really has one thing for everybody.
Location: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee Distance: Approximately 444 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 days Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring for blooming wildflowers, fall for colourful foliage
13. Park Loop Road, Maine
Nestled within the coronary heart of Acadia National Park, the Park Loop Road in Maine presents a fascinating journey via a various array of landscapes together with mountains, forests, and the rugged Atlantic shoreline. This 27-mile loop showcases the park’s highlights, making it a must-visit highway journey for nature lovers and outside fanatics.
Your journey begins on the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the place you may collect maps and details about the park. As you enterprise onto Park Loop Road, you’ll first encounter the Sieur de Monts Spring, residence to the Wild Gardens of Acadia and the Abbe Museum, which highlights the tradition and historical past of Maine’s Native American tribes.
Further alongside, you may marvel on the sheer cliffs and crashing waves at Thunder Hole, a pure rock inlet the place the ocean usually creates thunderous sounds and spectacular splashes. The close by Sand Beach, though normally too chilly for swimming, is ideal for a scenic stroll or a picnic.
Don’t miss the chance to drive as much as the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the very best level alongside the North Atlantic seaboard. Arrive at dawn or sundown for a very unforgettable spectacle.
Continuing on, you’ll discover a number of pullouts with views of picturesque harbors, off-shore islands, and mountain vistas. Explore Jordan Pond Path, a leisurely path round a crystal-clear glacial lake with the North and South Bubble Mountains framing the scene.
A drive alongside Park Loop Road gives a various and enriching expertise of Acadia National Park’s pure treasures. It’s a highway journey that encapsulates the wonder and attract of coastal Maine.
Location: Acadia National Park, Maine Distance: Approximately 27 miles Suggested Time to Complete: Half to a full day, relying on stops and actions Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring via fall; the highway is often closed in winter as a result of snow circumstances.
14. Arizona Road Trip
Arizona is likely one of the biggest states for road-tripping within the United States. From Tucson to The Grand Canyon, this drive takes you thru probably the most stunning desert and rocky panorama within the nation. Explore the Wild West Town of Tombstone Arizona and be awed by the cactus forests of Saguaro National Park West. See the cosmically non secular metropolis of Sedona for some Native historical past and marvel on the Montezuma Castle monument.
This highway journey route pops onto Route 66 the place you’ll get to face on the nook of Winslow, Arizona earlier than witnessing the unbelievable monument valley.
There are so many issues to see and earlier than the journey is over you’ll witness Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon previous to reaching the Grand Canyon National Park. Could this be higher? Read your complete Arizona Road Trip, Itinerary to begin planning.
15. California’s Interior – LA to Yosemite
Most individuals consider the Pacific Coast Highway 1 via Big Sur on a California highway journey, however driving the inside of California is the place all the enduring surroundings involves life.
California Route 95 is a traditional drive stretching from the Mexico border in Arizona all the best way to Canada. While this highway journey doesn’t spend a whole lot of time on that freeway, it does cease at unbelievable highway journey locations unto itself.
From Los Angeles drive west to see Joshua Tree National Park and marvel at these unusual previous twisted bushes earlier than driving on to the Mojave National Preserve earlier than popping into the most popular, lowest and driest place you’ll ever encounter. Death Valley National Park is a stark panorama that reaches temperatures of 120 levels.
At 282 toes beneath sea stage, additionally it is the bottom level in all of North America but it surely captures a magnificence past creativeness. The journey continues to stunning Mammoth Lakes and eventually ends at Yosemite National Park. Read extra at our: California highway journey.
16. Scenic Route 100: Wilmington to Stowe, Vermont
Crossing into Vermont is our “Go-To” vacation spot for snowboarding outdoors of Quebec. But in the summertime, it is a beautiful highway journey that can be well-known for its fall colors. Vermont’s longest freeway takes you thru the New England Villages of the Green Mountains. While this may be pushed any time of 12 months, we advise in autumn when the autumn colors are in full swing.
Pop into Lake Whitingham for some paddling earlier than heading to West Dover to do some mountaineering or mountain biking up the mountain of Mount Snow.
Don’t neglect to pop into Plymouth Notch to see the birthplace of President Calvin Coolage earlier than driving on to Waterbury to tour the Ben and Jerry’s manufacturing unit. Mmm, I really like ice cream on a highway journey.
The journey ends at Stowe, our favourite ski resort in Vermont the place you may go to the highest of Mt. Mansfield for epic views. (you don’t even should hike this one, you may drive straight to the highest! This is unquestionably among the finest east coast highway journeys within the US.
17. Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (and Beyond)
We spent one summer season driving throughout the inside of California, Nevada, and Utah, and the place that shocked us probably the most was Las Vegas. Not town itself, however the stunning panorama surrounding it. Make certain to do some mountaineering at Red Rocks earlier than you allow city.
As you allow town, cease to see Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. It’s solely a four-hour drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon however there’s a lot happening on this little circle tour via Nevada and Arizona.
For one thing distinctive cease on the Grand Canyon West Skywalk Glass Bridge that takes you 4,000 toes above the canyon. Spend a number of days going mountaineering or whitewater rafting. Make certain to go slightly farther south to Flagstaff to hop on Route 66 for a bit.
From right here you may head again to Vegas, or go north to see the well-known Antelope Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument earlier than heading to Zion National Park to do some epic mountaineering. That could be a lot, however there’s a lot to see and do on this a part of the United States. You might want a complete summer season!
18. Loneliest Road in America
Stretching from Sacramento to Maryland, Route 50 has been dubbed the Loneliest Road in America. But how can it’s lonely when it passes via so many nice locations? I’ll admit we haven’t pushed your complete route, however now we have popped on it and we’ve witnessed lots of its standard sights.
If you wish to drive some of the epic highway journeys within the US, route 50 is the best way to go. This 3,000-mile drive takes you thru 11 states.
After leaving San Francisco (the place you’ll begin your lengthy drive) spend a day or two in Sacramento earlier than heading to Lake Tahoe for a number of nights earlier than crossing into Nevada. With National parks alongside the best way, you’ll see a few of America’s most iconic surroundings at Arches National Park and Canyonlands NP.
Take your time going via the Colorado Rockies after which benefit from the midwest hospitality of Kansas City. You’ll even get to discover the monuments of Washington DC. This capital metropolis completely shocked us. Celebrate the tip of your drive at Ocean City in Maryland.
And there you might have it, you’ve just about crossed America from Coast to Coast and from Canada to Mexico. Alaska didn’t make our USA highway journeys listing solely as a result of we took a prepare via the state, but it surely’s excessive on our listing to drive, particularly after we drove the Dempster Highway within the Neighbouring Yukon Territories. Northern North America is spectacular!
19. Cross Country Road Trip: East Coast to West Coast
If you’re up for the final word American highway journey journey, why not traverse your complete width of the United States? A cross-country highway journey from the East Coast to the West Coast permits you to expertise the huge variety of landscapes, cultures, and sights that the United States has to supply.
Begin your journey in New York City, the place you may discover iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. From there, you might take Interstate 80 via the center of Pennsylvania and Ohio, the place you’ll discover charming small cities and bustling cities alike.
In Illinois, a detour to Chicago gives a style of deep-dish pizza and views from the Willis Tower Skydeck. As you head west into Iowa and Nebraska, you’ll be handled to the sight of America’s heartland, with its lush farmlands and open skies.
The mountains begin to seem as you attain Colorado. Take a pause in Denver for some Rocky Mountain exploration earlier than persevering with westward into Utah, the place the beautiful pure great thing about its nationwide parks awaits.
Nevada will greet you with the brilliant lights of Las Vegas, a stark distinction to the tranquility of the desert. Finally, as you attain the Pacific Ocean in California, you might both drive as much as San Francisco or right down to Los Angeles relying in your desire.
A cross-country highway journey is an epic journey that showcases the nation’s vastness and variety. It’s a journey that creates recollections to final a lifetime.
Location: New York City, New York to Los Angeles or San Francisco, California Distance: Approximately 2,800 to three,000 miles Suggested Time to Complete: 2 to 4 weeks Best Time of Year to Travel: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer visitors
Best Road Trips within the US FAQs:
What is probably the most scenic highway journey in America?
While magnificence is subjective and every highway journey gives its distinctive scenic allure, many vacationers contemplate the Pacific Coast Highway in California and the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana among the many most scenic in America.
Which month is finest for a USA highway journey?
The finest month for a highway journey within the USA can rely upon the precise route. Generally, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) supply milder climate and fewer crowded sights.
How do I plan a very good American highway journey?
Planning a very good American highway journey entails researching your required route, planning your stops and in a single day stays, getting ready your car, packing appropriately, and making certain you might have leisure and snacks for the journey.
How many days do you want for an American highway journey?
The variety of days wanted for an American highway journey can differ vastly relying on the route and the way a lot time you wish to spend at every cease. For instance, a highway journey alongside Route 66 may take 2-4 weeks, whereas the drive alongside the Pacific Coast Highway may take 3-7 days.
Our American Road Trips – Final Thoughts
I do know what you might be considering, there are fifty states in America and we solely scratched the floor. There are loads of superb highway journeys that we missed! We admit it, we haven’t seen all of them but, however with our new truck and a roof tent on the best way, we’re planning on hitting the highway when the borders open. Who is aware of, we could love road-tripping America a lot, we’ll swap in our truck for an RV! Nah we love staying in resorts an excessive amount of, however a little bit of tenting alongside the best way is a should.
