There are so many incredible road trips to take in the United States that it can be hard to know where to start! From stunning coastal drives to scenic mountain passes and everything in between, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had on the open road. Here are some top possible road trips for adventure in the United States:
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway road trip is one of the most breathtaking and scenic drives in the United States. Spanning over 600 miles along the rugged coastline of California, this drive offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque towns, and iconic landmarks. Here are some of the must-see stops and experiences along the way:
Start in San Francisco
Begin your journey in the vibrant and eclectic city of San Francisco. Take a stroll through the colorful streets of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island, or bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Drive through Big Sur
As you continue south, you’ll pass through the breathtaking Big Sur region. This stretch of coastline is known for its dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and pristine beaches. Be sure to stop at Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and Bixby Bridge for some of the most stunning views.
Explore Santa Barbara
This charming coastal town offers a taste of Southern California with its Spanish-style architecture, palm-lined streets, and beautiful beaches. Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo, go wine tasting in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley, or relax on the famous Butterfly Beach.
Visit Los Angeles
No Pacific Coast Highway road trip would be complete without a stop in Los Angeles. Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit the Getty Museum, or catch a Lakers game at the Staples Center.
End in San Diego
Finish your journey in the laid-back city of San Diego. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, go surfing at La Jolla Cove, or explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
The Pacific Coast Highway road trip offers something for everyone, from breathtaking scenery to vibrant cities and charming small towns. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure along one of America’s most iconic drives.
Route 66
The iconic Route 66 road trip is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast. Spanning over 2,400 miles across eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic highway takes you through small towns, national parks, and some of the most iconic landmarks in America.
Here are some of the must-see stops and experiences along the way:
Start in Chicago
Begin your journey in the Windy City, where Route 66 begins. Check out the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”) in Millennium Park, grab a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, or take an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River.
Drive through Missouri
As you cross into Missouri, make sure to stop in St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch, one of the most recognizable landmarks in America. Then, head to Springfield to visit the birthplace of Route 66 and see the iconic neon sign at the Route 66 Car Museum.
Explore Oklahoma
This state has more miles of Route 66 than any other state, so take your time to explore. Stop in Tulsa to see the Art Deco-style buildings downtown, and visit the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a Route 66 icon.
Visit the Grand Canyon
As you cross into Arizona, take a detour to the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Take a hike or helicopter ride to experience the breathtaking views.
End in Santa Monica
Finish your journey on the Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 officially ends. Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, ride the Ferris wheel, or grab a burger at the iconic Santa Monica diner, the Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe.
The Route 66 road trip offers a unique glimpse into America’s history and culture. From big cities to small towns, from deserts to mountains, this journey is full of adventure and excitement. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the best of what America has to offer on this classic road trip.
Great River Road
The Great River Road trip is a scenic and historic drive along the Mississippi River, stretching over 2,000 miles from the headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. This iconic route takes you through picturesque small towns, stunning river views, and historical landmarks.
Here are some of the must-see stops and experiences along the way:
Start in Minneapolis
Begin your journey in the bustling city of Minneapolis, where you can explore the famous Mall of America, visit the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture at the Walker Art Center, or enjoy the scenic views of Lake Minnetonka.
Drive through Wisconsin
As you cross into Wisconsin, make sure to stop in the charming town of La Crosse, which boasts stunning views of the Mississippi River, as well as hiking trails and a historic downtown.
Explore Iowa
Iowa has some of the most scenic stretches of the Great River Road, with quaint river towns like Dubuque and Bellevue. Take a scenic riverboat tour, visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, or go kayaking on the river.
Visit St. Louis
As you cross into Missouri, take a detour to St. Louis to see the iconic Gateway Arch and explore the vibrant downtown.
End in New Orleans
Finish your journey in the vibrant and colorful city of New Orleans, where the Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Explore the French Quarter, listen to live jazz music, or indulge in the city’s famous Cajun and Creole cuisine.
The Great River Road road trip offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. From the headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, this journey is full of adventure and excitement. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the best of what the Mississippi River has to offer on this unforgettable road trip.
Utah’s Mighty 5
Utah’s Mighty 5 road trip is a breathtaking adventure through five national parks in southern Utah, each with its own unique beauty and charm. This iconic route takes you through stunning red rock landscapes, towering canyons, and otherworldly formations.
Check-out the must-see stops and experiences along the way:
Start in Zion National Park
Begin your journey in Zion National Park, where you can hike through the stunning Zion Canyon, take a dip in the Virgin River, or go canyoneering in the Narrows.
Drive through Bryce Canyon National Park
As you head to Bryce Canyon National Park, be sure to stop at Cedar Breaks National Monument for some stunning views. In Bryce Canyon, you can hike among the iconic hoodoos, or take a horseback ride through the scenic landscape.
Explore Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history, with ancient petroglyphs and rock formations. Don’t miss the scenic drive through Capitol Gorge, or the chance to pick your own fruit at the historic Fruita orchards.
Visit Arches National Park
As you head to Arches National Park, make a stop at Canyonlands National Park for stunning canyon views. In Arches, you can hike to iconic formations like Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock, or take a scenic drive through the park.
End in Canyonlands National Park
Finish your journey in Canyonlands National Park, where you can explore the stunning Mesa Arch, go off-roading on the famous Shafer Trail, or take a scenic flight over the park’s breathtaking landscapes.
Utah’s Mighty 5 road trip offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. From Zion National Park to Canyonlands National Park, this journey is full of excitement and wonder. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the best of Utah’s national parks on this unforgettable road trip.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is a scenic drive that winds through the Appalachian Mountains, stretching over 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. This iconic route takes you through picturesque mountain towns, stunning vistas, and historical landmarks.
Some of the must-see stops and experiences along the way are:
Start in Shenandoah National Park
Begin your journey in Shenandoah National Park, where you can hike the Appalachian Trail, visit the historic Skyland Lodge, or take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive.
Drive through Virginia
As you head south, stop in the charming town of Floyd for some live bluegrass music and a taste of the local moonshine. Continue on to Roanoke for stunning mountain views and a visit to the historic Roanoke Star.
Explore Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you can explore the vibrant downtown, visit the famous Biltmore Estate, or take a hike in the nearby Pisgah National Forest.
Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As you head towards the end of your journey, be sure to stop at Great Smoky Mountains National Park for stunning mountain vistas, hiking trails, and the chance to see wildlife like black bears and elk.
The Blue Ridge Parkway road trip offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. From Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this journey is full of adventure and excitement. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the best of the Appalachian Mountains on this unforgettable road trip.
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys road trip is a tropical adventure through the southernmost point of the United States. This iconic route takes you through a chain of islands, offering stunning ocean views, white sandy beaches, and a laid-back island lifestyle.
Here are some of the must-see stops and experiences along the way:
Start in Key Largo
Begin your journey in Key Largo, where you can go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the colorful marine life.
Drive through the Florida Keys
As you head south, stop in Islamorada for some world-class fishing, and then continue on to Marathon for a visit to the Turtle Hospital, where you can learn about the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles.
Explore Key West
Key West is the southernmost point of the continental United States, and is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and tropical charm. Here, you can explore the historic Old Town, visit the famous Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, or take a sunset cruise on a catamaran.
Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
As you head west towards the end of your journey, be sure to take a ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote island paradise featuring crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a 19th-century fort.
The Florida Keys road trip offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and tropical charm. From Key Largo to Dry Tortugas National Park, this journey is full of adventure and relaxation. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the best of the Florida Keys on this unforgettable road trip.
Alaska’s Dalton Highway
The Dalton Highway road trip is a thrilling adventure through the rugged wilderness of Alaska, offering stunning vistas of the Arctic landscape and the chance to see some of Alaska’s iconic wildlife.
Some of the must-see stops and experiences along the way are:
Start in Fairbanks
Begin your journey in Fairbanks, the gateway to the Arctic. Here, you can visit the Museum of the North to learn about Alaska’s unique culture and history, or take a dip in the hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Drive through the Brooks Range
As you head north, the road will take you through the Brooks Range, one of the most remote and scenic mountain ranges in North America. Stop in the town of Coldfoot to refuel and learn about the area’s gold rush history.
Explore the Arctic tundra
Continuing north, you’ll drive through the Arctic tundra, a vast, open landscape that is home to caribou, grizzly bears, and other wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for the northern lights, which are visible from August to April.
Reach the Arctic Ocean
The ultimate destination of your journey is Deadhorse, a small industrial town on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Here, you can take a dip in the frigid waters, visit the oil fields, or take a tour of the Prudhoe Bay oil field.
The Dalton Highway road trip offers a unique blend of adventure, wilderness, and rugged beauty. From Fairbanks to Deadhorse, this journey is full of surprises and excitement. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the best of Alaska’s wilderness on this unforgettable road trip.
The Black Hills of South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota road trip is a scenic journey through one of America’s most beautiful and historic regions.
Our recommendations for some of the must-see stops and experiences along the way:
Start in Rapid City
Begin your journey in Rapid City, the gateway to the Black Hills. Here, you can visit the City of Presidents, a collection of life-size bronze statues of former U.S. presidents on downtown street corners, or explore the Black Hills Maze, a giant outdoor labyrinth.
Drive through Custer State Park
As you head south, you’ll enter Custer State Park, a 71,000-acre wilderness area filled with towering granite peaks, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes. Be sure to drive the scenic Needles Highway, a winding road that offers stunning views of the rock formations.
Visit Mount Rushmore
No trip to the Black Hills is complete without a visit to Mount Rushmore, the iconic monument featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite cliffs. Take a guided tour or hike the Presidential Trail for an up-close look.
Explore Deadwood
The historic town of Deadwood, known for its association with Wild West legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, is a must-visit stop on your road trip. Walk the historic Main Street, check out the casinos and saloons, and learn about the town’s storied past at the Adams Museum.
Discover the Badlands
Just east of the Black Hills lies Badlands National Park, a surreal landscape of colorful rock formations, jagged peaks, and grassy plains. Take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails for an up-close view of this unique terrain.
The Black Hills of South Dakota road trip offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. From Rapid City to Badlands National Park, this journey is full of memorable experiences and breathtaking vistas. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable road trip.
No matter which road trip you choose, be sure to take your time and soak up all the incredible sights and experiences along the way. The open road is calling!
Prepare Yourself
Also, when planning for a road trip, it’s important to pack the right essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.It’s also a good idea to research your route and the areas you’ll be visiting to make sure you’re fully prepared for any potential challenges.
Here are some items you should consider carrying for a comfortable and safe road trip in the United States:
- Navigation tools: Whether it’s a GPS device, a map, or a navigation app on your phone, it’s essential to have a way to get directions and find your way around.
- Emergency kit: Pack an emergency kit that includes a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a basic tool kit, a spare tire, jumper cables, and a portable tire inflator.
- Food and water: Bring plenty of snacks and water for the trip, especially if you plan to travel through remote areas. It’s also a good idea to pack a cooler with perishable items.
- Clothing: Pack clothes appropriate for the season and weather conditions, including rain gear, warm layers, and sturdy shoes.
- Entertainment: Long road trips can be tiring, so pack some entertainment like books, music, games, or a tablet with movies to help pass the time.
- Cash and credit cards: Bring a mix of cash and credit cards for unexpected expenses like tolls, gas, and lodging.
- Personal hygiene items: Don’t forget to pack personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.
- Identification and important documents: Carry your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and any other important documents that may be required during the trip.
Happy Travel!