There’s nothing quite like a road trip, where the journey is just as exciting as the destination. With so many incredible places to see in the USA, it can be hard to decide where to go. In this article, we’ve rounded up the top 12 road trip destinations in the USA. From stunning coastlines to awe-inspiring natural wonders, these destinations offer a range of experiences and adventures that are perfect for every traveler.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway is a scenic road trip that takes you along the California coastline, from San Francisco to San Diego. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, drive through charming coastal towns, and visit iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Santa Monica Pier. This road trip is a must-do for any traveler seeking beautiful scenery and coastal adventures.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Route 66 is a classic American road trip that takes you from Chicago to Santa Monica. This historic highway is dotted with quirky roadside attractions, charming diners, and small towns that offer a glimpse into America’s past. This road trip is perfect for travelers who love Americana and want to experience the nostalgia of the open road.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that takes you through the Appalachian Mountains. The road winds through stunning forests and mountain landscapes, providing breathtaking views at every turn. Along the way, you can stop at historic landmarks, charming towns, and hiking trails that offer an escape into nature.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, passing through nearly a dozen states along the way. This road trip offers a unique perspective on American history and culture, with stops at landmarks such as Mark Twain’s childhood home and the birthplace of jazz in New Orleans. Along the way, you’ll also see stunning river views and historic small towns.
Florida Keys, Florida
The Florida Keys are a chain of islands that stretch from the mainland of Florida to Key West, the southernmost point in the United States. This road trip takes you along the scenic Overseas Highway, where you can see stunning ocean views, visit adorable beach towns, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This road trip is perfect for anyone seeking a tropical escape.
Yellowstone Loop, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
The Yellowstone Loop is a road trip that takes you through Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the surrounding areas. This road trip offers gorgeous views of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, with stops at iconic landmarks such as Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. This road trip is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur is a stunning stretch of coastline that’s known for its rugged cliffs, stunning ocean views, and charming towns. This road trip takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway, where you’ll see iconic landmarks such as Bixby Bridge and Point Sur Lighthouse. This road trip is perfect for anyone seeking a coastal adventure.
Colorado Scenic Byways, Colorado
Colorado is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States, and the Colorado Scenic Byways offer a chance to see them all. This road trip takes you through the Rocky Mountains, past stunning waterfalls, and through hidden mountain towns. Along the way, you can stop to enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are a chain of islands off the coast of North Carolina that offer stunning ocean views, charming beach towns, and historic landmarks. This road trip takes you along Highway 12, where you’ll see the famous lighthouses, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and the wild horses of Corolla. If you’re seeking a beach vacation combined with history and natural beauty, you can’t miss this trip.
Utah National Parks, Utah
Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the USA, and this road trip takes you through several of them. From Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park, this road trip offers stunning views of red rock canyons, natural arches, and towering cliffs. Indulge your inner outdoor enthusiast or nature lover on this road trip.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a stunning spot located in Maine. This road trip takes you through local coastal towns, past rocky beaches, and through the park itself. Along the way, you can stop for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. This is the ideal journey for anyone seeking a coastal escape combined with natural beauty.
The Grand Circle, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico
The Grand Circle is a road trip that takes you through some of the most awe-inspiring desert landscapes in the USA. This road trip includes stops at iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Arches National Park. Along the way, you’ll see stunning desert scenery, towering red rock formations, and a few small towns. This road trip is perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.
From winding coastlines to breathtaking national parks, the USA offers a range of road trip destinations that are perfect for any traveler. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, coastal adventures, or historic landmarks, these top 12 road trip destinations offer unique and unforgettable travel experiences. So pack your bags, hit the open road, and enjoy all the beauty and adventure that the USA has to offer.