The Ultimate Guide to the Best Road Trips in the U.S.
There’s no better way to explore the vast beauty of the United States than by hitting the open road. Whether you’re looking for coastal drives, mountain escapes, or historic routes, the U.S. offers some of the most spectacular road trips in the world.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
🚗 Top 6 road trips you must take
🛣 Best stops and must-see attractions along the way
⛺ Where to stay and when to go
📌 Tips for planning the perfect road trip
Buckle up, and let’s get started!
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California) – The Most Iconic Coastal Drive
📍 Route: San Francisco → Los Angeles → San Diego
📏 Distance: ~650 miles
⏳ Recommended Duration: 5–7 days
Why Take This Road Trip?
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1, is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. This route takes you along rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and charming seaside towns.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
🌉 San Francisco – Start with the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf
🌲 Big Sur – Explore Pfeiffer Beach and Bixby Bridge
🦭 Monterey & Carmel – Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and 17-Mile Drive
🎢 Santa Barbara – Enjoy wine tasting and beautiful beaches
🎬 Los Angeles – Stop by Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach
📌 Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall (fewer crowds, best weather)
2. Route 66 – The Classic American Road Trip
📍 Route: Chicago, IL → Santa Monica, CA
📏 Distance: ~2,400 miles
⏳ Recommended Duration: 2–3 weeks
Why Take This Road Trip?
Nicknamed “The Mother Road”, Route 66 is the most famous historic highway in the U.S.. It’s filled with quirky roadside attractions, classic diners, and small-town charm.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
🏙 Chicago – Start at the Route 66 “Begin” sign
🎸 St. Louis – Visit the Gateway Arch
🏜 Cadillac Ranch (Texas) – Famous roadside art installation
🌵 Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona) – A surreal desert landscape
🎡 Santa Monica Pier (California) – The official endpoint of Route 66
📌 Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall (to avoid the summer heat in the desert)
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway – A Scenic Appalachian Escape
📍 Route: Shenandoah National Park, VA → Great Smoky Mountains, NC
📏 Distance: ~469 miles
⏳ Recommended Duration: 4–6 days
Why Take This Road Trip?
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful mountain drives in the U.S., offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and charming mountain towns.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
🌲 Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) – Hike to Skyline Drive’s overlooks
🏡 Asheville, NC – Visit the Biltmore Estate and arts district
⛰ Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Spot wildlife and waterfalls
📌 Best Time to Go: Fall (for stunning autumn foliage)
4. The Great River Road – Following the Mighty Mississippi
📍 Route: Minnesota → Louisiana
📏 Distance: ~2,300 miles
⏳ Recommended Duration: 2 weeks
Why Take This Road Trip?
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River through 10 states, showcasing American history, music, and culture.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
🚢 Minneapolis, MN – Start at the Mississippi River headwaters
🎷 Memphis, TN – Visit Beale Street and Graceland
🏠 Natchez, MS – Explore antebellum mansions
🎭 New Orleans, LA – End your trip with jazz, Creole food, and the French Quarter
📌 Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall (for comfortable weather)
5. The Florida Keys Road Trip – A Tropical Paradise on Wheels
📍 Route: Miami → Key West
📏 Distance: ~165 miles
⏳ Recommended Duration: 3–5 days
Why Take This Road Trip?
This road trip is a tropical escape, featuring crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning ocean views along the Overseas Highway.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
🌴 Key Largo – Snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
🐬 Marathon Key – Visit the Dolphin Research Center
🏝 Bahia Honda State Park – Relax on one of Florida’s best beaches
🌅 Key West – Enjoy the sunset at Mallory Square and visit Hemingway’s house📌 Best Time to Go: Winter or Spring (to avoid hurricanes)
6. The Alaska Highway – The Ultimate Wilderness Adventure
📍 Route: Dawson Creek, Canada → Fairbanks, Alaska
📏 Distance: ~1,390 miles
⏳ Recommended Duration: 2 weeks
Why Take This Road Trip?
If you love untouched wilderness, rugged landscapes, and remote adventure, the Alaska Highway is for you.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
🦌 Liard Hot Springs – Soak in natural hot pools
🏔 Kluane National Park (Yukon) – Stunning mountains and glaciers
🐻 Denali National Park – Home to North America’s tallest peak
📌 Best Time to Go: Summer (longer daylight hours, better road conditions)
Essential Road Trip Tips
✅ Plan Your Route & Book Stays in Advance – National parks and tourist spots get crowded!
✅ Pack Smart – Bring a first-aid kit, snacks, water, and emergency tools.
✅ Download Offline Maps – Some areas have no cell service.
✅ Follow Speed Limits & Road Laws – Avoid tickets and fines.
✅ Have a Roadside Assistance Plan – Just in case of car trouble!
Plan Your Ultimate Road Trip with GoUSAExpress!
At GoUSAExpress, we help travelers plan the perfect U.S. road trip by offering:
🚗 Visa assistance for international travelers
🛣 Custom road trip itineraries
🏨 Exclusive hotel & rental car discounts📌 Ready to explore America’s highways? Contact us today to start planning your dream road trip!
