Are you ready for an adventure? A road trip across the United States is the perfect way to explore this vast and diverse country.
From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone. But with so many options, it can be difficult to decide which route to take. Here are some of the best road trips in the United States to help you plan your next adventure.
The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Starting in San Diego, California and ending in Seattle, Washington, this 1,650-mile drive offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline.
Highlights:
- San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
- The Big Sur coastline
- Redwood National Park
- Olympic National Park
The Great River Road
If you’re looking for a historical and cultural journey, The Great River Road is a perfect choice. Following the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana for over 3,000 miles, this route passes through small towns and big cities alike.
Highlights:
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
- The birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi
- Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Mississippi and Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi and Tennessee.
- New Orleans’ French Quarter
The Loneliest Road
For those seeking solitude and wide-open spaces, The Loneliest Road is a great option. Highway 50 stretches nearly 3,000 miles across Nevada from Carson City to Ely.
This drive offers stunning desert landscapes, hidden hot springs, and quirky small towns.
Highlights:
- The Great Basin National Park
- The ghost town of Berlin
- The Shoe Tree near Middlegate, where travelers have been throwing shoes onto a tree for decades
- The Lunar Crater volcanic field
Route 66
No list of American road trips would be complete without mentioning Route 66. The “Mother Road,” as it’s known, stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles for over 2,400 miles.
Although the route is no longer officially recognized by the U.S. Highway System, many sections of the road are still drivable and offer a glimpse into America’s past.
Highlights:
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
- The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
- The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona
- The Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California
No matter which road trip you choose, make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. With so much to see and do along the way, you may end up extending your trip or planning another one before you know it!