25 Best Road Trips in the USA: The Ultimate Guide for Adventure Seekers
You’re itching to get out and explore the world. The best launchpad? Your driveway. America is incredibly diverse. Travel a couple hundred miles on US roads and it can feel as if you’ve traveled to another world — even another time period.
This great country is calling you to explore its beautiful, eclectic and sometimes secret corners. Ready to answer the call? Let Rand McNally guide you through some of the best road trips in the USA. With one of our US road maps in your pocket, you’ll always find your way (even if you’re still finding yourself).
Choosing Your Style Among the Best American Road Trips
In an ideal world, you’d have unlimited time to explore the U.S. In the real world, you probably have a few weeks a year. So, how do you choose from more than two dozen thrilling adventures?
Start by asking yourself what style of trip you want to take. Are you craving cute and quirky? Is the great outdoors crying out to you? Maybe you want to immerse yourself in a slice of American history?
Below, we’ve listed the primary styles you’ll find in our list of the best U.S. road trips so you can see which speaks to you. Or make it a goal to try one of each.
- Classic American Road Trips: Want to explore iconic roads that shaped America and served as the setting for some of the most influential novels (you know, the ones you had to read in AP English)? Then it’s a classic American Road Trip you’re after, filled with retro diners, ghost towns and Native American territory. Classic American road trips from our list below include: Route 66, The Road to Nowhere, The High Road to Taos
- Waterfront Road Trips: Hoping to have your eyes on water every stretch of the drive? There are tons of road trips that run the coast of oceans and lakes, so you can feel reenergized by that freshwater breeze, enjoy spontaneous swims and explore charming waterfront towns. Waterfront road trips from our list below include: The Pacific Coast Highway, The Great Lakes Circle Tour, The U.S. 1
- National Park/Forest Road Trips: Want to scale a mountain and yell, “I’m on top of the w-o-o-o-r-l-d?” There are plenty of places to do that on trips that weave you in and out of national parks and forests. Filled with windy roads, wood cabins and towering trees, our park/forest trips will connect you with nature — and yourself. National park/forest road trips from our list below include: Route 12, Beartooth Highway, San Juan Skyway
Hands Down, the 25 Best Road Trips in America
Whether it’s laid-back beaches, awe-inspiring mountains or high deserts that whisper tales of the Wild West, America has it all — and the roads to let you explore it. We’ve compiled 25 of the best road trips in the US, from the coasts of California to the Canadian border to the shores of Florida and everywhere in between. Pack your paper maps to help you chart your course and use it for backup because cell service may get spotty — but the views are more than worth it.
1. Get Lost in the Appalachians on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Carolinas and Virginia
Ask seasoned road trippers what the most scenic drive in the US is, and they will likely tell you it’s the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile drive between Virginia and North Carolina that takes you through the Appalachian Mountains. This laid-back drive weaves you through mountainous and pastoral vistas, combining manmade and natural landmarks.
Stop by the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia, which combines an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor interpretive center dedicated to celebrating the region's unique music style (a mixture of blues/jazz/bluegrass). Hike up to Rattlesnake Lodge in Weaverville, NC, where you’ll see the ruins of a 1900s summer estate. Pick fresh blueberries on the Graveyard Fields hike, a three-mile loop that takes you by three waterfalls. And top off your adventures by quenching your thirst at Big Lick Brewing Company in Roanoke, Virginia, a huge beer garden in the heart of downtown.
2. Sample the Windy City’s Best on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago
Lake Shore Drive is a scenic, 16-mile stretch that runs next to Lake Michigan from Hollywood Avenue (5700 North) to Marquette Drive and Jeffrey Drive (6600 South). Along the way, it offers stunning views of the lake, the city skyline, and several famous landmarks and museums, making it one of the most attraction-packed roads in Chicago.
Enjoy a well-rounded afternoon of activities at Lincoln Park, a 1,200-acre park that houses the Lincoln Park Zoo, several beaches, harbors, bird sanctuaries, a golf course, picnic grounds and a nature museum. Or, if it’s a rainy day and marine life is more your speed, check out Shedd Aquarium and discover all the aquatic animals that thrive there. Then, create your own coastal excursion by stopping by North Avenue beach afterward, where you can even enjoy a swim if your visit falls during “beach season” (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
If your wallet is burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the most iconic shopping areas in the world—The Magnificent Mile —and peruse the vibrant variety of boutiques, restaurants, and attractions. Once you’re done getting in your steps shopping, you can watch the Bears break a sweat during a game (or enjoy a concert!) at Soldier Field. Prefer real stars to sports stars? Head to the Adler Planetarium, the first to open in the US. While some of the best road trips in US cities may be short, they are undeniably sweet, and Lake Shore Drive is no exception.
3. Pet Six-Toed Cats (Yes, You Read That Right) on US 1 in the Florida Keys
What’s the best road trip in the US that has you entirely surrounded by water? Our vote is the US 1. This network of highways is built into the ocean, so you’ll be surrounded by the Atlantic on all sides. The U.S. 1 connects multiple islands in the Keys via 42 bridges and offers a dream road trip for those seeking fun in the sun with a touch of the tropics.
Speaking of tropical, don’t miss the Robert is Here fruit stand when you need a snack. This family-owned market is a local favorite, selling a rotating selection of exotic local produce, plus a milkshake counter. Once you’ve filled your bellies, you can set up at Sombrero Beach, where you’ll find volleyball courts, picnic tables and — from April to October — turtles laying eggs. Inspire your inner creative with a visit to Ernest Hemingway's home in Key West, which today serves as a shelter for six-toed cats (a homage to the writer’s six-toed pet feline, Snow White).
4. Take a Journey Through Time on Route 12 in Utah
Route 12 earned the designation of “An All-American Road,” a distinction only given to one-third of America’s scenic byways. To earn the distinction, a road must offer attractions and/or features you cannot find anywhere else — Route 12 passes that test with flying colors.
This 123-mile-long state highway connects the US 89 near Panguitch on the west with the SR 24 near Torrey on the northeast. You’ll have views of multiple stunning natural treasures, including the Henry Mountains, Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Explore an alpine forest housing striking red rock at Bryce Canyon National Park, where you can also visit ancient Native American Sites. Want some water action? Enjoy an afternoon of canoeing or fishing on the small reservoir inside of the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.
5. Flood Your TikTok With Pics of Bluebonnets on the Bluebonnet Trail in Texas
Looking for the best USA road trips for attention-grabbing photo ops? This one should make the cut. You’ve heard of the Superbloom in California and Arizona (or at least your algorithm shows you pics each year). But have you heard of the bluebonnet season? It’s Texas’ version of the Superbloom when the state flower — the bluebonnet — is in full bloom, turning fields into seas of deep purple/blue petals.
To preserve their natural setting, the Ennis Garden Club maps out 40 miles of drivable routes visitors can take to view the flowers without disrupting them, known as the Bluebonnet Trail. Visit Ennis in April and you can catch the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails festival, which features live music and food trucks serving up bluebonnet-inspired treats.
6. Enjoy Superior Views Along North Shore Drive in Minnesota
Situated along the shores of Lake Superior, North Shore Drive stretches from Duluth to Grand Portage and offers tons of opportunities for snapping photos while immersing yourself in nature. You’ll enjoy views of Lake Superior, birch and pine forests, waterfalls and rugged cliffs.
If you want to fully disconnect, venture into the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. It contains over a million acres of pristine landscapes, including several lakes and rivers, unbothered by humankind due to the extreme conservation efforts in place.
Looking for coastal charm? Stop at Two Harbors, a small shoreside town with some of the oldest operating lighthouses in the US. While there, pop into Castle Danger Brewery for their unique Castle Cream Ale. Looking for the perfect place to load up on snacks? Between Two Harbors and Duluth, you’ll find Russ Kendall’s Smoke House serving up smoked local fish and other regional treats. This is possibly the best United States road trip for explorers who want to cover a lot of landmarks in a limited geographical area.
7. Befriend Farmers on the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway is also designated an American Scenic Byway. It offers unique cultural experiences, is rich with history and has stunning views of the state’s White Mountains. Situated along Route 112, the highway connects the towns of Lincoln and Conway, and there’s plenty to do on that short 34.5-mile stretch.
Hike at Sabbaday Falls, a popular trail that ends at a multi-tiered waterfall feeding several swimmable emerald pools. Stop by the Russell-Colbath House and step back in time. This 19th-century farmhouse has been restored and during the summer and fall, you can find living history programs to experience 1800s New Hampshire farm life. Do not end your road trip without a stop at Polly’s Pancake Parlor, where you can (and should) nosh on giant stacks of flapjacks with a side of mountain views.
8. Go-to-the-Wilderness on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana
This 50-mile drive takes you through Glacier National Park, offering views of glacial valleys, lakes and mountains along the route. Ponder your existence on a hike under ancient cedar trees in the Avalanche Creek Area. Have encounters with mountain goats at Oberlin Bend.
Feeling fancy? Visit Lake McDonald Lodge, a rustic lodge that was built in 1913 and is protected as a national historic landmark. It sits on the shores of the largest lake in the park and offers a fine dining experience as well as a grille and pizzeria. The Glacier National Park has hundreds of places to hike, swim and explore, so you might just want a National Park Road Atlas to make the most of your visit here. This is one of the best road trips USAhas to offer for true wilderness enthusiasts.
9. Delve into Retro Cinema on Highway 101 in Oregon
If you’ve seen “The Goonies,” you’ll instantly recognize the dramatic and haunting landscape of Highway 101 in Oregon. If you’re craving sleepy, foggy coastal downs and waves crashing up against rugged cliffs, Highway 101, which runs along the Pacific Ocean in Oregon, will not disappoint. You’ll want to keep your camera app open for this one.
Visit the “Tree of Life,” a Sitka Spruce with exposed roots that seems to be barely hanging onto the cliffside. Stop in Astoria at the northern tip of Oregon, where you can check out picturesque Victorian architecture and stroll the Astoria Riverwalk. Feeling cheesy? Don’t miss the chance to visit the Tillamook Creamery and watch dairy delights made right before your eyes. And if you want to extend your time in the state, check out our Oregon coast road trip guide for even more recs.
10. Visit Tribal Land on the Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington
Skating the perimeter of Olympic National Park, this 300-plus-mile drive takes you to rainforests, waterfalls and mountains (so pack your parka, but also your bathing suit). This region of Washington has a rich Native American history and presence. Neah Bay serves as the home to the Makah Tribe Reservation, which is open to the public and offers talks, tours and experiences related to Makah tradition at its Cultural and Research Center.
Looking for a one-of-a-kind hike? Head over to the Sequim’s Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. It contains the longest natural sand spit in the US and is home to over 250 species of birds. Whether you end or start your trip in Seattle, don’t skip Pike Place Market, where you can sip Seattle coffee and snack on Washington apples.
11. Discover LGBTQ+ History and Culture on Route 6 in Massachusetts
Route 6 is a 117-mile-long highway connecting Providence, Rhode Island to Fall River, New Bedford and Cape Cod. The route takes you through some of the oldest villages in the country, filled with quaint restored inns and antique shops full of northeastern vintage treasures.
Want to visit a historic hub of LGBTQ+ support? Cruise over to the small coastal town of Provincetown where, in 1978, one of the first LGBTQ+ business associations was founded (the Provincetown Business Guild). Combine human culture and horticulture at the Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich, MA, a museum dedicated to Cape Cod’s history that contains beautiful botanical gardens. Lay out on one of the many sandy beaches in Cape Cod Bay, like Corn Hill Beach, or head out on the Great Island Trail, which offers cliffside hiking trails overlooking the bay.
12. Travel through Old Spain via The High Road to Taos in New Mexico
Experience the culture and traditions of Old Spain without a passport, witha road trip through New Mexico. The High Road to Taos in New Mexico takes you through areas rich with an Old Spanish presence, connecting visitors to the complicated past of the region.
The road begins in Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the U.S., which in and of itself is full of sites worth seeing, like the Palace of the Governors and the International Museum of Folk Art. About halfway between Taos and Santa Fe is Santuario de Chimayó, a church with purported healing powers due to the sacred earth upon which it was built. Taos will give you a front seat to the life of a traditional agricultural community and awe-inspiring old Spanish architecture that the likes of Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams depicted in their art.
13. Visit One of the Last Unexplored Frontiers on Highway 2 in Nebraska
Charles Kuralt, former host of CBS’s “On the Road,” called this route one of the “last unexplored frontiers.” The route’s landscapes, which can feel lawless at times, might make you agree with him. Highway 2, also called the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway, offers diverse vistas of terrain that seem to constantly change.
At one point, you’ll travel through the Nebraska National Forest, the largest man-made forest in the US You’ll pass by the concrete ruins of Antioch, a defunct plant that once produced a main ingredient for fertilizer, and get a peek at an extinct way of life. Visit Carhenge — Stonehenge, but with cars. The installation consists of 38 American-made vehicles painted gray and oriented to resemble Stonehenge.
14. Soak Up the Sun on the Pacific Coast Highway
Sand and sun, here you come! You’re road-tripping the Pacific Coast Highway. This is arguably the best road trip USA can offer to beach lovers. Also known as State Route 1, this highway hugs the coast along the Pacific Ocean, beginning at Dana Point in Capistrano Beach and ending in Mendocino County. You’ll pass through some of the most popular California cities for tourists and residents alike.
Check out the eclectic community on the Venice Boardwalk by Los Angeles, where art vendors sell handmade crafts and babes in board shorts skate down the sidewalk. Stop at the affluent coastal city of Santa Barbara, where you might just get an Oprah or Prince Harry sighting. Pop into the vibrant college town of San Luis Obispo. Enjoy a wine tasting and Danish fare in Solvang. Visit the famous aquarium in Monterey. Explore one of the country’s first LGBTQ+ neighborhoods, the Castro, in San Francisco. And the list keeps going so hit the road and check it out for yourself.
15. Get Your Kicks on Historic Route 66
Want a suggestion for where to start on an American road trip? There’s arguably no better place than “America’s Mother Road” — Route 66. The route no longer technically exists — at least not on any US highway map. But you can still find road guides that ensure you trace the original Route 66, which runs from Chicago to California.
During the Great Depression, more than 200,000 people traveled the route from the Dust Bowl to California, inspiring a fury of shops and services to pop up. Today, you can still see relics of these mostly closed-down businesses, as well as renovated establishments paying homage to Route 66.
You can visit the First Original McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino, and the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring 10 Cadillacs buried nose-first into the ground — a commentary on the lost Golden Age of the American car. And if you’re down for a spook, explore Glenrio, a ghost town where you can still see an old post office and diner barely hanging on.
16. Skirt Along the Top of the US on The Great Northern
This transcontinental road trip kicks off at Acadia National Park in Maine and runs all the way to the Space Needle in Seattle. It’s named after a pioneer railroad that runs along the route on the western portion, and as you sample the sights of the upper part of the US, you’ll feel like a pioneer yourself.
There are plenty of opportunities to ditch your car for the day on this road trip. Take the ferry to the island of Mackinac in Michigan, an idyllic car-free island known for its cluster of bluffside military buildings. In Vermont, don’t miss the Burlington Bike Path (in the namesake city), a 13.4-mile trail that takes you through wildlife areas and beaches. While you’re in the area, head over to Church Street Marketplace to eat and shop and quench your thirst at Citizen Cider. When you make your way through New Hampshire, you’ll want to treat your inner child with a stop at Santa’s Villas in Jefferson. It’s an entirely Christmas-themed park, open all year long.
17. Reflect on Our Past on the Great River Road Along the Mississippi River
TheGreat River Road is designated a National Scenic Byway and All-America Road. The route runs from Minnesota to New Orleans and follows the Mississippi River through 10 states for roughly 3,000 miles. Each stretch offers a look back into American history, diverse cultures and unforgettable natural landscapes.
Take it all in at Nelson Dewey State Park, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the entire river from a 500-foot bluff. Take a hard look at our past at the Trail of Tears State Park, where nine Cherokee Native American groups were displaced and forced to cross the river under brutal conditions in 1838. Process the sorrows of what you saw in the musical City of Clarksdale, “The land where the blues began.” End it all on a higher note with a celebration in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, sipping and dancing on Bourbon Street.
18. Wind Along the Atlantic Coast
Travel the entire Atlantic Coast, from the Statue of Liberty all the way to Florida’s Key West. You’ll be endlessly inspired by the constantly alternating vistas. Pass through some of the most popular beach resort towns, including the bright lights and slot machines of Atlantic City and the retirement mecca of Myrtle Beach.
Visit the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Kitty Hawk, where the Wright Brothers first demonstrated humankind’s ability to take flight. Travel through old fishing villages and seaside towns, full of personality. It’s a sampling of American coastal culture, all packed into one road trip.
19. Border Jump on the Road to Nowhere
The Road to Nowhere’s name is a misnomer, given that it starts at the Canadian border and ends at the Mexican border. But you’ll forgive its misleading label when you see all the beauty it has to offer. Delivering an intimate look at rural America, the road — also known as US 83 — runs through rustic small towns, state capitals and national landmark treasures.
Another road trip rich with Native American history, US 83 contains the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in North Dakota. The park houses the remains of earth lodges and fortifications built by the tribes that once lived here. Experience the other side of the story at North Platte in Nebraska, where you’ll find the restored home of Buffalo Bill. And to round out this road trip of mixed emotions, consider meeting up with Dorothy and her friends in Liberal, Kansas at the quirky annual OzFest.
20. Sample the Shores on the Great Lakes Circle Tour
Why visit just one Great Lake when you can explore them all on the Great Lakes Circle Tour? This scenic road system connects the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. It contains routes for easily navigating the lakes.
Each stretch of lakeshore brings its own charm, like the small artsy community of Pentwater on Lake Michigan, which hosts an annual arts and crafts fair, or Duluth, Minnesota, home of the University of Minnesota. Craving a wholesome treat? Visit Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors, Minnesota, a favorite spot among locals for homemade pie that’s been open since 1956. You can even discover the shipwrecks at Lake Erie, a graveyard of an estimated 500 to 2,000 sunken vessels.
21. Mine for Golden Photo Ops on the San Juan Skyway, Colorado
The San Juan Skyway in Colorado is a 236-mile All-American Road as well as a National Forest Scenic Byway that weaves around the San Juan Mountains across southwestern Colorado. It will take you through Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Rico, Telluride, Digway, Ouray, Silverton and Stoner.
Visit historic and active mining sites on the Million Dollar Highway, a 25-mile stretch of the Skyway between Silverton and Ouray. Catch the Telluride Blues and Brews festival in the famous ski region of the same name. Snag jars of organic honey and jam at Honeyville in Durango, where you can watch the bees making their sweet nectar. And, visit the Mesa Verde National Park in Mancos to see the homes of the long-gone Ancestral Pueblo people preserved in the cliffs and mesas.
22. Release Your Inner Cowboy on Route 89 in Arizona
Looking for a road trip that’s bookended with mountains on either side and takes you through a red rock desert in between? Then travel across Route 89 in Arizona, an 83.85-mile highway that runs from Prescott to Flagstaff. The major mid-way highlight is Sedona, known for its healing retreats and undeniably relaxed atmosphere, all set against the striking red rocks.
While in Sedona, stop at the Butterfly Garden Inn market to enjoy local treats amidst charming wood cabins. Enjoy dinner and a show at the Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood, a genuine dude ranch with Western-themed shops, cowboy shows and an old-fashioned saloon. Then top it all off by appreciating authentic Apache artwork in downtown Flagstaff at the Heard Museum.
23. Reach New Heights on the Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)
Wondering what is the best interstate for a road trip? Some would say it's US Route 212, which contains the Beartooth Highway.Grab your state recreational atlas because you’re about to be spoiled with great outdoor activities. Beartooth Highway is a 68.72-mile scenic route that starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
You’ll witness a variety of ecosystems, including alpine lakes, pine forests and alpine tundra. The highest part of the route will take you to an elevation of 10,947 feet. While you’re up there, grab provisions at the Top of the World Store, a rustic shop that sits at an elevation of 9,400 feet. Load up your backpacks with snacks before going to Beartooth Lake for a swim or to pick up the trailhead that goes into the Beartooth Plateau backcountry.
24. Fly High Over the Outer Banks Scenic Byway in North Carolina
Experience chic coastal living on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway. This 138-mile route runs along the North Carolina coastline into the Atlantic. There are a total of 25 ferry rides you can catch along the route if you want to give your car a break and explore the barrier islands. Pass through 21 coastal villages with charming boutiques and plenty of seafood dining opportunities.
If surfing through air instead of waves piques your interest, head over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for some hang gliding lessons over the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast. If being airborne leaves you hungry, head to Grit’s Grill in Nags Head for classic Southern cuisine. Marvel at untouched natural wonders at the Rachel Carson Reserve, where Outer Banks wildlife such as dolphins, crabs and birds thrive. And get your dose of history at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which contains artifacts from the Civil War, WWII and pirates.
25. Race the Sunrise on the Acadia All-American Road in Maine
Considered by many to be the most beautiful drive in the country, the Acadia All-American Road is a 40-mile scenic byway in Maine. It runs through the state’s Downeast and Acadia portions and takes you past beaches, islands and natural wonders.
Want to feel the real power of the ocean? Visit Thunder Hole, an inlet on the eastern shoreline of Mount Desert Island. The inlet’s unique formation and location allow waves to pass through it, creating a thunderous sound that will shake you to your core. See the literal first light at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, the first place the sun rises in the US each morning. It’s hard to say what the most iconic road trip destination in the USA is but the first spot to be graced by the sun’s rays every morning, before the entire country wakes up and starts their lives, is a top contender.
Let Rand McNally Publishing Guide the Way on Your Next Road Trip
That concludes our list of the best road trips in America. Each of our 50 states is a world of its own and if you’ve been feeling pulled to explore the great red, white and blue, let Rand McNally’s maps and atlases guide your way.
Explore this varied country the way the pioneers once did — with a paper map in your back pocket and a deep curiosity about the road ahead. Or, you can also do it the modern way and plan your trips with paper maps then use your map apps on the drive — you do you!
Our comprehensive collection of guides covers every region of the country, with detailed information on routes, national forests and the points of interest we covered in our list of the best road trips in the USA. So pack your bags, fill up the gas tank and hit the roads that connect our beautiful and diverse 50 states.