Top 50 Road Trips in the USA for an Epic Adventure
America is a vast land of diverse landscapes and open highways, perfect for a road trip. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a city tour, or a wilderness adventure, there’s a road trip for every taste. Here are the top 50 road trips in the USA for an epic adventure:
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
Starting in San Francisco and winding 500 miles down the coast to San Diego, this drive is a classic. Along the way, check out the famous beach towns of Santa Cruz and Malibu, and marvel at the breathtaking Big Sur coastline.
2. Route 66, Illinois to California
The iconic Route 66 may be gone, but much of it still exists. Drive from Chicago to Santa Monica and explore the roadside attractions that made this road an American legend.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
This scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, waterfalls, and forests. Stop at the many overlooks and hiking trails, and visit the historic cabins and farmsteads along the way.
4. Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
Follow the Mississippi River along this road trip and discover river towns, plantations, and fascinating history. Highlights include the Mark Twain Museum in Hannibal, Missouri, and the French Quarter of New Orleans.
5. Alaska Highway, Alaska to British Columbia
This epic 1,400-mile drive crosses some of the wildest territory in North America, from the glaciers of the Yukon to the rugged wilderness of Alaska. Wildlife sightings are common, as are stunning vistas of mountains and lakes.
6. The Loneliest Road, Nevada
This is a road trip for the adventurous, as it crosses the desolate central and eastern parts of Nevada. But the rewards are great, with stark desert landscapes, ghost towns, and quirky roadside attractions like the Shoe Tree and the Alien Jerky store.
7. Florida Keys, Florida
The Overseas Highway takes you from Miami to Key West, crossing over 42 bridges and offering spectacular views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Stop at the many beaches, seafood shacks, and historic sites along the way.
8. Beartooth Highway, Montana to Wyoming
This drive takes you through the Beartooth Mountains, one of the most spectacular areas in the Rockies. The road climbs to over 10,000 feet and offers views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.
9. The Enchanted Circle, New Mexico
This route loops around the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and passes through the charming towns of Taos, Red River, and Angel Fire. You’ll see dramatic desert landscapes, mountain vistas, and historic sites like the Taos Pueblo.
10. California Redwoods, California
This drive takes you through the majestic forests of northern California, where you’ll see giant redwood trees that are over 2,000 years old. Stop at the many hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks along the way.
11. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail, New York to Pennsylvania
This route follows the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, passing through charming towns, historic sites, and beautiful scenery. Stop at the lighthouses, wineries, and beaches along the way.
12. Highway 12, Utah
This drive takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in the American West, including Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The road itself is an engineering marvel, with hairpin turns and steep drops.
13. Route 1, Maine
This drive takes you along the rocky coast of Maine, with views of lighthouses, fishing villages, and whale-watching boats. Stop at the many seafood shacks and lobster pounds along the way.
14. The Ozarks, Arkansas to Missouri
This drive takes you through the rolling hills and dense forests of the Ozark Mountains, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife-watching. Highlights include Ozark National Forest and the historic town of Eureka Springs.
15. The Lighthouse Route, Massachusetts
This drive takes you along the scenic coast of Cape Ann, with views of lighthouses, beaches, and historic landmarks like Salem and Gloucester. Stop at the many seafood restaurants and art galleries along the way.
16. The Black Hills, South Dakota
This drive takes you through the rugged terrain of the Black Hills, with views of Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. You’ll also see plenty of wildlife, including bison and pronghorn antelope.
17. The Great River Road, Wisconsin to Louisiana
This route follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana, passing through 10 states and over 3,000 miles of scenery. Highlights include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Louisiana Plantation Country, and the Great River Road Interpretive Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
18. The Road to Hana, Hawaii
This drive takes you along the scenic coast of Maui, with views of waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests. The road is winding and narrow, but the rewards are great.
19. The North Shore, Minnesota
This drive takes you along the shore of Lake Superior, with views of waterfalls, lighthouses, and fishing villages. Stop at the many state parks and scenic overlooks along the way.
20. The Florida Gulf Coast, Florida
This drive takes you along the scenic Gulf Coast of Florida, with views of sugar-white beaches, turquoise waters, and charming towns like Pensacola and Naples. Stop at the many seafood restaurants and beachside bars along the way.
21. The Apache Trail, Arizona
This drive takes you through the rugged Superstition Mountains, with views of canyons, lakes, and desert landscapes. The road is steep and narrow in places, but the rewards are great.
22. The Great River Road, Illinois to Missouri
This route follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana, passing through 10 states and over 3,000 miles of scenery. Highlights include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Louisiana Plantation Country, and the Great River Road Interpretive Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
23. The Grand Circle, Utah to Arizona
This drive takes you through five national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. The scenery is spectacular, with red rock formations, deep canyons, and winding rivers.
24. The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon to Washington
This drive takes you along the scenic Columbia River Gorge, with views of waterfalls, vineyards, and historic landmarks like the Bonneville Dam and the Maryhill Museum of Art.
25. The Golden Isles, Georgia to Florida
This route takes you along the scenic coast of Georgia and Florida, with views of historic sites, scenic beaches, and charming towns like Brunswick and St. Augustine. Stop at the many seafood shacks and beachside bars along the way.
26. The Grand Tetons, Wyoming
This drive takes you through the stunning Grand Teton Mountains, with views of lakes, forests, and wildlife like grizzly bears and moose. Stop at the many state parks and scenic overlooks along the way.
27. The Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
This historic route follows the path of a Native American footpath and a pioneer trail, passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in the South. Highlights include the historic town of Natchez and the scenic overlooks of the Tennessee River.
28. The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee to North Carolina
This drive takes you through the iconic Great Smoky Mountains, with views of waterfalls, wildlife, and historic landmarks like the Cherokee Indian Reservation and the Biltmore Estate.
29. The Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
This drive takes you through the scenic Berkshires, with views of waterfalls, covered bridges, and charming mountain towns like Williamstown and North Adams.
30. The San Juan Skyway, Colorado
This drive takes you through the stunning San Juan Mountains, with views of ski resorts, mining towns, and historic landmarks like the Durango Railroad and the Mesa Verde National Park.
31. The Chesapeake Bay, Virginia to Maryland
This drive takes you along the scenic Chesapeake Bay, with views of historic sites, seafood shacks, and charming towns like Annapolis and St. Michaels.
32. The Three Sisters, Texas
This drive takes you through the scenic Texas Hill Country, with views of limestone cliffs, wildflowers, and charming towns like Fredericksburg and Wimberley. Stop at the many wineries and craft breweries along the way.
33. The Gila Wilderness, New Mexico
This drive takes you through the wild Gila Wilderness, with views of hot springs, ancient cliff dwellings, and wildlife like elk and black bears. Stop at the many hiking trails and campgrounds along the way.
34. The Burr Trail, Utah
This drive takes you through the remote and rugged terrain of the Escalante area, with views of red rock canyons, narrow gorges, and sandstone cliffs. Stop at the many hiking trails and natural arches along the way.
35. The Great River Road, Iowa to Illinois
This route follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana, passing through 10 states and over 3,000 miles of scenery. Highlights include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Louisiana Plantation Country, and the Great River Road Interpretive Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
36. The Texas Gulf Coast, Texas
This drive takes you along the scenic Gulf Coast of Texas, with views of charming towns like Rockport and Galveston, and historic sites like the USS Lexington. Stop at the many seafood restaurants and beachside bars along the way.
37. The Golden Circle, Tennessee
This drive takes you through the rolling hills and historic sites of Middle Tennessee, with views of Civil War battlefields, Antebellum homes, and charming towns like Franklin and Leiper’s Fork.
38. The Great River Road, Tennessee to Arkansas
This route follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana, passing through 10 states and over 3,000 miles of scenery. Highlights include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Louisiana Plantation Country, and the Great River Road Interpretive Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
39. The Oregon Trail, Oregon to Wyoming
This historic route follows the path of pioneers and settlers who crossed the West in search of a new life. Highlights include the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon, and the Independence Rock State Historic Site in Wyoming.
40. The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
This drive takes you through the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, with views of waterfalls, mountains, and covered bridges. Stop at the many hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks along the way.
41. The Great River Road, Minnesota to Wisconsin
This route follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana, passing through 10 states and over 3,000 miles of scenery. Highlights include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Louisiana Plantation Country, and the Great River Road Interpretive Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
42. The Guadalupe Mountains, Texas to New Mexico
This drive takes you through the rugged Guadalupe Mountains, with views of limestone cliffs, desert landscapes, and the highest peak in Texas. Stop at the many hiking trails and campgrounds along the way.
43. The Hocking Hills, Ohio
This drive takes you through the scenic Hocking Hills region of Ohio, with views of waterfalls, caves, and rolling hills. Stop at the many hiking trails and historic landmarks along the way.
44. The Utah Backcountry, Utah
This drive takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful scenery in the American West, including Arches National Park, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Stop at the many hiking trails, wilderness areas, and scenic overlooks along the way.
45. The Rio Grande Valley, Texas
This drive takes you along the scenic Rio Grande River, with views of wildlife, historic sites, and charming towns like Laredo and McAllen. Stop at the many bird-watching sites and museums along the way.
46. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Colorado
This drive takes you to the summit of Mount Evans, one of the tallest peaks in Colorado, with views of alpine meadows, bighorn sheep, and the distant Rocky Mountains.
47. The Ozark Highlands, Missouri to Arkansas
This drive takes you through the scenic Ozark Highlands, with views of waterfalls, lakes, and the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains. Stop at the many hiking trails, campgrounds, and historic landmarks along the way.
48. The Arroyo Seco, New Mexico
This drive takes you through the scenic Santa Fe National Forest, with views of canyons, mesas, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Stop at the many hiking trails, hot springs, and galleries along the way.
49. The Utah National Parks, Utah
This drive takes you through the spectacular national parks of Utah, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. The scenery is jaw-dropping, with towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and desert landscapes.
50. The Alamo Trail, Texas
This drive takes you through the historic sites of the Texas Revolution, including the Alamo, Goliad, and San Jacinto. Stop at the many museums, memorials, and landmarks that tell the story of Texas independence.
No matter where you go, a road trip in America is an epic adventure. So pack your bags, gas up the car, and hit the open road. The beauty of America is waiting for you to discover it.
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