The United States offers some of the most scenic and iconic road trip routes, perfect for exploring diverse landscapes, historic sites, and natural wonders. Here are ten of the best road trip routes in the USA:
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
- Route: Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego.
- Highlights: Big Sur coastline, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Barbara’s beaches, and San Diego’s Balboa Park.
2. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)
- Route: Historic Route 66 from Illinois to California.
- Highlights: Cadillac Ranch (Texas), Grand Canyon (Arizona), Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona), and Santa Monica Pier (California).
3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
- Route: Scenic drive through the Appalachian Highlands.
- Highlights: Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, and Asheville’s Biltmore Estate.
4. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
- Route: US Highway 1 from Miami to Key West.
- Highlights: Seven Mile Bridge, Key Largo’s coral reefs, Islamorada’s fishing, and Key West’s Ernest Hemingway Home.
5. Highway 101 (Oregon Coast)
- Route: Follows the Oregon coastline from Astoria to Brookings.
- Highlights: Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Newport’s historic bayfront, and Cape Perpetua.
6. Historic Columbia River Highway (Oregon)
- Route: Scenic byway through the Columbia River Gorge.
- Highlights: Multnomah Falls, Hood River Valley orchards, Mount Hood, and Columbia River views.
7. Utah’s Scenic Byway 12
- Route: All-American Road through southern Utah.
- Highlights: Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Kodachrome Basin State Park.
8. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
- Route: Follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana.
- Highlights: Minneapolis’s Mill City Museum, St. Louis Arch, Memphis’s Beale Street, and New Orleans’s French Quarter.
9. Pacific Northwest: Seattle to Portland
- Route: Interstate 5 or scenic backroads through Washington and Oregon.
- Highlights: Seattle’s Space Needle, Mount Rainier National Park, Columbia River Gorge, and Portland’s Powell’s Books.
10. Route 1 (Maine Coast)
- Route: Coastal drive from Kittery to Acadia National Park.
- Highlights: Portland Head Light, Rockland’s lobster festivals, Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain, and Bar Harbor’s coastal charm.
Tips for Road Tripping in the USA:
- Plan Ahead: Research attractions, accommodations, and dining options along your route.
- Stay Flexible: Allow time for unexpected stops and detours to explore local gems.
- Safety First: Check road conditions, weather forecasts, and vehicle maintenance before setting out.
- Capture Memories: Bring a camera or smartphone for capturing scenic views and memorable moments.
Whether you prefer coastal drives, mountainous landscapes, or historic routes, these road trip routes in the USA offer a diverse range of experiences and natural beauty to explore.
