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10 Best USA Road Trips (2025)

10 Best USA Road Trips (2025)

These best USA road trips cover the most popular and most exciting road trips to take across the USA, as well as some of the destinations along the way. So let’s get planning!

A road trip across the vast American landscape is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. With sturdy roads and beautiful scenery along the way, these trips can be a great way to experience the country.

Besides moving landscapes from coastlines to forests, these trips also allow you to experience the wonders of multiple US cities in one go. Here are six of the best trips to make if you are looking for travel inspiration. 

Best USA Road Trips

Road of Route 66

1. Route 66

    A great way to see the country is on the iconic Route 66 trip. Covering 2,250 miles, the trip can be done in one or two weeks, covering the biggest US cities from Chicago to Los Angeles; all on your USA bucketlist.

    The route takes travellers across eight different states, enjoying the Art Deco buildings of Tulsa and getting creative inspiration at Santa Fe. Highlights include the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, and the historic Wigwam Motel; one of the most unique hotels in the US.

    While casino capital Las Vegas isn’t part of the trip, it’s easily accessed from the route.

    Big Sur Coastline for your USA BUcketlist

    2. Pacific Coast Highway

      Around 10 days is sufficient to get the coastal views of the US west coast, travelling from the cities of San Diego to Seattle. Although shorter than Route 66, with 1,600 miles covered, it nevertheless has a lot to offer.

      Stretching from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in Northern California, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers one of the most iconic road trips and is regarded as one of the best USA road trips. This 655-mile drive hugs the coastline, delivering stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns

      Notable stops include Big Sur’s rugged landscapes, the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot sea lions and whales along the way, while foodies will enjoy the fresh seafood at coastal restaurants.

      Besides the beach towns of California, travellers can also delight in the redwood forests along the way. It also covers some of the best-known US cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco

      Fun things to do in San Francisco at Night

      3. San Francisco to Utah

      If the Bay Area is on your wishlist, this trip is one to try out. Starting in San Francisco, begin with driving down the iconic zig-zag street in San Francisco. Then there’s the option of heading down to Lake Tahoe. Stop for a bit at the lake, and enjoy the scenic view of the Sierra Nevada mountains while also fishing and cycling. 

      After this, travellers head to Death Valley, with its rocky views and desert landscapes, arriving at Las Vegas. Stop a while there to experience its gaming culture.

      Those who prefer to practice before heading to land-based establishments can do so by trialling the games online by using a free bonus. From Vegas, tourists can go to Utah and enjoy the national parks. 

      Street in Nashville best place to vacation in Tennessee

      4. Southern History trip

      For travellers looking for a bit of history in their trip, the Natchez Trace is one to consider.

      A short one, lasting 2 or three days, covers 444 miles. It has a rich history, as the road was initially travelled by buffalos, which essentially carved it out. Over some time, though, it saw traders to colonists travelling over the route.

      Stretching from Tennessee to Natchez, there are interesting towns and lovely scenery along the way. 

      Great Smoky Mountains

      5. Blue Ridge Parkway

        Ideal for an autumn trip, the Blue Ridge Parkway takes travellers from the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia to the Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This 469-mile scenic highway connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is another one of the best USA road trips.

        With beautiful mountain views and stunning trees lining the roads, it can be just the calming trip the doctor ordered. For those looking for some physical activity, there are also hiking trails along the way.  We also recommend you head to Dollywood and enjoy the things to do in Pigeon Forge.

        national parks in Colorado

        6. San Juan Skyway

        Another trip for mountain lovers is the San Juan Skyway, which like the Blue Ridge Parkway can be completed in a limited number of days. Stretching for 236 miles, this is doable in one to three days.

        It goes through central Colorado’s mountains, and through the journey connects a number of towns, as well as Mesa Verde National Park, which has a rich ancient history and is one of the best national parks in Colorado.

        Unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway, though it isn’t a leisurely road trip. It’s at a high altitude and the weather isn’t always the best for those wanting an easy drive.

        There could be closures on the way during this drive. So, it would pay to check the weather conditions before heading out. It would also be good to check whether the road ahead is clear to avoid disappointments. 

        French Quarter New Orleans USA bucket list

        7. The Great River Road (Mississippi River)

        Following the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles, this scenic drive runs through 10 states and is one of our favourite best USA road trips. It showcases riverfront towns, historic sites, and lush landscapes.

        In the Upper Mississippi region, you can visit states like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, with breathtaking scenic spots like Itasca State Park and La Crosse in Wisconsin. Along the route, visitors can head to Memphis or St. Louis to explore the bustling fun cities, as well as New Orleans as the Lower Mississippi area.

        YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Hike

        8. Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)

        At nearly 11,000 feet in elevation, this 68-mile highway offers jaw-dropping views of alpine meadows, glaciers, and mountain peaks. It’s the perfect gateway to Yellowstone National Park and a dream drive for adventurers.

        Known as one of the most beautiful drives in America and one of the best USA road trips, this high-elevation road climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, offering unparalleled views of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes.

        THE SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS IN NEVADA

        9. The Loneliest Road (Nevada)

        Running along U.S. Route 50, this 400-mile stretch lives up to its name as the Loneliest Road.

        On this best US road trips, you can expect vast desert landscapes, ghost towns, and stunning starry skies. It’s a serene escape for those seeking solitude and adventure.

        Start your trip in Carson City, where you can see the Nevada State Museum and the historic downtown area. The Sand Mountain Recreation Area is amassive 600-foot-high sand dune near Fallon, and the nearby ruins of the historic Sand Springs Pony Express Station are a must-see.

        Romantic things to do in Alaska

        10. Alaska’s Seward Highway

        Connecting Anchorage to Seward, this 127-mile drive boasts dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and wildlife is one of the best ways to explore Alaska fully.

        Highlight along this best USA road trip, include the Turnagain Arm, Kenai Fjords National Park, and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and glacier tours.

        Why a road trip?

        As is evident, these best USA road trip are ideal for all types of travellers across the length and breadth of the US. For those who have time at hand and don’t mind driving for a week or two, Route 66 is ideal, taking travellers through a multitude of US cities.

        For those looking for a short getaway, the likes of Blue Ridge Parkway and the Southern History trip are ideal. One is a relaxed drive with beautiful views while the other gives a rich understanding of the American past. 

        There’s also a choice of views across these trips. The West Coast can be taken in on the Pacific Coast Highways and rocky landscapes along with deserts to be enjoyed on the San Francisco to Utah trip. And they don’t all need to be relaxing either.

        The San Juan Skyway allows for a thrilling trip with its terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Whichever way we look at it, there’s something in a road trip for everyone. 

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