The US is such a large, diverse country that is teeming with incredible road trip journeys. There are just so many routes to take, all of which take you to incredible places ranging from big cities, to national parks, to tiny towns, all offering unbeatable scenery along the way! Here are 10 of the best, where it is all about the journey, not just the destination.
Route 66
Route 66 is the most classic of US road trips. Starting in Lake Michigan, Chicago and ending on the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, it runs through eight states in the heart of the US. Measuring at over 2,500 miles, is it a quintessential cross-country trip.
Pacific Coast Highway
It’s not difficult to see why the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH) is considered to be one of the best road trips in the US. Travelling from San Francisco to San Diego (or in reverse) and gives you the opportunity to see some of the best coastal scenery in California. It takes around three days and you can even extend your 650-mile journey onwards to the Redwood Forest if you wish.
Overseas Highway
The 150-mile drive from Miami to the Florida Keys connects two of the best coastal destinations in Florida, crossing 42 bridges to get there! It is one of the sunniest and relaxed road trips you’ll take!
Washington-Oregon Coast
Starting in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington and travelling 600 miles to the southern tip of Oregon, this journey will see you visit some of the most natural and rugged coastlines in the US (and maybe even the world)!
Great River Road
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River through ten lesser-visited states in the US! It is 3,000 miles in length and starts frim Minnesota, ending in Louisiana at the Gulf of Mexico.
Island Loop Road
The Island Loop Road on Hawaii’s Big Island offers you a breathtaking 300 mile journey around the island! You’ll be witness to beaches, mountains, active volcanoes, black sand beaches and lava fields! It’s definitely one to add to your Hawaii itinerary!
Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway is almost 1,500 miles in length, starting in British Columbia and travelling through Yukon Territory to Anchorage, Alaska. It is best driven during summer due to weather conditions, with the views and wildlife will make it worth your while!
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile trip that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It is one of the most popular road trips in the USA and is without a doubt of the most scenic.
California’s Route 395
Route 395 is the backbone of California. It travels along Sierra Nevada mountain range, visits Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Death Valley National Park and Yosemite National Park. It may not be as famous as the Pacific Coast Highway, but it is just as epic! Whilst in California, you may also want to rent an Anaheim, CA party bus for fun!
Grand Circle Road Trip
The Grand Circle Road trip is one of the best National Parks road trips in America. The route travels through Utah and Arizona and visits Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Grand Canyon National Park and a number of others. This trip is over 1,500 miles and takes around two weeks to complete the full circle!
The US is packed full of amazing destinations and incredible road trip journeys. Be sure to take out a car rental insurance policy on all trips to ensure your road trip is as safe and stress free as possible.
This post was written in collaboration with Bonzah.
All opinions, as always, are our own.
