10 Incredible Road Trips In the United States

Highways in the United States were built along historical routes ranging from indigenous trails to railroads, Pony Express circuits and early U.S. mail lines. You can take an unforgettable road trip through any region. All you need is a driver’s license, packed bag and a pair of safety glasses to be ready to hit the road.

1. Cruise Down the Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state highway in California. This highway connects to U.S. 101 Business, which runs south from Washington Olympic National Park to San Diego. You can also drive selected stretches such as the 400-mile trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles or Oregon 101.

2. Experience the Overseas Highway

The Overseas Highway is a 128-mile route from Miami to Key West. US-1 leads through the Upper Keys to the Middle and Lower Keys. This highway connects islands and passes by coral reefs, lighthouses and engineering feats such as the Seven Mile Bridge.

3. Get Your Kicks On Historic Route 66

Historic Route 66 cut across the country from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, with a western terminus on the Santa Monica Pier. You may prefer to drive selected portions of this 2,500-mile trip.

4. Take the Trail Ridge Road

The highest continually paved road in the United States runs through Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. This road traversing the Continental Divide reaches altitudes as high as 12,813 feet.

5. Drive the Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway traverses Virginia and North Carolina before terminating in Cherokee, South Carolina. This 500-mile trip starts near Shenandoah National Park and ends in the Great Smoky Mountains. Prescription safety glasses can help you maintain visibility in the fog and mist you may encounter on this route.

6. Follow the Oregon Trail

Driving US-20, a two lane trek from Cape Cod to the Oregon coast, approximates the historical Oregon Trail. This route directs you past landmarks such as Carhence, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Fort Boise and ends at Cannon Beach in Oregon.

7. Drift Down the Great River Road

Highways that parallel the course of the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana can make for a road trip through 10 states. For a week-long trip, take the Natchez Trace Parkway from Vicksburg south to Graceland, Nashville and New Orleans.

8. Ride the Loneliest Road

The Loneliest Road is a name for US-50, a highway that passes through 12 states and four capitals, including Washington D.C. The Pony Express carved out this route from Ocean City, Maryland to San Francisco, California across the Appalachian Mountains, Rocky Mountains and western desert.

9. Head North On the Alaska-Canadian Highway

The Alaska-Canadian Highway traverses the Pacific coast of the neighboring country of Canada to reach the state of Alaska. ALCAN is a 1,390-mile route that takes approximately five days to drive. You can also fly to Alaska and take a road trip after you land.

10. Take the Road to Hana

Hana Highway in Maui makes more than 600 bends and crosses over 50 bridges. It can take up to three hours to make the 50-mile trek from Kahului to Hana.