US Road Trips That Are Too Epic To Miss

Whether dolling out Expert Tips For An Epic Road Trip, or just posting them to our Instagram, our passion for US Road Trips well documented, at this point. Often described as “not for everyone”, the Great American Road Trip should more often be described as “for more people than are aware”. Here is a list of some of our favorites – let us know if we missed some of yours!

Pacific Coast Highway

As far as US road trips go, California’s Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic drives you can imagine. Thusly, it is a great place for us to start. Offering breathtaking ocean views, dramatic cliffs, charming coastal towns, and iconic landmarks. This trip follows the coastline of California, from San Francisco in the north to San Diego in the south, and can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks to complete, depending on how many stops you make along the way.

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, winds along the rugged coastline, providing endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque towns like Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara, each with its own unique character and charm. You’ll also have the opportunity to see landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Hearst Castle, and the Bixby Bridge, which are not only iconic but also historically significant.

The drive can be both relaxing and adventurous, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, and exploring the outdoors. You can visit state parks like Big Sur and Point Lobos, or take a whale-watching tour along the coast. There are also plenty of restaurants, wineries, and art galleries to discover, showcasing the diverse culture of the California coast.

Overall, a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is an unforgettable experience that offers something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking to escape and enjoy the beauty of the world around you.

Route 66

The legendary “Main Street of America” runs from Chicago to Santa Monica and passes through iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, the Cadillac Ranch, and the St. Louis Arch. There are many attractions and stops along the way, such as Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, NM (Meow Wolf!!) and Tulsa, OK – so you can customize your journey to fit your interests and preferences. Regardless of your route, a Route 66 road trip is an epic US road trip, for sure, and offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the United States.

Great River Road

One of the longer US road trips listed (~3000 miles), this tour runs along the Mississippi River takes you through 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Louisiana, with stops at historic river towns, Civil War battlefields, and scenic overlooks. Along the way, travelers can experience a variety of landscapes, from rugged bluffs and rolling hills to vast wetlands and fertile farmland. For the US history buff, there are numerous historic sites, including Civil War battlefields, plantation homes, and museums, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.

Some of the most popular stops along the Great River Road include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, and the historic French Quarter in New Orleans. Other attractions include the Great River Road State Park in Minnesota, the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa, and the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi.

Blue Ridge Parkway

This 469-mile drive through Virginia and North Carolina offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, with stops at charming towns like Asheville and Roanoke. This US road trip is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves on the trees change colors and the mountains are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow foliage. Visitors can enjoy the views by car, bike, or on foot, and there are plenty of opportunities for photography, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

This route stretches for 469 miles and offers many hiking trails and overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The routes diverse array of wildlife includes black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.

The Loneliest Road

This stretch of Highway 50 across Nevada is known for its stark, otherworldly landscapes, including the Great Basin National Park and the ghost town of Austin. The nickname “Loneliest Road” comes from a Life Magazine article published in 1986, which described the stretch of Route 50 through Nevada as the “Loneliest Road in America.” While the road has since been upgraded with modern amenities such as rest areas, gas stations, and motels, it still offers one of the most unique and somewhat desolate of the US road trips, if that suits your fancy.

Along the way, travelers can experience a variety of landscapes, including the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Great Basin Desert, and the Appalachian Mountains. They can also visit numerous historic sites, ghost towns, and natural attractions, including Great Basin National Park, Cathedral Gorge State Park, and the Black Mountains of Nevada.

One of the most famous attractions along the “Loneliest Road” is the “Shoe Tree” near Middlegate, Nevada. This unusual landmark is a tree covered in hundreds of pairs of shoes, which have been left by passing motorists over the years.

The Florida Keys

This US road trip begins in Key Largo, renowned for diving and snorkeling opportunities. From there, travelers can stop at various points of interest along the way, such as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the Dolphin Research Center, and the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.

The journey also offers the opportunity to experience the laid-back lifestyle of the Keys, including the famous conch fritters, key lime pie, and fresh seafood. Travelers can sample local cuisine at waterfront restaurants, enjoy live music at beach bars, and visit local art galleries and museums.

After crossing a whopping 42 bridges and across crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys, this road trip culminates in Key West, where travelers can explore the historic Old Town, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and enjoy the sunset celebration at Mallory Square. During mini season, this is a great place to try diving for Florida Lobster. You also would not want to miss out on a key lime pie at Kermit’s Key Lime Shop to see how the pros do it.

Also don’t miss an opportunity to experience FOUR National Parks on this trip! Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park are all available within driving distance.

The Oregon Trail

If any of you reading this, grew up in the United States in the 80s and early 90s, you are maybe familiar with The Oregon Tral computer game (and the phrase it was known for: “You died of dysentery”). Well, luckily no dysentery here, this historic route from Missouri to Oregon follows the path of the pioneers who crossed the country in covered wagons during the mid 1800s. Today, the US road trip along the Oregon Trail route offers a unique opportunity to follow the path set by these early pioneers and explore the rich history and natural beauty of the American West.

The road trip begins in Independence, Missouri, and follows the trail westward through Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and finally Oregon. Along the way, Wanderers can experience the natural beauty of the American Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge.

The Great Lakes Circle Tour

This 6,500-mile US road trip takes travelers around all five of the Great Lakes, with stops at historic lighthouses, national parks, and charming towns. In addition to Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, the tour crosses through eight U.S. states and one Canadian province, offering stunning views of the lakes, rugged coastlines, and charming towns along the way.

Highlights include the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, Niagara Falls on the border of New York and Ontario, and the scenic route along the north shore of Lake Superior in Ontario. Other attractions include charming waterfront towns, historic lighthouses, and numerous state and national parks. Towards the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is known for its rugged wilderness, pristine lakes, and friendly small towns, travelers can explore the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, visit the Mackinac Island, and drive the scenic M-28 highway along the southern shore of Lake Superior.

The Grand Circle

Ah, the American Southwest. One of my absolute US road trips passes through some of the most iconic national parks, monuments, and natural wonders in the region. Included are the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and Arches National Park. This 1,300-mile loop through Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The Alaska Highway

Last, and certainly not least, this drive from British Columbia to Alaska offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, with stops at towns like Whitehorse and Fairbanks. A true embodiment of the title “Epic US Road Trips”.

The highway (also known as the Alcan Highway) is a 1,390-mile stretch of road that begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska, USA. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rugged wilderness of the Yukon and Alaska. Not for the faint of heart, this road is mostly unpaved and can be challenging to drive, but the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings along the way make it a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Along the route, travelers can visit numerous national parks, including Kluane National Park in the Yukon, and Denali National Park in Alaska. These parks offer a chance to see grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and other wildlife, as well as explore some of the most pristine wilderness areas in North America. Travelers may also get the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The best time to see the Northern Lights is in the winter months, when the nights are long and dark, and the sky is clear.

These are just a few of the many incredible road trips you can take in the United States. Each one offers its own unique scenery, history, and culture, making for an unforgettable adventure. Have you travelled any of these or have we missed any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!