Many people choose the USA for the freedom of jumping in a car across the country for the trip of a lifetime. From bustling cities to sparse, secluded deserts, road trips in the USA are fantastic for seeing the length and breadth of the huge country.

Plus, it’s a form of slow travel that allows you to take each moment as it comes and truly appreciate the scenery and experiences on offer. 

Now, there are loads of USA road trips to choose from, from legendary cross-country drives to under-the-radar gems. Here are some of America’s top road trips – routes that belong on every travellers bucket list.  

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

Route: Shenandoah National Park, VA to Great Smoky Mountains, NC
Distance: ~469 miles
Best for: Autumn foliage, mountain views, peaceful drives

Nicknamed “American’s favourite drive”, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers slow, scenic travel through the Appalachian Highlands. This route twists and turns through the Blue Ridge Mountains, showcasing panoramic views of mountains, valleys and forests. It’s especially magical in autumn, when the trees erupt in colour. 

Must stop locations include the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Skyline Drive runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the park. You can hike and visit spots like Stony Man Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain and the iconic Old Rag Mountain. In North Carolina, make sure to stop off at the ingenious Linn Cove Viaduct. The viaduct curves its way around Grandfather Mountain and boasts lovely views of wooded and mountainous landscapes.

California’s Pacific Coast Highway, California

Route: San Francisco to San Diego
Distance: ~600 miles
Best for: Coastal views, beach town, cliffside drives

From San Francisco to San Diego, California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) famously known as Highway 1 stretches over 600 miles across the USA’s western state. It’s perhaps one of the most scenic routes you can take in the US thanks to endless mountains, long stretches of beaches and blue skies. Along the way you’ll be able to explore every aspect of California, including surfing villages, local wine, Hollywood glitz and wildlife such as whales and sea lions. Highlights include the Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Malibu. Whether you’re stopping over the Bixby Creek Bridge or sipping wine in Paso Robles, this drive is a love letter to California’s coastline. 

Utah’s Mighty 5 Road Trip, Utah

Route: Zion – Bryce Canyon – Capitol Reef – Arches - Canyonlands
Distance: ~900 miles (with detours) 
Best for: National park lovers, epic landscapes, photography

Utah is home to five national parks – and road tripping through them all is nothing short of legendary. From the towering red cliffs of Zion to the hoodoos of Bryce and the arches of, well, Arches, this route feels like travelling through another planet. Make sure to time your trip for early spring or autumn for the best temperatures.  

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, Florida

Route: Miami to Key West
Distance: ~113 miles
Best for: Island vibes, ocean views, tropical escape 

This short but unforgettable drive take you across 42 bridges, hopping from island to island along the Florida Keys. With turquoise water on both sides, fresh seafood at every stop, and roadside attractions like underwater parks and turtle hospitals, the Overseas Highway is perfect for anyone craving a laid-back, sun-soaked adventure. 

Don’t miss out on the largest subtropical wilderness in the USA whilst on this road trip! Florida’s Everglades National Park is an important habitat for many endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the obscure Florida panther. 

Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica

Route: Illinois to California
Distance: ~2,400 miles
Best for: Nostalgia, roadside Americana, classic diners

Route 66 is the original American road trip. Although parts of the original highway have been replaced, enough remains to make the journey worth it. Along the way, you’ll hit kitschy roadside stops, neon-lit motels, old-school diners, and quirky towns that capture a bygone era. It’s less about the destination, and all about the journey. 

The Cascade Loop, Washington 

Route: Seattle – North Cascades – Leavenworth – Whidbey Island
Distance: ~440 miles
Best for: Mountains, alpine lakes, small towns

This circular route is one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secrets. Start in Seattle and head north into the dramatic beauty of the North Cascades. Wind your way through mountain passes, charming Bavarian-style towns like Leavenworth and ferry across to Whidbey Island for a peaceful coastal finish. This loop is ideal for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking fresh air and forest scenery. 

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Route: Through Glacier National Park
Distance: ~50 miles
Best for: Jaw-dropping alpine scenery, wildlife, national park lovers

What this route lacks in length, it makes up for in wow factor. Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park, climbing along mountain ridges and offering panoramic views at every turn. Keep an eye out for bears, mountain goats, and epic sunrises. It’s open only seasonally (typically late June to mid-October), so plan accordingly. 

The Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana

Route: Follow the Mississippi River
Distance: ~2,000 miles
Best for: Cultural heritage, small towns, riverfront scenery

This lesser-known road trip follows the mighty Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, you’ll pass through 10 states, exploring historic river towns, civil rights landmarks, and Southern hospitality. It’s a deep dive into the heart and history of the American Midwest and South. 

Travel with confidence

Fancy planning your USA road trip? Have a chat with an ABTA member who can put your holiday together. To book with an ABTA member, just look for the logo!