Hitting the open road
There’s something magical about rolling the windows down, music up, and miles of highway ahead. Road trips aren’t just travel, they’re freedom, memories, and discovery all in one ride.
Across America, every turn offers something new: neon signs glowing in small towns, ocean waves crashing beside the road, or red canyons stretching under endless skies. These legendary routes remind us why the open road is still the best way to see the country.
Route 66
Route 66, a legendary stretch of highway, is history in motion. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, it winds through classic diners, vintage motels, and nostalgic roadside attractions.
It’s where old jukeboxes still play, and neon lights flicker after dark. Though some parts are bypassed, travelers still chase the dream of cruising the “Mother Road,” reliving a simpler, slower America.
Pacific Coast Highway
California’s Pacific Coast Highway is where cliffs meet crashing waves. The drive hugs the coast, offering breathtaking ocean views, beaches, and seaside towns from Malibu to Big Sur.
Each curve feels cinematic, sunsets painting the water gold, seagulls soaring above, and coastal winds sweeping through your hair. It’s the kind of road trip that makes you fall in love with the journey itself.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Known as “America’s favorite drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway glides through Virginia and North Carolina’s misty Appalachian Mountains. It’s especially stunning in fall when the trees blaze red and gold.
Along the way, waterfalls, hiking trails, and peaceful overlooks invite travelers to slow down and breathe in mountain air. Every mile feels like nature’s postcard.
Grand Circle
The Grand Circle loops through some of the most breathtaking national parks in the American Southwest, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and more. It’s a road trip for adventurers and dreamers alike.
From fiery red rocks to ancient petroglyphs, every stop reveals nature’s artistry and deep cultural roots. You’ll feel like you’re driving through the heart of Earth’s history.
Yellowstone and Tetons
Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip is pure wilderness magic. Think geysers shooting skyward, bison crossing the road, and snow-capped peaks reflecting in clear lakes.
It’s a place where nature still calls the shots, and every turn feels alive. For those chasing adventure or quiet reflection, this route delivers both in stunning form.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Stretching through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a serene drive steeped in Southern history. It follows ancient trade routes once walked by Native Americans.
Today, it’s a peaceful escape of wildflowers, cypress swamps, and historic landmarks. You’ll trade city noise for the hum of cicadas and the warmth of Southern charm.
Florida Keys Overseas Highway
Few drives feel as surreal as gliding over turquoise waters on the Overseas Highway. Connecting Florida’s islands from Key Largo to Key West, it’s a road that seems to float above the sea.
Tropical breezes, coral reefs, and endless sunshine make it a favorite for beach lovers and dreamers chasing the horizon. The 113-mile journey takes around four hours with scenic stops.
Columbia River Highway
Oregon’s Columbia River Scenic Highway is where forest, cliffs, and waterfalls unite in spectacular fashion. Built over a century ago, it remains one of America’s most beautiful drives.
You’ll pass through mossy tunnels, rushing rivers, and misty falls like Multnomah, each view more photogenic than the last. Nature’s drama unfolds at every turn.
Great River Road
The Great River Road traces the mighty Mississippi from Minnesota to Louisiana, weaving through ten states and countless river towns. It’s a living story of America’s heartland.
From blues music in Mississippi to paddleboats in St. Louis, the culture flows as richly as the river itself. This route is a celebration of life along the water. Spanning nearly 3,000 miles, the full journey can take up to two weeks.
Utah’s Mighty 5
Utah’s “Mighty 5” road trip links five jaw-dropping national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. It’s a kaleidoscope of red rock, canyons, and endless skies.
You’ll hike through arches carved by wind, stand under towering cliffs, and watch sunsets that set the desert on fire. It’s raw, rugged, and unforgettable. The route covers about 1,000 miles and is ideal for a week-long road trip.
Sedona to Grand Canyon
Few drives feel as soulful as the route from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. Sedona’s red rocks glow in the sun, giving way to pine forests and finally, the jaw-dropping canyon rim.
It’s a spiritual journey through changing landscapes, each mile reminding travelers of nature’s power and beauty. The contrast between fiery cliffs and cool canyon shadows makes this drive unforgettable.
Canyonlands and Arches loop
In Utah’s high desert, the Canyonlands and Arches loop reveals nature’s artistry in stone. Massive canyons and delicate arches rise like sculptures shaped by wind and time.
Driving this loop feels otherworldly, like you’ve stumbled onto another planet, one painted in rust, orange, and gold. It’s a photographer’s dream where every frame feels alive. The scenic loop takes roughly 4 hours to complete, though many spend two days exploring.
Alaska’s Seward Highway
The Seward Highway stretches from Anchorage to Seward, Alaska, through glaciers, fjords, and mountains that seem to touch the sky. Bald eagles and moose often appear right beside the road.
This route reminds travelers that adventure still lives in the wild, where roads end and nature begins. Every curve feels like stepping deeper into the heart of untouched Alaska.
The Loneliest Road
Crossing Nevada, Highway 50 is known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” but solitude here feels like peace, not emptiness.
Under vast desert skies, you’ll find ghost towns, stargazing nights, and an unmatched sense of freedom. It’s a reminder that silence can be as beautiful as any song. The 408-mile stretch between Ely and Fallon can be completed in one long day.
Keeping up with the sustainability? Check out how to plan a zero-waste road trip across the U.S.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier’s crown jewel
Winding through Montana’s Glacier National Park, this road feels like driving across the roof of the world. Snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and sheer cliffs surround every turn.
It’s short but spectacular, just 50 miles of pure mountain wonder that leaves travelers speechless. Even seasoned road trippers call it one of the most breathtaking drives on Earth.
If scenic highways make your heart race, explore our ultimate weekend road trip plan.
Which of these legendary routes would you love to drive first? Share your dream road trip in the comments and tag a friend who’d ride shotgun with you.
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
