The 8 Best Road Trips in the USA
From wrap coastal highway to red stone canyons , the USA was cause for road trips . Whether you ‘re trail national park , historic towns , or panoramic views , these are eight of the serious USA road trip path to fuel your wanderlust .
1 . Pacific Coast Highway , San Francisco to Los Angeles
Arguably the best road trip in the USA , the Pacific Coast Highway ( also known as Highway 1 ) is a coastal classic .
Outset in San Francisco , wind past surfers in Santa Cruz , stroll through Monterey , and cruise the cliffs of , with must-see stop like Bixby Creek Bridge and Garrapata State Park . End your trip in by relax at Santa Monica Pier or look on the sunset in .
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Best for : coastal drive , stunning position , state park
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Distance : ~450 mile | Time : 3–5 day
Best for : coastal drives , stunning horizon , state parks
2 . Blue Ridge Parkway
Connecting Shenandoah National Park in to the Great Smoky Mountains in , the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America ’ s most scenic drive .
Roam through the Appalachian Mountains , this path exist noted for its dusk color , peaceful hiking trails , and swing good deal views .
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Good for : hiking , photography , fall leaf
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Distance : 469 miles | Time : 3–4 day
3 . Great River Road , Minnesota to Louisiana
Follow the mighty Mississippi River on this 2,300-mile journey through 10 states . The Great River Road commence in Minnesota ’ s Lake Itasca , winding south through St. Louis , Memphis , and Jackson , before reaching the creole streets of New Orleans .
Account lovers should quit in Hannibal , Missouri , hometown of Mark Twain , to visit his boyhood home and museum .
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Well for : American story , Midwest appeal , Deep South culture
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Distance : 2,300 mile | Time : 1–2 weeks
Well for : American story , Midwest appeal , Deep South culture
4 . The Las Vegas Loop
Begin in Las Vegas , this road trip remove you on a jaw-dropping loop through some of the USA ’ s most iconic national park : Zion , Bryce Canyon , Arches , Canyonlands , Monument Valley , and the Grand Canyon .
The red stone desert , starry sky , and epic boost trail build this a bucket list darling .
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Best for : national parks , road trip route , adventure seekers
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Distance : ~1,300 mile | Time : 7–10 days
Best for : national park , road trip routes , adventure seekers
5 . Abroad Highway , Florida Keys to Key West
Drive from through the Keys to Key West on the stunning Overseas Highway .
This tropical road trip hop across 42 bridge , flanked by turquoise waters and quirky island town like Islamorada and Marathon . Enjoy fresh seafood , pristine beach , and unforgettable sundown over the Atlantic Ocean .
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Best for : tropical vibes , ocean horizon , laid-back travel
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Distance : ~113 miles | Time : 1–2 day
Good for : tropical vibes , ocean views , laid-back travel
6 . San Francisco to Salt Lake City , Utah
This road takes you from coastal to the red stone landscapes of Utah . Leave San Francisco , stop in Lake Tahoe , National Park , and Death Valley , then cross the desert to Las Vegas before arrive at the majestic scenery of Zion and Bryce Canyon . Finish your journey in Salt Lake City .
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Best for : national parks , diverse landscape , epic photo stop
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Distance : ~900 mile | Time : 7–10 day
Best for : national parks , diverse landscape , epic photo stop
7 . New York , Boston , and New England
Commence your journey in City , then top dog to Cape Cod for beach towns , lighthouses , and seafood shacks . Continue to Martha ’ s Vineyard , Nantucket , and finally historical Boston .
Expect capture coastal campaign , colonial history , and classical Americana . Fall is especially magical with colorful foliage line the road .
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Best for : summer getaways , New England charm , history buffs
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Distance : ~300–500 miles ( depending on road ) | Time : 5–7 days
Serious for : summer getaways , New England appeal , story fan
Distance : ~300–500 mile ( depending on route ) | Time : 5–7 day
8 . Route 66
The Mother Road . This legendary route takes you from Chicago through the Great Plains , Southwest deserts , and into California .
Along the room , stop at vintage motels , neon signs , and quirky roadside attraction . Route 66 live pure Americana , from little towns to Santa Monica Beach .
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Best for : nostalgia , roadside fun , classic Americana
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Distance : ~2,400 mile | Time : 1–2 week
Best for : nostalgia , roadside fun , classic Americana
Smart Tips for an Epic USA Road Trip
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Design your route , but leave room for detours. Sometimes the good bit are the unplanned ones .
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Check national park entrance rules( many require reservations today ) .
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Gang layer. The USA has wild climate shift from coast to mountains .
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Don ’ t overdrive. Stick to 4–6 hours max per day to actually enjoy your trip .
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Download offline maps and musicfor stretch with no signal .
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Fuel up in small towns. Some desert or good deal road get for hour without a gas station .
Plan your road , but get out room for detours. Sometimes the good spots are the unplanned 1 .
Check national park entry rules( many need reservations now ) .
Pack layers. The USA make wild climate shifts from coast to good deal .
Don ’ t overdrive. Stick to 4–6 hr max per day to actually bask your trip .
Download offline map and musicfor stretches with no sign .
Fuel up in humble towns. Some desert or mountain road live for hour without a gas station .
Need a Spot to Relax After the Drive ?
No matter your direction , coast to canyon , city to summit , or keys to mountain , you ’ ll want a beautiful property to perch .
Wander offers luxury vacation rentals across the U.S. , from to theBlue Ridge, with smart-home feature , chef ’ sec kitchen , and unbeatable horizon . Whether you ‘re complain off your trip or winding down after the final scenic overlook , we ‘ve begin your ambition stay wait .
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