10 Legendary Road Trips Across America

Hugging the California coast for practically the whole journey, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic ocean drives in the world. It’s best to drive north to south, so you get a full view of the Pacific Ocean without oncoming traffic blocking the view.

Starting from San Francisco, highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway include the hippy town of Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay and Big Sur. This 70-mile (113-km) strip of rugged, isolated coastline is breathtaking, and there are numerous beaches and quaint beach towns to stop and enjoy the relaxed vibe. As you travel south, you will find larger beach resorts around LA, like Santa Barbra and Malibu, before reaching San Diego.

The historic Route 61 travels through several cities credited with starting new musical genres. The 816 miles (1,313 km) from Nashville to New Orleans passes long stretches of rolling prairies and farmland, but this trip is less about the landscape and more about the vibrant cities you’ll encounter along the way. Blues, jazz, country and bluegrass were all born in this region, making this drive a trip through the story of popular music.

Starting from Nashville, head south through Memphis (the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll) and down to the Mississippi Delta. End your trip in New Orleans, in America’s deep south. It’s the home of Creole culture, with a unique cuisine, architecture and culture of its own.

The drive from New York to Boston (and back again) is shorter than many other American road trips but packed with interesting sights. The route passes many important historical sites relating to the founding of the United States. Although you could complete the drive in about 4 hours, taking time for side trips makes it memorable.

Leaving NYC, head north to New Haven, home of Yale University. Follow I-95 along the coast, exploring Connecticut’s charming small towns. Stop in Providence and learn about its important role in the Revolutionary War. After Boston, return to New York by taking the I-90 inland route, which connects to I-91. Literary fans shouldn’t miss a tour of Mark Twain’s house in Hartford. 

The legendary Route 66 runs for almost 2,500 miles (4,024 km) through the American Midwest. It’s an epic road trip through Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Arizona and several other states, passing through many regions seemingly left behind by progress. American diners, motels and kitsch souvenir stores give you a hit of unmistakable nostalgia for a forgotten way of life.

Dramatic highlights stand out from the tumbleweed towns, be it the Grand Canyon, the Chain of Rocks Bridge or Six Flags St. Louis amusement park. The length of the drive, and the diverse scenery along different parts of the journey, make Route 66 a journey of self-discovery as much as a geographical one.

The 3,000-mile (4,828-km) Southern Pacific Route from one side of America to the other is the ultimate road trip for adventurous souls with at least 2 weeks to spare. Starting in San Diego, the route cuts through California, Arizona and Texas, before the Mississippi Delta changes the landscape through Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia.

Expect few big cities and thousands of miles of desert landscape, with stretches that feel like a Wild West fantasy. The rich lands of the Mississippi and the Appalachian mountain range offer dramatic changes in scenery, showcasing America's diversity and grandeur. The food and nightlife also vary greatly, from Texan honky-tonks to Mariachi bands and Bluesy live bands in Alabama, making every night a new adventure.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile (755-km) drive that begins in Virginia and winds its way through much of western North Carolina. The headquarters and main visitor centre for the parkway are just 6 miles (10 km) east of Asheville’s city centre. The beautiful mountain scenery along the road is breathtaking any time of the year.

This epic drive takes you through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, offering scenic lookouts, picnic areas and hiking trails throughout your journey. You can even stay a couple of nights in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park and enjoy the great American outdoors.

Outer Banks Scenic Byway offers one of the best road trips in the US, combining 138 miles (222 km) of driving off the coast of North Carolina and 2 ferries. The entire trip takes 5 to 6 hours, and there’s plenty of accommodation to suit any budget along the way.

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway takes you to many beautiful coastal villages, islands and historic landmarks. A must-see during your Outer Banks road trip is the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where aviation fans can learn about the famous brothers’ achievements. Nature lovers can find miles of pristine beaches, state parks and shipwreck diving sites. READ MORE…

The Oregon Coast Highway, also known as US Route 101 and the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, stretches for around 363 miles (584 km) along the Pacific shoreline. It connects the northern and southern ends of the state, offering golden beaches, protected dunes, majestic sea stacks and ocean-facing viewpoints along the way.

It takes about 8 hours of non-stop driving to cover the entire Oregon Coast Highway, though it’s a good idea to stop by some of the state’s many waterfront towns and cities to get a feel for the local  communities. Lincoln City boasts a 7-mile-long (11-km-long) beach that’s great for sunbathing, surfing and swimming, while Astoria has a charming historic district with Victorian homes and heritage museums.

Newport is best explored via Ten-Mile Drive, which mostly covers the southern coastline of Aquidneck Island. Start your journey on Thames Street and head south towards Ocean Drive, where you'll reach Brenton Point State Park. This space is a great place for relaxing and enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean and Rhode Island Sound.

Continue your journey to Fort Adams State Park, home to America’s largest coastal fort. Even if you’re not planning to stop by any of Newport’s attractions, a road trip along the Ten-Mile Drive gives you superb views of the coastline, Gilded Age mansions and sailboats bobbing on the Atlantic.

Maui is a relatively small island that's great for those embarking on a road trip in Hawaii. There are plenty of places to explore, from verdant rainforests to picturesque white-sand shorelines. Driving around Maui is an adventure in itself, where the scenery out the window can change whenever the odometer rolls over.

The Road to Hana, or Hana Highway, is one of the best road trips in the US. This 64-mile-long (103-km-long) stretch is located on Maui’s northeast coastline, connecting the town of Hana with Kahului. Popular stops along the way include the multitiered Pools of Ohe‘o, Garden of Eden, Honomanu Bay Lookout and Waianapanapa State Park. READ MORE…