Road trips are adventurous and give you complete freedom of movement. You are the boss. You can stop whenever and wherever you want. They are hassle-free and fascinating. The best road trips in USA are fun and affordable. Are you planning to go on one? Here are the top 10 road trips you should consider.
Best Road Trips in USA
1. Pacific Coast Highway
This 90-mile stretch stretching along the California coastline with stunning views of the ocean and rugged mountains is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. It runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles. You can explore several breathtaking destinations to stop by on the way. Big Sur River is perfect for a food and drink stop. Bixby Bridge is a picturesque spot where you can click many photos. Watching the McWay waterfalls cascading into the ocean is a magical moment and a treat to your eyes. Stop by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to watch diverse marine life. If you are an art lover, explore the art galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a quaint little town. Beach lovers will love the white sands, calm waters, and spectacular views of Ariya’s Beach, Pismo’s Beach, Seaside Creek Beach, and Crescent Beach.
2. Historic Route 66
The route takes you to California from Chicago, passing through Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona. With popular museums, roadside diners serving delicious food, neon lights, fantastic national parks including the Grand Canyon, deserts such as the Painted Desert, forests like the Petrified Forest, and iconic attractions, the Mother Road provides a glimpse of the unique American culture. Established in 1926 the road stretched for about 3940 kilometers. The road has undergone several improvements and renovations since then. Today, the historic road is still one of the most favorite choices for a road trip. Stop at the Mojave National Park to admire the beauty of the bright flora and fauna, and at Meramec Caverns to explore the fabulous underground cave system. Click photos at old gas stations and capture the unforgettable trip with your camera.
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3. Overseas Highway
It is part of Route 1 and is also called the Highway That Goes To Sea. It is a 150-mile drive from Miami that takes about three to four hours. Surrounded by many popular attractions, wildlife reserves, and a bright blue sea, it is an enjoyable, picturesque drive. One of the attractions is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which offers many interesting activities, such as glass-bottom tours, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and other family-friendly activities. Another stop is the Dolphin Research Center where you can see diverse marine life like dolphins, sea lions, and others. Enjoy your ride on the Overseas Highway.
4. Alaska Highway
This iconic 2700-km drive was originally constructed in 1942 by 16,000 men to link the US Mainland with Alaska. Driving through the open spaces gives a sense of freedom, as you can go at your own pace and explore areas of your choice. You have lots of historical attractions such as the Alaska Highway House where you can learn about the construction of the highway and the Mile Zero Park where you can explore the Walter Wright Pioneer Village of the 1940’s era. Visit scenic spots such as the Muncho Lake and the canyons near it. While driving, keep your eyes open to marvel at the scenic views and see wildlife like foxes, brown bears, bison, etc. Plan your trip for a few days to ensure you don’t miss the important attractions.
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read also: National Parks in the USA
5. Oregon Trail
With snow-capped mountains, vineyards with rows of vines, a lovely coastline, andy beaches, high deserts, flowing waterfalls, and a spine of mountains, the Oregon Trail is a superb choice for a summer road trip. The best stops to make include Cannon Beach, Eclo State Park, Cape Kiwanda, Bandon Beach, Pistol River, and the Florence Dunes. Stop by Cannon Beach to see the pretty sunset and the oceanside views at the Eclo State Park. Climb up the rock and hike to the cliff at Cape Kiwanda and be awestruck by the beautiful views. Watch the waves crashing at the Pistol River and hike the impressive dunes at Florence Sand Dunes.
6. The Loneliest Road
The US-50 Driving Route passing through magnificent terrains such as the Sierra Nevada, Utah desert, the Appalachian Mountains, and several beautiful small towns, runs for more than 3000 miles. The not-to-be-missed sights that you shouldn’t miss along the Loneliest Road are South Lake Tahoe, one of the biggest lakes, Great Basin National Park with alpine forests and vibrant wildflowers, and the Canyonlands. Visit Ely, Carson City, Virginia City, Austin, etc., and cross the route at your own pace. Plan your cross-country trip from California to Maryland now to have the best experience of your life.
7. Texas Hill Country Loop
Have fun at the state parks, listen to live music, explore hiking trails, go on scenic drives, and enjoy nature by taking a road trip to the Texas Hill County Loop. You can cover the route in three to four days, but you can take as long as you can if you want to have the ultimate fun. There are several destinations to visit along the route. One of the important ones is Austin, a paradise for art lovers and adventurers. Stop for some of the best wines in Johnson City. Explore the vast caves at Natural Bridge Caverns in New Braunfels. With so many exciting things to do, you will wish the trip never come to an end.
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8. Atlantic Coast
This 2000 miles of roadway starting from the Statue of Liberty promises a diverse experience. It is a blend of different experiences including exotic beaches, vibrant city life, popular historic spots, and scenic nature. The highlights of the trip are the Statue of Liberty, Atlantic City, Omaha Beach, Maine, etc. Take a ferry ride from Liberty State Park or Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty. Walk along the oldest boardwalk at the Atlantic City beachfront. Omaha Beach with its WWII museums, bunkers, and memorials is an amazing place of historical interest. The road trip is perfect for history, beach, and architecture lovers.
9. The Beartooth Highway
The US Route 212, also known as the Highway to the Sky and All-American Highway climbs to more than 10,000 feet above sea level leading to the Beartooth Pass. This 69-mile highway passes through diverse landscapes like alpine forests, lakes, arctic tundra, and State parks. It is a short drive but is a dangerous one as it has an undivided two-lane road without pullouts. This most scenic road in the world takes you through Crazy Creek Falls, Beartooth Lake, Rock Creek, and Beartooth Basin. It is also an adventurous route with plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, camping, wildlife viewing, and snowboarding.
read also: Romantic Getaways in the USA
10. Blue Ridge Parkway
It is a spectacular route that offers stunning scenery and opportunities for exploration of iconic attractions such as Mabry Mill, Peaks of Otter, Craggy Gardens, Humpback Rocks, Linville Falls, and parks including Moses Cone Park and Julian Price Park. With the speed limit ranging from 25 to 45 miles per hour, you can take a relaxed drive enjoying the scenery. Covering 469 miles across Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is an overwhelming drive. The scenic spots to see panoramic views include Doubletop Mountain View, Waterock Knob Overlook, Linn Cove Viaduct, and Mount Pisgah.
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Summing Up
If you want to take a fun break and have an unforgettable experience, go on one of the best road trips in the USA. Think, relax, enjoy, and create memories.
