From winding coastal highways to red rock canyons, the USA was made for road trips. Whether you're chasing national parks, historic towns, or panoramic views, these are eight of the best USA road trip routes to fuel your wanderlust.
Arguably the best road trip in the USA, the Pacific Coast Highway (also known as Highway 1) is a coastal classic.
Start in San Francisco, wind past surfers in Santa Cruz, stroll through Monterey, and cruise the cliffs of Big Sur, with must-see stops like Bixby Creek Bridge and Garrapata State Park. End your trip in Los Angeles by relaxing at Santa Monica Pier or watching the sunset in Malibu.
Best for: coastal drives, stunning views, state parks
Distance: ~450 miles | Time: 3–5 days
Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most scenic drives.
Rolling through the Appalachian Mountains, this route is famous for its fall colors, peaceful hiking trails, and sweeping mountain views.
Best for: hiking, photography, fall foliage
Distance: 469 miles | Time: 3–4 days
Follow the mighty Mississippi River on this 2,300-mile journey through 10 states. The Great River Road begins in Minnesota’s Lake Itasca, winding south through St. Louis, Memphis, and Jackson, before reaching the creole streets of New Orleans.
History lovers should stop in Hannibal, Missouri, hometown of Mark Twain, to visit his boyhood home and museum.
Best for: American history, Midwest charm, Deep South culture
Distance: 2,300 miles | Time: 1–2 weeks
Starting in Las Vegas, this road trip takes you on a jaw-dropping loop through some of the USA’s most iconic national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.
The red rock desert, starry skies, and epic hiking trails make this a bucket list favorite.
Best for: national parks, road trip routes, adventure seekers
Distance: ~1,300 miles | Time: 7–10 days
Drive from Miami through the Florida Keys to Key West on the stunning Overseas Highway.
This tropical road trip hops across 42 bridges, flanked by turquoise waters and quirky island towns like Islamorada and Marathon. Enjoy fresh seafood, pristine beaches, and unforgettable sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Best for: tropical vibes, ocean views, laid-back travel
Distance: ~113 miles | Time: 1–2 days
This route takes you from coastal California to the red rock landscapes of Utah. Leave San Francisco, stop in Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Death Valley, then cross the desert to Las Vegas before reaching the majestic scenery of Zion and Bryce Canyon. End your journey in Salt Lake City.
Best for: national parks, diverse landscapes, epic photo stops
Distance: ~900 miles | Time: 7–10 days
Start your journey in New York City, then head to Cape Cod for beach towns, lighthouses, and seafood shacks. Continue to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and finally historic Boston.
Expect charming coastal drives, colonial history, and classic Americana. Fall is especially magical with colorful foliage lining the roads.
Best for: summer getaways, New England charm, history buffs
Distance: ~300–500 miles (depending on route) | Time: 5–7 days
The Mother Road. This legendary route takes you from Chicago through the Great Plains, Southwest deserts, and into California.
Along the way, stop at vintage motels, neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions. Route 66 is pure Americana, from small towns to Santa Monica Beach.
Best for: nostalgia, roadside fun, classic Americana
Distance: ~2,400 miles | Time: 1–2 weeks
A few quick road trip rules to live by:
Plan your route, but leave room for detours. Sometimes the best spots are the unplanned ones.
Check national park entry rules (many require reservations now).
Pack layers. The USA has wild climate shifts from coast to mountains.
Don’t overdrive. Stick to 4–6 hours max per day to actually enjoy your trip.
Download offline maps and music for stretches with no signal.
Fuel up in small towns. Some desert or mountain roads go for hours without a gas station.
No matter your direction, coast to canyon, city to summit, or keys to mountains, you’ll want a beautiful place to rest.
Wander offers luxury vacation rentals across the U.S., from Big Sur to the Blue Ridge, with smart-home features, chef’s kitchens, and unbeatable views. Whether you're kicking off your trip or winding down after the last scenic overlook, we've got your dream stay waiting.
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