best road trips usa map

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

This Map Shows the Ultimate U.S. Road Trip

By caitlin schneider | apr 10, 2023, 12:50 pm edt.

The concept of a road trip is as American as apple pie, and yet, devising the “best” U.S. driving route is a bit of a head scratcher. Much depends on time parameters, personal preference, and frankly, how long you want to spend behind the wheel.

In 2015, Tracy Staedter at Discovery News decided to take on that challenge, enlisting Randy Olson —the data scientist behind the famed (and super helpful) Where’s Waldo algorithm —to devise what you might call the platonic ideal of the United States road trip. The parameters were: It had to hit all of the 48 continental states; every stop had to be a National Natural Landmark, a National Historic Site, a National Park, or a National Monument; and of course, had to be confined to car travel and within U.S. borders.

With a stop in Washington, D.C. and two in California, the result is 50 points of all American awesomeness. Here are the destinations:

• Grand Canyon, Arizona 
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Craters of the Moon, Idaho 
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 
• Pikes Peak, Colorado 
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
• The Alamo, Texas
• The Platt Historic District, Oklahoma 
• Toltec Mounds, Arkansas 
• Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Tennessee 
• Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi 
• French Quarter, Louisiana 
• USS Alabama, Alabama 
• Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida 
• Okefenokee Swamp Park, Georgia 
• Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina 
• Lost World Caverns, West Virginia 
• Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, North Carolina 
• Mount Vernon, Virginia 
• White House, Washington, D.C. 
• Colonial Annapolis Historic District, Maryland 
• New Castle Historic District, Delaware 
• Cape May Historic District, New Jersey 
• Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania 
• Statue of Liberty, New York 
• The Mark Twain House & Museum, Connecticut 
• The Breakers, Rhode Island
• USS Constitution , Massachusetts 
• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Mount Washington Hotel, New Hampshire 
• Shelburne Farms, Vermont 
• Fox Theater, Michigan 
• Spring Grove Cemetery, Ohio 
• Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky 
• West Baden Springs Hotel, Indiana 
• Abraham Lincoln’s Home, Illinois 
• Gateway Arch, Missouri 
• C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, Kansas 
• Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, Iowa 
• Taliesin, Wisconcin 
• Fort Snelling, Minnesota 
• Ashfall Fossil Bed, Nebraska 
• Mount Rushmore, South Dakota 
• Fort Union Trading Post, North Dakota 
• Glacier National Park, Montana 
• Hanford Site, Washington 
• Columbia River Highway, Oregon 
• San Francisco Cable Cars, California 
• San Andreas Fault, California 
• Hoover Dam, Nevada

That list starts with the Grand Canyon , but you could theoretically begin anywhere as long as you drive in sequence after that. Staedter guessed it would take a little over nine days of driving straight through, but more realistically is a two- or three-month trip.

Want to drive across the U.S. & see all major landmarks? #MSU 's @randal_olson made a map. http://t.co/KbFjQGXBXM pic.twitter.com/jDs1EsP1xS — MSU (@michiganstateu) March 9, 2015

For the details on how he came up with the route, check out Olson’s blog . After determining the stops, the main goal of the algorithm was to find the shortest distance between points.

Olson wrote to Staedter: “Instead of exhaustively looking at every possible solution, genetic algorithms start with a handful of random solutions and continually tinker with these solutions—always trying something slightly different from the current solution and keeping the best one—until they can’t find a better solution any more.”

And whether or not you understand the specifics of how it was created, the map is truly a marvel and the kind of itinerary you'll probably spend all winter dreaming about. See the map here , and for additional travel goals, check out Olson’s road trip maps for South America and Europe .

A version of this story ran in 2015; it has been updated for 2023.

Best road trips in the US

Few things say summer in the U.S. like the great American road trip. It's almost a national rite of passage dating back to Model T days, with Americans hitting the wide-open road across the 3,000 miles stretching from sea to shining sea.

From mountain roads to stunning seaside escapes, there's no shortage of fantastic road trip-worthy routes across the U.S.

Here are 10 road trips through Florida, Oregon, California and many other beautiful destinations that you can take any time of year.

If you start in the South

Overseas highway: florida.

This aptly titled highway crosses over the turquoise waters separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico via a series of 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, Florida's longest. The 100-mile journey, lined with palms and native flora, hosts retro motels, shell shops and an impressive array of fauna.

The drive takes about four hours round trip, starting from Florida City. However, you can easily extend it by starting in Miami, heading 40 miles south to Homestead for a trip to Everglades National Park, Knaus Berry Farm for cinnamon rolls and the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand for tropical provisions and smoothies before meandering down the coral cay archipelago to Key West . Note that Knaus Berry Farm is open from November through mid-April during the area's farming season.

Related: Battle of the Key Largo beachfront hotels: Baker's Cay and Playa Largo

Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina

Spanning 469 miles from Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to some of the oldest mountains in the world.

The area is lush and green from spring through summer and equally beautiful in autumn (especially from late October to mid-November) when the landscape is painted with fiery shades of red, yellow and orange.

Consider a stop in Asheville, North Carolina, a mountain town known for some of the best food and craft beer in the Southeast, along the way.

Related: Upscale stay but missing amenities: My time at The Foundry Hotel in Asheville

If you start in the Midwest

Route 66: illinois to california.

Dating back to 1926, Route 66 is one of America's original highways, with well-preserved historic sites and wide-open landscapes, where you'll find distinctive landmarks at each stop along the way.

In the 1940s and '50s, the 2,500-mile stretch of road from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, was the American road trip. Though it's changed since then, you'll still find plenty of Americana stops during your drive, including the World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois.

The section of road lying next to Interstate 40 through New Mexico and Arizona is particularly picturesque and features several notable landmarks, including Arizona's Jack Rabbit Trading Post, a popular pitstop for travelers for more than a half-century. New Mexico's 400-mile section is lined with Native American monuments and centuries-old ruins like Laguna Pueblo, and in Amarillo, Texas, the famous Cadillac Ranch art installation features rows of graffiti-painted Cadillacs sticking end-first out of the ground. Just a 12-minute drive from the Cadillacs, you'll find killer brisket at Tyler's Barbecue.

In general, spring through fall is the best time to travel Route 66. Keep in mind that while many of the road trips listed are clearly delineated from start to finish, Route 66 isn't indicated as a single route on contemporary maps, so you'll want to use a resource like Historic 66 to get turn-by-turn directions.

Related: Here's how you can see the spectacular California superbloom

Great River Road National Scenic Byway: Minnesota to Louisiana

What the Pacific Coast Highway is to the Pacific Ocean the Great River Road is to the Mississippi River. Starting in northern Minnesota, the Great River Road nearly spans the width of the U.S., stretching more than 2,000 miles and ending around New Orleans.

Like Route 66, it's not just one road but rather a series of roads that follows the eastern and western sides of the Mississippi River through Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.

Each state along the Great River Road has its own interpretative center educating travelers about the route's history: In Mississippi, you'll find the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center; Missouri is where you can check out the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum; and in Iowa, there's the 200-mound-strong, prehistoric Effigy Mounds National Monument.

Consider a fall or spring road trip for the best weather.

If you start out West

Pacific coast highway: california to washington.

Though there's some debate, the California Department of Transportation says the Pacific Coast Highway officially starts at Dana Point in Orange County and stops 150 miles later in Oxnard. However, we'd argue that the 1,650 miles from San Diego to Olympic National Park in Washington is worth driving.

Sweeping views from high above the blue-green Pacific Ocean make the PCH one of the most beautiful road trips, with a few state parks along the way. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is known for viewings of sea otters, seals and whales, while Garrapata State Park is renowned for its redwood groves. Just south of Garrapata is the most photographed icon of the PCH: Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the world's tallest single-span concrete arch bridges.

From there, the largest concentration of stops is in and around the coastal area of Big Sur . Enjoy a glass of wine, lunch or both at the European-style Nepenthe restaurant, where spectacular views of over 60 miles of coastline await patrons. Grab a quick nosh at Big Sur Bakery before pausing at the McWay Falls overlook or taking a peek at the sunset through Keyhole Arch on Pfeiffer Beach.

Just past the southern end of Big Sur is Hearst Castle, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst's 1920s-style Spanish Colonial Revival property that's open to the public.

Related: 12 stops to make on your Southern California family road trip

Historic Columbia River Highway: Oregon

Dating back to 1913, the Historic Columbia River Highway was the first designated scenic highway in the U.S. This 75-mile route, beginning east of Portland, Oregon, in Troutdale and continuing on to The Dalles, can be driven in a day.

Must-see features of this stunning thoroughfare include its numerous waterfalls, such as Shepperd's Dell and the 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls, plus scenic vistas like Chanticleer Point (one of the first overlooks you'll encounter traveling east) and Crown Point (one of the most photographed spots along the Columbia River). If time permits, stop at some of the historical landmarks along Lewis and Clark's journey, such as Rooster Rock State Park, Cascade Locks and the Rock Fort Campsite in The Dalles.

Spring through fall is the best time to visit this heavily forested area, though fall will afford you the most colorful views.

US Route 89: Through Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and Montana

Though no longer an official U.S. national park road, U.S. Route 89 (formerly known as the National Park to Park Highway) is ripe for those wishing to take the road less traveled. Start this journey in Arizona, moving through Utah and up to Wyoming until you get to Montana.

As you travel U.S. Route 89, you'll pass 150 towns, cities and reservations, as well as seven national parks (including the Grand Canyon , Glacier and Yellowstone ) and three geographic regions (Basin and Range National Monument, the Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountains).

While going from border to border is an option, those looking for a quicker route can consider a shorter stretch that takes you from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Glacier National Park.

Related: A family adventure: Rafting, horseback riding and hotel hopping 1,000 miles from Jackson Hole to Glacier

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana

The 53-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only road through Glacier National Park. It's also one of the most narrow and winding thoroughfares on this list, rewarding travelers with some of the most epic natural landscapes in the country.

From the Jackson Glacier Overlook and the route's highest point, the 6,646-foot-tall Logan Pass, you might even spot some mountain goats. The road also runs by several lakes, including Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake, and majestic waterfalls like McDonald Falls and Bird Woman Falls.

The road's accessibility is dependent on the amount of snow from the previous winter. It usually opens by the first of June and stays open until October. The busiest traffic times are from late June through late August.

If you start in Maine

Us route 1: maine to florida.

Beginning near the Canadian border at Fort Kent, Maine, historic U.S. Route 1 spans nearly 2,500 miles along the Atlantic coast of New England, passing through a slew of East Coast destinations — including New York City , Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. — before ending in Key West, Florida.

In New Hampshire, you'll find Colonial towns such as 400-year-old Portsmouth, a harborside locale full of charming restaurants, inns and shops. There's also Salem, Massachusetts, famous for its witch trials (and home to the Salem Witch Museum). Additionally, drivers can check out Newport, Rhode Island, which is known for historical mansions like The Breakers, the lavish summer "cottage" of Cornelius Vanderbilt II.

Farther south, U.S. Route 1's highlights include northern Virginia's Mount Vernon, the one-time home of former President George Washington, and South Carolina's more than 45,000-acre Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.

If you're starting this route in New England , consider driving in late September or early October. You'll not only enjoy the spectacular fall colors but will also avoid worrying about getting snowed in.

Acadia All-American Road: Maine

Though you could complete the Acadia All-American Road in half a day, there's a lot to see in its 40 miles through Acadia National Park . The scenic byway starts at U.S. Route 3 just south of Trenton, crossing the bridge onto the 108-square-mile Mount Desert Island.

Highlights of the Acadia All-American Road include Bass Harbor Head Light Station, a lighthouse that dates back to the mid-1800s, and Cadillac Mountain, the park's highest point. The latter includes interconnected carriage roads and old stone bridges, most of which are closed off to cars.

To explore these areas, bring your bicycles or rent them in the island's seaside community of Bar Harbor . For food, there's nothing better than fresh seafood at Bar Harbor's Thirsty Whale Tavern.

During the summer months, the scenic byway can be very crowded. The colorful foliage of late fall (rather than earlier in the season) can offer gorgeous scenery with fewer tourists.

Related: A daytrip to Maine: The fun way we used the elusive Delta companion certificate

Bottom line

Whether you are road-tripping this summer or prefer to hit the road this fall, remember these trips. No matter which routes you choose to traverse, keep in mind that the journey isn't solely about the main highlights; the lesser-known destinations you find along the way are an equally important part of the road trip experience.

Related reading:

• The ultimate road trip through the coastal South
• Here's why 1 hotel chain is investing in summer road trippers with this new app feature
• The ultimate guide to road-tripping with an electric car
• 6 tips for surviving a road trip with a large family
• How to avoid these 7 mistakes every road tripper makes at least once

Spencer Spellman and Sara Ventiera previously contributed reporting.

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The best road trips in the U.S. for epic drives

Hit the open road on America's best road trips, from scenic coastal drives to rugged mountain journeys and winding desert loops

What epitomizes peak Americana? Apple pie, baseball, hamburgers...and road trips. The Great American Road Trip is iconic for a reason. Across the land of the free, open roads beckon, calling you to explore America's countryside, coastlines, forests and mountain ranges. 

On the Western Seaboard, the Pacific Coast Highway will take you along the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts. On the East Coast, Route 6 will charm you as you pass through picturesque New England beach towns. In between, journeys both long and short will also help you explore the heart of the country.

Whether you're looking for a day trip or a week-long, cross-country adventure, our list of the best road trips in the USA has you covered. So grab your snacks, ready your favorite playlist and roll the windows down. It's time to hit the open road. 

An email you’ll actually love

Best U.S. road trips

1.  Route 66 | CA to IL

It would be blasphemous not to include Route 66 at the top of any road trip roundup. The iconic Mother Road is one of the U.S. Highway System’s original routes, starting in downtown Chicago and winding its way across the country to the Santa Monica pier. Covering eight states and approximately 2,500 miles, the historic highway is punctuated with pops of kitsch and classic Americana from a bygone era. 

Can’t-miss pit stop: Join a guided tour of the 400-million-year-old Meramec Caverns in Missouri. Jesse James famously used them as a hideout, and the Jesse James Wax Museum is just minutes away.

Trip length:  2,448 miles 

2.  Highway 1 to Big Sur | CA

This show-stealing drive may have shot to fame after its cameo in the Big Little Lies opening credits montage, but it’s been a beloved route for in-the-know motorists for years. This California coastal classic is chock-full of stomach drops and treacherous turns, but it’s all worth it for the world-class panoramas along the way. Be prepared: Some stretches can last 40 miles without a single bathroom break or gas station.

Can’t-miss pit stop: Sure, you’ve seen it in a million car commercials, but did you even drive along Highway 1 if you don’t have a picture of Bixby Bridge to prove it? Big Sur ’s answer to the Golden Gate in San Francisco , this impressive open-spandrel arch bridge soars 260-foot above cliffs and a steep canyon.

Trip length: 150 miles from San Francisco to Big Sur

3.  Route 101 | CA to WA

Like many classic road trip routes across the U.S., this one comprises sections of road that form a continuous experience. By following Route 101 —which becomes California State Route 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, which then briefly returns to Route 101 once again—you can, to all intents and purposes, drive from the American/Canadian border, just north of Seattle... all the way down the entire West Coast of the U.S. all the way to the American/Mexican border, just south of San Diego. And that, my friends, is the mother of all road trips. 

Can’t-miss pit stop:  This road trip arguably incorporates some of the best views the country offers. From the amazing coastline of Astoria to the Redwood Forest National Park, plus Napa, and Sonoma...the list goes on.

Trip length:  1,500 miles from Los Angeles to Olympia, WA

4.  Blue Ridge Parkway | VA to NC

In the mood for a leisurely,  legendary drive? If so, head for the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the speed limit sits at a comfortable 45mph and commercial vehicles are strictly prohibited. Snaking through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, the 469-mile route connects the Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains national parks. For prime leaf-peeping, visit in autumn when foliage explodes in a brilliant display of crimson, auburn and golden leaves.  

Can’t-miss pit stop: Spend some time at Mount Pisgah in North Carolina, famous for its extensive network of hiking trails and the storied Pisgah Inn , which dates back to 1919.

Trip length:  470 miles

5.  Overseas Highway | FL

For a tropical escape, blast some Jimmy Buffett and hit the Overseas Highway. The route follows US-1, connecting the Florida Keys during a 113-mile, sun-drenched drive. Originally constructed in 1928 and rebuilt in the 1980s, the continuous road connects Key Largo down to laid-back Key West . Cruise over Seven Mile Bridge (one of the longest in the world) while soaking in towering lighthouses, colorful coral reef parks and strips of white-sand beaches. Can’t-miss pit stop:  At Islamorada, which encompasses six of the Florida Keys, visitors can swim with dolphins at the Theater of the Sea  and explore  ruins from the 1800s in  Indian Key Historic State Park .

Trip length: 113 miles

6.  Going-to-the-Sun Road | MT

Originally constructed to promote tourism and encourage people to visit America’s national parks, this remarkable road has achieved its purpose since its completion in 1932. The 50-mile artery carves through Montana’s Glacier National Park, shooting through the Rockies up and over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Be sure to watch out for blind curves and dramatic drop-offs, and avoid this one in the winter months, when snowbanks can reach 80ft in depth.

Can’t-miss pit stop: In the summertime, plan to pause at Logan Pass. Soaring to an elevation of 6,646 feet, it has expansive overlooks, grazing mountain goats, and blankets of rainbow-hued wildflower meadows.

Trip length: 50 miles

7.  Santa Fe to Taos Loop | NM

Pack a pair of cowboy boots and set course for the Santa Fe Loop, woven between the valleys of the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico. This all-American road trip adventure looks straight out of a classic Western movie, tumbleweeds and all. Rambling desertscapes and the pueblo communities of Ojo Caliente make this drive a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Can’t-miss pit stop:  Take a breather in the town of Taos , located in northern New Mexico’s high desert. Known for its historic adobe architecture, the spot has numerous museums (like the Taos Art Museum ) and racecourse rafting along the Rio Grande and the Wild Rivers Recreation Area.

Trip length:  70 miles

8.  Lincoln Highway | NY to CA

The little-known Lincoln Highway was the first road for automobiles across the whole of the U.S. It was conceived in 1912 by Indiana entrepreneur Carl G. Fisher and formally opened a year later. It runs coast-to-coast from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, originally traveling through 13 states. However, in 1928, a realignment relocated the highway through the northern tip of West Virginia, thus bringing the total to 14 states, 128 counties and more than 700 cities, towns and villages, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California. Since then, the Highway has been gradually replaced with numbered designations after establishing the Numbered Highway System, with most of the route becoming U.S. Route 30 from Pennsylvania to Wyoming. But, like other classic cross-country road trips, with just a little research, you can easily navigate along the entire length of the original route.

Can’t-miss pit stop: The Lincoln Highway passes very close to Cheyanne Mountain, the home of North American Aerospace Defense Command, otherwise known as NORAD . While public tours are unavailable, this location has appeared in several movies and TV shows, including War Games and  Stargate SG1 .

Trip length:  3,389 miles

9.  Route 12 | Utah

Take in the splendor of the red rocks along Utah's Scenic Byway 12, which connects near Panguitch in the west to Torrey on the northeast side of the state. Climb through the Dixie National Forest , drive through red rock arches, stop at scenic overlooks, and enjoy views of the Henry Mountains and  Capitol Reef National Park as you go. Popular Utah destination  Bryce Canyon  is also close by.  

Can’t-miss pit stop: Witness the natural "stairs" at  Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument . Pro tip: the views from  Escalante's   Kiva Koffeehouse  are not to miss. 

Trip length:  122 miles

10.  Texas Hill Country | TX

The best way to witness the Lone Star State’s boundless beauty is by car. Hill Country, sandwiched between San Antonio and Austin , is known for its undulating hills and postcard-worthy bluebonnet blooms. The spellbinding expanse is dotted with charming farmland roads, award-winning wineries and orchards that churn out bushels of mouth-watering apples, peaches and pomegranates every year. For meat lovers, Hill Country is also bursting at the seams with mom-and-pop barbecue joints.  

Can’t-miss pit stop: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has long attracted history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Located just outside of Fredericksburg, the climbable pink granite mountain shows signs of human settlement that date back more than 10,000 years.

Trip length:  73 miles from Austin to San Antonio

11.  Hana Highway | HI

Hawaii is best known for its lush landscapes and aquatic adventures, but America’s 50th state is also home to one of the top road trips in the U.S. This drive through paradise links Kahului to Hana during 60 miles of jaw-dropping turns. Most can complete the journey in about three hours, but midday bumper-to-bumper traffic can seriously inflate travel time. Along the way, look out for swaying mango trees, dramatic sea cliffs and colonies of monk seals soaking in the sun.  

Can’t-miss pit stop: Exit at mile marker 32 to explore Waiʻānapanapa State Park , where undulating emerald jungles meet the rugged, black basalt lava coastlines.

Trip length: 64 miles

12.  Route 6 | RI to MA

Route 6 spans the entirety of the country, but the segment we most recommend starts in Providence, Rhode Island, and extends to Provincetown, Massachusetts, at the very end of the tip of Massachusetts. Along the way, take in the charming New England towns and beaches, stopping as you please along the way. 

Can’t-miss pit stop:  Pull over in Cape Cod to stroll the beach and the town's charming downtown before continuing your journey. 

13.  Anchorage to Valdez | AK

Witness firsthand the stunning sites of Alaska on this short but sweet drive. The 300-mile route connects the Glenn and Richardson highways, allowing you to cruise past gleaming glaciers and mountain ranges that boast so many sky-high peaks, many of them yet to be named. The seven-hour trek can easily be drawn out to appreciate the natural wonders of the Last Frontier, including the colorful Spirit Houses of Eklutna Village and the Matanuska Glacier Scenic Turnout.

Can’t-miss pit stop: The easy hike along Thunderbird Falls Trail is a popular excursion that leads to an impressive 200-foot waterfall. More intrepid explorers should consider ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier, about 100 miles northeast of Anchorage.

Trip length: 300 miles

14.  Great River Road | MN to MS

One of the longest scenic byways in America, the Great River Road traverses roughly 3,000 miles along the mighty Mississippi River. Stretching from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the breathtaking drive intersects 10 states and takes about 10 days to complete. The well-marked route is easily identifiable, thanks to its iconic green pilot’s wheel road signs. It’s also celebrated for its diverse array of natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites along the way. Can’t-miss pit stop: If the Great River Road was a meal, then New Orleans would be its dessert course. The last stop on the epic route, the Big Easy, has incredible culinary, jazz and cultural scenes. 

Trip length: 3,000 miles

15.  Olympic Peninsula Loop | WA

The Olympic Peninsula Loop is another West Coast wonder, encircling Washington’s Olympic National Park. Swerving, dipping and diving, this 330-mile drive stands out because of the striking diversity of its terrain. Boulder-speckled Pacific coastlines, verdant temperate rainforests and the snow-capped Cascade Range can all be witnessed during a single-day trip. Be sure to sample local oysters and fresh clams, another regional specialty. Can’t-miss pit stop: Swing by Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, tucked away in Port Angeles, for a restorative soak in the natural mineral springs. No swimsuit? No worries: The springs welcome bathers in the buff.

Trip length:  330 miles

16.  Park Loop Road | ME

Park Loop Road is the primary route for driving through and exploring   Acadia National Park . Without stopping, the drive takes about an hour without traffic. But you're definitely going to want to stop to take in the beauty of one of the most visited national parks in the US. The park features beautiful landscapes and some of the most diverse wildlife on the Eastern Seaboard. Every season brings beauty, but the fall foliage is particularly spectacular.

17.  Beartooth Highway | MT to WY

This 68-mile route is a National Scenic Byways All-American Road and brings drivers from southwest Montana through northwest Wyoming right into Yellowstone National Park. First opened in 1937, this eclectic drive has been called one of the most beautiful America has to offer. Highlights along the route include incredible alpine plateaus, forested valleys, sparkling glacial lakes and unforgettable wildlife. Open exclusively in the summer, the route also climbs Beartooth Pass, a scenic stretch between Cooke City and Red Lodge, Montana.

Can’t-miss pit stop: Check out Beartooth Corridor, where visitors can hike through the highlands and spot moose, elk, black bears, wolves and more.

Trip length: 68 miles

18.  Volcanic Legacy Byway | CA to OR

For truly unusual and spectacular views, pack up the car and head for the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, connecting California’s Lassen National Park with Crater Lake in Oregon. The north-to-south route covers about 500 miles, tracing along geological formations created by volcanic activity of the Cascade Mountain Range. The drive ventures through the majestic Shasta Valley and offers unobstructed vistas of Mount Shasta, the second-tallest volcano in the country.  

Can’t-miss pit stop: There are countless things to see and do during a visit, but don’t miss Petroglyph Point , one of the country’s largest and most accessible panels of Native American rock art.

Trip length: 500 miles

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