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If you are in search of the top 10 US road trips, look no further. We have put together a list of some of the best places to visit in the country, some of which you may have never considered! Perhaps this is the time for you to plan a road trip and see for yourself just what you’ve been missing.
1. Full Access – Florida’s East Coast via US 1
US 1 runs fairly parallel to Interstate 95, and this Atlantic strip will guide you along the coast for hundreds of miles, with picturesque scenery along the way. From the coast of Ft. Lauderdale, to Daytona Beach, and up through St. Augustine, there are countless stops in between. This route is most definitely an all access pass to Florida’s eastern coastline.
2. The Emerald City – Florida’s Gulf Coast via US 98
Beginning in Destin, FL, the breathtaking beachfronts with their snow white sands and the glassy green waters are really a site to behold. They are simply stunning and easily accessible along the US 98 (Emerald Coast Hwy). Henderson Beach State Park is a great place to stop and take it all in. From there, you can head west towards Pensacola Beach, or east to Laguna Beach; the choice is yours.
3. The Appalachian Mountains via the Blue Ridge Parkway
One of these most scenic routes in all of the United States is the Blue Ridge Parkway, taking you through the Appalachian Mountains. There is 469 miles of beautiful scenery running from Virginia through Tennessee and down into North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great route to take if you would like to visit Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park or The Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee, as this parkway will connect you to both.
4. Brandywine Valley – an Interstate 95 Pit Stop to Remember
The Brandywine Valley drive is quite short compared to some of our other suggestions, but in this case, the length of the drive really makes no difference. What distance lacks, substance makes up for. Brandywine Valley is a 12 mile drive from Kennett Square, PA, to Wilmington, DE. Grand estates and beautiful foliage line this route through the countryside. Needless to say, this is a luxurious escape that you may wish to take at a slower pace.
5. New England – 6A through Massachusetts
A perfect place to begin a New England drive is in Cape Code, Massachusetts located right out on the Peninsula. Just north of this beautiful coastal town is of course, Plymouth, MA which is a great historical pit stop to add to your road trip excursion. Along 6A there is 40 miles of fishing towns and 18th century captain houses with Atlantic views the whole way.
6. California via the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (or Hwy 1) will take you through Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and up to Sunset Beach with so many places to stop along the way. Not to mention, the PCH takes you straight into Monterey, CA which is a great place to take a break and visit the Monterey Aquarium.
7. The Oregon Trail – 21st Century Style
Just east of Portland, jump onto Interstate 84 which will bring you to the historic Columbia River Hwy. The construction of this highway dates back to 1913, and at the time, the development of this roadway was considered to be one of engineering’s greatest accomplishments. Enjoy the scenic route of this National Historic Landmark and check out the Multnomah Falls which cascade down into the Columbia River Gorge.
8. Washington’s Olympic Peninsula via Hwy 101
We suggest that you start this road trip in Seattle. What follows will be 330 miles of picturesque waterfalls and coastal waters. This trip will actually loop around the Olympic Peninsula, insuring that you are able to see it all. You will be able to view a few different habitats on this journey, as the Olympic Mountains come into view and the Quinault and Hoh Rainforests become visible as well. It’s simply incredible.
9. The Historic Route 66
Initially spanning from Chicago to Lose Angeles, Route 66 offers enough to satisfy an extended road trip. The Interstate Highway System has all but phased out sections of the historic Route 66, so you will begin this journey in downtown Chicago. Pick up Interstate 55 as you head to St. Louis, MO to visit the Ozarks. Get on Interstate 70 and pass through some of the old mining towns of Kansas before making your way to Amarillo, TX. Once there, you’ll be able to see the Cadillac Ranch, which is one of the most eclectic visuals on this trip. Next, follow US 56 to Santa Fe, NM, a great place to shop and eat. Head out by way of Interstate 40 from Albuquerque, NM and make your way to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in Williams, AZ, i.e., the grand finale.
10. Arizona – The Red Country via Interstate 17 and State Route 179
You will begin this journey in Phoenix, AZ, departing on Interstate 17 heading north. For 100 miles you will experience the oranges, reds and pinks of this terrain. Be sure to look for the ancient cliff dwelling of Montezuma Castle National Monument. Next, pick up Route 179 North (the Red Rock Scenic Byway) and make your way to the Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, AZ. There is nothing better than a natural waterslide, especially if you have planned this road trip during the summer months.