Ultimate American Road Trip Routes

America was built to be driven, and there's nothing quite like the freedom of the American highway. From coast to coast, the United States offers some of the world's most spectacular road trip routes.

Pack light, download offline maps, and prepare for the gas station snacks and random detours that transform an ordinary trip into the adventure you'll be talking about for decades!

Pacific Coast Highway – California

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is the crown jewel of scenic drives. Stretching from San Francisco to San Diego, this route hugs the California coastline with breathtaking views at every turn.

Expect winding cliffs, crashing waves, and iconic stops like Big Sur, where redwoods meet the ocean, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge. The charm of coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Barbara, and Laguna Beach will have you stopping often—and you should.

Whether you’re cruising with the windows down or chasing sunset after sunset, the Pacific Coast Highway is California’s love letter to the open road.

Route 66 – Chicago to Santa Monica

Route 66 is the classic American road trip. Dubbed the "Mother Road," it stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Along the way, you’ll pass through a time capsule of retro diners, neon signs, kitschy roadside attractions, and small-town Americana.

From the Cadillac Ranch in Texas to the Wigwam Motel in Arizona, Route 66 delivers pure nostalgia and quirky charm. It’s a journey through history—and the soul of the American road.

Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina

This winding, mountainous route is often called “America’s Favorite Drive”—and for good reason. The Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Rolling hills, misty valleys, and endless overlooks make every mile stunning. In fall, the foliage is absolutely magical, with bursts of gold, crimson, and amber blanketing the ridgelines.

Pull over for scenic hikes, cozy mountain towns, and that sweet Appalachian air. This route is for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone craving peace on the road.

The Great Northern – U.S. Route 2

Craving open skies and wide landscapes? U.S. Route 2—also known as the Great Northern—runs coast to coast near the Canadian border. Start in Seattle, Washington and drive all the way to Bar Harbor, Maine, passing through the untouched beauty of Montana, North Dakota, and beyond.

Expect glacier-fed lakes, prairie skies, and small towns frozen in time. This route is perfect for adventurers who want the road less traveled and the full expanse of northern America.

Overseas Highway – Florida Keys

This tropical road trip is unlike any other. The Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) stretches 113 miles from Miami to Key West, skipping across islands via a series of bridges—including the spectacular Seven Mile Bridge.

Imagine turquoise water on both sides, island vibes in every direction, and roadside stops for conch fritters and key lime pie. It’s sun, sand, and pure vacation energy all the way.

At the end of the road, you’ll reach Key West, where roosters roam the streets and sunsets are celebrated nightly. This is a road trip for your soul—and your sandals.