10 Best Road Trips in USA

Main Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information

• The total length of the US interstate highway system is approximately 47,000 miles.
• More than 80% of American road trips are taken in personal vehicles.
• The most popular time for road trips is during summer, particularly from Memorial Day weekend in late May until Labor Day in early September.
• According to a survey, the top reasons why people take road trips are to explore new places, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
• The average American road trip lasts about 10 days.
• The state of California has the most scenic drives in the US, followed by Colorado and North Carolina.
• The Pacific Coast Highway in California is considered one of the most iconic road trips in the world.
• The Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, is the longest scenic byway in the US, covering 3,000 miles.
• The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through Virginia and North Carolina, is the most visited unit of the National Park Service.
• The Route 66, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, is known as the Mother Road and was one of the original highways in the US highway system.

Introduction

Hi, I’m Emily and I love road trips. There’s something about hitting the open road and discovering new places that excites me like nothing else. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore many of the best road trips in the USA, and I’m excited to share my top 10 with you today.

The Pacific Coast Highway

Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway in California is like a dream come true. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and beautiful beaches. My favorite part of the drive is the stretch between Monterey and Big Sur, where you can see the iconic Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls. If you have time, I highly recommend taking a detour to visit the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Length: 655.8 miles
• Starting point: Dana Point, California
• Ending point: Leggett, California
• Best time to go: May to September

The Great River Road

The Great River Road is a scenic byway that follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. The drive is filled with historic sites, quaint towns, and stunning views of the river. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Dubuque, Iowa and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where you can see the beautiful bluffs and visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

• Length: 3,000 miles
• Starting point: Lake Itasca, Minnesota
• Ending point: Venice, Louisiana
• Best time to go: Spring or fall

The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that runs through Virginia and North Carolina. The drive offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as opportunities for hiking and exploring nature. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Asheville, North Carolina and Roanoke, Virginia, where you can see the beautiful Linville Falls and visit the historic Mabry Mill.

• Length: 469 miles
• Starting point: Rockfish Gap, Virginia
• Ending point: Cherokee, North Carolina
• Best time to go: Spring or fall

The Route 66

The Route 66 is one of the most famous road trips in the world, and for good reason. The drive offers a glimpse into the history of the US, with roadside attractions, diners, and motels that date back to the heyday of the highway. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Flagstaff, Arizona, where you can see the stunning Painted Desert and visit the Petrified Forest National Park.

• Length: 2,448 miles
• Starting point: Chicago, Illinois
• Ending point: Santa Monica, California
• Best time to go: Spring or fall

The Overseas Highway

The Overseas Highway is a scenic drive that runs through the Florida Keys, connecting the mainland with Key West. The drive offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as opportunities for fishing and snorkeling. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Marathon and Key West, where you can see the Seven Mile Bridge and visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

• Length: 113 miles
• Starting point: Key Largo, Florida
• Ending point: Key West, Florida
• Best time to go: Winter

The Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic drive that runs through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. The drive offers stunning views of the mountains, as well as opportunities for hiking and skiing. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Silverton and Ouray, where you can see the beautiful Red Mountain Pass and visit the historic mining town of Telluride.

• Length: 25 miles
• Starting point: Durango, Colorado
• Ending point: Ouray, Colorado
• Best time to go: Summer or fall

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a scenic drive that follows the shores of the Great Lakes, from Pennsylvania to New York. The drive offers stunning views of the lakes, as well as opportunities for hiking and boating. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Rochester and Oswego, where you can see the beautiful Chimney Bluffs State Park and visit the historic Sackets Harbor Battlefield.

• Length: 518 miles
• Starting point: Erie, Pennsylvania
• Ending point: Massena, New York
• Best time to go: Summer or fall

The Loneliest Road

The Loneliest Road is a scenic drive that runs through the heart of Nevada. The drive offers stunning views of the desert, as well as opportunities for stargazing and visiting ghost towns. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Ely and Austin, where you can see the beautiful Hickison Petroglyphs and visit the historic town of Eureka.

• Length: 400 miles
• Starting point: Fernley, Nevada
• Ending point: Baker, Nevada
• Best time to go: Spring or fall

The Black Hills

The Black Hills is a scenic drive that runs through South Dakota and Wyoming. The drive offers stunning views of the mountains and opportunities for hiking and visiting national parks. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Custer and Rapid City, where you can see the beautiful Needles Highway and visit the iconic Mount Rushmore.

• Length: 232 miles
• Starting point: Rapid City, South Dakota
• Ending point: Devils Tower, Wyoming
• Best time to go: Summer or fall

The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is a scenic drive that runs along the coast of North Carolina, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities for beachcombing and lighthouse visiting. My favorite part of the drive is the section between Nags Head and Hatteras Island, where you can see the beautiful Bodie Island Lighthouse and visit the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

• Length: 138 miles
• Starting point: Corolla, North Carolina
• Ending point: Ocracoke, North Carolina
• Best time to go: Summer or fall

FAQs

Q: What are the best months to go on a road trip in the US?

A: The best months to go on a road trip in the US are typically spring and fall, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than during the summer months. However, if you’re planning a road trip to a specific region, such as the Pacific Northwest or the Southwest, you may want to check the weather patterns for that area and plan accordingly.

Q: How much does it cost to go on a road trip in the US?

A: The cost of a road trip in the US can vary widely depending on factors such as the length of the trip, the type of vehicle you’re driving, and the cost of accommodations and meals. However, a rough estimate for a 10-day road trip for two people would be around $2,000 to $3,000, including gas, lodging, food, and activities.

Q: What should I pack for a road trip?

A: When packing for a road trip, it’s important to bring comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as any necessary medications and toiletries. You should also pack snacks, drinks, and a cooler if you plan on bringing your own food. Other recommended items include a GPS or map, a first-aid kit, and a roadside emergency kit.