Top 10 Scenic Road Trips in the USA You Must Try in 2025

Introduction

Road trips are more than just a way to travel in the USA — they are a way of life. In 2025, more Americans are choosing to hit the open road, explore hidden gems, and create unforgettable memories. With scenic highways, charming small towns, national parks, and stunning coastlines, the United States offers some of the best road trip routes in the world.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, these 10 scenic road trips will give you breathtaking views, exciting stops, and plenty of stories to tell. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to explore the beauty of America on wheels.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of the most famous and scenic drives in the USA. Stretching along California’s stunning coastline, it offers endless ocean views, dramatic cliffs, charming seaside towns, and golden beaches.

Route

• Start: San Francisco, CA
• End: San Diego, CA
• Distance: ~655 miles
• Time Needed: 5–7 days (to enjoy stops)

Highlights Along the Way

• San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Santa Cruz: Surfing culture and boardwalk fun.
• Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: Aquarium, art galleries, 17-Mile Drive.
• Big Sur: Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls.
• Santa Barbara: Wine tasting and Mediterranean vibes.
• Los Angeles: Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach.
• San Diego: Balboa Park, Old Town, and relaxing beaches.

Food Stops

• Try seafood chowder in Monterey,
• Fish tacos in Santa Barbara,
• In-N-Out Burger (California’s must-try fast food).

Travel Tips

• Drive north to south for the best ocean views.
• Plan fuel stops — some stretches like Big Sur are remote.
• Book accommodations early, especially in summer.

2. Route 66 – The Mother Road (Chicago to Santa Monica)

Known as “The Mother Road”, Route 66 is the most iconic road trip in the United States. Stretching across eight states, it’s a nostalgic journey through small towns, quirky roadside attractions, and the heart of classic Americana.

Route

• Start: Chicago, Illinois
• End: Santa Monica, California
• Distance: ~2,448 miles
• Time Needed: 2–3 weeks (for full experience)

Highlights Along the Way

• Chicago, IL: Deep-dish pizza, Millennium Park, Route 66 starting sign.
• St. Louis, MO: Gateway Arch and Mississippi River views.
• Tulsa, OK: Historic motels and neon signs.
• Amarillo, TX: Cadillac Ranch art installation.
• Albuquerque, NM: Old Route 66 town with murals and diners.
• Flagstaff, AZ: Gateway to the Grand Canyon.
• Santa Monica, CA: End of the road at Santa Monica Pier.

Food Stops

• Lou Malnati’s Pizza in Chicago.
• Steak and BBQ in Texas.
• Classic diners with milkshakes and burgers along the route.

Travel Tips

• Don’t rush — Route 66 is about the journey, not the destination.
• Stop at roadside museums and quirky shops for souvenirs.
• Best time: Spring or fall to avoid extreme heat in desert areas.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive”, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a stunning road trip filled with mountain views, waterfalls, and charming small towns. It’s especially famous in fall when the trees explode with red, orange, and golden colors.

Route

• Start: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• End: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
• Distance: ~469 miles
• Time Needed: 4–6 days

Highlights Along the Way

• Skyline Drive: Scenic start with wildlife and viewpoints.
• Mabry Mill: Historic watermill and photo spot.
• Linn Cove Viaduct: Iconic curving bridge with mountain views.
• Asheville, NC: Artsy city with breweries, music, and the Biltmore Estate.
• Great Smoky Mountains: Hiking, waterfalls, and misty mountain views.

Food Stops

• Try apple butter and homemade biscuits at roadside diners.
• Southern BBQ in Asheville.
• Local craft beer breweries along the route.

Travel Tips

• Best season: Fall (September–October) for colorful foliage.
• Speed limit is low (35–45 mph) → enjoy slow travel.
• Bring layers; mountain weather can change quickly.

. The Great River Road (Along the Mississippi River)

The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi River through 10 states, offering a mix of history, culture, and scenic views. From northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, this road trip takes you through river towns, farmlands, and music-filled cities.

Route

• Start: Itasca State Park, Minnesota (where the Mississippi begins)
• End: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Distance: ~3,000 miles
• Time Needed: 2–3 weeks

Highlights Along the Way

• Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN: Parks, riverside views, and craft beer.
• Dubuque, IA: Historic river town with museums.
• St. Louis, MO: Gateway Arch and vibrant food scene.
• Memphis, TN: Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Beale Street blues.
• Vicksburg, MS: Civil War history sites.
• New Orleans, LA: French Quarter, jazz music, and Cajun food.

Food Stops

• Hotdish in Minnesota.
• BBQ in Memphis.
• Beignets and gumbo in New Orleans.

Travel Tips

• Break the trip into smaller segments if you don’t have weeks.
• Spring and fall are the best seasons — summers can be hot and humid.
• Follow the green Great River Road signs to stay on the scenic route.

5. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

The Overseas Highway is one of the most unique road trips in the USA. Driving over turquoise waters on a highway of bridges feels like floating above the ocean. Connecting the Florida Keys, this route is short but filled with sunshine, beaches, and tropical vibes.

Route

• Start: Miami, Florida
• End: Key West, Florida
• Distance: ~113 miles
• Time Needed: 1–3 days

Highlights Along the Way

• Key Largo: Snorkeling and scuba diving in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
• Islamorada: Sport fishing and dolphin encounters.
• Seven Mile Bridge: The most famous stretch of highway over the ocean.
• Marathon: Turtle Hospital and sandy beaches.
• Key West: Ernest Hemingway’s House, Mallory Square sunsets, and lively nightlife.

Food Stops

• Key lime pie (a Florida Keys classic).
• Fresh seafood and conch fritters.
• Beachfront tiki bars with cocktails.

Travel Tips

• Best time: Winter to early spring (December–April) for sunny weather.
• Book hotels early — Key West gets crowded.
• Drive slowly and enjoy ocean views on both sides.

6. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most breathtaking mountain drives in America. Located inside Glacier National Park, it winds through alpine peaks, glacial valleys, and turquoise lakes. Though short in distance, every mile offers jaw-dropping scenery.

Route

• Start: West Glacier, Montana
• End: St. Mary, Montana
• Distance: ~50 miles
• Time Needed: 1–2 days

Highlights Along the Way

• Lake McDonald: Crystal-clear waters and lodges.
• Logan Pass: The highest point with panoramic mountain views.
• Hidden Lake Overlook: Short hike with amazing scenery.
• Wild Goose Island (St. Mary Lake): Iconic photo spot.
• Wildlife spotting: mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even bears.

Food Stops

• Glacier Park Lodge dining room for hearty meals.
• Small cafes in West Glacier for local comfort food.

Travel Tips

• Road is only open late June to September (closed in winter due to snow).
• Parking fills fast — go early in the morning.
• Buy a National Park Pass before entering.

7. Hana Highway (Hawai‘i)

The Hana Highway on the island of Maui is one of the most scenic tropical drives in the USA. This winding road has over 600 curves and 50+ bridges, leading you through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and ocean cliffs. It’s less about the destination and more about the journey.

Route

• Start: Kahului, Maui
• End: Hana, Maui
• Distance: ~64 miles
• Time Needed: 1–2 days

Highlights Along the Way

• Twin Falls: Easy-access waterfalls.
• Garden of Eden Arboretum: Tropical plants and ocean views.
• Wailua Falls: Picture-perfect waterfall near Hana.
• Black Sand Beach (Waianapanapa State Park): Unique volcanic sand beach.
• Haleakalā National Park (near Hana): Pools at ‘Ohe’o and bamboo forest hikes.

Food Stops

• Roadside fruit stands with fresh coconuts, banana bread, and pineapple.
• Local Hawaiian plate lunches in small villages.

Travel Tips

• Start early — the road is narrow, curvy, and takes longer than it looks.
• Drive slow and stop often; the beauty is in the journey.
• Stay overnight in Hana if you want a relaxed pace.

8. Alaska Highway (Canada to Alaska, USA)

The Alaska Highway (Alcan Highway) is one of the most adventurous road trips in North America. Built during World War II, it stretches through remote wilderness, snow-capped mountains, and wide-open landscapes. It’s a true bucket-list drive for nature lovers.

Route

• Start: Dawson Creek, British Columbia (Canada)
• End: Delta Junction, Alaska (USA)
• Distance: ~1,390 miles
• Time Needed: 1–2 weeks

Highlights Along the Way

• Dawson Creek: Famous “Mile 0” sign.
• Liard River Hot Springs (BC): Natural hot pools in the forest.
• Kluane National Park (Yukon): Glaciers and wildlife.
• Tok, Alaska: Small gateway town with Alaskan charm.
• Delta Junction: End marker of the Alaska Highway.

Food Stops

• Roadside diners in Yukon serving hearty meals.
• Fresh Alaskan salmon and local wild game dishes.

Travel Tips

• Best time: Summer (June–August) — winter roads can be dangerous.
• Carry extra fuel, food, and water — towns are far apart.
• Expect wildlife encounters: moose, bears, and caribou.

9. Highway 101 (Oregon Coast)

The Oregon Coast Highway (US 101) is a dreamy drive filled with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, lighthouses, and small seaside towns. It’s one of the best coastal road trips in the USA, perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers.

Route

• Start: Astoria, Oregon
• End: Brookings, Oregon (near California border)
• Distance: ~363 miles
• Time Needed: 3–5 days

Highlights Along the Way

• Astoria: Historic seaport town with the Astoria Column.
• Cannon Beach: Home to the famous Haystack Rock.
• Tillamook: Cheese factory tours and tastings.
• Newport: Oregon Coast Aquarium and Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
• Cape Perpetua: Dramatic coastline with Thor’s Well.
• Bandon: Picturesque beach town with sea stacks.

Food Stops

• Fresh clam chowder and fish & chips at seaside shacks.
• Tillamook cheese and ice cream.
• Local Oregon craft beer and coffee shops.

Travel Tips

• Summer is busiest — spring and fall offer fewer crowds.
• Pack layers; coastal weather changes quickly.
• Stop at viewpoints — there are many pull-offs for ocean photos.

10. The Loneliest Road in America (US-50, Nevada)

Nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America”, US-50 in Nevada is a quiet, wide-open desert highway. Instead of crowds and traffic, you’ll find mountain ranges, ghost towns, and endless skies. It’s a true adventure for travelers who want peace and solitude.

Route

• Start: Ely, Nevada
• End: Carson City, Nevada
• Distance: ~287 miles
• Time Needed: 2–3 days

Highlights Along the Way

• Ely: Historic mining town with murals and railway museum.
• Great Basin National Park: Stargazing, Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak hikes.
• Austin: Tiny town with pioneer history.
• Fallon: “Oasis of Nevada” with wetlands and birdlife.
• Carson City: Nevada’s capital with museums and casinos.

Food Stops

• Small-town diners serving burgers, steaks, and homemade pies.
• Local bars and cafes with friendly, old-West vibes.

Travel Tips

• Fuel up whenever you see a gas station — they’re rare.
• Best for travelers who love quiet roads and wide-open landscapes.
• Bring music, snacks, and plenty of water.

Conclusion

Road trips are one of the best ways to explore the United States, offering freedom, adventure, and unforgettable memories. From the sunny beaches of Florida to the rugged mountains of Montana, every route on this list has its own magic. Whether you’re chasing ocean sunsets, fall colors, or wide-open desert skies, there’s a perfect road trip waiting for you in 2025.

So pack your bags, fuel up the car, and get ready to hit the road — because the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.