The Top 5 Road Trips in the United States
Road trips have long been a popular way to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the United States. From the iconic Route 66 to the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway, there's a road trip for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer scenic drives along the coast or adventure-filled journeys through national parks, the U.S. offers some of the best road trip experiences in the world. Here are our top 5 picks for epic road trips in the United States:
1. California's Pacific Coast Highway
Stretching along the stunning coastline of California, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic road trips in the United States. The highway winds its way through picturesque coastal towns, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Start your journey in San Francisco and make your way down to Los Angeles, passing by famous landmarks such as Big Sur, Monterey, and Malibu.
Highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip include the dramatic Big Sur coastline, where rugged cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its art galleries and fairytale cottages. Don't miss the chance to drive through the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and catch a glimpse of migrating whales off the coast during the winter months.
2. Utah's National Parks
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, Utah's National Parks road trip is a must-do. This epic journey takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Zion National Park. Each park offers unique rock formations, towering cliffs, and breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe.
Start your road trip in Moab, a gateway town to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, where you can hike to iconic arches such as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Make your way to Zion National Park for world-class hiking trails, including the famous Angels Landing hike, which offers panoramic views of the park from the summit.
Other highlights of the Utah's National Parks road trip include the otherworldly rock formations of Bryce Canyon National Park and the scenic drive through Capitol Reef National Park, where you can see ancient petroglyphs and fruit orchards in the desert.
3. Route 66
No list of top road trips in the U.S. would be complete without mentioning Route 66. Known as the "Mother Road," Route 66 is one of the original highways in the U.S. highway system, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. While the route has been decommissioned, you can still drive along portions of it and experience the nostalgia of a bygone era.
Highlights of the Route 66 road trip include quirky roadside attractions, historic diners, and vintage motels that harken back to the golden age of road trips. Make sure to stop at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where you can see a row of half-buried Cadillac cars covered in graffiti, and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, home to colorful petrified wood and ancient petroglyphs.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway
For a leisurely road trip through the stunning Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect choice. This scenic drive spans 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint mountain towns along the way. The parkway is especially popular during the fall when the leaves change color, creating a vibrant display of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Highlights of the Blue Ridge Parkway road trip include the scenic Linn Cove Viaduct, a bridge that wraps around the slopes of Grandfather Mountain, and the charming town of Asheville, known for its vibrant arts scene and craft breweries. Make sure to take some time to explore the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a closer look at the region's diverse flora and fauna.
5. Alaska's Seward Highway
For a road trip off the beaten path, the Seward Highway in Alaska offers a truly unique and unforgettable journey through some of the most remote and untouched wilderness in the country. The highway stretches 127 miles from Anchorage to Seward, passing by fjords, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains along the way.
Highlights of the Seward Highway road trip include the dramatic Turnagain Arm, where you can spot beluga whales and Dall sheep from the roadside, and the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park, home to tidewater glaciers and abundant wildlife. Make sure to take a detour to the charming town of Girdwood, where you can ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram for panoramic views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Whether you're a fan of coastal drives, national parks, or mountain vistas, the United States offers a road trip for every type of traveler. From the sun-drenched shores of the Pacific Coast to the rugged wilderness of Alaska, these top 5 road trips are sure to provide you with unforgettable memories and epic adventures.