šŸš— 7 Epic Road Trips in America You Have to Take at Least Once

There’s no better way to experience freedom, adventure, and breathtaking scenery than hitting the open road. Whether you crave coastal drives, desert landscapes, or mountain passes, America offers some of the world’s most iconic road trips. Here are seven epic routes to fuel your wanderlust!

a car driving down a road in the middle of the desert
a car driving down a road in the middle of the desert

šŸ–ļø 1. Pacific Coast Highway – California

Winding along California’s stunning coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers dramatic cliffs, ocean breezes, and charming towns. Drive from San Francisco to San Diego, stopping in Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara.

Highlight: Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls.

šŸœļø 2. Route 66 – Illinois to California

Nicknamed "The Mother Road," Route 66 is a nostalgic journey through classic Americana. Explore quirky diners, retro motels, and historic landmarks as you travel from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Must-see: Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Wigwam Motel in Arizona.

šŸŒ„ 3. Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina

Known as "America’s Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of rolling mountains, colorful foliage, and scenic overlooks. Perfect for a relaxed and peaceful road adventure.

Highlight: Peaks of Otter and Linville Falls.

🌵 4. The Loneliest Road – Nevada (U.S. Route 50)

U.S. Route 50 in Nevada is famously called "The Loneliest Road in America." It’s a surreal, open-space experience with vast deserts, ghost towns, and starry night skies.

Insider Tip: Stop at Great Basin National Park for stunning hikes and caves.

šŸ”ļø 5. Going-to-the-Sun Road – Montana

Located in Glacier National Park, this breathtaking 50-mile road cuts across mountains, glaciers, and wildflower meadows. A must-drive during the summer months!

Highlight: Logan Pass and Wild Goose Island.

🌊 6. Overseas Highway – Florida Keys

Stretching 113 miles, the Overseas Highway connects Florida’s mainland to Key West via a series of bridges over turquoise waters. It’s a tropical paradise on wheels.

Must-see: Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda State Park.

šŸžļø 7. Beartooth Highway – Montana and Wyoming

Winding through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, this road offers one of America’s most spectacular alpine drives, reaching heights over 10,000 feet.

Highlight: Breathtaking switchbacks and panoramic mountain views.

šŸš™ Final Thoughts: Start Your Engines!

A road trip isn’t just a journey—it’s an adventure full of discoveries, surprises, and memories. Whether you want the ocean breeze on your face or the desert sun on your shoulders, America’s epic roads are calling. Pick your route, pack your bags, and create the road trip of a lifetime!

šŸš€ Travel Smart Tip: Make packing easy and organized for your road adventure! Grab your travel backpack with vacuum compartment here and maximize space while keeping your gear travel-ready.