*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you book or buy through them. For more information, check out our full disclosure page.

Embarking on a road trip is one of the most freeing, flexible, and soul-stirring ways to explore the world around you. There’s something timeless about rolling down the windows, queuing up your favorite playlist, and heading toward the horizon with no TSA lines in sight—just you, your travel crew, and the open road.

Unlike air travel, road tripping invites you to move at your own rhythm. You can stop for roadside pie, take the scenic detour, linger a little longer at sunset, or pull over when the view steals your breath. Whether you’re chasing coastal views, winding through mountain passes, or diving into the heart of America’s small towns and historic landscapes, there’s a route out there with your name on it.

Here are 10 of the best U.S. road trips to take this year—each packed with scenic stops, regional flavors, hidden gems, and just enough space for spontaneous magic. Let this be the spark that helps you plan a trip worth remembering.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Highlights:
Drive along the iconic Highway 1 with sweeping ocean views, cliffside curves, and stops like Big Sur, Monterey, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

Why Go:
The quintessential California road trip—where redwoods meet the sea, and every bend offers a postcard-worthy view.

Hidden Gem Stop:
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park — A stunning waterfall that flows directly into the ocean, best viewed from an overlook trail just off the highway.

Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early fall for sunshine, wildflowers, and ideal driving conditions.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)

Highlights:
Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, this peaceful route offers stunning vistas, waterfalls, and access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Why Go:
Perfect for slow travel and mountain lovers—ideal for hiking, photography, and leaf-peeping.

Hidden Gem Stop:
Crabtree Falls Trail — A lesser-known but beautiful 2.5-mile hike leading to one of the tallest cascading waterfalls in the eastern U.S.

Best Time to Visit:
Autumn for vibrant fall foliage; spring for mountain laurel and blooming wildflowers.

3. Route 66 (Illinois to California)

Highlights:
Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, “The Mother Road” is packed with vintage diners, neon signs, and small-town charm.

Why Go:
A nostalgic ride through classic Americana, quirky roadside attractions, and changing landscapes from the Midwest to the desert Southwest.

Hidden Gem Stop:
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona — A surreal landscape filled with ancient, rainbow-colored petrified wood and badlands scenery—often overlooked on the way to bigger parks.

Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall to avoid extreme temperatures and summer crowds.

4. Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)

Highlights:
This 444-mile scenic drive follows a historic route once used by Native Americans and settlers, passing through forests, fields, and Civil War sites.

Why Go:
A peaceful journey filled with Southern charm, rich history, and plenty of picnic-worthy views.

Hidden Gem Stop:
Cypress Swamp, Mississippi — A quiet, magical boardwalk through a tupelo and cypress swamp, perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the scenery.

Best Time to Visit:
Spring for wildflowers and dogwoods; fall for cooler temps and vibrant colors.

5. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

Highlights:
Follow the mighty Mississippi River through ten states, passing river towns, bayous, and a tapestry of cultures.

Why Go:
This route blends natural beauty with cultural richness—from the Northwoods to the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans.

Hidden Gem Stop:
Red Wing, Minnesota — A charming river town with scenic bluffs, historic buildings, and the original Red Wing Shoes factory and museum.

Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early fall for comfortable driving weather and riverside festivals.

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

Highlights:
True to its name, this stretch through Nevada offers wide-open desert landscapes, ghost towns, and high-desert solitude.

Why Go:
Perfect for those craving quiet, space, and a touch of the wild west.

Hidden Gem Stop:
Stokes Castle in Austin, NV — A bizarre and beautiful three-story stone tower built in the 1890s, perched on a hill with panoramic views.

Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall—summer can be scorching, and winter brings snow in the passes.

7. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

Highlights:
Drive over turquoise waters on this 113-mile stretch that connects the Florida Keys all the way to Key West.

Why Go:
A sun-soaked island adventure by car—think seafood, snorkeling, sunsets, and salt in your hair.

Hidden Gem Stop:
Old Seven Mile Bridge & Pigeon Key — Walk or bike part of the historic bridge and visit this tiny island with a fascinating past.

Best Time to Visit:
Winter to early spring to dodge hurricane season and enjoy perfect temps.

8. The Oregon Trail-Inspired Route (Oregon to Massachusetts)

Highlights:
A modern take on a historic journey, following parts of the original path taken by American pioneers.

Why Go:
For history buffs and modern-day explorers seeking a cross-country experience with substance and soul.

Hidden Gem Stop:
Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Nebraska — A towering natural rock formation that was once a key landmark for pioneers heading west.

Best Time to Visit:
Summer months when passes are clear and sites are fully accessible.

9. The Great Northern (Washington to Maine – U.S. Route 2)

Highlights:
Traverse the northern edge of the U.S. from the Pacific Northwest through Glacier National Park, the Great Lakes, and into New England.

Why Go:
A less-traveled coast-to-coast adventure through forested roads, alpine passes, and charming towns.

Hidden Gem Stop:
Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, Montana — A breathtaking suspension bridge over turquoise waters with nearby waterfalls, not far from Route 2.

Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early fall—avoid winter snows and enjoy longer days.

10. Southern Pacific Route (California to Florida)

Highlights:
This southern-tier route cuts across the U.S. through deserts, bayous, and sun-drenched coastlines.

Why Go:
Experience the full spectrum of southern culture—from tacos in Texas to beaches in the panhandle and jazz in New Orleans.

Hidden Gem Stop:
White Sands National Park, New Mexico — Gleaming gypsum dunes create a landscape that feels otherworldly. Perfect for sand sledding or sunset photos.

Best Time to Visit:
Spring or fall—summer heat can be intense in the Southwest.

Before You Go

Before setting out on any road trip, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few essentials to help your journey go smoothly:

Check current road conditions, weather forecasts, and travel advisories.
From flash floods to snowstorms, being aware of weather changes can help you plan smarter and stay safer.
Look ahead at your key stops.
Double-check whether attractions, visitor centers, trailheads, or scenic byways are open and accessible. Some roads close seasonally or for maintenance, and unexpected rockslides or wildfires can cause detours. It’s always worth a quick online search—or a call to a local ranger station.
Inspect your vehicle.
Make sure your car is road-trip ready: check your tire pressure (including the spare!), oil, fluids, brakes, and battery. If it’s been a while since your last tune-up, now’s the time.
Consider booking your stays in advance.
Especially if you're traveling during holidays, near national parks, or to popular towns—securing your lodging ahead of time gives you peace of mind and one less thing to think about when you're tired from the drive.
Pack snacks, entertainment, and offline essentials.
Load up on snacks, water, and music or audiobooks for the road. Download your maps and playlists in case you lose service—and keep a paper backup just in case.
Leave room for the unexpected.
The most memorable parts of a road trip are often the ones you didn’t plan. A detour that led to a hidden overlook. A diner you found by chance. A slower morning because the sunrise was just too good to rush.

Final Thoughts: The Road Is Yours

Road trips invite us to slow down, look around, and savor the journey—not just the destination. Whether you’re crossing state lines or just wandering through a region nearby, these drives offer something rare in a fast-paced world: time to breathe, reflect, and connect with the world around you.

So plan enough to feel prepared, leave enough space to be surprised, and remember that some of the best stories begin with a full tank, a loose plan, and a wide-open road.

Here’s to the miles ahead—and the memories you’re about to make.

Which road trip is calling your name this year? Have you driven any of these routes—or do you have a favorite that should’ve made the list?

Drop your favorite stops, hidden gems, or tips in the comments below!
You might just inspire someone else’s next great adventure.

Travel Well,

10 Best U.S. Road Trips to Take This Year