Here are the best road trips in the USA, chosen for American travellers. The open road is the American way to travel. These drives deliver unforgettable scenery.
Best road trips in the USA
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
Big Sur cliffs and beach towns. See our PCH itinerary.
2. Utah’s Mighty 5
Five national parks. See our itinerary.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
Appalachian overlooks.
4. Overseas Highway, Florida
Island-hopping to Key West. See our Keys road trip.
Hit the road prepared
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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5. Route 66
Chicago to Santa Monica.
6. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Glacier’s alpine road.
7. Great River Road
Follows the Mississippi.
8. Seward Highway, Alaska
Fjords and glaciers.
9. New England foliage loop
See our 7-day plan.
10. Hana Highway, Maui
Waterfalls and rainforest.
Road trip tips
Plan fuel stops in remote areas, check road closures and use our road trip packing list.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
San Francisco
San Francisco is a compact, hilly city of cable cars, Victorian houses and fog rolling under the Golden Gate Bridge, with Napa, Muir Woods and the Pacific coast close by. Read our San Francisco travel guide.
- Best time: September and October (warmest and clearest)
- Getting there: About 1–1.5 hours to Napa; 3.5–4 hours to Yosemite
- Don’t miss: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Cable cars
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)
Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, with red-rock arches, mesas and world-class mountain biking and off-roading. Read our Moab (Arches and Canyonlands) travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to October
- Getting there: About 4 hours from Salt Lake City; 1.5 hours from Grand Junction
- Don’t miss: Delicate Arch, Arches timed entry and Mesa Arch
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is known as the Crown of the Continent, with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, turquoise lakes and more than 700 miles of trails. Read our Glacier National Park travel guide.
- Best time: July to September
- Getting there: About 30 minutes from Kalispell to West Glacier
- Don’t miss: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass and Lake McDonald
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Key West
Key West is the southernmost point of the continental US, a laid-back island of pastel houses, sunset celebrations and turquoise water. Read our Key West travel guide.
- Best time: December to May
- Getting there: About 3.5–4 hours from Miami
- Don’t miss: Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Southernmost Point buoy
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Trail-ready gear
- Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - High-capacity power banks for road trips BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Pacific Coast Highway, California is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.