Best road trip routes
Looking for the best road trip routes? From the stunning coastal drives of California's Pacific Coast Highway to the rugged beauty of Iceland's Ring Road, there are countless options for road trip enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking dramatic landscapes, charming small towns, or iconic landmarks, there's a road trip route out there for everyone.
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One of the most iconic road trip routes is the Pacific Coast Highway, which stretches from Southern to Northern California. This route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as access to popular destinations such as Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara. For those looking to explore a different corner of the globe, Iceland's Ring Road offers a unique road trip experience. This circular route takes travelers around the entire island, showcasing stunning waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and quaint fishing villages. Other notable road trip routes include the Great Ocean Road in Australia, the Trans-Canada Highway, and the classic Route 66 in the United States. No matter where your road trip takes you, the journey itself is sure to be filled with adventure and unforgettable memories.
Route 66View AllRoute 66 - Historic highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Pacific Coast HighwayView AllPacific Coast Highway - Scenic coastal road in California with stunning ocean views.
Blue Ridge ParkwayView AllBlue Ridge Parkway - Scenic road through Appalachian Mountains with breathtaking views.
Great River RoadView AllGreat River Road - Scenic route along the Mississippi River in the US.
Overseas HighwayView AllOverseas Highway - Scenic coastal road connecting Florida Keys.
Going-to-the-Sun RoadView AllGoing-to-the-Sun Road - Scenic mountain road in Glacier National Park, Montana.
Million Dollar HighwayView AllMillion Dollar Highway - Scenic and thrilling mountain road in Colorado.
The Loneliest RoadView AllThe Loneliest Road - Desolate, isolated highway cutting through Nevada's vast emptiness.
Columbia River HighwayView AllColumbia River Highway - Scenic road through the Columbia River Gorge.
Route 1 - Big SurView AllRoute 1 - Big Sur - Scenic coastal drive with breathtaking views.
Best road trip routes
1.
Route 66
Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, this iconic road has been the subject of songs, movies, and countless road trips. Built in 1926, Route 66 was a major thoroughfare for travelers and migrants seeking a better life during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Although it was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985, many portions of the road still exist and attract tourists looking to experience a piece of American history.
Pros
Iconic American road trip- historic landmarks
- unique roadside attractions
Cons
Can be crowded- sections are in disrepair
- limited services in some areas
2.
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a scenic and iconic road that runs along the coast of California. Stretching for over 600 miles, it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. The highway passes through charming coastal towns, including Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur, and offers access to popular landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hearst Castle. It is a popular route for road trips and is known for its stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and whale watching.
Pros
- Stunning ocean views
- scenic drive
- access to beautiful beaches
Cons
- Heavy traffic
- risk of landslides
- limited parking
3.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road that stretches for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known for its breathtaking views, the parkway offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The route is also popular for its vibrant fall foliage and diverse wildlife. In addition to its natural beauty, the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to historic sites, cultural exhibits, and visitor centers that provide insight into the region's rich heritage.
Pros
- Stunning scenic views
- diverse wildlife
- access to hiking trails
Cons
- Limited amenities
- can be crowded during peak seasons
- potential for dangerous driving conditions
4.
Great River Road
The Great River Road is a scenic byway that follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. This picturesque route offers travelers stunning views of the river, as well as access to charming river towns, historic sites, and natural attractions. Along the way, visitors can explore national and state parks, enjoy outdoor recreational activities, and experience the culture and heritage of the communities that line the river. The Great River Road is a popular destination for road trips, offering a unique and diverse travel experience for all who venture along its path.
Pros
- Scenic views
- historical sites
- access to outdoor activities
Cons
- Traffic congestion
- potential for flooding
- limited amenities in some areas
5.
Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway, also known as U.S. Route 1, is a 113-mile highway that connects the islands of the Florida Keys. It is a famous scenic drive that offers stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The highway was built on the former route of the Florida East Coast Railway, and it features 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. The Overseas Highway is a popular tourist destination, offering access to a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, snorkeling, and beachcombing. It is also a popular route for road trips and motorcycle rides.
Pros
- Stunning ocean views
- connects mainland Florida to the Florida Keys
Cons
- Can be congested with traffic
- vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms
6.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic drive that spans 50 miles through Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. It winds through the breathtaking landscapes of the park, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and alpine meadows. The road is a marvel of engineering, with hairpin turns and narrow passages carved into the rugged terrain. It is a popular route for sightseeing, photography, and wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and other wildlife. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the beauty of the American West.
Pros
- Stunning views
- access to popular hiking trails
- unique engineering
Cons
- Narrow road
- steep drop-offs
- limited parking
- traffic congestion
7.
Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic and historic stretch of road that winds through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Known for its breathtaking views and hairpin turns, the highway connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray and is part of the San Juan Skyway, a designated National Scenic Byway. The road is famous for its steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and lack of guardrails, making it a thrilling and sometimes nerve-wracking drive for visitors. The Million Dollar Highway offers travelers a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies and is a popular route for sightseeing and outdoor recreation.
Pros
- Stunning scenic views
- thrilling driving experience
Cons
- Steep drop-offs
- narrow lanes
- challenging for inexperienced drivers
8.
The Loneliest Road
The Loneliest Road, also known as U.S. Route 50, is a stretch of highway that runs through the desolate and isolated areas of Nevada. It earned its nickname from a 1986 Life Magazine article that described it as the "Loneliest Road in America" due to its long stretches of emptiness and lack of services. The road is known for its stark and beautiful landscapes, including rugged mountains, wide open desert plains, and breathtaking sunsets. Despite its isolation, it has become a popular route for road trips and adventurous travelers seeking a unique and remote experience.
Pros
- Isolation
- self-discovery
- minimal distractions
Cons
- Limited resources
- potential danger
- lack of support
9.
Columbia River Highway
The Columbia River Highway is a historic scenic route in the state of Oregon, running along the Columbia River Gorge. It was the first scenic highway in the United States and is known for its breathtaking views of waterfalls, forests, and the river itself. The highway was constructed in the early 20th century and is a National Historic Landmark. It is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and sightseeing. The Columbia River Highway is a testament to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the ingenuity of early American road engineering.
Pros
- Scenic views
- historic significance
- access to outdoor activities
Cons
- Traffic congestion
- limited parking
- potential for rockslides
10.
Route 1 - Big Sur
Route 1, also known as Big Sur, is a scenic highway that stretches along the coast of California. It offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and lush forests. The route is famous for its winding roads and dramatic landscapes, making it a popular destination for road trips and sightseeing. Travelers can stop at various viewpoints and state parks along the way, such as the Bixby Creek Bridge and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, to take in the natural beauty of the area. Route 1 in Big Sur is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the stunning coastline of California.
Pros
- Stunning coastal views
- scenic drive
- beautiful hiking trails
Cons
- Narrow and winding road
- heavy traffic
- limited amenities