Dave and I like highway journeys, and we’ve taken quite a lot of them world wide. In our 30 years collectively, we’ve pushed quite a lot of the USA. It’s a large nation and it could take a lifetime to see all of it, however we have now put fairly a dent within the backroads of America and put collectively this information the place we have now compiled among the finest highway journeys within the USA that promise breathtaking views, charming sights, and an unforgettable journey.
From the sun-drenched coasts of California to the rugged great thing about the Rocky Mountains, the USA is house to among the most various and placing landscapes on this planet. There isn’t a higher solution to discover this huge nation than by taking a highway journey. So buckle up and put together to hit the open highway!
Nice Highway Journeys in The US
Earlier than hitting the highway in America, remember to decide up your Nationwide Parks Entrance Go. The $80 USD annual charge offers entry to United States nationwide parks and nationwide wildlife refuges and nationwide forests. This American Highway Journey information goes by quite a lot of Nationwide Parks and Nationwide Forests and also you don’t need to at all times be scrambling for money.
If you’re flying in and must hire a automobile, take a look at RentalCars.com for automobile rental comparisons within the vacation spot of your alternative.
1. Pacific Coast Freeway, California
The Pacific Coast Freeway (PCH) is among the most iconic and finest highway journeys within the US and for good purpose. Stretching from simply north of San Francisco to Capistrano Seashore between Los Angeles and San Diego, this drive gives unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean and offers you an unmatched style of the California shoreline.
Essentially the most scenic stretch begins as you drive south from San Francisco. Driving throughout the Golden Gate Bridge, town is left behind and also you begin to see the actual great thing about this drive. A little bit additional down the highway is Santa Cruz, identified for its laid-back surf tradition and the colourful Santa Cruz Seashore Boardwalk.
Proceed on to Monterey, the place you possibly can Kayak with sea lions as we did or simply stroll alongside Cannery Row, made well-known by novelist John Steinbeck. Then comes the piece de resistance, Massive Sur. It is a good spot to cease and do some tenting and it’ll assist you to take a while to cease at McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades immediately into the Pacific Ocean, and Pfieffer Seashore which is an unbelievable place for sundown.
Go by the opulent city of Santa Barbara, often known as the “American Riviera”, earlier than ending your journey in Los Angeles or persevering with on to San Diego. All the route is thought for its stunning seashores and family-friendly sights.
After doing this drive we understood why the PCH is a standout amongst American highway journeys. Its imposing shoreline, intriguing sights, and various landscapes present a very unforgettable journey.
Location: California Distance: Roughly 600 miles Recommended Time to Full: 5 to 7 days Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer crowded vacationer spots
Plan Your Pacific Coast Freeway Journey With these Assets
2. Route 66: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
One of the iconic and historic highways in the USA, Route 66, also referred to as the Primary Road of America, is a highway journey steeped within the tradition and historical past of the nation. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, all the best way to Santa Monica, California, this epic 2,448-mile journey takes you thru a broad cross-section of American landscapes and landmarks.
Beginning in Chicago, you’ll cross by the cornfields of Illinois, the plains of Kansas, the desert landscapes of Arizona, and eventually, the sandy seashores of California. This diverse journey is an immersive expertise that provides you a way of the vastness and variety of the nation.
Alongside the best way, you’ll encounter many iconic landmarks and sights. These embody the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, the Cadillac Ranch public artwork set up in Texas, and the Petrified Forest Nationwide Park in Arizona. Each cease on Route 66 holds a chunk of American historical past, whether or not it’s a classic fuel station, a traditional diner, or a unusual roadside attraction.
Route 66 isn’t only a freeway—it’s a slice of Americana. It embodies a spirit of freedom, discovery, and nostalgia that resonates with road-trippers. Touring alongside Route 66 is a journey again in time, providing a glimpse into a big period of American historical past.
Whether or not you’re eager on exploring the cultural heritage of America, excited by its architectural landmarks, or just searching for various experiences, Route 66 gives an unforgettable highway journey. As you traverse this historic freeway, you’ll not solely witness the altering landscapes but additionally the evolution of America itself.
See all the high sights on Route 66 right here.
Location: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California Distance: Roughly 2,448 miles Recommended Time to Full: 2 to 4 weeks Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Spring and fall for milder climate
Plan Your Route 66 Journey With these Assets
3. Scenic Byway 12: Crimson Canyon to Torrey, Utah
Scenic Byway 12 is a 123-mile-long highway situated in Utah. This magnificent stretch of highway is thought for its various geological options and jagged formations and purple rock landscapes. It is among the most scenic highways within the nation.
Beginning at Crimson Canyon, you’ll traverse landscapes that shift from rust-red cliffs to sprawling alpine forests. The drive takes you thru a number of state parks and nationwide parks, together with Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park which is famend for its distinctive spire-shaped rock formations that everybody is aware of so effectively from outdated Westerns. You’ll be dazzled by the slot canyons and sandstone cliffs of Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument.
A spotlight of the drive is the stretch often known as the Hogback, the place the highway is bordered by steep cliffs dropping off into the valley under, providing exhilarating views. Different notable stops alongside the route embody the Anasazi State Park Museum, which showcases the historical past and tradition of the Anasazi Individuals, and the city of Boulder, which holds the excellence of being one of many final communities within the U.S. to obtain mail by mule.
Finish your journey within the city of Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. Right here you possibly can additional discover Utah’s distinctive geological landscapes, characterised by layered sandstone, canyons, and placing rock formations.
If you’re in search of an important Nationwide Parks Highway Journey, Scenic Byway 12 gives a rewarding journey by among the most picturesque and various landscapes in the USA.
Location: Crimson Canyon to Torrey, Utah Distance: Roughly 123 miles Recommended Time to Full: 1 to 2 days Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer crowds
Plan Your Utah Journey With these Assets
4. Hana Freeway: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
The world-famous Hana Freeway is among the high highway journeys in America. This 45-mile (72 km) stretch of highway runs from Hana to Paia on Maui in Hawaii. It could be quick, however this single-lane freeway working alongside the north shore of Maui is an awe-inspiring drive with a twisting coastal highway clinging to the rocky shores containing 600 hairpin turns and crossing 59 bridges.
In case you’re up for an unique and tropical highway journey, the Hana Freeway on the island of Maui, Hawaii, is the one for you. This 64.4-mile stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 is thought for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and ocean vistas.
Starting in Paia, the Hana Freeway winds alongside Maui’s northeastern coast, traversing 59 bridges (lots of that are one-lane) and greater than 600 curves. The drive is famend for its breathtaking views of pristine rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the glowing Pacific Ocean.
Cease by the Backyard of Eden Arboretum, house to a various vary of tropical vegetation, or go to the historic Keanae Peninsula for a glimpse of outdated Hawaii. One other must-see is the Wai’anapanapa State Park, the place you possibly can discover a black sand seaside, a seabird colony, lava tubes, blowholes, and freshwater caves.
Your journey concludes within the small, remoted city of Hana, a spot that feels worlds away from the bustling resorts of Maui. Right here, you possibly can discover Hana Seashore Park, the Hasegawa Normal Retailer, and the Hana Cultural Heart and Museum.
The Hana Freeway gives an unforgettable tropical highway journey, permitting you to discover the pure wonders and cultural heritage of Maui at a leisurely tempo. With 18 waterfalls, the Haleakala Nationwide Park, bamboo forests, and Banyan bushes, that is the drive of a lifetime. See the whole information to Highway to Hana: Freeway Map, Issues to Do, And Ideas
Location: Paia to Hana, Maui, Hawaii Distance: Roughly 64.4 miles Recommended Time to Full: 1 to 2 days Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Yr-round, though winter could be rainier
Plan Your Maui Journey With these Assets
5. Abroad Freeway: Miami to Key West, Florida
It’s actually considered one of our favourite highway journeys in America. Driving from Miami to Key West transforms from mainland USA to a little bit slice of the Caribbean. When you hop on the Abroad Freeway to the Florida Keys you are feeling as when you’ve got entered a special nation.
In case you’re dreaming of an idyllic coastal drive, then the Abroad Freeway will definitely ship. This 113-mile freeway, a part of U.S. Route 1, begins in Miami and ends in Key West, the southernmost level of the continental United States. The route traverses the gorgeous archipelago of the Florida Keys, providing placing views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the encircling islands.
Your journey will begin amidst the bustle of Miami. As you proceed, the city panorama step by step offers solution to the serene tropical great thing about the Keys. The freeway, typically known as the Freeway That Goes to Sea, is a marvel of recent engineering. It consists of 42 bridges, essentially the most iconic of which is the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.
Alongside the route, there are numerous alternatives for leisure actions reminiscent of fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking. You can even go to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the primary undersea park in the USA, or the Dolphin Analysis Heart in Grassy Key.
Upon reaching Key West, benefit from the laid-back vibe of this small however vigorous island metropolis. Go to the Ernest Hemingway Dwelling and Museum, benefit from the sundown at Mallory Sq., or simply loosen up at one of many many sandy seashores. Now that’s a highway journey!
The Abroad Freeway gives an distinctive mix of lovely coastal views, leisure actions, and cultural experiences. It’s a highway journey that mixes journey, leisure, and the distinctive attraction of the Florida Keys.
Location: Miami to Key West, Florida Distance: Roughly 113 miles Recommended Time to Full: 2 to three days Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Winter and spring, when the climate is delicate and dry
Plan Your Highway Journey to Florida the Florida Keys with these different Florida guides
6. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina
Connecting two nationwide parks – Shenandoah Nationwide Park in Virginia and the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park in North Carolina – the Blue Ridge Parkway is a serene and scenic route identified for its gorgeous mountain vistas, various plant and animal life, and historic and cultural treasures.
Beginning in Virginia, the Parkway meanders by the Appalachian Mountains, providing unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge mountain vary. The route’s many overlooks present numerous alternatives to cease, take within the views, and snap a memorable picture.
Points of interest alongside the best way embody the Humpback Rocks, which provide perception into the lifetime of the area’s early settlers, and the Peaks of Otter with its ample leisure actions. Don’t miss the enduring Mabry Mill, one of the vital photographed websites on the Parkway, and an important place to be taught concerning the early grist and sawmilling processes.
Upon reaching North Carolina, you’ll come throughout the best level of the Parkway at Richland Balsam Overlook, standing at an elevation of 6,053 ft. Additional alongside, the Parkway concludes close to the southern entrance of the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, America’s most visited nationwide park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is greater than only a highway; it’s a stupendous journey that intertwines with the cultural and pure historical past of the Appalachian Mountains.
Location: Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia to Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, North Carolina Distance: Roughly 469 miles Recommended Time to Full: 2 to three days Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Spring for flowering shrubs and bushes, fall for vibrant foliage
7. Going-to-the-Solar Highway: Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana
For a very spectacular mountain driving expertise, Going-to-the-Solar Highway in Montana’s Glacier Nationwide Park is a must-do. This 50-mile route, identified for its excellent pure magnificence, dramatic cliffs, and awe-inspiring vistas, is a testomony to human engineering means.
Your journey begins on the park’s west entrance and winds by mountainous terrain, providing breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. A spotlight of the drive is Logan Go, the best level on the highway, with an elevation of 6,646 ft. Right here, you possibly can cease on the customer middle or discover the close by mountaineering trails.
Alongside the best way, there are quite a few alternatives for outside actions. You possibly can hike alongside the park’s in depth path system, go wildlife recognizing, or just take pleasure in a picnic amidst the gorgeous panorama. The highway can be a gateway to most of the park’s high sights, together with Lake McDonald, the Backyard Wall, and the St. Mary Valley.
Going-to-the-Solar Highway gives an unforgettable journey by among the nation’s most dramatic landscapes. This drive isn’t just about reaching your vacation spot—it’s about soaking within the grandeur of nature alongside the best way.
Location: Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana Distance: Roughly 50 miles Recommended Time to Full: 1 day Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Summer season, when your complete route is open. Be aware that sure sections of the highway could also be closed in different seasons as a consequence of snow.
8. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
In case you’re seeking to discover a wide ranging mix of coastal, rainforest, and mountainous landscapes, the Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington State is the highway journey for you. Encircling the Olympic Nationwide Park, the Loop is a veritable showcase of the Pacific Northwest’s pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage.
Ranging from Seattle, the 330-mile journey brings you onto scenic Freeway 101. Your first cease may very well be the Victorian seaport city of Port Townsend, identified for its well-preserved Victorian buildings and vibrant arts scene.
As you proceed west, be certain that to discover the magnificent Hoh Rainforest, one of many largest temperate rainforests within the U.S. Stroll the Corridor of Mosses Path, and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped into one other world, the place each floor is roofed in a lush blanket of moss.
Additional alongside the coast, the placing sea stacks and driftwood-covered seashores of Ruby Seashore supply an ideal spot for pictures. Cease by the coastal Native American village of La Push to soak within the sights and be taught concerning the native Quileute tradition.
The city of Forks is a must-visit for Twilight followers, whereas the Sol Duc Scorching Springs is the place to loosen up in mineral-rich thermal swimming pools. As you full the Loop, don’t miss the panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada from Hurricane Ridge.
The Olympic Peninsula Loop gives an immersive exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s various ecosystems and charming communities. It’s a highway journey that lingers in your reminiscence lengthy after the journey’s finish.
Location: Olympic Peninsula, Washington Distance: Roughly 330 miles Recommended Time to Full: 2 to 4 days Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Spring to fall; summer season gives the very best climate, whereas fall presents spectacular autumn colours.
Plan Your Washington State Journey With these Assets
9. Path Ridge Highway, Colorado
Path Ridge Highway in Colorado, part of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, is an awe-inspiring journey by considered one of America’s most iconic landscapes. Often called the “Freeway to the Sky,” Path Ridge Highway holds the excellence of being the best constantly paved highway in the USA, reaching elevations of over 12,000 ft.
Your journey begins within the charming city of Estes Park, a vacation spot in its personal proper, famed for its distinctive outlets, eating places, and the historic Stanley Resort, which impressed Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
As you ascend on Path Ridge Highway, you transition from verdant forests into the subalpine area, the place wildflowers shade the panorama within the hotter months. Ultimately, you attain the alpine world above the tree line. This tundra-like atmosphere, sparse but hauntingly stunning, gives panoramic views that stretch to Wyoming within the north and the guts of Colorado within the south.
Don’t miss the Alpine Customer Heart, situated close to the best level of the highway. It gives reveals on the alpine tundra ecosystem, a present store, and a café. Take a stroll alongside the adjoining Alpine Ridge Path for much more breathtaking vistas.
Descending the western slope, you arrive at Grand Lake, a serene mountain city on the shores of Colorado’s largest pure lake. Right here, you possibly can loosen up, dine, and recreate earlier than persevering with your Colorado journey.
Driving Path Ridge Highway is a mesmerizing expertise, full of pure grandeur and infinite views. It’s a testomony to the wild, rugged great thing about the Rocky Mountains.
Location: Estes Park to Grand Lake, Colorado Distance: Roughly 48 miles Recommended Time to Full: 2 to three hours, however enable additional time for stops and exploration Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Late Might to October, relying on snow circumstances; the highway is closed in winter as a consequence of heavy snowfall.
Plan Your Colorado Journey With these Assets
10. Alaska Freeway: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska
For the adventurous road-tripper searching for the grandeur of untouched wilderness, the Alaska Freeway, also referred to as the ALCAN, is a visit of a lifetime. Beginning in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska, the freeway traverses by among the most distant and rugged landscapes in North America.
Expertise unparalleled vistas of snow-capped mountains, huge forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Alongside the route, maintain an eye fixed out for an array of wildlife, together with moose, bears, and eagles. Points of interest embody Liard River Scorching Springs Provincial Park, considered one of Canada’s largest pure sizzling springs, and Kluane Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site famed for its glaciers and excessive peaks.
Location: Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska Distance: Roughly 1,387 miles Recommended Time to Full: 5 to 7 days Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Summer season, for the very best climate and highway circumstances
Plan Your Alaska Journey With these Assets
11. Million Greenback Freeway: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado
The Million Greenback Freeway, a part of U.S. Route 550, is a brief however unforgettable route in Colorado. Identified for its jaw-dropping mountainous views, the drive from Silverton to Ouray is taken into account one of the vital stunning within the nation.
As you traverse this route, you’ll be handled to staggering views of the Uncompahgre Gorge, the San Juan Mountains, and quite a few waterfalls. The highway is particularly stunning within the fall when the encircling aspen bushes flip a superb gold. Be aware that this drive isn’t for the faint-hearted—it options steep cliffs, slim lanes, and no guardrails.
Location: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado Distance: Roughly 25 miles Recommended Time to Full: 1 day Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Summer season and fall, when the highway is freed from snow
12. Natchez Hint Parkway: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee
The Natchez Hint Parkway is a 444-mile drive by distinctive surroundings and 10,000 years of North American historical past. Utilized by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” settlers, and future presidents, the Outdated Hint performed an necessary function in American historical past. In the present day, guests can take pleasure in not solely a scenic drive but additionally mountaineering, biking, horseback driving, and tenting.
Starting in Natchez, Mississippi, the Parkway takes you thru a myriad of fixing landscapes: from the deep forests of Mississippi, the rolling farmland of Alabama, to the hills of Tennessee. It’s not unusual to see a wide range of wildlife from the consolation of your automobile, together with deer, turkeys, and quite a few chicken species.
Historic highlights alongside the best way embody the Emerald Mound, one of many largest Native American mounds in the USA, and the Meriwether Lewis Monument, devoted to the famed explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Close to the Tennessee finish of the Parkway, you possibly can discover the Outdated Hint Drive, one of many final remaining segments of the unique Natchez Hint.
Upon reaching the colourful metropolis of Nashville, you’ll discover a distinction to the tranquil journey alongside the Parkway, however with its personal historic and cultural sights, such because the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum and the historic Ryman Auditorium.
The Natchez Hint Parkway is a journey of magnificence, historical past, and tradition, that really has one thing for everybody.
Location: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee Distance: Roughly 444 miles Recommended Time to Full: 2 to 4 days Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Spring for blooming wildflowers, fall for colourful foliage
13. Park Loop Highway, Maine
Nestled within the coronary heart of Acadia Nationwide Park, the Park Loop Highway in Maine presents a charming journey by a various array of landscapes together with mountains, forests, and the rugged Atlantic shoreline. This 27-mile loop showcases the park’s highlights, making it a must-visit highway journey for nature lovers and outside fanatics.
Your journey begins on the Hulls Cove Customer Heart, the place you possibly can collect maps and details about the park. As you enterprise onto Park Loop Highway, you’ll first encounter the Sieur de Monts Spring, house to the Wild Gardens of Acadia and the Abbe Museum, which highlights the tradition and historical past of Maine’s Native American tribes.
Additional alongside, you possibly can marvel on the sheer cliffs and crashing waves at Thunder Gap, a pure rock inlet the place the ocean typically creates thunderous sounds and spectacular splashes. The close by Sand Seashore, though often too chilly for swimming, is ideal for a scenic stroll or a picnic.
Don’t miss the chance to drive as much as the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the best level alongside the North Atlantic seaboard. Arrive at dawn or sundown for a very unforgettable spectacle.
Persevering with on, you’ll discover a number of pullouts with views of picturesque harbors, off-shore islands, and mountain vistas. Discover Jordan Pond Path, a leisurely path round a crystal-clear glacial lake with the North and South Bubble Mountains framing the scene.
A drive alongside Park Loop Highway supplies a various and enriching expertise of Acadia Nationwide Park’s pure treasures. It’s a highway journey that encapsulates the sweetness and attract of coastal Maine.
Location: Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine Distance: Roughly 27 miles Recommended Time to Full: Half to a full day, relying on stops and actions Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Spring by fall; the highway is often closed in winter as a consequence of snow circumstances.
14. Arizona Highway Journey
Arizona is among the biggest states for road-tripping in the USA. From Tucson to The Grand Canyon, this drive takes you thru essentially the most stunning desert and rocky panorama within the nation. Discover the Wild West City of Tombstone Arizona and be awed by the cactus forests of Saguaro Nationwide Park West. See the cosmically non secular metropolis of Sedona for some Native historical past and marvel on the Montezuma Citadel monument.
This highway journey route pops onto Route 66 the place you’ll get to face on the nook of Winslow, Arizona earlier than witnessing the unbelievable monument valley.
There are such a lot of issues to see and earlier than the journey is over you’ll witness Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon previous to reaching the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. May this be higher? Learn your complete Arizona Highway Journey, Itinerary to start out planning.
15. California’s Inside – LA to Yosemite
Most individuals consider the Pacific Coast Freeway 1 by Massive Sur on a California highway journey, however driving the inside of California is the place all the enduring surroundings involves life.
California Route 95 is a traditional drive stretching from the Mexico border in Arizona all the best way to Canada. Whereas this highway journey doesn’t spend quite a lot of time on that freeway, it does cease at unbelievable highway journey locations unto itself.
From Los Angeles drive west to see Joshua Tree Nationwide Park and marvel at these unusual outdated twisted bushes earlier than driving on to the Mojave Nationwide Protect earlier than popping into the most well liked, lowest and driest place you’ll ever encounter. Dying Valley Nationwide Park is a stark panorama that reaches temperatures of 120 levels.
At 282 ft under sea degree, it is usually the bottom level in all of North America but it surely captures a magnificence past creativeness. The journey continues to stunning Mammoth Lakes and eventually ends at Yosemite Nationwide Park. Learn extra at our: California highway journey.
16. Scenic Route 100: Wilmington to Stowe, Vermont
Crossing into Vermont is our “Go-To” vacation spot for snowboarding exterior of Quebec. However in the summertime, this can be a attractive highway journey that can be well-known for its fall colors. Vermont’s longest freeway takes you thru the New England Villages of the Inexperienced Mountains. Whereas this may be pushed any time of yr, we advise in autumn when the autumn colors are in full swing.
Pop into Lake Whitingham for some paddling earlier than heading to West Dover to do some mountaineering or mountain biking up the mountain of Mount Snow.
Don’t overlook to pop into Plymouth Notch to see the birthplace of President Calvin Coolage earlier than driving on to Waterbury to tour the Ben and Jerry’s manufacturing facility. Mmm, I like ice cream on a highway journey.
The journey ends at Stowe, our favourite ski resort in Vermont the place you possibly can go to the highest of Mt. Mansfield for epic views. (you don’t even must hike this one, you possibly can drive straight to the highest! That is positively the most effective east coast highway journeys within the US.
17. Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (and Past)
We spent one summer season driving throughout the inside of California, Nevada, and Utah, and the place that stunned us essentially the most was Las Vegas. Not town itself, however the stunning panorama surrounding it. Be certain that to do some mountaineering at Crimson Rocks earlier than you permit city.
As you permit town, cease to see Valley of Hearth State Park, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. It’s solely a four-hour drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon however there’s a lot happening on this little circle tour by Nevada and Arizona.
For one thing distinctive cease on the Grand Canyon West Skywalk Glass Bridge that takes you 4,000 ft above the canyon. Spend a number of days going mountaineering or whitewater rafting. Be certain that to move a little bit farther south to Flagstaff to hop on Route 66 for a bit.
From right here you possibly can head again to Vegas, or go north to see the well-known Antelope Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs Nationwide Monument earlier than heading to Zion Nationwide Park to do some epic mountaineering. That may be so much, however there’s a lot to see and do on this a part of the USA. It’s your decision a whole summer season!
18. Loneliest Highway in America
Stretching from Sacramento to Maryland, Route 50 has been dubbed the Loneliest Highway in America. However how can or not it’s lonely when it passes by so many nice locations? I’ll admit we haven’t pushed your complete route, however we have now popped on it and we’ve witnessed lots of its well-liked sights.
If you’re seeking to drive one of the vital epic highway journeys within the US, route 50 is the best way to go. This 3,000-mile drive takes you thru 11 states.
After leaving San Francisco (the place you’ll begin your lengthy drive) spend a day or two in Sacramento earlier than heading to Lake Tahoe for a number of nights earlier than crossing into Nevada. With Nationwide parks alongside the best way, you’ll see a few of America’s most iconic surroundings at Arches Nationwide Park and Canyonlands NP.
Take your time going by the Colorado Rockies after which benefit from the midwest hospitality of Kansas Metropolis. You’ll even get to discover the monuments of Washington DC. This capital metropolis completely stunned us. Have a good time the top of your drive at Ocean Metropolis in Maryland.
And there you will have it, you’ve just about crossed America from Coast to Coast and from Canada to Mexico. Alaska didn’t make our USA highway journeys listing solely as a result of we took a practice by the state, but it surely’s excessive on our listing to drive, particularly after we drove the Dempster Freeway within the Neighbouring Yukon Territories. Northern North America is spectacular!
19. Cross Nation Highway Journey: East Coast to West Coast
In case you’re up for the final word American highway journey journey, why not traverse your complete width of the USA? A cross-country highway journey from the East Coast to the West Coast lets you expertise the huge range of landscapes, cultures, and sights that the USA has to supply.
Start your journey in New York Metropolis, the place you possibly can discover iconic landmarks like Instances Sq., Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. From there, you may take Interstate 80 by the guts of Pennsylvania and Ohio, the place you’ll discover charming small cities and bustling cities alike.
In Illinois, a detour to Chicago gives a style of deep-dish pizza and views from the Willis Tower Skydeck. As you head west into Iowa and Nebraska, you’ll be handled to the sight of America’s heartland, with its lush farmlands and open skies.
The mountains begin to seem as you attain Colorado. Take a pause in Denver for some Rocky Mountain exploration earlier than persevering with westward into Utah, the place the gorgeous pure great thing about its nationwide parks awaits.
Nevada will greet you with the intense lights of Las Vegas, a stark distinction to the tranquility of the desert. Lastly, as you attain the Pacific Ocean in California, you may both drive as much as San Francisco or all the way down to Los Angeles relying in your choice.
A cross-country highway journey is an epic journey that showcases the nation’s vastness and variety. It’s a journey that creates recollections to final a lifetime.
Location: New York Metropolis, New York to Los Angeles or San Francisco, California Distance: Roughly 2,800 to three,000 miles Recommended Time to Full: 2 to 4 weeks Greatest Time of Yr to Journey: Spring and fall for milder climate and fewer site visitors
Greatest Highway Journeys within the US FAQs:
What’s the most scenic highway journey in America?
Whereas magnificence is subjective and every highway journey gives its distinctive scenic attraction, many vacationers contemplate the Pacific Coast Freeway in California and the Going-to-the-Solar Highway in Montana among the many most scenic in America.
Which month is finest for a USA highway journey?
The perfect month for a highway journey within the USA can rely on the precise route. Typically, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) supply milder climate and fewer crowded sights.
How do I plan a very good American highway journey?
Planning a very good American highway journey entails researching your required route, planning your stops and in a single day stays, making ready your automobile, packing appropriately, and guaranteeing you will have leisure and snacks for the journey.
What number of days do you want for an American highway journey?
The variety of days wanted for an American highway journey can fluctuate vastly relying on the route and the way a lot time you need to spend at every cease. For instance, a highway journey alongside Route 66 may take 2-4 weeks, whereas the drive alongside the Pacific Coast Freeway may take 3-7 days.
Our American Highway Journeys – Last Ideas
I do know what you might be pondering, there are fifty states in America and we solely scratched the floor. There are many wonderful highway journeys that we missed! We admit it, we haven’t seen all of them but, however with our new truck and a roof tent on the best way, we’re planning on hitting the highway when the borders open. Who is aware of, we might love road-tripping America a lot, we’ll swap in our truck for an RV! Nah we love staying in accommodations an excessive amount of, however a little bit of tenting alongside the best way is a should.