Famous American Road Trips: Iconic Routes and Stops

There’s nothing quite like an American road trip. Whether you're cruising along the coast, weaving through desert highways, or climbing mountain passes, the USA offers some of the most iconic driving routes in the world. Road trips are more than just a way to travel—they're a uniquely American tradition filled with history, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes.

From Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, this guide covers the most famous American road trips, highlighting the routes, must-see stops, and insider tips to help you plan your dream journey.

Why Road Trips Are a Big Deal in America

The vast size and geographic diversity of the United States make it perfect for road travel. Unlike smaller countries where cross-country trips take hours, a U.S. road trip can span multiple time zones and climates.

Here’s why road trips remain a favorite among Americans and tourists alike:

Freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
Flexibility to travel at your own pace
A chance to see varied landscapes—deserts, beaches, forests, and mountains
Affordable vacation option compared to flights and resorts

1. Route 66 – The Mother Road

📍 Route: Chicago, Illinois ➡️ Santa Monica, California

Distance: ~2,400 miles
Duration: 2–3 weeks (recommended)

No list of iconic American road trips is complete without Route 66. Dubbed the "Mother Road," this historic highway was established in 1926 and served as a major path for people migrating west.

🗺️ Highlights Along the Way:

Chicago, IL – Start your journey with deep-dish pizza and skyline views.
St. Louis, MO – Visit the Gateway Arch and enjoy BBQ.
Cadillac Ranch, TX – A quirky art installation of buried Cadillacs in Amarillo.
Santa Fe, NM – A cultural hub with Pueblo-style architecture and art galleries.
Santa Monica Pier, CA – Iconic endpoint on the Pacific Ocean.

🚗 Pro Tip:

Be sure to detour through Petrified Forest National Park and take your time in Oklahoma, home to classic diners and neon signs.

2. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

📍 Route: San Francisco ➡️ San Diego, California

Distance: ~600 miles
Duration: 4–7 days

This coastal drive is one of the most scenic in the world, with sweeping ocean views, seaside cliffs, and charming beach towns. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is perfect for photography lovers and beachgoers.

🗺️ Highlights Along the Way:

San Francisco – Ride a cable car and visit the Golden Gate Bridge.
Big Sur – Breathtaking cliffs and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
Santa Barbara – Spanish architecture and luxury vineyards.
Los Angeles – Hollywood, Santa Monica Beach, and Venice Boardwalk.
San Diego – Surf, sun, and vibrant nightlife.

🚗 Pro Tip:

Drive north to south to stay on the ocean side for the best views and easier access to turnouts.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway

📍 Route: Shenandoah National Park, VA ➡️ Great Smoky Mountains, NC

Distance: ~469 miles
Duration: 3–5 days

Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning foliage in fall and wildflowers in spring.

🗺️ Highlights Along the Way:

Skyline Drive – A scenic stretch through Shenandoah National Park.
Mabry Mill – One of the most photographed spots on the parkway.
Asheville, NC – Artsy town with a great food and craft beer scene.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife.

🚗 Pro Tip:

There are no commercial billboards or gas stations directly on the parkway, so plan fuel and food stops in advance.

4. The Great Northern (US Route 2)

📍 Route: Everett, Washington ➡️ Bar Harbor, Maine

Distance: ~3,600 miles
Duration: 3–4 weeks

For those craving a cross-country adventure through less-traveled terrain, US Route 2 offers stunning views of the northern U.S., passing through lakes, forests, and mountain ranges.

🗺️ Highlights Along the Way:

Glacier National Park, MT – Jaw-dropping alpine landscapes.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND – Hidden gem with bison and canyons.
Duluth, MN – Lake Superior views and lighthouses.
White Mountains, NH – Ideal for hiking and fall foliage.
Acadia National Park, ME – Rugged coastline and scenic drives.

🚗 Pro Tip:

Bring layers! The northern route can get cold, even in summer. Watch for moose and bears in rural stretches.

5. Florida Keys Overseas Highway

📍 Route: Miami ➡️ Key West, Florida

Distance: ~113 miles
Duration: 1–2 days

One of the most unique drives in the U.S., the Overseas Highway (US-1) connects Florida’s mainland to the tropical islands of the Keys via 42 bridges over the ocean.

🗺️ Highlights Along the Way:

Key Largo – Scuba diving and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Islamorada – Sport fishing capital of the world.
Seven Mile Bridge – Epic photo spot.
Key West – Southernmost point in the continental U.S., Hemingway House, and sunsets at Mallory Square.

🚗 Pro Tip:

Book accommodations in advance during peak season (December to March). Traffic can get heavy during weekends.

6. The Loneliest Road in America (US Route 50)

📍 Route: Ocean City, Maryland ➡️ Sacramento, California

Distance: ~3,000 miles
Duration: 2–3 weeks

Dubbed the “Loneliest Road in America” by Life Magazine, US Route 50 takes you through vast deserts, mountain ranges, and ghost towns, especially in Nevada.

🗺️ Highlights Along the Way:

Washington, D.C. – Start your trip with national monuments.
Cincinnati, OH – Underground Railroad history and chili.
Colorado Rockies – Scenic byways and hiking.
Ely & Austin, NV – Remote, eerie towns with Wild West charm.
Lake Tahoe, CA – End your trip with lakeside relaxation.

🚗 Pro Tip:

Make sure your car is in great shape. Gas stations can be hundreds of miles apart in some areas.

7. Alaska’s Seward Highway

📍 Route: Anchorage ➡️ Seward, Alaska

Distance: ~127 miles
Duration: 1 day (or more if exploring)

Short but spectacular, the Seward Highway is often overlooked because of its remote location. This route delivers some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the U.S.

🗺️ Highlights Along the Way:

Turnagain Arm – Watch for beluga whales and bald eagles.
Girdwood – Hike, ski, or relax at the Alyeska Resort.
Portage Glacier – Easy access to stunning glaciers.
Kenai Fjords National Park – Sea kayaking, fjords, and glaciers.

🚗 Pro Tip:

Visit in summer for the best weather and wildlife sightings. Winter drives require caution due to snow and ice.

Essential Road Trip Tips

✅ Plan, But Stay Flexible

Have a rough route, but allow for spontaneity. You might discover hidden gems along the way.

⛽ Fuel Up and Stock Up

Especially in rural areas, gas stations can be scarce. Always keep your tank at least half full.

🗺️ Offline Maps Matter

Cell coverage can be spotty. Download Google Maps or bring a physical map just in case.

🍴 Support Local

Eat at diners, shop at small stores, and stay in locally owned motels or Airbnbs.

🧰 Safety First

Carry a spare tire, toolkit, first-aid kit, and extra water. Always check the weather before long drives.

Whether you're dreaming of cruising along the sun-drenched coasts of California, navigating the historic highways of the Midwest, or exploring the remote wilderness of Alaska, there's a famous American road trip for everyone. Each route offers a blend of history, adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery—all best experienced with the windows down and your favorite playlist turned up.

So grab your keys, fuel up, and hit the road. Because in the United States, the journey is just as important as the destination.