Best Road Trip Destinations in the USA
Road trips are more than just a good time; they’re also very healing.
The act of driving itself is therapeutic, but it’s the side trips you take that make the whole journey worthwhile. Along the way, you can explore new places and discover hidden gems while learning about your country. Plus, road trips give you time to reconnect with friends or family members in an intimate setting–something we all need more of these days!
You can’t beat a good road trip for the ultimate adventure. Whether it’s to explore new places, find hidden gems, or just to reconnect with friends and family members, there are few better ways than packing up your car and hitting the open road. And when you’re looking at where you want to go on this epic journey of discovery, these are some of your best options!
1) Pacific Coast Highway (California)
There are many road trips to take in the United States, but one that no car enthusiast should miss is the Pacific Coast Highway. This route starts in Los Angeles and winds its way up to San Francisco along California’s picturesque coastline. On the trip, you’ll find plenty of quaint towns to stop at for lunch, stunning views of the ocean, and hairpin turns that will make your heart race.
2) The Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)
If you’re looking for a road trip with lots of history and gorgeous scenery, then the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great option. This route starts in Virginia and winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains, crossing into North Carolina before eventually terminating in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, you’ll find stunning views of forests, rivers, and mountains as well as plenty of opportunities to stop and explore local attractions.
3) Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
If you’re looking for a road trip with some serious thrills, then head to Montana and take the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This route starts at the bottom of Glacier National Park and winds its way to the top, crossing over 50 bridges and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4) The Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee)
For a road trip with a bit of everything, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a great choice. This route starts in Mississippi and winds its way through Alabama and Tennessee, passing through forests, fields, and small towns along the way. It’s a lovely way to explore the South without having to deal with hectic city life.
5) Olympic Peninsula (Washington)
For an adventure that’s all about nature, take a trip to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. This route starts at Puget Sound and heads west towards the Pacific Ocean, passing through forests and tiny towns along the way. You’re bound to see plenty of wildlife, not to mention some gorgeous views along this route.
6) Brandywine Valley (Delaware & Pennsylvania)
For an adventure that’s all about history, take a road trip along the Brandywine Valley. This route starts in Wilmington, Delaware and winds its way through Pennsylvania to Philadelphia. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of historic buildings, monuments, and museums as well as charming small towns full of character.
7) Cape Cod & the Islands (Massachusetts)
If you’re looking for a road trip with a relaxed vibe, take a trip to Cape Cod & the Islands. This route starts in Boston and winds its way through Provincetown, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket before ending back in Boston. You’ll find plenty of beaches, seafood restaurants, and charming towns to explore along the way.
8) The Grand Canyon (Arizona)
No list of road trip destinations would be complete without the Grand Canyon. This route starts in Las Vegas and heads northwest to the Grand Canyon, passing through some stunning desert landscapes along the way.
9) Historic Columbia River Highway (Oregon)
If you’re looking for a road trip with a bit of everything, the Historic Columbia River Highway is a great choice. This route starts in Portland and winds its way to The Dalles, passing through forests, fields, and small towns along the way. It’s a lovely way to explore Oregon without having to deal with hectic city life.
10) Red Rock Country (Arizona)
For an all-American road trip with stunning views, head to Red Rock Country. This route starts in Phoenix and winds its way through Sedona before ending in Las Vegas. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of desert landscapes along with some gorgeous mountains for amazing photo opportunities.
No matter what type of road trip you’re looking for, there’s a destination in the USA that will fit your needs. From exploring history and natural beauty to taking some time off from hectic city life, this list has something for everyone.
No matter where on earth you’ll be driving or how long your journey is, these 10 destinations are worth considering when planning your next epic American road trip. Start with one today!
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