13 Classic American Road Trips for Every Traveler

The U.S. has always been a land of wanderers and explorers, fueled by a pioneer spirit that still runs strong today. The best U.S. road trips epitomize this essence – an American experiment that began in the early 1900s and quickly took off with the rise of the automobile. This urge to explore is made tangible on the road, with the country connected by scenic highways, iconic bridges, and winding backcountry roads. Route 66 is the quintessential Great American Drive, but it’s by no means the only route worth traveling. Today, we're hitting the road on some of America's most classic road trips, and we hope you'll come along for the ride.

1. Historic Columbia Highway in Oregon – Scenic Drives, Waterfalls, and Timeless Views

As America’s first scenic highway and a designated National Historic Landmark, the scenic Columbia River Gorge Highway is a 70-mile route. It’s only when you traverse it that you'll understand why it's been hailed as "King of Roads." The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most wondrous places in the country, home to more than 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone. With its dramatic vistas and towering canyons, the scenic splendor of this bucket-list road trip is truly unrivaled.

2. Avenue of the Giants in California – Majestic Redwoods and Scenic Drives

Considered one of the most popular redwood attractions in Northern California, the Avenue of the Giants is one of those bucket list items you need to check off at least once. The world-famous scenic drive goes above and beyond any other highway or road that you’ve traversed before. The entire 31-mile road is lined with the region’s most impressive redwood trees – quite the windshield view! When you want to explore the redwoods but don't feel like a camping trip or multi-day adventure, a drive along the iconic Avenue of the Giants is the perfect solution.

3. Pacific Coast Highway in California – Stunning Coastal Views and Scenic Drives

If the ocean has your heart and soul, there's no better route than the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most famous scenic drives, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway stretches along Highway 1 for 656 miles, connecting Northern California and Southern California. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly while ogling the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches, and endless blue skies. Construction on this modern-day marvel began in 1933, with the highway completed in small segments over the following years. In fact, it was not until the 1964 state highway renumbering that the entire route was officially designated as SR 1. On this epic route, you'll be treated to stunning ocean views right outside your car window for an iconic experience that's every road tripper's dream.

4. Experience the Beauty of Montana on the Going-To-The-Sun Road

The U.S. is full of scenic byways and backcountry roads that will show you the best of America the Beautiful. Of these routes, there’s one in Montana with a name that truly captures its splendor, and that's Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trans-mountain highway is 50 miles of pure Montana majesty, carved out of the rugged terrain and mighty mountains of Glacier National Park. And while Glacier is certainly one of the most wondrous national parks in the country, Going-to-the-Sun Road takes the experience to another level entirely. It is important to note that sections of the road are closed seasonally (from October through June) due to snow.

5. The Oregon Trail – Historic Journey from Missouri to Oregon

More than 200 years ago, as Westward expansion ramped up, folks felt an undeniable pull out West. Today, intrepid explorers can travel the more than 2,000-mile route of the infamous Oregon Trail. It starts in Independence, Missouri, where, once upon a time, thousands of pioneers set forth upon the trail. Before heading out on your own modern-day odyssey, visit the National Frontier Trails Museum for perspective and inspiration. As you make your way across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon, you’ll be surrounded by plains and desert landscapes, viewing the same stark and untouched landscape seen by thousands of brave folks. Keep an eye out for the tombstones of those who perished on the Oregon Trail, as well as the wagon wheel ruts they left behind. It's a humbling reminder of a sad period in American history. Also, keep in mind that the westward expansion displaced Indigenous communities whose lands these trails crossed.

6. Route 12 in Utah: Scenic Drives Through Stunning Landscapes

Utah’s Highway 12 is among the most scenic drives in the Southwest – and arguably in the entire country. Receiving the designation of “All American Road,” the highway is bookended by two national parks – Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef – with many scenic points of interest in between. Reaching elevations of up to 9,000 feet, this drive is an epic journey for those who are not afraid of heights.

There are so many things to see along the way, as you drive through the jaw-dropping Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dixie National Forest, and several small towns. After taking this amazing adventure, you'll surely agree that Route 12 is one of the most beautiful road trips in America.

7. Drive the Legendary Route 66 – From Illinois to California

In terms of Great American road trips, none compares to Route 66. Known as the Mother Road, this undulating ribbon of asphalt was the country's original road trip, launched in 1926 to connect the Midwest to the West Coast, from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. In its heyday, Route 66 attracted thousands of road trip warriors each year. Over the decades, motels, roadside attractions, and communities sprang up along the route. After it was decommissioned in 1985, it was no longer considered a major roadway, and travel started to wane. Traveling along this route truly is a bucket-list must for any self-described road tripper, as is visiting the eponymous Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, located in Pontiac, Illinois.

8. Drive the Great River Road – From Minnesota to Louisiana’s Beautiful Landscapes

We’ve all heard of the “Great American Road Trip,” an epic adventure that leads travelers to all the amazing places this country of ours has to offer. But what about a road trip along the Great River Road? This resplendent road trip traces the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states and will open your eyes to America the Beautiful. This All-American Road is lauded as the single-best scenic drive in the country, and it's hard to argue with such a superlative. From the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Illinois and the Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri to the bayous of Arkansas and bustling streets of New Orleans, the Great River Road truly is an All-American adventure for your bucket list. While on this adventure, always look for the green pilot wheel signs that mark the official route.

9. Blues Highway – Tennessee to Louisiana’s Musical Heritage

Music is an inextricable part of America's history and culture, and U.S. Route 61, also known as the Blues Highway, is a true musical tour de force. This scenic route lets you drive through the land of the delta blues via Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, a route often taken by musicians heading north to try and "make it big" in cities like St. Louis, Chicago, and Detroit. As a result, this scenic stretch of road has inspired countless songs that bear its name in the title or lyrics, making it a must for all music lovers and historians. Be sure to stop in Clarksdale, Mississippi, home to the Delta Blues Museum.

10. Blue Ridge Parkway – Stunning Views in North Carolina and Virginia

To drive the Blue Ridge Parkway is to experience one of the most scenic routes in the U.S., Shared between North Carolina and Virginia. This road is 469 miles long and winds its way through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, and connects with the Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unlike the mountain passes in the West that go up and over mountains or the iconic "Notch" valley roads of the Northeast, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the spine of the ridge, rolling up and down for the entire length. It's a prismatic feast for the eyes in all seasons, with dynamic displays of color in autumn, a lush forest landscape in summer, and dazzling white expanses in the winter. Along the way, you’ll find frequent visitor centers and overlooks with restrooms and accessible parking. There's no doubt that this is one of the best road trips in the U.S.

11. U.S. Highway 1 in Florida – Coastal Views, Adventures, and Must-See Stops

If you're feeling the pull of the tropical paradise that is the Florida Keys, then U.S. Highway 1 is the road trip for you. Highway 1 is an epic route that runs all the way from Georgia’s St. Mary’s River down into Florida's Key West, clocking in at 545 magnificent miles. This highway literally leads straight to the sea – the dazzling, crystal-clear cerulean expanse, which is commonly known as the Overseas Highway.

12. Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire – Stunning Fall Foliage and Scenic Drives

Considered by many to be one of the most scenic drives in the Northeast, if not the entire country, Kancamagus Highway is a treasure trove of natural beauty. At just 36 miles long, Kancamagus Highway packs quite the scenic punch, rolling through charming covered bridges, past wondrous waterfalls, and into the heart of the lush White Mountain range. This drive is especially lovely in the autumn, when the fall foliage paints the Northeast's landscape in fiery reds, bold oranges, vibrant yellows, and buttery golds.

13. Hana Highway in Maui – Scenic Drives Through Waterfalls and Lush Landscapes

It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana along the eponymous Hana Highway. It traverses past sea cliffs, lush with blooming mango trees and vistas straight out of "Jurassic Park." But this drive is not for the faint of heart. Hana Highway is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island of Maui – and possibly all of Hawaii – but it’s also nerve-wracking, to say the least. This incredible highway is home to a staggering 620 curves, making it the windiest road in the Aloha State, and one best attempted with a slow and steady hand (and foot!). But if you happen to have a strong stomach, there's no better way to revel in the resplendence of the Aloha State, making Hana Highway a bucket-list must. Note that many rental car companies advise caution on this road, and services such as gas stations and restrooms are limited.

How many of these classic routes have you traveled? What do you consider to be the best road trip in the U.S.? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. And be sure to use the OIYS itinerary planner to plan your next adventure.