8 of the Best US Road Trips for Your Bucket List

Are you looking for the best US road trips to add to your growing bucket list? There are loads of scenic drives in the US and this list will help guide you to some of the best in the country.

You can explore the California coast on the Pacific Coast Highway or enjoy leaf-peeping on Route 100 in Vermont. Hop from island to island on the drive to Key West, or admire the beautiful red rocks of the American Southwest.

Whether you’re looking for beautiful ocean views, an abundance of greenery, dozens of waterfalls, or some charming small towns, here are 8 of the most scenic drives in America for you to enjoy. Pair them against this list of free campsites in the US to add to the adventure!

Southwest USA

The American Southwest is filled with natural landmarks, red rock landscapes, and charming towns. The best way to see them all is by going on one of the most beautiful drives in America. And if you are looking to camp, take this printable camping checklist with you.

Things to see on a Southwest Road Trip

• While on your American Southwest road trip, there are a few must-see stops. At the top of the list is the Grand Canyon. As the second most visited national park in the country and one of the most gorgeous canyons in the world, the Grand Canyon is a beautiful sight to see.
• You can also add Monument Valley, Taos, Sedona, and Arches National Park to your Southwest road trip itinerary.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

The entire Pacific Coast Highway, also known as PCH, runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean and follows the California coastline. In fact, the over-600-mile road goes all the way from Dana Point in Southern California to the small town of Legget in Northern California.

While you’ll get to enjoy the fantastic ocean views on this road trip, you’ll also make some amazing stops.

What to do along a PCH Road Trip

• Hike at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, watch the surfers ride the waves in Malibu, enjoy a scoop of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams in Santa Barbara, and admire the purple sand of Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur.
• If you’re coming from San Francisco, try these SF road trips too.

Florida Keys, Florida

The drive to the Florida Keys has long been held as one of the best American road trips. After all, who wouldn’t want to visit over a dozen gorgeous islands along their adventure? It’s of the best places to visit in Florida!

While many people try to go to Key West and back in one day, it’s best to take your time and make it a multi-day adventure instead.

Things to do on a Florida Keys road trip

• Start in Miami, then snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Go to the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key or Turtle Hospital in Marathon, and then drive over the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Finally, visit Key West, the southernmost part of the continental US.
• There are plenty of RV parks if you want to try your hand at an RV lifestyle, but be sure to book sites early and study these RV best practices for first timers.

Green Mountain Byway, Vermont

If you’re searching for the best US road trips in the fall, the Green Mountain Byway in Vermont tops the list. Vermont as a whole is known for its fiery red-, orange-, and yellow-colored leaves. The Green Mountain Byway in particular takes you to some of the best places for leaf peeping.

While the beautiful leaves line the Green Mountain Byway, you can also make stops to get an up-close view of this seasonal event. Waterbury Center State Park, Smugglers’ Notch State Park, and Moss Glen Falls are just a few of the best leaf-peeping spots.

Things to see along the Green Mountain Byway

• If you’re hoping to add some non-leaf-peeping stops to your Green Mountain Byway itinerary, you can stop by the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, pay a visit to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, and try delicious apple cider donuts.

Columbia River Scenic Highway, Oregon

If you’re looking for bright green trees and cascading waterfalls galore, the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway and State Trail is definitely one of the best scenic road trips in the USA for you! (Fun fact: it’s the was the first ever scenic highway built).

Things to see along the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway

• You can start this beautiful drive at The Dalles. Stop at the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Multnomah Falls, Vista House, and more. If you really want an adventure drive all the way to Cannon Beach. There you can admire the rock formations, look for sea creatures in the tide pools, and join the Oregon Coast Hwy on route 101.
• For a more immersive experience, consider a longer stay in the Mt. Hood/Columbia Gorge area. With hikes, kayaking, and food trails this 4 day itinerary for Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood is a favorite.

Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii

The winding road to Hana on the island of Maui, Hawaii is one of the most scenic drives in America. While many people feel the purpose of the drive is the destination – in the case of the sleepy town of Hana, it’s more about the journey itself.

As you cruise down this winding road, you’ll come across dozens of breathtaking stops. There are so many amazing places that are worth your time that it’s best to spend a night in Hana rather than rushing through the scenic drive in a single day.

Things to see on the Road to Hana

• You can check out the dozens of waterfalls along the route. Stare in awe at the beautiful rainbow trees, admire the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, and hike the Pipiwai Trail at the Oheo Gulch.

New England

New England is another region of the United States that boasts one of the best US road trips (especially for leaf peeping!) With so many small states packed together, it can be difficult to see everything that the area has to offer. Unless you go on a road trip, of course.

Things to see on a New England Road Trip

The best New England road trips boast a combination of big cities, small towns, and natural landscapes. You can start your journey in Boston, where you can learn about the US’ interesting history.

• Hike the Freedom Trail, hop on the country’s first subway system, or visit the Bunker Hill Monument.
• Also visit Providence in Rhode Island, Stowe in Vermont, and Acadia National Park in Maine

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Thanks to its fantastic location and thriving natural landscape, Blue Ridge Parkway has established itself as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the US.

And while Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful at any time of year, it is particularly stunning each fall. Like the Green Mountain Byway in Vermont, the changing of the leaves brings the area to life!

Things to see along the Blue Ridge Parkway

• This winding road weaves its way through not one, but two, wonderful national parks. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park call this area home. You can hike part of the Appalachian Trail, kayak on Fontana Lake, or try spelunking in the Luray Caverns.

What Do You Think Are the Best US Road Trips?

In addition to all of these amazing USA scenic drives, there are so many more that are worth your time. Try these places for a road trip:

• There is also the iconic Route 66 that goes from Illinois to California.
• The mountainous San Juan Skyway in Colorado.
• The greenery-filled Rockefeller Parkway in Wyoming.
• The lengthy Great River Road that runs from Minnesota to Louisiana.

Enjoy!

* * *

Hey Pinterest Fam!

Share this guide to Best US Road Trips For Your Bucket List by pinning the image below.