Outdoor & Road Trip

10 Best Road Trips in United States of America to Put on Your Bucket List

Since we got married, we've taken five cross-country trips and dozens of shorter trips. In our opinion, road travel is the best way to experience the beauty of America. This country has a lot to offer. Here's a list of 10 American road trips we think everyone should put on their bucket list.

Whether you love mountains, driving above the clouds, or if you you want to go on a cruise, there is a trip for you.

Here Are 10 of the Best Road Trips in the United States 2024

1: Million Dollar Highway (San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway)

Twists and turns along winding roads between two historic towns in search of gold . Enjoy the incredible views and remember to breathe deeply because you are more than three kilometers above sea level.

2. Columbia River Scenic Byway

Experience the incredible Columbia River Gorge on a road built exclusively for scenic views. This tour offers views of waterfalls and mountains and has numerous diversions. Here are the 21 best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, from short, easy hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.

best of america road trip

Image Source: google.com

3. Skyline Drive

This scenic drive takes you along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. Drive through the Appalachian Mountains and stop to enjoy one of 75 viewpoints.

4. America's Loneliest Highway (HWY 50)

Named for the largely uninhabited region you pass through, exploring mining camps, crossing mountain ranges, and stopping in small cafes. . Don't forget to stargaze at night for the most spectacular views.

5. Route 12

Travel past some of the most incredible views and explore Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. You can also spend the night at Boulder Mountain and enjoy a great meal.

6. Kancamagus Highway

Drive along this highway in the fall and get the best views of fall foliage. Enjoy the cool breeze with the windows open and admire all the colors of the leaves.

The first time we took this tour, we missed the autumn peak. Go for a day. The rain and wind the day before our arrival blew away most of the leaves.

7. The Main Road to Taos

This scenic, winding road takes you through deserts, mountains, forests, and ancient Indian villages. Along the way you'll discover beautiful wildflower meadows and art galleries. On the way back it is also possible to take the secondary road that crosses the valleys.

Main Road to Taos

Image Source: google.com

8. Beartooth Highway

Crosses southwestern Montana and northwestern Wyoming with breathtaking views of the Absoroka and Beartooth Mountains. You will pass glacial lakes, forests, waterfalls and wildlife. Finally, you will be at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

9. Highway 2

Discover Nebraska's great plains and rolling dunes that make up nearly a quarter of the state. You'll also see vast farmlands, swamps, and meandering rivers. There are also large numbers of migratory birds at certain times of the year.

10. Route 6

Explore the Cape Cod region on this scenic journey. Pass through forests, colonial cities and tide pools and explore the harbor.

Always on the search for breathtaking scenery? Discover the world's most iconic and unforgettable road journeys. Epic views and incredible attractions await along routes ideal for adventure seekers!

El Calafate to El Chaltén, Argentina: Nothing matches a road journey to discover Patagonia's riches, particularly those between El Calafate and El Chaltén. This tour through Argentina's raw beauty will take you through Los Glaciares National Park, where you can view the Perito Moreno glacier and Mount Fitz Roy within a vista of snow-capped mountains and neighbouring crystal-clear lakes.

Ring Road, Iceland: Also called Route 1 (Iceland’s main highway), the legendary Ring Road runs 1,300 kilometers (808 miles) around the island It’s perfect for renting a camper, venturing off the beaten track, and immersing yourself in Icelandic splendour.

Cabot Trail, Canada: If visiting Canada's east coast has long been on your bucket list, a road trip down the Cabot Trail is a must! This spectacular 300-kilometer (186-mile) trip across Nova Scotia features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, lush forests, attractive communities, and isolated beaches. Follow this gorgeous path all the way to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Ring of Kerry, Ireland: The Ring of Kerry, one of the world's most breathtaking drives, is an amazing trek to the heart of Irish folklore. While going 170 kilometers (106 miles) through County Kerry, take in the gorgeous coastline scenery and a halt at the famed Gap of Dunloe. The magnificent Dingle Peninsula, the enigmatic Ross Castle, and glittering lakes are also on the itinerary.

Giant’s Causeway on the Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Those who wish to continue their journey to Northern Ireland's coast will not be disappointed by the Giant's Causeway, the crown jewel of the Causeway Coastal Route. This route also takes you past the remnants of Dunluce Castle, the beautiful Whiterocks beach, and the famed Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. When you arrive at the Giant's Causeway, all that remains is for you to absorb the allure of this iconic location.

Transfagarașan Highway, Romania: The Transfagaraşan Highway in Romania, which is open from June to November, offers spectacular panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and everything in between as it passes across the Carpathian Mountains. Discover glacial Bâlea Lake, the Curtea de Argeș Monastery, Poenari Castle, and more along 90 kilometers (56 miles) of daring tunnels and twists.

Giant’s Causeway on the Causeway Coastal Route

Image Source: google.com

Pacific Coast Highway, United States: The Pacific Coast Highway in California is a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) road trip along a stunning and ever-changing coastline. Route 1 will take you via the Golden Gate Bridge, the picturesque villages of Monterey and Santa Barbara, and Big Sur Park, from towering cliffs to golden beaches.

Atlantic Road, Norway: This beautiful Norwegian route, lasting just over 8 kilometers (5 miles) and crisscrossing the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean, traverses’ lovely islands linked by unusual bridges. Those wishing to explore the Troll Church caverns should take the Atlantic Road. Take time to explore the picturesque fishing communities along the road.

North Coast 500, Scotland: Nothing beats a road trip along the North Coast 500 to discover the natural marvels of the Scottish Highlands. This roughly 800-kilometer (500-mile) trip winds across six Scottish regions, passing medieval castles, fabled mountains, and sparkling lochs. Make a point of stopping in one of these picturesque villages for a good night's sleep and treating yourself to a whisky tasting at one of the numerous distilleries along the way.

Douro Valley, Portugal: The Douro Valley, located in northern Portugal, is well-known for its fortified wines and breathtaking scenery. This three-hour road trip from Porto will take you past various great vineyards and charming villages such as Pinho. In both summer and autumn, you may enjoy breathtaking panoramic views!

Garden Route, South Africa: The Garden Route is a must-see for amazing vistas of the Indian Ocean surrounded by magnificent African environment. Stop at natural reserves to observe wildlife, visit the beach town of Knysna and tour the Stellenbosch wineries for a memorable journey to the heart of genuine South Africa.

Icefields Parkway, Canada: The Icefields Parkway is one of Canada's most fascinating itineraries, and it has no shortage of stunning landscapes. This road trip encourages you to experience Banff and Jasper National Parks, as well as Lake Louise and Peyto Lake, all of which have stunning views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and towering glaciers.

Romantic Road, Germany: Explore Germany's Romantic Road for a romantic couple's retreat. Travel through medieval villages and rural settings to reach such treasures as Rothenburg and the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. This beautiful 400-kilometer (249-mile) road trip spans as far as the Alps and provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in German culture.