Road trips are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend quality time with loved ones. They also present one with the chance to explore America’s diverse swathes of landscapes and hidden gems nestled in unassuming towns. What’s more, most must-see US road trip destinations and routes are easy to get to and drive on, making them ideal for those planning their first road trip.
San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is considered one of the best U.S. road trip destinations, and for good reason. It spans a 236-mile loop through Colorado’s stunning San Juan Mountains. The skyway links historic towns, including Durango, Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride. It also covers Mesa Verde National Park, famous for its cliff dwellings. Other highlights include the Million Dollar Highway and its dramatic scenery. This trip is ideal for beginners who, in addition to the adventure, want to enjoy history or photography and should make this trip. However, checking road conditions in advance is essential, as the route involves climbing to high altitudes. Plus, the weather can change rapidly.
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best routes for beginner road trips in the country. The scenic drive winds through some of the most popular cities. It spans along the West Coast, from California’s beach towns and capes to the lush pools of the Pacific Northwest and ancient redwood forests. It also covers other scenic experiences like Redwood National and State Parks. The route starts from San Diego, covers popular roads, including Highway 1, 101, and I-5, and ends in Seattle.
Oregon
A road trip to Oregon has a lot to offer: hot springs, winding coastlines, scenic lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and towering mountains. The journey begins in Portland, with highlights including the Hood River, Cape Kiwanda, Bend, and Crater Lake. It concludes with a visit to Cannon Beach before returning to Portland. The best time to explore Oregon is during the summer and early fall. While it is possible to travel in other seasons, it is important to check for potential road closures due to maintenance or unpredictable weather.
Kenai Peninsula
A drive through Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula features many natural wonders, from breathtaking wilderness to stunning coastlines. Travelers can begin their journey in Anchorage, where the route winds through mountain passes alongside turquoise rivers. Along the way, they can explore charming towns such as Homer and Seward. Beginner travelers can enjoy the sights of glaciers, go hiking, and spot wildlife and fish. The short distances between attractions make it easy to experience a host of things in a short amount of time.
Blue Ridge Parkway
This scenic drive is an excellent choice for first-time travelers. The journey is filled with natural beauty, rich history, and opportunities for outdoor adventure as it winds through the country’s oldest mountain range. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers picturesque views of rolling green hills, cascading waterfalls, and ancient rock formations. Travelers can also explore lush hiking trails, where they will likely encounter a diverse range of wildlife.
The road begins near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and passes through Pisgah National Forest. It spans various state parks and the city of Roanoke, Virginia, known as the “Star City.” The journey comes to an end at the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a popular road trip destination in the USA, featuring a blend of nature and history. This scenic route stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Travelers can enjoy a two-lane road that follows an ancient corridor. Along the way are beautiful evergreen forests, waterfalls, and numerous hiking trails. One of the best aspects of the Natchez Trace Parkway is its lack of commercial distractions and minimal traffic, making it an ideal choice for anyone planning their first road trip.
Route 66
Adventure enthusiasts looking for cross-country road trip ideas can explore Route 66, the Mother Road. It is also perfect for those who want to enjoy culture and history. The Route 66 journey starts in Chicago and goes all the way to Santa Monica, crossing eight states through the country’s heartland. Travelers will drive across roads lined with historic diners, vintage motels, and stunning national parks. It’s no wonder that Route 66 is nicknamed the ultimate U.S. road trip.
Badlands-Black Hills Loop
The Badlands–Black Hills Loop is an iconic American road trip for beginners featuring South Dakota’s serene landscapes and rich history. Travelers can start their journey in Rapid City, making their way to the exquisite rock formations at Badlands National Park and the Black Hills. Some must-see highlights include Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. The best part of this route is that travelers can cover a lot of activities, like hiking and doing adventure sports, in a short time. The roads are also well-maintained, which earns the trip extra brownie points.