Top 10 Road Trips in the USA

You have to fill the gas tank of your vehicle, fasten your seat belt, choose the right soundtrack and prepare to enjoy the scenery and the beauty of nature that you can experience for thousands of miles.

Going on a road trip is probably the best way to tour the United States, and explore the culture of the people of the country, spread across its vast landmass. Given the fact that the roads in the country are in excellent condition, it is not very difficult to go on road trips in the USA. Enjoy the glory of the past in the classic Route 66, admire the sunsets of the Pacific Coast Highway, break through the Appalachians or follow the course of the great Mississippi.

Here are the top 10 road trips in the USA:

1. Route 66 (Chicago to Los Angeles)

This is a road trip that will go through most of the important cities and towns of the United States, covering more than 3,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, across the Midwest, the Great Plains and the Southwest. Built in 1926, the famous Route 66 was the original path leading to California, the land of opportunity.

Although the old US-66 no longer exists, you can still enjoy the road that went through the heart of the American culture: relics of the past, 50’s motel-style cafes and very familiar kitsch are what you can expect to see on the way.

2. Route 61 (Mississippi to New Orlean)

Not as famous as the 66 but Route 61 is as American as it can get. It is known as the Great River Road, and was inaugurated in late 1930. It begins at the headwaters of the Mississippi in northern Minnesota lakes, and ends in New Orleans following the course of the Mississippi. It is spread across ten states and the complete road network covers around 1400 miles.

During this road trip, you will travel to many places which are very important in the history of music in the US. You will travel to Memphis, the city forever linked to Elvis Presley; you will then pass through the Mississippi Delta, where the blues was born, to reach New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz.

3. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

This coastal road is the best to live the California dream. The PCH (Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 1) runs along the West Coast of the United States from the border with Mexico to the north end of the state of Washington, without departing too far from the sea and through the states of California, Oregon and Washington. You can start your trip in San Diego (preferably a convertible) and head north across the Golden State.

You have to make time to enjoy the urban pleasures (eating and drinking in style) as well as the pleasures offered by the ocean. In addition to Los Angeles and San Francisco, you must visit Laguna Beach, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Monterey and Mendocino.

4. Alcan Highway (Canada And Alaska)

Although this road trip will take you through Canada, it is one trip that should not be missed. The Alcan Highway connects United States to Alaska through Canada and a trip on this highway is a dream of every individual who loves adventure. The Highway runs through the wilds of Canada, from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Dawson Creek (British Columbia), passing through the heart of the Yukon Province, it reaches Alaska. The journey covers a distance of around 1300 miles. One of the most picturesque points of the route is Haines, where thousands of RV drivers begin their journey into the Alcan Highway.

5. Route 163 (Arizona)

This highway will take you to places very typical of the Wild West. Highway 163 has been featured in many Hollywood movies, especially in the movies starting John Wayne. This highway links the state of Arizona to Utah and covers the land of crimson sand towers, steep headlands towering red tables and provides an incredible experience to travelers.

Do visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and also travel forward on the 27 miles of dirt road to enjoy breathtaking views of the valley. To emulate John Wayne, visitors can sign up for a horseback ride in the information center of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

6. Yosemite National Park (California)

The Yosemite National Park protects some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. California State Route 120 runs 90 miles along the northern part of the reservation under the name of Tioga Road, and connects Yosemite Valley, to the Mono Lake, passing through the Tioga Pass (3031 meters above sea level). The road often remains closed most of the year (from the first big snowfall in October or November until spring). Some 3.5 million visitors fall in love with this park every year. California State Route 120 is the only road between Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

7. Mohawk Trail (Massachusetts)

Explore the ancient trade route of the Native American people. It is one of the most famous routes for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Native American lands. The Mohawk Trail, a route of 100 kilometers, runs through the Berkshires, in western Massachusetts.

Throughout this legendary route travelers will find beautiful artwork, delicious food and beautiful scenery. The ascent to Mount Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts (1064 meters) is pronounced, but offers views of five states on a clear day.

8.The Great Northern (Washington State to Maine)

If you want to travel very long distances from coast to coast in the US, this is the ideal road for you. Linking the two oceans (Atlantic and Pacific), The Great Northern begins in the state of Washington and ends in Maine, on the east coast, after covering 2571 miles across states, situated north of the country and parts of Canada.

The route passes through open spaces and offers you with breathtaking views of the alpine splendor of the west to the prairies of the Great Plains or the charm of the Great Lakes.

9. Interstate 15 - Los Angeles to Las Vegas

It is impossible to imagine a list of US road trips, without mentioning a road trip to Las Vegas.

This road trips, leading to the ‘Entertainment capital of the world’ are always classic, no matter where the journey begins. Whether you want to gamble in the casinos, visit the strip clubs, or get married in Las Vegas, the trip will surely be worth it.

10. Blue Ridge Parkway

This route, which runs for around 469 miles, will take you to a voyage of the Appalachians. It crosses the southern Appalachians and links two scenic national parks: Shenandoah, Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina.

It is ideal for hiking, viewing wildlife, and for admiring the scenery of the mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway was one of the major projects of Franklin D. Roosevelt to promote employment in the thirties. It took 52 years to complete and the last section was completed in 1987.