The United States turns 250 in 2026. Historic Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday this same year. This makes right now the absolute best time to pack your car and explore America. Kayak data from 2025 shows an average West Coast trip costs $1140 per person.

You will learn the top 17 routes, essential stops, and exactly how many days you need for each trip. Grab your keys, review these routes, and map out your next adventure. These are the ultimate bucket list US road trips to conquer. Make sure you add the best USA road trips 2026 to your calendar.

1. Route 66: The 100th Anniversary Drive (Chicago to LA)

2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles.

These cross country road trip routes span eight states and celebrate a major centennial in 2026. You will drive past quirky roadside diners and huge desert landscapes.

Buy an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for $80 on Recreation.gov before you leave. This pass saves you money when visiting federal lands along the way.

The best time to drive this route is during the mild weather of early fall.

2. Pacific Coast Highway: California Edge

600 miles from San Francisco to San Diego.

You will hug the steep ocean cliffs and see massive redwood trees. This drive offers some of the most famous ocean views in the world.

The road twists along the very edge of the continent. You will want to pull over constantly to take photos of the crashing waves.

• Cross the famous Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur.
• Watch sea otters play near the cliffs of Big Sur.
• Visit the giant tanks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey.

The best time to drive this route is late spring when the coastal fog lifts.

3. The Mighty 5: Utah Grand Circle

1,000 miles starting and ending in Salt Lake City.

You will visit five massive national parks full of red rock formations. These parks include Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.

Use RVShare to rent a campervan for this outdoor focused trip. A van lets you sleep right next to the towering sandstone cliffs.

• Wade through the river in the Narrows at Zion National Park.
• Hike up to see the towering Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.
• Watch the sunrise hit the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon.

The best time to drive this route is early October to avoid extreme desert heat.

4. Going to the Sun Road: Montana Crown Jewel

50 miles from West Glacier to St. Mary.

This steep road cuts right through the middle of Glacier National Park. You will cross the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet in the air.

The narrow street carves into the side of giant mountains. Look out your window to see mountain goats and deep glacial valleys.

• Take a boat ride on the crystal clear waters of Lake McDonald.
• Stand at the top of the world at Logan Pass.
• Spot wild grizzly bears near St. Mary Lake.

The best time to drive this route is late July because early summer brings 80 foot snowdrifts.

5. Blue Ridge Parkway: The Appalachian Run

469 miles from Waynesboro, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina.

This slow and winding road connects Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains. The strict 45 mph speed limit forces you to relax.

You will drive through thick forests and over rolling green mountains. The route lacks commercial signs and loud gas stations.

• Hike the steep trails at Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the east.
• Listen to traditional bluegrass music at the Blue Ridge Music Center.
• Photograph the deep valley views at Mabry Mill.

The best time to drive this route is mid October to see the bright fall leaves.

6. Overseas Highway: Driving on Water (Florida)

113 miles from Miami to Key West.

You will literally drive over the ocean on this unique highway. The road crosses 42 separate bridges connecting the tiny islands.

Look down from your car to see bright blue water and coral reefs. You will feel like you are floating above the sea.

• Drive across the famous Seven Mile Bridge leaving Marathon.
• Snorkel with colorful fish at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.
• Eat fresh key lime pie at Mallory Square in Key West.

The best time to drive this route is March before the heavy summer humidity arrives.

7. Road to Hana: Hawaii Rainforest Route

51 miles from Kahului to Hana.

This coastal road winds through the thick jungle of Maui. You will drive through 620 sharp curves and cross 59 narrow bridges.

Many of these bridges only fit one car at a time. The slow pace lets you spot hidden waterfalls right next to the street.

• Swim in the black sand at Waianapanapa State Park.
• Watch surfers ride massive waves at Hookipa Beach Park.
• Hike through the dense bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail.

The best time to drive this route is early morning on a weekday to avoid heavy traffic.

8. Natchez Trace Parkway: The Historic South

444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi.

This path follows an old trail used by Native Americans for 10,000 years. Commercial traffic is banned on this quiet road.

You will drive past ancient dirt mounds and thick green forests. The entire path is flat and very easy to follow.

• Visit the childhood home of Elvis Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi.
• Walk the sunken dirt path at the Old Trace segments.
• View the cascading water at Jackson Falls in Tennessee.

The best time to drive this route is early spring when the dogwood trees bloom.

9. Beartooth Highway: The Sky Drive

68 miles from Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City, Montana.

This thrilling road takes you to a staggering 10,947 feet above sea level. It remains one of the greatest scenic drives in America.

You will drive above the tree line into a harsh rocky environment. Glaciers and alpine lakes sit right beside the highway.

• Look down at the switchbacks from the Rock Creek Vista Point.
• Throw a snowball in July at the Beartooth Pass summit.
• Enter the northeast gate of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

The best time to drive this route is August when the road is completely free of ice.

10. Olympic Peninsula Loop (Washington)

330 miles starting and ending in Seattle.

This loop wraps entirely around Olympic National Park. You will see snow covered mountains and rugged ocean beaches in a single day.

The environment changes from dense mossy trees to misty coastlines very quickly. You will need a rain jacket no matter when you visit.

• Walk among giant mossy trees in the Hoh Rain Forest.
• Explore the tide pools at Rialto Beach.
• Soak in the warm mineral waters at Sol Duc Hot Springs.

The best time to drive this route is July to get the highest chance of sunny skies.

11. Great River Road: The Mississippi Path

2,000 miles from Lake Itasca, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana.

This massive route follows the mighty Mississippi River through ten different states. You will see how the culture changes from the north to the deep south.

The road takes you through small river towns and massive farming fields. You will hear different music and eat different food in every state.

The best time to drive this route is late September to enjoy comfortable weather the whole way down.

12. Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)

25 miles from Silverton to Ouray.

This terrifying stretch of US Route 550 climbs 2 miles above sea level. You will drive around steep hairpin turns with zero guardrails.

The road cuts into the side of steep rocky mountains. Your hands will sweat while you grip the steering wheel.

• Tour an old gold mine in the town of Silverton.
• Photograph the deep gorge at Bear Creek Falls.
• Soak in the natural hot springs in Ouray.

The best time to drive this route is early September before the winter snow makes it dangerous.

13. Southern New England Loop

230 miles starting and ending in Boston, Massachusetts.

This drive focuses on rich American history and rocky coastlines. You will pass through charming seaside towns and old fishing villages.

You will see massive mansions built by wealthy families over a century ago. Stop at local shacks to eat fresh clams and lobster rolls.

• Tour the massive Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.
• Walk onto wooden whaling ships at the seaport in Mystic, Connecticut.
• Walk the historic Freedom Trail in downtown Boston.

The best time to drive this route is late June for warm beach weather.

14. The Loneliest Road: US Route 50 (Nevada)

408 miles from Ely to Carson City.

This road cuts straight across the vast and empty Nevada desert. You will drive for hours without seeing another car or building.

Download the GasBuddy app to track fuel stations along this remote stretch. Stop near Death Valley in early spring to see bright wildflowers before hitting the dry highway.

• Look at the completely dark sky at Great Basin National Park.
• Explore the old silver mining town of Eureka.
• Look at ancient petroglyphs at Grimes Point Archaeological Area.

The best time to drive this route is late spring when desert temperatures stay low.

15. Park Loop Road: Acadia Coast (Maine)

27 miles inside Acadia National Park.

This short road hugs the rocky coast of Mount Desert Island. You will see ocean waves crashing hard against pink granite cliffs.

The thick pine trees grow right down to the edge of the water. This is the best place to see the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Watch the water explode out of the rocks at Thunder Hole.
• Drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain to see the first sunrise in the US.
• Eat warm popovers at the Jordan Pond House.

The best time to drive this route is early October to see brilliant fall foliage against the blue ocean.

16. Black River Scenic Byway (Michigan)

15 miles from Bessemer to Lake Superior.

This hidden gem cuts through the dense forests of the Upper Peninsula. You will drive alongside a rushing river that drops quickly toward the lake.

The road provides easy access to five major waterfalls. You finish the drive at a quiet harbor right on the edge of the massive lake.

• Hike down the wooden stairs to see Potawatomi Falls.
• Walk across the suspension bridge at Black River Harbor.
• Look for shiny agate rocks on the beach at Lake Superior.

The best time to drive this route is late spring when melting snow makes the waterfalls roar.

17. Kentucky Bourbon Trail

250 miles starting in Louisville and ending in Lexington.

You will drive through rolling green hills covered in white wooden fences. This area is famous for raising fast horses and making strong whiskey.

The road takes you past historic distilleries tucked into the countryside. You will see giant metal warehouses where the wooden barrels age for years.

The best time to drive this route is September during the annual bourbon festival.