The Best Road Trips to take in the USA
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in 2025, hitting the open road is one of the best ways to explore the breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems of the USA.
Whether you’re craving coastal drives, mountain scenery, or historic routes, we’ve rounded up the best road trips to take in 2025 in the USA. Buckle up and get ready to plan your next epic journey!
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway offers stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Starting in San Diego and stretching up to the Washington coast, this trip is a must for road trip enthusiasts.
Big Sur’s dramatic coastline, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Oregon’s Cannon Beach, and Washington’s Olympic National Park are some of the highlights along the way. The best time to travel this route is from spring through early fall when the weather and scenic views are at their peak.
Route 66
No list of the best road trips to take in 2025 in the USA would be complete without the legendary Route 66. This historic highway takes travelers from Chicago to Santa Monica, offering a nostalgic ride through classic Americana.
Along the way, travelers can visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, and the Santa Monica Pier in California. To avoid extreme summer heat, the best time to take this trip is in the spring or fall.
Blue Ridge Parkway
For those who love scenic mountain drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a dream come true. This 469-mile route winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Some notable stops include Shenandoah National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and charming small towns like Asheville, North Carolina. Travelers who visit in the spring can enjoy wildflowers, while those who visit in the fall will be treated to stunning autumn foliage.
Great River Road
Following the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Great River Road takes travelers through ten states and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The Twin Cities in Minnesota, St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, Memphis’ vibrant music scene, and the historic French Quarter in New Orleans make for unforgettable stops along this journey. Spring and fall are ideal times to take this trip, as the temperatures are mild and festival season is in full swing in the South.
Florida Keys Overseas Highway
For those in search of tropical vibes and turquoise waters, the Florida Keys Overseas Highway is the perfect road trip. This 113-mile drive from Miami to Key West crosses over stunning bridges and offers plenty of beach stops.
Visitors can enjoy snorkeling in Key Largo, marvel at the Seven Mile Bridge, explore Key West’s lively Duval Street, and watch the sunset at Mallory Square. Winter and early spring are the best times to visit, as they avoid hurricane season and extreme summer heat.
Alaska Highway
For the ultimate wilderness adventure, the Alaska Highway is a rugged and remote drive stretching from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Fairbanks, Alaska. This road trip is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Along the way, travelers can spot wildlife such as bears, moose, and eagles, soak in the hot springs at Liard River, and explore Denali National Park. The best time to embark on this adventure is during the summer when the weather is milder and the days are longer.
Beartooth Highway
Those who want to experience one of the most scenic mountain drives in America should consider Beartooth Highway. This 68-mile stretch of highway winds through the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, providing jaw-dropping alpine views.
Highlights include switchback mountain roads with stunning landscapes, Beartooth Pass at an elevation of 10,947 feet, and access to Yellowstone National Park. This route is best traveled in the summer, as snow can make it impassable in other seasons.
US Route 50 – The Loneliest Road
For travelers seeking solitude and wide-open landscapes, US Route 50 through Nevada is an epic road trip. Dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America,” this stretch offers a unique and peaceful adventure through desert terrain and historic mining towns.
Great Basin National Park, ghost towns like Austin and Eureka, vast open desert landscapes, and incredible stargazing opportunities make this trip unforgettable. Spring or fall are the best times to take this road trip, as the temperatures are more comfortable.
North Shore Scenic Drive
For those who love lakefront views, the North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior is a hidden gem. This route from Duluth to Grand Portage offers breathtaking water views, waterfalls, and charming small towns.
Some of the best stops include Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls State Park, the artsy town of Grand Marais, and the wild coastline along Lake Superior. Summer is an excellent time for warm weather, while fall offers brilliant foliage views.
Texas Hill Country Road Trip
A road trip through Texas Hill Country is a fantastic option for those who appreciate rolling hills, charming wineries, and historic towns. This region is perfect for foodies, nature lovers, and travelers looking for a laid-back drive.
Visitors can explore Fredericksburg’s wineries and German heritage, admire bluebonnet fields in the spring, swim in Jacob’s Well and Hamilton Pool, and enjoy live music and BBQ in Austin. Spring is the best time to go for the wildflowers, while fall offers cooler temperatures.
Final Thoughts: The Best Road Trips to Take in the USA
The best road trips to take in 2025 in the USA offer a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and unforgettable moments. Whether you prefer coastal drives, mountain adventures, or historic highways, there’s a perfect route for every traveler. Start planning your trip now and get ready for an epic year of road-tripping!
