Best Road Trips in the USA for 2025

Road trips have surged in popularity, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the road trip. Surveys show Americans are choosing car travel over flying for vacations: in one 2025 poll, 60% of U.S. travelers planned to drive to their next destination, and 83% said they would drive rather than fly this summer. Factors driving this trend include lower costs (no baggage fees, flexible scheduling) and the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Multi generational family travel is also up; people report wanting road trips that everyone – from kids to grandparents – can enjoy together.

• Affordability: With high airfare and crowded airports, driving saves money and stress.
• Flexibility: Car travel allows spontaneous detours to hidden gems – for example, antique shops in North Georgia or parks along the way.
• Cultural & Family Appeal: Travelers are prioritizing experiences like local cuisine, history and family togetherness, which a road trip naturally provides.

These trends mean that carefully planning the best road trips in USA can yield memorable, affordable adventures. National travel surveys even note that people are booking road trips months in advance. In short, the open road is calling – and our guide will help you pick and plan the ultimate USA road trip.

Planning Your Best Road Trips in USA

Before you hit the road, some planning ensures a safe, scenic, and smooth journey. First, consider when to travel. The best time for a road trip in USA generally depends on the region: spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer milder weather and smaller crowds, while summer has long daylight but high travel peaks. One travel expert notes that fall road trips (Sept–Nov) bring cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage along routes like New England or Appalachia, whereas spring journeys (Mar–May) reward travelers with mild days and blooming wildflowers. Winter driving can work for southern or mountain routes (with snow prep) but is generally less popular best road trips in USA.

A few key planning tips:

• Route and Itinerary: Identify your starting point, key stops, and end destination. For example, a California road trip itinerary might run from San Francisco through Big Sur to Los Angeles, while an east coast road trip idea could go from Boston to Key West. Consult guidebooks or a USA road trip planner like AAA or online apps to map out your route best road trips in USA.
• Packing and Prep: Pack essentials for safety and comfort: maps (or downloaded offline GPS), a first-aid kit, water, and car emergency supplies. Bring varied clothing for changing weather. Check your vehicle’s condition (tires, oil, brakes) before departure best road trips in USA.
• Accommodation: Book lodging or campsites in advance for popular spots or during peak season. On longer trips, mix hotels with unique stays (farm stays, cabin rentals) for variety.
• Budget and Costs: Plan fuel, food, and accommodation budgets. Remember tolls or park entrance fees. As one AAA expert notes, memberships can provide discounts on hotels, attractions, and rental cars.
• Flexibility: Leave “wiggle room” in your itinerary to explore unexpected attractions (quirky roadside museums, scenic overlooks) or to rest if needed best road trips in USA.

By planning with weather and interests in mind, and using tools like AAA’s travel planner or Google Maps, you can create a flexible ultimate USA road trip that covers your must-see sights. Whether you aim for a cross-country road trip USA spanning multiple states or a week-long scenic loop, good planning will make it enjoyable best road trips in USA.

Top West Coast Road Trips

The U.S. West Coast offers some of the most iconic and scenic drives. California and the Pacific Northwest feature dramatic coastlines, redwood forests, deserts and mountains.

Aerial view of the Pacific Coast Highway winding along a scenic coastal landscape. The Pacific Coast Highway road trip (Highway 1) is a classic California itinerary. Stretching from Orange County in the south to Mendocino County (or even up to Oregon’s cliffs) in the north, this route hugs the Pacific shoreline. Highlights include the famous Bixby Creek Bridge at Big Sur, charming coastal towns like Carmel and Monterey, and the rugged cliffs of Big Sur itself. Trees of Morro Bay and Hearst Castle near San Simeon also dot the way. Summer and early fall are ideal for this drive (fog can linger in spring). Travelers enjoy sunset views over the ocean, beach stops (e.g. Santa Barbara’s palm-lined coast), and seaside dining. In your itinerary, plan for stops in San Francisco, Monterey/Carmel, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles or San Diego best road trips in USA.

• Route: Los Angeles ⇢ Big Sur ⇢ San Francisco (approx. 450 miles total along Highway 1).
• Highlights: Bixby Bridge, Monterey Bay, Santa Barbara beaches, Malibu coastline.
• Tips: Watch for coastal fog; book lodging in Big Sur/Monterey early.

A winding desert highway through Nevada’s rugged landscapes at sunset. Inland from the coast, Southern California to Las Vegas also offers spectacular drives. For example, the Vegas to National Parks road trip (a southwest USA road trip) loops from Las Vegas through Nevada, Arizona and Utah. This ~860-mile route goes from the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead to Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Bryce Canyon and Zion in Utah. Along the way you traverse wide deserts and red-rock canyons – the classic rugged scenery of the Southwest. Another southern California itinerary is Los Angeles to San Diego via the coast, taking in palm-dotted beaches, coastal cliffs, and even Temecula wine country. Note that summer temperatures can exceed 100°F inland, so plan desert portions for spring or fall best road trips in USA.

• Route (SoCal–Vegas–Parks): Los Angeles → Joshua Tree/Desert Park → Las Vegas → Grand Canyon → Zion → Bryce Canyon → back to Las Vegas.
• Highlights: Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon (near Page, AZ), Bryce Canyon hoodoos, Vegas neon.
• Tips: Rent a car or RV in Las Vegas or LA; carry water for desert drives.

Further north, Northern California and Pacific Northwest roads beckon. The highway from San Francisco north to Oregon (U.S. 101 through Redwood Country) offers towering old-growth redwoods, coastal bluffs, and Oregon’s sand dunes. Scenic Points along Highway 1 include Mendocino’s rocky shoreline, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and southern Oregon’s Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. A California road trip itinerary might also include a detour to Yosemite or Lake Tahoe for mountain scenery. In Oregon and Washington, a “loop” can cover Redwood NP, Oregon’s Cannon Beach and the Columbia River Gorge (eight waterfalls and Mt. Rainier views) best road trips in USA.

• Route (Northern CA/OR): San Francisco → Redwood National Park → Oregon coast → Portland/Seattle loop.
• Highlights: Avenue of the Giants (Redwoods), Cannon Beach Haystack Rock, Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, Mt. Rainier.
• Tips: Expect rain in winter; summer’s dry season (July–Sept) offers green forests and dry roads best road trips in USA.

Citing AAA’s expert advice, these western journeys rank among the top scenic drives in USA. For example, AAA notes that Pacific Coast Highway up through the redwood zone showcases “towering redwoods, quaint beach towns, shifting sand dunes and breathtaking ocean views”. Whether you seek coastal cliffs or desert vistas, the West Coast road trips deliver unmatched diversity.

Southwest & National Parks Road Trips

The American Southwest is famed for its surreal landscapes and concentration of national parks. A southwest USA road trip should include Arizona and Utah’s red rocks, slot canyons, and mesas. For instance, AAA recommends the Northern Arizona Canyons route: from Flagstaff to Sedona and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. This loop (~275 miles) highlights Sedona’s red cliffs, the ancient pueblo ruins of Wupatki, and the Grand Canyon itself best road trips in USA.

• Route (Northern AZ): Flagstaff → Sedona → Grand Canyon → Wupatki NM → Sunset Crater.
• Highlights: Grand Canyon rim, Sedona vortexes, ancient native ruins, cinder-cone volcano.
• Tips: Watch for summer thunderstorms at higher elevations.

Continuing, Utah offers a famed national parks road trip. One popular loop (often called the “Mighty 5”) covers Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands in a roughly 1,050-mile loop. AAA describes Utah’s parks drive as letting travelers “get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful sights in Utah”. You’ll see slot canyons, hoodoos, natural arches and desert mesas best road trips in USA.

• Route (Utah Parks): Las Vegas → Zion NP → Bryce Canyon NP → Capitol Reef NP → Arches NP → Canyonlands NP → back to Vegas/SLC.
• Highlights: Angels Landing hike (Zion), Thor’s Hammer (Bryce), Delicate Arch (Arches), Mesa Arch (Canyonlands).
• Tips: Spring and fall avoid the hot summer heat; park passes (America the Beautiful) save money on multiple parks.

Historic Route 66 is a storied cross-country road trip. Although Route 66 once ran from Chicago to L.A., many travelers explore it in segments. For example, the eastern New Mexico portion (Albuquerque to Adrian, TX) is an “Americana” drive featuring old diners, vintage signs and landmarks like the “Midpoint of Route 66”. Roadside attractions (e.g. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, OK) evoke mid-century travel nostalgia best road trips in USA.

• Route 66 (NM/TX): Albuquerque, NM → Tucumcari → Amarillo, TX → Oklahoma City, OK (full route spans ~2,400 miles coast-to-coast).
• Highlights: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 museums, Wigwam Motels, roadside diners.
• Tips: Summer nights can be hot in the desert; plan longer stops in historic towns like Seligman, AZ best road trips in USA.

In summary, a national parks road trip through the Southwest combines adventure and natural beauty. The USA’s network of parks and monuments makes it easy to craft a bucket-list journey. As one AAA writer notes, Utah’s scenery is “world-famous” and lends itself to an unforgettable driving trip.

Rocky Mountains, Plains & Big Sky Country

Heading further north and east, the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains offer rugged beauty. Big Sky Country – Montana and Wyoming – lives up to its name with expansive horizons. AAA highlights a 425-mile route through Montana and Wyoming, passing Yellowstone wildlife and Cody’s Buffalo Bill Center. Forested mountain passes, alpine meadows and starry night skies make this a top road trip for campers and astronomy fans.

• Route (Big Sky): Yellowstone NP → Grand Teton NP → Cody, WY → Sheridan, WY → back to Yellowstone (~425 miles).
• Highlights: Old Faithful (Yellowstone), Jenny Lake (Teton), wildlife viewing (bison, elk).
• Tips: Summer (July/Aug) sees wildflowers and full wildlife activity; fall offers elk rutting season best road trips in USA.

Colorado’s Rockies also beckon. A popular drive is the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Highway through the Sawatch Range, including Mount Elbert’s vistas. Another is Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road (highest continuous paved road in the U.S.). These drives reward with alpine lakes, waterfalls and towering peaks. On the Great Plains beyond the Rockies, drives through Wyoming’s Red Desert or Nebraska’s Sandhills offer surprisingly beautiful solitude best road trips in USA.

• Route (Colorado Rockies): Denver → Estes Park (Rocky Mtn NP) → Independence Pass → Aspen → Colorado Springs (Garden of the Gods) (~500 miles loop).
• Highlights: Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mtn NP), Mount Elbert in the Collegiate Peaks, Maroon Bells near Aspen.
• Tips: Passes may close in winter; late spring to early fall is best for high-altitude routes.

These routes capture the ultimate USA road trip spirit: long open roads and vast landscapes. The AAA also notes that the Black Hills region (South Dakota) is a cool summer road trip with landmarks like Mount Rushmore and historic Deadwood, showing that “big sky” beauty spans many states best road trips in USA.

Eastern & Appalachian Road Trips

The Eastern U.S. offers lush greenery, rolling mountains and Atlantic coastline drives. Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina/Virginia is often cited as one of America’s premier scenic byways. AAA calls it “America’s longest linear park” with “plenty of spectacular views” through the Appalachians. The 300+ mile section in North Carolina runs from Great Smoky Mountains NP (Cherokee) to the Virginia line, showcasing mountain overlooks, waterfalls, and fall foliage best road trips in USA.

• Route (Blue Ridge Parkway, NC): Cherokee, NC → Asheville, NC → Grandfather Mtn → VA line (total ~305 miles).
• Highlights: Linn Cove Viaduct, Mount Mitchell, scenic overlooks and hiking trails.
• Tips: Spring (rhodies bloom) and fall are peak scenic times; follow the Parkway’s speed limits and enjoy frequent turnouts.

Another classic is the Great Smoky Mountains loop. Starting and ending in Knoxville, TN, a 500-mile loop winds through Tennessee and North Carolina with stops in Gatlinburg and Asheville. This road trip offers misty mountain views, historic Appalachian culture and diverse forest ecosystems best road trips in USA.

• Route (Smoky Mtn Loop): Knoxville, TN → Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge → Asheville, NC → Blue Ridge Parkway south → back to Knoxville (~500 miles).
• Highlights: Clingmans Dome, Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, Appalachian Trail viewpoints.
• Tips: The Smokies are busiest in fall foliage season; plan lodging early if traveling in Oct.

Natchez Trace Parkway (MS–TN) is a more relaxed drive through history. Stretching 440 miles from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN, this scenic route follows an ancient Native American and pioneer trail. Along the way are Civil War sites, antebellum homes, and the birthplace of Elvis in Tupelo best road trips in USA.

• Route (Natchez Trace): Natchez, MS → Tupelo, MS → Nashville, TN (or reverse).
• Highlights: Meriwether Lewis Monument, Rocky Springs Hotel ruins, Cypress Swamps.
• Tips: No commercial traffic allowed, making it a peaceful drive.

On the East Coast, drivers can also explore New England’s coastal towns. AAA’s Southern New England loop starts in Boston and goes through Mystic (CT), Newport (RI) and Cape Cod. It highlights Revolutionary War sites, Gilded Age mansions and seaside villages. Cape Cod itself is a 174-mile loop featuring beaches, lighthouses and whale watching best road trips in USA.

• Route (New England): Boston, MA → Providence, RI → Newport, RI → Mystic, CT → Cape Cod, MA → Boston (~350 miles).
• Highlights: Freedom Trail (Boston), Newport mansions, Cape Cod National Seashore.
• Tips: Fall leaf-peeping is spectacular here (late Oct); summer has beaches and festivals best road trips in USA.

Finally, Florida road trip ideas range from the Overseas Highway (Miami to Key West) to coastal drives on Highway 98 in the Panhandle. AAA suggests that South Florida’s 420-mile route through the Keys and Palm Beaches is packed with beaches and tropical scenery. If you prefer northern routes, overseas driving on Highway 1 down the Keys gives iconic ocean vistas (65 bridges!) and the relaxed vibe of Key West best road trips in USA.

• Route (Florida Keys): Miami → Key Largo → Islamorada → Marathon → Key West (approx. 160 miles one way).
• Highlights: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Dolphin research center, Mallory Square sunset in Key West.
• Tips: Hurricane season (Jun–Nov) can be busy and sometimes rainy; winter and spring have mild, sunny weather.

Whether you prefer coast or mountains, the East Coast road trips blend history with nature. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains in particular deliver the quintessential autumn drive, while New England’s shoreline routes deliver nautical charm best road trips in USA.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is the best time for a road trip in USA?
A: Generally, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather across the country. These seasons avoid extreme heat and provide colorful scenery (wildflowers in spring, foliage in fall). Summer is also popular for long daylight but comes with crowds and heat; winter road trips work in the South or for skiing but require winter driving prep.

Q: How can I plan a cross country road trip in the USA?
A: Start by choosing your coast-to-coast route (e.g. historic Route 66, or a northern route via Michigan and the Dakotas). Use a USA road trip planner app or map to plot key stops (national parks, cities, attractions) and distances. Build in 1–2 days at top destinations to explore best road trips in USA. Check vehicle readiness and plan overnight stays. Many travelers “bucket-list” driving from New York City to San Francisco, or Seattle to Key West, by linking together regional drives best road trips in USA.

Q: What should I pack for a long road trip?
A: Essentials include a paper map (backup for GPS), first-aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, and a tire repair kit. Pack clothing layers (for varying climates), sturdy shoes, and sun protection. Don’t forget snacks, refillable water bottles, and chargers for electronics. Also pack entertainment (playlists, podcasts) for long stretches, and a notebook or app to journal highlights.

Q: Are there good itineraries for a California road trip?
A: Absolutely. The classic Pacific Coast Highway road trip (Highway 1) is a top California road trip itinerary, linking SF to LA through Big Sur. Another is the northern California loop: San Francisco → Napa Valley → Lake Tahoe → Yosemite NP → return to SF. A Southern California loop might include Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree NP. Each state route has detailed guides (parks.ca.gov or AAA) and specific stop recommendations best road trips in USA.

Q: What are some east coast road trip ideas?
A: Consider driving the Atlantic Coast: from Maine’s Acadia NP down through Cape Cod to NYC and Washington DC, ending in Florida. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a continuous scenic drive through Appalachian mountains (NC/VA). Other ideas: Route 1 through Florida (Miami to Keys), Skyline Drive in Virginia plus Shenandoah Valley, or a New England fall foliage tour (Boston → Acadia → Vermont).

Q: How can I include national parks on my road trip?
A: The U.S. has an “America the Beautiful” Pass covering all NPs for one fee – very handy for a national parks road trip. Plan your route to hit parks along the way: for example, Grand Canyon and Zion if in the Southwest, or Yellowstone and Grand Teton in the Rockies. Many parks have only a single highway through them, so note park road closures or shuttle requirements (e.g. Zion’s shuttle in summer). Bring hiking gear for side trips best road trips in USA.

Ready, Set, Road!

The best road trips in USA for 2025 offer unparalleled freedom and scenery. From the Pacific Coast Highway’s ocean vistas to the Grand Canyon’s grandeur, every drive can be an adventure. Remember to check seasonal weather, pack smart, and use planning tools like AAA or Google Maps to build your ultimate USA road trip itinerary. Comment below with your dream route, and share this guide with friends who love scenic drives. Hit the road and start your next adventure – the open highway awaits! best road trips in USA.

Sources: Trusted travel resources and expert guides (see above).