The United States seems to have it all when it comes to the natural landscape, from the majestic mountains of Colorado to the vast plains of Texas. The country is also dotted with historic sites, wilderness areas and breathtaking beaches. What better way to see it all than by embarking on a road trip? There are countless routes to choose from, offering a variety of sights and experiences. So, grab a map, pack your bags, and hit the open road for an adventure of a lifetime.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway – State Route One
From Dana Point, north of San Diego, to Leggett, just north of San Francisco, State Route One (SR1), often known as Highway One Classic, winds its way down the Pacific coast.
You can go the entire 656 kilometres, or just the parts that pique your attention.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for whichever option you go with. Numerous vantage points provide breathtaking panoramas of waves crashing into the shore.
Big Sur, which spans over 90 miles between San Simeon and Carmel-by-the-Sea, is one of the most well-known segments. Bixby Bridge is included, which is a popular photo stop along the route. Experience another “million dollar view” at Ragged Point, where the bustling, magnificent hummingbirds will steal your attention away from the azure sky and the water.
Overseas Highway – Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway (US Route 1) connects the mainland of the United States with Key West, Florida, along the Atlantic coast. A string of pearls dripping into the ocean is connected by forty-two bridges that delicately span over the water.
Beginning in Miami, go south to Key Largo on the road that has been designated as an All-American Road. Activities like hiking, snorkelling, birding, and kayaking are common here. You can go fishing if you like, look for seafood eateries, and eat some key lime pie.
The entire journey, which is 113 kilometres long, is stunning. It can supposedly be done in four hours, but trust me when we say you shouldn’t.
Cascade Loop – Washington State
The Cascade Loop in Washington State is worth visiting because of the wide variety of landscapes and activities it offers. From north of Seattle, you may travel around the Cascade Mountains and into the surrounding foothills and valleys—a total of 440 miles.
Crossing Deception Pass Bridge on the shore, you may reach the stunning island of Whidbey. Visit the Boeing Future of Flight site in Everett to see a huge, cutting-edge aeroplane being assembled from scratch.
Leavenworth is a former lumber town that has reinvented itself as a Bavarian mountain village (complete with a Nutcracker Museum). If you want to see cowboys (and cowgirls), you should go to Winthrop in May for the ’49er days’ celebration, which celebrates the town’s Wild West past.
King of Roads – Historic Columbia River Highway – Oregon
In Oregon, along the Columbia River Gorge, the Historic Columbia River Highway (also known as the King of Roads) winds. In July 1916, this route, known as the “First Scenic Paved Road in America,” opened to the public. The goal of the project was to provide easy access to as many of the area’s beautiful sights as feasible for motorists of the future. The 72 miles of winding road between Troutdale (east of Portland) and The Dalles were filled with dramatic turns and twists. The highway gradually deteriorated as wider roads were required to accommodate growing vehicle sizes; nevertheless, extensive repairs began in 2006 and continued into the following year.
It has been fixed up and now passes via tunnels blasted out of rock, across bridges and viaducts, and around figure eights. There are 77 bridges to cross, several waterfalls to see, and countless photo ops along the way.
Highway to the Sky – Trail Ridge Road – Colorado
Trail Ridge Road (U.S. Route 34) in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park offers breathtaking vistas.
The construction of this highway in 1933 made it the United States’ highest continuously paved road. The ‘Highway to the Sky’ spans 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake and is famous for its stretch above the tree line, after which it is named. Views of Bighorn Mountain may be seen from Many Parks Curve, and those of the Never Summer Mountains from Fairview Curve.
The Continental Divide can be found in Milner Pass. Rivers on the west side flow into the Pacific Ocean, while rivers on the east side make their way into the Gulf of Mexico; the mountains run north to south, making it east meets west in attitude (and altitude).
Ready To Explore
Get ready to hit the open road and explore some of the best destinations the United States has to offer. From the stunning beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway to the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, there’s no shortage of top road trips to choose from. Whether you’re looking to experience the charm of small towns, the thrill of big cities, or the majesty of national parks, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests. So pack your bags, grab your favorite tunes, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the best road trips in the United States.