Have you ever dreamed of witnessing the splendor of the Rocky and the Great Smoky Mountains, or experiencing traditional Southern hospitality in Georgia? Wouldn’t you want to visit legendary American landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty? If you do, then the Great American Road Trip is for you! 

Fancy seeing magical views of the Pacific Ocean with the car windows down on the Pacific Coast Highway? How about some lobster rolls in Maine, barbecue in Texas, and deep-dish pizza in Chicago? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your own great American dream trip.

Since the publication of Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel On the Road (1957)— which tells the story of an epic zigzag adventure across America— the urge to venture out on a grand road trip across America has become a modern cultural phenomenon. A modern-day voyage of discovery in contemporary America. The Great American Road Trip embodies the spirit of America—ultimate freedom, unbridled adventure, and endless possibilities.

So, what are you waiting for? Buckle up, round up your loved ones, and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime. Embark on a journey of adventure and excitement across America. Here is a list of 7 epic Routes in the United States you should add to your bucket list. Each offers a unique blend of American history, culture, and landscape. 

Pacific Coast Highway, California

With stunning views of the Pacific, the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) stretches over 100 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Along the way, you encounter the majestic Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur and charming towns like Santa Barbara and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Savor a burrito at Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy some fine outdoor dining at an exquisite sea-facing restaurant at Newport Beach. Stroll through Santa Barbara Beach. Relax on a Malibu beach and top it all off with some wine-tasting in Napa or Sonoma Valley. If you are traveling with kids, you can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

U.S. Route 66

(Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California)

Crisscrossing 8 American states and lined with classic diners, retro motels, and Texas ranches, Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip. This is one unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of America with an unmistakable old-world Americana vibe about it. 

We recommend a stay at a classic motel like Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari (New Mexico). Visit the Route 66 Museum (Clinton, Oklahoma) which showcases the history and culture of the route and the surrounding region. Be sure to pull over at the iconic Route 66 sign and snap a photo. 

Alaska’s Seward Highway, Alaska

This route takes you on an adventurous journey to a ruggedly beautiful wild frontier of America—the quaint coastal town of Seward, which is a gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. Along the way, your eyes will feast on views of awe-inspiring lakes, glaciers, and mountains. Bring your binoculars along, because there will be plenty of opportunities to spot moose, bald eagles, and reindeer. 

Considered the most scenic road in all of Alaska, the Seward Highway takes you on a 3-hour (120-mile) journey from the city of Anchorage to the coastal town of Seward. There is so much to do in Seward. You can go on day cruises to watch whales and glaciers. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Seward Sealife Center, go hiking on a popular trail, or explore the small downtown area.

The Great River Road— Tracing the Great Mississippi

(Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana)

Tracing the mighty Mississippi River (the longest river in the US), the Great River Road winds through 10 states. It originates at the headwaters of the river in Minnesota and culminates in Louisiana. 

The Great River Road is a veritable treasure trove of American history and culture with historical landmarks. These include Mark Twain’s hometown (Hannibal, Missouri), the classic musical heritage of Memphis (Tennessee), and the culinary delight of Cajun cuisine in Louisiana. 

U. S. Route 50 in Nevada — “the Loneliest Road in America”

Route 50 is a transcontinental highway that goes from West Sacramento (California) to Ocean City (Maryland). The Nevada stretch of the road, which passes through the center of the state, was dubbed “the Loneliest Road in America” by Life Magazine. There are no signs of civilization for hundreds of miles during this stretch.

Stretching over 408 miles in length, the US Route 50 crosses several large desert valleys and rugged mountain ranges. The region is collectively known as the Great Basin. Key tourist attractions in the region include the Basin National Park, Lehman Caves, Ely Renaissance Village, Lake Tahoe, and the 17 mountain passes that break up the Nevada desert.

Grand Teton to Yellowstone, Wyoming

Meandering on a 330-mile loop that traverses through the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, this route begins and ends in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This picturesque town is known for its whitewater rafting down the Snake River Canyon. This one is for the real adventurers. Be sure to bring your kayak and bike along. 

Wildlife and nature enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. Attractions include the Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Lamar Valley (home to bears, wolves, bald eagles, and pronghorn), the “Grand Canyon of the Yellow Stone,” the Norris Geyser Basin (the world’s tallest active geyser), Colter Bay Village, and Jackson Lake Overlook. 

Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia, North Carolina)

Comprising a mammoth stretch of 469 miles in the alpine wilderness of North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is operated by the National Park Service. This meandering two-lane road—much of which falls in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains (foothills of the Appalachians)— connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park and has a speed limit of only 45 mph. 

There are no major cities (only small towns like Asheville and Roanoke). But there are countless picnic spots, Appalachian hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints. The Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is the perfect escape to a blissful wonderland of alpine serenity. 

CONCLUSION 

Whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, the Great American Road Trip is the perfect way to experience the heart and soul of America.

If you’ve been dragging your feet on a dream getaway in America, now is the time. Prepare your luggage, gather your loved ones, and set off on a memorable journey where a breathtaking array of stunning vistas and landscapes awaits you.