12 American Road Trips for Your Ultimate Travel Bucket List

From the legendary Route 66 through multiple states to the seasonal Going to the Sun Road, there are some truly epic road trips to take in America. Whether you want to see fall foliage, travel through a national park, or trace the west coast, here are 12 of the best routes to include on your bucket list.

Table of Contents

Route 66

Where else to begin but with the most famous American road trip of all? Route 66 is epic, stretching over 2,500 miles between California and Illinois. The most legendary section is between the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Be warned that you’ll be hard-pressed to find an actual Route 66 sign anywhere along the highway these days.

Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway is a relatively short route, just under 35 miles. But this road through New Hampshire is arguably the best place in the US to see the magical fall colors this part of the planet is famed for. Expect a stunning palette of golds, oranges, and reds in every shade imaginable.

Going To The Sun Road

If you want to travel the Going To The Sun Road, you’ll have to time it carefully. Due to the snow in Glacier National Park melting so late, the road doesn’t generally open until sometime in June, then closes again in fall. For crystalline lakes backed by soaring mountain peaks, though, it’s unbeatable.

Beartooth Highway

This 68-mile route ends at the entrance to Yellowstone, so it’s not a bad way to start your trip to the famous National Park. Along the way, you’ll see the Absaroka Mountains and the Beartooth Mountains. The road is also lined with forests, waterfalls, and lakes, and you might spot some local wildlife while traveling.

The Loneliest Road in America

The Loneliest Road in America is Highway 50, which covers more than 400 miles of Nevada. The entire area you’ll pass through is uninhabited, hence the name. This is one for the star gazers: the night skies here are jaw-dropping, as they’re unaffected by light pollution.

Route 100

See the Green Mountains – Vert Mont – following Route 100 through northeastern Vermont. This road is, of course, most impressive during fall, when colorful trees line the highway. But it’s a route for other seasons, too, with local ice cream and lush greenery among the summer temptations.

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Overseas Highway

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The Overseas Highway is as close as you’re ever likely to drive right over the ocean, due to the bridges spanning the Florida Keys. It’s a road trip unlike any other. The tropical Keys also have lots to offer, including awesome diving and snorkeling, fresh seafood, historic buildings, and family-friendly attractions.

The High Road to Taos

Stretching for just over 55 miles through New Mexico, this panoramic route is packed with sights. See wildflowers in bloom if you travel in spring or summer, or forests awash with fall color later in the year. You’ll also pass art galleries, deserts, old Indian pueblos, and mountains.

Columbia River Scenic Highway

This road was built purely so that drivers and their passengers could gaze, open-mouthed, at the incredible panoramas. There are many stopping points, so you can get a good look and take pictures. If you want to see the river, waterfalls, and mountains, pack your hiking shoes so you can venture off-road en route.

Route 6

Not to be confused with Route 66, this one takes you through Cape Cod in Massachusetts. You can trace the harbor for 117 miles, passing untouched forests, tranquil tidal pools, and charming colonial towns. If coastal views are your thing, this is one for the bucket list.

Cascade Loop

Cascade Loop is a route showcasing the best of Washington State. Traveling this road, you can see Puget Sound, apple orchards, crystal clear lakes, neatly stacked hay bales, and charming small towns. The scenic route covers 400 miles; you can travel as much or as little of the loop as you like.

Pacific Coast Highway

Take Route 1 through California for a classic taste of American beach life. Coastal destinations such as Big Sur and Glass Beach and Hearst Castle are musts. The entire route stretches for around 125 miles.