If you're a keen traveler, retired, taking a gap year, or just feeling adventurous, this summer is the perfect time for one of the best road trips in the U.S.
And you don't have to travel far, as the United States has a well-developed highway system that can help you get to any and every state.
Highways are also a great place to see some of the country's untouched scenery, including mountains, deserts, forests, and historic buildings.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Road Trips
Route 66
This highway takes those who choose to travel from Illinois to California. It is, without a doubt, the best-known route and is on most road trippers' bucket lists. You can also start and end in various places.
For example, if you start in Albuquerque, where you can still spot a neon Route 66 sign downtown, you can then drive through the Cibola National Forest until you reach Tijeras and the Singing Road.
If you continue to Moriarty, you'll be able to see more Route 66 relics.
Overseas Highway, Florida
Route 1 from Key Largo to Key West is a great route, although the first part of this highway from the Florida mainland to Key Largo may seem a little dull.
However, if you continue on this route from Key Largo through Islamorada to the terminus of Route 1 in Key West, you'll be rewarded with a turquoise sea.
You'll get to cross the 7-Mile Bridge and find secluded islands, shipwrecks, and, if you're into fishing, some of the best fishing spots in the Caribbean.
Plus, there's the chance to see turtles, dolphins, and North America's smallest species of deer.
Pacific Coast Highway, Route 1
Another of the best road trips in the U.S. is Route 1 -- you'll travel through California, Oregon, and Washington.
The ride from Santa Barbara to the Canadian border provides incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains.
Although the Pacific Coast Highway has 123 official miles, Route 1 is much longer and offers more for roadtrippers.
The 17-mile drive runs across California's Monterey Peninsula from Pacific Grove to Carmel while passing through the famous Pebble Beach golf course.
Boston To Seattle Via I-90
If you want to see a large part of America this summer, take an epic journey from coast to coast.
If you want to travel across this vast country, take the long route I-90, which connects Boston to Seattle, the longest interstate in the U.S. You'll pass through 13 different states.
Some drivers have been able to do this route in about six days, but if you want to appreciate each state, take your time and make detours.
Route 12 in Utah
This road is also known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, as it runs from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
The route goes on for 124 miles, and roadtrippers experience forested mountains and the mountains in Boulder.
The road also begins to follow a narrow ridge along the red canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
While we focused on some of the most popular routes in the U.S., a lot depends on where you want to travel.
Remember to research what you'll find before you set off, no matter which one of the best road trips in the U.S. you decide to take. You wouldn't want to miss any sights along the way!
