Road trip around the US: the ultimate way to immerse yourself in America’s vast and varied landscapes, from sun‑baked desert highways to misty coastal cliffs. Each mile brings a new scene—towering redwoods, sapphire lakes, windswept beaches, and mountain passes carved by glaciers. Whether you’re seeking off‑the‑beaten‑path diners, roadside attractions that beg for a photo op, or world‑class national parks teeming with wildlife, this journey delivers nonstop discovery. Buckle up for an unforgettable summer of freedom, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Road Trip Around the US Starting on the Pacific Coast – West Coast Wonder
Route: San Francisco → Big Sur → Los Angeles → San Diego
Start your road trip around the US on one of America’s most scenic routes—the Pacific Coast Highway. Hugging the California coastline, this drive features stunning ocean cliffs, crashing waves, and charming coastal towns. Stop at Big Sur for misty forest hikes, sip wines in Santa Barbara, and bask in the sunset glow along Malibu’s famed beaches.
Highlights:
- Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls
- Santa Barbara’s wine trail
- Surfing in Malibu and Venice Beach
Pro Tip: Start early to avoid traffic and catch sunrise at Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
2. Road Trip Around the US Through National Parks and Route 66 – Nature Meets Nostalgia
Route: Chicago → Santa Fe → Grand Canyon → Las Vegas → Los Angeles
Pair the historic allure of Route 66 with the natural majesty of America’s national parks. This road trip around the US offers everything from neon-lit diners to Grand Canyon overlooks. Hike through Petrified Forest National Park, detour to Sante Fe’s art scene, and cap it off with a night on the Las Vegas Strip.
Highlights:
- Route 66 landmarks like Cadillac Ranch and Wigwam Motel
- Grand Canyon sunrise views
- Saguaro cactus forests in Arizona
Pro Tip: Book Grand Canyon lodging early—it fills up quickly in peak season.
3. The Wild Frontier: Alaska’s Remote Road Trip Around the US
Route: Anchorage → Denali National Park → Fairbanks → Valdez
This road trip feels like exploring the edge of the world. With glacier-fed rivers, towering peaks, and moose sightings around every curve, Alaska’s open roads offer a pristine escape. Take your time and bring binoculars—you never know when a bald eagle or grizzly will appear.
Highlights:
- Denali, North America’s highest peak
- Cruise through Prince William Sound
- Wildlife safaris near Fairbanks
Pro Tip: Summer daylight stretches past midnight—use it for evening hikes and late-night campfires.
4. The Southern Charm Circuit: A Soulful Road Trip Around the US South
Route: Charleston → Savannah → Nashville → New Orleans
A blend of slow-cooked meals, live blues, and moss-draped oaks. This leg of your road trip around the US dives deep into the heart of Southern culture. Taste gumbo in the French Quarter, hear live country in Nashville, and sip sweet tea on a Charleston porch.
Highlights:
- Charleston’s historic French Quarter
- Plantations and bayous
- Bourbon Street’s nightlife
Pro Tip: Visit local farmers’ markets for picnic fixings and home-style flavors.
5. The Great River Escape: Cruising the Mississippi
Route: Minneapolis → St. Louis → Memphis → Baton Rouge → New Orleans
Follow the rhythm of the Mississippi River for a music- and history-rich journey. This road trip around the US weaves together blues roots, jazz heritage, and Southern storytelling.
Highlights:
- St. Louis Gateway Arch
- Beale Street in Memphis
- Riverboat cruises and civil rights museums
Pro Tip: Download jazz playlists to score your drive with some soul.
6. Wild West & Canyon Country: The Ultimate Southwest Loop
Route: Zion NP → Bryce Canyon → Arches → Monument Valley → Grand Canyon
This dreamscape of red rocks and open skies defines the adventurous road trip around the US spirit. Carve out time for sunrise hikes, Milky Way stargazing, and Navajo-guided tours.
Highlights:
- The hoodoos of Bryce Canyon
- Delicate Arch at sunset
- Helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon
Pro Tip: Bring layers—desert temps drop sharply after dark.
7. Midwest Americana: Quirky Stops and Rolling Fields
Route: Milwaukee → Chicago → Indianapolis → St. Louis → Kansas City
Explore heartland charm with museums, lakeshores, BBQ joints, and roadside oddities (hello, world’s largest ketchup bottle). This is a road trip around the US filled with surprises.
Highlights:
- Art museums in Chicago
- Milwaukee’s lakefront beer gardens
- Jazz clubs in Kansas City
Pro Tip: Try regional dishes—cheese curds in Wisconsin, deep-dish pizza in Chicago.
8. Rocky Mountain Majesty: Peaks, Lakes, and Open Skies
Route: Denver → Rocky Mountain NP → Aspen → Grand Junction
Experience alpine beauty at every turn, from sweeping mountain passes to emerald lakes. Nature reigns here, making it one of the most invigorating legs of your road trip around the US.
Highlights:
- Trail Ridge Road (one of the highest paved roads in North America)
- Hanging Lake hike
- Hot springs in Glenwood Springs
Pro Tip: Beat altitude sickness by hydrating and taking it slow on the climbs.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these must-read travel guides before you go: Tourist Places: Unique experiences – Unconventional Destinations That Will Surprise You, Vacations: 20 Epic Adventure Spots That Will Ignite Your Passion for Thrill Seekers and Family Vacation Planning: How to Create an Inclusive, Fun, and Stress-Free Vacation.
9. New England Dreaming: Seaside Serenity and Colonial Beauty
Route: Boston → Cape Cod → Portsmouth → Acadia NP
Trade traffic for lighthouses and lobster rolls. This elegant road trip around the US delivers salty sea breezes, charming harbors, and coastal hikes.
Highlights:
- Whale watching off Cape Ann
- Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain
- Boston’s Freedom Trail
Pro Tip: Make dinner reservations—these towns fill up fast in summer.
10. Desert to Surf: The Mojave to the Pacific
Route: Las Vegas → Joshua Tree → Palm Springs → Los Angeles
Go from cacti and rock formations to beach waves in a single journey. This wildly diverse road trip around the US lets you hike through alien landscapes in the morning and sip cocktails by the ocean at sunset.
Highlights:
- Stargazing in Joshua Tree
- Mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs
- Santa Monica Pier
Pro Tip: Stop at Pioneertown for a funky Old West photo op.
Ready, Set, Explore
No matter which route you choose, a road trip around the US this summer can be more than just travel—it’s a journey into landscapes, cultures, and stories that shape America. So fuel up, cue your playlists, and get lost (in the best way).
To make your adventure seamless and memorable, be sure to book your hotel stays early here for exclusive travel deals and handpicked accommodations along your route.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these must-read travel guides before you go:
- 🌲 The Ultimate Glacier National Park Travel Guide
- 🏖️ Top Dream Vacation Spots You’ll Want to Visit This Year
Your next unforgettable journey is just a click away — start planning now and hit the open road!
