Americans hold a deep fascination with the open road. It’s part of their cultural identity as it symbolizes core values, such as freedom, individualism, and exploration. And there is something truly special about road trips in the States: Long winding roads, retro diners, and endless skies give drivers a sense of freedom and adventure.
Whether you and your family are cruising from coast to coast or exploring one region at a time, every stretch of highway offers a different story and a fresh horizon. Join us as we discover some of the most beautiful places on earth on our favourite 5 USA road trips:
Planning the Perfect USA Road Trip
First things first: If you are travelling to the US from Europe, you need to get your passports and travel permits in order, think about time zones, weather, and your method of travel – will you rent a camper van or a car? If you don’t know the answers to any of those questions, check out our top tips for travelling to the United States with kids. But now to the fun stuff:
Choose the Right Route
With a country so vast, how do you choose the road trip that is right for your family? The key to a memorable self-driving holiday is knowing your travel style. Nature lovers can find paradise along the Pacific Coast Highway where rugged cliffs meet crashing waves. Those chasing nostalgia should follow the legendary Route 66, a living museum of Americana. For dramatic views, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great River Road deliver pure cinematic beauty. Here are some iconic routes that are worth driving.
Pacific Coast Highway (California to Washington):
Coastal drama, ocean breeze, and winding roads. There are forests, beaches, and countless famous cities like San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angelos to explore on this route, which stretches 1,650 miles along the Pacific Ocean.
How long: Allow 12 to 14 days for this road trip.
When to travel: April to October for mild weather and long daylight hours.
Route 66 (Illinois to California):
Classic roadside charm, neon-lit motels, and diner coffee, that tastes like time travel. There are national parks, the Grand Canyon, and historic sights, like the Chain of Rocks Bridge, on this route. Route 66 is almost 2,450 miles long passing through 8 states so best done in 2 weeks as there is plenty to do and see on the way.
When to travel: Allow min. 14 days.
When to travel: Choose April/May and September/October if you can as June, July, and August are very hot, crowded, and expensive.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina):
Lush mountains, misty mornings, and Appalachian soul. From Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Appalachian Mountains boast spectacular views, hiking trails, and wildlife.
How long: Allow 5 to 7 days for plenty of stops on this 469 miles’ long road trip.
When to travel: Any time between April and early November. Summer temperatures are in the 20s, but some areas can get busy with campers, hikers, and drivers.
Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana):
Music, history, and the rhythmic pulse of the Mississippi – 3,000 miles through 10 states can’t be done in a day. If you have at least two weeks to spare and love hiking in stunning scenery, always wanted to see Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, or listen to live traditional Dixieland jazz in a New Orleans bar, this is the route for you.
How long: Allow 14 days.
When to travel: Visit in spring or autumn if you want to escape the hot, humid summer and the crowds.
Grand Loop (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming):
Rainbow coloured hot springs, geyser eruptions, and breathtaking canyons. This scenic eight-shaped route takes you past stunning geothermal features and abundant wildlife. At 142 miles, this is the shortest of our 5 USA road trips, but arguably the most scenic.
How long: Allow at least 3 days to explore.
When to travel: The best time to travel is June and September for a good balance: May and early June see pretty vegetation and less crowds whilst July/August is warm and sunny but busy. In October temperatures go down, and roads and facilities start to close.
Photo: The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Each of our American road trips can be done in parts depending on how much driving and how much stopping you wish to do. The important thing is to find a route that works for you and your family.
Iconic Stops Along the Way
San Francisco, California
If you have chosen the Pacific Coast Highway for your USA road trip, plan a stop in San Francisco – there is no city quite like Golden Gate City! Make time for iconic sights like Transamerica Pyramid, the famous Lombard Street, and the Painted Ladies, before you cross the Golden Gate Bridge into a skyline of steep hills and pastel houses. Other quintessential San Francisco activities include eating chowder in a sourdough bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, wandering through Chinatown, and letting the fog rolling in from the Pacific Ocean wrap around you.
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
If Route 66 sounds like the USA road trip for you, make sure to include one of Arizona’s top attractions and considered a wonder of the natural world: the Grand Canyon. The town of Williams in Arizona is on a preserved stretch of the historic route and the southernmost entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park. Few places command silence like the Grand Canyon. Standing on its edge, the sheer scale forces you to slow down and just stare. Make sure to keep young kids save and visit at sunrise if you want to watch the canyon ignite in colour or stay for sunset to see the rock layers glow like embers.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone proves that nature still knows how to surprise us! Erupting geysers, colourful hot springs, roaring waterfalls, and roaming wildlife create a landscape that feels untouched and alive. Take your time and let the kids gaze in wonder. It’s a place that will be engraved in their memories forever – I should know having visited 45 years ago. You could also explain the stunning geological features of Yellowstone National Park and turn the experience into an exciting science lesson.
Photo: Hot springs in Yellowstone National Park
Making Your Trip Safe, Fun, And Comfortable
Pack Smart, Travel Light
Space is precious on the road. Focus on efficiency and skip excess luggage. Keep a first-aid kit, power banks, nonperishable snacks, sturdy water bottles, and entertainment for young kids. Buy an explorer kit or make one yourself and include binoculars, a bug catcher, and a kiddie camera or compass. This will keep your little ones busy without the need for lots of toys.
Remember to download maps for offline use, movies for the kids, and a solid playlist for you: You will likely travel through areas of the US that has little to no signal, so make sure you are prepared.
Make Your Car a Second Home
Comfort determines how enjoyable your USA road trip feels. Transform your car or campervan into a cozy, mobile retreat by keeping it clean and adding seat cushions, organizers, and travel blankets for the kids. The more inviting your space, the longer you will want to stay on the road.
Maintain the Mood
Music sets the tone, but the atmosphere goes beyond playlists. A pleasant car scent can transform the experience, keeping the cabin fresh even during long stretches. It is a small touch that keeps you grounded and makes every drive feel personal.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Long hours behind the wheel can wear you down, especially if you are the only driver. Take breaks every few hours, stretch, and hydrate. Instead of pushing through fatigue, plan overnight stays in scenic towns. Resting somewhere beautiful keeps the journey inspiring rather than exhausting.
Photo: Death Valley National Park
Detours Are Part of the Fun
No great road trip goes exactly as planned, and that is the beauty of it. Missed turns lead to hidden waterfalls, quirky museums, and unforgettable meals. The best stories come from those unexpected stops where curiosity takes the wheel – embrace them.
Small Towns, Big Personality
The backroads of America reveal its true character. Wander into towns with one petrol station and a main street lined with antique stores. You will find homemade pies, warm smiles, and conversations that stay with you longer than any landmark ever could.
Respect the Road and the Locals
Be considerate. Keep your surroundings clean, drive responsibly, and support small businesses. Every time you stop for petrol, buy a meal, or chat with a local, you contribute to the culture that makes road tripping in America special.
Photography Tips
Golden hour, right after sunrise or before sunset, produces the most flattering light. Bring a disposable or film camera for a nostalgic touch that digital photos cannot replicate. But do not let the lens steal your attention – some moments are better lived than captured. If you take pictures of locals, be polite and ask for permission.
Tech That Makes Travel Easier
Technology has simplified the open road. Use GPS apps for real-time traffic, fuel-tracking tools to save money, and weather alerts to stay prepared. Portable Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots will help you stay connected without interrupting the flow of travel.
The Spirit of the Road
USA road trips are about more than just exploring a new country and its people. It is about the rhythm of tyres on asphalt, the thrill of not knowing what is next, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that’s okay because the journey itself is the reward. So, enjoy every mile of misty mountain roads and desert highways. America’s vastness is not something to conquer; it is something to experience, one road at a time.
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