Epic American Road Trips for Summer 2024

Few experiences capture the essence of summer quite like a classic American road trip. Since the days of the Ford Model T, the open road has called to adventurers nationwide, offering routes that stretch from coast to coast — a true American tradition. From winding mountain paths to scenic coastal routes, the U.S. is filled with unforgettable journeys waiting to be explored.

Here are 10 of the most iconic U.S. road trips to embark on this summer. And here's a little insider tip: many of these drives offer breathtaking views all year round.

If you're starting your journey in the South

Overseas Highway: Florida Keys

• Best time to visit: Anytime of the year

This famous highway stretches over the crystal-clear waters that separate the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico, crossing 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, the longest in Florida. The 100-mile drive is flanked by palm trees, vibrant local wildlife, charming motels, and quirky souvenir shops selling shells and other trinkets.

The journey takes around six hours for a round-trip from Florida City. You can easily extend your adventure by starting in Miami and heading south to Homestead, where you can explore Everglades National Park, sample cinnamon rolls at Knaus Berry Farm (open from November to mid-April), and enjoy tropical fruits and smoothies at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand. Then, continue along the picturesque coral islands all the way to Key West.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina

• Best time to visit: Fall

Stretching 469 miles from Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway showcases some of the planet's most ancient mountain ranges.

This scenic route is lush and vibrant from spring through summer, and it transforms into a stunning display of autumn colors (especially from late October to mid-November), with the landscape awash in brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges.

On your journey, make sure to visit Asheville, North Carolina, a charming mountain town celebrated for its exceptional food scene and local craft breweries.

If you're starting from the Midwest

Route 66: Illinois to California

Best time to visit: Spring to fall

Route 66, established in 1926, stands as one of America's most iconic highways. This 2,500-mile route, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, is renowned for its expansive landscapes and numerous historic landmarks, including the famous World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois. In the 1940s and 1950s, it epitomized the classic American road trip.

In Amarillo, Texas, don't miss the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring graffiti-covered Cadillacs partially buried in the ground. Just a short 12-minute drive away, Tyler's Barbeque offers some of the finest brisket you'll ever taste.

The sections of Interstate 40 in New Mexico and Arizona, which partly replaced Route 66, offer stunning scenery and a wealth of notable landmarks. In Arizona, you'll find the Jack Rabbit Trading Post, a legendary stop for road trippers. New Mexico's 400-mile stretch is rich with Native American history, including the Pueblo of Laguna, the largest of the Keresan pueblos.

The best time to travel along Route 66 is from spring through fall. While many road trips are clearly defined, Route 66 isn't mapped as a single route on modern maps, so be sure to use tools like Historic 66 for accurate directions.

Great River Road National Scenic Byway: Minnesota to Louisiana

• Best time to go: Fall or spring for optimal weather conditions

The Great River Road is to the Mississippi River what the Pacific Coast Highway is to the Pacific Ocean. Beginning at Itasca State Park in Minnesota and ending near New Orleans, this route stretches for over 2,000 miles, following the mighty Mississippi River's path across the U.S.

Rather than a single road, the Great River Road is a network of roads that trace both the eastern and western banks of the Mississippi River, passing through states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Along the Great River Road, each state boasts an interpretive center dedicated to the region’s rich history. Highlights include Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Missouri, and Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa, home to over 200 prehistoric mounds built by ancient cultures.

If you begin your journey out West

Pacific Coast Highway: From California to Washington

Best time to go: Late spring when wildflowers are in full bloom

Although the Pacific Coast Highway is often seen as a quintessential California road trip, we believe it’s worth exploring the full 1,650 miles from San Diego all the way to Olympic National Park in Washington.

The Pacific Coast Highway offers sweeping views from high above the blue-green expanse of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most scenic road trips in the country. Along the route, you'll find numerous parks to explore. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a great spot for watching sea otters, seals, and whales, while Garrapata State Park is famous for its majestic coastal redwoods. Just south of Garrapata lies Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the tallest single-span concrete arch bridges in the world, and a favorite for photographers.

The greatest concentration of attractions lies along the Big Sur coast in California. Savor a glass of wine or a delicious meal at Nepenthe, where you'll enjoy stunning views stretching over 60 miles of coastline. You can also stop for a soft serve ice cream or coffee at Coast Big Sur, before visiting the McWay Falls overlook or catching a glimpse of the sunset through the iconic Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach.

Just beyond the southern edge of Big Sur sits Hearst Castle, the grand Spanish Colonial Revival mansion built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s. This iconic estate remains one of the central coast's most sought-after attractions.

Historic Columbia River Highway: Oregon

• Best time to visit: From spring to fall, with the fall months providing the most vibrant and colorful scenery.

Oregon's Historic Columbia River Highway, established in 1913, was the first scenic highway planned in the United States. This 75-mile stretch begins in Troutdale, a suburb of Portland, and ends in The Dalles, making it possible to explore in a single day.

Notable highlights along this beautiful route include a variety of waterfalls, like the impressive Shepperd's Dell Falls and the towering 620-foot Multnomah Falls, along with breathtaking viewpoints such as Chanticleer Point and Crown Point, which is one of the most photographed locations along the Columbia River.

If time allows, make a stop at several historical sites that mark the journey of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, including Rooster Rock State Park, the Cascade Locks Historical Museum, and the Rock Fort Campsite in The Dalles.

US Route 89: Through Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana

• Best time to visit: Anytime, with something to enjoy in every season.

Although it's no longer an official U.S. national park route, U.S. Route 89—previously known as the National Park-to-Park Highway—offers an ideal path for those looking to explore lesser-known roads. The journey starts in Arizona and winds through Utah and Wyoming, ending in Montana.

On your U.S. Route 89 adventure, you'll pass through more than 150 towns and reservations, as well as seven national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Yellowstone, and cross three distinctive regions: Basin and Range National Monument, the Colorado Plateau, and the Rocky Mountains.

If you're short on time, consider driving a smaller section, like the beautiful stretch between Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Glacier National Park, for a quicker but equally scenic trip.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana

• Best time to visit: Typically from June to October, when the snow has melted and the road is fully open.

Spanning 50 miles, Going-to-the-Sun Road is the sole route that cuts through Glacier National Park. Known for being narrow and winding, it offers visitors a chance to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.

Along the way, you may spot mountain goats at the Jackson Glacier Overlook or at Logan Pass, which stands at 6,646 feet, the highest point on the route. The road, which sees its peak traffic from late June to late August, passes by picturesque lakes like McDonald Lake and St. Mary Lake, along with impressive waterfalls such as McDonald Falls and Bird Woman Falls.

Starting in Maine

US Route 1: From Maine to Florida

• Best time to visit: Late September or early October, especially if you're starting in New England.

Stretching nearly 2,500 miles from the Canadian border at Fort Kent, Maine, historic U.S. Route 1 runs down the Atlantic coast. The route takes travelers through notable East Coast cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., before culminating in the tropical paradise of Key West, Florida.

Discover historic Colonial towns such as Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a 370-year-old harborside gem filled with delightful restaurants, inns, and boutiques. Also visit Salem, Massachusetts, known for its tragic witch trials. Further along the route, you can explore Newport, Rhode Island, famous for its opulent Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers, the extravagant summer residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt II.

Heading further south, U.S. Route 1 offers stops like Mount Vernon in northern Virginia, once the estate of George Washington, and South Carolina's expansive 45,000-acre Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.

Acadia All-American Road: Maine

• Best time to visit: Late fall, when the crowds have thinned and the foliage puts on a vibrant display of color.

While you can drive the Acadia All-American Road in just a few hours, there's plenty to enjoy along its 40 miles through Acadia National Park. The scenic route begins on U.S. Route 3 south of Trenton and crosses over to the 108-square-mile Mount Desert Island.

The Acadia All-American Road showcases key attractions like the Bass Harbor Head Light Station, a historic lighthouse from the mid-1800s, and Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in the park. The mountain features scenic carriage roads and ancient stone bridges, many of which are not accessible by car.

To explore these stunning sights, consider bringing your bike or renting one in the picturesque town of Bar Harbor. When it's time to eat, enjoy fresh local seafood at the Thirsty Whale Tavern.

Bottom line

No matter which route you choose, always keep in mind that the journey is just as important as the destinations. The hidden gems along the way can be just as rewarding as the iconic landmarks.