When it comes to epic road trips, the United States has it all. With its vast and diverse landscapes, charming towns and iconic landmarks, the U.S. is a playground for adventurers and romantics alike.
In this article, we’ll explore the 15 best road trips to take in 2023, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of each journey. Get ready to hit the open road and create unforgettable memories with your favorite people!
We want you to find the perfect car rental for your next adventure. From family-friendly SUVs to luxury convertibles, Skyscanner helps you enjoy your road trip the way you want.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Embark on a scenic drive along California’s coastline on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.
From the vibrant city of San Francisco to the sunny beaches of San Diego, this West Coast road trip offers stunning ocean views, rocky cliffs, charming seaside towns and the majestic beauty of Big Sur. Explore the region’s wineries, marvel at the towering redwood trees and create unforgettable memories along this romantic and picturesque route.
Duration: Plan for at least a week to fully enjoy the beauty of this coastal drive.
Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Best time of year for this road trip: Spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
2. Route 66
Experience the nostalgia of the “Mother Road” as you journey along the historic Route 66. This iconic cross-country road trip takes you from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, immersing you in the charm of small towns, quirky roadside attractions and Americana culture.
Duration: Plan for at least two weeks to fully embrace the essence of Route 66.
Highlights: Cadillac Ranch, Petrified Forest National Park, Santa Monica Pier
Best time of year for this road trip: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for this cross-country adventure.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina)
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you traverse the Blue Ridge Parkway. This road trip takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina, offering stunning vistas, vibrant fall foliage, cascading waterfalls and charming Appalachian towns.
Explore the trails of Shenandoah National Park, witness the beauty of wildflowers in bloom and indulge in the region’s local flavors. For an extended adventure, consider visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee or exploring the vibrant city of Nashville.
Duration: Plan for a week to fully enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its surroundings.
Highlights: Skyline Drive, Linville Gorge, Asheville, Blowing Rock, Blue Ridge Music Center
Best time of year for this road trip: Fall is especially spectacular with the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, but spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Embark on a breathtaking journey through Glacier National Park on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This scenic mountain road traverses the park, offering vistas, glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks.
Marvel at the beauty of Logan Pass, hike to hidden waterfalls and immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Montana. Extend your trip and venture into Yellowstone National Park, a must-see destination with its geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife.
Duration: Plan for a few days to fully explore Glacier National Park and its surroundings.
Highlights: Logan Pass, Lake McDonald, Hidden Lake, Avalanche Lake
Best time of year for this road trip: The road is typically open from June to October, but summer offers the best access to the entire road.
5. Alaska Highway (Alaska and Canada)
This adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory, showcasing abundant wildlife, charming towns and the untamed beauty of rugged wilderness.
Experience the thrill of driving through remote areas, witness the majesty of glaciers and immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Canadian and American North.
Duration: Plan for at least two weeks to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this remote region.
Highlights: Kluane National Park, Dawson City, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park
Best time of year for this road trip: Summer offers the best weather and accessibility for this northern adventure.
6. Overseas Highway (Florida)
Escape to the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys on a road trip along the Overseas Highway. This iconic 113-mile drive spans several islands, offering panoramic ocean views, white sandy beaches and vibrant sunsets.
Indulge in outdoor activities like snorkeling, biking and kayaking, and savor the laid-back island vibes. From the bustling city of Miami to the tranquility of Key West, Florida is a perfect getaway for sun-seekers and beach lovers.
Duration: While you could cover the span for a day trip, it’s best to plan for a few days to fully enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys and its unique island atmosphere.
Highlights: Key Largo, Islamorada, Bahia Honda State Park, Key West
Best time of year for this road trip: Winter and spring offer the best weather (and they avoid hurricane season).
7. Highway 101 (Oregon and Washington)
This coastal U.S. road trip takes you through seaside towns, majestic national forests and rugged cliffs, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Explore Seattle with its iconic Space Needle and bustling Pike Place Market. Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Olympic National Park, hike along picturesque trails and witness the power of the Pacific Ocean at Cannon Beach.
Duration: Plan for at least a week to fully explore the highlights of Highway 101 and the surrounding areas.
Highlights: Olympic National Park, Cape Flattery, Astoria, Hoh Rainforest, Mount Rainier National Park
Best time of year for this road trip: Summer and early fall offer the best weather and opportunities for outdoor activities.
8. Route 1 (Maine)
Embark on a picturesque East Coast drive along the open road of Route 1 in Maine, known for its fishing villages, lighthouses and seafood. Explore the iconic Acadia National Park, stroll along the sandy beaches of Old Orchard Beach and indulge in a lobster feast in the quaint town of Bar Harbor.
Duration: Plan for a few days to a week to fully appreciate the beauty of Maine’s coastline and its attractions.
Highlights: Acadia National Park, Portland Head Light, Kennebunkport, Camden, Mount Desert Island
Best time of year for this road trip: Summer and early fall offer pleasant weather and vibrant foliage.
9. Utah Mighty 5 National Parks
This U.S. road trip takes you through Utah’s mighty five national parks — Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion. Witness the majestic red rock formations, hike to breathtaking viewpoints and immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscapes that define the region.
Duration: Plan for at least a week to explore the highlights of each national park and enjoy outdoor activities.
Highlights: Delicate Arch, The Narrows, Bryce Amphitheater, Horseshoe Bend, Angels Landing
Best time of year for this road trip: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
10. Road to Hana (Hawaii)
Experience Maui’s natural beauty during the famous 10- to 12-hour drive on the Road to Hana. This scenic highway winds along the island’s northeastern coast, offering breathtaking views of rainforests, waterfalls and coastal overlooks. Take your time exploring hidden gems along the way, swim in crystal-clear pools and enjoy the laid-back vibes of this Hawaiian paradise.
Duration: Plan for a full day to fully appreciate the stops and sights along the Road to Hana.
Highlights: Wai’anapanapa State Park, Seven Sacred Pools, Haleakala National Park
Best time of year for this road trip: Year-round, but be mindful of potential rain showers during winter.
11. Texas Hill Country
This bucket list trip takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Texas Hill Country, located in the state’s southwest region. This road trip takes you through adorable towns like Fredericksburg, where you can explore its German heritage, visit wineries and indulge in local cuisine (BBQ, baby!).
Discover the historic landmarks of San Antonio, including the Alamo and River Walk. Immerse yourself in cowboy culture in Bandera, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” where you can witness rodeos and experience the spirit of the Wild West.
Duration: Plan for a few days to a week to fully explore the charming towns and attractions of Texas Hill Country.
Highlights: Vineyards, the Alamo, River Walk, Bandera, rodeos, tex-mex
Best time of year for this road trip: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and the opportunity to witness blooming wildflowers or fall foliage. However, Texas Hill Country is beautiful year-round, so plan your trip based on your preferred weather and activities.
12. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (New Mexico)
This scenic route takes you through stunning landscapes, including the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, picturesque valleys and the charming town of Taos. Immerse yourself in the rich Native American culture at Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the vibrant art scene in Taos.
Duration: Visitors can complete the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway road trip in a day, but two to three days would be perfect to fully experience the attractions and activities along the way.
Highlights: Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos Pueblo, Taos
Best time of year for this road trip: Visitors can enjoy the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway road trip year-round.
13. New England coastal drive (Massachusetts)
Enjoy a scenic road trip along the stunning coastline of Massachusetts and explore the charming coastal towns that define New England’s coastal charm. Visit iconic destinations like Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, where you can enjoy panoramic ocean views, fresh seafood, historical landmarks and idyllic beaches.
Duration: Plan for at least five to seven days to fully immerse yourself in the area’s coastal beauty and explore the towns and attractions at a leisurely pace.
Highlights: Cape Cod, Provincetown, Chatham, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, Plymouth Rock
Best time of year for this road trip: The summer (June to August) is a great time to visit because the weather is warm and the coastal towns are bustling.
14. Highway 50 (Nevada)
Ready for a classic American road trip? Experience the vastness and rugged beauty of Nevada on Highway 50, famously known as the “Loneliest Road in America.” Contrary to its nickname, this road trip offers a unique and romantic journey through vast deserts, stunning mountain ranges and small towns that capture the essence of the American West.
Duration: Plan for three to five days to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Highlights: Great Basin Desert, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Ely, Austin, stargazing
Best time of year for this road trip: Spring and fall are your best bet for moderate temperatures. Summer is extremely hot.
15. The Black Hills and Badlands (South Dakota)
Explore the dramatic landscapes and rich history of the South Dakota Black Hills and Badlands region. This road trip takes you through iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park, where you can witness unique rock formations and diverse wildlife.
Duration: Plan for about four to six days to have time to explore the national parks, engage in outdoor activities and visit historical sites.
Highlights: Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, hiking trails, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park
Best time of year for this road trip: Summer (June to August) has the best weather for outdoor activities and open national parks.
How to plan for a road trip
Whether you’re heading to Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago, Illinois or looking for a small-town adventure, some tips can make your road trip more enjoyable.
- Plan your route. Research and plan stops and activities in advance, check for any road closures or construction and use GPS or a map to navigate.
- Pack essentials. Pack light and bring only what you need, including snacks, water, a first-aid kit, emergency supplies and chargers for your devices.
- Budget wisely. Set a budget for your trip, including gas, food, lodging and activities.
- Rent a car. Make your road trip even more convenient and enjoyable by renting a car. With options for one-way rentals, additional drivers to lighten the load and a range of vehicles from family-friendly SUVs to luxury convertibles, choose the option that works best for you. Plus, enjoy free cancellation if your plans change.
See everything the USA has to offer
The United States is a treasure trove of adventures, from the bustling streets of New York City to the stunning beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and Grand Canyon. Explore the vibrant city of Los Angeles or immerse yourself in the rich history of the East Coast.
Booking a car rental for your next road trip should be just as easy as booking a flight. With filters for fuel policy and pickup location, Skyscanner is here to help you find the best deals on car rentals so you can embark on your dream road trip.
