Okay, who’s ready for the ultimate adventure? We’re talking open road, windows down, epic playlists, and views for days. The US is basically made for road trips, with everything from stunning coastlines to majestic mountains to quirky roadside attractions. And the best part? There’s a perfect road trip for every season. These are some of the best road trips in the US, offering the most memorable US road trips.

Bloom and Zoom: Best Spring Road Trips

Spring is all about wildflowers, blooming trees, and that feeling of everything coming back to life. These road trips are perfect for shaking off the winter blues and embracing the sunshine.

• Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina): Cruise along this scenic byway and soak up the views of rolling hills, lush forests, and tons of wildflowers. Stop at overlooks for epic photo ops and hike to cascading waterfalls.
• Texas Hill Country: Get ready for a wildflower explosion! This region of Texas is famous for its bluebonnets, paintbrushes, and other colorful blooms. It’s basically a real-life Instagram filter.
• Pacific Coast Highway (California): Hit up the section from Monterey to Big Sur for dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and fields of wildflowers. Stop at Bixby Bridge for that iconic shot.
• Columbia River Gorge (Oregon/Washington): Waterfalls galore! This area is stunning year-round, but spring brings extra lushness and wildflowers. Hike to Multnomah Falls and explore the charming towns along the way.

Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out: Summer Coastal Drives

Summer is all about beach vibes, warm weather, and endless sunshine. These coastal road trips are guaranteed to give you that perfect summer feeling.

• Pacific Coast Highway (California): Okay, we mentioned part of it for spring, but the whole PCH is a summer road trip dream. Think beaches, surfing, charming towns, and those iconic California sunsets.
• Overseas Highway (Florida Keys): Drive from island to island, surrounded by turquoise waters. Stop for snorkeling, key lime pie, and maybe even a dolphin encounter.
• Oregon Coast Highway (Oregon): Rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Explore tide pools, hike to lighthouses, and enjoy the fresh ocean air.
• Outer Banks Scenic Byway (North Carolina): Beaches, lighthouses, wild horses – what more could you want? This barrier island chain is perfect for a laid-back summer road trip.

Leaf Peeping Paradise: Stunning Fall Foliage Routes

Fall is when nature puts on a show. These road trips are all about vibrant colors, crisp air, and cozy vibes. These scenic drives during the fall are part of the best road trips in the US.

• Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire): This is the classic New England fall foliage drive. Think winding roads, covered bridges, and mountains ablaze with color.
• Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park, Virginia): Cruise along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and soak up panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley, covered in fall colors.
• Upper Peninsula, Michigan: Get off the beaten path and explore the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The forests here are stunning in the fall, and it’s way less crowded than New England.
• Aspen, Colorado, to Moab, Utah: From golden mountains to red rocks.

Snow Way Out: Winter Wonderland Road Trips

Winter doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside! These road trips embrace the snowy scenery and offer plenty of winter fun. Important: Always check road conditions and be prepared for winter driving! These US road trips turn into the best scenic drives during the winter.

• Million Dollar Highway (Colorado): This route through the San Juan Mountains is stunning, but it can be challenging in winter. Check for closures and make sure your car is equipped for snow and ice.
• Olympic Peninsula Loop (Washington): Explore the diverse landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula, from rainforest to mountains to coastline. Some areas might be inaccessible in winter, so plan accordingly.
• A scenic route through Vermont or New Hampshire: Embrace the winter vibes with a road trip through New England. Think cozy towns, snow-covered forests, and maybe even some skiing or snowshoeing.

Pack Like a Pro: Packing Tips for the Best Road Trips in the US

Okay, nobody wants to be that person who overpacks or forgets essential gear. Here’s how to pack like a pro for your US road trips:

• Comfy Clothes: You’ll be spending a lot of time in the car, so prioritize comfort.
• Layers: Weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers that you can add or remove.
• Snacks and Drinks: Road trip snacks are essential.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
• First-Aid Kit: Just in case.
• Entertainment: Download your favorite playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks.
• Navigation: GPS is your friend, but it’s also a good idea to have a paper map as a backup.
• Phone Charger: Essential for keeping your phone juiced up for photos, navigation, and music.
• Car Emergency Kit: Jumper cables, flashlight, flares, a blanket – be prepared for anything.

Road Trip Ready: Budgeting for a Road Trip

Road trips can be surprisingly affordable, but it’s still important to plan ahead. Here are the major things to plan for, for some of the best road trips in the US:

• Gas: This will likely be your biggest expense. Estimate your mileage and use a fuel cost calculator to get an idea of how much you’ll spend.
• Accommodation: Hotels, motels, campsites, Airbnbs – prices vary widely. You can use PlaninGo to book hotels, motels or other stays based on your needs.
• Food: Eating out for every meal can add up quickly. Consider packing some of your own food and snacks.
• Activities: Factor in the cost of entrance fees, tours, and any other activities you plan to do.
• Tolls: Plan according to the number of tolls you’ll go through
• Souvenirs

Conclusion

The US is made for road trips, and there’s an adventure waiting for you no matter the season. Start planning your best road trips in the US and get ready for seasonal travel.

FAQ

What is the number 1 road trip in America?

Route 66 is often considered the most iconic US road trip, but the Pacific Coast Highway and the Blue Ridge Parkway are also strong contenders.

Where is the best place for a road trip?

It depends on what you’re looking for! California, the Southwest, and the East Coast all offer amazing road trip options.

How do I plan a road trip route?

Use a map (digital or paper!), choose your destinations, and decide how much time you want to spend driving each day. Be flexible and allow for spontaneous detours!

What is the best month for a road trip?

Depends on your planned destinations, and the experiences you’re aiming for!