22 U.S. Road Trips You Need to Take if You Love Adventure
There’s no better way to experience the wild beauty of the U.S. than by hitting the open road.
For adventure seekers, road trips offer the ultimate blend of freedom and excitement, taking you through landscapes that range from towering mountains to endless deserts and everything in between.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping hikes, jaw-dropping views, or off-the-beaten-path explorations, these 22 U.S. road trips are perfect for satisfying your thirst for adventure.
Pack your bags, rev up your engine, and get ready to discover some of the most thrilling journeys across America.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
One of the most scenic drives in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway offers dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Cruise along the rugged coastline, stop at Big Sur, and explore hidden beaches.
This road trip promises both beauty and adventure at every turn.
2. Route 66, Illinois to California
Route 66 is the ultimate American road trip, steeped in history and nostalgia.
Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, this classic route offers quirky roadside attractions, small-town charm, and desert landscapes.
It’s a trip filled with adventure, perfect for explorers who love iconic stops.
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3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning mountain vistas and endless hiking opportunities.
With waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and historic sites along the way, this drive is perfect for nature lovers.
It’s especially breathtaking in the fall when the leaves change color.
4. Alaska’s Seward Highway
The Seward Highway takes you through Alaska’s rugged wilderness, with views of glaciers, fjords, and towering peaks.
You can stop for a hike, try wildlife watching, or even go glacier kayaking.
This road trip is a bucket-list adventure for those seeking the wild beauty of the Last Frontier.
5. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
This high-altitude drive through the Beartooth Mountains offers jaw-dropping views of rugged peaks and alpine lakes.
As you ascend to nearly 11,000 feet, the road twists and turns, offering adventure at every bend.
It’s a thrilling ride for those who love mountain scenery and adventure.
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6. Utah’s Mighty 5 Road Trip
Utah is home to five national parks, known as the Mighty 5, and this road trip takes you through all of them.
From the towering red rock formations of Zion to the surreal landscapes of Arches, this trip is an adventurer’s dream.
Hiking, rock climbing, and canyon exploring are just a few of the thrilling activities along the way.
7. Great River Road, Mississippi River
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River, offering a scenic journey through ten states.
Explore quaint river towns, lush forests, and historic sites while enjoying the peaceful beauty of the river.
This trip is perfect for adventurers who love history and water-based activities like kayaking and fishing.
8. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway takes you through the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado.
With steep cliffs, hairpin turns, and incredible views, this road trip is not for the faint of heart.
Explore old mining towns, hike rugged mountain trails, and soak in hot springs for the ultimate adventure.
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9. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This stunning drive through Glacier National Park offers some of the best mountain scenery in the U.S.
The road climbs over the Continental Divide, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, and wildlife.
It’s a must for adventure seekers who want to experience the beauty of the Rockies.
10. Florida Keys Scenic Highway
This road trip takes you over 42 bridges connecting the islands of the Florida Keys.
With turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a laid-back island vibe, it’s perfect for snorkeling, diving, and fishing adventures.
Key West offers plenty of excitement at the end of the road.
11. Death Valley Scenic Byway, California
Death Valley is known for its otherworldly landscapes and extreme conditions.
This road trip takes you through desert dunes, salt flats, and colorful canyons.
For adventure seekers, hiking in the heat and exploring the vast desert is an unforgettable challenge.
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12. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
For a stunning coastal adventure, the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia offers dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and rich cultural experiences.
With opportunities for whale watching, hiking, and kayaking, this trip is perfect for those who love both land and sea adventures.
The route offers a mix of outdoor thrills and quaint fishing villages.
13. North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota
Follow the shores of Lake Superior along the North Shore Scenic Drive for incredible views of the largest freshwater lake in the world.
This route offers waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and plenty of hiking trails.
It’s perfect for adventurers who want to explore the beauty of the Great Lakes region.
14. Black Hills of South Dakota
The Black Hills offer a mix of stunning natural beauty and fascinating history.
This road trip takes you through Custer State Park, past Mount Rushmore, and to the awe-inspiring Badlands.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring underground caves.
15. Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway takes you along North Carolina’s barrier islands, offering views of sandy beaches, lighthouses, and shipwrecks.
It’s a haven for adventurers who love water sports, with surfing, kayaking, and kiteboarding all popular activities here.
Don’t miss exploring the historic sites and wild horses along the way.
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16. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula Loop takes you through one of the most diverse landscapes in the U.S.
From rainforests to rugged coastlines and mountain peaks, this road trip is filled with opportunities for adventure.
Hike through lush forests, explore tidepools, and kayak in pristine waters.
17. Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Scenic Byway 12 is one of the most beautiful drives in the country, winding through Utah’s red rock landscapes.
This route takes you through Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef National Park.
Hiking, canyoneering, and stargazing make this a road trip full of excitement.
18. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
This historic route offers a peaceful and scenic journey through the deep South.
With opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring historic sites, it’s a great trip for adventurers who want to experience Southern culture and natural beauty.
The parkway is known for its serene landscapes and rich history.
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19. Ozarks Scenic Byway, Missouri
The Ozarks offer a road trip filled with forests, rivers, and mountains.
You can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and fishing in the beautiful surroundings.
This scenic route is perfect for adventurers looking for a mix of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes.
20. Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee and North Carolina
Tail of the Dragon is one of the most thrilling drives in the U.S., with 318 curves in just 11 miles.
This road is a favorite for motorcyclists and adventure-seeking drivers.
The twisting, turning route offers an adrenaline-pumping ride through the Smoky Mountains.
21. Route 100, Vermont
For a quintessential New England road trip, Route 100 offers stunning views of rolling hills, covered bridges, and charming small towns.
It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
The route is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the countryside.
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22. Hana Highway, Hawaii
The Hana Highway is a winding road that takes you along Maui’s rugged coastlines, through rainforests, and past waterfalls.
With over 600 curves, it’s an adventurous drive that rewards travelers with breathtaking views and hidden beaches.
It’s the perfect blend of tropical beauty and thrilling exploration.
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