Last updated November 20, 2025
Call it wanderlust, nostalgia or just a need to breathe different air. There’s nothing quite like hitting the road in America. The coolest road trips in the U.S. aren’t about how far you go, but how deeply you feel the spaces in between.
The open road carries its own rhythm: the shifting light, the long silences, the way one song can fill a hundred miles. These eight cool road trips in the U.S. reveal something deeper than scenery. They invite you to move at your own pace, pause when a view demands it and linger in towns most maps forget.
Jump to:
Some routes follow iconic stretches of asphalt, while others drift through quiet backroads and forgotten byways. Each one leaves room for surprise and reflection.
Eight Coolest Road Trips Across America
Ready to map your next escape? From the nostalgia of Route 66 to the wild edges of the Pacific Coast, these eight cool road trips in the U.S. offer every kind of adventure. Chase desert sunsets, climb mountain passes or follow seaside views that never seem to end.
1. Pacific Coast Highway
Few road trips capture the imagination quite like California’s Pacific Coast Highway. This legendary route winds along 655 miles of coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean crashing against rugged cliffs.
Starting in Northern California’s redwood forests and ending near San Diego’s sunny beaches, Highway 1 passes through charming coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur’s dramatic coastline and the laid-back surf culture of Santa Barbara.
The drive through Big Sur alone justifies the entire journey. Here, mountains plunge dramatically into the sea, creating one of the most photographed stretches of coastline in the world.
2. Route 66
No list of cool road trips in the U.S. would be complete without mentioning Route 66. This historic highway stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through eight states and the heart of American culture. Though no longer an official highway, much of Route 66 remains drivable, offering a nostalgic journey through small-town America.
Vintage neon motels, retro diners and roadside quirks like Cadillac Ranch define the drive. Landscapes shift from the Illinois plains to the Ozark Mountains to the New Mexico and Arizona deserts before reaching the Pacific.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
Connecting Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of pure Appalachian splendor. This scenic byway ranks among America’s most beautiful drives, particularly during fall when the mountains explode in vibrant autumn colors.
The parkway maintains a leisurely 45 mph speed limit, encouraging drivers to slow down and savor the journey. Numerous overlooks provide stunning mountain vistas, while hiking trails lead to waterfalls, historic homesteads and panoramic viewpoints. Mountain communities along the parkway keep Appalachian culture alive. You’ll find local crafts, traditional music and genuine Southern hospitality at every stop.
4. The Loneliest Road
For those seeking solitude and stark desert beauty, U.S. Highway 50 across Nevada lives up to its nickname as “The Loneliest Road in America.” This 408-mile stretch passes through vast empty spaces punctuated by small mining towns and mountain ranges.
The isolation is the appeal here. You might drive for an hour without seeing another vehicle, with nothing but sagebrush, distant mountains and endless sky. Historic towns like Ely and Eureka reveal Nevada’s mining past. The route also leads to Great Basin National Park, where ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves await.
5. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Montana’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel that traverses Glacier National Park, climbing through spectacular alpine scenery in North America. The narrow road switchbacks up mountainsides, crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and offers jaw-dropping views.
Due to snow, the road typically only opens fully from late June through September, making it a seasonal adventure. Wildlife sightings are everywhere. Mountain goats wander near Logan Pass. Bears, bighorn sheep and elk roam the surrounding wilderness. The drive demands your full attention for its narrow passages and beauty.
6. The Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway connecting mainland Florida to Key West is one of the most unique road trips in America. This 113-mile route hops across 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, creating the sensation of driving across the ocean itself.
Turquoise waters surround you on both sides as you make your way through the laid-back Florida Keys. Stop in Islamorada for world-class fishing and snorkel the coral reefs at John Pennekamp State Park. End your journey in quirky Key West, where you can watch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square and visit Ernest Hemingway’s former home, now home to dozens of six-toed cats.
7. Million Dollar Highway
The stretch of U.S. Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray in Colorado earned its “Million Dollar Highway” nickname either from its costly construction through treacherous mountain terrain or from the precious ore in the roadbed itself—accounts vary. Regardless of the name’s origin, this 25-mile route delivers million-dollar views.
The highway clings to mountainsides without guardrails, climbing above 11,000 feet through the San Juan Mountains. Historic mining towns, cascading waterfalls and dramatic scenery make this drive unforgettable. In autumn, aspens transform the mountainsides golden.
8. Great River Road
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for over 2,000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana, passing through ten states. Major cities like Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans dot the route. Along the way, you’ll discover Civil War battlefields, antebellum plantations, blues and jazz clubs, Cajun culture, and some of America’s best barbecue.
Snapshot Summary
America’s cool road trips slow you down and reconnect you to what matters. Eight routes span coastlines, deserts and river valleys. Pacific Highway hugs cliffs. Nevada’s Highway 50 strips away noise. The Mississippi flows through ten states. Blue Ridge Parkway winds through Appalachia. Each drive rewards your pace. Stop when a view calls. Linger in small towns. The journey itself restores.
About Vacayou
At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. However, the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve simplified your search for wellness and active vacations with Vacayou’s Instant Book, so your dream wellness getaway is now just one click away.
Start the trip of your lifetime today with Vacayou. We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel.
To keep up with the latest wellness trends and experiences, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
