Would you like to really see the USA? Do you enjoy road trips? From the redwood forests to the gulf stream waters, and from sea to shining sea, there’s truly so much to see. So, without further ado, here are the 24 best road trips in the USA.  

24 Best Road Trips In The USA

1. Route 66

Made famous by the classic Nat King Cole record, Route 66 is an officially decommissioned, 2,448-mile route from Chicago, Illinois through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada to its end in Santa Monica, California. It still slots high on many travelers’ “must-do” road trip lists today. Along the way, you will see kitschy 1950s motels, old-school gas stations, and intriguing eateries. As previously noted, you can complete the entire trip in only two weeks. Highlights here include Cadillac Ranch, Catoosa Whale, the Twin Arrows, the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest National Park.  

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New York City To Los Angeles Road Trip

Cruising from New York City to Los Angeles is yet another truly classic US road trip. The trip covers almost 3,000 miles. The most direct route will take you 44 hours, but that doesn’t include traffic issues or rest stops. You will go to Chicago, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada before you reach L.A. If you like side trips and have a couple of weeks, make up for seeing nothing but blacktop, plains, and cornfields, make some detours and visit Las Vegas, Rocky Mountain National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon.

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The Blue Ridge Parkway

If you’re visiting Virginia or North Carolina, consider a week-long road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 469-mile road is very popular and joins two of the country’s most popular national parks—Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains. Driving north to south, here are some of the things you must see. The Virginia side includes The Humpback Rocks, Mabry Mill, the Peaks of Otter, and finally the Blue Ridge Music Center. (MP 213). In North Carolina, stop at Linville Falls, the Craggy Gardens, the Graveyard Fields, and Oconaluftee. Don’t go in the winter as some parts may be closed.

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The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

We don’t encourage anyone to drink and drive, so give yourself between four and six days to enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Here you will sample multiple bourbons and other assorted treats as you tour 18 different distilleries here in the beautiful Bluegrass state. Oddly there’s no official route to this trail, but you should stay in Louisville or Lexington as your “home base” since the distilleries are all within a couple hours’ drive.

Veteran visitors suggest visiting four or five distilleries each day. Each distillery gives you no more than two ounces of alcohol. Still, if you’d rather avoid driving, take a bus tour.  

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Southeast Coastal Road Trip

Your 10-day journey begins in St. Augustine, Florida, founded by Spanish settlers back in 1565. Before continuing along the coastline to the exceptional Outer Banks of North Carolina, visit Castillo de San Marcos, the famous Fountain of Youth, the beach, and the Colonial Quarter. Next stop, Savannah, Georgia to take in the charming town squares and excellent architecture.

Historic Charleston, South Carolina follows here. Here you stop in fun Folly Beach, Beaufort, and/or Hilton Head Island, then you’re off to North Carolina. On the way, hit Wilmington, New Bern, Kitty Hawk and Nag’s Head, and the Outer Banks.  

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Orlando To New Orleans Road Trip

This road trip from Orlando, Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana offers a number of interesting options for stops and detours. While you could easily make it in nine hours, give yourself three days so you can enjoy yourself. Orlando is famous for such popular theme parks as Disney and Universal Studios. However, there are other highlights such as worthwhile Ginnie Springs, Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, or Ginnie Springs all along I-75.  

When you hit I-10, visit Florida Caverns State Park. Additional recommended stops include beach breaks at Pensacola, Florida, the gorgeous Gulf Shores, or any of Mississippi’s beaches. In New Orleans, you can enjoy the city and the bayou. Drive time’s less than nine hours but give yourself two or three days to relax!

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Washington State Road Trip

Start this road trip in the Pacific Northwest hub of Seattle. Then drive to the Olympic Peninsula. Explore Olympic National Park and all its diversity, remote beaches, majestic mountains, temperate rainforests, and crashing waterfalls. There’s also Mount Baker and if you go north on H-20, the North Cascades National Park. Don’t forget turquoise Diablo Lake either!

When you reach Lake Chelan, stop and chill. Take Highway 2 back to Seattle and do some hiking or explore the little towns on the way. Give yourself one and a half to two weeks if possible.

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Southwest Colorado Road Trip

This trip is about outdoor activities so give yourself up to two weeks to complete it. Enjoy activities in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Buena Vista, Crested Butte, Durango, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Ridgway, and Telluride too. Recommended activities include alpine and sand-sledding, soaking in hot springs, exploring old mining towns, hiking and biking, climbing ladders to the ancient Puebloan dwellings at popular Mesa Verde, riding the free gondola to see Telluride, going camping or whitewater rafting, sleeping ‘neath the stars, and sampling the local cuisine.

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Utah’s Mighty Five Trip

Visit all five national parks here on one loop road trip. Those who have been, suggest taking a good week with a focus on the five parks: Zion, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. Begin and end your trip in Las Vegas, Nevada. You may, however, want to stop briefly in Page or Monument Valley (on the border) as well since the drive to your first official stop in Moab is lengthy. The next stop is Capitol Reef. From there you go to Bryce Canyon, and eventually a last stop in Zion before driving back to Las Vegas. 

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I-90 Portland To Yellowstone Trip

Taking this scenic route from Portland, Oregon to see Yellowstone National Park is an exceptional 812-mile trip. Your journey begins on I-84 as you cruise along the striking Columbia River Gorge. Stop at beautiful Multnomah Falls then spend the night in Richland.

Then you take I-90 through Spokane, past the lovely lake of Coeur d’Alene, then through the Nez Pearce-Clearwater National Forests. Stop in Missoula, along the Clark Fork River, and see Caras Park. Follow I-90 to Highway 287 which leads to West Yellowstone where you’ll find the national park. You could do it in two days but take four or five.

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Northern New Mexico Road Trip

Almost all the suggested stops here are within an hour of each other. Still, give yourself a week to see everything. Begin in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, where the major airport is found. Check out picturesque Old Town sometime before you leave.  

Next, head for Santa Fe, the state’s most beautiful city and capital. See the Spanish Colonial Palace of the Governors and soak in the hot springs at Ten Thousand Waves. Stop at Los Alamos, where the infamous atomic bomb was developed, the pilgrimage site Chimayo, and Taos, too, where you can see a Native American pueblo.   

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The Denver To Yellowstone Loop

From Denver, you can take a trip to see three of the country’s most well-known national parks: Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and famous Yellowstone National Park. Head first to the charming town of Estes Park which provides easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park.

The next stop is Yellowstone National Park to spend time checking out the geothermal pools, great geysers, and wildlife. Then head back to Denver, stopping at Grand Teton National Park to enjoy Jenny Lake and the views along popular Mormon Row. Give yourself a week or two.

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San Francisco To Yosemite Loop

This is a 10-day loop trip from the city of San Francisco to popular Yosemite National Park and back again. Explore San Francisco then head to Monterey and Carmel and cruise part of the well-known Pacific Coast Highway. “Must-sees” include Alcatraz, Big Sur, the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and the Monterey Aquarium.

Next, drive east to Yosemite National Park, do some hiking and see the sights. Wash it down with some wine tasting in Napa Valley or Sonoma. See the giant redwoods in Muir Woods, then head back to San Fran.  

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The American Southwest From Las Vegas Trip

Because of inexpensive flights, Las Vegas, Nevada, is a great place to start a road trip. Start this 10-day trip by cruising to the Valley of Fire State Park then head to the Grand Canyon. From there, do a loop drive to Moab and explore both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Next, go west, young man, to see Bryce Canyon National Park, and then Zion before heading back to Vegas. Other optional stops include Antelope Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Goblin Valley State Park, and Monument Valley.  

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New York State Road Trip

Start this one-week trip at Niagara Falls in Buffalo. Check out the falls, and even get up close with them by riding the Maid of the Mist. Next, head for Letchworth State Park, a.k.a. the Grand Canyon of the East.

Stop next is Rochester, where you’ll discover numerous attractions. Then check out the waterfalls and wine in the Finger Lakes region before cruising to Saratoga Springs, to enjoy a mineral bath and see a horse race. Then head to the Catskills Region and go hiking. End your trip in New York City, and see all the sights!

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Miami To Key West Road Trip

Give yourself two or three days for this 165-mile tropical road trip through the Florida Keys via the “Overseas Highway.” Do some underwater exploring at the well-known Spiegel Grove Shipwreck, and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Above water, take the Africa Queen through Key Largo’s various canals. Popular stops for meal breaks include Islamorada Beer Company and Robbie’s Restaurant, where you can actually feed tarpons from the boat dock, and the tiki-vibing Plantation Key’s Mile Marker 88 Beach & Bar too.

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The New England Loop

This trip includes historic cities, charming small towns, gorgeous harbors, historic lighthouses, and a rugged coastline. Begin and end your journey in Boston. It’s an airport hub and you can hike the famous Freedom Trail, stroll cobblestone streets, and see the museums.

Next, drive out to Acadia National Park found in Maine, stopping at the coastal villages of Kennebunkport, Maine, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Don’t miss Portland, Maine either. Head back going south and check out popular White Mountain National Forest, Stowe, Vermont, and Woodstock. Take two weeks and hit all six New England states if possible.

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Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Take up to a week to visit the Texas Hill Country. It is highlighted by picturesque small towns, rushing rivers, thundering waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and numerous distilleries and wineries too. Visit Fredericksburg, for its German heritage, sample some wine in Wimberley, climb Enchanted Rock, explore limestone caves, enjoy some barbecue, and jump into a swimming hole in the Austin area. Other great stops include Garner State Park, the Guadalupe River State Park, and Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park, and see Lake Travis and Canyon Lake as well. 

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Northwest Arkansas Road Trip

The historic towns, enjoyable hot springs, verdant forests, and an often overlooked national park makes this a great “off-the-beaten-path” road trip. Your adventure begins at popular Hot Springs National Park. Relax at one of the nine bathhouses on Bathhouse Row.

Beautiful Eureka Springs in the awesome Ozark Mountains is next on the agenda to enjoy hiking and hot springs. If you make good driving time, try detouring to Hawksbill Crag on the way. Give yourself between three and five days on this one.

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West Texas Road Trip

This Texas trip begins in interesting El Paso. Head southeast towards Marfa and feel free to stop to take in the distinctive roadside art stops including the famous Giant movie set installation, the eternally closed Prada Marfa store, and the World’s Smallest Target Store.

Marfa is also home to the exceptional art gallery that features Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper.” There’s also the town viewing center where people go to see the mysterious bouncing light orbs. Plan on three nights here with one or two more to travel to Big Bend National Park. 

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Northern Michigan Road Trip

The Great Lakes are all too often overlooked when it comes to summer road trips. Yet this place is a hidden gem complete with such noteworthy stops as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior and just a few hours away Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan and (of course) all the Great Lakes themselves. Memorable Mackinac Island is another must-see but you park on the mainland because the island is vehicle-free. Allow yourself a week to enjoy everything available here.  

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Kauai Road Trip

The Hawaiian island of Kauai is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful, unique travel destinations. Leave the resort property and drive to the noteworthy Na Pali Coast. Hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail, see the Alakai Swamp, and head towards Waimea to check out stunning Waimea Black Sand Beach. 

Cruise the coast until you reach the Poipu area where you can take in a hula show. Then it’s on to Wailua State Park. Hike Kuilau Ridge and be sure to see Opaeka’a Falls and Wailua Falls. The final stop on this three-day trip is in the Princeville area to visit Queen’s Bath.

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The Road To Hana, Maui

Who takes road trips in Hawaii? The truth is if you visit the lovely island of Maui, you simply must drive the scenic road to Hana. The 52-mile road runs from Kahului to the town of Hana on the island’s east side.

The road is all curves, hairpin turns, and single-lane bridges. You’ll see exotic flora, striking seascape views, and roaring waterfalls. Highlights here include Honomanu Bay, the Painted Forest, Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, and Wai’anapanapa State Park. You can complete the drive in one day but consider camping or staying in town for a bit to really enjoy yourself. 

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Alaska Road Trip

You begin this cool five-day, six-night summer road trip in Anchorage. Explore the Alaska Public Lands Information Center and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Take the fun Trolley tour and ride the shuttle to the local Ulu factory too.

Watch the salmon runs and sample some salmon at Bridge Seafood which overlooks Ship Creek. Drive to Palmer and see the Iditarod Museum then drive to Hatcher Pass to hike and see the lakes. Next stop, the mighty Matanuska Glacier. Take Richardson Highway towards Valdez and see the Valdez Museum and Annex.

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Everyone loves a good road trip, right?  All things considered, there’s never been a better time to take a road trip than right now.  So pack a bag, grab your car keys, and consider the nine best road trip destinations from Austin, Texas.

For Foodies  

1.  Buda

Drive 15 miles south of Austin towards San Antonio and you’ll find the town of Buda, (pronounced BYOO-dah).  Their motto is “breathe easy here” and you truly can.  Shopaholics will reportedly find antique shops offering rare collectibles at “old-timey prices.”  

There’s also Cabela’s on Highway I-35, which is big enough it has a whole street named after it.  Veteran visitors say you should not underestimate this place based on its relatively small size either.  It has its own voice and culture.  Here you’ll find delectable salsa, karaoke, an “old-school” arcade, a soda fountain, and more within the town’s six square miles.

2.  Lockhart

The small town of Lockhart is about 25 minutes southeast of the busy Austin airport or half an hour east of the city itself.  Lockhart is well-known for its barbecue.  Two family-owned restaurants that were once united now vie to provide visitors with famous “good smoke” as they say in Texas.

Lockhart, the “little city with a big heart,” still shows its cowboy roots revealing a unique perspective on Texas.  Stop by the old Jail Museum and see the Norman castellated architecture which was popular back in the mid-1800s.  Other highlights include the Lockhart State Park Golf Course, Barton Springs, Bull Creek, and Lady Bird Lake.  

Wet and Wild!

3.  Go Tubing On The River

If you hit Austin in the summer, the most popular pastime is tubing.  It’s relaxing to float down a river in an inflated tube with your favorite cold drink in hand.  In fact, the locals recommend tubing down three rivers that are all less than 40 minutes out of the city.  There’s the San Marcos River, situated in the town of San Marcos between Austin and San Antonio, the short Comal River, located in New Braunfels south of San Marcos; and the Guadalupe River.  Tie your tubes together.  Some tubers rent an extra tube for the ice chest although you’ll need to bring your own beverages.  

4.  Krause Springs

Krause Springs is 35 miles west of the city.  This lesser-known but popular park features a forested campsite, hiking trails, a small waterfall, a watering hole, and 32 natural springs.  It’s a great place for an outdoor weekend getaway or just a day trip.  All you need is a picnic lunch, some towels, and maybe a bit of sunscreen.  In between dips into this refreshing spring  you can sun yourself on one of the huge rocks that face the popular watering hole.

5.  Jacob’s Well

The Jacob’s Well Natural Area is located roughly 35 miles southeast of the city.  Here you will discover an attractive artesian spring that has a year-round temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.  Swimming is permitted from May 1st through October 1st.

There are two other great places to cool off: Hamilton Pool and Blue Hole.  Reservations are required for water play at all three places.  There are also public hiking trails that are free to use.  The underwater caves are potentially dangerous and therefore they’re reportedly “only accessible to licensed professionals.”

6.  Enchanted Rock

Head west out of Austin for about 95 miles and you can marvel at the monolith known as Enchanted Rock.  This icon is a large mound of natural pink granite.  It has quite a distinctive shape.  Additionally, there are a number of different ways to enjoy this area.  Go on a nature walk, relax and commune with nature, or go hiking.  Indeed, veteran visitors say this is a great place to hike in the fall.

Antiques, Drinks, and Local Color

7.  Fredericksburg

Drive about 80 miles west of the city to the very heart of Central Texas wine country.  Here you will find the city of Fredericksburg.  If you’re a big wine lover and you’d rather not drive out there yourself you can always sign on with one of the local wineries that offer a pick-up service in Austin.  

The locals confirm that this area is especially beautiful in the spring.  See the beautiful wildflowers amidst the verdant landscape.  If you’re not big on wine, fret not.  Central Texas is also home to distilleries and breweries.  In fact, drive south of Austin and you’ll discover the popular Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room.

8.  Round Top

Roughly an hour’s drive east of Austin is the tiny town of Round Top.  Texas Monthly calls this place the “Texas version of Aspen.”  Here in this quirky, quaint spot, you will find all the collectibles you could ever want.  

If you’re big on antiquing, this intriguing locale becomes a veritable antiquing heaven a few special times each year with its popular Round Top Antiques Show.  The event lasts for almost a week and draws buyers, sellers, and other interested parties from across the nation.  If you miss the show then be sure to at least stop to check out what some travel writers call the shop “equivalent of the coolest grandparents’ attic”, Uncommon Objects located in south Austin.

An Artsy Desert Experience

9.  Marfa

Marfa is a little West Texas desert town situated a good six hours out of the city.  It was founded in the 1880s as a railroad water stop.  Decades later, in the early 1970s, it began to attract artists and other creative types.

While Texas has a legal speed limit of 85 miles per hour, you’ll probably still want to at least spend the night here.  Veteran visitors suggest staying at the well-known boho glamping hotel known as El Cosmico, where you’ll probably sleep in a fancy tent or even a remodeled RV camper.  Stop at the hybrid laundromat-coffee shop, the fun Frama Coffee at Tumbleweed Laundry.  Then gaze at the stars at the McDonald Observatory.  Finally, don’t forget to see the famous fake Prada shoe store and art installation either. 

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America’s highways are nigh mystical and have ofttimes been glorified in literature and film. The “open road” has become a symbol of an individual’s freedom. This might be one reason why US road trips are so popular with both residents and visitors alike. So without further ado, here are the routes to the 10 best US road trips.

1. California State Route 1

This route takes you from Dana Point (near San Diego) to Leggett. The ease of this drive makes it a good intro to US road trips. You also get to see the beautiful Pacific Ocean. If you take the trip during the summer months, you will probably enjoy the sunlight the entire day. On the other hand, if you take this trip in the winter months then it’s best to take the trip from north to south where it will be warmer.
Total Distance: 613 miles
Estimated Time: 9 hours
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2. Route 66

Route 66 was made famous by the classic song made popular by performer Nat King Cole. In 1926, Route 66 was over 1553 miles long. Today it is but a group of historic byways and has lost its official status and has been reduced a bit. Route 66 meets the famous Santa Fe railroad at La Posada and to this day still remains on many people’s “must do” road trip lists.
Distance: 350 miles (Petrified Forest to Kingman)
Estimated Time: 4 hours

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3. Highway 61

This route was made an icon thanks to the nearly eponymous platter by singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. joins Wyoming in Minnesota with New Orleans, Louisiana. It is one of the best road trips in the south. In tribute to all the music of New Orleans, this route is also known as the Blues Highway. The locals say that the famous blues artist Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil and sold his soul at the crossroads of the 49 and the 61. Veteran visitors claim it is also one of the most scenic US road trips as well.
Distance: 1600 miles
Estimated Time: 23 hours
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4. US Route 20

This is possibly the best US road trip if you’re into “living on the road.” This trip runs from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon. (Route 20 itself is the longest route in America stretching for 3365 miles. The route is interrupted by the popular Yellowstone National Park, but this trip features a smooth drive and easy roads. Plus, if you have the extra time you can also plan to spend some time at one of the nation’s most famous parks.
Distance: 3150 miles (Newport to Boston)
Estimated Time: 47 hours
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5. US Route 30

This famous highway goes from Astoria, Oregon to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Those in the know suggest starting your trip in Portland, Oregon. Also known as “the national main street,” potential stops include the National Automobile Museum in famous Reno, Nevada, President Abraham Lincoln’s historic log cabin in Illinois and the tasty Big Mac Museum in Pennsylvania. In winter this highway can become rough so if you insist on driving then consider I-10 as an alternative.
Distance: 2925 miles (Portland, Oregon to Atlantic City, New Jersey)
Estimated Time: 47 hours
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6. Monument Valley

This scenic route is named after the Colorado plateau famous for its limestone buttes. Start on route 17 heading out of Phoenix. Check out the legendary Grand Canyon and stop at Flagstaff too.
Take Route 160 so you can cruise through the beautiful red desert landscape. The buttes might make you think of the old west. Once you cross the border between Arizona and Utah merge onto 191 and then take I-40. This will take you to famous Route 66.
Distance: 195 miles (Phoenix to Kingman)
Estimated Time: 4 hours
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7. Florida Keys

If you like you American road trips to include an ocean, this fabled Florida Keys trip should more than suffice. Start from Miami and head out on the highway towards Key West. This trip will take you through the Everglades and some ocean keys.

Highlights of this road trip include the stunning Seven Mile Highway found in Monroe County. You will see the Gulf of Mexico to your right and the Atlantic Ocean to your left as you are heading north.
Distance: 165 miles
Estimated Time: 3.5 hours
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8. Blue Ridge Parkway

Some people enjoy road trips through the barren mountains and sparse deserts of the US. Others enjoy a bit of foliage thrown in for their viewing pleasure. Recognized by the National Park Service, this beautiful run will take you through roughly 450 miles worth of both North Carolina and Virginia. This route will also take you right through arguably the most scenic portion of the popular Appalachian Mountains. (This writer can confirm the attraction of this place having hiked many miles through said mountain range.)
Distance: 450 miles
Estimated Time: 6 hours
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9. The Columbia River Scenic Highway, Oregon

According to USA Today, this is the best west coast road trip in the country. This highway was constructed about a century ago and was meant to be specifically for sightseeing as opposed to transporting goods. Take time to enjoy the breathtaking Columbia Gorge and some of the hundreds of hiking trails and waterfalls. Start your trip at The Dalles and head for Troutdale by heading east of Portland. Veteran visitors also suggest sampling some of the great food along the way too.
Distance: 75 miles (The Dalles to Troutdale)
Estimated Time: 2 hours
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10. Hill Country Hideaways, Texas

This trip is the best one to take if you truly want to take in Texas as it is so often seen in motion pictures. Drive a loop on highways 337 and 335. While the landscape is wild, the roads are reportedly smooth. See the rivers and cruise through the canyons and sagebrush plains. The top recommended stop is the aptly named city of Utopia, Texas, which is exceptionally beautiful.
Distance: 189 miles
Estimated Time: 4 hours

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