20 Extraordinary Road Trips That Will Change the Way You Travel

There’s something undeniably liberating about hitting the open road—with no boarding zones, no baggage limits, just a full tank and the thrill of possibility. From misty coastlines to fiery deserts, America’s highways and hidden byways offer far more than just a way to get from A to B—they're destinations in their own right. Whether you crave music, mountains, small-town magic, or soul-stirring solitude, the right road trip can shift your perspective in a single curve. We’ve expanded our list to 20 extraordinary road trips that deliver more than great views—they’ll change how you see the country, and maybe even yourself. Ready to chase waterfalls, follow the blues, or sip wine beneath a sky full of stars? Buckle up. Your next unforgettable journey starts here.

1. From Sea Breezes to Mountain Peaks

Few journeys can rival the thrill of cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway. Stretching from sunny Southern California to the rugged cliffs of Northern California, this iconic route offers breathtaking views at every turn. Roll down your windows, let the salty sea air fill your lungs, and stop for fresh seafood in quaint coastal towns. This trip will leave you in awe of nature's contrasts, with serene beaches and towering redwoods just hours apart. Don't forget to pull over for a selfie with the famous Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur.

2. Music and Soul on the Blues Highway

Follow the rhythms of America along the Blues Highway, also known as Route 61. Starting in Memphis and winding through the Mississippi Delta, this trip takes you through the heart of musical history. Stop by Clarksdale, the birthplace of the blues, and enjoy live music at authentic juke joints. Savor southern comfort food like fried catfish and hushpuppies along the way. Feel the deep cultural roots and vibrant energy that have inspired generations of musicians and artists. This is more than a road trip; it's a soulful journey through the sounds of America.

3. Chasing Waterfalls on the Cascade Loop

Washington State's Cascade Loop is a scenic playground for nature lovers. Winding through the North Cascades, this route is dotted with jaw-dropping waterfalls, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake and hike through the lush greenery of Wallace Falls State Park. The charming Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth is a must-stop for bratwurst and beer. This loop will leave you refreshed, recharged, and ready to embrace the wonders of the Pacific Northwest.

4. Route 66 Nostalgia Road

Take a step back in time as you cruise down America's Mother Road. Route 66 is a nostalgic trip through Americana, from vintage diners to quirky roadside attractions. Grab a milkshake at a 1950s-style diner or snap a photo with the world's largest ketchup bottle in Collinsville. This legendary highway, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, offers a glimpse of simpler times and the enduring spirit of the open road. It's the ultimate blend of history and adventure.

5. Desert Dreams on the Southwest Road

Experience the surreal beauty of the American Southwest on a road trip through Arizona and Utah. Explore the red-rock wonderland of Sedona, stand in awe at the Grand Canyon, and marvel at the otherworldly formations of Monument Valley. The iconic Horseshoe Bend and the shimmering Antelope Canyon will make your Instagram feed pop. This route is a photographer's paradise and a reminder of the timeless beauty of the desert landscape.

6. Lakes and Legends of the Great North

Take a scenic drive around Lake Superior on the Great Lakes Circle Tour. This route is a treasure trove of pristine wilderness, historic lighthouses, and charming harbor towns. Visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula for its rugged cliffs and picturesque waterfalls. In Minnesota, explore the Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls. This road trip is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, kayaking, and the kind of peace only the great outdoors can provide.

7. Big Sky Adventures in Montana

Lose yourself in the vast landscapes of Montana on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This scenic drive through Glacier National Park features towering mountains, glacial lakes, and lush valleys. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting mountain goats and bears in their natural habitat. Stop for a picnic at Lake McDonald and let the serenity wash over you. With its rugged beauty and endless horizons, this road trip is pure magic under the Big Sky.

8. Wine and Windmills in Napa and Sonoma

Combine luxury with stunning landscapes on a road trip through California's wine country. Meander through rolling vineyards, stop for tastings at world-class wineries, and indulge in gourmet meals at farm-to-table restaurants. Don't miss the hot air balloon rides in Napa Valley for an unforgettable view of the countryside. This road trip is a toast to life's finer pleasures, with every turn offering a new reason to celebrate.

9. Frozen Majesty on the Alaska Highway

Embark on an epic journey through the wilds of Alaska along the Alaska Highway. This rugged route is a testament to nature's untamed beauty, with glaciers, wildlife, and endless forests. Visit the historic town of Whitehorse and take in the grandeur of Kluane National Park. Along the way, you're likely to spot moose, bears, and eagles. This road trip is a true adventure for those seeking the ultimate connection with the great outdoors.

10. Coastal Charm on the Outer Banks

Explore the historic and picturesque Outer Banks of North Carolina. This coastal drive is a mix of sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and maritime history. Climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for panoramic views or relax on the pristine shores of Corolla. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Roanoke Island, the site of the mysterious Lost Colony. This road trip offers a delightful blend of relaxation and exploration, perfect for a coastal getaway.

11. Bayou Beauty on the Creole Nature Trail

Wind through southwest Louisiana’s wild side on the Creole Nature Trail, a scenic byway where marshes, alligators, and Cajun culture collide. Known as Louisiana’s Outback, this route offers chances to spot rare birds, cast a line for redfish, and dig your toes into “America’s Last Great Wilderness.” Stop in Lake Charles for boudin and zydeco music, then explore wildlife refuges like Sabine and Cameron Prairie. Bring binoculars and a sense of wonder—this road trip serves up untouched landscapes and deep Southern soul in equal measure.

12. Volcanic Vibes on Hawaii’s Big Island Loop

Circle the Big Island of Hawaii for a road trip that packs in black sand beaches, molten lava flows, waterfalls, and coffee farms. Start in Kona and make your way to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to witness the raw power of an active volcano. Cruise through Hilo’s lush rainforests and swim under Rainbow Falls. Don’t miss Punaluʻu Beach, where sea turtles sunbathe on black sand. It’s a tropical adventure wrapped in geological drama—and you won’t need a passport to get there.

13. Canyon Carving on the Million Dollar Highway

Carved through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, the Million Dollar Highway is a white-knuckle thrill ride of hairpin turns, towering cliffs, and postcard views. Connecting Silverton and Ouray, this 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 earns its name with scenery worth every cent. Stop to explore ghost towns, soak in hot springs, and hike alpine trails above timberline. Fall brings golden aspen leaves; winter blankets everything in snow. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just mountain silence, this road trip offers some of the West’s most jaw-dropping landscapes.

14. Prairie Peace on the Flint Hills Scenic Byway

Cruise through Kansas like you’ve never seen it—on the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, where tallgrass prairie rolls endlessly under wide skies. Stretching from Cassoday to Council Grove, this 48-mile route showcases one of North America’s rarest ecosystems. Visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to watch bison roam, then stop in Cottonwood Falls for pie and a walk through history. This isn’t a trip for thrill-seekers—it’s for those who appreciate quiet, wind, and wild grasses that dance like water. Simple. Soothing. Sublime.

15. Gulfside Flavor on Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Ditch the crowds and head to Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a stretch of Highway 98 where time slows down and flip-flops are basically formal wear. From Apalachicola to Carrabelle, you’ll find oyster shacks, sugar-sand beaches, and sleepy fishing villages untouched by mass tourism. Kayak through salt marshes, climb the Cape St. George lighthouse, or just sip something cold on a front porch rocking chair. This road trip is pure Southern charm with a salty breeze—and a reminder that Florida’s best-kept secrets aren’t found in theme parks.

16. Northern Lights on Alaska’s Dalton Highway

For the truly adventurous, Alaska’s Dalton Highway is a rugged, remote route that runs 414 miles from Fairbanks to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean. Often used by truckers and thrill-seekers, the road parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and offers surreal Arctic views. Along the way, you’ll cross the Yukon River, spot musk oxen, and—if you're lucky—witness the aurora borealis dancing across the tundra. With few services and miles between gas stations, this trip isn’t easy—but it’s unforgettable for those craving off-the-grid wonder.

17. New England Gold on the Kancamagus Highway

When autumn hits, New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway becomes a tunnel of fiery maples, golden birches, and roadside cider stands. This 34-mile stretch of Route 112 winds through the White Mountain National Forest, offering scenic pullouts, waterfalls, and trailheads perfect for leaf peeping. Picnic by the Swift River, hike to Sabbaday Falls, or just roll down the windows and let the crisp air in. While it’s beautiful year-round, fall is when the “Kanc” truly shines. It’s New England in full technicolor—no filter needed.

18. Lone Star Legends on the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail

The Texas Hill Country offers rolling limestone hills, bluebonnet blooms, and—surprisingly—some of the best wine in the U.S. Start in Fredericksburg, a German-settled town packed with tasting rooms and charm, then wind your way through Johnson City, Driftwood, and beyond. Sip Tempranillo, dance to live music, and feast on barbecue between vineyard stops. With over 50 wineries in the region, this road trip combines rustic elegance with Texas swagger—and just enough wildflowers and winding roads to make it feel cinematic.

19. Mystery and Mountains on New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle

Circle through the heart of northern New Mexico on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, an 84-mile loop connecting Taos, Angel Fire, Red River, and Eagle Nest. Expect dramatic mountain passes, adobe villages, alpine lakes, and sacred Indigenous sites. Stop at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, explore artsy Taos, and hike Wheeler Peak—the state’s tallest summit. There’s a magic here that lingers long after the drive ends, woven from desert air, high-altitude skies, and a deep cultural tapestry.

20. River Roads and Cajun Routes on the Great River Road

Follow the mighty Mississippi along the Great River Road, a multi-state byway tracing one of America’s most iconic rivers. From Minnesota to Louisiana, this route delivers a blend of bayous, blues, and barbecue. Cruise past antebellum mansions in Natchez, dig into jambalaya in Baton Rouge, and watch steamboats drift past in St. Louis. Interpretive centers along the way highlight the river’s ecological and historical significance. It’s a road trip steeped in culture, resilience, and the rhythms of the American South.

Some trips are planned. Others call to you. These 20 extraordinary road trips aren’t just about reaching a destination—they’re about falling in love with the journey itself. Whether you found yourself chasing waterfalls in the Cascades, tracing the roots of blues on Route 61, or watching the sky explode with color on a New England backroad, each route offers a chance to slow down, look around, and feel something real. No boarding passes. No strict itineraries. Just you, the road, and the moments in between. So pack your bags, queue your playlist, and take the long way home. Because the best stories start with four wheels and an open mind—and after this, you’ll never look at a road trip the same way again.