Spectacular American Road Trips

Our USA experts pick the best American road trips in this exclusive guide.

We love a good road trip – and these are the USA’s most incredible driving roads. Our self-drives are just recommendations - you have the freedom to go where you want and see the things you want to see. We’ll provide the car, route map, sightseeing ideas and advice to get you started; and book quality hotels and lodges before you set off.

California’s Highway 1

The Pacific Coast Highway – particularly the breathtaking Big Sur section – is the road trip of dreams. Rugged cliffs drop into hidden coves, ocean waves stretch endlessly to your right and the Santa Lucia Mountains rise dramatically to your left. Photo stops are inevitable. Roll into Pismo Beach for a dose of laid-back surf town vibes, then cruise down to Santa Barbara, a sun-drenched city blending beach life with Spanish influence. Finally, end on a high in Los Angeles, where palm-lined streets and Hollywood magic bring your trip to an unforgettable close. If you’re travelling later in the year, keep an eye out for the biannual grey whale migration – one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles.

Our recommended route ⇒ Book our California’s Highway 1 Road Trip, a 10-night journey through Big Sur, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

See all of our California road trips here.

Route 66

Linking Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica in California and crossing eight states, the ‘Mother Road’ was once the main route between the eastern and western states. While much of Route 66 has been bypassed by multi-lane interstates, you can still experience the pioneering age of motor travel and pass diners, motels and gas stations along the 2400-mile stretch. Our favourite stops include the cowboy culture of Oklahoma City, the fascinating Petrified Forest near Holbrook and the incredible Grand Canyon.

Our recommended route ⇒ Book our Historic Route 66 Self-Drive, a suggested 18-night epic road trip taking you to lesser-visited locations such as Springfield, St. Louis and Albuquerque.

Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park’s seasonal Loop Road showcases the very best of the north-eastern states in just 27 miles. Favourite stops include Thunder Hole where you can witness the power of the Atlantic as waves crash into the natural rock inlet; the tranquil Jordan Pond; and the peak of Cadillac Mountain from which the views are far reaching. There are also plenty of trail heads along the road, making this a popular route with hikers.

Our recommended route ⇒ Our Discover New England Self-Drive is a 14-night recommended itinerary taking in Boston, Acadia National Park and the White Mountains.

See all of our New England road trips here.

Arizona’s desert highways

Crank up the playlist and hit the road on an epic journey from San Diego’s sparkling coastline to Arizona’s wild desert landscapes. This trip has it all – ocean views, retro towns and jaw-dropping scenery. Roll through Palm Springs’ mid-century streets, hike among the Joshua trees and cool off by the Colorado River in Lake Havasu. Cruise a stretch of Route 66 in Flagstaff, take in the red rock magic of Sedona and stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon before rounding off the trip with some well-earned downtime in Scottsdale’s stylish desert resorts.

Our recommended route ⇒ Book our So-Cal & Arizona Desert Drive, an 11-night adventure through San Diego, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Lake Havasu, Flagstaff, Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

Alternative: Best of Arizona self-drive

Georgia & The Carolinas Road Trip

City lights, mountain heights and lazy beach days – this road trip serves up the South at its finest. Start in Atlanta, then head for Asheville, where you'll find an artsy vibes and microbreweries galore. Stop by Charlotte for shopping and sightseeing before swapping city buzz for Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk fun. Next, it’s on to Charleston’s cobbled streets and Southern charm, followed by the barefoot bliss of Hilton Head Island. Wander Savannah’s oak-lined squares and discover artsy Athens’ before circling back to Atlanta for a final Southern feast.

Our recommended route ⇒ Book our Georgia & The Carolinas Self-Drive, a 13-night adventure through iconic Southern gems.

Best of Florida Road Trip

Theme parks, beaches and one of the world’s most scenic drives – this Florida road trip has it all. Start in Orlando, where thrills and spills await at world-famous theme parks. Then, swap roller coasters for the sugar-white sands of Naples, unwind in a bayside bar and embrace Florida’s laid-back Gulf Coast. Next, cross the state to Miami, a sultry, sun-drenched city pulsing with Latin beats. For the grand finale, drive the legendary Overseas Highway, hopping across 42 bridges to Key West for pastel-hued streets, tropical vibes and moreish key lime pie.

Our recommended route ⇒ Book our Best of Florida Road Trip, a 12-night adventure through Orlando, Naples, Miami and Key West.

See all our Florida road trips here.

California’s National Parks Road Trip

From towering trees to vast deserts, this road trip takes you through California’s most breathtaking landscapes. Start in San Francisco, where cable cars climb nuttily steep streets, then swap city life for Yosemite’s epic waterfalls and granite peaks. Next, step into the land of giants in Sequoia National Park, before heading into the otherworldly terrain of Death Valley, where salt flats and sand dunes stretch for miles. Then, it’s time to slow things down in Santa Barbara, soak up LA’s glitz and end the trip in Vegas’ neon glow.

Our recommended route ⇒ Book our California’s National Parks Road Trip, a 15-night adventure through San Francisco, Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

This feature was updated on 30th January 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.