The United States boasts nearly 4 million miles of roadway from sea to shining sea. And two-thirds of Americans prioritize road trips, according to 2024 WhatIf Media and Mazda surveys. It’s as much about the journey as the destination.
With their gas tanks topped off and their favorite playlists plugged in, American families are ready to hit the highways and byways in search of adventure. The nation stretches from coastal highways to scenic mountain routes across a heartland of historic treasures. While there are plenty of photo ops, it’s the memories that make it all worthwhile.
The Great River Road
If you want a little education along with your adventure, you can’t go wrong tracing the path of America’s most famous internal waterway — the Mississippi River. But don’t worry — this route isn’t just about doing your homework. You’ll also get to sample the two most iconic American BBQ styles.
Starting in Minnesota, the Great River Road winds through nearly 3,000 miles of countryside in 10 states. Fish from, or just admire the lush landscape in the state of 10,000 lakes, or start in the cultural hub of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Work your way down through Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois, then pop over to where Mark Twain grew up in Missouri, a huge influence on his stories of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer.
Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi are home to incredible music venues, monuments to significant Civil War battles and archeological treasures. Plus, if you make the time, there are plenty of detour options, like Nashville and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Your final stop is New Orleans — explore the French Quarter for incredible food, music and unforgettable architecture.
Southwest desert and national parks
Around the borders of Nevada, Utah and Arizona, there is a loop of six National Parks — all close enough to visit in one day. But who would want to? Starting and ending in Las Vegas, this road trip itinerary takes you through towering rock formations and red desert landscapes. It’s an area filled with nostalgia for old Western movies, but that could just as easily be the otherworldly setting of a sci-fi film.
Fair warning — to truly take advantage of this approximately 1,200-mile journey, you need to get your steps in. While rock climbing isn’t required, you won’t get the full experience or see nearly as much of the parks. Pack patience, a National Parks pass and comfortable hiking boots.
The first stop is Zion National Park. If you’re into hiking, this is your spot — two epic strolls let you see most of the park. You can also drive along the Virgin River and see plenty on your way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Navigate the Southern scenic drive to see how the land looks from 7,000-9,000 feet above sea level.
From there, continue northeast to visit the less well-known Capitol Reef National Park. No matter when you arrive, you’ll want to plan to stay for one of their famous sunsets, followed by the experience of an International Dark Sky Park. You will not believe just how many stars are visible in the night sky when light pollution is eliminated.
The next day, aim for Canyonlands and Arches National Parks — and maybe even squeeze in a quick detour to Goblin Valley State Park, where they filmed “Galaxy Quest.” Arches National Park has the densest concentration of natural stone arches in the world — 2,000 in all, many of which can be seen from the scenic drive, more if you hike. Oljato-Monument Valley lets you see the iconic landmarks from many movies up close and personal.
As you leave Monument Valley, take time to experience and respect the Native Americans’ land and Antelope Valley. The Navajos call the Upper Antelope Canyon “Tse’bighanilini,” which means the place where the water runs through rocks. This formation on Navajo Nation land is unique in the Southwest and can only be experienced with a guided tour. The lighting and color palette make it a huge hit for younger kids and a photographer’s dream. It’s also entirely accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
A journey to the Southwest would be incomplete without spending a day or two at the truly epic Grand Canyon. Walk or hike the Trail of Time, the Canyon Rim Trail or Hermit Road. Take a mule ride, a raft trip or a train excursion to see the stunning layers of rock that tell the story of the canyon’s formation.
Historic Route 66
No road trip list would be complete without mentioning the Mother Road. Celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, sadly, most of what was once Route 66 is no longer in existence. But America’s most famous drag was never a straight path. Starting in Chicago and ending officially at the Santa Monica Pier in California, only about 2,400 miles of the iconic highway remain. But what’s there is worth the journey.
Started in 1923, long before we had an official highway system, the diagonal course linked hundreds of rural communities, enabling farmers to transport grain and produce. Between truckers and post-World War II families heading West, hundreds of diners, motels, drive-in theaters, filling stations and quirky art installations popped up to entertain millions. More than 250 buildings, bridges and other sites are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“Discovering some of the iconic stops that still exist along the now defunct highway makes a trip down Route 66 that much better. Seeing the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Ill., was so much fun, and grabbing a burger and milkshake at the Polk-A-Dot Drive-In was a walk through time back to the heyday of family road trips.”
— Margarita Ibbott, Downshifting Pro
Much of the original Route 66 was disrupted or rerouted by four- and six-lane highways that were built from the 1950s to the 70s, and by 1985, it no longer existed. In 1990, Congress declared that it had become “a symbol of the American people’s heritage of travel and their legacy of seeking a better life.” It’s not just a fun drive; it’s a snapshot of history not soon forgotten.
Honorable mention: Blue Ridge Parkway
Dubbed America’s Favorite Drive, the 469-mile route is the longest single-unit road planned in the U.S. It runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through North Carolina and Virginia, parallel to significant portions of the Appalachian Trail. The panoramic vistas alone are worth the drive.
From Shenandoah National Park, all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can witness some of the oldest European and prehistoric settlements, as well as cemeteries going back to the Revolutionary War. Unfortunately, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene last year, most of the Parkway remains closed for cleaning and repairs.
Honorable mention: The Pacific Coast Highway
Normally, this beautiful coastal journey from Seattle or Portland, down to Santa Monica and Hollywood, would rank high on this list. However, the recent fires, followed by unseasonable rains and mudslides, have left a significant portion of the PCH closed down or with restricted access. Families would be better off waiting until next year for this seaside drive.
Bringing it all home
Regardless of which road trip you venture out on, make sure you bring plenty of snacks, lots of water and a good camera or external charger for your phones. Take your time and you’ll not only see some incredible sights, but bond as a family and make memories you’ll all treasure forever. The ride may have its bumps at times, but that’s all part of the journey.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist and creator of the travel blog Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things to do indoors and out, one-of-a-kind festivals, and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.