Top U.S. Road Trip Destinations: Bucket List Stops for Every Traveller in 2025
- Andy Honey
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
U.S. Road Trip Destinations
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the open road — windows down, music up, snacks in the cupholder, and the horizon calling your name.
Whether you're cruising along dramatic coastlines, winding through desert landscapes, or chasing waterfalls in the mountains, the U.S. is packed with bucket list-worthy road trip destinations just waiting to be explored.
So grab your map (or, let’s be real, your phone), and let’s hit the road! Here are the best U.S. road trip destinations that every kind of traveller should add to their list — from beach bums to nature lovers to foodies and history buffs.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Scenic, sun-soaked, and spectacular
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), aka Highway 1, is an iconic road trip for good reason. Hugging California’s jaw-dropping coastline, this route serves up endless ocean views, dramatic cliffs, charming beach towns, and some of the state’s top attractions.
Top stops:
Santa Monica Pier (perfect for a nostalgic start)
Malibu (celebrity spotting, anyone?)
Big Sur (don't miss McWay Falls!)
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
Road trip vibes: Surfer playlists, sandy toes, and roadside tacos.
👉 For the ultimate road trip experience, don’t forget to rent a car for the journey! You can easily find the perfect ride with Economy Bookings for your California road trip.
👉 Need a place to stay? Whether you’re looking for a beachfront hotel or a cozy B&B, book your stay through Expedia for the best deals!
👉 Need flights to California? Find the best prices with Expedia Flights and start your adventure today.
👉 Gear up for the road: Don’t forget to pack all your travel essentials! From backpacks to travel pillows, check out the best deals on road trip gear at Amazon
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
America’s Favourite Drive — and for good reason
Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, this road trip is like driving through a Bob Ross painting. Especially stunning in fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of scenic overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and charming mountain towns.
Top stops:
Shenandoah National Park
Mabry Mill (super Instagrammable)
Linville Falls & Grandfather Mountain
Asheville, NC (hello, craft beer scene!)
Road trip vibes: Cozy cabins, crisp mountain air, and a thermos of coffee in hand.
👉 Ready to hit the Blue Ridge Parkway? Book your car rental now through Economy Bookings.
👉 Need somewhere to crash after a full day of hiking? Check out the best options on Expedia for cozy lodges and charming inns along the Parkway!
👉 Need flights to Asheville or Virginia? Find the best deals with Expedia Flights.
3. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)
The OG road trip route — pure Americana
Spanning over 2,400 miles across 8 states, Route 66 is a slice of vintage America. It's all about neon signs, classic diners, kitschy roadside attractions, and quirky motels.
Top stops:
Cadillac Ranch (Texas)
Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
The Blue Whale of Catoosa (Oklahoma)
Santa Monica Pier (end of the line!)
Road trip vibes: Retro playlists, milkshakes, and lots of photo ops.
👉 Affiliate tip: Don’t forget to book your ride for the ultimate road trip! Secure a car rental for your adventure with Economy Bookings.
👉 Need flights to Chicago or Santa Monica? Get the best prices through Expedia Flights.
4. Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks
For the desert dreamers and stargazers
If red rock canyons, slot gorges, and out-of-this-world landscapes are your jam, this route is a must. Utah’s Mighty 5 includes Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion — all within a few hours’ drive of each other.
Top stops:
Delicate Arch at sunset (Arches)
The Narrows hike (Zion)
Scenic Highway 12 (an underrated gem!)
Road trip vibes: Hiking boots, wide-brimmed hats, and jaw-dropping views at every turn.
👉 Need a place to stay in Zion or Bryce Canyon? Find great accommodations on Expedia.
👉 Pack your gear: Find all the travel essentials you’ll need for the road at Amazon Travel Gear.
5. Florida Keys (Miami to Key West)
Paradise with a side of key lime pie
This laid-back drive along the Overseas Highway takes you across 42 bridges and miles of turquoise water. It’s tropical, funky, and totally unique — like a Caribbean escape without the passport.
Top stops:
Key Largo (hello, snorkelling!)
Islamorada (fishing capital of the world)
Key West (sunsets at Mallory Square)
Road trip vibes: Island tunes, flip flops, and a fresh piña colada.
👉 Affiliate tip: Grab your rental car for a smooth ride to the Keys with Economy Bookings.
👉 Essentials for your trip: Get all your travel essentials from Amazon Travel Gear.
Ready to hit the road?
Whether you’re venturing on a cross-country adventure or just looking for a weekend escape, these U.S road trip destinations are guaranteed to make your journey unforgettable.
Remember to pack your travel essentials and enjoy the ride!
Take a look at these National Parks for more inspiration
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