10 Iconic Road Trip Vacation Destinations in the U.S.

This list of 10 popular road trip vacation destinations will make you want to pack your bags and get going now.

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Karee Blunt

With spring break and summer vacations just around the corner, it’s time to plan this year’s epic getaway. Tropical islands may be the go-to vacay for some, but America has so many beautiful landmarks to see, and planning a road trip is the best way to take it all in!

Best Road Trip Destinations in the U.S.

Get out your map and start dreaming because this list of 10 popular road trip vacation destinations will make you want to pack your bags and get going now.

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego, this 600-mile road trip along the Pacific Coast is one of the most scenic in the country. 

Points of Interest:

  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Hearst Castle
  • Alcatraz
  • Golden Gate Bridge

2. Route 66, Illinois to California

Historic Route 66, stretching 2046 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, is a classic American road trip with many iconic stops along the way.

Points of Interest:

  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
  • Cadillac Ranch, Texas
  • Route 66 Mid Point Cafe

3. Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana

Meandering 1063 miles along the Mississippi River, this scenic road trip takes travelers through 10 states, with opportunities to explore small towns and historic sites.

Points of Interest:

  • World’s Largest Six Pack, Wisconsin
  • Field of Dreams Movie Site, Iowa
  • World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, Illinois
  • Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash, Arkansas

4. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

This 469-mile scenic road trip takes travelers through the Appalachian Mountains, with stunning views and plenty of hiking trails.

Points of Interest:

  • Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86
  • Mabry Mill, Milepost 176.1
  • Blue Ridge Music Center, Milepost 213
  • Linville Falls at Milepost 316

5. Florida Keys, Florida

Visitors will find plenty of opportunities for fishing, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach on this 113-mile road trip that is meant to be savored.

Points of Interest:

  • Key West Shipwreck Museum & Observation Tower
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
  • Dry Tortugas National Park/Fort Jefferson
  • Southernmost Point

6. Texas Hill Country, Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the chance to explore historic towns and sample local cuisine on a Hill Country road trip.

Points of Interest:

  • Barton Springs Pool, Austin
  • Gruene Hall, New Braunfels
  • Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
  • National Museum of The Pacific War, Fredricksburg

7. Grand Circle, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico

Vacationers will drive through some of the most iconic national parks in the Southwest, including the world-famous Grand Canyon and several National Parks.

Points of Interest:

  • Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
  • Grand Canyon
  • Petrified Forest
  • Mesa Verde

8. The Great Lakes, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

The Lake Superior Circle Tour encompasses 1,300 miles around the shorelines of the largest Great Lake. It offers opportunities to explore charming towns and scenic vistas.

Points of Interest:

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
  • Ashland Murals
  • Wisconsin Point Lighthouse
  • Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

9. Historic Route 1, Maine to Florida

America’s First Mile” stretches 2400 miles from Fort Kent, Maine to the Florida Keys, taking travelers along the Atlantic Coast, with opportunities to explore charming towns and historic sites.

Points of Interest:

  • Coral Castle, Florida
  • Kennedy Space Center, Florida
  • Smallest Church in America, Georgia
  • UFO Welcome Center, South Carolina

10. Olympic Peninsula, Washington

This 330-mile look around the Olympic National Park offers travelers many opportunities to explore coastal towns and hike in the rainforest.

Points of Interest:

  1. Hurricane Ridge
  2. Fort Worden State Park
  3. Olympic Game Farm
  4. Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

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Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos

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