The Best States for an American Road Trip

From sea to shining sea, America is a land of wide-open spaces built for adventurous road trips. It’s among the top-5 largest countries in the world and features endless road trip possibilities. Whether you prefer coastal highways or scenic mountain drives, America’s roadways have life-changing adventures for intrepid road explorers. 

Road trips symbolize the American spirit, and travelers from across the globe spend hours planning their itineraries. If you’re stuck on which states make the best road trips, we’ve listed 9 of our favorites. Between scenic byways, national & state parks, and unspeakable beauty, you can’t go wrong selecting any of these beautiful states.

1. Oregon

Once Portland is in your rearview mirror, Oregon has unbelievable road trips in all directions. The Oregon coast stretches 360 miles with dramatic images of sea stacks, rugged cliffs, and the wild Pacific waves. Drive through the Columbia River Gorge to chase waterfalls or explore the dreamy lakes around Mount Hood. 

Central Oregon cuts through the Cascade Range and its intimidating snow-capped peaks. Tackle the 66-mile Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway for an outdoor recreation paradise. The 33-mile Rim Drive around Crater Lake is full of postcard-worthy snapshots, and the Wallowa Mountains are an alpine wonderland far off the beaten path. 

2. Wyoming

As America’s least populated state, Wyoming offers an abundance of road trips to escape the crowds. While you won’t ditch the tourists at Yellowstone and Grand Teton, these world-renowned national parks are a treasure trove for nature lovers. Feast your eyes on celestial peaks, crystal-clear lakes, geothermal wonders, rhyolite canyons, and the American Serengeti. 

Make a detour towards the Wind River Range for heart-racing panoramas of granite peaks, alpine lakes, and glacial-carved valleys. And scenic byways through the Wind River Canyon and the Snowy Range will have you clutching your camera. 

3. California 

State Route 1 garners the most praise for its epic coastal views of the Pacific Ocean. The mammoth route of over 650 miles reaches the dramatic Big Sur cliffs, verdant hills around San Luis Obispo, and the dreamy Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

For mountain lovers, venture inland to explore the Sierra Nevadas on Highway 395. Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest lakes in the world. If wine is on your mind, a detour through the Napa and Sonoma Valleys takes you to peaceful vineyards. 

4. Colorado 

Just outside Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is full of heart-racing vistas of snow-lined peaks, crystalline lakes, and alpine tundra. Trail Ridge Road courses 48 miles through the park and eclipses elevations above 12,000 feet. Head to Colorado Springs and drive the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway for jaw-dropping images of snow-capped mountains, red-rock cliffs, and lush foliage. 

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is your ticket to sandboarding beneath the enchanting Sangre de Cristo Mountains. And cruising through famous ski resort towns like Telluride and Aspen is pure alpine bliss. 

5. Washington

From the mighty cascades to the wild Pacific coast, Washington has unlimited magical road trips. The North Cascades Highway winds through an alpine dream of snowy mountains, turquoise lakes, and verdant forests. Tour the Olympic Peninsula Loop to explore the Hoh Rain Forest, tumbling waterfalls, and towering sea stacks. 

Just south of Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park shows off the tallest peak of the Cascade Range. A detour to southeast Washington and the Palouse Scenic Byway presents dreamy farmlands, rolling hills, and colorful flowers.

6. Montana

Known for big skies and wide-open spaces, Montana epitomizes the pioneer spirit of the wild west. Glacier National Park is the star attraction with the world-renowned Going-to-the-Sun Road. Twisting 50 miles inside the park, the route unlocks some of the most breathtaking mountain vistas anywhere in the country. 

Just outside Glacier, Flathead Lake is a sparkling turquoise pool with over 180 miles of shoreline. Step into the Gold-Rush era by wandering into the Nevada and Virginia cities, or venture to Red Lodge to climb into the heavens on the Beartooth Highway. 

7. North Carolina 

North Carolina epitomizes the rich scenery that decorates the American Southeast. From the Appalachian Mountains to the sandy Atlantic coast, the diverse landscapes come to life driving around North Carolina. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway transports you from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. As you near Asheville, the scenic route presents epic vistas of the tallest peaks east of the Mississippi River. Head to the Outer Banks Scenic Byway for a fun-filled trip exploring the pristine shores, beautiful lighthouses, and coastal villages of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

8. Utah

With over 2,200 miles of scenic byways, Utah is a road tripper’s dream. The ‘Big 5’ is the place to start as you’ll hit all of Utah’s stunning national parks. You’ll witness the rugged cliffs and lush forests of Zion National Park and the geologic wonders of Bryce Canyon National Park. 

Drive Scenic Byway 12 for 122 miles of red-rock canyons, petrified forests, and western towns. Head to the Cache Valley and tackle the Logan Canyon Scenic Drive for radiant foliage, snow-capped peaks, and the turquoise waters of Bear Lake.

9. New York 

Once you leave The Big Apple, you’ll discover New York’s riches of natural beauty. Wander the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains to find cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and rustic resorts. Continue northward to the Adirondack Mountains to gaze at New York’s highest peaks and pristine lakes. 

Pit stops at Letchworth and Watkins Glen State Parks unlock the state’s geological wonders. The Finger Lakes region is an outdoor playground with fabulous wineries, and a detour to Niagara Falls is an exhilarating experience.