Epic Cross-Country Road Trips for the Adventurous Spirit

3 January 2025

There’s something about hitting the open road that makes you feel alive. Maybe it’s the wind whipping through your hair, the horizon stretching out endlessly in front of you, or the excitement of not knowing what lies ahead. Whatever it is, cross-country road trips have a certain allure that can’t be matched. If you’ve got that adventurous spirit and a full tank of gas, buckle up because we’re about to explore some epic cross-country road trips that will ignite your wanderlust.

Whether you're craving the rugged terrain of the Rockies or the sun-kissed coasts of California, this guide will take you through some of the most breathtaking, bucket-list-worthy road trips in the United States. Let's pack our bags (and snacks), because the road is calling!

Why Road Trips Are the Ultimate Adventure

Before we dive into specific routes, let’s talk about road trips in general. Why do so many people gravitate toward the idea of driving across states? It’s simple: freedom.

Road trips give you the flexibility to move at your own pace, make spontaneous stops, and soak in the landscape around you. Unlike a flight where you soar over areas at 30,000 feet, a road trip places you in the thick of it all. It’s intimate. It’s personal. And most importantly, it allows you to be the navigator of your own story.

Whether you're a solo traveler seeking solitude or a group of friends looking to make memories on the highway, road trips are the perfect recipe for adventure. Plus, they’re often more economical than flying or taking a train, making them accessible even for those on a budget.

Now, let’s get into the good stuff: the routes!

1. The Pacific Coast Highway (California)

- Starting Point: San Diego, CA
- End Point: San Francisco, CA
- Distance: 655 miles
- Best Time: Spring through fall

If you dream of waves crashing against the cliffs, winding roads overlooking the ocean, and jaw-dropping sunsets, California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) should be at the top of your list. This iconic route hugs the coastline, offering a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean with every turn.

Start your journey in sunny San Diego before making your way north to the City by the Bay, San Francisco. Along the way, make sure to stop in Los Angeles for a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, catch a glimpse of Malibu’s pristine beaches, and visit the magical coastal town of Big Sur.

Big Sur is where your jaw will officially drop. With misty cliffs plunging into the sea and waterfalls trickling down to sandy shores, it's a place that feels almost too beautiful to be real. For a dose of tranquility, stop at the famous McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park—a sight you won't soon forget.

Must-See Stops:

- Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles
- Hearst Castle near San Simeon
- Monterey's famed Cannery Row and the Monterey Aquarium

2. The Great River Road (Mississippi River)

- Starting Point: Itasca State Park, MN
- End Point: New Orleans, LA
- Distance: 2,300 miles
- Best Time: Late spring to early fall

The Great River Road isn’t just one road—it’s a series of roads that run alongside the mighty Mississippi River from its humble beginnings in Minnesota all the way down to the vibrant, jazz-soaked streets of New Orleans. This journey offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and culture.

Start your trip in Itasca State Park, where the Mississippi originates as a small stream. As you travel south, the river grows, winding its way through lush forests, picturesque small towns, and bustling cities. You'll pass through places like St. Louis (don’t forget to check out the Gateway Arch) and Memphis (home of Graceland and Beale Street) before reaching New Orleans, where the river spills out into the Gulf of Mexico.

The Great River Road is ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike, offering ample opportunities to explore Civil War battlefields, riverboat museums, and state parks.

Must-See Stops:

- Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri
- Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi
- The French Quarter in New Orleans

3. Route 66: The Mother Road

- Starting Point: Chicago, IL
- End Point: Santa Monica, CA
- Distance: 2,448 miles
- Best Time: Spring or fall

Arguably the most famous road in America, Route 66 has earned its nickname: “The Mother Road.” This historic highway stretches from the heart of Chicago to the sunny shores of California, cutting through the heart of the American Southwest.

While much of Route 66 has been replaced by interstate highways, travelers can still explore significant portions of the original road. This trip is an excellent opportunity to experience classic Americana—the neon signs, old-school diners, quirky roadside attractions, and small-town charm that defined America in the mid-20th century.

As you head west, you’ll pass through iconic places such as the Meramec Caverns in Missouri, the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Be sure to snap a photo at the end of the route in Santa Monica near the famous pier.

Must-See Stops:

- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO
- Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX
- The Grand Canyon (a slight detour, but worth it) in Arizona

4. The Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

- Starting Point: Shenandoah National Park, VA
- End Point: Great Smoky Mountains, NC
- Distance: 469 miles
- Best Time: Early fall for colorful foliage

If you’re looking to slow down and enjoy one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., look no further than the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nestled between Virginia and North Carolina, this route winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning views at every turn.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and it’s easy to see why. Unlike major highways, this route keeps the pace leisurely, with strict speed limits that encourage you to take in the breathtaking beauty of the rolling hills, lush forests, and, in the fall, vibrant leaves.

You can hike, camp, or simply relax along the way. And make sure you spend some time at the journey’s endpoints: Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Both parks offer spectacular hiking trails, wildlife, and views.

Must-See Stops:

- Peaks of Otter in Virginia for hiking
- Linville Falls for stunning waterfalls
- Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River

5. The Loneliest Road (Nevada to Utah)

- Starting Point: Carson City, NV
- End Point: Ely, NV (or continue to Utah)
- Distance: 400 miles, extendable
- Best Time: Spring or fall

If your adventurous spirit leans towards solitude, then U.S. Route 50, known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” is calling your name. This route takes you through the stark, yet striking Nevada desert, offering a different kind of beauty—vast open spaces, rugged mountains, and a sky so wide it feels almost surreal.

Despite its name, the Loneliest Road is far from boring. You’ll pass through quirky old mining towns, ancient petroglyphs, and perhaps even ghost towns that tell the story of the Old West. It’s quiet, remote, and a little eerie—but in the best way possible.

For those looking for an extended trip, you can continue this drive into Utah, where the road will take you near national parks like Arches and Canyonlands, offering even more opportunities for exploration.

Must-See Stops:

- Great Basin National Park in Nevada
- Ely, NV for a taste of old Nevada mining towns
- Lehman Caves for geological wonders

6. The Alaska Highway (Alaska to Canada)

- Starting Point: Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada
- End Point: Delta Junction, Alaska
- Distance: 1,422 miles
- Best Time: Summer (primarily June through August)

Dreaming of an off-the-grid adventure? The Alaska Highway will take you through some of the most remote and wild landscapes in North America. Originally constructed during World War II, the highway runs from British Columbia in Canada to Alaska, traversing through forests, mountains, and valleys untouched by human hands.

Expect to see wildlife—moose, bears, and eagles are common sights—and don’t forget to pack layers, as temperatures can dip in the evenings even during the summer months. One of the highway’s highlights is the section that stretches through the Yukon Territory, where vast, pristine wilderness never seems to end.

Must-See Stops:

- Liard River Hot Springs in British Columbia
- Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon
- Fairbanks, Alaska, for a taste of frontier living

Ready to Hit the Road?

These epic cross-country road trips are more than just long drives—they’re transformational experiences. Whether you’re winding through the forests of the Blue Ridge Parkway, braving the desolation of the Loneliest Road, or cruising along California’s glittering coast, each one offers something special. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your playlist, and embark on your adventure.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether you're only miles from home or halfway across the country, your next great adventure is just a drive away.