The 7 most beautiful road trips in the United States

Dernière mise à jour de cet article le 22 March 2026

Over the past few years, we’ve taken some incredible road trips across the United States. We loved them all—though, to be honest, some more than others. We spent hours—or rather, days—planning them. Some stops were magical, others a bit of a letdown, but that’s just part of the adventure. There’s no such thing as the perfect road trip, and that’s part of its charm. Here are the best road trips in the United States, with itinerary ideas for the West Coast, the Northwest, national parks, and other iconic regions.

In this article, discover 7 road trip itineraries in the United States, designed for trips lasting about one to two weeks—or even three weeks—and adaptable to your own pace and the distances involved. These routes combine wide-open spaces, national parks, and legendary roads, and can serve as a starting point for planning your own road trip in the U.S.

And of course, be sure to check out Kiki’s advice at the end of the article—he’s our expert on driving in the United States.

Why take road trips in the United States?  

On every road trip across America, what we loved most of all was discovering incredible places and feeling that sense of freedom. Getting in the car and driving for hours on end. Sometimes pushing through the boredom of the desert, sometimes just taking in the scenery, realizing how lucky we are to be there. 

We also love switching hotels or motels every day, packing our suitcase and getting our backpack ready every morning. Having a different breakfast, but one that ultimately always ends up being the same—with terrible coffee and white bread.

Then, after checking out of the motel, load up the car and hit the road. Not knowing what the day will bring. Arriving at another hotel in the evening, tired but happy to have discovered beautiful scenery and met incredible people. And thinking about tomorrow, a new day that’s bound to be different from the one before.

We also love to go grocery shopping at Walmart when we arrive, filled with that incredible excitement you feel at the start of a trip. Then, every day, we like to make sandwiches for our midday picnic, which we pack into a cooler filled with ice cubes we picked up that very morning from the hotel’s ice machine.

In short, every road trip is an adventure where there’s no room for routine.

Here are 7 road trip itineraries in the United States that we’ve personally taken. You can find all the related articles by clicking on the links. And of course, you can tailor them to your preferences and pace.

The Most Beautiful Road Trips in the United States: Route Ideas

The United States is an ideal destination for a road trip, offering an incredible variety of landscapes and itineraries suited to every preference and travel duration. From the legendary roads of the West Coast to the wide-open spaces of the American West, via the South, Florida, and the national parks, there are dozens of ways to explore the country by car. In this selection of the most beautiful road trips in the United States, we share several tried-and-true itinerary ideas, ranging from one week to three weeks, to help you choose the U.S. road trip that best suits your pace, the season, and your interests.

Itinerary 1: Road Trip Along the U.S. West Coast – Highway 1 in 10 Days

Highway 1, known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most scenic road trips in California. This legendary route runs along the Pacific Ocean and connects several iconic sites on the West Coast, offering spectacular views of cliffs and wild beaches. The stretch through Big Sur is one of the highlights of the journey, featuring a succession of breathtaking panoramas between the sea and the mountains. An essential route for any road trip in the United States, it’s the perfect way to experience California in a whole new light.

So, for this road trip along the U.S. West Coast, we set out from San Francisco and made our way to Los Angeles via Santa Barbara over the course of 10 days.

• Day 1: San Francisco 
• Day 2: San Francisco – Half Moon Bay – Santa Cruz – Monterey
• Day 3: Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea (17-Mile Drive) – Big Sur
• Day 4: Big Sur
• Day 5: Big Sur – San Simeon
• Day 6: San Simeon–Cambria–Harmony–San Luis Obispo
• Day 7: San Luis Obispo – Prismo Beach – Santa Barbara
• Day 8: Santa Barbara
• Day 9: Santa Barbara – Malibu – Los Angeles
• Day 10: Los Angeles

My favorite parts of this road trip? Highway 1, that scenic route with its incredible views. But also Big Sur, where we spent the night in a cabin, and Pfeiffer Beach. That said, I’m still a huge fan of Los Angeles, which has held a special place in my heart for many years.

Itinerary 2: Road Trip Through the American West – 3 Weeks Exploring National Parks and the Great Outdoors

A three-week road trip through the American West is the perfect way to explore the United States’ most iconic landscapes. From California to the vast national parks of Utah and Arizona, this journey takes you through deserts, canyons, national parks, and legendary routes like Route 66, the symbol of the classic American road trip. Over three weeks, the pace is balanced enough to fully enjoy must-see sites such as Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, while limiting long days on the road.

Here is our 3-week itinerary through the American West, exploring Route 66 and the national parks. One of our most beautiful road trips through California, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona! 

Stops in the American West

• Day 1: Los Angeles
• Day 2: Los Angeles
• Day 3: Los Angeles – Calico Ghost Town – Barstow
• Day 4: Barstow – Mojave National Preserve – Pahrump
• Day 5: Pahrump – Red Rock Canyon – Las Vegas
• Day 6: Las Vegas 
• Day 7: Las Vegas
• Day 8: Las Vegas–Valley of Fire–Springdale
• Day 9: Zion National Park
• Day 10: Zion National Park–Bryce Canyon National Park
• Day 11: Bryce Canyon – Page
• Day 12: Page 
• Day 13: Page – Monument Valley
• Day 14: Monument Valley – Grand Canyon
• Day 15: Grand Canyon–Williams
• Day 16: Williams – Oatman
• Day 17: Oatman–Twentynine
• Day 18: Joshua Tree National Park – Los Angeles
• Day 19: Los Angeles

The major national parks of the American West—such as Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and, of course, Grand Canyon National Park—are must-see destinations on any road trip, each offering spectacular and very distinct landscapes.

In addition to national parks, you’ll pass through some absolutely incredible state parks. For instance, Red Rock Canyon, just outside Las Vegas, captivates visitors with its red cliffs and scenic roads, before you cross the Mojave National Preserve, a vast wilderness dotted with dunes, volcanoes, and Joshua trees.

Further north, the Valley of Fire impresses with its fiery rock formations, while Page, Arizona, offers visitors the chance to explore iconic sites such as Lake Powell and the famous water-carved canyons. Finally, Monument Valley is a must-see on any itinerary, with its legendary buttes that have become one of the symbols of the American road trip.

My favorite spots in the American West

My favorite moments? It’s hard to choose—there were so many, especially in the big national parks. Route 66 really touched our hearts, even though it was sometimes hard to find. The stop in Oatman with its donkeys in the street was a magical moment. And how could I not mention the magnificent Zion National Park and the sunrise at Monument Valley? Finally, I can’t help but mention Las Vegas and the unforgettable moments we experienced there.

Itinerary 3: Exploring the West with the California Zephyr and Utah’s National Parks in Two Weeks 

On this trip, we wanted to ride the legendary California Zephyr train. So we set off from Chicago and headed to San Francisco. And during our stop in Salt Lake City, we took a road trip through Utah’s national parks.

• Day 1: Chicago
• Day 2: Chicago
• Day 3: Chicago
• Day 4: Chicago–Denver (train)
• Day 5: Denver
• Day 6: Denver to Salt Lake City (train)
• Day 7: Salt Lake City to Moab
• Day 8: Arches National Park
• Day 9: Dead Horse Point–Canyonlands National Park
• Day 10: Moab to Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 11: Torrey–Salt Lake City
• Day 12: Salt Lake City – San Francisco (train)
• Day 13: San Francisco

Utah is a must-see destination on any road trip through the American West, boasting an exceptional concentration of national parks with spectacular scenery. Arches National Park captivates visitors with its natural arches sculpted by erosion, while Dead Horse Point offers one of the most impressive panoramic views of the meandering Colorado River. Just a few miles away, Canyonlands National Park reveals a vast, untamed landscape of deep canyons and dizzying viewpoints. Further south, Capitol Reef National Park rounds out the itinerary with its colorful cliffs, unique rock formations, and a much more intimate atmosphere.

My favorites? Arches National Park, with its hikes and breathtaking views.

Visit Denver was incredible too, I liked so hard this city. And I went again to visit Denver and the surrounding area.

Itinerary 4: A Week in Louisiana 

A complete change of scenery in Louisiana! During another trip to the U.S., we took a wonderful week-long road trip through Louisiana to explore the bayous, jazz, plantations, and Cajun culture. We were completely charmed by the trees covered in Spanish moss!

• Day 1: New Orleans
• Day 2: New Orleans
• Day 3: New Orleans – Plantation Tour
• Day 4: Baton Rouge
• Day 5: Lafayette
• Day 6: Lake Martin
• Day 7: New Orleans

My favorite part? The plantation tours, which shed light on the not-always-glorious history of our ancestors.

Itinerary 5: A Journey Through the History of the Southern United States: South and North Carolina

After exploring Louisiana, we took a road trip through North and South Carolina. It was one of our best trips in the United States!

• Day 1: Savannah (Georgia)
• Day 2: Savannah – Charleston
• Day 3: Charleston
• Day 4: Charleston – Myrtle Beach
• Day 5: Myrtle Beach
• Day 6: Myrtle Beach to Wilmington
• Day 7: Wilmington
• Day 8: Wilmington – Outer Banks
• Day 9: Outer Banks
• Day 10: Outer Banks–Charlotte
• Day 11: Charlotte

My favorites? Wilmington, to explore the filming locations of *One Tree Hill*! But also Ocracoke, with its golf carts, and Charlotte, for its incredible atmosphere.

In fact, the Outer Banks in North Carolina offer one of the most beautiful road trips along the East Coast of the United States, with their long coastal roads, pristine beaches, and oceanfront towns.

Charlotte, North Carolina, is also a great stop on a road trip through North Carolina, especially if you want to explore a vibrant city with a modern downtown and lively neighborhoods. It makes for a pleasant stop on any itinerary through the southeastern United States!

Itinerary 6: A Week-Long Road Trip in Florida: From Beaches to Nature Parks

One of our first road trips in the United States was a road trip through Florida. It definitely wasn’t our favorite trip because we went at the wrong time of year. We had a lot of rain, which meant we had to change our entire itinerary.

• Day 1: Miami
• Day 2: Miami
• Day 3: Miami Beach
• Day 4: Everglades National Park
• Day 5: Naples–Fort Myers
• Day 6: Sanibel–Miami

Our favorites? Edison and Ford’s winter homes in Fort Myers and the alligators in the Everglades!

Itinerary 7: A legendary road trip through the American West: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Denver

Among the most beautiful road trips in the United States, the route from Denver to Yellowstone stands out. It’s a spectacular journey through the Rocky Mountains, offering a mix of wide-open spaces, scenic roads, and iconic national parks.

This trip offers the chance to discover:

• Yellowstone National Park, with its geysers, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes found nowhere else in the world
• Grand Teton National Park, with its rugged mountains and crystal-clear lakes
• A varied and well-rounded road trip starting in Denver, featuring visits to national parks such as the Rocky Mountains and the Badlands, as well as the Black Hills, home to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore.

Besides, Yellowstone is huge, and people often underestimate the distances involved. Without a clear itinerary, you can easily end up spending more time on the road than enjoying the scenery.

I absolutely loved Yellowstone, but I also fell in love with South Dakota.

What is the best road trip in the United States?

There isn’t just one “best” road trip in the United States, as the choice depends on your preferences, the length of your trip, and the regions you want to explore. For lovers of wide-open spaces and national parks, the American West—spanning Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Utah, and California—is often considered a must-see itinerary. Personally, my favorite road trips in the U.S. are the American West and Yellowstone.

For those who prefer beaches, bustling cities, and local culture, Florida, Louisiana, or the East Coast offer equally memorable experiences. By balancing your available time with your interests, you can plan the perfect road trip in the United States—one tailored to your preferences—while enjoying spectacular scenery and unique discoveries at every stop.

Some practical tips for planning your road trips in the United States 

Have you decided to take a road trip in the U.S.? To visit the United States? Then you should book your flights, rental car, and hotels as soon as possible. How far in advance, you ask? We recommend at least six months in advance. As for car rentals, once you find a price you like, you can go ahead and book it. Then keep an eye on prices and cancel your reservation to book another one at a better rate.

When it comes to hotels or motels, we follow the same approach. We book as early as possible, always opting for free cancellation. I like to keep an eye on prices and switch hotels if better deals come up.

When it comes to accommodations in the parks, the earlier you book, the better your chances of finding a spot. It’ll be expensive either way, but the experience is incredible. 

By the way, to help you plan your trip, we invite you to read our article on the national parks you shouldn’t miss on a road trip through the United States.

We also invite you to read this article on what you need to know before traveling to the United States. You’ll find tips on driving in the U.S. as well as on daily life, along with a list of dos and don’ts. 

When is the best time to take a road trip in the U.S.?  

It depends on where you’re planning to go! If you’re planning a road trip in Florida, be mindful of hurricane season (June through November). We went to Miami in early June, right at the start of hurricane season. It really wasn’t the best idea we’ve ever had.

Similarly, if you’re heading to California, Utah, or Nevada, be careful of the heat, especially in the summer. Of course, if you travel in the summer, you won’t be alone, and that can take some of the fun out of the experience. If you can, try to travel during the off-season—either in the spring or fall. Prices will be more affordable, and the weather will be more pleasant.

We often go in late May or early June. The main advantage is that the days are long and generally nice. However, we prefer traveling in September or October; the days are shorter, but the temperatures are ideal for hiking and exploring cities. Another plus is being able to enjoy sunrises and sunsets at reasonable hours! By the way, you can check this website to find out the sunrise and sunset times.

Kiki’s thoughts on his road trips in the United States

It’s time for another behind-the-scenes look. Road trips are perfect for this. And what do you need for a road trip? Exactly—a car. And that’s where Kiki’s expertise comes in.

Kiki and Car Rental

Things really get serious once we book the rental car. While Sophie meticulously scours prices for months in hopes of finding a good deal, Kiki is solely focused on booking the perfect SUV. After all, in a country where XXL is the norm, it’s simply impossible to squeeze into a tiny car! Sometimes, certain car rental agencies even let you choose the car on-site—and that’s like Christmas for Kiki! He could spend hours inspecting every model, only to end up choosing the one Sophie absolutely doesn’t want (tip for Kiki: never choose a car with leather seats!)

Kiki and driving

Kiki is a passionate driver, but his driving style is, how should I put it: “defensive.” He’s usually the one behind the wheel, and Sophie has already planned it out perfectly, especially after lunch. After all, what could be better than taking a little nap during the drive? Kiki knows exactly how to take the turns smoothly and accelerate or brake gently—after a few miles, Sophie is already sleeping like a baby. She has complete confidence in his driving style—even if she doesn’t want to admit it to Kiki.

Kiki and road trips in the United States

Kiki is going to disappoint you—there’s no ranking of these road trips. Each one was unforgettable in its own way. But what stands out most in his mind are the memories of those vast, endless roads, stretching straight ahead for miles through the solitude, and the meticulous planning of stops to refuel. Because it’s there, on those endless roads, that you realize just how small European countries are—and how much he misses setting out on a new road trip across the United States with Sophie.