The United States is full of natural beauty, national parks, and scenic highways. With so much to see, it’s no wonder road trips are one of the best ways to explore the states for tourists and locals alike. Americans love getting out on the open road to take in their surroundings from behind the wheel. From historical highways like Route 66 to a path following along the country’s longest river, the Mississippi, discover the best road trips America has to offer.
Whether you’re importing a car to the United States or renting one for the journey, you’re sure to enjoy your time spent on the US’s expansive highways. Before you take off, you’ll want to know which of the many routes would make your ideal American trip. Let’s take a look at the top five road trips America has to offer. With these routes in mind, you can make sure you’re covering all your bucket list items and exploring your most dreamt-of US locations.
Route 66
Route 66 is undoubtedly the most famous road trip America has to offer, and with good reason. The historical route has quite the history, as the first all-weather US highway stretching all the way from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California. Passing through everything from tiny, charming towns to the world-famous Grand Canyon, this route offers the ultimate experience for a road trip in the USA. So, buckle up and hit the road to get your kicks on Route 66.
While the original Route 66 highway was decommissioned in the 1980s, it is still possible to follow most of the route via the American highway system. Along the available routes, you can visit exciting places from Native American archaeological sites in New Mexico, to a 50,000-year-old meteor crater in Arizona, and typical ranches and motels along the way. Choose a section of the route and let the adventure begin.
Starts: You can start wherever you’d like, but the original route started in Chicago, Illinois.
Ends: Los Angeles, California
Days you need: The original route required at least three days, but we recommend five to ten days to get the most out of your trip.
The 101
In Oregon, US 101 is called the Oregon Coast Highway, while in California, it’s known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Others simply call it “the 101”. No matter its name, this route is a must-do road trip in the USA if you’re heading West. The route covers 1,550 miles of road, three states, and plenty of scenic spots like the Redwood Forest. Take in spectacular views of the Pacific heading southbound and discover one of the most popular road trips America has to offer.
Starts: Port Angeles or Seattle, Washington
Ends: Los Angeles or San Diego, California
Days you need: At least two days, though we’d recommend a minimum of four days to thoroughly enjoy your experience.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a breathtaking place to road trip in the USA. It’s a scenic route in the southern United States. It covers 470 miles of national parks, charming towns, and historical sites in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
You’ll pass through incredible spots like Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains as well as characterful cities like Asheville, North Carolina. This parkway is full of pull-offs, so head there in autumn, stop your car and take in the vibrant panoramic mountain views. For an unforgettable cultural experience, end the journey in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and stop by Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood.
Starts: Washington DC
Ends: Cherokee, North Carolina
Days you need: Between three and seven days
Overseas Highway
Overseas Highway is a one-of-a-kind experience when it comes to road trips America offers, as it takes you over the sea. The 113-mile road spans 42 bridges from the mainland US in Florida all the way to the southernmost point of the Florida Keys in Key West. This route is as you’d imagine: mostly overseas with few stops. However, if you’d like to get out between the expanses of vibrant cerulean water, you can take breaks in the keys, at places like the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Starts: Miami, Florida
Ends: Key West, Floria
Days you need: This trek will only take you one day, but you’re sure to want to stop for a few days to enjoy the beauty of the Keys. Avoid travelling at the weekend for a less traffic-filled experience.
Great River Road
Great River Road passes through ten different states, all while following the Mississippi River from north to south. Spanning 3,000 miles between Minnesota and the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll get the opportunity to experience a wide range of US cultures, foods, and sites along the way. On this road trip in the USA, you’ll pass through countless river towns, enjoy as much delicious southern barbecue as you can eat, and explore parks like Nelson Dewey State Park in Wisconsin and Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri. End the trip in New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras culture, jazz music, and a hearty bowl of gumbo.
Starts: Northern Minnesota
Ends: the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana
Days you need: You can make this trip in as few as four days, but we’d recommend at least a week to enjoy your road trip to the fullest.
At Autoshippers, we know all about shipping cars to the USA as we’ve been doing it for over 20 years. We offer full door-to-door services and daily collections for a wide array of vehicles, including classic cars, motorhomes, and motorbikes, so you can bring is all along on your road trip in USA.
Our weekly departures for RoRo car shipping are available from Liverpool or Southampton to several ports in the USA, including Baltimore, New York, Norfolk, Brunswick, Miami, Charleston, Galveston, Jacksonville, Port Hueneme and Tacoma. Our container car shipping services depart weekly from Bristol, Felixstowe, Grangemouth, Liverpool and the Port of London, and can arrive at the East Coast in as few as eight days.
We offer full cover under marine insurance, so you won’t have to worry about a thing when it comes to shipping your car to the USA for an exciting adventure.
Contact us to learn more, get your free quote on our site, or give us a call at 0800 389 0784 to discuss importing your car for a road trip in USA.
