This holiday season, Drive The Nation would like to share our 12 Days of Road Trips. These fantastic drives across the U.S. are perfect for your next road trip or vacation. Whether you’re planning ahead or ready to take a spontaneous adventure, these ideas will help you get inspired!
1. Santa Fe Trail
This trail was a popular wagon route in the early 1800s, around the time of the famed Oregon Trail. Rather than heading toward the Pacific, this trail began in Independence, Missouri and ended in Santa Fe, New Mexico. You can drive the trail today and see amazing things, including wagon ruts carved into the Kansas plains, historic forts and ancient dwellings.
2. Pacific Coast Highway
The popular Pacific Coast Highway is a favorite for all visitors to the American West Coast. The most popular road trip itinerary stretches from San Diego to San Francisco, more than 500 miles of pristine coastline. From the sunset cliffs to the central coast and all the way to the Bay Area, the PCH makes for an unforgettable road trip.
3. Interstate 64 Drive
Find all the best sights and attractions along Interstate 64, from St. Louis, Missouri to Richmond, Virginia. From modern marvels of architecture like the St. Louis Arch or the New River Gorge bridge, to quaint small towns and the great outdoors, this road trip itinerary has something for everyone.
4. Florida’s National Parks
Head to the Sunshine State for a road trip that takes you to all three of Florida’s national parks. From spotting gators in the Everglades to exploring Key Biscayne, Florida’s mainland is incredible. But perhaps the highlight of this road trip is a visit to Dry Tortugas, a stunning fort off the coast of Key West.
5. Roan Highlands
The Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains look like something out of a storybook. This road trip is especially great for travelers who like to stay active and explore the mountains on foot. No matter how active you are, though, this scenic drive will offer gorgeous views and hidden gems along the way.
6. Notable Northwest
For travelers to the Pacific Northwest, our Notable Northwest Itinerary can help you cover a lot of distance in a short time. A mix of big cities and small coastal towns, this route is ideal for those who want a taste of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
7. Northern Gulf Coast
There are few places that give you a better tour of the South than the Northern Gulf Coast. You’ll experience white sand beaches, creole cuisine and so much more. Drive along the coast of Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida for this adventure, or add on our bonus stop in Galveston, Texas.
8. Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66! Drive this historic road and find all the best stops along the way with our 22 Travel Picks Along Route 66. From quirky roadside oddities to world-famous attractions, there’s no better way to enjoy the quintessential American road trip.
9. Rock N Roll Road Trip
Embrace your inner rock star with these rockin’ attractions in America. For a jammin’ road trip, turn these great pit stops into one epic cross-country adventure.
10. Carolina Coast
The coasts of North and South Carolina have inspired Nicholas Sparks novels, epic spring break adventures, and popular cable TV shows for decades… why not let them inspire you? With a mixture of historic cities and awesome beaches, a Carolina Coast road trip is a perfect warm-weather adventure.
11. Utah’s National Parks
Did you know that 5 of the country’s most breathtaking national parks are in the state of Utah? Let the gorgeous red rocks of Utah be the inspiration for your next road trip. From Arches and Canyonlands to Bryce and Zion, with a detour at Capitol Reef National Park in between, you’ll be amazed at the wonders you can see in just a few days.
12. Great River Road
The Mississippi River is one of the most impressive waterways in the U.S. stretching from Northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The famous Great River Road is actually a collection of roads that follow the Mississippi, making this an epic American road trip you don’t want to miss.
