The Best Road Trips in the U.S. (Hidden Gems Included)

There’s something undeniably magical about hitting the open road—windows down, music playing, and endless stretches of highway unfolding before you. The United States, with its vast and diverse landscapes, offers some of the most breathtaking road trips in the world. From coastal drives to mountain passes, desert highways to scenic byways, America’s roads promise adventure at every turn.

But while iconic routes like Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway are well-known, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking solitude, stunning vistas, or quirky roadside attractions, these road trips deliver unforgettable experiences. Here’s a curated list of the best road trips in the U.S., including under-the-radar routes that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California) – The Classic Coastal Drive

Route: San Francisco to San Diego (~600 miles)
Highlights: Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Malibu

No list of American road trips would be complete without the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This winding coastal route offers dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Stop at Pfeiffer Beach for its purple sand, explore the artistic enclave of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and marvel at the McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. For a hidden gem, detour to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where turquoise waters and sea otters create a serene escape.

2. The Great River Road (Mississippi River) – A Journey Through Americana

Route: Minnesota to Louisiana (~3,000 miles)
Highlights: Mark Twain’s Hannibal, Memphis blues scene, New Orleans jazz

Following the mighty Mississippi River, this epic route traverses 10 states, offering a deep dive into American culture, history, and music. Start in Itasca State Park (MN), where the Mississippi begins as a tiny stream, then wind through St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, Memphis’ Beale Street, and finally New Orleans’ French Quarter. For a hidden gem, visit Vicksburg, Mississippi, where Civil War history and antebellum homes tell a poignant story.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina) – America’s Favorite Scenic Drive

Route: Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains (~469 miles)
Highlights: Shenandoah Valley, Asheville’s arts scene, Linville Gorge

Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a slow-paced, winding road through the Appalachian Highlands. With no billboards or commercial traffic, the focus is purely on nature. Stop at Mabry Mill for a glimpse of pioneer life, hike to Craggy Gardens for panoramic views, and explore Asheville’s vibrant arts and craft beer scene. For a hidden gem, take a detour to Little Switzerland, a charming mountain village with old-world charm.

4. The Loneliest Road (U.S. Route 50, Nevada) – A Desert Odyssey

Route: Carson City to Baker (~400 miles)
Highlights: Great Basin National Park, Sand Mountain, ghost towns

Officially dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America” by Life magazine, U.S. Route 50 cuts through Nevada’s vast desert, offering solitude and stark beauty. Highlights include the Sand Mountain Recreation Area, the eerie ruins of Austin’s ghost town, and the celestial wonders of Great Basin National Park, one of the least-visited national parks. For a hidden gem, stop at Hickison Petroglyphs, where ancient rock carvings tell stories of the past.

5. The Oregon Trail (Wyoming to Oregon) – A Pioneer’s Journey

Route: Casper, WY to The Dalles, OR (~1,500 miles)
Highlights: Independence Rock, Craters of the Moon, Columbia River Gorge

Retrace the footsteps of 19th-century pioneers on this historic route. Key stops include Independence Rock (WY), where settlers carved their names, Fort Laramie (WY), a vital outpost, and Craters of the Moon National Monument (ID), an otherworldly lava field. End at the Columbia River Gorge, where waterfalls cascade into the mighty river. For a hidden gem, visit Fossil, Oregon, a tiny town where you can dig for prehistoric fossils.

6. The Overseas Highway (Florida Keys) – A Tropical Escape

Route: Miami to Key West (~165 miles)
Highlights: Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, Key West sunsets

This stunning ocean-spanning highway connects the Florida Keys via a series of bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Stop at Bahia Honda State Park for pristine beaches, snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and end in Key West for its vibrant nightlife and legendary sunsets at Mallory Square. For a hidden gem, visit Indian Key Historic State Park, an abandoned 19th-century town accessible only by kayak.

7. The Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada) – A Route Out of This World

Route: Tonopah to Rachel (~98 miles)
Highlights: Area 51, Little A’Le’Inn, Black Mailbox

For UFO enthusiasts, this remote stretch of Nevada State Route 375 is a must. Passing near the infamous Area 51, this road is dotted with alien-themed stops, including the Little A’Le’Inn diner in Rachel. Keep an eye out for strange lights in the sky! For a hidden gem, visit the Tikaboo Peak overlook, one of the few places where you can (legally) glimpse the secretive base.

8. The Million Dollar Highway (Colorado) – A Mountain Thrill Ride

Route: Silverton to Ouray (~25 miles)
Highlights: Red Mountain Pass, Box Canyon Falls, historic mining towns

Part of U.S. Route 550, this short but heart-stoppingly beautiful drive features steep cliffs, hairpin turns, and jaw-dropping mountain vistas. The fall foliage here is spectacular, and the historic towns of Silverton and Ouray offer hot springs and Old West charm. For a hidden gem, take the Yankee Boy Basin jeep trail for wildflower-filled alpine meadows.

Final Thoughts: The Open Road Awaits

Whether you crave coastal beauty, desert solitude, or mountain grandeur, America’s highways offer endless possibilities. While the classics are unforgettable, the hidden gems provide a sense of discovery that makes road-tripping truly special. So pack your bags, fuel up, and set out on an adventure—because the best stories begin where the pavement ends.

Which road trip will you take next? 🚗💨