10 Best American Road Trips That Aren’t Route 66

Pack your dreams and buckle up to explore exciting USA roads!

American landscapes are made for fun and adventure — from mountain valleys to rough coastlines, every mile holds something special. As summer rolls around, there has never been a better time to explore the love of the open road than now. Even as Route 66 is ready for its 100th-anniversary celebration in 2026, there are many other American road trips worth your time and attention.

Imagine driving through fog along the Oregon Coast, taking in the vibrant scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or relaxing in Colorado's hot springs. These picturesque detours prove it's not only about the destination, but it's about the journey and the memories you make along the way.

Ready to hit the highway? This guide highlights the 10 best USA road trips that offer amazing views, unique stops, and experiences beyond Route 66!

For the full experience, plan your trip in spring when the Texas Hill Country bursts into color, with fields blanketed by scarlet poppies, bluebonnets, and Indian paintbrushes, turning the landscape into a breathtaking natural palette. At the heart of it, the Fredericksburg area blossoms, providing picturesque drives through the countryside. The Texas Department of Transportation, which plants more than 30,000 pounds of seeds a year, and Lady Bird Johnson, the First Lady who promoted roadside beautification, command a moment of praise. The show-stealers of the floral enthusiasts' journey will be the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park, home to over 400 native wildflower species, and Wildseed Farms.

This is not only a drive, it's an adventure! The Road to Hana is a famous 64-mile stretch along Maui's green northern coast, winding from surfy Paia to peaceful Hana. With numerous one-lane bridges and 620 sharp turns, it's not for the weak-hearted, but every turn brings a fresh reward: tumbling waterfalls, expansive views of the ocean, and wayside fruit shops brimming with tropical delicacies. Make sure to visit the black sand beaches and submerge in the Seven Sacred Pools. The best of all? It's an inexpensive way to experience Maui's magic without breaking the bank on tours.

Have you ever dreamed of driving across the ocean? It is made possible by the Florida Overseas Highway. This 113-mile section of U.S. Highway 1 links the Florida mainland with the sun-soaked Florida Keys through a chain of 42 bridges. The views are breathtaking with sea breezes, blue oceans on both sides, and numerous picturesque stops. Swim at Bahia Honda State Park, watch the sunset in Key West, or take a free walking tour of Miami's Art Deco District. The road truly suits its nickname —the "Highway That Goes to Sea."

A true paradise for spa lovers, this 800-mile loop in western Colorado connects more than two dozen natural hot springs, turning your road trip into a steamy, soothing, and unforgettable escape. From the world's deepest geothermal pool in Pagosa Springs to the vapor caves at Glenwood Springs, you're in for a soak-worthy experience. At a glance, you will come across Iron Mountain's themed mineral pools (imagine Iceland's Blue Lagoon in the Rockies) and Durango's cedar tub springs. Additionally, there are campgrounds along the route that make it simple to relax under the stars without breaking the bank.

Fall drives don't get much more amazing than this! Colorado's oldest scenic highway, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, runs 55 golden miles along the Front Range. While New England gets the autumn glory, Colorado puts on a display with its brilliant trees and mountain scenery. Beyond the trees, you may walk through Golden Gate Canyon State Park, visit the haunted remnants of Nevadaville Ghost Town, or explore the ancient casino towns of Black Hawk and Central.

Why visit one national park when you can explore five? In one loop, the Grand Circle connects the best attractions in the Southwest: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and the Grand Canyon. Wind your way through the rock formations of Bryce and Arches after taking in Zion's stunning byways and towering cliffs. Take your time; every stop feels like a cinematic set, offering you a perfect way to cap off your road journey with a sunrise above the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Often celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a serene and scenic journey through the heart of the Appalachian Highlands, and should be on your list of classic USA road trips. This 469-mile road, which connects North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Virginia's Shenandoah National Park, is particularly beautiful in the fall. Numerous picnic areas, hiking routes, and viewpoints are available, including Crabtree Falls, which is next to a 70-foot waterfall. Want to cut down your hotel expenses? Trade the nightly rates for starry skies—the parkway is lined with scenic campgrounds offering budget-friendly stays and unbeatable nature views.

State Route 12 in Utah, sometimes referred to as "Scenic Byway 12," is a red-hued fantasy, a 124-mile path connecting Bryce Canyon to Capital Reef that runs through a strange landscape of slickrock mesas, red rock cliffs, and twisting canyons. You'll want to stay, even if the drive itself can be completed in a few hours. Explore the more than 900 years ago ruins of a Puebloan town at the Anasazi State Park Museum, trek through slot canyons, or explore the Escalante Petrified Forest.

Oregon is known as "The People's Coast" because the whole 363-mile coastline is accessible to the public. This highway provides endless views of tide pools, sea cliffs, and surf crashing from Astoria to Brookings. Catch a glimpse of lighthouses, stroll along beaches covered with driftwood, or attempt to see whales, particularly during Whale Watch Week in December and March, when volunteers help visitors find migrating gray whales.

From the headwaters of Minnesota to the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, this iconic route follows the Mississippi for more than 3,000 miles. It passes through ten states, stopping at about 100 historical monuments, river villages, and bird sanctuaries. Visit Johnny Cash's childhood home in Arkansas, tour Civil War battlefields, or stop by the National Eagle Center in Minnesota. Music lovers like the southern portion, which features Memphis' Sun Studio and Graceland, before wrapping up with brass in New Orleans and soul-stirring blues.

Every road trip is full of charm and surprising beauty, providing something unique, whether you're riding the Oregon coast with the windows down, basking in Colorado's hot springs, or chasing waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The finest aspect? You don't need to follow Route 66 to find the heart of America; it is waiting for you around every turn and mountain. So get a map, make a playlist, and start sketching your ideal USA road trip itinerary. Adventure is waiting!