Top 5 Bucket List Road Trips in the U.S.

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road – especially when that road winds through stunning scenery and iconic American landmarks. If you’re a traveler or car lover dreaming of the ultimate U.S. road trip, this list is for you.

We’ve rounded up five of the most bucket-list-worthy road trip routes in the country, from coastal highways to desert byways. Pack your bags, prep your playlists, and get ready for an adventure!

1. Route 66: The Mother Road Adventure

 Cruising down Historic Route 66 feels like stepping into a time capsule of classic Americana. Known as the “Mother Road,” this legendary highway stretches about 2,400 miles through eight states from Illinois to California.

Along the way you’ll pass vintage gas stations, retro diners, neon-lit motels, and quirky roadside attractions that celebrate the golden age of road trips. Start your journey in Chicago and wind your way through the heart of America – all the way to the Santa Monica Pier in California where Route 66 famously ends. It’s a cross-country adventure filled with small-town charm, open plains, desert landscapes, and plenty of nostalgia.

Highlights:

• Snap a photo with the Route 66 signs and retro cars in towns like Seligman, Arizona (it’s like a living museum of the 1950s!).

• Visit funky roadside attractions such as the Cadillac Ranch in Texas – where colorful classic cars are half-buried in the ground, nose-first.

• End your trip at the Santa Monica Pier in California, the official terminus of Route 66, and celebrate with ocean views and a famous Route 66 marker.

2. Pacific Coast Highway: California Dreamin’

 For jaw-dropping ocean views at every turn, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is a must-drive. This iconic coastal route hugs California’s scenic shoreline for over 650 miles, roughly from San Francisco down to San Diego. Picture yourself driving atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific, the sea breeze in your hair and the sun on your face.

Along the way, you’ll traverse the Big Sur coastline – a dramatic stretch where mountains meet the sea – cross famous bridges like Bixby Bridge, and pass through charming beach towns.

It’s no wonder this highway has been the backdrop for countless movies with its surf-side vistas, golden beaches, and panoramic pull-offs perfect for watching the waves.

Highlights:

• Big Sur’s rugged coast: stop at McWay Falls (a waterfall cascading onto a beach) and pull over at Bixby Creek Bridge for an unbeatable photo op.

• Stroll the boardwalk in Santa Cruz or explore the historic Cannery Row and Aquarium in Monterey. Don’t forget a seafood lunch on Fisherman’s Wharf!

• Relax in the artsy village of Carmel-by-the-Sea and later cruise through the laid-back vibes of Malibu and Santa Barbara, enjoying beaches and maybe spotting surfers or even dolphins offshore.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway: Scenic Appalachian Journey

 If mountain vistas and winding country roads are more your style, the Blue Ridge Parkway awaits. Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive", this 469-mile scenic parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

It’s a slow-paced, meandering route – max speed is about 45 mph – that treats you to endless Blue Ridge Mountain views, especially breathtaking when the fall foliage paints the hills red and gold. Roll down your windows and enjoy the fresh Appalachian mountain air as you pass through tunnels of trees, historic wooden mills, and overlook after overlook with panoramic views of the misty mountains.

Highlights:

• Stretch your legs on a short hike to Linville Falls or Craggy Gardens – both spots offer lovely vistas and wildflowers.

• Stop at Mabry Mill (Milepost 176) for a peek into Appalachian history and some great photo opportunities of the old watermill.

• Enjoy local culture: catch some live bluegrass music or learn about mountain crafts at the Blue Ridge Music Center and Folk Art Center along the route.

4. Florida Keys Overseas Highway: Island-Hopping Adventure

 Ready for a tropical twist? The Overseas Highway carries you on a one-of-a-kind island-hopping road trip from mainland Florida all the way to Key West. Spanning 113 miles and crossing 42 bridges over shimmering turquoise waters, this route (often called the “Highway That Goes to Sea”) lets you literally drive over the ocean.

Starting just south of Miami, you’ll hop from key to key – Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and more – connected by bridges including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. On either side, you’re flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The vibe is pure paradise: think palm trees, roadside tiki huts, key lime pie stands, and endless blue horizons. It’s a relatively short drive you can do in a day, but you’ll want to take your time and savor the journey.

Highlights:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo): Take a snorkeling break to see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish – an underwater wonderland.

• Seven Mile Bridge: Marvel at the long bridge surrounded by nothing but blue water. Pull over at the nearby Bahia Honda State Park for one of the best beaches in the Keys.

• Key West: At the road’s end, enjoy Key West’s quirky charm – visit Hemingway’s House (say hello to the six-toed cats!), grab a Cuban sandwich, and catch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square.

  
  

5. The Grand Circle: Epic Southwest Parks Loop

 For an adventure through red-rock country and some of America’s most stunning national parks, the Grand Circle road trip is the ultimate bucket list route. This sweeping loop covers around 1,500 miles through the Southwest desert, typically starting and ending in Las Vegas.

In between, you’ll traverse parts of Nevada, Arizona, Utah (and even touch Colorado and New Mexico if you do the full loop) – an area packed with natural wonders. Imagine driving from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the soaring cliffs of Zion, from the hoodoo-filled amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon to the whimsical arches of Arches National Park.

You’ll experience everything from painted deserts and slot canyons to pine-covered plateaus in one epic road trip. It’s a nature lover’s dream drive, where each day brings a new jaw-dropping landscape.

Highlights:

• Zion National Park (UT) – Drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or hike part of The Narrows with its towering canyon walls. The red cliffs here are unforgettable.

• Bryce Canyon (UT) – Catch sunrise among the otherworldly hoodoos (rock spires) in the Bryce Amphitheater. The oranges and reds in the morning light are magical.

• Grand Canyon (AZ) – No road trip here is complete without standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim (included in some Grand Circle routes) offers serene, less-crowded views of this natural wonder. Also, don’t miss a drive through Monument Valley on the AZ–UT border – you’ll recognize its iconic buttes from many films.

Ready to Hit the Road? Ship Your Car & Start Your Adventure

By now, you’re probably itching to embark on one of these amazing road trips. But what if you live far from your chosen starting point or don’t have the time to drive all the way there? That’s where a service like Car Haul Direct comes in handy.

You can ship your car to the beginning of your dream route (or back home at the end), letting you fly in and focus on the fun part – the road trip itself! It’s a hassle-free way to have your own trusty vehicle ready and waiting at your road trip destination, without adding thousands of extra miles getting there.

Interested in making it happen? It’s super easy to get started. Simply request a free quote from Car Haul Direct to see how affordable shipping your car can be. Before you know it, your car will be delivered to the kickoff point of your adventure, tuned up and ready to roll.

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re dreaming of cruising the California coast, exploring mountain backroads, or hopping between desert parks, these bucket list road trips are calling your name. Start planning your dream road trip today – the open road awaits, and your next great adventure is just around the bend!

And if you prefer not to drive, you can always get your car hauled

to your final destination.

Quickly, easily and securely!