100 Road Trips in the USA: An Alphabetical List of Scenic Drives, National Parks, Historic Monuments, and Incredible Attractions in America

By Everly Ashford

Are you looking for inspiration for your next road trip? This guide gives you 100 adventures to choose from. It includes popular destinations, outdoor activities, and fun facts about each highway. 100 Road Trips in the USA is organized alphabetically, and also sorts the adventures by state, region, distance, and theme. Enjoy! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everly Ashford
• Release date: Jul 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223061670

Everly Ashford

Everly Ashford enjoys all things outdoors, especially adventures on the open road. Her travel ebooks compile popular destinations and hidden gems, interesting facts and highlights. 

Book preview

How to Use This Guide

Here’s how to get the most out of 100 Road Trips in the USA:

There are nearly 1,300 state-designated scenic byways across the U.S. This guide features only a small fraction of them, so not all states make the list. 

Some routes appear more than once on this list. They may cross or run parallel to other roads, or have attractions that need a special mention. 

The distances and drive times are all estimates. Please consult your map and navigation apps for greater accuracy. 

The drive time depends on the speed limit on each road, the amount of traffic, weather conditions, number of stops you plan to make, and your own personal preferences. 

While this guide assumes you’re driving nonstop, you can certainly go on these road trips on a motorcycle or bicycle and have as many stops as you’d like. 

These road trips range from a few minutes’ drive for a couple miles to week-long adventures across many states. Check the index pages to see these road trips organized by distance, state, region, and theme. 

All images have a source link. Click through to learn more about each photo. 

Note: None of the content in this guide is sponsored. 

1. 

Acadia All-American Road (Maine) 

Balance Rock. VisitMaine.com

Distance: 40 miles (64 km)

Average drive time: 1.5 hours

What you get: rugged natural beauty, charming coastal towns, outdoor activities

Fun fact: This is one of only 31 All-American roads in the U.S.

The Acadia All-American Road was built in the 1900s as a carriage road, going through over 37,000 acres of untamed nature. This road trip takes you through the only fjord on the U.S. East Coast. There are lots of pull-offs and overlooks to take in the scenery. You can go hiking in the Acadia National Park, visit Bar Harbor for fresh seafood, souvenirs, and whale watching.

2.  Alcan Highway (Alaska to Canada)

Liard River Hot Springs.

TripAdvisor.com

Distance: 1,387 miles (2,232 km)

Average drive time: 5-7 days

What you get: magnificent wilderness, natural hot springs, historic sites

Fun fact: This highway crosses the Great Divide three times.

The Alcan Highway goes by other names, like the Alaska Highway and the ALCAN. It was built during World War 2 to connect the contiguous states to Alaska. There's no shortage of wildlife on this road trip, so be prepared to see moose, bears, and caribou that make their home in the Canadian wilnerness. Stop by the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park to rejuvenate, and plan a detour to the Denali National Park to camp under the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali (20,310 ft/6,190 m).

3. 

America’s Stonehenge (New Hampshire)

NewEngland.com

Distance: 60 miles (97 km) from Boston, MA

Average drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes

What you get: mysterious caves, ancient ruins, tranquil beauty

Many theories surround America's Stonehenge. Some believe it was built by Vikings. Others say ancient Native Americans built it. Either way, this site is over 4,000 years old and you'll need a guided tour to take it all in. There are easy trails to walk to and from the site, and a museum and gift shop for souvenirs. Visit America's Stonehenge over the summer solstice for enchanting ceremonies. It's the only way to know why it's called Mystery Hill. 

4.  Amish Country Byway (Ohio)

Amish and Mennonite Heritage

Center. VisitAmishCountry.com

Distance: 76 miles (122 km)

Average drive time: 2-3 hours

What you get: rolling hills, horse-drawn buggies, delicious Amish food

Fun fact: The Amish community in Ohio has over 60,000 members, the largest in the U.S.

The Amish Country Byway is one of the most peaceful drives you'll ever enjoy. Endless hills and farmlands, quaint towns, and rich traditions are among the highlights of this trip. Go to the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin to learn about Amish history, values, and character. Ride through Berlin and Millersburg on a horse-drawn buggy to see the working farms, admire Amish workmanship, and sample authentic Amish pies and homemade bread. This is the perfect destination to get away from modern technology and step into a simpler, self-sufficient way of life.

5.  Angeles Crest Highway (California)

Mount Wilson Observatory. MtWilson.edu

Distance: 66 miles (106 km)

Average drive time: 2 hours

What you get: stunning mountain views, acres of wilderness, stargazing opportunities

Fun fact: The first evidence of an expanding universe was recorded at Mount Wilson Observatory

The Angeles Crest Highway (or California State Route 2) has everything you want in a scenic drive: incredible views of the San Gabriel Mountains, 700,000 acres of wilderness at the Angeles National forest, and skiing on Mount Baldy in the winter. But this route has one outstanding feature: the Mount Wilson Observatory. Founded in 1904, this site continues to contribute to research into the universe. It's open to the public, but check your weather report and call ahead to see which events you can join during your road trip. Watch solar flares by day, galaxies by night, or