Set out on the ultimate American adventure through some of the most iconic highway routes the country has to offer. From the sun-kissed shores of the Pacific Coast Highway to the historic stretches of Route 66, each road offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re drawn to rugged natural landscapes, urban exploration, or quaint small-town charm, these iconic routes promise a transformative journey of discovery and wonder.
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Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1)
The Pacific Coast Highway runs along the stunning California coastline from Dana Point in the south to Leggett in the north. This route offers breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs, expansive beaches, and the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, travelers can explore iconic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as charming coastal towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Interstate 10
Stretching from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida, Interstate 10 offers a diverse journey through the southern part of the United States. This route passes through major cities like Phoenix, Houston, and New Orleans, and features landscapes ranging from desert vistas to bayou country.
Route 66
Often called “The Mother Road,” Route 66 has been romanticized in American culture and is a symbol of early road trips. Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, it passes through eight states, offering a slice of Americana with its historic diners, quirky roadside attractions, and classic motels.
Lincoln Highway (US Route 30)
As one of the first transcontinental highways in the United States, the Lincoln Highway runs from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. This route offers a historic journey through small-town America with a rich array of cultural landmarks and beautiful scenery.
Great River Road (National Scenic Byway)
This route follows the course of the Mississippi River for over 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. The Great River Road is a gateway to the history of the river communities and provides a scenic tapestry of America’s heartland.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its stunning scenic beauty, particularly in fall when the foliage is changing colors. This route is also a cultural journey through Appalachian mountain life.
Interstate 90
As the longest interstate highway in the United States, I-90 connects Seattle to Boston. The route offers a diverse panorama of the U.S., passing through cities, mountains, prairies, and the iconic Badlands.
U.S. Route 50
Known as the “Loneliest Road in America” in Nevada, U.S. Route 50 stretches coast to coast from Sacramento, California, to Ocean City, Maryland. This route provides a quiet and contemplative journey, with vast deserts, mountain ranges, and historical towns.
U.S. Route 1
From Key West, Florida, to the Canadian border in Maine, U.S. Route 1 runs along the eastern seaboard offering travelers coastal views, urban environments like Miami and Boston, and access to several beaches and national parks.
Alaska Highway
Starting from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, and ending in Delta Junction, Alaska, the Alaska Highway offers a rugged, wild journey through remote and breathtaking landscapes, providing an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers.
U.S. Route 101
Often considered the northern continuation of the Pacific Coast Highway, U.S. Route 101 runs through Washington, Oregon, and California. It offers views of the Pacific Northwest’s lush forests and rugged coastlines, along with iconic cities like Seattle and Portland.
Trans-Canada Highway
Stretching from Victoria in British Columbia to St. John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador, this is Canada’s coast-to-coast route. It showcases the vast and diverse landscapes of Canada, including the Rocky Mountains, prairies, and the rugged Atlantic coast.
Natchez Trace Parkway
This historic travel corridor runs 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. It closely follows the ancient trail used by Native Americans and offers a peaceful drive with rolling hills, lush forests, and historic sites.
Skyline Drive
Located entirely within Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This road is particularly famous for its stunning vistas and is a favorite for both driving tours and leaf peepers in the autumn.
Interstate 40
Spanning from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina, Interstate 40 offers a cross-section of the American landscape, including the Mojave Desert, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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