Iconic US Road Trips You Have to Take At Least Once

  • By Ellis Burke
  • Published 05 December 2024
  • Revised 05 December 2024
Iconic US Road Trips You Have to Take At Least Once
  • By Ellis Burke
  • Published 05 December 2024
  • Revised 05 December 2024
Iconic US Road Trips You Have to Take At Least Once
  • By Ellis Burke
  • Published 05 December 2024
  • Revised 05 December 2024
From coastlines to deserts and mountains to forests, the iconic road trips of the USA leave you a left or right turn away from adventure every day.  

Whether you're cruising down Pacific Highway with the ocean breeze in your hair or navigating Colorado mountains, our Fly Drive Packages and Multi-Centre Itineraries will ensure bucket lists are re-written. So hold onto your hats, as we take you through US road trips you have to experience at least once… 

Route 66

When it comes to US road trips, Route 66 is usually the first to roll off the tongue, and for good reason. This classic American road trip, which spans from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, was once the main highway linking the Midwest to the West Coast. 

This 2,448-mile historic route will help you uncover small towns, quirky roadside attractions, and stunning landscapes. As well as offering a 22-day Classic Route 66 package holiday, we also offer the Half Route 66 package for those a little more pressed on time. This route takes you from Chicago to Albuquerque and you will still see many of the top sights. Get ready to snap a picture underneath the iconic Cloud Gate structure (aka The Bean), immerse yourself in Abraham Lincoln’s legacy in St Louis, ride into cowboy culture in Oklahoma City, and finally, explore the rich heritage of Albuquerque’s Old Town. 

Overseas Highway

If you’ve ever dreamed of driving with ocean views, the Overseas Highway in Florida is a road trip you won't want to miss. Spanning 113 miles from mainland Miami to Key West, this iconic highway connects the beautiful Florida Keys with a series of bridges, islands, and coastal views. 

While the drive only takes around four hours, you will probably want to spend a few days exploring all that’s on offer. Highlights include the Seven Mile Bridge (one of the longest in the world) and Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea, where you can see a range of marine life and even swim with dolphins! 

The even better news is that the Florida Keys enjoys glorious sunshine year-round, and with temperatures still reaching around 21 degrees in January, it means you can grab yourself a winter bargain. You could even combine this road trip with our Florida Four Less Fly Drive package, where you can also explore Orlando, Clearwater, and Naples.

California Route 1

California Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is the ultimate coastal road trip, boasting dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, towering cliffs, and sandy beaches. This iconic route runs along California's coastline from San Francisco to San Diego, passing through renowned spots like Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara. 

Highlights include the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, Hearst Castle in San Simeon, and the picturesque coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Or for something a little quirkier, be sure to check out Bigfoot Discovery Museum, run by the eccentric Michael Rugg. Finally, be sure to get the camera ready as you cross over Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California due to its aesthetic open-spandrel arch design.

Deep South

Immerse yourself in southern charm with an iconic road trip through the southern states. Explore Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and civil rights history with stops in Atlanta, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama. Then pay your respects to the King of Rock n Roll at Graceland, before experiencing a fiery mix of food, architecture, and jazz music down in New Orleans. 

If the South is where you want to be, we have several Southern USA packages on offer. Take advantage of our 9-day Nashville & New Orleans itinerary with highlights including learning to line dance and all-day admission to Belmont Mansion. Or opt for our All-singing Adventure to Southern USA where you can soak up 12 nights of sightseeing excursions from New Orleans, Mississippi, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. 

Big Sur

Pop open the sunroof and cruise along music video style in this iconic Californian road trip. Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of coastline between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon, offering some of the most spectacular views in the United States. 

The winding road that hugs the Pacific coastline offers stunning vistas at every turn. Dramatic cliffs, coastal forests, and sea mist create a truly magical atmosphere, one that has inspired artists, writers, and travellers for generations. 

Whether you're exploring the coastline, hiking through scenic parks, or simply stopping to watch the sunset, there’s always something new to discover along this iconic route. Make sure to stop at McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach for some stunning photo opportunities.

Lincoln Highway

Conceived in 1912, the Lincoln Highway was the first coast-to-coast highway in the US. Although not the most well-known American road trip, it still offers plenty of unmissable sights. 

Stretching from New York to San Francisco, this historic route offers a unique snapshot of America’s past, taking you through bustling cities, quiet farmlands, and vast plains. Along the way, you’ll encounter landmarks such as Gettysburg National Park, Salt Lake City, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. And for any TV and movie buffs, The Lincoln Highway passes close to Cheyanne Mountain, home of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). This location has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including Interstellar and Stargate SG-1.  

Overall, a drive on the Lincoln Highway is a fantastic way to experience a variety of American landscapes and a sense of nostalgia for the early days of American road travel. 

Ready, set, go! Start planning your ultimate US road trip holiday today. 

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