10 Best Road Trips in the USA

Whether you’re searching for an action-packed adventure through the Rocky Mountains or dream of cruising along the Historic Route 66, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide to the best road trips in the USA. 

So, put together your driving playlist, grab our American Road Trip Planner and set out on an epic road trip across America.

1. New York to Philadelphia: Haunted America

1,208 miles, 14-16 days, 12 stops

Journey into the realm of the paranormal on this spine-chilling road trip across haunted America. Starting in New York, you’ll get to visit the famous firehouse that was dubbed as the Ghostbusters headquarters in the 1984 movie. While visitors are not allowed inside, the 1903 beaux-arts building makes the perfect backdrop for an Insta-worthy selfie.

Other notable highlights include the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts, where you’ll get a chance to delve deeper into the tragic events that took place in the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. You’ll also get to spend the night in a grand opulent four-star hotel, where guests have reported various sightings of shadows and ghostly figures lurking in the halls.

Plan your Haunted America road trip

2. New York to Minnesota: Filming Locations

1,657 miles, 11 days, 12 stops

We can an all appreciate the art of a great movie. But, for the real movie buffs and blockbuster enthusiasts, we have compiled a road trip around some of the most iconic filming locations in history. Whether you’re a sucker for romance or love a good scare, our handpicked selection of the best cinematic spots in the USA will take your passions to a whole new level.

The first stop on the road trip is the idyllic beach house that appeared in the 2004 cult hit Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Although now a private residence, you can still catch a glimpse of the quintessential house, with its dazzling oceanfront location and post-card worthy vistas from the beach.

You’ll also visit Kat’z Deli, the famous old-school Jewish deli where Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal met for a spot of lunch in the 1989 rom com, When Harry Met Sally.

Plan your Filming Locations road trip

3. Montana to Cleveland: Interstate 90

1,957 miles, 12 days, 13 stops

Embark on the ultimate American road trip across North Central USA. Interstate 90 takes you on a 1,957-mile journey from the Rocky Mountains of Montana to Cleveland’s vibrant art and cultural scene.

From Montana, you’ll pass the eastern edge of the Bighorn Mountains, the 60-ft high Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the picturesque waterfalls along the Big Sioux River.

You’ll also venture into the heart of the Windy City of Chicago and visit one of the oldest and largest bookstores in the city, before heading to Cleveland for a trip to the Museum of Art. Consistently ranked as one of the best comprehensive art museums in the United States, inside you’ll find a stunning collection of more than 30,000 works of art, spanning over 5,000 years of history.

Plan your Interstate 90 road trip

4. Illinois to California: Getting Your Kicks

2,062 miles, 14 days, 14 stops

Drive from Illinois to California for the adventure of a lifetime on the legendary Route 66. Kickstart your road trip at the Cahokia Mounds – a National Historic Landmark – before heading to the Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona to explore bands of red rock, revealing millions of years of geological history. You can even spend a night camping under the stars at one of the national park service campgrounds.  

You’ll commence your trip at Santa Monica Pier, a large double-jointed pier, set at Santa Monica’s westernmost point, packed with family-friendly activities, vibrant street performers and of course, the iconic Ferris Wheel. It also happens to be the best finishing spot in town.

Plan your Getting Your Kicks road trip

5. Missouri to Oregon: The Oregon Trail

2,062 miles, 14 days, 13 stops

The Oregon Trail road trip takes you on a journey through some of the notable locations that were founded by the Americans on their way from Missouri to Oregon during the 19^th century.

Get your adventure off to an inspirational start by learning more about the history of the settlement of the America West at the National Frontier Trails Museum. Then visit the Combat Air Museum in Topeka for a chance to see some of history’s most magnificent flying machines on display – including replicas of the aircrafts that proudly served during the First World War.

Independence Rock is another noteworthy attraction along The Oregon Trail. The large granite rock, also known as the Register of the Desert holds original inscriptions of more than 5,000 names that are part of our pioneering history. The oldest is believed to be from 1824.   

Plan your Oregon Trail road trip

6. Georgia to Maine: Appalachian Trail

1,332 miles, 10 days, 14 stops

The Appalachian Trail stretches from the northeast of the United States to the South of Georgia. On this USA road trip, you’ll explore miles of nature trails at Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, before heading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a spot of fishing and hiking.

Next, you’ll learn about life in the 1850s at Exchange Place in Kingsport and admire a collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives at The Virginia Museum of Transport. For the adrenaline junkies among us, just outside Allentown, PA, you’ll find Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom – home to the eighth-longest steel roller coaster in the world.

During the final part of the trip, you’ll also get the chance to learn more about the history of the Appalachian Trail at the Monson Visitors Center in Maine.

Plan your Appalachian Trail road trip

7. Washington to Texas: One Small Step

2,454 miles, 14 days, 11 stops

Marking 50 years since the iconic Apollo 11 moon landing, this lunar-themed American road trip covers 11 stops in total. You’ll begin your adventure at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, where you’ll have the chance to get up close with the rocket power plane that was used to train the Apollo 11 crew. You’ll also get to see Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit on display.

The highlight of this trip however has to be the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was here at this very spot, back in 1969, where American astronaut Neil Armstrong set off to become the first person in history to step foot on the moon. The visitor complex is also packed with thousands of space-related attractions and events to keep family members of all ages entertained.  

Plan your One Small Step road trip

8. Minnesota to Louisiana: Great River Road

1,678 miles, 12 days, 14 stops

Follow the Mississippi River for 1,678 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana. Begin your journey at Lake Itasca, a vast, open area, home to more than 100 lakes and thousands of acres of forest. Then head to Grandad Bluff to enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River from the 590ft bluff located on the east side of La Crosse.

Enter Graceland and see the place that Rock N Roll legend Elvis Presly once called home. Then commence your trip along the legendary Minnesota River with a visit to the Old US Mint. Home to the Louisiana State Museum, you’ll find one of the largest collections of materials related to Louisiana history.

Plan your Great River Road trip

9. Honolulu to Honolulu: Hotshot Hawaii

128 miles, 2-3 days, 10 stops

Set out on a picturesque road trip across Honolulu to explore some of Hawaii’s most iconic filming locations. Though the chances of bumping into any A-listers are slim, you’ll get to explore the beaches and alleys that have featured in many iconic movies, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantasy Island.

First up is Hawaii’s bustling capital city, Honolulu. This vibrant nightlife and shopping district has been captured in both the original and remake of Hawaii-Five-0. Next, you’ll venture to Kailua Beach Park, where you’ll spend the day like a Hollywood star, sunbathing on the pristine white shores. You’ll also get to visit Waiahole Beach Park, famous for its appearances in 50 First Dates and Fantasy Island. 

Plan your Hotshot Hawaii road trip

10. Montana to New Mexico: The Rocky Mountains Road

1,573 miles, 12 days, 13 stops

The Rocky Mountains run from Canada to New Mexico, dividing the west coast from the central plains. You’ll begin your adventure at Lewis & Clark National Forest in Montana, home to 1,500 miles of hiking trails, campsites and ski areas.

You’ll also get to visit Devils Tower, a national monument in the Black Hills composed of igneous rock, before heading to Rocky Mountain National Park to admire spectacular lakes, forests and peaks.

Other highlights of this road trip include Denver Art Museum, which holds one of the largest art collections between the Great Lakes and the West Coast.

Plan your Rocky Mountains road trip

Follow the route

So, there you have it, our 10 best road trips in the USA. Reserve your car rental in the United States online with Hertz today and take to the open road with ease.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our American Road Trip planner for more than 50 incredible USA road trip routes.