There’s something magical about hitting the open road in America. With its vast landscapes, iconic highways, and endless variety of stops, the US offers some of the best road trip experiences in the world; from vibrant cities and vast vineyards, to small coastal towns and snowy mountains.
To determine which road trips offer the ultimate experiences for travelers, we analyzed 36 of North America's most popular routes, evaluating them based on the number of campsites, hiking trails, viewpoints, beaches, and national parks along the way. Each amenity was assigned a score out of 10 reflecting the abundance of choices, which was then averaged out to determine an overall score.
For the travelers looking to embark on a culinary adventure, they have also included a ranking of foodie road trips, highlighting routes filled with culinary exploits such as wine tastings and top-rated restaurants sure to satisfy your tastebuds. Plus, we’ve included some of our favorite al fresco recipes to ensure you’re well-fed no matter where your journey takes you.
The best road trips across the US
1. The Florida Keys Scenic Byway
Stretching across the southernmost part of the US, the Florida Keys Scenic Byway is a dream route for ocean lovers and adventure seekers alike. Picture crystal-clear turquoise waters, swaying palms, and 113 miles of sun-drenched island scenery. With an unbeatable 10/10 score for beaches, national parks, and hiking trails—plus an impressive 9.5 for camping—this road trip is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Kick things off in Key Largo, the diving capital of the world, where you can explore the vibrant coral reefs of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park—whether by scuba diving, snorkeling, or a glass-bottom boat tour for those who prefer to stay above water. Around the halfway point, Marathon offers a chance to walk the legendary Seven Mile Bridge or paddle through peaceful mangrove trails. For a true off-the-grid experience, Bahia Honda State Park boasts some of the best beaches in the Keys, along with scenic picnic spots perfect for firing up a beachside BBQ or setting up a portable pizza oven. And the grand finale? Key West, a lively, sun-soaked paradise famous for its historic streets, vibrant nightlife, and legendary Key Lime pie.
But the real magic of this road trip? The laid-back island vibes, endless ocean horizons, and the feeling that you’re chasing the sun all the way to the edge of the world.
2. Golden Coast Views
The Golden Coast is southeast Florida’s closest rival for captivating road trip destinations, with California cities appearing in four of the top ten routes! Route 66 & I-40 each hit the sunbaked plains of Barstow, where burnt ochre and Joshua trees outstretch for miles and miles of desert beauty.
Adventure seekers can explore the Rainbow Basin Natural Area, a geological wonder known for its colorful canyons and fossil remains, or take on the Calico Trails near the historic ghost town of Calico, where old mining roads lead to breathtaking views. Looking for a peaceful retreat? Owl Canyon Campground is a worthy stop surrounding by dramatic cliffs and winding ravines, perfect for a night under the stars.
The stretch of U.S. Route 395 from the sapphire waters of South Lake Tahoe to the beautiful peaks of Mammoth Lakes is a dream route for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of California’s most breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for activity. Winding through the Eastern Sierra, this route takes travelers past alpine lakes, towering mountains, and rugged wilderness.
Hiking trails like the Convict Lake Loop offer stunning reflections of the mountains on crystal-clear waters, while the challenging trek to Crystal Lake rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of the Mammoth Lake Basin. Spots like June Lake Campground provide a serene escape among pine forests and pristine lakes, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or just soaking up the sun.
3. The Pacific Northwest
Whether you prefer lounging on the beach or trekking through scenic national parks, the Central Oregon Coast road in the Pacific Northwest offers the best of both worlds. This breathtaking route hugs the coastline, earning a 9.5/10 for both hiking trails and beaches. And with plenty of top-rated campgrounds, including Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park—one of Oregon’s best coastal camping spots—the trip scores a solid 8.5 for camping.
For adventure seekers, this route is packed with thrilling experiences. Try sandboarding or dune buggy rides at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, witness the powerful waves surging through Thor’s Well, or explore tide pools along the Captain Cook Trail. For a truly unforgettable view, hike the God’s Thumb Trail, a hidden gem offering breathtaking clifftop panoramas of the coastline.
After an action-packed day, unwind at a scenic campsite, many of which allow outdoor cooking. Bring along a BBQ or portable pizza oven and enjoy a fireside feast under the stars—because nothing fuels an Oregon coast adventure quite like good food and ocean air.
The jagged skylines of the Pacific Northwest are a standout for hikers. The Pacific Northwest Scenic Byway weaves through lush forests, rugged coastlines, and stunning mountain vistas. Stretching through Oregon and Washington, this route offers unparalleled opportunities to explore nature’s finest landscapes. With about 3 hours and 45 minutes of driving time, it’s one of the shortest road trips within our list, but you’ll still want plenty of time to enjoy the stop-off locations to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
This route scores a perfect 10/10 for hiking trails, and it’s no surprise with locations like Mount Hood, the first stop along the road and the highest mountain in Oregon. Hood River, coined the ‘windsurfing capital of the world’ is the next stop, offering hiking and cycling trails, wineries, and breweries to explore along the way.
The Pacific Northwest Scenic Byway route also scores an 8/10 for viewpoints, one of which is the view at Cascade Locks where visitors can admire the Columbia River, the Cascade Mountains, and the city's famous waterfalls. The road trip ends up in Vancouver, where you can enjoy waterfront walks, historic sites, scenic trails, and local breweries.
4. The Midwest
Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking may also be drawn to the tranquil freshwater scapes found in the Midwest. The Great Lakes Circle Tour touches eight U.S. states including Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, highlighting gorgeous hiking spots like the Palos Forest Preserve in Chicago and Sunset Rock Trail with panoramic views of Mackinac Island. The route also features beautiful bodies of water, from views of Lake Superior on Brighton Beach to iconic cascades of Niagara Falls--no wonder it earned a 9.5/10 for beaches!
Adventure-hungry travelers can hike Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or stop at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin for remote island camping with sea caves and kayaking adventure, a great opportunity for cooking in the great outdoors.
The turnaround point and arguably the climax of your way around this route are the cascading waterfalls of Niagara in Ontario. Straddling the U.S.-Canada border, this iconic waterfall system captivates visitors. With its sheer power and beauty, it draws millions each year. The Maid of the Mist boat tour takes you directly into the heart of the falls, while the more adventurous can zipline over the Niagara Gorge for an even bigger thrill.
Another route perfect for hiking with a 10/10 score is Great River Road. For road trippers seeking an immersive journey filled with diverse landscapes, historic towns, and outdoor thrills, this route is a perfect choice.
In a survey of 1,000 Americans, we discovered some of the most loved meals people enjoy cooking while camping. As night falls, join fellow campers in grilling up classic favorites—whether it’s burgers (38%), hot dogs (35%), or gooey s’mores (20%) as the sun dips behind the water’s horizon—the perfect way to end a day on the road.
The ultimate foodie road trips across the US
For foodies and wine lovers, road trips are as much about the flavors as the views, so, to balance out the outdoor cooking, we’ve created a list of the best road trips to satisfy your taste buds.
The Finger Lake Scenic Byway
The Finger Lakes Scenic Byway is a dream road trip for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike, blending cool-climate vineyards with breathtaking lakeside scenery. The Finger Lakes region is especially renowned for its world-class Rieslings and ice wines, from wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, though you’ll also find Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and elegant sparkling wines crafted to perfection. Beyond wine, the region offers a thriving craft beverage scene, with local cideries and breweries serving up refreshing pours.
Foodies will love exploring cheese trails, with the likes of Muranda Cheese Company. With a 4.8 Google rating, this spot is known for its award-winning, small-batch cheeses, from sharp cheddars to unique aged Gouda and Blue Cheese varieties.
The Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country road trip is just as much about the flavors as it is the scenery, making it a must for foodies and wine lovers. Of course, no trip to Texas is complete without authentic BBQ, and Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood is the perfect place to start. Their slow-smoked brisket and legendary sauce have earned a cult following, while Payne’s Bar-B-Q Shak serves up incredible sausage and melt-in-your-mouth brisket that keeps travelers coming back for more. And for a classic Texas sweet treat? A slice of pecan pie from the iconic Blue Bonnet Café in Marble Falls is a must.
To wash it all down, Becker Vineyards offers award-winning Bordeaux blends and stunning lavender fields, while William Chris Vineyards is known for its 100% Texas-grown wines and scenic tasting patio. If craft beer is more your style, head to Jester King Brewery in Austin, where wild-fermented farmhouse ales are best enjoyed in their sprawling hill country beer garden.
The Great Lakes Circle Tour
The Great Lakes Circle Tour straddles the U.S.-Canada border, making it the perfect opportunity to savor diverse flavors from both sides. In Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, sip on cool-climate wines and indulge in cherry-infused treats inspired by the region’s famed orchards - Hallstedt Homestead is a must-visit. Further along, the Niagara region is famous for its world-class ice wines, known for their intense sweetness and smooth finish, best enjoyed alongside fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
For one of the most spectacular dining experiences, head to Goat Island and grab a table at Top of the Falls Restaurant, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Niagara Falls while you eat.
While in Canada, treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food: poutine—crispy fries topped with cheese curds and rich gravy—followed by fresh maple syrup straight from the source. Then, cross into Wisconsin to sample squeaky cheese curds and juicy bratwurst, a regional staple. After all, hot dogs are America’s favorite foods to cook while road-tripping, and this journey is all about delicious discoveries along the way!
Route 66
Route 66 isn’t just about stunning views and unforgettable adventures—it’s also a culinary journey through America’s most iconic flavors. Kick things off in Chicago with a legendary deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s, then head to St. Louis for sticky, slow-cooked pork ribs or stop in Amarillo, Texas, for some smoky brisket at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, home to the infamous 72-ounce steak challenge.
Further west, turn up the heat in New Mexico with hatch green chile enchiladas at The Shed in Santa Fe, then cross into Arizona for a taste of Navajo tacos—crispy frybread piled high with seasoned beef and beans. Finally, celebrate the end of your journey in Santa Monica, enjoying fresh fish tacos by the beach as you take in the California sunset.
The rise of cooking al fresco
Making the most of food on your road trip isn't just about fine dining or famous vineyards—it’s also about the simple joy of cooking local produce by your tent. Al fresco dining transforms meals into immersive experiences, whether it’s grilling fresh seafood by the beach, enjoying a vineyard picnic, or a cozy campsite cookout under the stars. It’s the perfect way to connect with your surroundings, savor local flavors, and elevate your adventure.
And, with millions of TikTok videos tagged ‘campfire cooking’, it’s clear that outdoor cooking is booming. Many content creators are making gourmet cooking videos outdoors with beautiful scenery as a backdrop, and the rest of the world is catching on. Because of this recent boom in outdoor cooking, we shared our favorite recipes that are perfect for cooking al fresco, so you can make the most of your road trip picnics:
- Marinara Pizza - This delicious and easy-to-prepare pizza is ready in just fifteen minutes, perfect for when you’re hungry after a long day of exploring. With only two main ingredients (plus seasonings), this one is as easy to make out in the woods as it is delicious.
- Upside Down Pizza - A fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, baked with all the cheesy, saucy goodness on the bottom and flipped for the ultimate crispy bite! All you need is dough, tinned tomatoes, cheese and some flavourful seasonings to get started, making it the perfect option for outdoor adventures.
- Steak Sandwich - This recipe combines juicy, sizzling steak layered with bold flavours and served in a toasted bun. This is an outdoor feast that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible.
- Pesto Pizza - A classic bursting with garlicky basil pesto, gooey cheese, and crisp, golden crust, perfect for al fresco summer cooking. Again, a perfect option for convenience when cooking “off the beaten path”, with ingredients you can prepare beforehand and a delicious taste.
- One Tray Breakfast - This is a hearty, hassle-free breakfast cooked all in one tray, perfect for a breakfast of champions on your camping trip. And with sausages revealed to be the number one choice for Brits when cooking a meal outdoors, with nearly half saying this is their favourite, this recipe is sure to be a hit when you’re huddled by a campfire at sunrise!
Sources and Methodology
To find out which road trips in the US are the best, we put together a seed list of the 36 most popular routes across the country. Using Google Maps, we then ranked these routes based on:
- Number of campsites available along the route
- Number of hiking trails available along the route
- Number of beaches available along the route
- Number of national parks available along the route
- Number of viewpoints available along the route
Each metric was capped at 20, and was therefore allocated a score out of 10 based on how many recommendations were provided.
To find out the best road trips for foodies, desk research was conducted to find those with the best food hotspots and vineyards. Those with the most recommendations or largest variety of food and drink-based activities were ranked the highest.
