11 Most Popular Best Road Trip Routes in the US (w/Cost Breakdowns)

1. Route 66 (Chicago to Los Angeles)

Overview

Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip, spanning approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA. This famous highway, often dubbed the "Mother Road," winds through 8 states and countless small towns, deserts, and roadside attractions.

Highlights include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and the classic western landscapes of Arizona. To fully experience the nostalgia and sights of Route 66, plan for roughly two weeks on the road.

Best time to visit: Late spring or autumn is ideal to avoid the extreme heat of mid-summer in the Southwest portions. Early summer can also be pleasant for this cross-country journey.

Fuel Cost

Driving the entire Route 66 will cover about 2,400 miles. At 25 MPG and $3.80/gallon, fuel cost comes out around $380 (give or take, depending on detours and local gas prices).

If you're driving an RV or a classic car with lower MPG, expect higher fuel costs. For most modern cars, budgeting roughly $350-$400 for gas on this route is reasonable.

Lodging Options

Accommodation along Route 66 can range from rustic roadside motels to modern hotels in big cities. For a two-week trip (about 13 nights), a mid-range lodging budget is roughly $1,950-$2,000 total.

Smart tip: Mix and match accommodations. Enjoy a couple of nostalgic motels (like the Wigwam Motel in Arizona) and spend other nights in standard hotels to balance cost and experience.

Attractions & Activities

One appeal of Route 66 is that many classic sights are free or low-cost photo opportunities. For example, Cadillac Ranch in Texas has free entry (just bring spray paint!).

Nonetheless, you'll likely stop at some museums and parks along the way. Here are some notable attractions:

• Gateway Arch, St. Louis: Iconic 630-foot arch with tram ride to the top ($15-20 per adult).
• Route 66 Museums: There are small Route 66 museums in states like Oklahoma and Arizona (admission often $5-$10, sometimes by donation).
• Meramec Caverns, Missouri: A famous cavern attraction ($25 for tours).
• Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona): If you detour slightly, this park (which Route 66 used to pass by) has a $25 vehicle entry fee.
• Santa Monica Pier (California): Free to stroll (rides or games extra), a celebratory finish at the Pacific Ocean!

Overall, budget around $100-$150 for paid attractions on Route 66, which should cover a few museum visits, a cavern tour, and other must-sees. Many roadside stops won't cost a dime.

2. Pacific Coast Highway (San Francisco to San Diego)

Overview

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a scenic coastal road trip down California's Highway 1, stretching roughly 600 miles from San Francisco to San Diego. This drive treats you to towering redwoods, dramatic cliffs over the Pacific, and charming seaside towns.

Major highlights include the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Monterey Bay area (and famed Monterey Aquarium), Big Sur's rugged coastline, Hearst Castle at San Simeon, the beaches of Santa Barbara, and lively Los Angeles on the way to San Diego.

Many consider this route one of the most popular road trip routes for its ocean views. The winding roads and spectacular vistas make it a photographer's dream.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers the sunniest skies (June-August are peak tourist months; September often has great weather with fewer crowds). Winters are rainy with occasional mudslide closures along Big Sur, so check conditions if traveling off-season.

Fuel Cost

The PCH route (approximately 600 miles) isn't too long, but its winding nature means you won't get great gas mileage in some sections. With our assumptions (600 miles, 25 MPG, $3.80/gal), fuel cost is about $90.

It's wise to budget around $100 for gas in case you take side trips (like the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey or detours to wineries). Gasoline can be pricier in California than the national average, especially in remote coastal stretches, so $3.80 might be conservative.

Lodging Options

Coastal California can be pricey for accommodations. For a 5-day trip (4 nights), a middle-of-the-road lodging budget is around $600 (assuming some nights less in smaller towns, some more in popular areas).

To save money, consider staying just outside major stops. Lodging a few miles inland is often cheaper than right on the coast.

Attractions & Activities

A lot of the PCH's beauty is free. Scenic pullouts, state beaches, and small towns to explore cost nothing. But there are some notable attractions worth budgeting for:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium: World-class aquarium showcasing marine life ($50 adult admission).
• Hearst Castle, San Simeon: Tour the famous newspaper mogul's hilltop estate ($30 for a basic tour).
• California State Parks (Big Sur area): Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, etc., have nominal parking fees ($10) if you stop for hikes or waterfall views.
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Free to walk around; rides/games cost per ticket.
• San Diego Zoo (if extending at the end): A top-tier zoo ($65 entry), optional if you have extra time in San Diego.

You might spend around $100-$120 on attractions if you hit an aquarium and a castle tour and pay a few park fees. Many viewpoints and beaches cost nothing.

Don't forget to factor in bridge tolls. The Golden Gate Bridge into SF is about $8, but leaving SF southbound is free.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

Overview

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Often called "America's Favorite Drive," this scenic byway offers stunning mountain vistas, lush forests, and cultural heritage sites.

The parkway itself is the destination, with numerous overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites along the way. You'll find charming mountain towns like Asheville, NC, and natural wonders such as Linville Gorge and Grandfather Mountain.

The speed limit is 45 mph or less throughout, encouraging a leisurely pace to enjoy the scenery. To truly appreciate this route, plan for at least 3-5 days, though many travelers take a week to explore the area thoroughly.

Best time to visit: Mid-May through June for spring wildflowers, or September through October for spectacular fall foliage. Summer offers lush green landscapes but can bring fog and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter often sees partial closures due to snow and ice.

Fuel Cost

The full 469-mile route requires less fuel than you might expect. Using our standard calculation (469 miles ÷ 25 MPG × $3.80/gal), you're looking at about $71 for fuel.

However, the mountainous terrain with constant elevation changes can reduce your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Additionally, you'll likely take detours to explore nearby attractions. Budget around $90-$100 for gas to be safe.

Gas stations are scarce on the parkway itself, so fill up in towns before entering long stretches. The parkway has limited services, particularly in remote sections.

Lodging Options

For a 5-night trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, accommodations can vary widely. Assuming mid-range lodging, budget approximately $750 total for lodging.

A popular option is to mix accommodations, perhaps splurging for a night or two in Asheville while camping or staying in more affordable lodging elsewhere. Book well in advance for fall foliage season, when prices increase and availability becomes limited.

Attractions & Activities

One of the best aspects of the Blue Ridge Parkway is that many of its attractions are free. The parkway itself has no entrance fee, and most overlooks, visitor centers, and many hiking trails are accessible at no cost.

Here are some notable attractions and their costs:

• Grandfather Mountain: Features the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and wildlife habitats ($24 adult admission).
• Biltmore Estate (Asheville): America's largest home with gardens and winery ($70-90 depending on season, advance purchase recommended).
• Natural Bridge State Park (Virginia): Historic natural limestone arch ($8 entry fee).
• Mabry Mill (Virginia): Historic gristmill and blacksmith shop (free to visit).
• Folk Art Center (North Carolina): Traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians (free admission).

For a 5-day trip, budget around $100-$150 for attractions, depending on your interests. If you plan to visit the Biltmore Estate, add its admission to your budget separately, as it's a significant expense.

Hiking is a popular activity along the parkway, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Most trailheads are free to access, making this an economical way to experience the area's natural beauty.

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park)

Overview

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel that bisects Glacier National Park in Montana. While it's the shortest route on our list, what it lacks in distance it makes up for in jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities.

This alpine road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (elevation 6,646 feet) and offers spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, valleys, and pristine lakes. Wildlife sightings are common, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and occasionally bears.

Though the drive itself can be completed in about 2 hours, most visitors spend 3-4 days exploring the park, using the road as their main access point to trailheads, viewpoints, and visitor centers.

Best time to visit: The road is typically fully open from late June/early July to mid-October, depending on snowfall. July and August offer the warmest weather but also the largest crowds. Early September provides a sweet spot of fewer visitors and still-pleasant weather.

Fuel Cost

The Going-to-the-Sun Road itself is only 50 miles long, requiring minimal fuel. However, getting to Glacier National Park will involve additional travel. For our calculation, we'll assume you're driving around the park for 3 days, covering about 150 total miles.

At our standard rate (150 miles ÷ 25 MPG × $3.80/gal), fuel within the park would cost about $23. But the mountainous terrain and frequent stops will reduce fuel efficiency, so budget around $30 for in-park driving.

Remember to fill up before entering the park, as gas stations inside are limited and typically more expensive. The towns of West Glacier and St. Mary at either end of the road have gas stations.

Lodging Options

For a 3-night stay in or near Glacier National Park during peak season, accommodations can be quite expensive and book up months in advance. Mid-range lodging will cost approximately $600 total.

Booking accommodations 6-12 months in advance is essential, especially for in-park lodging. Camping can significantly reduce costs but also requires advance planning, as campgrounds fill quickly.

Attractions & Activities

The main attraction here is Glacier National Park itself, which charges a $35 vehicle entrance fee valid for 7 days. Once inside, most activities are free:

• Hiking: Over 700 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes (free).
• Scenic Viewpoints: Numerous pullouts along the Going-to-the-Sun Road offer spectacular photo opportunities (free).
• Visitor Centers: Logan Pass, St. Mary, and Apgar visitor centers provide exhibits and ranger programs (free).
• Boat Tours: Guided tours on several of the park's lakes ($20-$35 per adult).
• Red Bus Tours: Iconic guided tours in vintage open-air buses ($45-$100 depending on length).

For a 3-day visit, budget the $35 park entrance fee plus about $100 if you plan to take a boat tour or Red Bus tour. If you stick to hiking and self-guided activities, your only attraction cost will be the entrance fee.

Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80 if you plan to visit other national parks within a year.

8. Oregon Trail (Oregon to Wyoming)

Overview

Follow in the footsteps of 19th-century pioneers on this historic route that loosely traces the Oregon Trail. This road trip covers approximately 1,100 miles from Oregon City (near Portland) eastward to Wyoming, traveling in the opposite direction of the original pioneers.

The journey takes you through diverse landscapes including the Columbia River Gorge, eastern Oregon's high desert, Idaho's Snake River Plain, and across the Rocky Mountains to Wyoming's sweeping prairies.

Historical landmarks along the way include Fort Boise in Idaho, Fort Hall near Pocatello, and Fort Bridger in Wyoming. In Wyoming, you can see actual wagon wheel ruts carved into rock at Guernsey and visit Independence Rock, where pioneers carved their names as they passed.

While not on the original trail, a worthwhile detour takes you to Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks, showcasing the natural wonders that awaited those who completed the frontier journey.

Best time to visit: Summer is best, following the original pioneers who traveled May through September. Snow can linger in Wyoming and mountain passes into late spring. Aim for June through early October, with late spring or early fall offering milder weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.

Fuel Cost

The Oregon-to-Wyoming trek covers about 1,100 miles, costing approximately $180 in fuel (1,100 miles ÷ 25 MPG × $3.80/gal). If you incorporate major detours to Yellowstone or Grand Teton, add a few hundred miles and another $30-$50 in fuel costs.

Plan for around $180-$230 total in fuel depending on your side trips. Keep in mind that distances between gas stations in the high desert can be long, so it's wise to keep your tank topped up whenever possible.

Lodging Options

For a 7-day journey (6 nights) along the Oregon Trail, accommodations vary from simple motels to historic inns. Mid-range lodging will cost approximately $900 total.

For a unique experience, consider Oregon Trail-themed inns or ranch stays. Some farms and ranches in Wyoming take guests, offering an authentic taste of frontier life. Otherwise, chain hotels in cities and simple roadside motels will be your main choices.

Attractions & Activities

This journey is as much about history as scenery. Here are some notable attractions along the route:

• End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (Oregon City, OR): Interactive museum at the trail's end (~$10 admission).
• Columbia Gorge Discovery Center (The Dalles, OR): Exhibits on pioneers and the region (~$9).
• National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (Baker City, OR): Museum on an actual trail site (~$8 fee).
• Shoshone Falls (Idaho): "Niagara of the West" near Twin Falls with a small vehicle fee (~$5) in season.
• National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (Casper, WY): Excellent museum about multiple pioneer trails (~$8 for adults).
• Independence Rock (WY): Famous trail landmark where many pioneers carved their names (free to visit).
• South Pass (WY): The crucial mountain pass that pioneers crossed (free to visit the area).
• Fort Bridger State Historic Site (WY): Preserved trading post and fort (~$5 entry).

If you include Yellowstone National Park, entry is $35 per vehicle (7-day pass). Grand Teton National Park is also $35. Consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80 if you plan to visit both parks or other national parks within a year.

Budget roughly $80 for historic site admissions. Many sites are free or request donations. If you visit both major national parks, add $70 in fees (or use an $80 annual park pass to cover both).

9. Southern Heritage Trail (South Carolina to Louisiana)

Overview

The Southern Heritage Trail immerses you in the rich history and culture of the American South, journeying approximately 800 miles from Charleston, South Carolina to New Orleans, Louisiana. This route connects sites that highlight Southern heritage from colonial times and the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement and Creole culture.

Begin in Charleston, a beautifully preserved historic city with cobblestone streets and antebellum homes, where the Civil War's first shots were fired at Fort Sumter. Next, consider passing through Savannah, Georgia, another charming historic port city with its iconic moss-draped oak trees and garden squares.

Continue inland through Alabama, visiting Montgomery (the first Confederate capital and a crucible of Civil Rights history), and perhaps Selma or Birmingham for their significant civil rights landmarks. You might dip down to the Gulf Coast via Mobile, Alabama (with its own Mardi Gras history) or travel through Mississippi's heritage towns like Natchez with its antebellum mansions.

Finally, end your journey in New Orleans, the vibrant city of jazz, diverse heritage, and legendary cuisine. The French Quarter, Garden District, and surrounding bayous offer a fitting finale to this cultural exploration.

Best time to visit: Spring (March through May) offers pleasant weather, azaleas in bloom, and lively festivals. Fall (October-November) is also nice with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June-November, peaking August-September. Winter is generally mild in this region, though occasionally chilly or rainy.

Fuel Cost

Covering around 800 miles, this drive will consume roughly 32 gallons of gas (at 25 MPG × $3.80/gal), costing about $120 in fuel. If you take detours to see plantations along Louisiana's River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, or to explore the Mississippi coast, your mileage will increase.

Budget $120-$150 to comfortably cover gasoline for this Southern journey. Gas prices tend to be relatively affordable throughout the South compared to national averages.

Lodging Options

For a week-long trip (6-7 nights) that allows you to savor the stops, accommodations vary widely from historic inns to modern hotels. Mid-range lodging will cost approximately $900 total.

Staying in city centers (Charleston's historic district or New Orleans' French Quarter) is wonderful but costly. Staying just outside these areas and commuting in can save money on both room rates and parking fees.

Attractions & Activities

This route is packed with historical and cultural attractions. Here are some highlights along the way:

• Charleston, SC: Fort Sumter (where the Civil War began) via ferry boat ($30-$35), historic house tours or plantation tours like Magnolia Plantation or Boone Hall ($20-$29 each).
• Savannah, GA: Wander the historic squares (free), or take a guided walking or ghost tour (~$25) to learn local lore.
• Montgomery, AL: Civil Rights Memorial & Center (~$5), Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice (combined ticket $5-$10), and Rosa Parks Museum ($7).
• Selma, AL: Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge (free) and visit the National Voting Rights Museum nearby (~$6).
• Mobile, AL: Tour the USS Alabama battleship ($15) if your route includes Mobile.
• Natchez, MS: Tour an antebellum home like Stanton Hall (~$20) for Old South history.
• New Orleans, LA: National WWII Museum ($30), Preservation Hall jazz (~$20 for an evening show), or a swamp tour outside the city ($50). Free experiences include live music on Frenchmen Street or exploring Jackson Square.

Depending on your interests, attraction spending could add up. Allocate about $100 for a fort tour, a plantation or house museum, and a couple of civil rights museums.

New Orleans offers many tempting additional experiences like riverboat cruises or cooking classes, so consider budgeting extra if those are on your list.

10. Great Northern Route (Washington to Maine)

Overview

"The Great Northern" is an epic cross-country road trip spanning approximately 3,500 miles across the northern tier of the United States, from Seattle, Washington to Acadia National Park in Maine. Roughly following U.S. Highway 2 for much of the way, this transcontinental journey offers an incredible variety of landscapes.

You'll start by the Puget Sound and Cascade Mountains, traverse the vast plains of Montana and North Dakota, wind through the Northwoods of Minnesota and Wisconsin, dip into the Great Lakes region, then cross New England's forests and White Mountains to the rocky Maine coast.

Highlights include Glacier National Park in Montana (an absolute must-stop for alpine scenery), the remote Badlands of North Dakota, crossing the Mississippi headwaters in Minnesota, and the lakeshores of Michigan where you might take a ferry to Mackinac Island.

You can choose to pass through Ontario, Canada or stay in the U.S. via Michigan's Upper Peninsula. If taking the Canadian route, the cities of Montreal or Ottawa offer cultural diversions. The journey concludes with New England gems like the Green Mountains (VT), White Mountains (NH), and the stunning Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine.

Best time to visit: Summer is essential for this northern route, as much of it goes through areas that are snowbound or frigid in winter. Aim for June through early September. Late summer (August) is ideal for Glacier National Park, as Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually fully open by early July. Early fall (September) can be beautiful in Maine for foliage, but you risk cold weather in the Rockies.

Fuel Cost

This is one of the longest routes you can drive in the U.S., covering around 3,500 miles coast-to-coast. At 25 MPG and $3.80/gallon, that's about 140 gallons of gas, costing roughly $530 for fuel.

If you take detours to see national parks or dip into Canada and back, add some extra. Budget in the $500-$600 range for gas. Gasoline prices can vary; expect potentially higher prices in remote parts of Montana or in Canada if you go that way.

Pro-tip: Fill up before entering isolated sections (like before driving Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, or stretches of North Dakota) to avoid paying premium rates at the only gas station for miles.

Lodging Options

A journey of this scale might take two weeks or more. For a 14-day trip (13 nights), accommodations will vary widely across the country. Mid-range lodging will cost approximately $1,950 total.

Given the length of this trip, consider mixing lodging types: perhaps a few nights camping or in an RV, a few in standard hotels, and an occasional splurge. The variety can enhance the experience, with nothing like a campfire in the mountains followed by a comfy bed the next night!

Attractions & Activities

There's no shortage of sights on this route. Here are some major attractions and their approximate costs:

• Glacier National Park (MT): Entry $35 per vehicle (7-day pass). Consider a Red Bus tour or boat tour in the park ($20-$40 per person, optional).
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park (ND): If you swing slightly south off US-2 to North Dakota's Badlands, entry is $30 per vehicle.
• Lake Superior sights (MN/WI/MI): Many are free; Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (WI) offers optional boat tours (~$30) but you can view some areas for free.
• Mackinac Island (MI): Ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace ~$30 round trip. No cars allowed on the island, but biking or horse carriage tours are available.
• Ottawa/Montreal (if you go through Canada): Mostly urban sightseeing with museum entries $10-$20 if you choose.
• White Mountains (NH): Driving is free; if you take the Mount Washington Auto Road, that's ~$45 per car.
• Acadia National Park (ME): Entry $30 per vehicle (7-day pass). Popular extras include whale watching tours (~$60) or sunrise at Cadillac Mountain (free but requires a reservation fee during peak season).

Also consider cultural stops like the SPAM Museum in Minnesota (free and quirky), or small-town historical museums (often requesting just a few dollars donation).

Given the plethora of options, an attractions budget of $120 is a rough middle-ground that might cover two national park entrance fees and a special tour or ferry ride. If you plan to hit several national parks on this and other trips, the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass could save money.

11. Southwest Desert Loop (Arizona)

Overview

This Southwest Desert Drive is a shorter regional road trip, but it packs in some of the most iconic Southwest landscapes. The route from Phoenix, Arizona to Grand Canyon National Park is only about 230 miles one-way, but you'll want to take your time to fully appreciate the dramatic scenery changes.

On the way, you'll experience the stunning red rock country of Sedona, high-altitude forests around Flagstaff, and finally the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. This popular route showcases Arizona's incredible diversity, from saguaro-filled Sonoran Desert around Phoenix to the world's most famous canyon.

You might also include nearby attractions like Montezuma Castle (ancient cliff dwellings), Walnut Canyon near Flagstaff, or Meteor Crater in Winslow. If you have more time, the drive could be extended to Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border or to Page, Arizona (Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon) for even more desert wonders.

Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are ideal with pleasant weather in Phoenix and comfortable temperatures at the Grand Canyon's higher elevation. Summer is peak season at the Grand Canyon but very hot in Phoenix (100°F+). Winter is mild in Phoenix, but the Grand Canyon's South Rim is cold and can get snow; roads generally remain open, but some facilities close in winter.

Fuel Cost

Driving from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon via Sedona (a common scenic route) is approximately 250 miles. At our standard calculation (250 miles ÷ 25 MPG × $3.80/gal), a one-way trip costs about $38 in fuel, or around $76 for a round trip.

If you add side excursions like Sedona's backroads or detours to Meteor Crater or Monument Valley, your mileage will increase. It's wise to budget $50-$90 for gas depending on your exact plans and exploration within Grand Canyon National Park.

Lodging Options

For a 3-day mini trip, you'd likely stay 1 night in Sedona or Flagstaff and 1 night near the Grand Canyon. Mid-range lodging will cost approximately $300 total for 2 nights.

Book early if traveling in popular months, as hotels around the Grand Canyon fill up quickly. Flagstaff is more affordable if you stay there and drive to the Canyon for a day trip (1.5 hour drive).

Attractions & Activities

The natural scenery is the star of this road trip. Here are some notable attractions along the way:

• Sedona Red Rock State Park: Beautiful park with hiking trails ($7 per adult entry).
• Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona): Iconic church built into red rocks (free, donation appreciated).
• Jeep tour in Sedona: Optional adventure: off-road tours run ~$100 per person. If on a tight budget, skip and drive to trailheads yourself.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument: On route north of Phoenix with well-preserved cliff dwellings ($10 per adult).
• Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim): Entry $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days). Includes all rim overlooks and visitor centers.
• Meteor Crater (Winslow, AZ): If detouring on I-40 east of Flagstaff, see an enormous meteor impact site ($25 adult ticket).
• Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff): Historic observatory where Pluto was discovered (~$25 admission, great for stargazing nights).

For a simple trip, your only required fees are likely the Grand Canyon entry ($35) and maybe a state park or monument (~$10). That's around $45 in basic attraction fees.

Optional splurges include a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon (~$300+ per person) or a mule ride ($150+). However, the views from the rim trails are free and spectacular.