Alright, let’s be real—no playlist hits quite like the one you blast when you’re cruising down an open American highway, windows down, wind in your face, snacks within arm’s reach. And apparently, I’m not the only one obsessed. AAA says 70% of us are planning road trips in 2025, which means those scenic routes are about to get a little more crowded. But hey, the more the merrier, right?
Why Even Bother With Road Trips in 2025?
Freedom, baby. That’s it. Well, and the fact that everyone’s got cabin fever and gas prices haven’t (yet) hit the stratosphere. Travelzoo says scenic drives are up 15% in popularity, so it’s not just you and your weird cousin who wants to see some trees. Plus, @RoadTripDreamer on X (yeah, still not calling it Twitter) swears the Blue Ridge Parkway’s fall colors are “unreal” and camping saved ‘em $200. Not bad.
Anyway, these drives are the kind of thing you’ll actually want to post about—no filters needed. America’s got some wild landscapes out there, so go flex that wanderlust.
The 10 Best U.S. Road Trips for 2025 (Trust Me)
- Pacific Coast Highway, California
You’ve seen the photos—cliffs, Big Sur, those twisty roads that make your heart race (and your palms sweat if you’re the one driving). Start in San Francisco, end in Dana Point, and just soak up all 600 miles of drama.
2025 Hot Take: McWay Falls is a can’t-miss, and Hearst Castle’s still the weirdest mansion you’ll ever see.
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
469 miles of pure Appalachian vibes. Those fall leaves? Chef’s kiss. Hike Linville Gorge if you wanna feel like a woodland elf. And it’s free—so you can splurge on more trail mix.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Only 50 miles, but what a ride—straight through Glacier National Park, over the Continental Divide. Bird Woman Falls is the spot for your “I’m totally outdoorsy” selfie. Heads up: you’ll need a timed entry in summer 2025. Don’t just wing it.
- Route 66, Illinois to California
The OG road trip. 2,400 miles of neon signs, weird roadside art (hello, Cadillac Ranch), and more Americana than you can shake a root beer at. If you don’t stop at the Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma, did you even go?
- Overseas Highway, Florida
113 miles strung like beads across the Keys, turquoise water on both sides, and dolphins if you’re lucky. Seven Mile Bridge is just showing off. Snorkel at John Pennekamp State Park, then eat your weight in Key lime pie.
- Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee to Mississippi
This one’s chill—historic, tree-lined, and kinda sleepy in the best way. Ancient mounds, Civil War stuff, and almost no traffic. Emerald Mound and Mount Locust Inn are your must-see pit stops.
- San Juan Skyway, Colorado
236 miles of “Are we still in the U.S.?”-level mountain scenery. Million Dollar Highway is not for the faint of heart, but the hot springs in Ouray? Totally worth white-knuckling the steering wheel. Grab a beer in Durango.
- Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Only 34 miles, but dang, the White Mountains go off in the fall. Waterfalls, hiking, and that crisp air that makes you want to buy flannel. Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge are the best spots to stretch your legs.
- Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
The Mississippi’s greatest hits, 3,000 miles long. Tour tiny river towns, eat fried everything, and stop at Graceland if you wanna say hi to Elvis’s ghost. Effigy Mounds is the hidden gem.
- Hana Highway, Hawaii
Maui magic: 64 miles, 600 curves, and more waterfalls than you can count on both hands. Black sand beaches, lush rainforests, the Garden of Eden Arboretum—yeah, it’s as extra as it sounds.
How to Not Totally Botch Your 2025 Road Trip
- Apps! Download Roadtrippers and thank me later.
- Book your spots early—seriously, like 2–3 months out, or you’ll end up sleeping in the car. Again.
- Check for closures. Don’t be that person who drives all the way to Glacier and finds out the road’s shut.
- Snacks—bring a cooler, save your cash for actual meals, and avoid getting hangry. You’re welcome.
Grab your keys, fill up the tank, and just hit the road. You’ve got stories to make.
