From Maine through Alaska, among several other roads, here are some of the most ideal North American roads to do a trip in 2023. Life on the road has always been a massive part of American culture, as expressed in many Hollywood car movies, TV shows, and music. Even though the world continues to change around us, there is one thing that will always stick: road trips. And with a country as large as the USA, there are endless road trip opportunities, whether you are taking a sports car, an SUV, or a family-hauling RV.
Whether you want to ride up or down the coast, take in new sights, or try out a new road connecting familiar places, we have got you covered with a list of the most iconic roads that can not only give you a new road trip experience but create new memories as well.
Here are some more North American roads you should road trip:
Route 66 - Chicago, Illinois, To Santa Monica, California
Via: Roadtrippers
You have probably heard about Route 66 but have not yet given it a shot. While the US government decommissioned Route 66 in the mid-80s and replaced it with other highways, some parts of this nostalgic highway still exist. Stretching from Illinois to Santa Monica, Route 66 is among the most popular and scenic road trips you can take. This road passes several states, including Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Missouri, and California. You can hop from one highway to the other.
Overall, Route 66 is about 2,400 miles long, which could take you nearly 2 weeks at minimum. But, of course, you can break this trip down into parts. The best part of the trip is from the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River. Because Route 66 is a long road trip, be prepared both personally and in your classic car for the many miles ahead.
State Highway 82, Colorado
Via: Ride to Food
Colorado is the perfect place to road trip in the summer, under the scorching sun. Well, this is the state known for everything outdoors. But there is not quite a road that is exciting as the Colorado State Highway 82.
The State Highway 82 is about 85.3 miles long, with seemingly endless twists, sloped corners, and rises, not forgetting the cool scenery, making it one of the best driving roads in the US.
And if you own or rent a car with an engaging drive like, say, a BMW 8 Series Coupe, you will have loads of fun taking the corners and watching the car dance to your every steering input.
George Parks Highway, Alaska
Via: Airlink’s
There is not a better way to experience the beauty of an Alaskan road trip than on the George Parks Highway. Commonly known as Parks Highway, this road connects Anchorage and Fairbanks, two of Alaska’s largest cities.
Stretching to 350 miles, the George Parks Highway is a long road that goes through the largely unblemished wilderness.
Because some parts of this road are tough, you will need an off-road-worthy SUV, preferably one that has a full-time 4X4 drive, like a Range Rover or a Jeep.
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Via: AARP
If you love spending time by the ocean, then you will absolutely love driving along the vast Pacific. Stretching to about 655 miles, the Pacific coast takes a very long drive, and not for the faint of heart.
Along this west coast road trip, you will come across the popular Pismo and Laguna Beaches, as well as a lot of historic landmarks, such as the Hearst Castle.
Highway 7, Arkansas
Via: ardot.gov
Stretching for up to 290 miles, Highway 7 is one of the most appreciated US road trips. Unlike Route 66, Highway 7 does not go through multiple states.
Instead, it’s a 290-mile journey that takes you through Arkansas’ hardwood and pine forest, as well as rivers and rolling hills, with plenty of spots to stop for refreshments along the way.
You can blast your favorite music playlist on the entertainment system and turn this into an even more memorable road trip.
I-15 Desert Drive: Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Via: Roadtrippers
Recognized for its action-packed cities and desert sights of California and Nevada, the I-15 is another excellent choice for adventurous gearheads. Starting from the entertainment Capital, the journey takes about 4 to 6 hours.
You can either stretch this out into two days or put the pedal to the metal and take the whole thing down in a single day.
If you plan on spending the whole day on the road, we recommend taking a convertible, so you can tuck the roof, blast some music, and enjoy the airy drive. If you are into sightseeing, you will also spot the Calico Ghost Town, an abandoned town that sprang up in 19th Century California.
The Florida Keys (Overseas Highway)
Via: Florida Keys and Key West
Commonly referred to as the “Road to Paradise,” the Overseas Highway goes from Key Largo to Key West in Florida, connecting several islands of the Florida Keys region.
One of the most iconic innovations you will come across on this route is the Seven-Mile Bridge. Recognized as one of the longest bridges worldwide, this Seven Mile Bridge runs so low over the water – so much that it will give you a sailing vibe. Depending on how many folks, we recommend taking a Mini Cooper convertible along.
Route 50, Nevada
Via: Travel Nevada
Known as the loneliest road in America, Route 50 is among the most unusual road trips you will ever take (the good kind of unusual). So, how did it become the loneliest road in the US?
Stretching for about 408 miles, the road seems endless when you are behind the wheel. You might think the scenery will change after a few miles or something, just to go on for hours, seeing another car every 80 miles or so.
Maine Coastal Road Trip
Via: AAA
Spanning from Portland to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor along Maine’s coastline, the Maine coast is another popular route you can take. Stretching to about 170 miles long, this trip takes you through Brunswick, Augusta, and Ellsworth.
This trip will indulge you with beautiful scenery and an airy drive. The entire coastal journey should take around 4 hours, with a round trip taking an entire day.
State Highway 61, Minnesota North Shore Drive
Via: Explore Minnesota
Starting at the northern port city of Duluth and ending in the lakeshore town of Grand Marais, Minnesota’s State Highway 61 is another famous road trip route.
Commonly known as “The Minnesota North Shore Drive,” this highway is around 154 miles long, and goes from New Orleans, Louisiana to the city of Wyoming, Minnesota, most of which is alongside Lake Superior.
You will love taking this drive in the fall, when the scenery is much more breathtaking, with a colorful forest lining. Dust off your sports car for this one.
Finally
In the past we have provided some great classic car cruises across the country and now these drives will take a bit of car preparation, driving effort and some precautions. From coast to coast (and everything in between), America is one big map for classic car road trips or cruises to explore for adventures. We invite you to enjoy the ride along America’s roads as always be safe out there. The only question for the car cruise lover is: which scenic drive will you tackle first?
