Best American Road Trips and Safety Tips 2025

There’s nothing quite like an American road trip. It’s the ultimate test of freedom, patience, and the quality of your car’s cupholders. From the cracked asphalt of Route 66 to the sweeping cliffs of California’s Pacific Coast Highway, there’s something deeply nostalgic—and undeniably thrilling—about chasing the horizon with a tank full of petrol and an open map.

But here’s the truth: the perfect American road trip doesn’t just happen. Wildfires, storms, or the occasional herd of elk can turn your dream route into a dead end. Being prepared means fewer roadside tantrums and more time spent gawking at views you’ll never forget.

The Classics Never Die: Route 66, Beartooth Highway & Beyond

Some routes are stitched into the American soul. Take California’s Pacific Coast Highway—where the road hugs the cliffs like it’s afraid to fall off, and every lay-by begs you to stop and take it in. Then there’s the Blue Ridge Parkway, a living postcard of rolling forest that turns into a painter’s palette come autumn.

Head further west and the Beartooth Highway will make you feel like you’re driving straight into the sky—one of the most spectacular stretches between Montana and Wyoming. Just remember, it’s closed in winter unless your vehicle doubles as a snowplough. And of course, there’s Route 66: neon diners, rusty Cadillacs, and Americana at its finest. Some sections have reopened after weather damage, but always check conditions before you rev up that engine.

Off the Beaten Path: Solitude and Surprise on America’s Backroads

If you prefer the sound of wind over traffic, the Loneliest Road in America (US 50 through Nevada) might just be your kind of therapy. Out there, the desert doesn’t care who you are—just that you filled up before leaving. In Alaska, drives near Denali put you nose-to-nose with wilderness and wildlife alike, though gas stations are about as common as polite bears.

Even in the Midwest, you’ll find charm in quiet corners—covered bridges, red barns, diners that haven’t changed since Eisenhower. These routes may not come with billboards or McDonald’s arches, but that’s exactly the point. Just book your beds ahead—there’s nothing romantic about sleeping in your car because the only inn for 200 miles is full.

Safety First: Because the Road Doesn’t Always Play Nice

A dream can turn sour fast when the road decides to throw a tantrum. Think of Big Sur’s landslides cutting off the Pacific Coast Highway or Colorado’s high passes shutting down under an avalanche of snow. Before you go, download official state transportation updates and park alerts. Keep an old-fashioned paper map handy—yes, they still make those—and make sure your car’s in fighting form.

If you’re travelling with kids, book ahead; spontaneity loses its shine when the “vacancy” signs all go dark.

Tech That Travels: Staying Smart and Secure on the Road

Modern wanderers have more than a glovebox map. Navigation apps, offline maps, and local travel guides can point you to everything from a jazz festival to the best pie this side of the Rockies.

But free WiFi at truck stops and motels isn’t exactly Fort Knox—so protect your devices with a VPN and keep your data yours. Back up photos as you go; nothing ruins nostalgia faster than losing your holiday snaps to a lost phone or coffee spill.

The Call of the Open Road

In the end, every American road trip tells its own story—one made of miles, mistakes, and memories you’ll be talking about for years.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets on Route 66 or finding peace on a nameless byway, travel smart, stay curious, and remember: the journey is the point, not the destination.