Whether you’re traveling from California to Washington or from Arizona to Montana, the truth is that every long trip is challenging. But, with some of the most famous routes in the USA, you can expect nothing less than pleasure and excitement. So, let’s find out which highways you can expect throughout the entire country and which ones to choose.
There are 4.09 million miles of passable roadways across the 50 states. Interstate highways boast 47,432 miles of roads, while the National Highway System (NHS) is a network of strategic routes 160,955 miles long.
Some of them are historic and iconic, some have a scenic view, while others are very long, stretching from one end of the country to another. Yet, some of these American drives are still relatively new, such as Highway 12 – its last stretch was opened in 1985.
So, there are plenty of choices you can make and enjoy your trip to your new home or vacation destination. Make this an unforgettable experience by choosing some of the most beautiful roads for driving. And America takes pride in many such routes that allow you to revel in mind-boggling views.
This highway was established in 1926 and is one of the most iconic roads. It stretches from Illinois to California – it extends across eight different states. Also, it has historical importance due to its original byway system, which was especially appealing to truck drivers. Its diagonal structure was great for transporting goods.
Today, the drive here is very enjoyable because of many landmarks along the way, such as great restaurants, museums, drive-in movie theaters, wildlife, etc.
This route is significant because of many things, including the fact it was the nation’s first all-weather lane connecting Chicago with Los Angeles. What made it so unique is that it was the shortest, year-round link between the Midwest and the Pacific Coast. It reduced Chicago-LA distance by more than 200 miles.
If you prefer to have a breathtaking view during the drive, this one is perfect for you. Known as State Route 1, it runs along the Pacific coastline of California and is the longest one in the Golden State. Moving or traveling to LA or San Diego has never been easier – this path leads you directly to these cities, so you can stop and take a break to enjoy the beach or a lunch with the family.
Longer than 600 miles, there are fantastic opportunities to see and experience new things along the way, such as seaside villages, stunning coastal views, or untouched forests. Besides a variety of major California cities, this road crosses the Carmel River near Monterey, which is an excellent spot for relaxing and kayaking.
Let’s have a look at which places you can come across when traveling this way:
Imagine yourself driving, and all you can see around is the azure blue ocean. Is there anything better than 113 miles over the sea? You can drive this way from mainland Florida to Key West and rest your eyes on the beautiful water of the Atlantic Ocean. With 42 bridges used to cross the ocean, and that’s why this experience might be one of the most thrilling in your life.
Route 1 is 2,390 miles long and follows the eastern coastline of the U.S. – Fort Kent in the north, and Key West in the south. It is the longest north-south road in America. Also, it travels through metropolises such as New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Miami. So, if you’re moving or traveling to NYC, U.S. 1 is the route that will blow your mind.
If you want to experience unforgettable scenery during your travel, the Great Smoky Mountains can give you that pleasure. The Blue Ridge Parkway goes through beautiful mountains and eclectic cities, such as Ashville, NC, so you can always stop here and spend some quality time browsing restaurants, shops, galleries, or Biltmore Estate.
With Blue Ridge Parkway, you just can’t go wrong – driving is fascinating no matter the season. These spots from north to south are worth visiting:
Built long ago in 1914 as a “forest road,” it was known as harsh terrain until 1985 when it got a completely new look – paved road through Boulder Mountain. Today, it’s an approximately 123-mile-long state highway built as an All-American road. Driving it, you go through stunning views of valleys, canyons, and plateaus, with plenty of historic sites in between:
When driving down this road, don’t miss the opportunity to drop by and visit the largest cavern entrance in Arkansas – War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake. It is located just one-half mile off Byway 12, and it can be a great spot to spend some enjoyable moments with your friends or family. The most exciting things you can do here are:
Cross-country travel can take several days and be an exhausting process, especially if you’re doing it during the summer. Hot weather, heated asphalt, and some of the worst US cities for driving can become a real nightmare and make your life a living hell.
Luckily, there are many famous routes in the USA that will lead you to the desired destination as quickly as possible and help you deal with issues such as road rage. Thanks to the breathtaking nature and landmarks that surround them, these routes boast impeccable beauty. Some examples include Going-to-the-Sun Road, Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon, and U.S. 550.
Your drive doesn’t need to be tiring and tedious. Having a chance to step out of your vehicle and spend interesting moments that will boost your energy will make your travel an adventure. However, if you’d rather hop on a plane and have your car waiting for you at your destination, you can always hire professional auto transport services.
