Road Trip Ratings - America’s classic routes analyzed

This route shows off some of the best landscapes that the U.S. has to offer. From the charming beauty of Monument Valley to the impressive span of the Natural Bridges, this trip provides an opportunity for a great adventure in the rugged landscapes of Southern Utah.

For explorers and outdoor enthusiasts, it probably doesn't get any better than following this route! Travelling through Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks road-trippers can marvel at geysers, spot wild animals and take in all of the natural beauty that this journey has to offer.

Combining the best of both worlds, this trip starts off with an outdoor adventure in the Mesa Verde National Park and becomes a historical expedition as the route reaches the old mining towns of Southern Colorado.

Once followed by the famous explorers Lewis and Clark, this trail along the Missouri River features lively cities, historic sites and vast expanses of the Great Plains.

Dubbed “America's Favorite Drive”, this scenic route attracts tourists from all over the country with its stunning scenery of the Appalachian mountains set on either side of the quaint drive through the region's thick forests and steep mountain slopes.

On this route, dramatic cliffs follow vast beaches and lighthouses to offer visitors a tranquil atmosphere of oceanside relaxation, as this road trip follows Oregon's beautiful stretch of the Pacific coastline.

A journey into the mountain range to rival the Swiss Alps, this trip takes you from Denver into Colorado's Rocky Mountains and boasts mind-boggling peaks, breathtaking mountain valleys and once-in-a-lifetime sights.

The unforgettable canyon panoramas, the classic red rock desert and the history preserved in the many mining and lumber towns of Arizona are all featured on this route which passes through one of America's most recognizable natural landmarks - the Grand Canyon.

One for the explorers and adventurers, this trip takes travellers to the more desolate yet stunning reaches of Oregon, where far-reaching valleys and canyons and crystal-clear lakes and rivers offer an unforgettable taste of the Oregonian countryside.

A spectacular adventure in the red rock country of Southern Utah, it's a tale of two national parks - Zion and Bryce - both offering breathtakingly beautiful sights of canyons peaks, and expansive mountain valleys.

This route shows off some of the best landscapes that the U.S. has to offer. From the charming beauty of Monument Valley to the impressive span of the Natural Bridges, this trip provides an opportunity for a great adventure in the rugged landscapes of Southern Utah.

For explorers and outdoor enthusiasts, it probably doesn't get any better than following this route! Travelling through Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks road-trippers can marvel at geysers, spot wild animals and take in all of the natural beauty that this journey has to offer.

Combining the best of both worlds, this trip starts off with an outdoor adventure in the Mesa Verde National Park and becomes a historical expedition as the route reaches the old mining towns of Southern Colorado.

Once followed by the famous explorers Lewis and Clark, this trail along the Missouri River features lively cities, historic sites and vast expanses of the Great Plains.

Dubbed “America's Favorite Drive”, this scenic route attracts tourists from all over the country with its stunning scenery of the Appalachian mountains set on either side of the quaint drive through the region's thick forests and steep mountain slopes.

On this route, dramatic cliffs follow vast beaches and lighthouses to offer visitors a tranquil atmosphere of oceanside relaxation, as this road trip follows Oregon's beautiful stretch of the Pacific coastline.

A journey into the mountain range to rival the Swiss Alps, this trip takes you from Denver into Colorado's Rocky Mountains and boasts mind-boggling peaks, breathtaking mountain valleys and once-in-a-lifetime sights.

The unforgettable canyon panoramas, the classic red rock desert and the history preserved in the many mining and lumber towns of Arizona are all featured on this route which passes through one of America's most recognizable natural landmarks - the Grand Canyon.

One for the explorers and adventurers, this trip takes travellers to the more desolate yet stunning reaches of Oregon, where far-reaching valleys and canyons and crystal-clear lakes and rivers offer an unforgettable taste of the Oregonian countryside.

A spectacular adventure in the red rock country of Southern Utah, it's a tale of two national parks - Zion and Bryce - both offering breathtakingly beautiful sights of canyons peaks, and expansive mountain valleys.

A journey through the enchanting landscapes of America's most popular national park, complete with plenty of opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking scenery and get in the midst of it on a raft, a bike, or just on your own two feet.

Best taken in autumn, this road trip showcases New England's famous foliage in all its colorful splendor. Stretching from Connecticut to New Hampshire, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Splitting Vermont in half, Route 100 is one of the most scenic drives in New England. Combining the state's natural beauty of the Green Mountains with its history and artisanal food, this road trip has something to offer every traveler.

Known as the inspiration for Bob Dylan's famous album, Highway 61 Revisited, this route offers a charming drive along the Minnesotan side of Lake Superior with its tranquil fishing towns and understatedly impressive natural landmarks.

From Boston, the cradle of American independence, through the former whaling ports of Rhode Island, to the sleepy sailboat marinas of Connecticut, this road trip celebrates the best of New England's Atlantic coastline.

Snaking along the Mississippi - the country's most important river that used to serve as the Western boundary of the young American nation - this route crosses a plethora of small towns, each with a unique vibe and charm.

Showcasing some of the best that the Sunshine State has to offer, this route has it all - the history of old Latin towns, the science of NASA's former Space Center, the thrill of the Daytona Speedway and miles of beautiful beaches, of course.

Set deep in the Pine Tree State, this road trip is largely a tour of the Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula, with food spots serving the famous Maine lobster to match the captivating beauty of this remote corner of the country.

Set deep in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, this road trip highlights some of the most spectacular terrain found in Oregon, as the winding route skirts beautiful lakes, crosses the evergreen forests, and traverses the state's iconic mountains.

Highlighting some of New Mexico's most impressive sights, this road trip combines the historic charm of the adobe buildings of the old Santa Fe with the dramatic vistas of the Rio Grande gorges on the way to the old pueblo town of Taos.

Set around some of the most rugged landscapes in the United States, this journey features the spectacular Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and the many landmarks of natural beauty around the area where the four states meet.

Set in the wilderness of West Texas, this road trip brings together the peaceful beauty of Big Bend National Park, the vast expanses of the Chihuahuan desert and the rustic vibe of the small 'ghost towns' dotted along the highway.

Set around the Trail of Tears, this road trip offers a sobering journey into the darker corners of American history, with many towns and monuments in the area preserving the stories of clashes between the settlers and the Native American population.

Much more than an academic excursion, this road trip offers a unique peek into the life, architecture and culture of towns home to some of America's - if not the world's - most highly-acclaimed universities.

From Nashville, the home of country music, to Natchez, the jewel of the Mississippi river, this is a journey in the footsteps of early settlers and indigenous tribes with plenty of opportunities for hiking and historical sightseeing.

This relatively short trip follows Lake Champlain - one of Vermont's most famous lakes - and the lake islets. Set right between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains, this route is a perfect blend of beautiful countryside and New England history.

This historical road trip follows the tracks of the settlers advancing the reach of the U.S. westward. With much of the original architecture still intact, it's a delightful journey through the well-preserved pioneer villages set in the tranquil Midwestern countryside.

Passing by some of the most iconic places in the Cascades, this road trip is the highlight reel of the Oregon countryside, with steep, undulating country roads leading to the snowy peaks through the thick evergreen forests.

Designed to provide unparalleled views of the surrounding land, the famous Skyline Drive offers just that - a road trip into the picturesque Virginian countryside with winding roads, stunning vistas and beautiful scenery.

One to challenge the fall foliage of New England, this road trip brings out the beauty of the Texan bluebonnets and other wildflowers, all the while offering ample opportunities to try the famous Texan BBQ and enjoy the local culture.

A trip through one of the wildest national parks in the United States, this route lies in Glacier National Park, where the drive skirts the spectacular peaks and tranquil lakes, reaching an altitude of over 6,000 feet.

A trip for the keen explorers, this road trip is set in the Sierra National Forest - a remote area with some of the state's most stunning views, unique rock formations, beautiful lakes and desolate ghost towns of the Old West.

A trip into the wilderness of South Dakota's Black Hills, this route offers a fascinating journey through the peaks and valleys of the national park, complete with the famous Mount Rushmore monument and the once-lawless capital of the local gold rush - Deadwood.

Stretching along the Atlantic coast of the Garden State, this route takes you to some of the region’s best beach towns with old lighthouses boardwalks, and Ferris wheels, as well as stunning ocean views to marvel at.

From the bustle of San Francisco and L.A. through to the imposing beauty of Yosemite and the Big Sur, straight to the millions of lights of Las Vegas, it's a road trip with an itinerary jam-packed with sights.

A fascinating journey into Acadiana - another name for Louisiana's Cajun Country - this road trip delves deep into the once French-speaking territory renowned all over the world for the vibrancy of its culture, music, and food.

Spanning virtually the entire length of the Golden State's Pacific coastline, this route has it all: the vibrant big cities, the quiet coastal towns, the glorious beaches and of course, sunsets like nowhere else in the world.

Away from urban sprawl, this road trip is the showcase of California's stunning national parks. The gorgeous mountain peaks of Yosemite, the enchanting redwood forests of Sequoia and the awe-inspiring gorges of Kings Canyon await.

Taking you to the heart of the upstate New York, this road trip loops around some of the most picturesque shores of the famous Finger Lakes and gives you a great taste of the New York’s world-renowned wine country.

Skirting the coast of Rhode Island, this route goes deep into America's early history, now only evidenced by monuments and old taverns spread across the old towns on the state's coast.

Combining the world-class entertainment of the Disneyland theme parks with the surfing hotspots on the Californian coast, this is the perfect trip for a laid-back vacation with stunning sunsets and excellent fresh seafood.

Following the route of “The Road that Built the Nation”, this trip takes you from the busy streets of the diverse city of Baltimore, down the road that carried settlers to what would become the American West, all the way to the footsteps of the Catoctin Mountains.

Spread across Virginia and Maryland, this road trip is steeped in the history of the Civil War. The itinerary includes the sites of famous battlefields, a tour of the nation's capital and many old historic towns in-between.

Starting in Chicago and ending on the Californian coast, this road trip takes you down the road once dubbed the “Main Street of America”. No longer a major artery of trade and commerce, it’s now a staple on many road trip bucket lists.

This trip takes you around what once was an enclave of Dutch culture and language. Set mostly around Lancaster County, PA, it offers a fascinating glimpse of the Amish lifestyle and the area’s rich history.

Famously known as the inspiration and the setting for the Twilight Saga, this patch of land protruding into the Pacific is home to a national park with evergreens lining up near some of the region's most beautiful beaches.

A journey in the trails of the fortune-seekers panning for gold in the days of Gold Rush, this trip is set along the scenic route CA 49, where the history of the Golden State unfolds in the many towns that once epitomized the land of promise and opportunity.

Picking up the west end of the trail blazed by America's famous explorers in the 1800s, this trip is a journey through the once-untamed landscapes, rich in imposing peaks and beautiful waterfalls, to the shining waters of the Pacific Ocean.

A true hidden gem of the Midwest, this route along the coast of Lake Michigan boasts beaches and water to rival those of California. Aside from the lakeside fun, there's plenty to explore, from quaint orchards to old-timey towns at the route's northern reaches.

If there ever was a road trip for music lovers, this is the one. Starting in the home of the blues - Memphis, TN - and continuing down to Mississippi, where the vibes of gospel, soul and R&B still permeate the hometowns of many American music icons.