The Greatest American Roadtrips

Road-tripping; the ultimate way to explore the USA, giving you the freedom to go where you want, when you want.

You can drive across every state and county so why not revel in yesteryear along Route 66, marvel at panoramic sunsets on the Pacific Coast Hwy, or take in awe-inspiring scenery in the Appalachian Mountains or along rugged Massachusetts coastline?

With over 4.78 million Brits visiting the USA annually pre-covid, many of us will want to rediscover our favourite destinations across the pond.

Read on for the best US road trips and truly well-loved scenic drives. Because it’s not just about where you are headed, it's also about what happens along the way.

Miami to key west

Locations covered: Miami, Homestead, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Key West

The 150-mile drive from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road trips, whisking you off the mainland and through the fabled Florida Keys to an island city that has been a refuge to both writers and presidents.

Getting to Key West from Miami involves driving down to the first “key” (island) of Key Largo, then starting a beautiful 113 mile trip across the wondrous Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys. Discover a coral reef park, visit the NASCAR cup series, dolphin watch among leafy mangrove trees or help rescue and release injured sea turtles.

Must stay hotel along the route: A haven of tranquillity amongst the buzz of South Beach, The Setai, Miami Beach is a rare find - no wonder it's an A-list hangout. The sleek design, spearheaded by Jean-Michel Gathy (famed for his work on Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands) blends the architectural history of South Beach with Asian influences, from the Shanghai brick flooring to the palm tree-lined courtyard guarded by celestial animal sculptures from the Forbidden City.

Suites at The Setai start from £550 per night.

The Setai, Miami Beach

Grand Teton Loop, Wyoming

Locations covered: Denver, Colorado Springs, Durango, Moab, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Yellowstone, Cody, Sheridan, Rapid City, Cheyenne and Estes Park.

Wyoming’s Teton mountain range is real Wild West territory. Wild bison and horses grazing with high peaks in the background is an iconic image of the American West.

The scenes of Grand Teton National Park have been formed over millions of years by ice and treacherous weather. On the 44-mile looped route, you’ll see some of the most incredible Rocky Mountain vistas with countless peaks over 3600 metres above sea level. Journey through vast landscapes, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park on an unforgettable trip, taking you through the states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota. It showcases some of the most notable landscapes in the United States from geothermic features to snow-capped peaks.

Must stay hotel along the route: Located on one of Los Angeles’ most famed streets at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Olive Drive in the heart of the iconic Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood features 149 luxury guest rooms and 40 Pendry Residences by Montage Hotels & Resorts — designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Guests and residence owners have exclusive access to hotel amenities, including fine dining concepts driven by world-renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck, a rooftop pool and bar, a screening room, bowling alley, Spa Pendry and private membership club, Pendry is the place to be in West Hollywood. Rooms at Pendry start from £350 per night.

PENDRY WEST HOLLYWOOD

California’s Highway 1

Locations covered: Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park (Modesto/El Portal), Napa, San Francisco, Big Sur, Santa Barbara.

The Pacific Coast Highway road trip down California’s Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles is as iconic as lengthy and breathtaking as the name infers.

The most popular road trip along the route, this rugged road trip stretches from San Diego to San Francisco. In the itinerary, begin at the southern end of the state and travel north through Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and into Napa. Big Sur is possibly the most scenic section of the coast, winding and meandering beside cliffs, around creeks and over arched bridges with plenty of turning areas to stop and take photos. Living the American dream has never looked this good.

Must stay hotel along the route: Perched hillside in the Carmel Highlands flanked by the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur coast, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands combines true Carmel luxury with an approachable and sophisticated spirit. A haven for artists and discerning travellers since its opening in 1917, Carmel Highlands features 48 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 14 suites, 31 ocean view rooms, and three garden view rooms. Rooms at Hyatt Carmel Highlands start from £570 per night.

The casual bistro, California Market

Tioga Pass Road, California

Locations covered: Sierra Nevada, Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne River & Olmsted Point

According to road trip thrill seekers, the biggest question of the year in Yosemite is always “When will Tioga Pass Open?”

In the spring and summer months, winter melts away and the meadows bloom, the waters of Tenaya Lake and the Tuolumne River soaking up the heat of the sun. On a road trip stop, you’ll be able to swim, fish, and hike along the banks and, if you’re feeling particularly brave, scale Lembert Dome. On your way up the Tioga Road, pull over at the Olmsted Point overlook to see the Valley. Away from the bustle of the Valley, the wildlife are plentiful and the high country also offers exceptional hiking trails. The High Sierra Camps, accessible from Tuolumne Meadows, are a favourite among backpackers.

Must stay hotel along the route: An exclusive alpine retreat situated at the base of a mountain sits the historic Mammoth Mountain Inn offering stunning views, ski-in, ski-out pathways, and key access to Mammoth's best mountainside activities and attractions year-round.

Mammoth Mountain Inn

Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Locations covered: Washington D.C.,Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Ocean City and Baltimore.

Winding for 105 miles along the tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s National Scenic Byway is aptly called the Skyline Drive - with good reason.

There are 75 ‘pull outs’ en route from which you can enjoy far-reaching views over the Shenandoah Valley to the west and Piedmont, a region rich in American history, to the east. Much like in New England, the region is at its most striking during the autumn months as the leaves turn colour. Luxury travel consultants, Kuoni’s recommended route dubbed ‘the eight-night Capital Region Self-Drive‘ incorporates the Skyline Drive, as well as historic cities such as Washington D.C. and Williamsburg.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Locations covered: Tennessee and Mississippi

What began as a buffalo trail running roughly between modern-day Nashville, Tennessee, to the riverbanks at Natchez, Mississippi, this historic route was further trampled by Native Americans, who used it as a hunting and trading route.

Later it saw the footsteps of fur traders, European settlers, enslavers, confederate soldiers and presidents. With jade swamps, hiking trails, opulent mansions, riverside saloons and layer upon layer of American history, the Natchez Trace Pkwy is the richest drive in the South. Time Three days, though you could do it in two. Travel times aren’t exactly speedy on the two-lane road. Mileage 444 miles. Start/End Nashville, Tennessee/ Natchez, Mississippi.

Great River Road

Image: Jay Olson

Locations covered: New Orleans, Memphis, St Louis and Minneapolis

This epic roadway edges the Mississippi River from its headwaters in northern Minnesota's pine forests all the way south to its endpoint in New Orleans.

For a glance at America across cultural divides – North/South, urban/rural, Baptist/bohemian – this is the road trip to make. Notwithstanding the name, the Great River Rd is not a individual highway, but a range of connected federal, state and county roads that track the Mississippi River as it flows through 10 different states. The one constant, wherever you are, is the green paddle-wheel sign that points the way.

Farm Coast, Rhode Island and Massachusetts

Locations covered: Tiverton, Little Compton, Westport and South Dartmouth

Tucked between Cape Cod and Newport, the Farm Coast region of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island is a slice of picture-perfect country life reserved for New Englanders in the know.

Starting in the village of Padanaram in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, you’ll take in the scenic views of Apponagansett Bay. As you go west, cornfields and stone walls lead to Westport, where the 380-acre Westport Rivers Winery provides tastings and tours, and Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures gives the chance to rent a kayak and paddle around the Westport River. Ready for refreshments? The Head Town Landing Country Store is a popular spot for coffee, homemade doughnuts, ice cream, and Del’s Frozen Lemonade. At the border, the little village of Adamsville, Rhode Island, is home to the historic Grays’ Grist Mill. Stroll the grounds of the white-steepled Union Congregational Church and the Old Commons Burying Ground for a dose of history.

Must stay hotel along the route: Ocean House is an historic Rhode Island luxury hotel open year-round, offering uncompromising service, beachfront location and world-class amenities. Each of the Ocean House’s 49 guest rooms is inspired by the Rhode Island resort’s magnificent oceanfront setting, high atop a bluff overlooking Block Island Sound. We’d suggest having a tipple out in The Sipping Terrace shortly before dinner.

Ocean House

The Sipping Terrace