America the Boundless: Epic Road Trips and Scenic Journeys Across the USA

Few travel experiences capture the spirit of the United States quite like a road trip. From iconic highways cutting through deserts and mountains to coastal drives framed by dramatic ocean views, the open road remains one of the most authentic ways to discover the country’s landscapes, culture, history, and communities.

As part of a five-part series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, “America the Boundless: 50 Ways to Experience the Spirit of the Open Road” highlights some of the country’s most memorable routes, showcasing how the journey itself can be just as rewarding as the destination.

Leading the collection is the legendary Route 66, which will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2026. Stretching nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica across eight states, the historic Mother Road remains a symbol of freedom and adventure. Travellers can mark the occasion by visiting attractions such as the National Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma, the Midpoint Cafe in Texas, and commemorative Route 66 postage stamps set for release later this year.

Among America’s most famous drives is California’s Pacific Coast Highway, renowned for its spectacular ocean views, dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and picturesque towns including Big Sur and Monterey. Florida’s Overseas Highway offers another unforgettable experience, linking the mainland to Key West via a chain of islands and 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Other epic cross-country adventures include U.S. Route 20, the nation’s longest highway, and the historic Lincoln Highway, America’s first transcontinental road.

Nature lovers can explore breathtaking routes such as Montana’s Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park, Nevada’s aptly named Loneliest Road in America, Colorado’s dramatic Million Dollar Highway, and the Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River through ten states and some of the country’s most historic cities.

Beyond the famous highways, the collection shines a spotlight on lesser-known routes packed with character. The Tail of the Dragon, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, challenges drivers with 318 curves in just 11 miles, while Virginia’s Skyline Drive offers sweeping views across Shenandoah National Park. Adventurous travellers can head to Alaska’s remote Dalton Highway or Hawaii’s lush Hana Highway, where waterfalls, rainforests, and rugged coastlines create unforgettable scenery.

The list also celebrates routes known for extraordinary landscapes. Highlights include Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior, Colorado’s Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park, California’s Avenue of the Giants beneath towering redwoods, and the scenic loop around the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe.

History comes alive along roads such as Pennsylvania’s Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest residential street, and the National Road, the country’s first federally funded highway. Travellers can also follow colonial-era routes including King’s Highway and Ashley River Road, or trace the path between Pensacola and St. Augustine to explore some of the earliest European settlements in North America.

Culture is another major theme of the collection. Louisiana’s Creole Nature Trail showcases wetlands and wildlife, while Mississippi’s Blues Trail immerses visitors in the birthplace of one of America’s most influential musical traditions. Other highlights include Virginia’s Crooked Road, dedicated to country music heritage, Wisconsin’s Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, and the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota, where giant scrap-metal sculptures transform the landscape into an open-air art gallery.

Food-focused road trips feature prominently as well. Visitors can sample artisan cheeses along Vermont’s Cheese Trail, explore apple orchards in New York’s Hudson Valley, discover world-famous distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, enjoy authentic barbecue across Central Texas, or savour traditional lechón at family-run roadside eateries in Puerto Rico’s Guavate region.

Seasonal journeys offer a different perspective on the American landscape. New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway draws visitors for its spectacular autumn foliage, while Texas’ Willow City Loop bursts into colour each spring with fields of wildflowers. Colorado’s Crested Butte becomes a vibrant alpine showcase during wildflower season, and South Dakota’s Needles Highway delivers dramatic rock formations during the warmer months.

The collection also highlights the evolution of modern travel. Amtrak continues to expand its rail offerings with new services and next-generation trains, while Washington’s White Pass Scenic Byway demonstrates how scenic travel is adapting for electric vehicle drivers through an expanded charging network.

For travellers seeking experiences beyond the road itself, the guide recommends automotive museums across the country, including the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Detroit, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, and the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville. It also points visitors toward unique destinations where cars are left behind entirely, including Mackinac Island in Michigan, Bald Head Island in South Carolina, and Governors Island in New York City.

Together, these 50 journeys showcase the diversity, history, and spirit of exploration that continue to define travel across the United States. Whether by car, train, or even on foot, the open road remains one of the most compelling ways to experience America.