{"id":27573,"date":"2016-10-21T13:00:35","date_gmt":"2016-10-21T13:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=27573"},"modified":"2026-09-17T13:36:02","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T13:36:02","slug":"7-of-the-best-road-trips-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/7-of-the-best-road-trips-in-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"7 of the best road trips in the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"

When most people think about travelling to or around the United States<\/a>, the usual suspects come to mind: Florida, New York, Los Angeles etc. But anyone who has spent a decent chunk of time in the US knows that the country is massive, with an almost never-ending supply of natural beauty and picturesque cities. However, public transport can sometimes be an issue, so we\u2019ve put together a list of the best road trips in the USA.
\nDo you want super cheap car rental for your USA road trip? Course ya do!\u00a0Grab a car from us<\/a>\u00a0and experience the open road in all its glory\u2026<\/p>\n

Best Road Trips In The USA<\/h2>\n

Route 66<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7<\/em>@amilliontravels<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Route Locations: <\/b>Illinois<\/a>, Missouri<\/a>, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas<\/a>, New Mexico<\/a>, Arizona<\/a>, California<\/a>
\nStart with the classic road trip right? Route 66 is historic and spellbinding. The road starts in Chicago, goes all the way to Los Angeles and runs for 3,945 km\/2,451 miles! Along the way you will pass some of the most iconic American cities, such as St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Santa Monica. The path is the subject of much lore and pop culture, which is why experiencing it is on so many people\u2019s USA bucket lists.
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\nHostel Tip: <\/b>If you\u2019re looking for a killer place to stay in Chicago, you\u2019d be mad not to check out Freehand Chicago <\/a>from the Generator Hostels<\/a> brand.<\/a>\u00a0The area is packed with art and culture, and the gorgeous furnishings and mixology bar will have you thinking you\u2019ve stepped into a fancy hotel! Luckily, your wallet will know the truth.<\/p>\n

Pacific Coast Highway<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7@felipe.9013<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Route Location:<\/b> California<\/a>
\nA gorgeous slice of Western American beauty, California State Route 1 is another fabled American road trip your Instagram followers are dying for you to cruise. Large portions of the highway gently hug the curves of the sunny Californian coastline, making it the perfect adventure for anyone seeking some sun and sea. Any road trip that involves both the quirky and artistic vibes of majestic San Francisco, and the \u00fcber fun glitz and glamour of Los Angeles is bound to be a winner. Top tip: keep your eyes peeled for sea lions!
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\ud83d\udcf7@shapovalelena<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Hostel Tip: <\/b>San Francisco is awash with colour, style and innovation. If you\u2019re looking for a hostel to match, try HI San Francisco City Centre<\/a>. It\u2019s the perfect blend of modern comfort and vintage chic. \u00a0And FYI, it has a speakeasy caf\u00e9!<\/p>\n

Great River Road<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7@sillysyddddd<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Route Locations: <\/b>Minnesota, Wisconsin<\/a>, Iowa, Illinois<\/a>, Missouri<\/a>, Kentucky, Tennessee<\/a>, Arkansas<\/a>, Mississippi, Louisiana<\/a>
\nThe Great River Road isn\u2019t actually one big road, but rather a collection of smaller state and local routes all following the mighty Mississippi river from its source to the ocean. The scenery is an ever-changing symphony of Mother Nature\u2019s North American handiwork. You\u2019ll experience everything including the\u00a0scintillating jazz and sea food of New Orleans, the scrumptious local-made cheese of Wisconsin, and the mountains (and in winter, frigid tundra) of Minnesota, all in one of the best American road trips!
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\nHostel Tip: <\/b>While in town, why not stay in the best hostel in the USA (as voted by guests): Auberge NOLA, New Orleans<\/a>. The location is perfect for anyone trying to get their French Quarter\/Bourbon Street on, and the beds are CHEAP. Like, 17 bucks cheap\u2026you\u2019re welcome!<\/p>\n

Utah State Route 12<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7@totesrach<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Route Location: <\/b>Utah<\/a>
\nThis US road trip is a lot shorter than the others (only 198 km\/123 miles) but is well worth a day trip if you\u2019re out west. You may think you\u2019ve seen mountains, but you haven’t\u00a0experienced them properly without seeing the stunning red rock ridges of Southern Utah. The route takes you through Bryce Canyon National Park, an American treasure and bucket list priority for USA-bound nature lovers.
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\ud83d\udcf7@jessrovin<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Hostel Tip: <\/b>A little further north in the ski town of Park City, you\u2019ll find the aptly named\u00a0Park City Hostel<\/a>. The place is surrounded by facilities used in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games (which you can still use today), and every year the town hosts the world famous Sundance Independent Film Festival.<\/p>\n

US Route 6 in Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7@jacktumen<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Route Location: <\/b>Pennsylvania<\/a>
\nThe East-West segment of US Route 6 was recently named one of the country\u2019s most scenic drives by National Geographic, and it\u2019s not hard to see why. The section that flows through Pennsylvania encapsulates all that comes to mind when dreaming of classic American forests and highways. It\u2019s also a great option for anyone hoping to get out of the bustling metropolis, and escape to the wilderness. For large stretches of the journey, you\u2019ll pass through vast numbers of small communities and adorable tiny towns.<\/p>\n

Going-To-The-Sun Road<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7@joy_intravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Route Location: <\/b>Montana<\/a>
\nAnyone who knows the USA well will tell you that you haven\u2019t lived until you\u2019ve experienced Glacier National Park in Montana. The state is well known for its natural beauty, but make sure you\u2019re well prepared, especially if you\u2019re heading there during the winter – the snow can be\u00a0plentiful! The route shares its name with a mountain in the area, and is actually surprisingly narrow and winding in parts, so make sure that whoever is at the wheel is up to the challenge!<\/p>\n

Skyline Drive<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7@d2photography<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Route Location: <\/b>Virginia<\/a>
\nBack east for this beauty, and it\u2019s another short one. Skyline Drive takes its travellers on a winding route through the Blue Ridge Mountains and\u00a0Shenandoah National Park, in heavenly Virginia. The state itself, being next door to Washington DC means you\u2019ll have relatively easy access to some of the country\u2019s most significant monuments and historical landmarks. Make sure you drive carefully \u2013 the trail is chock full of wildlife!
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\ud83d\udcf7@katielbaum<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Hostel Tip: <\/b>In the nation\u2019s capital, the Highroad Hostel DC<\/a> is the stuff of dreams, literally. Memory foam mattresses and luxury sheets abound, as well as a parlour room with its own fireplace! Talk about cosy! Get ready for a high-end stay, at a fraction of the normal cost.<\/p>\n

Why not pin this article for later?\u00a0\ud83d\udc47<\/h2>\n

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