The Top 5 North American Roadtrips To Take Today
There’s something about a road trip that never loses its appeal. The freedom to set your own pace, stop when you feel like it, and discover places that aren’t always in the guidebooks makes this style of travel different from any other. North America, with its vast landscapes and diverse cultures, is made for road trips. From coastal drives to mountain passes, every region offers a new experience. Here are five road trips worth adding to your list.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway
Few road trips are as iconic as California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Stretching between San Francisco and Los Angeles, it’s a drive where the journey is as memorable as the destinations. Steep cliffs, sandy beaches, and sweeping ocean views line much of the route.
Highlights include Big Sur, where the highway hugs dramatic coastal cliffs, and Monterey, famous for its aquarium and wildlife-filled bay. Santa Barbara and Malibu offer sunshine, surf, and a classic California feel. Stop at state parks along the way for short hikes or picnic spots with unforgettable views.
What makes this trip appealing is its flexibility. Some travellers do it in two days, focusing on the coast, while others take a week, stopping for wine tastings in Paso Robles or detours inland to explore redwood forests.
With so many small towns and varied landscapes, there’s no single right way to enjoy this drive.
British Columbia: Coastlines and Mountains
Western Canada is a dream for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. In British Columbia, road trips take you from Vancouver’s bustling harbour to quiet mountain valleys and wild coastal towns. The Sea-to-Sky Highway, which runs north to Whistler, is one of the most popular routes. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, fjord-like inlets, and mountain peaks that seem close enough to touch.
If you want to see more, carry on to the interior, where Okanagan Valley vineyards and lakeside towns provide a slower pace. For those who prefer adventure, heading west to Vancouver Island adds ferry rides, surfing beaches, and some of the best whale watching in Canada.
Many travellers opt for British Columbia tailor-made holidays, which combine scenic drives with guided activities like kayaking, wine tours, or even grizzly bear viewing. Whether you stick to a short loop or venture across the province, the mix of coast, forest, and mountains makes British Columbia one of the most rewarding places for a road trip.
The Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina
For travellers who prefer mountains and rolling countryside, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great choice. Running through Virginia and North Carolina, this 469-mile route is often called ‘America’s favourite drive.’ It links Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, with winding roads that showcase forests, valleys, and endless ridgelines.
In autumn, the Parkway is at its most famous, when the trees explode in reds and oranges. But any time of year has its appeal – spring brings wildflowers, while summer is lush and green. There are plenty of scenic overlooks where you’ll want to stop, and small towns along the way add local flavour.
Hiking trails lead off from many points on the road, including short walks to waterfalls and longer routes into the mountains. The Parkway has a slower pace than some road trips, with no billboards and no commercial traffic, which makes it especially relaxing.
Georgia: Savannah and Beyond
Georgia’s southern charm makes it an excellent state for a road trip. Start in Savannah, where cobblestone streets, leafy squares, and historic homes create one of the most picturesque cities in the US. The city also has a lively cultural side – Savannah Georgia concerts often take place in historic theatres or open-air venues, adding to the atmosphere of a trip here.
From Savannah, head south along the coast to the Golden Isles, where beach towns like St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island are perfect for a few quiet days. Inland, cities like Macon and Athens offer music, food, and history. If you’re after nature, detours into the Okefenokee Swamp or up into the Appalachian foothills give you a completely different view of the state.
Georgia works especially well for groups or couples who want a mix of city culture and natural escapes. With plenty of historic sites, small-town charm, and warm hospitality, it’s a state that rewards slow exploration.
The Canadian Rockies: Alberta Road Adventures
While technically next door to British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies deserve a section of their own. The Icefields Parkway, which links Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, and rugged peaks line almost every mile of the 140-mile route.
Popular stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield, where you can join tours that take you right onto the glacier. Wildlife sightings are common too – it’s not unusual to see elk, mountain goats, or even bears by the roadside.
Many travellers extend the trip by including Yoho or Kootenay National Parks nearby, or by looping back through Calgary for a mix of city and nature. With lodges, cabins, and resorts dotted throughout the mountains, it’s easy to balance adventure-filled days with comfortable evenings.
Final Thoughts
Road trips in North America are as varied as the landscapes themselves. British Columbia offers a blend of coast and mountains, California delivers that classic ocean drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is about rolling hills and mountain views, Georgia mixes culture with southern charm, and the Canadian Rockies bring some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere.
Each route has its own character, but what ties them together is the sense of freedom. A road trip lets you set the pace, make the stops you want, and enjoy the small moments that happen along the way.
For travellers ready to explore, these five drives are a great place to start!
