NEW YORK, NY — AFAR has refreshed its list of 24 road trips across the United States, with routes stretching from short scenic drives to weeklong cross-country itineraries. The updated guide, last revised July 2, 2026, spans national parks, coastal highways, mountain byways and food-focused detours.
The roundup is designed for travelers using anything from a van or RV to a motorcycle or sedan. It includes classic routes in California, New England, the Southwest, the Midwest and the South, along with several trips centered on specific themes such as whiskey, music, literature and stargazing.
Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway and other long-haul drives
Among the headline routes is the 2,000-mile Chicago-to-Los Angeles drive along Route 66, which pairs craft distilleries with roadside landmarks and major natural attractions. Stops highlighted in the itinerary include Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa, the Grand Canyon and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.
California also gets a prominent place with the Dana Point-to-San Francisco trip along Highway 1. That route showcases Santa Cruz, Malibu, Santa Monica and Big Sur, while the article also points to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Oregon Coast and Maine’s Route 1 as standout scenic drives.
National parks, dark skies and western byways shape the western half of the list
Several entries focus on the West’s public lands and open-road scenery. One Southwest itinerary runs from Zion to the Grand Canyon, linking Utah and Arizona parks including Arches and Bryce Canyon. Another follows Phoenix-area landmarks to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, while a separate Arizona route emphasizes a 240-mile loop packed with hiking, biking and desert views.
Colorado appears twice, including a new 2026 stargazing route created with Dark Skies International and mapped online by the state tourism board. The guide also includes a 420-mile Denver-to-Montrose drive that passes Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and small towns along the Colorado Creative Corridor.
Cultural and food-themed trips add another layer to the itinerary
Beyond scenery, AFAR’s list includes trips tied to American history and culture. One route follows the women’s suffrage movement from Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee, with stops in New York City and Washington, D.C. Another traces literary landmarks in Northern California, while a Tennessee music road trip moves from Memphis to Bristol through rock, blues and country stops.
Food and regional identity also shape the guide. Texas Hill Country, the Florida Keys, Maine’s lobster route and New Mexico’s Pueblo-focused drive all mix local dining with destinations and cultural landmarks. The article closes with practical planning resources, including tips on snacks, apps, podcasts and packing.
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