Whether you’re chasing ocean breezes, mountain air, or wide-open desert skies, these iconic road trips offer the perfect mix of adventure and scenery. From quick weekend escapes to epic cross-country drives, each route is packed with natural beauty and local charm. Just don’t forget to check your auto insurance before you go—peace of mind is the best travel companion.

Pacific Coast Highway/Highway 101 (California Coast)

This coastal route winds along cliffs, beaches, and oceanfront towns from San Francisco to Dana Point. Highlights include the rugged coastline of Big Sur, the iconic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, as well as Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Malibu. Expect dramatic ocean views, seaside redwood groves, enchanting coastal villages, and spectacular sunsets.

Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica, California)

This is a legendary drive through America’s heartland and scenic Southwest. The route features historic diners, quirky roadside attractions, and nostalgic signage. Not far off the path are must-sees such as the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.

Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive (North Carolina, Virginia)

This mountain parkway links Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. Stunning Appalachian vistas, overlooks, wildflowers, and fall foliage make it a favorite. You can extend the trip north on the Skyline Drive and take in nearby attractions, such as natural wonder Luray Caverns.

Florida Route 1

This iconic tropical drive spans over 100 miles from the vibrant energy of Miami to the laid-back charm of Key West, following U.S. Route 1 and the Overseas Highway. Travelers cross 42 bridges—most notably the Seven Mile Bridge—over turquoise waters and coral reefs.

Yellowstone and Teton Loop/Beartooth Highway (Wyoming, Montana)

The Yellowstone/Teton route offers wildlife, geysers, mountain peaks, and dramatic landscapes as you move through iconic national parks. Extend the trip on the Beartooth Highway between Yellowstone Park and Red Lodge, Montana, a spectacular alpine route peaking near 11,000 feet.

Cascade Loop Scenic Byway (Washington)

This circular route starting and ending near Seattle winds through the North Cascades, Puget Sound, and inland, featuring diverse and stunning landscapes, offering everything from alpine peaks and glacier-fed lakes to wine country and wild river valleys.

Cape Cod/Maine Coast

This route runs from the Cape’s tip, along sandy beaches, lighthouses, and charming enclaves, then heads north to Boston and port towns rich in colonial and seafaring history. Maine’s southern coast features beaches and foodie-favorite Portland. The mid-coast is dotted with quaint fishing villages, while Acadia National Park stuns with sweeping ocean and mountain views.

Great River Road (Along the Mississippi River)

This scenic byway spans 10 states along the Mississippi, offering historic homes, quirky river towns, cultural landmarks, Civil War battlefields, scenic riverbanks, and regional cuisine. There are multiple opportunities to get on the river, especially with riverboat cruises.

Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)

This route links Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, traversing a breathtaking stretch of southern Utah’s red rock country. The drive features hoodoos (shaped like totem poles), slickrock canyons, alpine forests, unique geological formations, and the famous “Hogsback” drive with steep drop‑offs and magnificent desert vistas.

Trail Ridge Road (Colorado)

This is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., topping out at over 12,000 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park, northwest of Denver. Highlights include panoramic views of the Continental Divide, alpine tundra, elk sightings, and sweeping overlooks. It’s easy to extend the route to make a large loop including nearby Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

Before you venture out contact a Westwood agent to review your auto insurance coverage to make sure your auto insurance is road-trip ready.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.