“There’s something special about hitting the open road and exploring all the incredible sights America has to offer,” says Danica Patrick, retired professional racecar driver and road trip enthusiast. She adds, “There are so many places to see in the U.S., all within reach by car. Best of all, you don’t have to drive very far… unless you want to.”

Keep reading to learn more about some of America’s best scenic routes and less-common landmarks that can make for memorable automotive voyages. Discover scenic spots along the Pacific Coast Highway, why the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a road, and all the best road trip locations in between.

“Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time road tripper, these drives will ignite the explorer within you,” Danica remarks. “Buckle up, start your engine, and hit the road.”

Pacific Coast Highway: California’s Iconic Drive

Exploring the Golden State by car starts with a journey along Pacific Coast Highway, also called PCH or Highway 1/SR1. Stretching from San Francisco to almost San Diego, this iconic route offers insightful views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and playful beaches. You can bypass California’s congested freeways in favor of slower-paced travel.

You can start your journey in San Francisco and heading south towards Los Angeles. Plan a stop at Big Sur to see how nature combines a dramatic coastline with a lush redwood forest. The Bixby Creek Bridge for its stunning views.

Back on the road, you’ll want to visit the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, followed by a stop at the historic Hearst Castle in San Simeon. For a look at inspiring more man-made creations, explore Santa Barbara’s vibrant artist community.

Continuing south, you’ll pass through storied Malibu, known for its welcoming sands and celebrity sightings. Towards the tail end of your PCH adventure, you’ll drive through the laid-back villages of Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. But don’t end things there; Highway 1 ends a bit further down the road at breathtaking Dana Point.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Appalachian Splendor

A memorable East Coast adventure awaits amid the rolling hills and vivid landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This striking 469-mile route meanders through the most picturesque parts of Virginia and North Carolina. Although the Blue Ridge Parkway can be traversed in one day, why would you want to? There’s so much to see and do along the way.

While you can enjoy the region during the changing fall foliage, any time is ideal for witnessing stunning vistas and enjoying outdoor activities. Some of her favorite stops along the way include the Peaks of Otter, where you can hike to scenic overlooks or explore Abbott Lake, and the Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that hugs the side of Grandfather Mountain.

Allow plenty of time to discover charming mountain towns along the route. Places like Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and other small villages offer a taste of Appalachian culture and local cuisine. If your tastes steer toward larger venues, Roanoke, Virginia, and Asheville, North Carolina, are excellent starting or stopping points.

Route 66: The Mother Road

Arguably, there’s no more iconic road trip than a journey along Route 66. ‘The Mother Road’ stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, crossing eight states and covering over 2,400 miles.

Route 66 is a step back in time thanks to its quirky attractions, vintage diners, quaint main streets, and eye-catching neon signs. These elements of a classic road trip are often replaced today by interstates and look-alike rest stops.

“Can’t miss” Route 66 outings include the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where you can see graffiti-covered Cadillacs half-buried in the ground, and the Painted Desert in Arizona, where the colorful rock formations create a surreal landscape.

Besides food for the eyes, there are plenty of opportunities to satisfy the stomach. Start with a deep-dish pizza in Chicago and gorge on Tex-Mex throughout the Southwest.

Great River Road: Following the Mighty Mississippi

Danica Patrick grew up in Wisconsin and Illinois, two of ten states touched by the waters of one of America’s mightiest waterways: the Mississippi River. The Great River Road is a 2,000-mile network of local and regional roadways that mirror the path of the Mississippi through the country’s heartland. Travel opportunities include passing through Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. You can also see more of North America by heading to Canada if a greater wanderlust spirit kicks in.

The adventure starts at the river’s headwaters in Minnesota and concludes near the Gulf of Mexico. There is a cultural significance to the animal-shaped pre-Columbian mounds constructed at what is now Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. Meanwhile, Illinois’s Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge offers a spectacular look at forests and wetlands. A stop to explore the antebellum mansions in Natchez, Mississippi, is a reminder of the diverse heritage of the Mississippi River Valley.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park’s Gem

The awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountains is the central attraction of a trip through Glacier National Park in Montana via the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This 50-mile route winds through the heart of the park, challenging drivers not to be distracted by towering peaks and picture-perfect meadows.

Logan Pass is the road’s highest point and an ideal starting point for a hike to stunning viewpoints. With luck, you’ll spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep climbing steep inclines without a care in the world. Lake McDonald is another park must-see. This crystal-clear alpine lake and surrounding majestic peaks are ready-made for Instagram.

To maximize your Glacier National Park experience, allow enough time to explore the numerous hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Some pre-visit homework will ensure you know exactly what to check out.

The Loneliest Road: Nevada’s US Route 50

Drive down “The Loneliest Road in America” for a more off-beat adventure. This 400-mile stretch of Nevada’s US Route 50 crosses some of the state’s most desolate and rugged terrain. Those used to more urban and suburban explorations will be reminded just how rugged the American West is.

Stopovers include the desert towns of Ely and Austin for hints of the Old West and an opportunity to try local vittles. There are also hidden gems to discover, like Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, which preserves ore processing ovens from Nevada’s silver rush days of the late 19th century. For a glimpse at more ancient times, take in the petroglyphs at Grimes Point Archaeological Area. These rock art pieces were created by Native Americans over 8,000 years ago.

Danica’s 6 Tips for a Successful Road Trip

Danica applies her years of experience in race preparations to getting ready for road trips. She shares some key insights for smoother travel and less eventful surprises.

1. Service Your Car: Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is up-to-date with its scheduled maintenance requirements. This includes checking that the brakes and tires are in good working order and that all the fluids are at the correct level. Consider an oil and filter change if it’s been a while since the last servicing.
2. Pack Smart: Bring the proper clothing and footwear for your journey. Even in the middle of summer, nighttime temperatures can dip to uncomfortable levels. That favorite pair of sandals might be fine for being in the car, but they’re the last thing you’ll want for hiking. Preparation also involves packing snacks and water so you’re fueled and ready to go.
3. Plan Ahead: Don’t leave road trip details to the last minute. Plan the route ahead of time and include alternatives in case of traffic delays or other disruptions. Importantly, make reservations in advance, which is critical during peak travel season.
4. Keep a Relaxed Schedule: Create a travel schedule that allows for stops and detours. Not only is there less stress from being flexible, but you’re more likely to head off the beaten path and discover a hidden gem or two.
5. Go Old School: While navigation systems and cell phones have made road trips easier and more convenient, it’s best not to rely entirely on technology. At a minimum, ensure you have a charger and an external battery pack for your phone. A paper map and printout of essential phone numbers can also be lifesavers. In addition, having cash on hand can be helpful, especially as some out-of-the-way attractions and businesses may not accept credit cards.
6. Prepare for the Unexpected: Be ready for a breakdown with an onboard emergency kit. At a minimum, you’ll want a flashlight, emergency flashers or flares, jumper cables, and gloves. Extra gear like first aid supplies, a fire extinguisher, a shovel, small towels, and a rain jacket can also be useful.

Scenic Drives and Extended Warranties: Peace of Mind on the Road

The ideal road trip is filled with pleasant memories and no unpleasant surprises. Unfortunately, every car is vulnerable to a breakdown. Long-distance travel adds more wear and tear, and summer or winter extreme temperatures increase the stress a vehicle endures.

An extended warranty (also called a vehicle service contract or auto protection plan) safeguards against car trouble, whether you’re traveling across town or the country. In particular, an Endurance vehicle protection plan is ideally suited for road trips. Every plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance (including towing coverage), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption protection.

The benefits continue with the freedom to choose from any ASE Certified repair facility, flexible payment options, and a 30-day free-look period with full refund access. Endurance also provides a year of Elite Benefits. Just pay a small enrollment fee to access tire repair and replacement services, key fob replacement, collision discounts, and other features.*

Learn all the Endurance auto protection options available for your car. Request a FREE email quote or check out the online store for instant price and plan information. For one-on-one help, call an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203.

Discover on-target resources via the Endurance blog, where you can find out about extended warranties, car care, DIY maintenance advice, car reviews, and more.