Ready for a great American road trip?
Scenic highways, long interstates and quirky stops make road trips an American tradition. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- A stretch of US Route 129 at Deals Gap on the Tennessee–North Carolina border has 318 curves in just 11 miles. Nicknamed the Tail of the Dragon, it attracts motorcyclists and sports car drivers from across the country.
- Wall Drug, a store in the small town of Wall, South Dakota, became famous by offering free ice water to hot, thirsty travelers in the 1930s. Its roadside signs now appear hundreds of miles away.
- Cawker City, Kansas, is home to one of the world's largest balls of twine, which visitors are invited to add to. The town holds a yearly twine-a-thon to keep it growing.
Planning a classic American road trip
Road trips are part of American culture. The country's size, its variety of landscapes and a vast network of highways make driving one of the best ways to explore it. From coastal drives to mountain parkways and desert highways, each route offers a different side of the United States, along with small towns, diners and quirky roadside attractions.
The interstate system
The Interstate Highway System, begun in 1956, connects nearly every major city in the country. It covers about 48,000 miles, and its consistent numbering and signs make it easy to navigate across many states.
Scenic byways
Many of the most beautiful drives are not interstates. The federal Scenic Byways program recognizes roads with outstanding scenery, history or culture, and states add their own scenic routes, often marked with special signs.
Distances are big
Distances in the US can surprise visitors. Driving coast to coast takes at least four to five days of steady travel, and some western stretches have long gaps between gas stations, so planning fuel and rest stops matters.
National parks by car
Many road trips link national parks. In the Southwest, travelers often combine the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches in a single loop, while others drive between Yellowstone and Glacier in the northern Rockies.
Food on the road
Diners, barbecue joints and regional specialties are highlights of any road trip. Trying local dishes, from green chile in New Mexico to fresh seafood on the coasts, helps travelers experience each region's character.
Driving safely
Long drives are tiring, so experts recommend regular breaks. Mountain roads can close in winter, and desert heat can be dangerous in summer, so checking road conditions and carrying water are good habits.
Quirky roadside stops
Part of the fun of a road trip is stopping at unusual attractions. Giant statues, record-breaking objects and themed diners line many American highways, and some small towns depend on travelers who stop to take photos and buy souvenirs.