A long drive is the best way to experience all the USA has to offer, from its quaint small towns to its breathtaking national parks. Every corner of America has road-trip potential and we've picked the best route in every state. And, striking out from America's top cities, they're all doable in a long weekend. It's time to hit the road.

The 54-mile journey from Selma to Montgomery is one of the most poignant road trips you can take in the States, and the route between the two cities has been a National Historic Trail since 1996. It traces the journey of peaceful civil rights protestors, who marched from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery in 1965, in order to demand voting rights for African Americans. Trail markers stud the route as you head west along US-80.

The trail is steeped in Civil Rights history. In Selma, visit the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, where you’ll learn more about African Americans’ struggle for suffrage. You can also travel across Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of “Bloody Sunday” (7 March 1965), the fateful day upon which state troopers brutally attacked unarmed protestors as they marched. Eventually, you’ll reach Montgomery. Overnight here, then spend time exploring the Rosa Parks Museum and the Civil Rights Memorial Center.

Alaska doesn’t lend itself well to quick weekend jaunts, but the 112-mile journey south from Fairbanks to Healy will place you right at the gateway to Denali National Park. You’ll travel on the legendary George Parks Highway, which is a destination in itself, all snow-crowned peaks and wide open roads. Once you arrive in Healy (the journey will take you two hours at the very least), there are a handful of RV parks, hotels and restaurants.

The little town of Healy is only 11 miles from the entrance to Denali National Park, and local operators, such as Stampede Excursions, will take you on range of expeditions, from Northern Lights tours to ATV adventures. You can also follow the historic Stampede Trail, originally used as a route to the long-abandoned Stampede Mine. Today you can spot the so-called “Magic Bus”, where explorer Christopher McCandless perished in 1992 and which was famous in Sean Penn’s 2007 film Into the Wild.

The journey from state capital Phoenix to the stunning desert town of Sedona (pictured) offers plenty of the red-rock vistas Arizona is famous for – and it's easily doable in a weekend. The entire journey is around 116 miles and can be completed in two hours, though you’ll want to slow down and make some pit stops along the way. Before you strike out, spend some time exploring Phoenix, with its Desert Botanical Garden and epic hiking trails to Camelback Mountain.

From Phoenix you’ll head up I-17, known as the Black Canyon Freeway – as you move further north, the roads become narrower and quieter, with scrubland and hills dotted with cacti opening out on either side. Around halfway through your journey, stop at Black Canyon City, a former mining town and the gateway to the scenic Black Canyon Trail. Further on, visit the Montezuma Castle National Monument, a Sinagua cliff dwelling and NPS site (pictured). You’ll eventually spot Sedona’s fiery peaks from the road. Once you've arrived, head out into the wilderness on the many hiking and biking trails nearby and enjoy the town’s celebrated spas.

You’ll get the best of both worlds on this weekend road trip in the northwest of the Natural State: an urban adventure and a mighty dose of spectacular scenery. Beginning in the college city of Fayetteville, the 60-mile route slices through the Ozark National Forest on the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (pictured). The early part of the journey travels west on I-16, before joining AR-23 (the scenic byway) as it winds its way down towards Ozark, an underrated small town with an enviable location.

In Fayetteville, make time for the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (pictured), which includes a beautiful space dedicated to Arkansas’ native flora. The city has joined the farm-to-fork hype too, so you can fuel up with a wholesome breakfast or brunch before hitting the road. Embrace the hairpin bends and woodland scenery of the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, then finish up in Ozark (particularly beautiful when ablaze in autumn). This dinky town, filled with street art and antiques stores, also offers a perfect base for forest hikes and kayaking on the Mulberry River.

The Golden State has little shortage of road trips to choose from but, if you’re looking to whisk yourself away for a weekend, the hop from Los Angeles to Palm Springs (pictured) is a great option. Begin in the City of Angels, then head west on I-10 for just over 100 miles until you reach the glitzy desert city of Palm Springs. Rugged peaks and desert scrub flanks the road as you move closer to your final destination.

The drive from city to city takes around one hour 45 minutes, but there are plenty of attractions en route than will slow you down. There’s the Cabazon Dinosaurs (pictured), a quirky roadside amusement famed for its giant robotic dinosaurs. There’s also the San Gorgonio Pass, a particularly striking stretch of roadway with mountain views and a large wind farm. Spend the night in Palm Springs, famed for its resorts, and take a ride on the aerial tramway for incredible views of the city and beyond.

Travel from the Mile High City, with its mountain views and artsy vibe, to outdoorsy Colorado Springs on an 80-mile journey through the centre of the state. The quickest route is to strike south down I-25 but, if you opt for I-83 instead, you’ll cut right through Castlewood Canyon State Park. If you plump for the latter, expect lush expanses of greenery giving way to striking grey rockscapes and fewer cars on the road.

Once you’ve explored Denver’s cool art museums (we recommend the Clyfford Still Museum) and discovered the food halls and murals of the hip RiNo district, head south. Around an hour into your journey, you can stretch your legs on a hike through Castlewood Canyon State Park, with its mile of trails and its natural rocky amphitheatre. Yet more outdoor adventure awaits in Colorado Springs too. Drink in the striking rock formations at the Garden of the Gods Park and, if you’re feeling adventurous, hike to the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak.

If it’s a classic slice of New England you’re after, this road trip through western and northwestern Connecticut delivers. Beginning in the leafy city of Waterbury, this route strikes out on the Yankee Expressway before spooling north on Route 67 towards New Milford (pictured). Once you reach this little town, the road itself becomes the star. Here you’ll join Connecticut’s Route 7, which follows the path of the Housatonic River up towards Canaan.

A popular leaf-peeping trip, Route 7, studded with state parks and waterfalls, is certainly easy on the eye. Refresh in the charming small town of Kent, and pay a visit to Kent Falls State Park, with its historic covered bridge and photogenic cascade (pictured). Further on, Housatonic Meadows State Park is a top spot for camping and water sports. Finish up in Canaan, whose top attraction is the Great Falls, an impressive curtain of water 10 minutes from the town.

When you’re planning a road trip, Delaware might not be the first place that springs to mind – but, in fact, there are numerous scenic routes that show off the best of what the state has to offer. Travel some 50 miles south from New Castle to Dover (the state capital, pictured) on the Route 9 Coastal Heritage Scenic Byway. You’ll slice through multiple wildlife refuges and be rewarded with glorious views of the Delaware River.

Top stops along the way include the sprawling Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (pictured), whose tidal salt marshes are home to abundant birdlife. Visitors can choose between a 12-mile designated wildlife drive or one of the five hiking trails. Once in New Castle, make a beeline for the First State National Historical Park – beyond the leafy hiking trails, the park explores Delaware’s history as the first state to sign the constitution.

The Sunshine State offers endless adventures for the road tripper, but for a relaxing weekend escape from Miami, nothing beats a tour along Florida’s A1A. Doable in a weekend is the 70-mile trip between Miami and well-heeled Palm Beach (pictured), with its upmarket hotels and gorgeous sandy beaches. Along the way expect breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean and lots of scenic pit stops.

En route, beach fiends will find plenty of places to flop on the sand. We recommend unspoiled Fort Lauderdale Beach, with its laid-back sidewalk cafés and its opportunities for jet-skiing, snorkelling and more. Nearby, another scenic stop is Lighthouse Point, named after the striking Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse (pictured). Finally relax in Palm Beach, with yet more sandy strands, plus upscale shopping and grand historic resorts.

To experience a slice of the Georgia coast, follow US-17 south from the Spanish-moss cloaked city of Savannah (pictured) to idyllic Jekyll Island. While the quickest journey is straight down I-95, US-17, aptly known as the Coastal Highway, makes for a much more picturesque and quieter drive. This stretch is around 100 miles, and you’ll be on the road for at least two hours, not including some scenic stops along the way.

For a true taste of Southern charm, stay a while in Savannah: the oldest city in Georgia. It’s filled with thought-provoking museums and historic homes, such as the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. Once on the road, there are plenty of worthwhile stops along the coastal route, such as the little city of Darien, home to the fascinating Fort King George State Historic Site. Wrap up your oceanside odyssey in Jekyll Island for unique sandy strands like Driftwood Beach (pictured) and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

When it comes to planning road trips, travellers often eschew Hawaii (not least because it’s the only state you can’t drive to). But there are still plenty of stunning routes to be enjoyed. A favourite is the Kamehameha Highway (pictured). This route takes adventurous road trippers from buzzing Honolulu to the more remote beaches and towns of Hawaii’s North Shore. The city of Pūpūkea is around 45 miles from the capital, and the trip involves just over an hour of driving time.

Jaw-dropping ocean vistas, which open out as you travel along the Kamehameha Highway, are the true draw of this road trip. But there are other highlights along the way too. Thrill-seekers will love the Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling nature reserve offering zip-line canopy tours. Your final destination is Pūpūkea, whose top attractions include the wonderful surf at Sunset Beach (pictured) and the native history and natural beauty of the Waimea Valley.

Mighty Yellowstone National Park seeps into the east of this state, but Idaho has much more natural beauty beyond. If you’re after an easy weekend trip from capital Boise (pictured), set your sights on Bruneau. Travelling on I-84 and ID-51, you’ll traverse some 64 miles and, if you choose not to stop along the way, you’ll reach your final destination in a little over an hour.

The route becomes more scenic the further south you push, with wide, open roads travelling through conservation areas and across Snake River. Park up in the underrated Bruneau Dunes State Park – this spot boasts the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America (at 470 feet) and is also home to the Bruneau Dunes Observatory. For a true adventure, pitch up a tent and camp within the park.

Few road trips are more legendary than Route 66 and Illinois is a great place to experience a portion of it. The journey from Chicago to Collinsville is around 300 miles, and a continuous drive would take you around five hours one way. However, we recommend allowing a long weekend for this one, and breaking up the route with a night in state capital Springfield. This way you’ll have more time to soak up the kitsch attractions along the way.

Once you’ve enjoyed the big sights of the Windy City (be sure to spot the famed Route 66 sign downtown), the open road will be calling. To learn about the history of the “Mother Road”, pore over memorabilia in Pontiac’s Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum (pictured), around 100 miles in. In Springfield, look out for kitsch slices of Americana like the Cozy Dog Drive In, a drive-in-cum-Route-66-museum perfect for a refreshment. Finish in Collinsville, close to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

Lovers of the outdoors will appreciate this 80-mile trip from Indianapolis to the city of Bedford. Heading south from the state capital, the route will mostly keep you on I-69 and verdant IN-37. To make the route even more pretty, though, you can take a detour through Morgan-Monroe State Forest on tree-hemmed Old State Road 37 (pictured). The scenic route involves just under two hours of driving time.

The Old State Road passes by a gateway to the Three Lakes Trail in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Park up and take to the 10-mile path past Bryant Creek Lake and Cherry Lake (the third lake, Beanblossom Lake, is now drained). After you’ve stretched your legs, continue down to Bedford, where you’ll find yet more natural wonders. Highlights include the caves of the Bluespring Caverns Park and hiking trails in the Hoosier National Forest – the views from the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower (pictured) are particularly impressive. 

If you want your road trip bookended with two exciting city breaks, then this Des Moines–Cedar Rapids route is for you. It’s a two-hour, 130-mile jaunt west of the state capital (pictured) and you’ll travel straight along I-80. Setting aside a long weekend means you can enjoy some pit stops along the way and have ample time to soak up the sights of your buzzing final destination: Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second city.

A fun family detour is Trainland USA, a model railway and railroad museum in the small city of Colfax. Closer to Cedar Rapids, there’s also the Hawkeye State Wildlife Area, a popular bird-watching spot. But the real jewel in this road trip’s crown is Cedar Rapids itself (pictured), a city currently undergoing a $1.5-billion (£1.15bn) facelift. Check out American works at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and catch a show at the historic Paramount Theatre.

Joining up two of the Sunflower State’s top cities, the route from Wichita (pictured) to Kansas City is some 256 miles and involves around four hours on the road. Much of the central part of the journey passes on bucolic open roads, flanked either side with lush prairies and passing by dinky historic towns like Florence. You’ll eventually wind up in Kansas City, with its barbecue joints and fun family attractions.

A must-stop spot along the route is the quaint Kansas town of Wamego, which has oodles of attractions dedicated to 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, famously set in Kansas. Explore the magical Oz Museum (pictured) with its movie posters and costumes or even time your road trip for October when OZtoberFest is in full swing. There’s no place like Wamego, but if you can pull yourself away, return to I-70 and push on east to Kansas City. A highlight here is the Avenue of Murals, where colourful street art covers a four-block area.

There’s plenty to see along the Kentucky stretch of I-64, which links up the bustling cities of Louisville (pictured) and Lexington. The entire stretch is around 78 miles and one hour 20 minutes of driving time, but it’s worth drawing out your trip to see more of what Kentucky has to offer. Plenty of stops along the celebrated Kentucky Bourbon trail are a short detour from the main road, such as the artisanal Woodford Reserve Distillery (just make sure you have a designated driver).

If you’ve got little ones in tow, begin with a trip to the Louisville Mega Cavern, whose underground zip-line is sure to be a hit. Next, strike out east towards Frankfort. A top destination for history buffs, the Kentucky capital boasts the fascinating Kentucky History Center and Museums and, of course, the mighty capitol building (pictured). Another Bourbon Trail-approved distillery (Town Branch) awaits in Lexington. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World”, this city is also right in the middle of picturesque Horse Country.

Louisiana’s Great River Road follows the arches of the Mississippi River for some 70 miles between New Orleans and Baton Rouge (pictured). Aside from linking up two of the state’s most popular cities, the route is characterised by striking plantation houses and plenty of breathtaking views of the so-called “Big Muddy”.

Begin by soaking in the sights and sounds of the Big Easy, then hit the road. Popular stops along the way include the Destrehan Plantation (pictured), thought to be the oldest plantation home in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Exhibits at this site include the quarters of the enslaved peoples who lived here, and guided tours run most days. Also worth a visit en route is the poignant River Road African American Museum. Finally finish up in the often underrated city of Baton Rouge.

This seaside road trip travels up Coastal Route 1, offering plenty of glorious views and passing through many of Maine's prettiest oceanside towns. Begin in Portland, a laid-back city with plenty of maritime history, before travelling the 104 miles north along the coast towards the chilled-out town of Belfast (pictured), which looks over picturesque Belfast Bay. Expect at least two hours 30 minutes on the road, plus stops in cool coastal towns along the way.

Spend at least a day in Portland, before heading out along the coast. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses over the ocean and, if you’re travelling in fall, for the fiery foliage all around. Be sure to stop in Rockland, the perfect spot to tuck into a fresh lobster roll. Then, a little further north is Camden (pictured), with its quirky downtown area and harbour. Finally, rest your head in Belfast, a great base for exploring Moose Point State Park.

Stretching from the state capital of Annapolis (pictured) to Huntingtown, this road trip follows the scenic Roots and Tides Byway, and explores a great swathe of Chesapeake Bay. The byway spools out for around 47 miles, travelling along the coast and amounting to around one hour 30 minutes of driving time. As you push on south the route is studded with views of the water and historic spots to park up.

A pleasant place to stop is the Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater: the site includes flower-filled grounds and historic structures dating back to the 18th century. Carry on south and you’ll come to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, with its walking and canoeing trails and family-orientated ‘Science Saturday’ events. Round off your journey with a trip to Breezy Point Beach or Kings Landing Park (pictured) near Huntingtown.

Massachusetts has a lot to offer the road tripper, from leaf-peeping adventures to epic coastal odysseys. This 123-mile route falls in the latter camp, leaving buzzing Boston for Provincetown, and the celebrated coastline of Cape Cod. While you set out from I-93, you’ll travel most of this route on Route 3 (Pilgrims Highway), before finally passing onto Route 6 for the last leg of your journey through picturesque Cape Cod.

Beautiful Provincetown is at the very northern tip of Cape Cod, so you can explore many of the peninsula’s top attractions along the way. Postcard-worthy towns like Chatham are a great place to park up or even spend the night. The principal draw, though, is the Cape Cod National Seashore, with its champagne beaches (such as the popular Herring Cove Beach, pictured), historic lighthouses and seasonal ranger programmes.

While some road trips are all about the journey, this one really is about the destination. Travelling mainly on I-94, you’ll cut right through southern Michigan, ending up in the glorious Lake Michigan town of Saugatuck. The journey takes you 200 miles west and eats up around three hours, though a few pleasant stops along the way will give you a chance to blow off the cobwebs.

If you fancy it, take a short detour to the cool student city of Ann Arbor – the famed Zingerman’s Deli is a great place to grab some lunch. The most scenic stretch of the journey is along M-89, which cuts across the Kalamazoo River and is fringed by lush woodland and studded with neat houses. In Saugatuck, it’s all about relaxation and outdoor adventure: enjoy sandy strands like Oval Beach (pictured) and hike in the Saugatuck Dunes State Park.

It’s best to do this long-weekend road trip in two parts. The first half is less scenic as you travel around two hours 15 minutes on the I-35 from Minneapolis to Duluth. The second half more than makes up for it, though. Having overnighted in Duluth, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas along the Minnesota State Highway 61 (pictured) as you travel on up the North Shore to Grand Marais. Be sure to keep your eyes on the road as views of Lake Superior open out along the 110-mile route.

When it comes to scenic spots along the North Shore, you’ll be spoiled for choice, but ever a crowd-pleaser is the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (pictured). Aside from its majestic cliff-top lighthouse, the park has opportunities for wildlife viewing and around three miles of hiking trails along the lakeshore. Whether you’re after a campground or a cabin, you’ll find plenty of places to overnight in the Grand Marais area.

Beginning in Jackson, Mississippi’s capital, this route explores some of the state’s rich musical heritage, travelling as it does just over 200 miles on Highway 61, dubbed the Blues Highway. Though this music-rich journey involves under four hours on the road, you’ll need a long weekend at least to soak up the sights and sounds of this trail. From Jackson head west to Vicksburg, where you can join the Blues Highway.

Vicksburg is home to the Blue Room, a legendary night spot that played host to the likes of Louis Armstrong. Next, head north on the Highway to reach the Highway 61 Blues Museum in Leland, with its large store of musical memorabilia. Clarksdale is home to the much-photographed Devil’s Crossroad (pictured), where legend has it blues artist Robert Leroy Johnson sold his soul to the devil. The last stop is Tunica, best known for its casinos and the Gateway to the Blues Museum.

An easy weekend escape from the bustling city of Springfield, picturesque Camdenton is often billed as the “Hub City of Lake of the Ozarks" (pictured). The little Ozarks city is reached by a pleasant 75-mile drive, much of which is along bucolic MO-73, and you can be in Camdenton within one hour 30 minutes. If you need to stop along the way, Buffalo has a handful of no-frills spots for a quick bite.

The starting point for this short getaway, Springfield is worth exploring. Here, Fantastic Caverns, who offers cave tours via a jeep-drawn tram, are bound to get the kids excited. Once you’ve made it to Camdenton, Missouri’s backyard welcomes you in all its glory. Visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park, with the incredible ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle (pictured), and make a splash with some water sports on the Lake of the Ozarks.

You don’t have to look too hard to find a great road trip in Montana and the beautiful journey from Bozeman down south to West Yellowstone is one of them. On your 90-mile journey, you’ll travel on US-191, a wonderfully scenic route flanked by peaks carpeted with evergreen trees. On the way, you’ll whip past the ski resorts of Big Sky (pictured) and, at one point, you’ll even slip across the border into Wyoming.

Keen hikers will be glad to know that this attractive route passes several trailheads close to Yellowstone National Park. These include access to the west side of the Fawn Pass trail, an 18-mile round-trip route with views of verdant meadows and the Gallatin River (watch out for bears). West Yellowstone is known as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park itself (check the NPS website as the roads are open seasonally) and also for the fascinating Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center (pictured).

Nebraska often flies under the radar, but this rewarding road trip proves that the so-called Cornhusker State has plenty to offer. The route begins in Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, and follows the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway (US Highway 75) for around 100 miles to reach South Sioux City, another Nebraskan metropolis. Running adjacent to the Missouri River, the route is named after army commanders Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who led an expedition in this region and beyond in the early 19th century.

The road itself is extremely picturesque in parts, passing manicured farmland and lakes and rivers. Around halfway through the route, take a quick detour and get some fresh air in the beautiful Summit Lake State Recreation Area and grab some lunch in the small town of Tekamah. End your drive in South Sioux City, where Crystal Cove Park (pictured) with its glassy lake and hiking trails, is a pleasant place for a stroll.

The red rocks of the Valley of Fire State Park, near Overton, feel worlds apart from the bright lights and bustle of Sin City – but actually, they’re less than 70 miles away. Travel out from Vegas on I-15 then, for added drama, join the Valley of Fire Highway. This epic road cuts right through the red-rock formations that give the Valley of Fire its name. From here, you can take the picturesque Northshore Road up to the Overton area, where there are a few hotels and RV parks. Best of all, though, you could set up camp within the state park itself.

This area is ripe for an adventure and having your car in tow means you can access the best of it. Numerous trails weave through the Valley of Fire State Park, including the mile-long Rainbow Vista route, which shows off some of the park’s most impressive rock formations. Also on the doorstep is the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, perfect for kayakers, bikers and backcountry hikers.

Best travelled in the fall, this road-trip route takes the long way from the Strafford County city of Dover to the White Mountain town of Lincoln. The first stretch of the journey pushes north on NH-16, until you reach Conway, a small town close to Echo Lake State Park. From Conway, the driver is rewarded with stunning views as they travel on the famed Kancamagus Highway (pictured) through dense White Mountain forest to reach Lincoln.

Unsurprisingly, the route attracts plenty of leaf-peepers in autumn, though it’s just as pretty in spring or summer, or when dusted with snow in winter. The road follows the path of the Swift River and hiking trails peel off the road and into the forest – great stop offs include Lower Falls (pictured), a large cascade and pool popular with swimmers. The final stop, Lincoln is close to the Loon Mountain ski resort, while big and little kids alike will love Alpine Adventures, a park with high ropes, zip-lines and more.

Experience the best of New Jersey’s coast with a trip from Atlantic City to Cape May. You’ll travel southwest in line with the coast for around 45 miles and, if you don’t stop along the way, you’ll only rack up an hour of driving time. The main drags of the route travel on the aptly named Atlantic Avenue and the Garden State Parkway.

Begin by spending a while in feel-good Atlantic City, famed for its buzzy boardwalk, casinos and steel pier. Once you’re out of the city proper, quirky roadside attractions pop up along the route, such as Lucy the Elephant, a mammoth model elephant in Margate City (pictured). The city of Cape May sits at the southern tip of the Cape May peninsula. Before you reach the city, you’ll hit attractions such as the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge with its beaches, dunes and marshes.

The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway is a striking route that travels out from Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, up to the high-desert town of Taos. You’ll travel around 80 miles and, while the route can be completed in around two hours, it’s well worth taking your time, visiting little mountain villages and taking in fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture along the way.

A fascinating stop is the Picuris Pueblo, New Mexico’s smallest pueblo, whose riverside setting makes it particularly picturesque. Other highlights include the little villages of Chimayó (pictured), Talpa and Ranchos de Taos, all home to stunning historic churches. Finally, you’ll reach Taos, with its famous pueblo and photogenic historic district.

Those keen to escape the buzz of the Big Apple for a weekend can take a road trip from New York City up to Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains. It’s a longer trip at 200 miles, and you'll spend just under four hours on the Taconic State Parkway (pictured) and I-87 (the Adirondack Northway). But, especially if you travel in the fall, the spectacular views of forests and peaks will have you wishing you had even longer on the road.

If you're still dreaming of the open road once you’ve reached Lake George, you can also take to the scenic Route 9N. This breathtaking road loops some 32 miles around the edge of Lake George (pictured), granting amazing waterside views. Once you’ve finally parked up, keep busy with kayaking and canoeing, and follow the three-mile trail to Prospect Mountain.

Experience two of North Carolina’s top cities in one long weekend trip on this Charlotte to Asheville route. Begin in Charlotte, the state’s largest city, then strike west on I-85 and US-74 – the entire journey spans around 124 miles and should take you just over two hours. The route becomes prettier as you move up towards Asheville, even crossing paths with the Blue Ridge Parkway, with forested hills on either side.

Make time for some interesting stops along the way, including the quaint town of Columbus, in the middle of North Carolina’s wine country. Explore some of the local vineyards, grab lunch or dinner, and even overnight here. Next, push on to Asheville, a cool mountain city crammed with breweries, chef-driven restaurants and quirky indie galleries. Also schedule in the short drive to the Biltmore Estate (pictured), a sprawling mansion built for George Vanderbilt and dubbed “America’s largest home”.

Heading out from the state capital of Bismark, this road trip takes you out west to the North Dakota badlands. The route runs for just over 130 miles, and involves two hours of driving time, though you’ll sweep by some wonderful attractions on the way. Eventually you’ll reach Medora, a little badlands town and the perfect base for exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, with its vast plains and hoodoos (pictured).

Stop to snap photos of quirky roadside amusements like Salem Sue, a mammoth cow sculpture erected in the 1970s. Also worth a detour are the sculptures of the Enchanted Highway (Exit 72 on I-94), as well as the fascinating Badlands Dinosaur Museum a little further west in Dickinson. Medora has charms aplenty too, from live music events to laid-back restaurants. Make your base here, then drive the 36-mile scenic loop through Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured).

Travel south from the vibrant city of Cleveland right down to the quaint Hocking Hills city of Logan. You can also break up the 190 miles and the near three hours of driving time with an overnight stay in the state capital of Columbus (pictured). Travel in the fall, when the entire route is hemmed with trees in orange, crimson and ochre – the road becomes even more beautiful on the approach to Logan.

If you choose to visit Columbus, spend a sunny afternoon in the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which has plenty of family-friendly attractions. Once you’ve left the city, numerous picturesque wineries pepper the route down to Logan through the Hocking Hills region, including the family-owned Hocking Hills Winery. Make a pit stop here, before continuing down to Logan and Hocking Hills State Park (pictured), laced with natural wonders like caves and waterfalls. 

If you can’t decide between a city break and a wildlife-watching adventure, this Oklahoma route is for you. Start by exploring the state capital of Oklahoma City, then make the 87-mile journey down to Lawton (this should take you around one hour 30 minutes). As well as having a handful of absorbing attractions itself, Lawton is a great base for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (pictured), just another half-hour drive away.

A top draw of Lawton is the Museum of the Great Plains (pictured), an interactive museum that delves into the human history of this region. Once you’ve soaked in the displays, enjoy some wildlife viewing in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This flora and fauna-rich expanse is home to prairie dogs, bison, Rocky Mountain elk and more. Take to one of the 16 hiking trails and, if you prefer, you can camp in designated areas of the refuge itself.

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is arguably the most beautiful road in Oregon, and this 137-mile route travels a great stretch of it. Leave cool Portland behind on US-26 and head west until you reach the windswept coastal city of Garibaldi. From here, you can head north up the coast on scenic US-101 until you reach the river city of Astoria. Without stops, the route involves some three hours of driving time.

There are countless fantastic stop-offs along the byway and you could easily spend weeks travelling up this stretch of the coast. From the road you’ll see incredible views of the ocean, plus craggy cliffs and rugged shores. On a weekend break, prioritise Ecola State Park. Here miles of hiking trails take in lush Sitka forest, sandy beaches and imposing sea stacks. One of the most striking views is of Haystack Rock from golden Cannon Beach (pictured).

You’ll take in a world-renowned city, a cool suburb and a bucolic slice of Pennsylvania on this 100-mile route, which involves just over two hours in the car. You’ll head out of Philly on the I-95 and eventually travel a stretch on the much more scenic PA-32 (the River Road), which hugs the Delaware River. Spend some time in the little town of New Hope in Bucks County (pictured), before travelling on north to Stroudsburg in the picturesque Poconos region.

While it may be hard to tear yourself away from the City of Brotherly Love, New Hope, just north of Philadelphia, is well worth stopping for. The cool town has gained attention on account of its progressive art scene, eclectic shopping and cosmopolitan vibe. Stroudsburg, meanwhile, is your gateway to the outdoor adventure of the Pocono Mountains and the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (pictured).

Making the most of US-1, this coastal itinerary travels from the state capital of Providence down to the Aquidneck Island city of Newport, with its historic mansions and lighthouses (pictured). The journey is easily doable in a weekend, with only 32 miles of travel and around an hour on the road. Don’t rush it, though. Instead, lap up views of Narragansett Bay as they appear and make stop offs in spots like the coastal town of Jamestown, which sprawls across Conanicut Island.

Laid-back Jamestown has a distinctly different vibe to buzzy Newport. Pass an afternoon here, relaxing on beaches such as pristine Mackerel Cove and exploring Beavertail State Park, a rugged, coastal site with a fascinating lighthouse museum. Next, head to Newport, where top attractions including the pretty harbour and The Breakers (pictured), a grand Vanderbilt mansion dating to the 1890s.

If you’re hoping for a coastal road trip oozing with Southern charm then follow US-17 through South Carolina from sultry Charleston to the lesser-touristed city of Beaufort (pictured). The route spans about 70 miles and a non-stop drive will take you around one hour 30 minutes. However, it’s a perfect opportunity to slow down and explore some of South Carolina’s breathtaking Sea Islands.

A worthwhile detour is Edisto Island. An area of lush natural beauty, it's home to the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve with its unspoiled beaches and wetlands (pictured), as well as the wildlife-rich Edisto Beach State Park. Your final destination, Beaufort is beloved for its antebellum architecture and its live oaks dripping in Spanish moss. Time your trip for the Beaufort Shrimp Festival, which takes place every fall.

This road trip route travels between two of South Dakota’s top cities, and takes you through some of the state’s most spectacular scenery too. You could head straight down SD-79, but it’s best to take the long way and slice through Custer State Park. After leaving Rapid City via US-16, you can eventually join South Dakota’s storied Needles Highway (part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway), with its bizarre rock formations and narrow tunnels.

While Hot Springs is a fabulous city, the real star of this journey is the road. Stop at the scenic overlooks along Needles Highway and at the Mount Coolidge Lookout too. You’ll also be in easy reach of trail heads for routes such as the Stockade Lake Trail, while the Mount Rushmore National Monument is an easy detour. As its name suggests, Hot Springs is famed for its natural springs and provides easy access to Wind Cave National Park and the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary (pictured).

These musical cities are just over three hours apart, so you can easily plan a long-weekend escape from capital Nashville to Memphis (pictured) or vice versa. Mainly on the stretch of I-40 billed as Music Highway, you’ll travel just over 200 miles, ideally blasting country tunes all the way. While the cities really are the crowning jewels here, nature lovers will appreciate a stop at the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is another worthwhile stop. An ideal place to break up your journey, the centre includes the West Tennessee Music Museum and the Tina Turner Museum, housed in the Flagg Grove schoolhouse attended by the young singer (pictured). Once you arrive in Memphis, continue the musical theme by exploring Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home, and catching some live music on Beale Street.

Starting out in state capital Austin, one of Texas’ coolest cities, this route beats a path west on US-290 to take in Fredericksburg (pictured), in the heart of Texas Hill Country. It’s around one hour 30 minutes and just under 80 miles between these two enchanting cities and you’ll be travelling through Texan wine country too. In fact, given the abundance of wineries, the stretch of US-290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg is known as Wine Road 290.

Wineries along this scenic portion of the route include the Hye Meadow Winery, which has grape-stomping events in summer. Further west, in Stonewall, there’s pretty Woodrose Winery too. If you’re travelling in spring, also look out for fields of bluebonnets, like this one near Fredericksburg. Once you’re in Fredericksburg proper, there are more wineries still, plus you can wander around the well-preserved Historic District downtown.

Travel west from Salt Lake City and you’ll be granted wonderful views of the Great Salt Lake (pictured). The path from Utah’s state capital to the little touristed city of Wendover is around 120 miles on I-80 and involves around one hour 45 minutes on the road. Most scenic of all is an early stretch of the route that hugs the salt lake. There are designated viewing areas here, where you can come off the main road, park up and drink in the view.

There are a handful of picturesque spots that make for epic detours – these include Antelope Island with its roaming bison and stunning views. Once you hit the road again, on the approach to Wendover, the landscape is lunar, with more stark salt pans and lakes. The city itself sits right on the border with Nevada and is a good base from which to explore Danger Cave State Historical Monument, an area of rich archeological history.

Following Vermont’s Scenic Route 100 Byway (pictured), this New England road trip winds from the northern town of Stowe to Weston in Windsor County. While each town has charms aplenty, the road itself steals the show. Even more impressive in the fall, it clings to the eastern edge of the Green Mountains. You’ll drive for around 100 miles and without any pit stops you can complete the route in under two hours 30 minutes.

There’s no shortage of charming places to park up along the way. The small town of Rochester is a pleasant spot for some lunch and trails through the Green Mountain National Forest leave from here. Weston oozes small-town charm too. Describing itself as “a jewel to be found”, it's home to the state’s oldest professional theatre company (the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company) and the popular Vermont Country Store (pictured). It's also surrounded by hiking trails and is close to seven ski resorts.

The trip from the city of Waynesboro to Front Royal cuts right through Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, following the breathtaking Skyline Drive. The entire drive is around 105 miles and it should take around three hours to travel from south to north. Trailheads leading to wooded hiking routes and numerous scenic overlooks are spaced along the road.

You could spend an entire day traversing this single road. Trees, lush in spring and summer and burning in fall, line the route, and wildlife such as black bears and deer may well amble across your path. Popular scenic stops include the Range View Overlook with beautiful vistas across the Blue Ridge Mountains, while the Dickey Ridge Loop is a favoured hiking trail. Be sure to check conditions before you head out, as Skyline Drive is closed during periods of bad weather.

This road trip takes drivers right through the Cascades, as they head east from the well-touristed city of Seattle to the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth. You’ll travel along the high-elevation Stevens Pass Highway (US-2), which follows the arch of the Skykomish River, passing ski resorts and trailheads. The trip is around 120 glorious miles and involves at least two hours 20 minutes of driving time.

The road is a destination in itself, with the Cascades’ wooded peaks rising all around, and there are plenty of cabins and camping spots along the route. If you fancy stopping for a hike, the 2.5-mile Skyline Lake trail is a strenuous but stunning route, offering views of the surrounding ski areas. You’ll be enchanted by Leavenworth, your final destination too: this curious European-style town has its own Oktoberfest in the fall and a popular ale festival in spring.

Beginning in Fairmont, this route to Harman travels via the small city of Thomas, where you’ll join the scenic Route 32 (pictured), which carves its way through the Canaan Valley. The trip needs at least two hours and 10 minutes of driving time and you’ll voyage through 85 miles of green scenery, punctured by pocket-sized towns. 

Check out the eeriest abandoned attraction to visit in every state and DC

This route is perfect for outdoorsy types as it passes by the Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Here 18 miles of trails reveal the preserve’s wildlife and wildflowers, while in winter, the park draws skiers and ice-skaters. There’s also Blackwater Falls State Park, named after a 57-foot watery cascade (pictured), unique for its orange hue. Route 32 trails off in Harman, and you’ll find plenty of cabins and campgrounds around the area.

It’s around 140 miles from the throbbing city of Milwaukee to Sturgeon Bay and the outdoor adventure paradise that is Door County. Door County is nestled away in the northern “thumb” of Wisconsin, and is fringed by 300 miles of lake shoreline. The waterside city of Sturgeon Bay is a great springboard for exploring the area and you can be there in around two hours and 30 minutes on I-43 and WI-42. The road roughly follows the curve of Lake Michigan so keep an eye peeled for glimpses of the water.

Sturgeon Bay’s waterfront is home to the Door County Maritime Museum, which celebrates the area’s connection to the sea. A half-hour drive north on WI-57 and you’ll reach Baileys Harbor. Here, Door County’s natural beauty really comes to the fore. Explore The Ridges Sanctuary, home to some 500 species of plant, and drink in views of Lake Michigan from Toft Point. Sister Bay is Door County’s best spot for a top-notch dinner.

You’ll definitely need a long weekend for this one, but the legendary views along US Highway 26 and US Highway 191 (pictured) make up for the long journey. Soak up the sights of Casper before heading west, through Boysen State Park and past the Wind River Indian Reservation. Then, follow Snake River on Highway 191 through a swathe of Grand Teton National Park. The entire drive is 278 miles and will take you about four hours and 40 minutes.

For things to do, where to stay and what to eat in northern Wyoming, see our guide.

Whatever the season, you’ll be perfectly placed for an adventure. Highway 191 is open through the winter and the Jackson Hole area is popular with skiers, snowmobilers and sledders. You can also take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. Grand Teton National Park is open year-round (though check for seasonal road closures) and the Jenny Lake Trail (pictured) is one of the most picturesque hiking routes. 

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