Are you ready to hit the open road and explore Mother Nature at her finest? The world is your oyster, so take advantage of America’s charming small towns and majestic scenery. From national parks to luscious beaches, the options are endless. Here are the eight best U.S. road trips for family fun and long-lasting memories.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Channel your inner John Denver by driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina. It’s a must-visit highway in the fall, taking you from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rolling hills, rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes highlight the Blue Ridge Parkway and offer postcard-worthy views.

While driving is the focus, you can stop at scenic hiking trails. From Crabtree Falls to Boone Fork, you have numerous options for outdoor activities. Prioritize stops at Mabry Mill and Blue Ridge Music Center to learn more about Appalachian culture.

2. Utah’s Mighty 5

Utah is an outdoor lover’s dream, thanks to the towering Wasatch Mountains and the salt flats. The Beehive State is famous for its national parks, and the Mighty 5 road trip lets you see these unforgettable sights. The recreational areas include Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands.

Traveling through these national parks lets you experience Utah’s varying terrain. The towering sandstones of Arches and the dramatic cliffs of Capitol Reef provide fun days on your road trip. While five parks can be challenging, three are accessible from Salt Lake City and Moab. Meanwhile, Bryce Canyon and Zion are closer to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

3. Route 66

Are you looking for a slice of genuine Americana? Take your car to Route 66 to experience one of the most iconic U.S. road trips. While the roadside attractions can be cheesy, the drive is worth it to see charming small towns on your way to Southern California.

For example, Cadillac Ranch and Blue Whale of Catoosa are quirky sights and offbeat attractions. From vintage signs to classic cars, this road trip lets you go back in time and enjoy nostalgia.

4. Pacific Coast Highway

Route 66 ends in Santa Monica, which is close to where the Pacific Coast Highway starts. This fun West Coast road trip begins in Dana Point and takes you north to Mendocino County. As you drive, you’ll encounter dramatic coastal views, hidden coves and endless views of the calm Pacific waters.

While Central California gets overshadowed, Big Sur shines as a must-see section of the Pacific Coast Highway. This region spans over 100 miles and features fantastic views of the ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Make time for attractions like Hearst Castle, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Limekiln State Park.

5. Kancamagus Highway

While New England is compact, the region has terrific road trips. Trek to New Hampshire and drive on the Kancamagus Highway to enjoy the stunning autumn views when the foliage turns red, yellow, and orange. If you want to connect with nature, this path is an excellent choice.

The Kancamagus Highway is unique because development is limited along it. You won’t find hotels, restaurants or gas stations for long stretches. Your crew should pack snacks and beverages and have a picnic in White Mountain National Forest.

6. Hana Highway

Who says your American road trip has to be in the lower 48 states? Enjoy a tropical drive in Hawaii by traversing the Hana Highway. This road takes you along the scenic Maui coast, introducing you to stunning landscapes and roadside attractions.

Take your time on the route to embrace the rainforests and pristine beaches. Driving on the Hana Highway should also include stops at the Garden of Eden Arboretum and Waimoku Falls. The botanical garden features waterfalls, tropical foliage and unlimited Pacific Ocean views. Waimoku Falls is inside Haleakalā National Park and is accessible via the Pipiwai Trail. While challenging, the payoff is worth it for the diverse scenery and bamboo forests.

7. Natchez Trace Parkway

Are you heading to Nashville? Soak in the beauty of Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee on the Natchez Trace Parkway. This path shows you thousands of years of Native American history with biking and hiking opportunities along a historic corridor used by natives, soldiers and future presidents.

The Natchez Trace Parkway features iconic stops worthy of your time. Stop by Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Helen Keller’s birthplace in Tuscumbia, Alabama, for educational experiences. If you love nature, spend time at Jackson Falls.

8. Seward Highway

Seward Highway is another route taking you outside the continental U.S. This long Alaskan stretch starts in the small town of Seward before connecting to the Glenn Highway in Anchorage. Before you reach the state’s largest city, you’ll see beluga whales in Turnagain Arm and Dall sheep in the Kenai Mountains. The highway is also your gateway to the Kenai Peninsula, which overlooks the Gulf of Alaska.

This road trip is terrific in the summer, as it’s an excellent time for fishing and kayaking. The sun stays out later in the summer, so there’s more time to enjoy the road. Make room for hikes at Kenai Fjords National Park and the local wildlife refuge.

Enjoying the Best America Has to Offer

Scenery, history and adventure await you on America’s open roads. So, what are you waiting for? From Route 66 to the Kancamagus Highway, the opportunities are endless.

Savor every minute of your travels and take spontaneous detours! There’s no such thing as a roadside attraction that’s too quirky.