Road trips are all about the journey, not the end destination, and nowhere is this adage truer than the winding highways of the USA. With a landmass to rival Australia and most of the European continent, there’s plenty to cover on the great open road, with ever-changing landscapes, weather and even accents to keep you on your toes. Weave your way north, south, east or west on epic routes, discovering hidden gems, soaking up the scenery and enjoying the freedom that comes with building your own itinerary. So, line up your playlists or podcasts, stock up on snacks… it’s time to hit the road with this list of iconic road trips in the USA.
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The iconic one: Route 66 – Chicago to Santa Monica Pier
A true icon of America: the legendary Route 66.
There’s a reason Nat King Cole sang about Route 66 and John Steinbeck declared it ‘The Mother Road’ – as one of the U.S. Highway System’s original routes, the iconic road has seen its fair share of cars travelling from downtown Chicago to Santa Monica Pier. Spanning eight states and nearly 4000km, the historic highway is a classic for a reason, with vintage motels, eye-catching roadside attractions, restored gas stations and traditional diners all evoking the nostalgia of times gone by. Stop to devour St. Louis-style ribs at countless diners, sample whiskey at craft distilleries, admire natural wonders like the Mojave Desert and Petrified Forest, or detour to discover attractions like the Grand Canyon.
The coastal one: Pacific Coast Highway
One of the world’s most beautiful coastal routes, the Pacific Coast Highway.
Hugging 900km of California’s rugged coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best ways to explore every nook and cranny of the USA’s western coast, passing by verdant mountains, towering forests, beautiful beaches and the rolling waves of some of the country’s best breaks. Start in San Francisco or LA for your serving of city-cool, before hitting the road to embrace the exhilaration of treacherous turns along the cliff-hugging route. Let the heart rate drop with visits to charming coastal towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, stop off at sensational Big Sur and refuel at farm-fresh food stalls and local wineries.
We completely understand the temporary labor dispute and the noise caused by the strike. The management handled the situation very well by offering us a room in a quieter wing with a higher room category, as well as a discount for the inconvenience.
I also accidentally left my jacket in another room, and the staff returned it to me very quickly. We really appreciated their understanding and excellent customer service.
10.0
Patrick S.
Bardzo duży plus za lokalizację oraz obsługę hotelu. Mój status w IHG był za każdym razem uznany przez personel co naprawdę umiliło nam pobyt w tym hotelu. Dodatkowym plusem hotelu jest poranna kawa i herbata oraz całodobowa dostępna woda
8.0
Barbara V.
We spent two nights at Hotel Spero and overall had a wonderful stay. The room was clean and spacious, and the reception team gave us a warm and polite welcome upon arrival. Combined with its great location close to Union Square, it was a good base for our time in San Francisco. Recommended!
8.0
anthony y.
Overall, Hotel Spero is well worth the stay. However, the service fell slightly short of the standard suggested by the hotel's elegant ambiance.
For example, guests checking in before and after us were offered water, while we were not. The check-in process was also rather lengthy.
Additionally, the luggage from airport deliveries being stored around the front desk detracted from the hotel's appearance. It gave the entrance a somewhat cluttered and inexpensive feel, which contrasted with the more upscale atmosphere the hotel seems to be aiming for.
On the positive side, our room was spacious, clean, and well maintained. The quality of the accommodations met our expectations.
The location is excellent, right in downtown San Francisco. However, visitors should understand the surrounding area. While there are many upscale establishments nearby, there is also a noticeable population of people experiencing homelessness. It's worth being aware of your surroundings when walking through the neighbourhood.
Another area for improvement would be the front-door security staff, who could have been more welcoming and approachable.
Overall, this is a good hotel with considerable potential. With some refinement in service, presentation, and attention to detail, Hotel Spero could better match the elegance of its décor and potentially justify a higher room rate.
The Wild West one: Santa Fe to Taos Loop
Expect desert landscapes and Native American culture on the Santa Fe to Taos Loop.
Pull on the cowboy boots, throw on the Akubra – it’s time to discover the Wild Wild West with a road trip loop from Sante Fe to Taos and back again. This all-American drive is a tale of two halves, weaving through desertscapes (tumbleweeds and all) and the pueblo communities of Ojo Caliente, as well as the lush hillsides of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. If you’re driving after dark, pull up for a spot of stargazing – the area has some of the darkest skies in the country. Don’t forget to stop in Taos, located in northern New Mexico’s high desert – it is home to centuries of Native American history and culture, including the Zuni Reservation and Taos Art Museum. Should you be there in the colder months, Taos is also a ski mecca.
The mountainous one: Blue Ridge Parkway
The sublime colours of nature on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Forget the stop-start of traffic lights – it’s green all the way on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 755km roadway that runs through Virginia and North Carolina to connect the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Winding through the southern Appalachian Mountains, this road trip is all about embracing the great outdoors, driving under brilliant displays of crimson, auburn and golden leaves, especially in autumn. Stop to stretch the legs with short hikes to lakes, rest the head at forest lodges and if you’re chief navigator, while away the hours by looking for native wildlife. A note for speed fiends – the Parkway isn’t a route for the rushed. The speed limit sits at 70km/h and commercial vehicles aren’t allowed.
Timi has made such a wonderful difference as the gym and spa manager! The space is noticeably cleaner, feels fresh and welcoming, and her attention to detail really shows. The new towels are incredibly fluffy, soft, and luxurious—such a lovely touch! It’s clear she takes pride in making the experience better for everyone. Thank you, Timi, for all the care and effort you put into making this a place we love visiting!
10.0
Jo M.
I had the chance to photograph a fall wedding at Aspen Meadows Resort, and the setting was truly spectacular for a black tie celebration. The golden aspens and mountain views paired with the clean, modern architecture created a backdrop that felt both elevated and deeply connected to the landscape.
What stood out just as much as the scenery was how accommodating and supportive the team was throughout the process. Months before the wedding, they welcomed me to scout the property and personally took me around the grounds, which greatly supported the planning process. On the wedding day, the staff coordinated transportation to drive me and my couple downtown so we could take portraits at the top of the gondola — an incredible experience that added even more dimension to their gallery.
The dinner service was delicious and thoughtfully executed, and the overall level of care from the team made the entire day feel effortless.
It’s a stunning venue supported by a thoughtful, professional staff, and I can’t wait to return!
10.0
Philip C.
Loved it here! Great rooms and facilities plus a friendly and helpful staff. Easy to get into town via the regular shuttles (running until 10pm) or a short 20-30 minute walk. A definite recommend.
10.0
Lelaine B.
We had a lovely stay at Aspen Meadows Resort. The setting is beautiful, and we experienced everything from light snow to bright, sunny days—making it feel like we got the best of every season.
What really stood out was the service. Matt, our shuttle driver, went above and beyond with fantastic recommendations for biking routes when we headed into town. At West End Social, Maddy behind the bar and Passionate, our server, made for a wonderful dining experience—warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming.
Across the board, the service was excellent, the meals were delicious, and the views and accommodations made it a truly special stay. We’d happily return.
The diverse one: Olympic Peninsula Loop
Lakes, mountains, forests, hot springs… the gifts of the Olympic Peninsula Loop are endless.
This West Coast wonder swerves, dips and dives around Washington’s Olympic National Park, and is best known for the diversity of its landscapes. With nearly 500km of road winding through forests, along cliffs, by beaches and around rugged mountains, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to your next snap for social media. Make a pit stop to enjoy local oysters and fresh clams, a regional speciality, or swing by Sol Duc Hot Springs to soak away the day in the natural mineral springs. Don’t worry if you didn’t pack swimmers – you can nip in and out in the nude.
Feature image: Blue Ridge Parkway.
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