Road trips can be incredibly liberating for travel; they open up new destinations while allowing you to simply drive along the open road. Most importantly, you are dreaming of stunning scenery and picturesque small towns just waiting for adventure or wonderful attractions. 2025 is the perfect year to take part in its memorable activities everywhere from sea to shining sea. As if that were not enough, there are road trip best places to visit all over this great land. However, if you need a little inspiration on where to go, we have collected some of the most exciting road trip ideas Midwest has and those other must-visit locations across the country.
The Ultimate Road Trip Best Places for 2025
So you are packed up and ready to put the top down and hit the road? Here are some of the top sites that you should be including on your bucket list this year.
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California’s Pacific Coast Highway
A drive that on its own can be one of the most scenic in the U.S, America’s Highway (Highway 1) is replete with glistening ocean views, razor-sharp cliffs, and lovely coastal towns. Of great importance among other attractions and landmarks is Big Sur, followed by Monterey and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s the ultimate experience for those seeking an unforgettable journey along the coast.
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Blue Ridge Parkway: North Carolina & Virginia
Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, packed with stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to soak up nature’s best.
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Route 66: The Classic American Road Trip
Naturally, no list of road trip best places is complete without the inclusion of the classic historic route, Route 66. From Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, this old highway spans eight states and allots plenty of typical roadside attractions, aged diners, and legendary scenery.
Exciting Road Trip Ideas Midwest Has to Offer
The Midwest is underrated, but it has some of the best road trip destinations available in the country. For these reasons, here are some of the places that any traveler looking for road trip ideas Midwest will definitely want to visit.
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 Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
More than 3000 miles to the Mississippi River, the great River Road provides pretty riverside towns, pristine scenic byways, and amazing history. It features an amazing collection of states, especially in the Midwest, like Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, and offers beautiful sceneries coupled with cultural attractions.
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The Black Hills, South Dakota
If you are a thrill seeker, the Black Hills region is a great place to take a road trip. You will enjoy Mount Rushmore, Custer State park, and Badlands National park on your journey across this vast area. There are also some incredible towns, such as Deadwood, where the Wild West comes to life.
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Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
For those wanting road trip ideas Midwest, you just cannot get better than Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From pristine lakes to waterfalls and quaint little towns, keep this drive in mind if you are into nature. Check out Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls.
The Best Road Trip Destinations for 2025: From Road Trip Best Places to Exciting Road Trip Ideas Midwest
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Indiana’s Covered Bridges
There are some of the most photographed of all time in covered bridges in Indiana. A road trip across Parke County, which is referred to as ‘the Covered Bridge Capital of the World,’ leads you back into the past. It is a fine addition to any travel list of what would be termed road trip best places in the Midwest.
Tips for Planning the Perfect 2025 Road TripÂ
- Plan Your route: Research beforehand about the best routes and the stops while on the road. Coast-bound or Midwest-bound, planning allows it to be smooth.
- Pack smart: First-aid kit, snacks, and road atlas are essential. Even though you have GPS, a back up map is smart.
- Weather Check: The Midwest experiences rapid changes in weather. Forecast weather conditions before any trip to avoid surprises.
- Book Accommodations in Advance: Many popular destinations tend to book up quickly and get good lodging before the last-minute rush.
- Embrace Spontaneity: Much as planning is important, the best moments of a road trip happen when you deviate from the itinerary and discover hidden treasures.
The United States is full of beautiful coastal highways and quaint Midwestern avenues with possibilities for many wonderful road trips. Whether discovering old classics such as Route 66, traveling through road trip best places, or discovering treasures hidden under generic road trip ideas Midwest styles, 2025 is the time to try out something new. Get your pack on, hit the road, and create memories for a lifetime.
