20 Offbeat Road Trips to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Planning a road trip? Skip the usual busy routes and try something different. From hidden gems to unexpected landscapes, these unique itineraries will make your next adventure unforgettable. Pack your bags, grab a map, and let’s dive into these one-of-a-kind road trips!
Pacific Northwest Waterfalls Loop
Explore Oregon and Washington’s lesser-known waterfalls. Start in Portland, head to Silver Falls State Park, and wind through the Columbia River Gorge. Along the way, you’ll spot countless cascades, lush forests, and scenic viewpoints.
The Enchanted Circle, New Mexico
Drive through the heart of the Southwest with this 84-mile loop. Start in Taos and visit tiny mountain towns like Red River and Eagle Nest, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Perfect for dramatic views and local charm.
Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Trade tourist traps for untouched beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Cruise from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola, stopping at St. George Island for white sand shores and epic sunsets. A laid-back escape from Florida’s busier spots.
Alabama’s Civil Rights Trail
Combine history and scenery on this cultural road trip. Start in Birmingham and visit sites like Selma and Montgomery, where pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement took place. You’ll leave inspired and informed.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Byway
Hop on ferries and cross bridges through this chain of barrier islands. Stop at lighthouses, wild beaches, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. It’s a mix of natural beauty and fascinating history.
Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
This hidden corner of the Green Mountain State is like stepping back in time. Drive through tiny towns, maple syrup farms, and pristine lakes. Visit in the fall to see jaw-dropping foliage.
The Loneliest Road, Nevada
Highway 50 lives up to its nickname, offering wide-open landscapes and a true sense of solitude. Highlights include ghost towns, quirky roadside art, and stargazing opportunities in Great Basin National Park.
Badlands and Black Hills, South Dakota
Combine rugged beauty with iconic landmarks. Start at Badlands National Park, swing by Mount Rushmore, and finish in the Black Hills. Don’t miss a detour to the quirky town of Wall.
The Alaskan Highway, Canada to Alaska
This epic route spans 1,390 miles, starting in British Columbia and ending in Alaska. Drive past glaciers, boreal forests, and wildlife like bears and moose. It’s remote, but the scenery is unbeatable.
Texas Hill Country Wine Route
Swap Napa for Texas with this foodie-friendly itinerary. Start in Fredericksburg and explore dozens of wineries, breweries, and barbecue joints. The wildflowers and rolling hills add extra charm.
The Great River Road, Mississippi River
Follow the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. This historic route spans ten states, with highlights like Mark Twain’s hometown and scenic riverfront towns.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Waterfall Tour
A mecca for waterfall lovers. Start in Munising, home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and explore over 300 waterfalls in the region. The dramatic shoreline and forested trails are worth the drive.
Blue Ridge Music Trails, North Carolina
Celebrate Appalachian music and culture on this road trip through small towns and mountain valleys. Stop at local jam sessions, folk festivals, and historic venues in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The High Road to Taos, New Mexico
A soulful drive through scenic mesas and historic villages. Stretching from Santa Fe to Taos, this route is known for its art galleries, adobe churches, and sweeping desert views.
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12
This 124-mile stretch is one of America’s most beautiful roads. Starting near Bryce Canyon, it passes through red rock canyons, alpine forests, and otherworldly landscapes. Every mile is a photo op.
Hana Highway, Maui
A tropical journey like no other. Drive along Maui’s famous winding road and discover hidden waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush jungles. Take your time to soak in the island’s beauty.
Route 66: Off the Beaten Path
Explore the quirkier side of the Mother Road. Skip the busy stretches and visit unusual attractions like Cadillac Ranch in Texas or Oatman, Arizona, where wild donkeys roam the streets.
Ozarks Scenic Highway, Missouri and Arkansas
Roll through rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and charming small towns. Stop at Branson for live music, Eureka Springs for Victorian-era charm, and Buffalo National River for outdoor adventures.
Idaho’s Sawtooth Scenic Byway
Immerse yourself in mountain landscapes, natural hot springs, and glacial lakes. Start in Sun Valley and follow the byway to Stanley, surrounded by the dramatic Sawtooth Mountains.
The Great Lakes Circle Tour
Drive around one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems. Whether you pick Lake Michigan, Superior, or Ontario, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and quaint lakeside towns.
Conclusion
These offbeat road trips offer fresh perspectives and hidden treasures. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring history, or finding solitude in nature, the road is calling. Grab your keys and create your next unforgettable adventure.
