There's something uniquely liberating about hitting the open road in America, a country practically designed for exploration on four wheels. For international travellers and domestic adventurers alike, hiring a car and embarking on a classic American road trip offers unparalleled freedom to discover breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and authentic local experiences at your own pace.
This guide highlights America's most iconic driving routes, with practical advice specifically tailored for those planning to hire a vehicle. From coastal highways hugging dramatic shorelines to routes cutting through towering mountains and vast deserts, these journeys represent the very best of American road travel.
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Route: San Francisco to San Diego
Distance: Approximately 600 miles (966 km)
Ideal Duration: 5-7 days
Best Time to Drive: May to October for optimal weather, though the route is driveable year-round
Car Recommendation: Convertible or sports car to fully experience the coastal vibes
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), officially California State Route 1, stands as perhaps America's most celebrated coastal drive. This stunning route traces much of California's rugged coastline, offering continuous ocean views punctuated by dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming seaside communities.
Highlights:
- Golden Gate Bridge: Begin your journey by crossing this iconic landmark as you leave San Francisco.
- Half Moon Bay: A perfect first stop with charming shops and excellent seafood restaurants.
- Santa Cruz: Experience the classic American boardwalk complete with rollercoasters and arcade games.
- Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Explore the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium before driving the scenic 17-Mile Drive to reach the fairy-tale village of Carmel.
- Big Sur: The crown jewel of the route featuring towering cliffs, redwood forests, and the photogenic Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Hearst Castle: Tour the opulent former estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
- Santa Barbara: Known as the "American Riviera" for its Mediterranean climate and Spanish colonial architecture.
- Malibu: Drive past celebrity homes and stop at pristine beaches like El Matador.
- Santa Monica: End your drive at the famous pier with its iconic Ferris wheel.
Local Cuisine:
- Clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls in San Francisco or Monterey
- Fresh artichokes in Castroville, the "Artichoke Center of the World"
- Wine tasting in Santa Barbara County vineyards
- Fish tacos in San Diego
- In-N-Out Burger, a California fast-food institution with a cult following
Practical Tips:
- Book your car hire well in advance during summer months when demand is highest.
- Consider a one-way rental from San Francisco to San Diego (or vice versa) to avoid backtracking.
- Allow plenty of time for unexpected stops, the views will frequently tempt you to pull over.
- Fill your petrol tank whenever possible, as some stretches (particularly in Big Sur) have limited services.
- Check for road closures, especially through Big Sur, which occasionally experiences landslides.
Route 66 - The Historic Mother Road
Route: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
Distance: Approximately 2,448 miles (3,940 km)
Ideal Duration: 14-21 days
Best Time to Drive: Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) for pleasant temperatures
Car Recommendation: Classic American sedan or muscle car for the authentic experience
Few roads capture America's cultural imagination like Route 66. Though officially decommissioned in 1985, this historic highway lives on in the American consciousness and through the many preserved sections that passionate communities have maintained. Driving "The Mother Road" offers a nostalgic journey through the heartland of America and its 20th-century development.
Highlights:
- Chicago: Begin your journey at the official starting point on Adams Street.
- Pontiac, Illinois: Visit the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Chain of Rocks Bridge: Cross the Mississippi River on this historic mile-long bridge near St. Louis.
- Meramec Caverns, Missouri: Explore the cave system once used as a hideout by Jesse James.
- Cadillac Ranch, Texas: Marvel at the iconic art installation featuring buried vintage Cadillacs.
- Tucumcari, New Mexico: Experience a town that embodies the Route 66 spirit with neon signs and classic motels.
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona: Drive through ancient petrified logs and colourful badlands.
- Seligman, Arizona: Visit the birthplace of the Route 66 preservation movement.
- Santa Monica Pier: Reach the official "End of the Trail" sign.
Local Cuisine:
- Deep-dish pizza in Chicago
- Frozen custard at Ted Drewes in St. Louis
- Barbecue throughout Missouri and Texas
- Green chili stew in New Mexico
- Navajo fry bread in Arizona
- Apple pie at various roadside diners—a true American classic
Practical Tips:
- Purchase a detailed Route 66 guidebook or use a dedicated app, as the original route isn't always well-marked.
- Consider breaking the journey into regions if you can't commit to the entire route.
- Book accommodation in advance for popular stops, especially during peak seasons.
- Build flexibility into your schedule, detours to nearby attractions often provide the most memorable experiences.
- For car hire, verify that your rental agreement allows for one-way travel across multiple states.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Route: West Glacier to St. Mary
Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days (including stops)
Best Time to Drive: Mid-June to mid-September (when fully open)
Car Recommendation: Compact SUV for better visibility of the stunning landscapes
Though considerably shorter than other routes on this list, Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road delivers an outsized experience. This engineering marvel cuts through the heart of the park, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet/2,026 metres) and offering access to some of America's most spectacular alpine scenery.
Highlights:
- Lake McDonald: Crystal-clear glacial lake framed by mountains.
- The Loop: A hairpin turn offering dramatic valley views.
- Weeping Wall: A section where small waterfalls cascade directly onto the roadway.
- Logan Pass Visitor Center: The highest point on the road with access to spectacular hiking trails.
- St. Mary Lake: Stunning mountain-framed lake on the eastern side of the park.
Local Cuisine:
- Huckleberry everything: Try this local wild berry in pies, ice cream, and jam
- Montana steaks: Renowned for their quality and flavour
- Flathead cherries: If travelling in July-August
- Craft beers from the many local breweries in nearby Whitefish
Practical Tips:
- Check the park's website for road opening dates, full access typically doesn't begin until late June due to snow.
- Vehicle size restrictions apply (vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet are prohibited).
- Arrive early to secure parking at popular viewpoints and trailheads.
- Consider the free park shuttle to avoid parking concerns during peak times.
- Book accommodation inside or near the park well in advance, especially for summer visits.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Route: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Distance: 469 miles (755 km)
Ideal Duration: 5-7 days
Best Time to Drive: October for spectacular fall foliage, April-May for spring blooms
Car Recommendation: Mid-size vehicle with good fuel efficiency
Often called "America's Favourite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through the Appalachian Highlands, connecting two national parks while providing access to some of the oldest mountains in the world. With a speed limit of 45 mph (72 km/h) throughout, this route encourages slow travel and appreciation of the rolling landscape.
Highlights:
- Mabry Mill (milepost 176): One of the most photographed spots on the parkway.
- Linn Cove Viaduct (milepost 304): An engineering marvel that curves around Grandfather Mountain.
- Mount Mitchell (accessible from milepost 355): The highest peak in the eastern United States.
- Craggy Gardens (milepost 364): Famous for its tunnel of rhododendrons that bloom spectacularly in June.
- Folk Art Center (milepost 382): Showcasing traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians.
- Great Smoky Mountains: The most visited national park in America, with abundant wildlife and mist-covered mountains.
Local Cuisine:
- Southern barbecue: Particularly North Carolina's distinctive vinegar-based version
- Biscuits and gravy: A hearty breakfast staple
- Fried green tomatoes: A regional speciality
- Peach cobbler: Especially during summer months
- Local apple cider: The region is known for its orchards
Practical Tips:
- There are no petrol stations directly on the parkway, plan fuel stops in the towns accessible via exit ramps.
- Mobile phone coverage can be sporadic; download offline maps before your journey.
- Avoid weekends in October if possible, as fall foliage draws enormous crowds.
- Pack layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer.
- The entire route remains open year-round except for temporary winter closures due to snow and ice.
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway
Route: Miami to Key West
Distance: 113 miles (182 km)
Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Best Time to Drive: November to May (avoiding hurricane season)
Car Recommendation: Convertible for the ultimate tropical experience
The Overseas Highway (US Route 1) island-hops through the Florida Keys archipelago via 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. This engineering marvel offers the unique experience of driving across the ocean, with turquoise waters stretching to the horizon on both sides of the roadway.
Highlights:
- Key Largo: Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America's first underwater park.
- Islamorada: Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World."
- Seven Mile Bridge: The iconic overseas crossing made famous in numerous films.
- Bahia Honda State Park: Home to some of Florida's most beautiful beaches.
- Key West: Ernest Hemingway's former home and the southernmost point in the continental United States.
Local Cuisine:
- Key lime pie: The region's signature dessert
- Conch fritters: Deep-fried dough mixed with conch meat and spices
- Stone crab claws: A seasonal delicacy (October-May)
- Cuban coffee: Particularly in Key West, reflecting its proximity to Cuba
- Fresh-caught fish: Especially yellowtail snapper and mahi-mahi
Practical Tips:
- Traffic can be heavy, particularly on weekends, weekday travel is recommended.
- Book accommodation well in advance, as options are limited on the smaller keys.
- Allow time for spontaneous stops at roadside attractions and seafood shacks.
- Be prepared for higher prices compared to mainland Florida.
- Plan your drive to enjoy a famous Keys sunset, perhaps at Mallory Square in Key West.
Tips for Car Hire in America
Documentation Requirements:
- Valid driving licence from your home country
- International Driving Permit (recommended for non-English licences)
- Credit card in the main driver's name
- Passport or other identification
Insurance Considerations:
- Basic insurance is often included but provides minimal coverage
- Consider supplementary Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
- Personal effects coverage protects your belongings inside the vehicle
- Third-party liability coverage is essential
Booking Tips:
- Book well in advance for the best rates, especially during peak travel seasons
- Compare prices across multiple rental companies using aggregator websites
- Check for one-way rental fees if dropping off at a different location
- Consider membership discounts through organisations like AAA or airline loyalty programs
Road Rules to Remember:
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Speed limits are posted in miles per hour
- Right turn on red is generally permitted after a complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
- Mobile phone use while driving is restricted or prohibited in most states
- Move over or slow down when passing emergency vehicles on the shoulder
Practical Advice:
- Choose a vehicle size appropriate for your comfort level on American roads
- Consider unlimited mileage packages for long road trips
- Keep emergency supplies in the car (water, snacks, first aid kit)
- Download offline maps and navigation as backup
- Familiarise yourself with your vehicle before leaving the rental lot
- Know how to operate headlights, windscreen wipers, and emergency signal
What Does Car Hire Excess Insurance Cover?
With Gigasure, your Car Hire Excess Insurance policy typically includes:
- Misfuelling Cover – Up to £2,000 to cover the costs of refuelling mishaps, such as accidentally filling your car with the wrong type of fuel.
- Excess Protection – Up to £10,000 protection against excess charges for damage to the bodywork, tyres, roof, windscreen, and undercarriage, as well as fire damage, vandalism, and theft.
- Rental Car Key Protection – Included as standard.
- Covers up to 9 named drivers on a single rental agreement.
- Gigasure’s policies offer up to 65 days of continuous cover on any single rental agreement with our annual multi-trip policies.
Why Travel Insurance is essential in the US️?
Your rental car insurance may cover damage or theft-related costs, but what about unexpected medical bills, trip cancellations, or lost luggage? That’s where Travel Insurance comes in providing cover surprises that could disrupt your trip. Whether you're hitting the open road or exploring a new city, travel with confidence knowing you're fully covered!
The Importance of Travel Insurance
- Medical emergencies – Covers hospital bills and emergency treatments.
- Trip cancellations – Protection if you need to cancel due to unforeseen events.
- Lost or stolen belongings – Protects your valuables while travelling.
- Travel Delays – With GigaShield, you are covered if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more or if your baggage does not arrive at your destination at the same time as you.
The Best Solution: Get Both with Gigasure
With Gigasure, you can get both Car Hire Excess Insurance and Travel Insurance in one place – saving you time, hassle, and money. The Gigasure app lets you manage both policies effortlessly, giving you peace of mind while exploring America.
Travel smart and stay protected with Gigasure!
Conclusion
Hiring a car to explore America's iconic driving routes offers unmatched flexibility and the opportunity to create a truly personalised adventure. From the dramatic coastal vistas of California's Pacific Coast Highway to the historic nostalgia of Route 66, these journeys showcase the remarkable diversity of the American landscape.
While planning your route, remember that the journey itself is often more memorable than the destination. Allow time for spontaneous detours, roadside attractions, and conversations with locals. Pack your sense of adventure, respect the rules of the road, and embrace the freedom that comes with having your own wheels in a country built for road trips.
Whether you're seeking natural wonders, historical landmarks, or simply the pleasure of driving through constantly changing scenery, America's classic road trips offer experiences that will remain with you long after you've returned the keys to your hired car.
