Preparing for the worst could save your life
If you're looking to beat the winter blues, then this is the perfect road trip for you. Driving along the sun-drenched Seven Mile Bridge will certainly put a smile on your face.
US Route 550, best known as the Million Dollar Highway, stretches for 25 miles (40 km). The road takes you on an epic drive surrounded by breathtaking vistas.
Stretching for 11.5 miles (18.5 km), this loop road will take you on a journey through various landscapes, from meadows to cliffs, and everything in between.
Driving through Alaska in the winter can be a really dramatic experience, especially if you catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The 359-mile (577-km) route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is as scenic as it gets.
Stretching for 600 miles (965 km), this is one of the best winter road trips in the US. Highlights include Park City, Jackson Hole, and of course, the wonders of Yellowstone National Park.
Grapevine is best known for being particularly beautiful during winter (especially around Christmastime), but there are many other attractions along the route to San Antonio, namely Fredericksburg.
It can get pretty cold along this 120-mile (193-km) route from Duluth to Hayward, but we guarantee it's worth it. Highlights include towns such as Minong, Solon Springs, and Spooner, as well as the magnificent Apostle Islands ice caves.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a joy to drive through in the winter. Highlights of the journey include the Appalachian Trail, Grotto Falls, and Cades Cove.
If you're looking for a great road trip on the Hawaiian island of Maui, then look no further than the Hana Highway. You'll not only escape the cold, but also enjoy breathtaking scenery, including beaches, waterfalls, and a lot more.
The Grand Canyon National Park attracts thousands of visitors each year, but in the winter, the crowds are smaller and the scenery is different. You can also drive through the 7.5-mile (12 km) Hermit Road (aka West Rim Drive), which is usually closed during peak season.
Driving through the Appalachian Mountains is an amazing experience. The border between North Carolina and Tennessee is popular among motorcyclists and car enthusiasts for its staggering amount of curves.
Both Aspen and Glenwood Springs are gorgeous winter destinations, and the route between them makes for a great road trip. The short 40-mile (64-km) drive takes you through the Rocky Mountains, including the Maroon Bells Scenic Area.
This 105-mile (168-km) route offers glorious vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and it's an absolute joy. Just watch out for animals such as deer, black bears, and wild turkeys crossing the road.
Highway 101 is one of the most famous roads on the West Coast. The 363-mile (584-km) stretch of Oregon's Pacific shoreline is arguably the most scenic part of the route.
The winter is the best season to visit Death Valley. Highlights of the drive include the badlands at Zabriskie Point and the Badwater Basin salt flats.
Driving between the two national parks takes around 4.5 hours, and you'll get to see the Capitol Reef National Park and Moab's famous rock formations.
Winter doesn't necessarily mean cold in some parts of the country. Hop into the car in Miami and take the 45-minute drive down to Everglades National Park.
Leavenworth is a quirky Bavarian-style village that is especially beautiful during wintertime. Driving to Leavenworth from Seattle, through the Cascade Mountain Range, is a great winter road trip.
Vermont Route 100 takes you through absolutely gorgeous wintry landscapes. There are a number of great spots to stop too, including Burlington, Westbury, and Waterbury.
The 70-mile (112-km) route through the Pocono Mountain is really nice in the winter. Highlights include plenty of nature and places such as Bushkill and Jim Thorpe.
If you're into colonial Spanish buildings, then you'll love this road trip. Highlights include Ranchos de Taos, Cordova, and of course, Santa Fe.
Stretching for 650 miles (1,046 km), from San Francisco to San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of America's most popular road trips. The winter usually means less traffic, making it a great option.
Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head can get busy during the warmer months, but they are pretty nice to visit in the winter too. Make pit stops in places such as Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park along the way.
This 225-mile (362-km) journey through upstate New York takes you through a number of interesting spots, namely Waterford, Saratoga Historical Park, Fort Edward, and Fort Ticonderoga.
If you like hot springs, then you'll find plenty along the 133-mile (214-km) drive from Boise to Stanley. Highlights include Sunbeam, Bonneville, and Elkhorn.
Another road trip with mild temperatures, this 179-mile (288-km) journey through the South is also a great choice during the winter.
This drive along Interstate 70 will take you through gems such as Idaho Springs, Silverthorne, and Frisco. You'll end the journey in the beautiful ski resort Vail.
Sources: (Love Exploring)
Starting in Green Bay and ending in Gills Rock, this 85-mile (136-km) road trip is a great choice in the winter. Highway 57 will take you through the shore of Lake Michigan, as well as towns such as Baileys Harbour, and State Parks like Whitefish and Newport.
If you've ever dreamed of a Rockies road trip, then this 500-mile (804-km) drive is a great option. The route takes you through breathtaking scenery and popular spots such as Aspen, Vail, and Jackson Hole.
Lake Tahoe is a popular summer destination, but the winter months turn it into a peaceful, beautiful place. The tranquil journey around the lake takes about three hours.
America is a road trip paradise. The nation has a wide variety of scenery and climates, so no matter what you're into, there is always something for you. Unlike the warmer months, in the winter the roads are less busy, and the landscape changes dramatically in some parts of the country. Whether you're looking to drive through snow-capped mountains or soak up the sun on scenic seaside roads, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Click through the gallery to discover America's best winter road trips.
America's best winter road trips
From snow-capped mountains to sun-drenched seaside roads
TRAVEL Usa
America is a road trip paradise. The nation has a wide variety of scenery and climates, so no matter what you're into, there is always something for you. Unlike the warmer months, in the winter the roads are less busy, and the landscape changes dramatically in some parts of the country. Whether you're looking to drive through snow-capped mountains or soak up the sun on scenic seaside roads, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Click through the gallery to discover America's best winter road trips.