This article is part of podcast episode 343: Scenic Road Trips for RV Travelers – The Journey Is the Destination. Listen to Jason and Abby discuss the four iconic routes below and a collection of others on the RV Miles Podcast YouTube channel, or click here for the audio version.
Four Iconic RV Road Trips
Road trips are synonymous with RVing, and there are just some iconic roads all RVers should spend a little time on. Here are four roads that shine at different times of the year. Grab a map, grab your sense of adventure, and get to planning an epic RV trip on one of these great American roads.
- Route 66 (Illinois to California):
- All iconic RV road trips feature Route 66, and for good reason. This historic highway, which starts in Chicago, IL, and ends in Santa Monica, CA, is packed with nostalgia. Along the way, you’ll run into several National Park Sites, including one of our favorite day stops, Petrified Forest National Park. Other unique attractions include the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, The Santa Monica Pier, and so much more. With plenty of RV stops along the way, you can enjoy a little or a lot of this iconic road. Our favorite section includes the New Mexico, Arizona portion, which we’ve driven numerous times.
- Pacific Coast Highway or California 1 (California):
- “Few drives are as stunning as the 600-mile stretch of the PCH in California, but RVers beware. Not all of the PCH would be considered big rig-friendly. We enjoyed a stretch of the PCH during our Baja to Alaska adventure, but that was in our 25′ IBEX 20BHS. But don’t worry if you’ve got a big rig. You can take the interior drive in the RV and take day trips to the PCH in your tow vehicle. Editors Note: As of December 2024, many portions of the PCH are closed or under repair due to extreme weather damage. These closures are ongoing, so make sure to check your route before heading out.
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina):
- “Known as ‘America’s Favorite Drive,’ this road winds through the Appalachian Mountains with stops at Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. This is one of those drives where the landscape really comes alive at sunset. We’ve been on the Blue Ridge Parkway numerous times, and our favorite way to enjoy the drive is to pack up dinner and just find a roadside stop along the way. There are plenty of stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway, including short paths to unique natural wonders that many people don’t bother exploring. This can give you a sense of solitude in an often highly visited area, and we highly recommend if you see a path at a roadside stop, you take it.
- Highway 1 (Florida Keys):
- Also known as the Overseas Highway, this 113-mile stretch of highway runs through the Florida Keys to Key West.RV Parks abound in the keys, and rightly so. This is a very popular spot for snowbirds looking to escape the colds of winter. The drive to Key West can be a bit of a trek, but with plenty of planning, any RVer can do it. Are you worried about taking a big rig to the keys? You can always stay on the mainland and then drive in with your tow vehicle for a day trip. However, if you decide to visit Key West, book early. Campgrounds book fast.
