Seven days is enough for a memorable road trip in the United States, as long as you pick a route that fits the time. A 1 week road trip USA itinerary works best with one region and around 500 to 900 miles in total. With two weeks, you can add a second region or tackle one of the long classics.
Below are four itineraries ready to follow: two for one week, two for a 2 week road trip. Each one lists the daily stops, the total distance and the best season.
The itineraries at a glance
| Itinerary | Length | Distance | Shape | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest national parks loop | 1 week | A little over 800 miles | Loop from Las Vegas | Spring and fall |
| Pacific Coast Highway | 1 week | Roughly 480 miles | One-way, San Francisco to Los Angeles | Late spring to fall |
| Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway | 2 weeks | 574 miles of parkway, plus access roads | One-way, Virginia to North Carolina | Late spring to October |
| Route 66 | 2 weeks | Roughly 2,400 miles | One-way, Chicago to Santa Monica | Spring and fall |
1 week road trip in the USA: two itineraries
Southwest national parks loop from Las Vegas
This loop links Zion, Bryce Canyon, Page and the Grand Canyon, then returns to Las Vegas, so you pick up and drop off the car at the same airport.
- Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion, about 160 miles. Afternoon walk along the Virgin River.
- Day 2: Zion. Ride the shuttle along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during the busy season and pick one hike.
- Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon, about 85 miles. Sunset at the rim.
- Day 4: Sunrise at Bryce, a walk below the rim, then drive to Page.
- Day 5: Page. Horseshoe Bend and a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, which can only be visited with a Navajo-authorized guide.
- Day 6: Page to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim via Desert View Drive, with its viewpoints along the way.
- Day 7: Morning on the rim, then about 280 miles back to Las Vegas.
Avoid midsummer if you can: the desert heat is intense, and spring and fall are more comfortable for hiking.
Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco to Los Angeles
Highway 1 reopened through Big Sur on January 14, 2026, after the Regent’s Slide repairs, then fully reopened on September 14, 2026, after summer wildfire closures, so the whole coastal drive is possible again.
- Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz and Monterey.
- Day 2: Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Day 3: Big Sur: Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls. Traffic often moves at 30 to 40 mph, and there is little cell coverage.
- Day 4: South to San Simeon for Hearst Castle and the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, then on to San Luis Obispo.
- Day 5: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara.
- Day 6: Santa Barbara to Malibu along the coast.
- Day 7: Malibu to Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
This is a one-way route, so compare the rental price with and without a one-way fee. Winter storms can still close sections of Big Sur, so check conditions before you go.
2 week road trip in the USA: two itineraries
Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway continues for 469 miles toward the Great Smoky Mountains. The Parkway’s maximum speed limit is 45 mph, lower on the curves, so two weeks allows a relaxed pace.
- Days 1 to 3: Skyline Drive through Shenandoah, with overlooks and short hikes.
- Days 4 to 7: The Virginia section of the Parkway, with stops such as Mabry Mill and the Roanoke area.
- Days 8 to 11: North Carolina’s high country and Asheville.
- Days 12 to 14: The southern end of the Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Several North Carolina sections were still under repair in 2026 after Hurricane Helene, with full reopening planned by the end of the year. Check the park’s closure page and be ready for detours. October brings fall colors and the most visitors.
Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica
Route 66 crosses eight states over roughly 2,400 miles. Two weeks means about 170 miles a day on average, which leaves time for museums, diners and roadside attractions.
- Days 1 to 3: Illinois and Missouri, from Chicago to the Ozarks.
- Days 4 to 6: The short Kansas stretch, then Oklahoma.
- Days 7 to 8: The Texas Panhandle and Amarillo.
- Days 9 to 10: New Mexico, with Tucumcari, Santa Fe as an optional detour, and Albuquerque.
- Days 11 to 12: Arizona: Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman and Kingman, with an optional side trip to the Grand Canyon.
- Days 13 to 14: California’s Mojave Desert, Barstow and the finish at the Santa Monica Pier.
Tips to make a one or two week road trip work
- Keep pure driving time to four or five hours on most days.
- Book lodging near national parks early, especially in spring and fall.
- Download offline maps: parks and deserts often have no signal.
- Check park rules for 2026. Rocky Mountain National Park, for example, kept timed entry in its peak months.
- Keep one flexible day for weather or a place you want to stay longer.
For the preparation behind these itineraries, from budget to car rental, read our guide on how to organize your road trip. And if you would rather choose from a wider selection of routes, see our guide to America’s most beautiful drives.
FAQ: one and two week road trips
What is the best 1 week road trip in the USA?
For a first trip, the Southwest national parks loop from Las Vegas packs the most variety into seven days, and its loop shape avoids a one-way rental fee.
How many miles can I cover in a week?
Around 500 to 900 miles is comfortable on scenic roads. More is possible, but you will spend most of the trip behind the wheel.
Is two weeks enough for Route 66?
Yes, at about 170 miles a day on average. Three weeks gives more time for detours and museums.
Which 2 week road trip suits the fall?
Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are at their best in October, when the leaves turn. Check the Parkway’s closures before you go.
