A USA road trip is as much about choosing your setting as enjoying the ride: Florida’s Keys, Alaska’s open spaces, the parks of the West, California’s coast or Route 66. These five ideas suit different ambitions, whether you travel by motorcycle or car. Start with your available time, the season and your preferred pace.
The routes below are inspiration, not five bookable tours with equivalent inclusions. Only the Route 66 tour at the end of this selection is linked here to a specific Planet Ride trip.
1. Florida by car: Miami and the Keys
Miami sets the scene with Art Deco buildings and a coastal atmosphere. Heading into the Keys, Key Largo and Islamorada invite you to slow down before reaching Key West and Mallory Square. In a convertible, the roads between the islands are part of the experience.
You could also include the Everglades, Naples, Sanibel or Palm Beach for a change of scenery. Avoid trying to fit everything in: choose your stops according to your available nights and check access conditions before departure. Leave room for walks and breaks instead of simply adding miles.
2. Alaska by motorcycle: a different scale of adventure
Alaska appeals for its open landscapes and long roads. The Palmer area, Matanuska Glacier, the Richardson Highway and Fairbanks provide ideas around which to build a route. In Fairbanks, Pioneer Park can complement a stop exploring the area.
A detour into Canada’s Yukon changes the scale of the journey: consider distances, border crossings and rental conditions before adding it. Choose your motorcycle to suit the route and its road surfaces. Plan fuel stops and accommodation, and confirm road access for your travel period.
3. The American West by motorcycle: cities, desert and parks
Los Angeles, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree offer a starting point for a USA motorcycle road trip. Farther along, Roy’s in Amboy, Oatman, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas reveal another side of the West, combining celebrated stops with desert scenery.
Continuing to Death Valley or San Francisco means recalculating the journey, not just adding two stops. This selection does not describe a bookable tour including every location. In desert areas, adjust your route to weather warnings and rental restrictions; an early start alone does not remove the risks of extreme heat.
4. California in a Mustang: coast and detours
From San Francisco, Napa, Petaluma and Bodega Bay suggest an initial loop. The redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods contrast with the coastal scenery. To the south, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles can shape the next part of the trip.
The appeal of a Mustang here is the pleasure of driving, without turning every day into a long transfer. Select the detours that matter to you and check coastal road openings before fixing your stops. Confirm the rental model and return conditions when booking.
5. Route 66 by motorcycle: from inspiration to a real tour
From Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 conjures up small towns, roadside signs and iconic American stops. Riding a Harley-Davidson is part of that image, but the motorcycle choice must be confirmed against the tour and availability.
For a specific itinerary, our guided Route 66 motorcycle tour describes a journey of 15 days and 4,448 km. These figures refer to the offered tour, including its route and detours, not the historic length of Route 66. Check the trip page for stages, inclusions and departures before requesting a quote.
How should you prepare for a USA road trip?
- Choose a region and a realistic duration, leaving time for breaks and sightseeing.
- Check entry requirements for your nationality and the documents required by your rental company and the states you visit.
- Check park access and reservations, road conditions and weather forecasts.
- Compare inclusions, insurance and deposits; download maps for areas without a signal.
Should you choose a guided trip?
A guided tour and an independent itinerary suit different expectations. Compare support, logistics and freedom at each stage. The Route 66 tour linked above is guided.
Which route is right for a first trip?
Start with what matters most: coast, parks, cities or an iconic road. Explore our motorcycle tours in the USA, then ask for a programme suited to your experience and travel dates.