America’s highways aren’t just roads—they’re full of history, weird roadside attractions, and some stretches that feel never-ending. Whether you’re planning an epic road trip or just love quirky travel trivia, here are 15 highways that crisscross the U.S., each with a fun fact to keep things interesting.
Interstate 90 (I-90): The Longest Interstate
If there were a marathon for highways, I-90 would take gold. Spanning 3,020 miles from Boston to Seattle, it’s the longest Interstate in the U.S. You’ll pass skyscrapers, prairies, and the Rockies.
If you’re in South Dakota in August, expect thousands of motorcycles heading to Sturgis. Nearby, Wall Drug’s free ice water is a road trip staple, and Mount Rushmore is just a short detour away.
Interstate 95 (I-95): The East Coast Lifeline
I-95 is the East Coast’s backbone, running 1,908 miles from Maine to Florida. If you’ve driven in the Northeast, you’ve probably been stuck on it. It cuts through cities like New York, Philly, and D.C.—so expect congestion.
It’s also the only highway that passes through 15 states plus D.C. Further south, it brushes past Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp, home to massive alligators and haunting cypress trees.
Interstate 10 (I-10): The Southern Cross-Country Route
I-10 spans 2,460 miles, linking California to Florida in one sun-soaked stretch. Texas alone claims 877 miles. So, if you think you’re “almost there,” you’re not.
The road swings through New Orleans, perfect for a beignet break, and Tucson, where a Sonoran hot dog is a must. Need a quirky pit stop? Seguin, Texas, boasts the World’s Largest Pecan because everything’s bigger in Texas—including roadside attractions.
Interstate 70 (I-70): Gateway to the West
I-70 runs 2,153 miles from Baltimore to Utah, earning its place as the first Interstate built under the 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act. In Colorado, it climbs 11,000 feet through the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Utah’s portion is a visual masterpiece, cutting through red rock canyons. Between Green River and Salina, there’s a 110-mile stretch with no gas stations, so fuel up first.
Interstate 80 (I-80): The Transcontinental Connector
Think of I-80 as the Oregon Trail 2.0 minus the dysentery. Running 2,900 miles, it follows much of the original Lincoln Highway. Near Laramie, Wyoming, a pine tree literally grows out of a rock.
Nevada’s stretch is called “The Big Empty” for good reason—hundreds of miles of desert and little else. If you’re road-tripping in winter, expect white-knuckle driving through the Sierra Nevada’s snow-covered mountain passes.
U.S. Route 20 (US 20): The Longest U.S. Highway
At 3,365 miles, US 20 is America’s longest highway. It’s also the only road that slices straight through Yellowstone, so don’t be surprised if bison cause a traffic jam.
The route passes through New York’s scenic Finger Lakes wine country and small-town Americana in Iowa. A quick detour takes you to the Field of Dreams—yes, the one from the movie. If you build it, they still might come.
U.S. Route 66 (US 66): The Mother Road
US 66 is the road trip gold standard. Once stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, it became famous for neon-lit diners, classic cars, and that old song.
Cadillac Ranch in Texas lets you spray-paint half-buried cars, and Arizona’s Wigwam Motel lets you sleep in a giant concrete teepee. Further east, Oklahoma boasts the world’s largest concrete totem pole—because why not?
U.S. Route 1 (US 1): The Eastern Seaboard Route
Running 2,370 miles, US 1 hugs the East Coast from Maine to Key West. The Florida stretch is iconic—especially the Overseas Highway, which connects the Florida Keys over a series of bridges with insane ocean views.
If you want a drive that feels straight out of a movie scene, this is it.
Interstate 5 (I-5): The West Coast Mainstay
I-5 is the spinal cord of the West Coast, running 1,381 miles from Washington to California. It slices through Seattle, Portland, L.A., and San Diego.
The dreaded Grapevine in California is where overheated radiators go to die. If you pass Mount Shasta, some people claim it’s home to an underground alien city. Others swear they’ve seen Bigfoot. Either way, keep your eyes on the road—this route gets foggy fast.
Interstate 40 (I-40): From the Atlantic to the Pacific
I-40 stretches 2,555 miles, cutting across the country from North Carolina to California. If you’re in Arizona, pull off at Petrified Forest National Park—the only national park right off an Interstate.
Near Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch invites you to spray-paint classic cars half-buried in the desert. Somewhere between Memphis and Albuquerque, you’ll wonder if you’ve been on I-40 forever. Spoiler: You have. And there’s still more road ahead.
U.S. Route 50 (US 50): The Loneliest Road
Dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America,” US 50 runs 3,073 miles from Maryland to California. The Nevada section is particularly desolate—just mountains, desert, and the occasional gas station (if you’re lucky).
Fill up whenever you see a gas station. The next one might be 100 miles away. If you need proof of how empty it is, Nevada hands out survival guides so drivers don’t underestimate the journey.
Interstate 15 (I-15): The Desert Highway
I-15 is 1,433 miles of desert driving, connecting Southern California to Montana. It’s the Vegas-to-L.A. route of choice—just beware of brutal Sunday traffic.
Keep heading north, and you’ll hit the Bonneville Salt Flats, where people try to break land speed records. If your car isn’t a jet engine, maybe just take a picture. Before that, you’ll wind through Utah’s Virgin River Gorge, a stunning stretch carved through towering cliffs.
U.S. Route 2 (US 2): The Northernmost Highway
Running 2,571 miles, US 2 is the northernmost cross-country highway. Some parts are so remote that gas stations are 100 miles apart, so plan ahead.
In North Dakota, it passes through Rugby, which claims to be the geographical center of North America. Not sure who measured it, but let’s go with it. Further west, it skirts Glacier National Park, offering some of the best mountain views of any highway.
Interstate 35 (I-35): The Midwest Connector
I-35 is a 1,569-mile pipeline connecting Texas to Minnesota, slicing through six states along the way. If you’re in Oklahoma during tornado season, check the weather forecast—storm chasers love this stretch.
Further south, Austin’s section is packed with BBQ joints and live music, making it a prime stop. If you smell brisket, follow your nose. Chances are, there’s a food truck nearby serving something worth pulling over for.
U.S. Route 101 (US 101): The Pacific Coast Scenic Route
US 101 is 1,540 miles of pure West Coast magic, running from L.A. to Washington. It winds past towering redwoods, coastal cliffs, and scenic Oregon beaches.
You’ll also pass the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. For max views, detour onto Highway 1 through Big Sur—just don’t expect cell service. Further north, Olympic National Park’s rainforest section feels straight out of Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs.
