Road trips are the perfect vacation. They take you to tons of amazing places and you get to watch the scenery go by as you drive along. They’re a true bonding experience for the people in the car. They’re basically a rite of passage. Everyone needs to go on an epic road trip at some point in their live. Here are 5 US ones that you need to check out.
- The Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast is home to some of the most gorgeous scenery in the US. You’ve got the Great Redwood Forests, the Golden Gate Bridge and of course, Los Angeles. Big Sur is also one of the most magical places you’ll ever see. From Washington down to California, there are so many iconic sites that you can go to with this road trip.
There are some seriously awesome hotels along this stretch with great views, but they can be a little pricey. Look for nearby campgrounds that offer the same kind of views for a fraction of the price. Staying in a tent or even in the back of your truck is a great way to really get the road trip experience.
- Route 66
Route 66 is one of the most iconic roads in America’s history. Though it’s now bypassed by giant interstates, it still goes through some great places and it’s awesome to see the history that lines this street.
The crown jewel of this road trip is Grand Canyon National Park and the rest of the American Southwest. Along with Sedona and Red Rock Country, the Grand Canyon really lets you experience the impact of nature and the beautiful things it can create. At the other end of the road is Chicago, one of the biggest cities in the country. You really get the best of both worlds with this one.
- The Overseas Highway
This goes from Key Largo to Key West in Florida. While the first part of this road isn’t anything special, there are parts that are truly spectacular. Long stretches of this drive leave you surrounded by perfect turquoise waters. You’ll get to go over the seven-mile bridge. It’s basically driving through a tropical paradise.
The highway is so beautiful that the National Scenic Byways Program named it an All-American Road. Only 30 other roads in America have been given this honor. This is definitely a road you should encourage everyone to be awake on when the sunset or sunrise hits. It’s an indescribable sight and one that no one driving on this highway should ever miss.
- The Atlantic Coast
While the credit usually goes to the Pacific coast, the Atlantic coast definitely has its charms as well. It’s a great chance to see the oldest part of the country, with towns dating back to the 17th century. There are also lighthouses, the craziness of New York City and the boardwalks along the many beaches.
The Atlantic coast and surrounding areas also have a ton of historical sites like the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the Liberty Bell and other historical sites in Philadelphia and many Civil War battlefields and key locations. If you’re a history buff, this is the road trip for you. And if you’re traveling around this part of the U.S. in the fall or winter, make sure to take a good electric blanket with you. This will be especially helpful if you’re traveling by camper-van; navigate to this website!
- Salmon River Scenic Route
Though this is one of the shorter trips on this list, that doesn’t mean it’s any less spectacular. This follows the Salmon River through Idaho and involves some great mountain scenery. Sunbeam Hot Springs are a must-see destination, and a little bit off the main road lies some of the ghost towns left from the gold rush.
This is another chance to see the beautiful wildlife and nature scenery that the land naturally provides. With gorges and canyons, mountains and waterways, there are so many things to see on this short stretch of road. It’s worth the time.
There are many times that people think you have to go out of the country for a good vacation. But there are so many things in the US that are worth seeing. Take a road trip throughout America and see all the things that the country has to offer. It’ll definitely be a vacation that you’ll never forget.
Images used under Creative Commons license.
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Annika
US is such an interesting place to visit. I’d love to ride along the Atlantic coast someday.
Kacey Mya
Hi Annika! I am glad you think so! You should definitely give some of these road trips a try sometime. I find it one of the best ways to see multiple places at once! 🙂
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Gabriela
Need to visit all of these places! Great post 🙂
Kacey Bradley
Hi Gabriela! I am glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂 I highly recommend one of these routes if you do get the chance to take one! Xx
Vanessa Bugeja
Very interesting read 🙂 Thank you for all providing us with this useful information! I would definitely be interested in doing either the route 66 or salmon river scenic route..
Kacey Mya
Hi Vanessa! Thank you so much for reading, as well as for the kind words! I hope you do decide to take route 66 sometime! 🙂
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Sia
Oh the famous route 66! I would love to have road trip passing through it. The Salmon river scenic route looks great as well. Some really amazing views can be seen in these routes. Thanks for putting them together as a guide.
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Kacey Mya
Hi Sia!
Absolutely! I am so glad you enjoyed it and that it is helpful for you! Good luck and safe travels! 🙂
Kacey Mya recently posted…Expecting the Unexpected: When Travel Plans Fall Apart
Salini
I think US is the place for road trips. Spectacular roads with great views. As a history buff, I particularely loved the Route 66.
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Kacey Mya
Hi Salini! I totally agree with you, there are so many options and places to see along the way! 🙂
Kacey Mya recently posted…Expecting the Unexpected: When Travel Plans Fall Apart
Kerri
All such beautiful drives and some are just so iconic. I thought about doing route 66 (even bought a guide book years ago) but then changed my mind as I wasn’t sure it was the type of locations I’d enjoy. The salmon river one would be incredible and of course anything along the Pacific coast is stunning as well. Great summary of some great road trips.
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Kacey Mya
Hi Kerri! Thank you so very much! I appreciate your kind words. I think sometimes the hardest thing is not only finding which route to take, but figuring out where to stop along the way! Although, I tend to like the excitement of not knowing… 😉 Safe travels!
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Kenny
Thanks for your recommendations, I think I have done 1 to 4, maybe Salmon River nex time. 🙂 @ http://www.knycxjourneying.com
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Kacey Mya
Absolutely, Kenny! I am glad you enjoyed the article! Sounds like you are quite the traveler! 🙂
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Kinga
US has been on my travel list since a long time, especially Road 66! 😀 Amazing how you captured the moon on one of the photos!
Kacey Bradley
HI Kinga!
I hope you get the chance to experience the US one day! 🙂
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blessing boamah
Glad I live in the states, this is a good guide for exploring
Kacey Mya
You and me both! I am glad you like it! 🙂
Kacey Mya recently posted…Expecting the Unexpected: When Travel Plans Fall Apart
Anna Mullikin Freeman
Thanks for sharing! 🙂 I’ve just added this to my bucket list. Great read! 🙂
Kacey Mya
Thank for reading it, Anna! I am glad you enjoyed it! Best of luck! 🙂
Kacey Mya recently posted…Expecting the Unexpected: When Travel Plans Fall Apart
interNATionalcaty
Great suggestions! I am road trip person but when I find someone to convince me, I will remember these tips
Kacey Mya
Can I be the one to convince you….? 🙂 Haha. I am glad you enjoyed the article and will remember the suggestions! Best of luck!
Kacey Mya recently posted…Expecting the Unexpected: When Travel Plans Fall Apart
Limo Chauffer
Wohooo Great Post !!! Way Cool and some very good ideas here. I appreciate your writing this post and rest your blog is very good.
Carmen Edelson
Thank you, I so appreciate that!
Deb
Hi Kacey I’m thinking of a road trip from Seattle Have done LA to San Fran last year and am hooked on road trips. We just Airbnb and stayed in a couple of hotels it was so much fun. Could you give me any ideas for my next adventure we would like to do Yellowstone Park maybe this time do our trip in a camper van. Would love to know any suggestions and routes please.
Many Thanks
Deb
Limo Mt Prospect
Loved this post! Really great writing and gave me some exciting ideas for future trips. Thanks for sharing!
Carmen Edelson
Happy to share, thanks for reading 🙂
Limo Service
I was planning on taking a road trip on Route 66 next summer. I came across this article and gave me some new road trip ideas 🙂 Thanks for making this post!
Carmen Edelson
Enjoy your road trip next summer 🙂