10 Road Trips

September 13, 2021

10 Road Trips

10 Road Trips
Thanks to the interstate system traveling this great country of ours has never been easier. Our vehicles have evolved from station wagons, to mini vans, to roomie SUVs that have made road trips easier through the years. The heyday of the some of these routes gave rise to tourist traps and roadside attractions that gave you a break from sitting the car for so long. Rather you are into history, music, nature, or just crossing a destination off your travel bucket list, here are some road trip routes to help with your next trip.

Route 66
Known as the quintessential cross-country road trip. Starting Chicago, Illinois, traveling 2,500 miles through 8 states ending at the Santa Monica Pier in California. Most of the stops along the way are now historical landmarks. Route 66 lead to the rise of quirky roadside attractions like the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Oklahoma or Cadillac Ranch in Texas.
https://www.route66roadtrip.com/

Pacific Coast Highway
California’s Highway 1 stretches 655 along the west coast. From Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, this highway has drops and treacherous turns as scenery of white sand beaches, and mountains pass by. Famous landmarks along the way include Bixby Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Santa Barbara Zoo, and the Santa Monica Pier.
https://www.pacific-coast-highway-travel.com/

Great River Road
Starting in Minnesota at the beginning of the Mississippi River, this 3,000 mile route runs all the way along the river to New Orleans, Louisiana. Driving through 10 States offers many scenic overlooks of the river, National and State Parks to visit and explore, and local cuisine to sample.
https://experiencemississippiriver.com/the-great-river-road-the-best-drive-in-america/

Musical Road Trip
Also known as the Blues Highway this trip starts in Nashville, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana. Route 61 gives you a chance to experience music at every stop. Start with country music in Nashville, a stop in Graceland to pay your respects to the King of Rock and Roll and end with the jazz in the streets of New Orleans.
https://www.visittheusa.com/trip/blues-highway

Overseas Highway
Starting in Miami this 150 mile trip will have you crossing 42 bridges to get to Key West. If you love an ocean view this trip is for you. Along the way there are coral reef parks, Key Largo’s Dolphin Research Center and white sand beaches. Be sure to stop at a local restaurant and for a fried conch and a slice a key lime pie.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/overseas-highway-miami-to-key-west-1513542

Blue Ridge Parkway
This road trip is best to take in the fall when the leaves are turning colors. Start in the Shenandoah Nation in Virginia and travel 470 mile to end in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This of this route is controlled by the U.S. National Parks system so large semi will not be in your way. So stops along the way include: Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge, and Asheville.
https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

California’s Route 395
US Route 395 in California is for those who love the outdoors. It may not be as famous as the Pacific Coast Highway but it has less traffic. There are many picture perfect scenic destinations to stop at like, Death Valley National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/scenic-highway-395-4064574

The Outer Banks
North Carolina’s Route 12 is known as Outer Banks Scenic Highway. Starting in Carova and ending in Ocracoke, North Carolina, this trip is on paved roads but 25 miles are on Hattaras Ferry that is part of Route 12. This trip is dotted with lighthouses, coastal villages, and Pea Island Wildlife Refuge.
https://www.visitnc.com/listing/Nfii/outer-banks-national-scenic-byway

Southwest National Parks
This road trip will take you to 5 different National Parks. Start at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. From there you will travel on to Zoin, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and end in Arches National Park in Utah. The whole trip will log 600 miles.
https://traveloutlandish.com/blog/southwest-road-trip-itinerary/

Maine Lobster Trail
This 125 mile stretch along Coastal Route 1 will take you through beautiful coastlines and forests. Starting in Milbridge, Maine and ending in Eastport. If you are a seafood lover this trip has many stops at local restaurants for fresh lobster and more. There are also lighthouses and places to try clam digging.
http://www.reidsguides.com/destinations/northamerica/me/rt_maine.html

The Great American Road Trip, Cross Country on I-90
It doesn’t matter if you start in Boston, Massachusetts or Seattle, Washington, what matters is you will cross the country from one coast to the other. I-90 spans 3,000 miles and crosses 13 states. Dotted with road side attractions and landmarks, such as, Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Yellowstone just to name a few.
https://maps.roadtrippers.com/trips/14543191

Sources: hgtv.com, timeout.com, wanderlustcrew.com