The USA is full of destinations you can drive to. With such a vast range from the tropics of Florida, to the mountains of Washington, or lobstering Maine. There is quite literally just about anything for anyone in this country. Pick your poison, and take a little road trip across what this wonderful country has to offer.
1. California 1
Coming in first is the Pacific Coast Freeway of California, also known as California 1. Starting in San Diego, the route takes in some of California’s best coastal scenery that will stretch you all the way to San Francisco.
Stop at Santa Cruz, and make a brief pit stop at Devil’s Slide, which is a 1.3-mile stretch of land that was once a piece of Highway One but is now a beautiful walking path in Pacifica.
It also will take you through Big Sur, Cambria, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Los Olivos and Solvang, Santa Barbara, and of course Los Angeles. Each city boasts its own special niche well worth spending a few hours, or even days, depending on the length of your trip.
2. Going-to-the-Sun
Maybe a coastal trip isn’t really your thing, but mountains are. Take a look at Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana. A compact car of sorts is recommended for this trip as it is full of narrow and winding roads.
It’s a 50-mile stretch that is the only road to span the Glacier National Park in Northwest Montana. You will want to check out the NPS website for weather reports or closures that could affect your trip.
Glacier National Park is wild country, and wildlife may be present anywhere along the road. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are often seen near Logan Pass. Two Dog Flats on the east side is well known for Grizzly Bear sightings. Without stopping, this trek should take around 2 hours to make.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway of Virginia is next on the list. This is a 469 stretch of road that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
It’s best to drive in the fall months during peak color change for an amazing viewing experience. The speed limit averages 45 mph for a wonderfully relaxing drive to really be able to take in the beautiful scenery.
4. Olympic Peninsula
Located in Washington, this is the perfect trip for more mountainous views. This is a 330-mile loop. Start your journey in Seattle and journey onwards to the peninsula by connecting onto highway 101 via Junction 104.
This is definitely a trip that you will want to carve out a few days or more to take advantage of the beautiful views of white mountain tops and plenty of hiking.
5. Brandywine Valley
On the shorter end is this valley located between South Pennsylvania and North Delaware. With only 19 miles, this trip can make for the perfect day trip filled with beautiful sights.
Here, you’ll find historic homes, wildflowers, Brandywine River, and make sure to stop at the 1,077-acre Longwood Gardens that have an outdoor topiary, spring-fed lakes, and 20 greenhouse gardens.
6. Cape Cod
This is a trip that many only dreams of taking one day in gorgeous Massachusetts.
The 57 stretch along route 6 boasts views of fresh pounds, 2,000 acres of pine forests, historic homes, and great food. Don’t forget to venture out for some decadent seafood dishes that will top off your trip and exploration.
7. Historic Columbia River Highway
Oregon houses the Historic Columbus River Highway, running parallel to, you guessed it – the Columbia River.
Built in 1917, the road is a 57 miles stretch and one of the oldest scenic routes in history. Known as a National Historic Landmark, you’ll certainly have a day or two of fun sights to see, including the Vista House, which sits 700 feet above the Columbia River.
8. Outerbanks
North Carolina’s hallmark destination has been made popular in recent years as a feature in Netflix’s hit show of the same name. But the truth is, the Outer Banks is known for so much more than the fictional show displays.
You can travel the 100-mile trip along Highway 12, which offers beaches, historic towns, fishing villages, and beautiful homes. Don’t forget to make a few detours to one of the many islands the Carolinas has to offer.
Conclusion
We’re lucky to live in a country with so many neighboring states that are completely different from one another. What you’ll find in one state on one side of the country will look completely different on the other side or in another landscape.
One of the only ways to see it all is via a good old-fashioned road trip! Just be sure to stay safe and keep legal information handy in the case of an emergency, such as JT Legal Group.
