Summer is officially here! What better way to kick it off than with a classic American road trip? Grab your family or your friends and read on for the 10 best routes that lead to an epic summer road trip.
Pacific Coast Highway
California
The Pacific Coast Highway stretches 147 cliff-hugging miles along the California coast, from Carmel to Morro Bay, passing Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge. Along the way, stop to take a walk along Pfeiffer Beach, visit the Hearst Castel where you can catch glimpses of zebras, and look for whales at Dana Point.
Island Tour of Kauai
Hawaii
Hawaii’s less developed island of Kauai is the perfect place for you to cruise in a convertible with the top-down. Along the way, see Wailua Falls and the legendary palm tree-lined North Shore beaches. One of the most memorable moments on the drive will be the sweeping views of “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” at Waimea Canyon Overlook. The canyon stretches 14-miles long, 1-mile wide and is more than 3,600 feet deep. Don’t miss your chance to stretch your legs by stopping at Kokee State Park, just past the overlook, on one of the numerous trails ranging from beginners to seasonal hikers.
Red Rock Scenic Byway
Arizona
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is only 7.5 miles long, but it’s completely worth a leisurely drive, as you’ll pass breathtaking towering red-rock monoliths and green juniper forests along the way. One of the best photo ops is of Cathedral Rock, one of the most famous landmarks in Sedona, which is best seen from Red Rocks Crossing.
Overseas Highway
Florida Keys
During this 113-mile stretch from mainland Florida to Key West, you’ll feel like you’re floating on water as your cruise over 42 bridges, with nothing in sight other than the endless blue ocean. One of the many highlights will be the drive over the Seven-Mile Bridge connecting Knight’s Key and Little Duck Key, one of the longest bridges in existence.
California Wine Country
Napa and Sonoma, California
While driving through Sonoma and Napa, you’ll likely need a designated driver if you plan on stopping at one of the many stunning vineyards along the way. The best pairing for this scenic drive is a classic convertible, of course! Prefer to be along for the ride? Opt for a driver and guide to take you through the hills of California Wine Country.
Scenic Byway 12
Utah
As the US National Park System celebrates its 100th birthday this year, there’s no better time to drive through Scenic Byway 12, which links two national parks, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. As you can imagine, you’ll pass remarkable scenery during this 124-mile road trip. Along the way, don’t miss the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which contains 1.9 million acres of protected red rock canyons. If you love the outdoors, spend a night stargazing in Bryce Canyon, home to one of America’s darkest stretches of sky.
Columbia River Gorge
Oregon
This 75-mile stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway just east of Portland was the first scenic highway designated a National Landmark. An absolute must see along the way is the breathtakingly beautiful 620-foot Multnomah Fall, the tallest waterfall in Oregon.
Texas Hill Country
Texas
On your way to the historic town of Burnet, roll down the windows and take in the fresh air as you drive through the famed Texas bluebonnets on the Johnson City Wildflower loop. Stop and have a glass of vino while viewing endless fields of wildflowers at one of the Texas Wine Trail’s 46 wineries.
Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway
South Dakota
There’s no better way to take in the Badlands National Park than on a motorcycle, but a car will also do just fine. Take in the jagged cliffs, wildlife, and rock formations on this two-lane, 31-mile stretch offering views of some of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals, such as the rhino, horse and saber-toothed cat, once roamed through this park.
Ocean Drive
Newport, Rhode Island
Nothing beats the cool New England breeze as you cruise along the coastline of the US’s tiniest state. Along the drive, marvel at mansions located on the 10-mile Ocean Drive in Newport. Park the car and stroll down the 3.5-mile famed Cliff Walk, along the eastern shore. It’s famous as a public access walk that combines the natural beauty of Newport shoreline with the architectural history of Newport’s gilded age.
