As you’re starting to make plans for the new year and updating your bucket list with new and exciting adventures, how about going old school and adding a memorable road trip to the list? The U.S. is full of beautiful and fascinating road trip destinations that are waiting for you to explore with your family and friends. It’s easy to catch a flight across the country but you can’t beat the experience of seeing the U.S. from the road. Just load up your car with your favorite music and games, and head out on a trip you’ll never forget.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
Ⓒ Hugh Morton – Blue Ridge Parkway Association
This scenic route boasts being America’s favorite drive. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. It’s the longest linear park in the country and spans 29 counties. Along Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll see the Appalachian Mountains, Price Lake, Crabtree Falls, and Bristol Caverns. Learn all about the culture of the region while you stretch your legs in the many parks and visitor centers.
2. I-90
Go from coast to coast on the nation’s longest interstate. I-90 connects Boston to Seattle with 3,024 uninterrupted miles of freeway. On this drive you’ll pass through 13 states, with the opportunity to experience some of the nation’s most famous road trip destinations. Niagara Falls, the Continental Divide, the Great Plains, and Mount Rushmore are just a few stops you’ll likely add to your agenda along this drive.
3. Route 13
Travel north to south on the 517 miles of highway that connects the suburbs of Philadelphia to Fayetteville, North Carolina. When you take Route 13, you’ll be traveling through five states along the Eastern Shore. Drive the full length of the Delmarva peninsula, through historic Dover, and scenic Salisbury. This is a great drive for people who enjoy a small-town vibe and quaint sites.
4. Route 66
Arguably one of the most famous road trip destinations on this list — U.S. Route 66 is just as impressive as it is historic. You’ve heard about this destination in music and all over popular culture, so it will be a great experience to discover the fun for yourself. From end to end it spans 2,448 miles, covering Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Most travelers choose a chunk of the route to tackle, picking out some of its legendary attractions that really provide an American essence. Head to the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the famous Polk-a-Dot Drive-In in Illinois, or stay in one of the two surviving Wigwam Motels in Arizona.
5. U.S. Route 1
From end to end, historic U.S. Route 1 spans 2,369 miles from Key West, Florida to the U.S.-Canada border in Fort Kent, Maine. Many people who choose this road trip destination choose to explore the 545 miles through Florida. That’s because this stretch of Route 1 features gorgeous coastline views and the Overseas Highway, which runs through the chain islands of the Florida Keys.
6. U.S. Civil Rights Trail
History buffs will enjoy traveling through some of the most important sites of the Civil Rights Movement on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Head south to get to this 175-mile route through Alabama. The entire trail spans 14 states, but the Alabama section is plenty to grasp the soul of the movement. Drive the Edmund Winston Pettus Bridge, the Freedom Riders National Monument, and the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center.
7. Parks Highway
You may not recognize it by name, but following the 323 miles of Parks Highway will lead you to some of the most beautiful views in Alaska. Not only is this route one of the most important thoroughfares in the state (it connects Anchorage to Fairbanks), but it provides access to Denali National Park and Preserve — home to the highest mountain in North America.
8. Pacific Coast Highway
If you’re based on the east coast, this road trip will likely require a flight and a rental car to get you there. Still, the 144 miles between Monterey and Morro Bay, California will be well worth the effort. The Pacific Coast Highway is home to the enchanted Hearst Castle, famous Ventura Beach, and the whimsical boardwalk of Santa Cruz. Plus, you can’t compare the gorgeous coastal views to any other in the country. If you’re feeling adventurous, leave the car for a while and surf some waves.
9. Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
Eat your way through New England. From Maine to Connecticut there are thousands of miles of scenic and historic sites for you to visit but what you’ll most likely be writing home about is the taste of the region’s cuisine. The lobster, clam chowder, oysters, and baked cod have all brought acclaim to the six states that make up the region. Specifically, along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, you’ll experience 90 miles of local architecture, history, shopping, and food.
10. Hana Highway
If your 2019 includes plans to leave the mainland, make one of your road trip destinations the picturesque state of Hawaii. When you usually think of Hawaii your thoughts probably include visions of the sand and surf. Another great way to experience all that it has to offer is with a road trip along Hana Highway. This 52-mile thoroughfare leads to Hāna in Maui County. Some of its points of interest include Hamoa Beach, the Pi’i-lani Temple, and the Kaia Ranch Tropical Botanical Gardens.
