The great American road trip is making a comeback. In years past, it was common for families to drive the American countryside looking for iconic sites and little known adventures. With more fuel efficient vehicles, better roads and cheaper gas prices, individuals and families alike are hitting the highways and byways for the ideal American road trip.
If this is an adventure that is on your bucket, list, ensure the best road trip possible with one of these 6 must experience journeys.
Pacific Coast Highway
This highway runs along the entire west coast of California spanning 655 miles. Visit the Redwood National State Park near Crescent City, a prime place for camping, to enjoy one of nature’s most incredible sites. Further down the coast, from north to south, stop at Monterey to visit the Monterey Aquarium which houses various exhibits, including a touch tank for the kids where they can get up close and touch small sea creatures.
Garden State Parkway in New Jersey
This parkway runs from the northern tip at the New York state line to the beach town of Cape May. Ensure that you make a stop at Exit 4A to visit the Cold Spring village, which is a Revolutionary War historical site and museum, complete with a brewery and clay making exhibit. Exit 116 offers some of the best entertainment at the PNC Bank Art Center in Holmdel, NJ. From KORN to Tony Orlando, this venue has something for all music lovers.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
This highway in Big Ben National Park Texas, may only be 30 miles long, but it is well worth the trip. This drive provides plenty of wild life, including must see road runners. The Sam Nail ranch is one of the many homesteads that use to be located in this area. Visit the remnants of this homestead to enjoy the desert animals. Take pictures by the active windmill which still pumps water. You might even see more wildlife while there. Also, stop at the Sotel Vista Overlook for one of the most scenic views of the area.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Drive this beautiful parkway from Washington DC to Knoxville, Tennessee. Along this 469-mile-long route, visit The Blue Ridge Music Center to experience a taste of Blue Ridge music. Make a stop at Mount Pisgah, located near Asheville, NC. Hike the 3-mile-long trail to the top of the peak for a breath-taking view. While near Asheville, remember to stop and see the famous 250 room mansion, the Biltmore House, built by George Vanderbilt in 1898 as a wedding present for his wife.
Florida A1A
This road runs 600 miles from the Georgia border to Key West. While driving this beach route, stop at St Augustine, the nation’s oldest city and see the Fountain of Youth and Castillo De San Marco. Make your next stop just an hour south, at Marineland Dolphin Adventure and take part in one of their Dolphin Encounter Programs. On the Space Coast at Titusville, stop off to visit the Kennedy Space Center and maybe meet an astronaut or two. Don’t forget to tour Ernest Hemingway’s home at the most southern end of this route, in Key West.
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
This is a great American road trip that your little dinosaur lover will enjoy. This highway runs through western Colorado and eastern Utah for a full 480 miles. Visit Dinosaur Quarry near Jensen, Utah where one can see thousands of prehistoric fossils. You could also stop at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park museum to see one the 18 full size dinosaur models.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and see what the American roads have to offer
