Top Places to Take a Road Trip
6/24/2019 | By Team United
If one of your summer vacation ideas includes hitting the open road in search of fun things to do, these destinations should certainly be on your list. But how do you choose? Follow these ideas to find the best places to road trip.
On a Budget
Strapped for cash but still want to see some sights this summer? Besides cashing in some rewards points on your credit or debit card, there are some destinations you can pick for your road trip that are also budget-friendly. The list from BuzzFeed is extensive, but here are some of our favorites.
- York, Maine – It’s a road trip that is free to explore and comes with a cool story. That’s right, when you visit York, Maine you’ll get to experience East Coast living full of beach towns and coastal views. But the big payoff is seeing Nubble Lighthouse which is known as the most photographed lighthouse in America.
- Highline Trail, Montana – This is an adventurer’s dream. Take a road trip out to Highline Trail in Montana, and you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to take a 12-mile scenic hike that is completely off the grid. Amazing views and fresh air—and no cost to hike it.
- Nashville, Indiana – Road trip doesn’t have to mean scenic views or outdoor activities. Venturing over to small towns, like Nashville, Indiana, is where you’ll find an artsy town full of downtown shops and history. It’s free to visit, and you can probably get a great deal on your souvenirs.
As a Family
Want to load up the family for a road trip full of memories? The Travel Channel has some great ideas places to go for a summer of fun.
- Traveling East – Consider hitting up Highways 7 and 15 from New York to Connecticut for some amazing views of lighthouses and covered bridges. Or if you are looking for a road trip with some good eats along the way, take a drive along I-91 in Vermont and check out the maple syrup farms, and stop off for some fresh cheese.
- The Midwest – For some good old-fashioned fun, there’s no place better than Highway 22 in Michigan from the Leelanau Peninsula to Traverse City. You get great scenic views of Lake Michigan on this 116 mile stretch, and you can get your fill of fresh cherries and some of the best wine the state has to offer. If adventure is the name of the game, consider Highway 56 in Kansas where you’ll find Dodge City which was once called the “Wickedest City in the West”.
- Heading West – Cruising the California coast is a must-do if you’re driving to the West. Coastal Highway 1 follows the Pacific coast from Washington state to Baja, Mexico, and has plenty to do and see. More inland, drive down I-70 west of Denver to Utah and see classics like the Hoover Dam and the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Bucket List
There are road trips, and then there are the big ones. These are the once-in-a-lifetime adventures you’ll want to make sure you take:
- Route 66, Chicago to LA – A road trip bucket list of course has to start with the original: more than 2,000 miles of Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. Yes, it’s still possible to drive many sections of the Mother Road, and a recent resurgence in keeping Route 66 alive means there are plenty of museums and road-side attractions to explore along the way—as well as some ghost towns. For all the best sites, tips, and tricks while getting your kicks, check out historic66.com.
- Columbia River Scenic Highway, Oregon – If you’re more about breathtaking views as you cruise, you’ll want to make time to drive a 75-mile stretch known as the Columbia River Scenic Highway in Oregon—starting east of Portland. You’ll see it all from waterfalls to mountain views. Visit traveloregon.com for more information.
- Overseas Highway, Florida – For those that enjoy surf, sand, and sunshine, the Overseas Highway linking Miami to Key West is a bucket list road trip for sure! This 120-mile drive will take you over bridges and causeways, and miles and miles of ocean-view. There’s plenty to do along the way too, like taking in some of the best seafood Florida has to offer to swimming with dolphins at the Theater of the Sea. Fla-keys.com has all the details.
No matter which option you choose for your summer road trip, remember to enjoy the moments and take it easy as you slow things down. Oh, and navigation—make sure you have a great maps app or a co-pilot who can guide you.