5 Awesome Summer Road Trips

by Teresa Bitler

5 Awesome Summer Road Trips

by Teresa Bitler

A road trip is the ideal all-American vacation, and summer's the time to get behind the wheel. Here are five trips to add to your itinerary if you're opting for a domestic escape.

A road trip is the ideal all-American vacation, and summer's the time to get behind the wheel. Here are five trips to add to your itinerary if you're opting for a domestic escape.

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Pacific Coast Highway in California / iStock / Frederick Thelen
Pacific Coast Highway
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Pacific Coast Highway

State Route 1, known for its long stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH), hugs much of the California coastline from Leggett to Dana Point. You could easily spend a week driving its 656 miles, especially if you wanted to see any of the sights in San Francisco or along Southern California’s coast. Many of the state’s top attractions are located on PCH, including the San Francisco Bridge, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Redwood National Forest, Hearst Castle, and Santa Monica Pier. Others, like Disneyland, are only a short drive away.

Read more: 5 Stunning West Coast Road Trips
 

State Route 1, known for its long stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH), hugs much of the California coastline from Leggett to Dana Point. You could easily spend a week driving its 656 miles, especially if you wanted to see any of the sights in San Francisco or along Southern California’s coast. Many of the state’s top attractions are located on PCH, including the San Francisco Bridge, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Redwood National Forest, Hearst Castle, and Santa Monica Pier. Others, like Disneyland, are only a short drive away.

Blue Ridge Parkway
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Blue Ridge Parkway

You’ll see some of the nation’s most beautiful scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects Shenandoah National Park in North Carolina to Virginia’s Skyline Drive. Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up a souvenir at Poor Farmer’s Market in Meadows of the Dan, Virginia, or listen to Appalachian music at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia. For the best view, stop at Waterrock Knob (milepost 451) or for a detour, head east on State Route 501 – roughly 45 minutes to Appomattox Court House –wherein 1865 General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union Army and the Civil War came to an end.

Read more: 4 Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain Trails
 

You’ll see some of the nation’s most beautiful scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects Shenandoah National Park in North Carolina to Virginia’s Skyline Drive. Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up a souvenir at Poor Farmer’s Market in Meadows of the Dan, Virginia, or listen to Appalachian music at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia. For the best view, stop at Waterrock Knob (milepost 451) or for a detour, head east on State Route 501 – roughly 45 minutes to Appomattox Court House –wherein 1865 General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union Army and the Civil War came to an end.

Historic National Road
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Historic National Road

The Historic National Road – the country’s first federally funded interstate highway – dates back to 1834 when it was built to reach our westernmost settlement (at the time, it was St. Louis). Plan to spend at least three days on the road, starting in Baltimore. As you go, watch for old brick schoolhouses, historic tollhouses, and scenic bridges. For a cross country adventure, take I-90 from Boston to Seattle; you’ll drive through 13 states, and you can easily detour to several national parks, including Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, and Yellowstone.

Read more: Which National Park Is for You?
 

The Historic National Road – the country’s first federally funded interstate highway – dates back to 1834 when it was built to reach our westernmost settlement (at the time, it was St. Louis). Plan to spend at least three days on the road, starting in Baltimore. As you go, watch for old brick schoolhouses, historic tollhouses, and scenic bridges. For a cross country adventure, take I-90 from Boston to Seattle; you’ll drive through 13 states, and you can easily detour to several national parks, including Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, and Yellowstone.

 

San Juan Skyway
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San Juan Skyway

Although the San Juan Skyway is known for its fall foliage, we think it’s gorgeous in the summer, too. The loop hits many of southern Colorado's most popular sites, including Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, and Telluride. Plus, there's a Jurassic alternative: Start at the Dinosaur Journey Museum in Grand Junction and continue along the 480-mile Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway to the Dinosaur National Monument. The route loops through Moab (plan to stop at Arches and Canyonlands national parks) before returning to Grand Junction.

Read more: 9 Dino Destinations If You Love Jurassic Park 

Although the San Juan Skyway is known for its fall foliage, we think it’s gorgeous in the summer, too. The loop hits many of southern Colorado's most popular sites, including Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, and Telluride. Plus, there's a Jurassic alternative: Start at the Dinosaur Journey Museum in Grand Junction and continue along the 480-mile Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway to the Dinosaur National Monument. The route loops through Moab (plan to stop at Arches and Canyonlands national parks) before returning to Grand Junction.

 

George Parks Highway
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George Parks Highway

If you’re planning a road trip through Alaska, summer's the time to do it, and the George Parks Highway is the road to take. Named for Alaska’s first territorial governor, the highway connects Anchorage to Fairbanks, offering incredible views of Mt. McKinley along the way. Note: This highway passes Denali National Park – although you’ll have to take a shuttle to actually get inside.

Read more: 5 Ways to Avoid the Early-Summer Crowds in Alaska
 

If you’re planning a road trip through Alaska, summer's the time to do it, and the George Parks Highway is the road to take. Named for Alaska’s first territorial governor, the highway connects Anchorage to Fairbanks, offering incredible views of Mt. McKinley along the way. Note: This highway passes Denali National Park – although you’ll have to take a shuttle to actually get inside.

 

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