6 Best Road Trips in the United States

Summer is a great time to take a trip and do we have some ideas for you. Road trips have long been a favorite pastime in the United States and are a great way to experience some of the more scenic locations this country has to offer. Whether you are leaving from Ohio to hit the road or flying to your pavement-bound destination, these are the best road trips to set your sights on.

Prep Before You Begin Your Road Trips

• Plan everything beforehand. Check where you are going and make sure the route you planned is actually drivable. Be sure to check for toll roads and fuel stops with plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat on the way.
• Inspect your car. Before a long trip, you will want to check headlights, taillights, wipers, tires, and make sure everything is working perfectly. This is less important if you are renting a car. 
• Have an emergency kit. This includes a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, flashlight, spare headlight bulbs, screwdriver, and a first-aid kit.

Road Trip Ideas

Pacific Coast Highway, California

You might not want to drive all the way to California, but if you are in the area it might be a great idea to take the opportunity to drive up the coast. Considered one of the best drives in the United States, the trip starts in San Diego and takes you along the coast all the way up to the coastal town of Monterey. 

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

This trip is not for the faint of heart as the 50-mile journey hugs jagged cliffs and drop-offs. So, if you have a fear of heights, this might not be the road trip for you. Then, ending at your choice of Route 2 or Route 86, this Montana trip is an easy one hour to an hour and a half duration through beautiful vistas.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

At a whopping 469 miles long, this journey connects the Shenandoah National Park located in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This drive is certainly a unique experience. With a billboard ban along the scenic road as well as a ban on commercial traffic, your driving experience will remain unobstructed. Begin your journey from either Boone or Cherokee and make your way to Blue Ridge Road to enjoy this 5-hour trip.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Since you might be in this neck of the woods with our previous entry, how about visiting this 100-mile route along Highway 12 — otherwise known as Ocean Front Highway. The Outer Banks offers an eclectic combination of seashore views with white beaches, historic towns, fishing villages, and lots for a tourist to enjoy. Your starting point is the Wright Memorial Bridge to Kitty Hawk. Then you will travel to the north on 12 to continue on your journey to Corolla.

Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Let’s head west to begin this 330-mile trek along this loop from Seattle to the Olympic Peninsula via Highway 101. You can choose to either follow the loop clockwise or anti-clockwise. On this journey, you will see the stunning views of the white mountain tops of the Olympic mountain range, waterfalls, small logging towns, and one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States, Lake Crescent.

Route 66, Chicago to California

Thinking of an interesting way to get to the west coast? Well, Route 66 might be your solution. This trip from Chicago to Los Angeles measures an amazing 2,451 miles! With a history dating back to The Depression, this famous highway was used by many seeking a new life. With lots to see along the way, you will certainly have to plan your trip well to hit all the sights and tourist attractions.

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