THE BEST ROAD TRIPS FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE


By akirschbaum
Driving on the highway to find the best road trips in the US.

In a country with a vast landmass, the go-to destinations are endless, especially for the best road trips. In the U.S., you have many options on what kind of detours to explore by car you will be doing; you can opt for a cross-country journey, a state road trip, or even national park sightseeing. If you have limited time, you can still enjoy the journey with New England routes in the fall, classic California itineraries, Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts, and scenic East Coast adventures.

The Best US Road Trips to Take This Summer

Pacific Highway Coast in California

Consider California to experience the best road trip. This state is so popular due to its endless view of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1. With a lot of beautiful stops, here are some that are worth pulling over to view. Take advantage of the perfect waves of Santa Cruz, seasonal food trips in Malibu, the afternoon boardwalk in Santa Monica, or even the night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point and San Francisco.

Enjoy the Florida Keys

If you want to experience a more sunny trip in Florida, go further south and skip Miami. Starting in Key Largo and ending in Key West, this scenic Florida key is often overlooked by road travelers over a more well-known route up north, but this detour is very much worth it. To enjoy this tour, plan for at least a few days to get the chance to enjoy this route. Highlights include the impressive Overseas Highway, the arts in Islamorada, and the beaches, food, and sites in Key West.

Portland to Astoria

Six days might not be enough time to see all the nice things in Oregon. The best way to finish up your road trip is to visit Coos Bay from Portland and enjoy the breathtaking rocky coastline, seaside dunes, marine ecosystems, and evergreen forests of Oregon. You can also enjoy hiking, strolling, or kayaking.

Albuquerque to Las Cruces

If you want to experience the best road trips, remember this detour. Stop at the formerly known Pueblo Harvest and enjoy the Indigenous cuisine. Grab some souvenirs at Three Brothers and enjoy the dunes in White Sands National Park.

Boise to Sun Valley

Pack your bags and experience the best US road trips along Idaho's Ponderosa Pine. The drive will take about six hours, but it is worth it. During your trip, remember the Kirkham Hot Springs, which is the journey's highlight.

Raleigh to Charlotte

Why not take your best road trip to North Carolina any time of the year? It boasts a coastal plain, Blue Ridge Mountains, farmland, and rolling wooded hills. If you're in Raleigh, drive to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to experience various art, food, and some history. Take advantage of the downtown arts districts, civil rights museums, and James Beard Award-winning restaurants.

Texas Hill

While in San Antonio, relax on an inner tube over the Sabinal and Frio Rivers, stroll in a Japanese tea garden, and indulge in tacos.

Phoenix Grand Canyon

This best road trip is an excellent stop for returning and first-time visitors as it offers a lot of scenic drives, biking, and hiking—Trek the Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, which is 2,704-foot-tall. Take a souvenir red rock from Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while strolling the Grand Canyon State.

Essential Things to Bring to Enjoy the Best Road Trips

Water Bottle

Don't forget your reusable water bottles. Even though you will be going on a road trip and doing some activities along the way, it is still good to stay hydrated.

Spare Tire and Tools

Before heading out for the best road trip of your life, ensure your tires are properly inflated, you have a good spare tire, and a set of tools. You will never know if you will be caught in an accident in the middle of nowhere.

Maps

They might be outdated since we have our phones, but you'll never know if you will encounter a patchy signal along the way.

First-Aid Kit

Always carry your band-aids, bandages, painkillers, antiseptic, and other medications or essentials for an unexpected emergency.

Swiss Army Knife

This tool can be super handy as it is a multi-purpose tool that can do many things. One last thing: Always check the weather before your trip so you can enjoy the best US road trips of your life. Suggested reads:


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