Going on a road trip across America has got to be one of the most exciting, pleasant and unforgettable experiences that travelers will ever have in their life. With its wealth in awe-inspiring landscapes, rugged cliffs and scenic waterfront towns, a driving escapade in America is truly a fabulous way to appease a serious case of wanderlust. Known one of the classic pastimes in America, these road adventures also epitomize the very best that our wondrous nation has to offer – the belief in unlimited possibility, westward expansion, the idea that is something better over the horizon and the freedom of the road.
Want to go on an epic road trip in America, but don’t know where to start? From the strikingly beautiful Overseas Highway to the imposing cliffs of Hawaii, here are some of the best driving routes that America has to offer.
Overseas Highway, Florida
The Overseas Highway in Florida is a surreal superhighway that may have existed in your dreams, before you even have laid eyes on it. As take a drive along this gorgeous 120-mile road, you’ll feel like you are a skipper piloting a hovercraft across a mesmerizing turquoise sea. Although the route is rather short and can be driven in just a few hours, there are plenty of awesome diversions can keep you elated for days here, including Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea. What’s more, the route offers a plethora of tasty culinary treats, such as fresh seafood and zero cool beer. On top of it all off, there charming and great towns to visit in this route like Key Largo and Marathon.
Blues Highway, New Orleans to Nashville
Every blues aficionado and music lover needs to hit the famed Blues Highway at least once in their lifetime. Highway 61, fittingly nicknamed as “Blues Highway”, travels from New Orleans, Louisiana all the way to Nashville, Tennessee. There will be some catchy music saturating for each stop along the way, from the birthplace of blues music to the “Music City”. Of course, you’ll drive by a slew of recording studios, beautiful homes of famous musicians and music venues. Plus, you there are quite a number of stores where you can grab some cool new tunes to enjoy on your driving adventure.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
A great deal of history in New England can be experienced with a drive along Cape Cod in Massachusetts. An escapade to State Route 6A will ultimately lead you to small and quaint towns of Barnstable, Sandwich and Yarmouth. Provincetown, which is located at Cape Cod’s tip, is a refuge that will wow you with its dramatic scenes and breathtaking beauty, making it an ideal destination for all kinds of artists.
Big Bend Scenic Loop, Texas
Have an appetite for outdoor thrills and adventures? Then, make sure to drive along Big Bend Scenic Loop, and experience some of its adrenaline-pumping sports. The remote wilderness in this route is brimming with opportunities for off-roading, camping, dirt biking and even world-class rafting. Not to mention, this drive offers some amazing views of Mexico.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
There’s, as far as I’m concerned, no better way to appreciate the beauty and power of Mississippi River than to joyride its full length. Lauded as one of America’s most picturesque driving routes, this snaking pathway, with its fabulous sights, is meant to be enjoyed at a slow and leisurely pace. In addition to its beautiful vistas, the route offer dozens of interesting attractions, such as the National Eagle Center, home to the American Bald Eagles. With so many sights to see and places to explore, you’ll sure want to take your time driving this classy route.
Route 66, Chicago to Arizona
No list of the best American road trips is complete without the inclusion of Route 66. After all, it is a celebrated and nationally well-known route that has inspired countless of songs, films like Rain Man as well as adolescent fantasies. And while the route was discontinued officially in the 80s, road adventurists can still closely follow Route 66 by kicking off their drive at I-55 in Chicago, and driving their way at the many points at I-70 in Missouri. As you drive this famous road, don’t forget to swing by the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and snap pictures of its iconic painted cars that are struck creatively into the ground.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
With a length of a little over 48 miles, Hana Highway is a shorter route compared to the other routes mentioned in this list. But trust me, it can easily take you a number of hours to traverse this pathway from start to finish. Stretching from Kahului to Hana, your entire trip in this highway will be spent winding along cliffs that edge the sea as well as verdant tropical forests. You can also extend your drive by following Route 31 to Kipahulu. Either way, there are plenty of cascading waterfalls, roadside stands and black sand beaches to stretch your joyride into a full day itinerary.
Jason Biondo is a travel junkie and an amateur bodybuilder who loves to share insightful tips to his fellow travelers and fitness enthusiasts. He is also a User Interface Developer Consultant and the founder of Trekeffect.
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