5 Places In The United States For a Road Trip
This summer, more Americans than ever are planning a road trip, with 79 percent planning to travel by car. While the possibilities are almost limitless in each state, some places lend themselves to road trips better than others. Low gas prices, scenic byways, and national parks are among the main factors in road trip popularity, and there's no shortage of places to choose from. Here are some top spots to consider.
Route 66
There are several reasons to visit Route 66 on a road trip. The historic route passes through the heart of the American West and is filled with incredible sights. Most people drive Route 66 between early May and late September, when the weather is most favorable. In addition, you can expect to encounter at least six different climate zones. Take the road less traveled, and you'll be glad you did.
St Louis is usually the first stop on a Route 66 road trip from Chicago. Set on the Mississippi River, this city is a fascinating blend of history, culture, music, and sport. Known for its baseball team, St. Louis is home to the St. Louis Cardinals. This famous team is one of the city's biggest draws. The Gateway Arch is another major attraction. If you love architecture, you can ride up 630 feet to view the city.
The Kansas section of Route 66 is 13.2 miles long and includes the town of Galena, known for its old Kan-O-Tex gas station. You can also visit the Lincoln Heritage Museum, which is home to a huge statue of the famous president. And while you're in the Midwest, don't miss the famous Cozy Dog Drive-In and the historic Mahan's Filling Station in Springfield.
The Illinois and Oklahoma section of Route 66 are a must-see for anyone planning a road trip. Chicago is the start of the iconic route. Springfield, Missouri is the official birthplace of Route 66. There's a plaque in Park Central Square indicating that Springfield, Missouri officially designated Route 66. Once you're on Route 66, you'll be able to see a variety of scenic vistas along the way.
Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the best ways to see the stunning scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway is to take a scenic drive. There are several options for this type of drive, from 10 miles to 50. You can even incorporate this into your Asheville itinerary. You'll definitely want to make time to drive this scenic route! Listed below are some reasons that you'll love to take this road trip.
You'll find the most picturesque scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall, when the foliage begins to turn fiery red and gold. Autumn is also a great time to visit, but winter can be very icy and dangerous for drivers. However, there are several beautiful seasons to drive the Parkway, including spring and summer. Whether you're looking for a scenic road trip or a peaceful place to camp, you'll never get tired of this area.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-see for travelers. Starting from Washington DC area, this drive starts in Front Royal, the north entrance of Shenandoah National Park. While here, you can explore the national capital of the United States, including the White House, the Pentagon, and the National Archives. You won't regret taking this road trip!
For the ultimate road trip, you must visit the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are numerous attractions and excursions to explore, including historic sites, scenic overlooks, and a wide array of outdoor activities. The Select Registry offers many lodging options along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as a high standard of service. You can also enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a warm blanket in front of the fireplace at the Switzerland Cafe and General Store.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in the United States is a natural wonder, that's more than two-hundred-and-fifty miles long and almost a mile deep. The landscape is an astonishing mix of colors and shapes. Artist David Hockney once remarked that it was the only place on earth that made you look in all directions. You will be awed by the vastness of this place.
The Grand Canyon National Park offers spectacular views and activities that cater to all kinds of travelers. There are easy hikes and more difficult hikes, depending on your level of fitness. Take the kids for a stroll along the rim, or go for a scenic drive along Hermit Road, a seven-mile trail that has multiple viewpoints. A car isn't necessary to reach the bottom of the canyon. You can take a shuttle or drive your own car between December and February. During spring and fall, you can use the park's shuttle to get to Hermit Road.
After visiting the Grand Canyon, head south to other state parks and national monuments. This journey begins in San Diego and ends in Sedona, Arizona. If you're renting a car, the Ultimate Grand Canyon-Bryce Canyon-Zion National Park road trip is an excellent option. This trip is an all-around adventure for any type of traveler and includes stops in Yuma, Phoenix, and Sedona.
If you're visiting the Grand Canyon in the United States for a summer vacation, consider visiting in the spring. The weather is warm and dry, and spring is the best time to see the wildflowers and other flora. The fall is slightly rainy, but the foliage is vibrant and makes for a great photo. And the shorter days make sunsets easier to photograph.
The Grand Canyon is literally one of the most breathtaking and beautiful places on this Earth You'll be happy you did!
Northwest Arkansas
If you're planning a road trip to explore a state's scenic beauty, consider visiting Northwest Arkansas. The area includes the cities of Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Rogers, Siloam Springs, and Springdale. Sample itineraries below include suggestions on where to stay, eat, and play. Use them as a guide to help plan your trip to Northwest Arkansas.
For those looking to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of nature, the region's outdoor trails offer the ideal escape. There are more than 200 miles of trails to explore, from paved trails to off-road trails. For example, if you enjoy hiking or biking, you can explore the paved Crystal Bridges Trail. The route also features a 2-mile loop around Lake Atalanta. The trail also connects to a number of hiking and biking trails.
If you're traveling by car, you should try taking the scenic highway through the mountains to Eureka Springs. The engineering of the roads and highways around these mountains is simply breathtaking. Eureka Springs' natural hot springs offer a relaxing and refreshing experience. Craft-lovers should stop by the War Eagle market in Hot Springs. You're bound to find something to savor at this market.
The state's highest point, Mount Magazine, is in Ponca. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily accessible from Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, and Little Rock. If you're traveling on a budget, consider renting a cabin near the park's site. You can even rent a cabin to stay in a natural setting surrounded by karst rock formations. And don't forget to pack your hiking shoes, as the road is gravel and very muddy in rainy weather.
Colorado
Visiting this state is a great way to see the state's natural beauty and cool attractions. Its road conditions can change dramatically in minutes, so it's a good idea to rent a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. If the weather is bad, avoid road trips in Colorado. If you plan to travel in Colorado during bad weather, you should consider renting a car in Colorado Springs and drive a few hours east to Moab.
When planning your road trip, consider going to Mesa Verde, which was settled by Puebloans in the 13th century. Known as the Ruins Road, this scenic route is filled with over 4000 archaeological sites. The Cliff Palace is one of the most interesting sites to visit, as it offers visitors the chance to see close to 200 rooms in ruin. This is a great stop for a road trip in Colorado!
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado provides year-round recreation, from hiking, biking, and mountaineering in the summer to skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in winter. In addition, there are many scenic drives along the way. Trail Ridge Road takes travelers to beautiful waterfalls, including Adam Falls. Highway 40 and Highway 9 are also scenic. You may want to take in some of Colorado's best views while driving through this state, as well as its mountainous terrain and a variety of wildlife.
After you've driven through the mountains and have seen the Rocky Mountains, you can start your road trip in Denver. This mile-high city is known for its many mountain sports, and it's an exciting place to visit during the warmer months. Its lively downtown is a great place to have lunch or a drink with friends. Lastly, check out Telluride, which is home to one of the top ski resorts in the country. While the city itself is not the best place to visit in Colorado, it's a great place for a day-trip.
There are many places to visit throughout the United States to relax. We just wanted to share some with you today.
Written by: Coach Clint
