15 Breathtaking Road Trips You Need to Experience at Least Once in Your Lifetime
There’s nothing better than taking a road trip; driving along a beautiful highway with the windows down and blasting music with your friends singing along is an experience that’s worth every penny. And while all road trips are fantastic, there are some road trips out there that will change how you live. Here are some of the most epic road trips that you can’t miss.
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is a long and winding road trip along California’s coast; it begins in Orange County and continues to Mendocino. The Pacific Coast Highway is renowned for its destinations,breathtaking ocean views and a breeze that will make you want to stop at every beach. Stop at Big Sur, Monterey, and other attractions like Bixby Creek Bridge to take stunning photos.
Route 66
Route 66 is one of the most iconic highways in the U.S., and for good measure, it’s lined with quirky roadside attractions like the Blue Whale, the Cadillac Ranch, and countless ghost towns, making it the perfect destination for travelers of all types. Route 66 is a timeless classic; you’ll find diners and fancy cafes with neon signs that’ll make you feel like you’ve traveled to the 60s.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most enthralling road trips stretching through Virginia and North Carolina. It starts in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park and winds up to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, where rolling hills, forests, and mighty mountain tips can be seen. We recommend taking a fall road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway because every tree turns into a vibrant mix of orange and red hues, creating the most stunning fall foliage you’ll ever see.
Overseas Highway
Stretching over a hundred miles, the Overseas Highway starts in Miami and goes all the way to Key West. A prime characteristic of the Overseas Highway is the sprawling ocean views on both ends; you’ll feel like your car is cruising on the ocean as if it were a boat. This is why the Seven Mile Bridge is the Overseas Highway’s most attractive landmark; it gives you simultaneous views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is the prettiest road trip you’ll take. It journeys through Montana’s Glacier Lake National Park, overlooking the Rockies and inviting a crisp breeze into your car. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile journey, though you can choose your preferred destination. Going the entire way highlights panoramic views of the rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and deep valleys that run the course of Glacier Lake National Park.
Utah’s Mighty 5
Utah’s Mighty 5 is named so because it traverses five national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. This alone makes it unique, but why you can’t miss Utah’s Mighty 5 road trip because of the diverse vistas; each national park bestows a unique and characteristic landscape; towering cliffs, red rock canyons, natural arches, and hoodoos are just some of the scenery you’ll see, making Utah’s Mighty 5 deserving of praise.
Skyline Drive
Head to Virginia, and you’ll find the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile stretch through the Shenandoah National Park. Lying close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountain, making it worth the visit. Although a year-round trip, Skyline Drive is highly recommended during fall when the trees burst into vibrant orange hues, perfect for leaf peeping.
The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail is a historic road trip that takes you back to the 1800s when pioneers first embarked on the same trip. Connecting Oregon to Missouri, the Oregon Trail is rich with history and culture; you’ll find numerous historic sites and old forts along the way, giving you a glimpse into the past. The Oregon Trail isn’t only just about history; it boasts eye-catching views of rolling plains and rugged mountains, too.
The Million Dollar Highway
A name like that is bound to get anyone’s attention, but you won’t realize its true beauty until you embark on this road trip. The Million Dollar Highway stretches roughly 25 miles over Route 550 in Colorado and is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views. The Million Dollar Highway winds through the San Juan Mountains, exploring thrilling cliffs and hairpin turns. The Million Dollar Highway also explores picturesque towns like Silverton, renowned for its mining history.
Hana Highway
The Hana Highway is one of Hawaii’s most scenic road trip highways. It is a 64-mile drive that takes you along Maui’s lush landscape and stunning coast, making it one of the most naturally diverse highways in the U.S. The Hana Highway passes black sand beaches, dense bamboo forests, and gushing waterfalls; it crosses over 50 bridges, so you’ll get plenty of chances to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Meet North Carolina’s finest road trip destinations: Outer Banks Scenic Byway explores the state’s barrier islands, merging captivating coastal views with a rich maritime history. Outer Banks Scenic Byway passes lighthouses, wildlife refuges, and fishing villages, covering a total of 138 miles. It’s not all about the views; you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, go fishing, snorkeling, or stay to watch the sunset.
The Alaskan Highway
The Alaskan Highway is an epic 1,300-mile adventure that starts in British Columbia, Canada and takes you right up into Alaska. This road trip is all about the wild, with amazing views of snow-covered mountains, endless forests, and icy rivers. Keep an eye out for wildlife, too—you might spot moose, bears, and even eagles along the way. If you’re after a road trip full of rugged beauty and adventure, this one is a top pick.
Florida Keys Scenic Highway
The Florida Keys Scenic Highway is a laid-back, 113-mile drive through a series of tropical islands connected by bridges. Starting in Key Largo and ending in Key West, it’s packed with incredible ocean views and that relaxed island vibe. Along the way, you’ll pass by beautiful beaches, casual seafood spots, and charming coastal towns. For anyone who loves the beach and sun, this road trip is a must.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles, connecting Tennessee to Mississippi along a historic route used by Native Americans and early settlers. As you drive, you’ll pass through quiet forests, stunning viewpoints, and fascinating historical landmarks. With no billboards or traffic lights, it’s a smooth and relaxing trip where you can really enjoy the scenery. If you’re someone who loves history and the beauty of nature, this road trip gives you the perfect mix of both.
Beartooth Highway
For this one, you’ll need a car that can handle challenging terrains because the Beartooth Highway climbs to over 10,000 feet and covers 68 miles of rugged peaks and alpine lakes. Beartooth Highway traverses through the mountains between Wyoming and Montana, passing meadows and waterfalls and even opening up to Yellowstone National Park, a force to be reckoned with.
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This article was first published on RB ITALIA Blog.
