If you’re looking for a car holiday with a difference, one of the best ways to explore the country is on a road trip. If you dont have your own car, you can hire a car and transport from many reputable car rentals. The United States of America is about the size of Europe or Australia and offers as many spectacular locations and experiences as those continents do. The landscape changes dramatically from coast to coast and from north to south, so planning a road trip to explore this massive country is a great way to see the country.
Route 66
If you are looking for the best road trips in America, Route 66 is definitely the place to go. This iconic road travel route crosses many states. You will witness major landmarks like the Painted Desert in Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park in Utah, and the majestic landscape of the American West. You can also experience the famed Cadillac Ranch, the Gemini Giant, and the Coleman Theatre.
Traveling along Route 66 is like stepping into American history. The route stretches for more than two thousand miles through eight states and three time zones, linking urban and rural America. The road’s long history inspired many movies, TV shows, and even a song. You’ll see some of America’s most famous landmarks, and you’ll get a taste of small-town life.
The Great River Road
The Great River Road is a stunning route, but Arkansas is the place to really stop and see the sights. The Hampson Archeological Museum is an important stop along the way, with artifacts from the Nodena site, a 15-acre agricultural community that thrived from around A.D. 1400 to 1650. In Sultana, you can take in the story of the largest maritime disaster in U.S. history, the steamboat Sultana, which exploded on the Mississippi River in 1865. McGehee is also home to the World War II Japanese American Internment Museum, which is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
The Great River Road is one of the best ways to see the country’s iconic landscapes. It starts in the Twin Cities in northern Minnesota, and continues through the state of Iowa. Along the way, you’ll see historic lighthouses, ghost towns, and incredible architecture. In addition to a scenic drive, you’ll experience American regional culture and a diverse population. It is also a great way to get to know the USA better.
The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is an iconic highway in California. It begins near Leggett, Oregon, and ends in Capistrano Beach, Orange County. The scenic route covers over 1,650 miles and crosses temperate rainforests and nearly desert areas. Most of the route is public domain and free from development. It also passes through national parks, which provide habitat for rare and endangered wildlife.
This scenic drive passes through northern California, which crosses the state border into Oregon. Known for its spectacular scenery, it passes through dense forests, salmon runs, and roadside swimming holes. Many travelers take this road trip to spend their summers houseboating on Lake Shasta. You’ll also see the Shasta Dam, a limestone cave, and the famous Sundial Bridge. If you have time, you’ll want to take a break at one of the many hot springs day spas along the way.
The Natchez Trace Parkway
The parkway begins in Natchez, Mississippi, which is considered to be the oldest European settlement on the Mississippi River. You can stop to explore the area’s many historic sites, including the Shaifer House where the first shots were fired at Port Gibson during the American Civil War. You can also visit the Grand Gulf Military Park, which includes two fortifications and the ironclad gunboat USS Cairo.
You can take a car, truck, RV, motorcycle, or bicycle to traverse this unique parkway. While driving, be sure to observe the posted speed limit and leave 3 feet of clearance behind. This road trip is best suited for spring and fall because of the beautiful scenery. And remember to give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing. The Parkway is one of the best road trips in America.
The Midland Trail
The Midland Trail is a scenic byway that bisects the state of West Virginia. It stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, through the heart of North and South America. Originally, Native Americans used this trail to travel across the region. Today, it serves as a cross-continental auto trail. You can follow the Midland Trail as it crosses the state of West Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This road trip begins in Hot Springs and ends in the same city. You’ll pass beautiful waterfalls and a historic bridge in the process. You’ll also cross the Jackson River on Route 60, which leads to the small town of Georgia City. At this point, you’ll also pass the town of Possum Trot, a ghost town that was abandoned in the 1950s. The Midland Trail is also known for passing through other ghost towns, including Georgia City, which is a former gold mine.
