Summer arrives with an abundance of sunshine, drier roads for the four-wheelers, and an atmosphere of adventure that marks goodbye to the icy winter. It also offers the perfect opportunity for summertime outdoor drive-in activities where you can explore vibrant cities off and on U.S. coastlines beaming with peerless landscapes and unspeakable natural wonders.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway could be your first stop in the quest for the mesmerizing summer spot when zooming through the United States. Get lost in the stellar stretch of pristine beaches paired with the heaven-bound cliffs of Santa Barbara and Big Sur. A visit to the Pacific Coast Highway affords you the luxury of traversing the picturesque Monterey Bay Aquarium while you soak in the orange sunshine of San Francisco.
2. The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, and North Carolina
Cart your loved one along the trail of scenic hikes, wildlife spotting, and bountiful biodiversity of the Great Smoky Mountains, a Unesco World Heritage Site of repute. The Charming towns of Gatlinburg and Asheville welcome you with open arms into the lush gifting of local crafts and live music served with tastefully cooked southern cuisines.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Take shots through the Blue Ridge Parkway winding through the panoramic Appalachian mountains. Adventurers can fondle the impressive vistas, hike along the nature trail and fall in love with the autumn foliage of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
If you’re seeking a rugged landscape on your family road trip or hope to test your four-wheeler’s endurance, the granite peaks and rocky shoreline of the Acadia National Park are perfect for your kind of adventure. The pedestrian trail also means you can cycle along the carriage road of this summertime destination, enjoying the painterly sights of the Sand Beach crystal waters as you surge through the pale green woods.
5. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular destinations you can think of, especially for its breathtaking vistas and mesmerizing sunset. If you can afford a helicopter ride, a trip above the Canyon for a bird’s eye view could help you forge a new appreciation for the master artwork that the Grand Canyon is.
6. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks is the birthplace of aviation, housing the Wright Brothers National Memorial; it’s a journey down memory lane to 1903, waiting for you to come to savor. This destination furnishes visitors with the far-spread springs of barrier islands of North Carolina’s Coast, with outdoor activities like kayaking and kiteboarding all for your adventurous delight.
7. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone National Park will test the limit of your road ride as you steer into a far-reaching wilderness adventure within the bounds of the world’s first national park. You’ll explore the iconic geothermal wonders, including the faithful geyser and colorful grand prismatic spring.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is renowned for its rich culture and history, rivaling scenic musicals and delectable cuisine of Creole and Cajun dishes. You can expect street parades and jazz performances that define New Orlean as a summertime adventure destination.
9. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known for its pristine lakes and rugged mountains, the abundance of wildlife is the first symbol that denotes the lush estate of Glacier National Park. You can tour the Stunning McDonald Lake while at it, capturing the breathtaking view of the Going-to-the-Sun road.
10. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
On your summertime trip, the Rushmore Mount is a destination of worth that brings you close up with the iconic faces of America’s founding fathers. Behold the stares of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt etched into the granite mountainside. The rugged canyons of this landscape cased in an otherworldly rock formation, a thing of beauty.
11. Route 66, Illinois to California
A classic American road trip meant for the ages, the diverse landscape and iconic small towns of Route 66 capture the adventurous spirit of the open road. Unleash your senses as you transverse the plush desert of the Southwest, immersing your feelings in the memory-binding offertory that only Route 66 can offer.
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If you’re looking to add some thrills to your upcoming road trip, these harrowing drives across America will get your adrenaline pumping, make your heart race, and bring on a case of white knuckles. From haunted roads to sky-high highways and byways carved right into the side of mountains, here are 15 of the Scariest Drives in America to inspire your next trip.
15 of the Scariest Drives in America
18 Road Trip Destinations Within One Day’s Drive for 50% of Americans
According to a recent OAAA/Harris Poll, road trips are again Americans’ top choice for summer vacation travel. This year people plan to take two or more weeks of summer vacation, making long road trips possible. So, if you caught the road trip bug during the pandemic and are looking for more destination ideas, here are 18 cities in the U.S. that are within one day’s drive for most of the U.S. population.
18 Road Trip Destinations Within One Day’s Drive for 50% of Americans
Miami to Key West Drive: Essential Road Trip Stops
The drive through the Florida Keys is a perfect way to see all of this amazing area. You will get plenty of time for pictures, and you can stop at any number of scenic viewpoints along the route! The Miami to Key West Road Trip makes it easier than ever before in order not to miss out on seeing what wonders await just off-road.
Miami to Key West Drive: Essential Road Trip Stops
Most Iconic Road Trips in Every State
Hitting the road to get away from it all and explore new places has never felt more thrilling. These trips offer an adventure for everyone, from stunning coasts to epic mountains or even music and bourbon trails.
If you have a weekend, a week, or a month, there’s a trip for you. Whether you’re looking for roads less traveled or a cheaper way to vacation, here are The Most Iconic Road Trips in Every State to inspire your next holiday.
Most Iconic Road Trips in Every State
Discover the Coolest Drive-in Theaters in the U.S. for Movies Under the Stars
Many moviegoers claim there is nothing quite like watching a movie in the great outdoors. Drive-in movie theaters often transport us back in time and take us back to simpler times. A drive-in experience is something that everyone should do at least once in their life, but if you don’t know where to go, I have you covered. Here are the top ten best drive-in movie theaters in the United States, and yes, they are absolutely worth going on a road trip for.
