It’s summer and you’re ready to feel the wind in your hair and see the open road in front of you. America has quite a few great roads that you should add to your road trip bucket list. The scenery is amazing, and you will wish that you did it sooner! So, let’s set a road trip budget and hit the following roads this summer.
Route 66
Route 66 is over 2,000 miles of asphalt between Illinois and California. It has a fantastic history behind it. In three decades surrounding World War II, this road was called the “Main Street of America”. It went through many small towns and was lined by several hundred cafés, motels, tourist attractions and, of course, gas stations. Before it was paved in the roaring twenties, it was already considered one of America’s first transcontinental highways.
Later, as development started, sections were bypassed with highways that got people to where they wanted to be faster. However, even though it’s no longer America’s Main Street, it’s mystique is kept alive enough that people still want to travel it. The small towns on Route 66 are still able to stay in service for those who wander the road.
Pacific Coast Highway
The PCH runs most of the length of California. Approximately 600 miles. While a good portion is farmland, there are many places to stop. You could make this trip in about seven hours, but, why would you? The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most beautiful road trips you could take. So, get behind the wheel and enjoy!
The highway passes through several towns, such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara, to name a few. There are pull out roads, so you can look out over the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Some attractions that are must-sees are the Hearst Castle and McWay Falls.
US-50: The Loneliest Road in Nevada
Baker, NV – Photo Courtesy of Keith G.
US-50 has made several lists for a variety of reasons. It travels 3,000 miles, from the East Coast in Ocean City, MD to the West Coast, West Sacramento, CA. This road goes main through rural areas in the mid-west. This stretches out to “The Loneliest Road” in NV. Thus named because it travels through a vastly barren and uninhabited region. Though it is mainly uninhabited, there are some distractions, so, never fear! It travels the path of the Pony Express. Skirting mining towns and over mountain ranges. The views alone are worth their weight in gold! There are some gas stations and cafés along the route, so there is no need to worry about getting too low on gas as you travel this route.
While there are MANY great options in the U.S. to take road trips on, these are the three I found interesting! What is on your road trip bucket list? Comment below, or share on my Facebook page!
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I’d love to take a lazy trip up the California coast someday. These are 3 great choices for memorable trips!
I love taking the 1 on the California Coast but usually end up taking the 5 to go to Napa where my brother lives. The 1 is so beautiful but you have to give yourself time to enjoy it. Don’t do it in one day. Stay overnight somewhere. Cambria and Hearst Castle is always a great stop.
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Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway are such dreams!
Route 66 is definitely on my bucket list when I visit the US, stopping everywhere!!
Thank you for the road trip inspiration. My husband and I are hoping to go on a family road trip next year, and we want to check out some of these destinations.
I would love to road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway. Maybe someday.
Incredible! I’ve never done route 66, but it’s definitely on my list! Thank you for writing this post!
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