America is a country renowned for its great road trips. However, being such a large country with so many roads to choose from makes deciding which route to take a difficult task. The following list should serve to make your decision a lot easier, if and when you do decide to hit the open road.
Route 66
As the route that was made famous by the film Easy Rider, no top ten road trip list would be complete without it. Although Route 66 is technically no more, following much of this legendary route can still be done. It’s worth the drive because not only does this classic road allow you to travel across a large portion of America, but you also feel like you’re a part of film history. Large sections of the famous route remain intact, such as through Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona, although the route does overlap with highways and other notable routes such as US Route 40. Though the name may not be exactly the same, it is still recognized maps as “Historic Route 66″ in homage to its legacy as a well-known American route for road trippers. The “Mother Road” may never be exactly the same (as it now overlaps with different roads), but that doesn’t stop the journey from still feeling like a truly amazing road trip.
California, State Route 1
At over 655.8 miles, this California State Route takes you all the way up (or down) the coast, running across most of the Pacific coastline of California. This epic road trip takes you through both Los Angeles and San Francisco and even over the Golden Gate Bridge. The Big Sur section is the jewel in the crown though, renowned for its beauty, and has been so popular over the years that it is now an official National Scenic Byway. With rocky beaches and clear blue sea on one side, and the sight of the Santa Lucia Mountains on the other, this is arguably the best road trip on the West Coast.
Alaska, Seward Highway
At 127 miles long, this highway runs from Anchorage to Seward and highlights the beauty of Alaska in a truly breathtaking visual experience. Starting in Alaska’s largest city by the sea, the route goes south and passes through the mountains before eventually heading back to the sea at the harbor town of Seward. With multiple nature stop offs, much of Alaska’s native wildlife, from black bears to eagles, can be enjoyed as you make your way to Seward. At Resurrection Bay, the final leg of the journey, you have the possibility of seeing sea creatures like otters, seals, orcas and humpback whales.
Florida, Florida Keys
One of America’s perfect summer road trips, this 127.5-mile route from Florida to Key West combines the beauty of the state’s natural surroundings with man’s engineering genius. The system stretches for miles as you hop from island to island across over 40 bridges, with many fantastic scuba stops along the way. The full splendor of the water can be appreciated on this road trip, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
Arizona, Dinétah Scenic Route
Dinétah Scenic Route is a driving experience through Arizona unlike any other. Dinétah is the traditional homeland of the Navajo tribe of Native American Indians. Encounter early man (and early America) along the way like never before. This 100-mile road trip crosses into New Mexico, and will have you feeling like you have time travelled to another period in American History. If you care to stop driving, there are all manner of historical artifacts from the Navajo people, as well as wall drawings from prehistoric man. Expect mountains, rocky deserts and canyons, but don’t forget to look out for the memorable window rock at the New Mexico border.