Dreaming of the perfect road trip adventure? Picture yourself cruising along iconic highways, surrounded by breathtaking views and hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether it’s the sun-drenched Oversea Highway in Florida or the aw-inspiring twists of the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado, these four road trip ideas promise unforgettable experiences. Even better, each route is dotted with luxurious tops, including world-class resorts that can be found in our SFX Resort Directory. Whether you’re chasing adventure, tranquility, or a mix of both, these road trips are the perfect inspiration for you next getaway. Ready to may out your journey? Let’s dive into the exciting routes you’ll love to plan!
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Overseas Highway
Miami to Key West, Florida
This beautiful 113-mile stretch carries U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys, passing over 42 overseas bridges
✓ Distance: 113 miles
✓ Best Time to Go: Winter or Spring
Driving across the Overseas Highway is synonymous to floating on the beautiful cerulean waters of the Florida Keys.
Make the most of your adventure by stopping by the local seafood restaurants and numerous tourist traps along the way. Spend a day or two in paradise and take a fishing or boating trip with the locals as your tour guides. Even better, you could catch a quick swim with the dolphins at the Theatre of the Sea in Islamorada.
Scenic Beauty and Experience
Driving the Overseas Highway is a sensory delight, with expansive ocean vistas, swaying palm trees, and charming island communities. The numerous bridges and causeways create a feeling of driving on the sea itself. Each island offers unique experiences, from outdoor adventures like fishing, diving, and kayaking to cultural and historical explorations.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, the Overseas Highway provides an unforgettable travel experience through the heart of the Florida Keys.
The Overseas Highway is more than just a road
It’s a journey through a tropical paradise, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and rich cultural experiences.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, the Overseas Highway provides an unforgettable travel experience through the heart of the Florida Keys.
Route and Key Highlights
Key Largo
As the first island in the Florida Keys, Key Largo is the starting point of the Overseas Highway. Known as the “Diving Capital of the World,” it boasts attractions like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, offering opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
Islamorada
Often referred to as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada is a haven for anglers. The village is composed of several islets, each offering its own charm. Highlights include the Theater of the Sea, a marine mammal park where visitors can swim with dolphins and sea lions.
Marathon
Located roughly halfway along the highway, Marathon is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and marine conservation efforts. The Turtle Hospital, which rehabilitates injured sea turtles, and the Dolphin Research Center are popular stops. Sombrero Beach provides a picturesque spot for relaxation and swimming.
Seven Mile Bridge
One of the most iconic segments of the Overseas Highway, the Seven Mile Bridge stretches over open water, offering breathtaking panoramic views. It connects Knight’s Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. The original bridge, now a pedestrian and cycling path, runs parallel to the modern structure.
Big Pine Key
This area is famous for the National Key Deer Refuge, home to the endangered Key deer. Visitors can explore the refuge and observe these small, unique deer species in their natural habitat. The island also offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Key West
The southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is the final destination of the Overseas Highway. Known for its vibrant nightlife, history, and artistic community, Key West has attractions for everyone. Explore the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Mallory Square’s sunset celebrations, and more.
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Million Dollar Highway
Silverton to Ouray, Colorado
This 25-mile stretch of US-550 between Silverton and Ouray offers some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring mountain scenery in the United States.
✓ Distance: 25 miles
✓ Best Time to Go: Summer or Fall
One of the most notorious roads in the nation, the Million Dollar Highway is a truly spectacular drive.
But beware, there aren’t any guardrails and shoulders to act as a safety net, it’s just you, the road, and some of the most magnificent views.
This spectacular sight is a short but exhilarating drive through the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. The road winds through steep cliffs and narrow passes, with hairpin turns that provide spectacular views of rugged peaks and deep valleys. Highlights include the historic mining town of Silverton, the stunning Red Mountain Pass, and the charming Victorian town of Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America.”
With steep drop-offs and minimal guardrails, it requires careful and attentive driving.
Engineering Feats
The Million Dollar Highway is known for its engineering challenges and narrow, winding path. The road’s construction involved significant feats of engineering, including blasting through rock to create the route and building retaining walls to stabilize the roadbed.
– Scenic Beauty
The drive is particularly stunning in the fall when the aspens turn golden, and in the winter when the landscape is blanketed in snow.
The highway traverses through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offering unparalleled views of rugged peaks, deep gorges, and lush forests. Key points of interest along the route include:
Red Mountain Pass
At an elevation of 11,018 feet, this pass offers breathtaking panoramic views and is named for the iron oxide-laden rock that gives the mountains their distinctive red color.
Uncompahgre Gorge
This dramatic gorge features sheer cliffs and a winding river, making for a visually striking section of the highway.
Bear Creek Falls
A picturesque waterfall that cascades down the mountainside and can be seen from a viewpoint along the road.
Driving Experience
Driving the Million Dollar Highway can be both exhilarating and daunting.
The road features sharp hairpin turns, steep grades, and narrow lanes. In some sections, the edge of the road drops off dramatically into deep canyons. Despite these challenges, the highway is well-maintained and is accessible year-round. Drivers should, however, be prepared for potentially hazardous conditions in winter, such as snow and ice.
Activities and Attractions
The Million Dollar Highway is more than just a scenic drive; it offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Some activities and attractions include:
Hiking
The San Juan Mountains are crisscrossed with hiking trails, offering opportunities for both short walks and challenging hikes
Mining History
Visitors can explore remnants of the region’s mining past, including old mines and ghost towns like Ironton and Animas Forks
Wildlife Viewing
The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, elk, mountain goats, and various bird species.
Historic Towns
Both Ouray and Silverton boast charming historic districts with well-preserved buildings, restaurants, and museums.
The Million Dollar Highway offers a thrilling and unforgettable journey through some of Colorado’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes
Its combination of natural beauty and engineering marvels make it a must-see for travelers seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery.
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Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway
Virginia & North Carolina
A 469-mile highway that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
✓ Distance: 469 miles (combined)
✓ Best Time to Go: Fall
For a quintessential fall road trip, the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway offer a journey through some of the most beautiful and serene landscapes on the East Coast.
Starting in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, the 105-mile Skyline Drive takes you along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with numerous overlooks offering panoramic views of the fall foliage. Continue onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 364-mile scenic drive that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. Highlights include hiking trails, historic sites, and picturesque small towns. The trip culminates in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Skyline Drive
Starting at the northern end in Front Royal, Virginia, Skyline Drive extends southward to Rockfish Gap, where it connects with the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Home to over 500 miles of trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park offers a variety of hiking options, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. Continue on to a notable landmark along the drive: Mary’s Rock Tunnel. Those who enjoy the cozy comforts of vacationing will love the historical lodges offering accommodations along this route. Access hiking trails, dining, and ranger programs, just to name few amenities.
Points of Interest
✓ Shenandoah National Park
✓ Mary’s Rock Tunnel
✓ Historical Lodges
Points of Interest
✓ Mabry Mill
✓ Mount Mitchell State Park
✓ Linville Falls and Gorge
Blue Ridge Parkway
A 469-mile highway that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the parkway is celebrated for its stunning mountain views, rich history, and cultural heritage.
The parkway begins where Skyline Drive ends, at Rockfish Gap, and travels south through Virginia and North Carolina. End your journey at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This landmark features over 200 overlooks, tunnels, and bridges, ensuring a continuously captivating drive.
Whether you’re interested in a leisurely drive, hiking, wildlife viewing, or learning about the region’s history, these scenic routes provide something for everyone.
Wildlife and Flora
Visitors might spot white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species along Skyline Drive.
The Blue Ridge Parkway boasts diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense forests to open meadows. The parkway is also renowned for its wildflowers, particularly the rhododendrons and mountain laurels that bloom in spring and summer.
✓ Nature seekers
✓ Photographers
✓ Campers
Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer unforgettable experiences for those seeking to explore the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains
- Hiking and Biking: Hundreds of miles of trails, including some that connect to the Appalachian Trail.
- Picnicking and Camping: Numerous picnic areas and campgrounds provide spots for relaxation and overnight stays.
- Cultural Sites: Numerous historic sites, visitor centers, and cultural exhibits along the route highlight the region’s history and traditions.
- Photography: Endless opportunities for capturing the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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The Loneliest Road
California to Nevada
This 287-mile journey takes you from the eastern Sierra Nevada in California, through the vast expanses of the Nevada desert, and into the heart of the Great Basin.
✓ Distance: 287 miles
✓ Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall
US-50, dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America,” stretches across the remote and desolate landscapes of California and Nevada.
Despite its name, the Loneliest Road offers a unique and captivating experience, with opportunities to explore ghost towns, historic mining sites, and the stunning natural beauty of the Great Basin National Park. Key stops include the charming town of Ely, the historic Eureka, and the vast open skies that offer incredible stargazing opportunities. The Nevada portion gained its moniker in July 1986, when Life magazine published an article dubbing it “The Loneliest Road in America” due to its remote and desolate stretches. Rather than discourage travelers, this label has since attracted those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
✓ Disconnect from the world
✓ Connect with nature
✓ Enjoy the tranquility
Travel Experience
Traveling The Loneliest Road is not just about the destinations but also the journey itself. The road offers a sense of isolation and tranquility rarely found in modern life. Long stretches of road with no cell service, gas stations, or towns provide a perfect backdrop for introspection and connection with nature
Road Conditions
While remote, the road is well-maintained. Travelers should ensure their vehicles are in good condition, carry extra fuel, water, and supplies, and be prepared for limited services along the way.
Wildlife
The road passes through diverse ecosystems, home to various wildlife, including deer, antelope, wild horses, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out for these animals, especially around dawn and dusk.
Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring. Whether it’s climbing peaks in Great Basin National Park or exploring ghost towns, the route offers numerous adventures.
– Geographical Highlights
Traveling along The Loneliest Road takes you through some of the most stunning and varied landscapes Nevada has to offer
Eureka
Known as the “Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road,”
Eureka is a charming, historic mining town with well-preserved 19th-century buildings. The Eureka Opera House and the Jackson House Hotel are notable landmarks.
Austin
Another historic mining town,
Austin offers a glimpse into Nevada’s boom-and-bust past. The Stokes Castle, a three-story stone tower, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Sand Mountain
A popular spot for off-road enthusiasts,
Sand Mountain is a massive sand dune that rises 600 feet from the surrounding desert. Just east of Fallon, this attraction is perfect for sandboarding.
Great Basin National Park
Enjoy some of the darkest night skies in the continental U.S.
Nestled near the Utah border, this park is home to the towering Wheeler Peak and the ancient Bristlecone pines. Visitors can explore the Lehman Caves and enjoy skies perfect for stargazing.
The Loneliest Road in Nevada is a journey like no other
offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and solitude. It’s a reminder of the vastness and diversity of the American landscape and a testament to the spirit of exploration. For those willing to embrace its remoteness, The Loneliest Road promises an unforgettable adventure filled with moments of reflection, awe, and discovery.