Have you always wanted to visit a series of places, but never have had the time? You should consider road tripping across the country. Whether you decide to embark on a month long road trip or a weekend one, we’ve compiled five of the most popular road trips you should add to your bucket list.
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. Driving across the Overseas Highway is synonymous to floating on the beautiful cerulean waters of the Florida Keys. Although it can be driven in a few hours, make the most of your time on this route by stopping by the local seafood restaurants and numerous tourist traps along the way. Spend a day or two in Florida’s own 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.
Million Dollar Highway: Silverton to Ouray
COLORADO
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. During the winter, the Million Dollar Highway can be very daunting with high risks of avalanches, heavy snowfalls, and landslides, but during Spring, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful colors of nature. The countryside is decked in wildflowers and houses the occasional elk, mountain goats, black bears, and deer. Should you venture on this daring road trip, be very cautious of the hairpin curves and dangerous dropoffs.
Fall Dream: Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway
VIRGINIA & NORTH CAROLINA
Connecting two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States — Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains — this drive will feed you the beauty of the Appalachians. Soak in the gorgeous scenery and historic towns as you drive along the mountain range. Depending on where you start your road trip, you’ll have 105 miles of wonder to admire as you drive through Shenandoah National Park. Then you’ll continue through some of the most historic states in the country to the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stop at the various viewpoints and be in awe of everything nature has to offer.
The Loneliest Road
CALIFORNIA TO NEVADA
Running across 11 states through some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes, the Loneliest Road is a must on your road trip bucket list. Following the stretch, you’ll see the beautiful state capitol at Sacramento before embarking on the Pony Express route, where you’ll marvel at the shores of Lake Tahoe. Drive with your windows down and breathe in the crisp, fresh smell of the pine forests along the way. While road tripping across the Loneliest Road, be sure to stop at the Great Basin National Park, a true hidden gem with forests of bristlecone pines, the oldest living thing on Earth. This segment of U.S. Highway 50 is filled with natural wonders of mountains, sagebrush, and blue skies.
