It’s summer! If you haven’t planned to get your motor running on a trip or vacation yet, the clock is ticking – but you’re in the right place. Yes, we know that gas prices are a little crazy right now. But with recent air travel issues, and the cost of beach and vacation rentals sky rocketing as well, many people have chosen to hit the open road instead.
We’ve polled our friends and customers for the top (and most Instagrammable) road trip destinations for a quick jaunt and have compiled quite the list of special spots around the country.
If you’re itching to ride, but aren’t quite sure which way to head, keep scrolling for our top 10 recommendations for vacation locations where getting there is half the fun.
- Pacific Coast Highway, California No list worth your time is going to skip the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California. Some of the most stunning views can be found on the road between San Francisco and Big Sur, which is only about a four-hour drive. Break it up by spending the night in Monterey, and then you’ll have a whole day to explore Big Sur.
- Route 6A, Massachusetts Cape Cod and relaxing road trip do not normally get mentioned in the same sentence – but that’s because people crowd onto Route 6 and bypass the much more scenic and less hectic Route 6A. Hit up historic towns, beautiful beaches and stunning dunescapes from Sandwich to Brewster. End in “P-town” on the tip of the Cape for delicious meals, amazing shopping and unbeatable Atlantic views.
- Peak to Peak Byway, Colorado Especially brilliant during the fall when the Aspens turn a vibrant shade of yellow, the Peak to Peak Byway offers stunning vistas no matter what time of year you traverse the 60-mile route. Grab selfies on the Continental Divide, hop out to take a quick hike, and end with drinks and bites in Boulder.
- Hana Highway, Hawaii It takes more than a few hours to cruise this 52-mile route, but the blooming trees, steep cliffs and unparalleled ocean views will make it fly by. Be sure to make it all the way to the Pools of Ohe’o, where the cascading waterfalls and pools will provide the perfect capstone to your trip.
- Blue Ridge Parkway, The Carolinas and Virginia Connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is almost 500 miles of breathtaking vistas – and more resident bird species than all of Europe! While you can drive it straight through, most visitors spend between 3 and 7 days exploring along the way.
- Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway, Delaware and Pennsylvania Though only 12 miles long, the history, botany and architecture of Brandywine Valley should not be rushed through. Dubbed “Chateau Country,” the beautiful, meticulously preserved estates and museums will strike you speechless. Rent a canoe to paddle by the same shores Washington’s troops fought on, and don’t miss Baldwin’s Book Barn – five stories of books in an old dairy farm.
- Overseas Highway (US Highway 1), Florida Keys Referred to as the “Highway that goes to the sea,” the Overseas Highway provides 113 miles of glorious views from Key Largo to Key West. Spanning an incredible 42 bridges, this route will bring you past charming towns, islets, lighthouses and even the Seven Mile Bridge – one of the longest in the world.
- Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon The oldest scenic route in America, the Historic Columbia River Highway is a National Historic Landmark stretching 23 miles from Troutdale, OR. Stop the car to enjoy jaw-dropping waterfalls and the Bonneville Lock and Dam (where you can try to spot all 10 feet of Herman the Sturgeon). And don’t forget the bikes or walking shoes! The 5-mile Twin Tunnels Trail is closed to cars and has some of the best scenery in the state.
- Park Loop Road, Maine This 27-mile route through Acadia National Park is at the top of any New Englander’s list for best road trips. While you can zip down it, we recommend taking plenty of time to soak in the ruggedly beautiful coastline of the North Atlantic. Be sure to swing by Jordan Pond House – the only restaurant in the park – for traditional popovers and tea.
- The High Road, New Mexico. If you’re looking for stunning desert topography, do not miss New Mexico’s 56-mile route from Santa Fe to Taos. You’ll pass fields of flowers, ancient pueblo dwellings, forests, historic towns and views from the Sangre de Cristo and Rocky Mountain ranges. If you’re making the trip in winter, pull your skis out of storage and clean them off – Taos has some of the best skiing in the world.
Road trips are best when you can take your time to absorb all of the sights you pass by. But they’re safest when you’re prepared. Be sure that your car (and tires) are in tip-top condition before hitting the road. Pack healthy snacks and plenty of water, and be sure to preload your phone with audible books, podcasts and satellite radio stations to keep the mood up.
When it comes to planning when to take your trip, consider what you want to get out of it. If you want to be able to hop out and go on a bike ride or hike, spring or summer is probably your best bet. If you’re looking for more of a cozy vibe, plan for a fall excursion (especially in states known for their foliage). Just be mindful of holiday weekends and other big travel times (such as Columbus Day and Spring Break) to avoid feeling like you’re doing more sitting than driving.
Wherever you end up, make safety a priority and always pack more water than you think you’ll need, along with extra snacks and battery packs. You never know when a quick walk in the sun will turn into a sprint through drenching rain (Oregon, I’m looking at you) so make a point to bring layers and enough clothes for quick changes as well. Hopefully those changes are not in the back seat – but hey, there’s no judgement on the road.
