It’s summer again, which means that the open road beckons. Whether you’ve got an old-school convertible or a family minivan, you can take advantage of the miles and miles of road that stripe the United States and see bustling cities, quaint towns and all of the quirky rest stops in between. I wrote about five great American road trips last year, but I wanted to highlight five more in the heart of this summer travel season. Pick your path, load the trunk – and the cooler – and hit the road.
1. Million Dollar Highway – Where Every Picture Is a Money Shot
You’re not mistaken: The views on this drive are leaving you breathless. That’s because the Million Dollar Highway – part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway – climbs more than two miles above sea level. From your perch, you can see all of the incredible scenery for which Colorado is so well known. The drive begins in Silverton, Colo., and ends in Ouray, a mere 25 miles that might take you a while, since you’ll stopping for pictures on the way.
You could also do the entire 236 miles of the Scenic Byway if you want to take a longer road trip, although you should spend a few days enjoying all of the gorgeous grounds that it has to offer.
2. Great River Road – Mapped by the Mississippi
There’s something for everyone along the Great River Road, from the Mall of America, to the Grand Ole Opry, to the whimsical world’s largest six-pack. You can’t be surprised, though, considering just how much ground the road covers: 2,061 miles that start in Minnesota and end in Louisiana. It cuts through 10 states and winds alongside the rumbling waters of the great Mississippi, home to riverboats, tasty food and Tom Sawyer. Most who drive the Great River Road give it four to 10 days, depending on how many stops they’ll make along the way.
3. Overseas Highway – Breeze to the Keys
You probably don’t need much coaxing when it comes to the Florida Keys, but if you do, the Overseas Highway will sell you. Those who have driven it describe it as feeling like you’re in a hovercraft – that’s how close and in-touch you are with the ocean waters at the bridge’s edge. Pop in your favorite chill-out album as you coast along, popping into fresh fish joints and other quirky rest stops along the way. At the end of your half–day journey – the 120-mile road links Miami with Key West – you’ll be laying on some of the nation’s most pristine beaches. Not too shabby.
4. Columbia River Highway – Built With Beauty in Mind
If you want to know just how gorgeous the scenery is along the Columbia River Highway, know this: It’s one of the few roads in the U.S. built as a scenic roadway. Even more impressive is the fact that construction started in 1913, long before Americans spent any length of time touring the nation in their automobiles. Hop into your ride at Troutdale, Ore., and wind through tunnels, over heart-stopping bridges and alongside old railroad tracks as you take in the famed scenery of the Pacific Northwest. The 75-mile route ends in The Dalles, Ore., but the fun doesn’t stop there. You can plan hiking, camping and other outdoor activities to accompany your western drive.
5. The Loneliest Road – Aptly and Incorrectly Named
You won’t see any sign of civilization for miles along the Loneliest Road, and that’s how this 408-mile drive got its name. Don’t be fooled, though: Its westernmost point is near Lake Tahoe, which hints at just how many incredible sights there are to see along the way. Spliced in with the barren bits are alpine forests, the state capital of Nevada and the Great Basin National Park. Hey, you can even stop and visit a ghost town, which seems to marry the two sides of the story of the Loneliest Road: Empty, but not empty at all.
Any of these routes will make for great and memorable road trips this summer. Make the most of your time off to see as much as you can of this great nation, and don’t forget that camera.
Photos: intention~enwiki | Reinhard Schon | kbh3rd | Averette | Ben Stanfield | Kashif Pathan
