Road trips are a great way to bond with the family; cruising over the open road in your car or a rented RV. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your next vacation, one of these American road trip holidays may be just what you’ve been searching for! No matter if you choose to stay in the country or travel abroad, there are fabulous tried-and-true road trips to explore. Here are four of the best.
Pacific Coast Highway – California
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then driving along the cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH for short), overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is just what the doctor ordered! Also known as California State Road 1, the PCH begins near Leggett at its northernmost point, and winds its way along 656 miles of coast until it reaches Dana Point in Orange County at the southern end of the state.
Along the way you’ll find the San Francisco Bay, and just south of that, Monterey Bay. Stop in Monterey and visit their wonderful aquarium. Then continue south to the Central Coast, where you can choose to head inland for wonderful vineyards and wineries. Or keep going and you’ll eventually wind up in Los Angeles.
If heights make you nervous, consider traveling instead from south to north, since you’ll be on the inland side of the road when you go that direction!
Seward Highway – Alaska
If you’ve ever wanted to see the best of Alaska, this is the trip to take. Starting in Anchorage, you’ll drive 127 miles south along the Seward Highway, through wilderness and past the ocean. Once you’ve left Anchorage, about 20 or 30 minutes into your trip, you’ll find yourself on a two-lane highway, isolated from the world around you.
As you drive, be sure to keep your eye open for some of the better places to stop and explore. Chugach State Park, Bird Creek and Bird Point all offer amazing views of native wildlife and a chance to carouse with the locals. Resurrection Bay and the Alaskan Sea Life Center are great ways to end your trip, ensuring that you’ve seen all that Alaska has to offer.
Ghost Towns – Colorado
Those of us who love to learn about the history of the United States Gold Rush will particularly love this road trip through Colorado. To begin your trip, start west on US 24 in Colorado Springs, travel to Victor, a ghost town still inhabited by living people and head to South Park City.
Once you’ve seen the sights, get back in the car and aim for St. Elmo, a town with a ghost-filled main street that will make sure you leave with goose bumps. Your next stop should be at Royal Gorge for a view of the highest suspension bridge in the world, and then find yourself in Aiken Canyon for a chance to view black bears, elk and mountain lions. The loop is 225 miles long so plan accordingly!
If you have an interest in the true past of America, there’s no place you’ll find it more quickly than in the lands of the Navajo and Hopi tribes. This trip will allow you to see true mesas, cliff dwellings, artisans selling their wares and Native American attractions.
Start off in Tuba City, head to Ganado, and then loop back around to your starting point. This 425-mile trip will give you a new appreciation for our Native American culture and afford you one of the best opportunities of your life to teach your kids about our country’s past.
Conclusion – American Road Trip Holidays
No matter which route you decide to take this year, it’s important that you make sure your car is road ready! Visit a mechanic, make sure your fluids are topped off, your tires are properly inflated and your vehicle is running at its peak. Contact your insurance agent to make sure you have adequate coverage and pack an emergency roadside kit for your trunk, then you’re ready to hit the road!
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