5 Amazing US Road Trip Ideas

Start making the playlist; we're hitting the road!
Filed Under > Travel

I’m a roadtripper. I’ve always thought that people are either roadtrippers or they’re not. Some people dread the thought of hopping in the car for a few hours, but not me.  I learned my love of a good road trip after piling into the car with my family for years growing up. With a few cross-country moves under our belt, and extended family in different states, we learned the ways of true Road Warriors. 

With the music (gotta have a good playlist) the sights and the conversation (even the delirious rambling while trying to stay awake in those final hours), I think that the journey becomes just as enjoyable as the destination. A great road trip can offer up some pretty monumental memories, and it can help you cross off a few key items on the travel bucket list. Some of my favorite vacations of all time have involved a stretch on the open road, even if it involved a wrong turn or two along the way.  Because of this, I knew I was in for a treat on last summer’s WOM road trip around South Carolina (read about it here, here and here), and boy did it not disappoint! 

So in honor of it being the start to road trip season, I’ve rounded up five of the best US road trip ideas for all of you adventurers out there (think the “Mother Road“, Skyline Drive and my personal favorite, the Pacific Coast Highway). Check the full list out in the slideshow above, but feel free to let me know your favorite, too, in the comments below!  Cheers, Kat

P.S. Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out this list; I have my sights set on the Bayou Cruise through Louisiana next. xo

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE

 

 

Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway, aka California's Route 1, is simply something you have to see in your lifetime. It stretches down the entire California coast, but the middle part is where you're in for a treat; catch Big Sur (a 90-mile stretch) and its picturesque views as you carve alongside seaside cliffs, stopping in at Carmel and Pebble Beach.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA ONE BROAD'S JOURNEY
The "Mother Road"

The "Mother Road"

This legendary road on Route 66 can be traced from Illinois to California, and the full drive is not for the faint of heart (clocking in at 2,451 miles). But there's a reason this original historic two-lane highway is at the top of everyone's road trip lists; it's quintessential Americana. You'll find rusty neon signs, old motels and cafes, and touristy stops.

But perhaps the best part of the drive? The mountainous stretch west of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA ARTHUR NEWBERG
Overseas Highway

Overseas Highway

Strap in for this stretch of 120 miles on US Route 1 as you find your way from Miami to Key West through the string of sunny Florida Keys. Most of the drive is on a two-lane road, so be prepared to be a little patient as you glide through the pretty ocean views. And if you're on this road trip, hopefully it means you're on your way to a relaxing vacay!

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA CONDE NAST TRAVELER, BY GRACIELA CATTAROSSI
Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive

This 105-mile stretch runs north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. It takes about three hours to travel the length of the park, but be ready for a slow ride. The speed limit is 35 mph (perfect for rolling down your windows and experiencing every curve and turn of this pretty drive!). Be sure to stop and stretch at a few of the 75 overlooks along the way, each offering a stunning view of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the Piedmont to the east.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA TRAVEL CHANNEL, BY MAISNAM
The Loneliest Road

The Loneliest Road

The Loneliest Road is the stuff road trip dreams are made of. As part of US Highway 50, this stretch looks like a barren dessert, but don't worry, there are plenty of gas stations and cafes along the way. If you really wanted to do it right, take this 3,200 trek from coast-to-coast, passing hundreds of timeworn towns and soaking up all of the US history you can find.

SHOP THE LOOK:




VIA THE MODERN DAY EXPLORER
ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

Featured image, The Modern Day Explorer

Leave a Comment

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL. WAITING ON MARTHA IS A PLACE FOR POSITIVITY, INSPIRATION, CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM AND HEALTHY DEBATE. THOSE THAT ARE DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE, INCLUDING GENERAL OR SELF-PROMOTIONAL SPAM, OFFENSIVE STATEMENTS, OR COMMENTS UNRELATED TO THE STORY WILL BE DELETED.

  • StJames / 04.04.2016

    If your showing a scene from route 50, don’t have a road sign for route 89 in the picture. Those two roads are joined for only a few miles near Salina, Utah.

Copyright © Welcome by Waiting on Martha  /
Back to Top