North America has some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world, from the Grand Canyon to the Florida Keys along with exciting cities from New York to Hollywood. The best way to enjoy these wonders is on a road trip, and there are several routes you can take for a rewarding and inexpensive vacation. You can join Lindsey Stone and many others who are visiting the charming waterfront towns, rugged cliffs and stunning vistas throughout the United States and Canada.
Hike in Grand Canyon National Park
The Pacific Coast Highway
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This highway travels almost the entire length of the West Coast. You can take several days and visit cities from Seattle to San Diego. The 94-mile section between Monterey and San Simeon is rich in sites including historic mansions and the famous Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. You’ll see Carmel-by-the-Sea on your way to Big Sur where there is some amazing Giant Sequoia trees as well as the remarkable Hearst Castle.
The East Coast
The open road on Cape Cod, Massachusetts has a string of quaint beach towns as well as shoreline roads and rural scenery. You can start your journey in Bourne and drove about 40 miles on route 6A. You’ll stop to visit the Cape Cod Museum of Art and 18th century mansions.
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. It’s 469 miles long and travels through two national parks. Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the country, you’ll visit the Humpback Rocks and the James River as well as the Biltmore Estate. You can stay in charming B&Bs; or camp along the way if you want to stop for a few days and have some outdoor adventure.
Banff and Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
This is the mountain road trip of a lifetime. You’ll see spectacular mountain scenery at every turn as well as crystal blue mountain lakes, glaciers and gorgeous forests. Start in Calgary and head west. There are plenty of places to make a base camp and enjoy all the summer activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and boating as well as soaking in hot springs.
Florida Keys, Florida
Highway 1 will take you across the water to the very tip of Florida, Key West. You’ll visit several keys along the way and enjoy a huge selection of water sports as well as the nightlife, great seafood and key lime pie. Your trip will have a soundtrack of the popular music in every town. Key West was the favorite hideaway for many famous people and today, is one of the best vacation destinations in the country. Every sunset, there is an outdoor festival right on the seafront with street musicians and magicians, fantastic food and a great vibe.
Granite Spires In The Black Hills National Forest Of South Dakota
The Badlands and Black Hills, South Dakota
Here is the American West made popular all over the world. This is the road trip for you if you like the austere beauty of the desert. You’ll travel through rugged country and see the natural sandstone palaces as well as Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Badlands National Park.
These are just a few of the most popular road trips in North America, but there are many more just waiting for you to get a map and pack your car.
