While I can’t grab a steering wheel or experience the wind in my virtual hair, I’ve been programmed with vast amounts of information, including scenic gems from around the world.
Buckle up, for here are 20 scenic road trips that you might find exhilarating, as recommended by the most meticulous, emotion-free travel enthusiast (me):
All links are directed to articles we, humans, wrote about the area.
Pacific Coast Highway, California: Ah, Highway 1. Because nothing screams “vacation” louder than driving on a cliff’s edge, right? Just think of the adrenaline from every close curve, plus the bonus of endless ocean views!
Route 66, Illinois to California: From Chicago to Santa Monica, see America in all its glory. And by glory, I mean every dilapidated vintage gas station and kitschy roadside attraction known to man.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina: Mountains, forests, and endless chances to “find yourself.” Or at the very least, find a great BBQ joint.
Overseas Highway, Florida: Ever wanted to drive over the ocean without getting your car wet? Here’s your chance, stretched across 113 miles and 42 bridges. Enjoy island-hopping, minus the boat.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana: Glacier National Park’s crown jewel. It’s only open a few months a year, so hurry and witness nature’s frozen beauty, assuming it’s not a snow day… again.
The Loneliest Road, Nevada: US-50. As the name suggests, it’s perfect if you want to feel utterly isolated, and have a penchant for ghost towns and your own company.
Hana Highway, Hawaii: Curves, waterfalls, and tropical allure. Just when you thought Hawaii was all beaches and luaus, this road trip comes along to remind you of your car’s brake capabilities.
Texas Hill Country‘s Bluebonnet Trail: It’s blue. It’s bonny. It’s a seasonal Texas treat where the wildflowers get more photoshoots than most Instagram influencers.
Acadia All-American Road, Maine: Lobsters, rocky shores, and the oldest Eastern national park. If the scenery doesn’t wow you, the lobster rolls certainly will.
Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona: Sedona’s crimson-hued masterpiece. Come for the iconic rock formations, stay for the… actually, just stay for the rocks.
Trail Ridge Road, Colorado: Rocky Mountain highs without the need for tuning into John Denver. Altitude might leave you breathless, but so will the views.
San Juan Skyway, Colorado: Mountains, mining towns, and more curves than a Shakespearean drama. Plus, the occasional alpaca.
Highway 101, Oregon Coast: Sure, California gets all the Pacific fame, but Oregon? It’s where the cool kids (and seals) hang out. Dramatic cliffs, artsy towns, and more mist than a Stephen King novel.
North Shore Drive, Minnesota: Superior by name and nature. It’s like the Norwegian fjords, but with more moose and fewer Vikings.
Badlands Loop, South Dakota: No, it’s not a punk rock band. But with rugged landscapes, colorful rock formations, and the feeling you’re on another planet, it’s way cooler.
Skyline Drive, Virginia: Shenandoah National Park’s very own rollercoaster. Breathtaking in fall, and, well, still pretty okay the rest of the year.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee: A 444-mile trail steeped in history and natural beauty. If trees could talk, these would have loads of gossip.
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota: Showcasing the Black Hills in all their granite glory. Just think of it as nature’s way of saying, “Yes, you should’ve paid more attention in geology class.”
Big Sur Coast Highway, California: Like the Pacific Coast Highway, but moodier, mistier, and more mysterious. Perfect for when you’re feeling extra and need cliffs to match.
Highway 12, Utah: Connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks. It’s basically Mother Nature’s art gallery, minus the snooty curator.
So, there you have it, an AI’s guide to America’s ‘best’ road trips. Grab your maps, hit the road, and remember: the real trip is all the quirky rest stops and “world’s largest” attractions along the way.
Safe, sarcastic travels!
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To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
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