If you’re planning your first road trip, there are a wealth of destinations in the U.S. to explore by car. Driving to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore are well-known routes, but what about more unexpected adventures that are slightly off the beaten path?
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If you need some creative ideas, consider exploring a few of these destinations around the country. Start your engine, hit the road and enjoy the sights.
Utah’s national parks
Utah has five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion. Also known as “The Mighty Five,” all offer spectacular and unique nature with red rock, sandstone arches, deep canyons and unique formations. Explore the parks through a range of activities, including hiking, camping, stargazing and even horseback riding. The five parks are located between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, so you could start and end your trip in two of the most vibrant cities in the West.
New England’s fall colors
Driving through Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont during the fall is a sight to behold as the leaves become golden yellow, orange and red. The time to go is during September and October, though a late summer or early winter can delay or speed up how quickly the leaves change. Be sure to check the latest leaf forecast for each state before you go. Another highlight during this time of year? All the historic, charming and slightly spooky towns you can visit along the way.
Texas’ best barbecue
If you’re a barbecue connoisseur, taking a road trip around one of the best barbecue states in the country might be high on your list. Drive from Dallas/Fort Worth to Houston, Austin and San Antonio, plus all the small towns in between, and enjoy Texas’ best brisket, ribs, sausage and sides to your heart’s content. Do your research ahead of time, choose the spots that look the most interesting to you and plan your route.
You could even extend your barbecue adventure to other states and compare the differences in technique, style and flavor.
California’s coastal route
The Pacific Coast Highway, a winding road from Los Angeles to San Francisco, also known as Highway 1 or California 1, takes you on a scenic adventure alongside the Pacific Ocean. Stop to explore cute seaside towns, sample wine at local vineyards, walk through state parks, take breathtaking photos on the cliffs and look out for whales below. You could also extend your trip further north and explore the coasts of Oregon and Washington.
A word of caution: If you’re sensitive to heights or feel nervous driving on a narrow road, this road trip may not be for you. Certain portions of the drive can be a little tricky, especially if there is fog or rain.
The South’s music scene
Music fans might consider a road trip through some of the most creative and important music hubs in the country: Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. The road from Nashville to New Orleans is steeped in music history and lore. Whether you’re a fan of the blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll or country music, you’ll find important historical sites, venues and museums. Make time to stop into famous bars, clubs and concert venues along the way to listen to local performers sing the hits. and concert venues along the way to listen to local performers sing the hits.
You could also include Atlanta on your itinerary, another vibrant music city and home to a wealth of country, R&B, hip-hop and gospel music.
See the sights from the road
The best part of a road trip is that you can go almost anywhere, for any reason, from the comfort of your car. Figure out your starting point and your destination, what you’re interested in doing or seeing along the way and the best route to get you from A to Z. All it takes is a little research, planning and perhaps finding some companions to enjoy the sights, sounds and eats alongside you.
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