Pacific Coast Highway: The Ultimate Coastal Adventure
Stretching over 600 miles along California's coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is renowned for its stunning ocean views, charming towns, and iconic landmarks. Starting in Orange County and winding up to Mendocino County, this drive is a must for any road trip enthusiast.
Highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway
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Big Sur: Known for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views, Big Sur is a highlight of the PCH. Don’t miss Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach.
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Monterey: Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy fresh seafood along Cannery Row.
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Santa Barbara: This coastal city offers beautiful beaches, Spanish colonial architecture, and a vibrant wine scene.
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Location
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Must-See Attraction
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Distance from Previous Stop
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|---|---|---|
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Big Sur
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Bixby Creek Bridge
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0 miles
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Monterey
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
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44 miles
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Santa Barbara
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Stearns Wharf
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235 miles
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Blue Ridge Parkway: Nature's Masterpiece
Spanning 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is often called "America's Favorite Drive." This route offers stunning views of the Appalachian Highlands and is particularly famous for its fall foliage.
What to Expect on the Blue Ridge Parkway
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is home to diverse wildlife and lush forests.
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Linn Cove Viaduct: An engineering marvel, this viaduct offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
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Asheville: Known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, Asheville is a perfect stop for culture enthusiasts.
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Location
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Must-See Attraction
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Distance from Previous Stop
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|---|---|---|
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Clingmans Dome
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0 miles
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Linn Cove Viaduct
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Scenic Overlook
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70 miles
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Asheville
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Biltmore Estate
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50 miles
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Route 66: The Mother Road
Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is an iconic drive that stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This historic route, which covers 2,448 miles, offers a nostalgic journey through America's heartland.
Key Stops on Route 66
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St. Louis, Missouri: Visit the Gateway Arch and enjoy some classic barbecue.
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Amarillo, Texas: Check out the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring half-buried, graffiti-covered Cadillacs.
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Flagstaff, Arizona: This city is a gateway to the Grand Canyon and offers a charming downtown area.
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Location
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Must-See Attraction
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Distance from Previous Stop
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|---|---|---|
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St. Louis
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Gateway Arch
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0 miles
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Amarillo
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Cadillac Ranch
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787 miles
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Flagstaff
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Grand Canyon
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558 miles
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Overseas Highway: A Tropical Getaway
The Overseas Highway, spanning 113 miles from Miami to Key West, Florida, is a tropical paradise that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This route is perfect for those looking to escape to a sunny destination.
Highlights of the Overseas Highway
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Key Largo: Known for its coral reefs and marine life, Key Largo is a diver's paradise.
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Seven Mile Bridge: One of the longest bridges in the world, offering breathtaking ocean views.
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Key West: The southernmost point in the continental USA, Key West is famous for its vibrant nightlife and historic sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
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Location
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Must-See Attraction
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Distance from Previous Stop
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|---|---|---|
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Key Largo
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
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0 miles
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Seven Mile Bridge
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Scenic Drive
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60 miles
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Key West
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Ernest Hemingway Home
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53 miles
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Going-to-the-Sun Road: Mountain Majesty
Located in Montana's Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile drive that traverses the stunning Rocky Mountains. This route offers unparalleled mountain scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Must-See Spots on Going-to-the-Sun Road
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Logan Pass: The highest point on the road, offering stunning alpine views.
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Lake McDonald: A beautiful glacial lake with crystal-clear waters.
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St. Mary Lake: Known for its iconic Wild Goose Island, this lake is a photographer's dream.
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Location
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Must-See Attraction
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Distance from Previous Stop
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|---|---|---|
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Logan Pass
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Scenic Overlook
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0 miles
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Lake McDonald
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Glacier View
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16 miles
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St. Mary Lake
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Wild Goose Island
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20 miles
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Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Road Trips
Q: What is the best time of year to take a road trip in the USA?
A: The best time for a road trip depends on the region. Spring and fall offer mild weather and less crowded roads, while summer is ideal for high-altitude and northern routes. Winter can be challenging due to snow but offers unique beauty in places like the Southwest.
Q: Are there any safety tips for long road trips?
A: Yes, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, plan your route and stops ahead of time, stay hydrated, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, and always have a roadside emergency kit.
Q: How can I find accommodations along these scenic routes?
A: Many scenic routes have ample accommodations, ranging from campgrounds and motels to luxury resorts. Websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and national park lodging websites are excellent resources.
Q: Can I take a rental car on these scenic drives?
A: Absolutely! Rental cars are a popular option for road trips. Just ensure the rental agreement allows for long-distance travel and familiarize yourself with the car's features before setting off.
Q: Are these scenic routes suitable for RVs?
A: Most of these routes are RV-friendly, but it's essential to check specific road conditions and any vehicle restrictions. For example, some parts of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park have size limitations for vehicles.
Happy Trails Ahead!
Whether you’re seeking coastal beauty, mountain grandeur, or a step back in time, the USA offers some of the most scenic and memorable road trips. Each route provides unique experiences and stunning landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
References
- https://www.scenic.org/2024/05/08/embark-on-a-scenic-adventure-planning-your-summer-road-trip-along-americas-scenic-byways/