The best US road trip routes for an unforgettable holiday

With summer just around the corner, many adults in the US are planning to hit the road to spend a few days or weeks having fun with their friends. A road trip is a popular coming-of-age experience for most Americans, and a recent survey has found that 63 percent of people in the country are planning to travel exclusively by car this year. Road trips are a fun and affordable way to travel, and if you take certain routes, you can have some of the best experiences that the US has to offer. For an unforgettable holiday, consider these road trip routes for your vacation.

Pacific Coast Highway
Road trips require a bit of preparation to have a hassle-free experience. First, you’ll need a spacious and easy-to-maneuver vehicle, such as a minivan or an SUV since you’ll want everyone to be comfortable during the long drive. You’ll also need to choose a route and pick a few stops to maximize your travel. Don’t forget to pick your overnight stops so you can get a good night’s sleep, and create a budget for your trip since you’ll need funds for gas, food, accommodations, souvenirs, and other fees.

For the quintessential road trip experience, drive down the Pacific Coast Highway and make your way from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This is one of the most popular road trip routes in the country since it takes you along the California coast, and you get amazing coastal views as you drive to various stops on the PCH. Start your road trip by driving from San Francisco to Monterey, then stop by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see thousands of marine plants and animals on display. You can also go on a hike on the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park if you need to stretch your legs for an hour or so before going back on the road.

Next, get back on the PCH and drive to Morro Bay to see the Morro Rock, which is a gigantic volcanic mound right on the waters of the Morro Rock Beach. Spend a night in town, then the next day, head to San Luis Obispo and take a detour to the wine region of Santa Maria Valley to visit some wineries. Continue your journey by going to Santa Barbara and spend a few hours at the beach, then end your trip by driving the last few miles of the route to Los Angeles.

Interstate 95
If you want to drive down a route that takes you to beautiful beaches, diverse art colonies, picturesque villages, and places where you can get the most amazing seafood, choose the Interstate 95 for your road trip. Start your trip in New Hampshire and explore the town of Bethlehem. Here, you’ll find Main Street, where you can check out artisan crafts, locally made products, and vintage items. While you’re there, stop by some of the town’s most iconic attractions such The Cogway Rail and Franconia Notch. You should also take a detour to Portsmouth to get a glimpse of all the historic buildings in the area, then go to Concord to visit the art galleries, independent bookstores, and museums in the area.

From New Hampshire, drive on over to Maine and go for a walk at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. To see an ancient lighthouse, head to the Portland Headlight, which is a lighthouse and museum in one. Don’t forget to spend some time at the resort town of Kennebunkport, and eat oysters, lobsters, and other seafood at highly-lauded places like Shaw’s Fish and Lobster Wharf, Margaret’s, and Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier.

Great River Road
If you’re a history, music, and culture buff, you’re sure to have the most satisfying road trip experience by driving down the Great River Road. Start your trip in Memphis, Tennessee, where you’ll find Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the Rock n’ Soul Museum. Drop by the National Civil Rights Museum, then go for a walk at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Spend a night at the Staybridge Suites Memphis or the Residence Inn by Marriott if you want to splurge. If you’re on a budget, you can get a room at the Wingate by Wyndham Memphis East or the Comfort Inn and have a pleasant and restful night at their clean and modern accommodations.

The next day, drive on over to New Orleans, Louisiana. Make time to drop by The National WWII Museum, Jackson Square, and the New Orleans Museum of Art to get your fill of history and art. At night, feast on Creole cuisine and listen to live music at the French Quarter. For an extra fun experience, plan on visiting during the summer months since it’s when a lot of festivals and activities take place in the city. In June, for instance, you can participate in the New Orleans Pride Parade, the French Market Creole Tomato Fest, the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience.

Going on a road trip allows you to have memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. Consider any of these three routes for your holiday, and enjoy spending time on the road.

The article The best US road trip routes for an unforgettable holiday first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.