If you’re looking for a way to spend time with your family and friends, then take a road trip. Of course, there are the tried-and-true road trips, like a trek through Route 66 from Illinois to California, taking a party bus to Miramar or driving down to Key West on the Overseas Highway. But, there are some out-of-the-way trips that are just as mind-blowing that should be taken during your lifetime.
North to Alaska
Alaska might not be the first place you think of when planning a road trip. The trucking routes in Alaska have become iconic drives for anyone looking to see the jaw-dropping sights in The Last Frontier. Of course, getting to Alaska is a road trip all by itself as the Alaska Highway actually starts in Dawson’s Creek, British Columbia on HWY 1. The road becomes HWY 2 in Alaska and ends in the town Delta Junction. HWY 2 continues on westward through Fairbanks and finally ends at Manley Hot Springs. If you prefer, you can turn south on HWY 3 and head through Denali National Park towards Anchorage. No matter where you turn in Alaska, the views are stunning.
The Million Dollar Highway
If you love mountain driving, then the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado should also be on your bucket list of road trips. This is HWY 550 which begins in Montrose, CO and ends just north of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The most beautiful stretch of the road runs through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado between Ouray and Durango. This is a fine little day trip, but the full road is worth the drive. Or, veer a bit west and check out the ancient cliff dwellings in nearby Mesa Verde in the Four Corners area.
See the Sleeping Bear
A lesser-known drive that will take your breath away is in the northern part of Lower Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has tree-lined drives with breath-taking vistas of Lake Michigan. The short seven-mile loop of the Pierce Stocking Drive through the National Park is worth your time, but the most beautiful drive is on M-22 from Manistee to Northport, then to Traverse City.
The Big Island doesn’t disappoint
If you can get yourself to Hawaii, this road trip cannot be missed. The Big Island may not be as popular a tourist destination as Maui or Honolulu, but the scenery is unforgettable and constantly changing. Rent a car on the Big Island and go for a drive on HWY 11 and HWY 19. You can circumnavigate the island in one day, or choose a few spots for lodging to extend the vacation. Seeing the black sand beaches, volcano flows, and cities of Waikoloa and Hilo are worth every penny.
The Florida Panhandle beaches and views
Another choice warm destination for a road trip is in the Panhandle of Florida. Along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico is HWY 30A and FL-98. Begin at Destin near Miramar Beach and follow the road east. As you travel along this coastal road, you won’t go very fast – but that’s ok because the view is an exception. You’ll see Florida, the way it used to be. And, you’ll catch plenty of glimpses of million dollar homes that dot the shore. Make sure you take a little detour on St. George Island, just east of Apalachicola for the ultimate in peace and quiet.
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