Don't have weeks to cross the country via Route 66? You can have as awe-inspiring an experience on one of these epic drives, doable in just three days
“On the Road Again” isn’t just the title of an iconic Willie Nelson song—it’s a way of life, especially during summer months that demand an escape from the hustle and bustle of work, errands, and everyday responsibilities.
But whether it’s a fear of flying or the desire to stop and see multiple locales in only a few days, there’s no better time to embark on a good ol’ American road trip. Our country ‘tis of thee offers some of the most stunning natural sights in the world, surrounded by both small towns and lively metropolises with flourishing food and drink scenes, museums, and natural landmarks that deserve any traveler’s time and attention.
“The road trip is the classic American trip! I traveled 1,000 miles on Route 66 earlier this year from St. Louis and Santa Fe and I can tell you, firsthand, that the Americana culture, engaging people, and surprising history you will find can beat any European vacation,” said Samantha Brown, host of PBS’s Places to Love. “The fact that I met a lot of Europeans along the way says it all.”
While there are dozens of picturesque routes like famed Route 66 on which to take a long drive, here are five shorter, yet equally as epic road trip ideas that can be completed over a three-day weekend.
Those who seek a more active excursion will marvel at the geological wonders of State Route 12. Starting in Panguitch and ending in Torrey, this west to east 123-miler in Utah introduces visitors to topographical gems that look straight out of a Dr. Seuss book or undiscovered planet. Best of all, it traverses through beloved Bryce Canyon National Park, which touts spire-shaped, crimson-red rock formations known as hoodoos, as well as various lookout points to take in the many constellations of stars on a clear night.
At just under two hours, the scenic drive of U.S. Route 17 and 1-95 is a vacation must-do, connecting Georgia’s sleepy Savannah to South Carolina’s more lively Charleston. Not only are both destinations chock-full of green spaces, rivers, and charming Southern architecture, but they’re also brimming with historical artifacts.
Savannah, dubbed as America’s “first planned city,” is known for its abundance of charming town squares that served as meeting places and points of business, while Charleston is home to sprawling plantations such as Magnolia and McLeod that illustrate of the region’s history of slavery. Drivers can also head off the beaten path to hit up beach towns such as Hilton Head and Kiawah for an afternoon of sun and sand.
Perhaps the most underrated destination on this list, a trip down to the Keys from Miami can make for an epic, ocean-lined adventure as U.S. 1 connects the country’s East Coast from Maine all the way down to Key Largo.
The Overses Highway, a 113 mile-long stretch with over 42 bridges, attracts water lovers from all over the world to drive through what feels like a road carved into the meeting point of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic. While there are plenty of places to pull over, take photos, and soak in some signature Florida rays, there are also opportunities to embark on more extensive nature tours or even charter a boat for a quick cruise to snorkel and enjoy the maritime breeze.
While the Blue Ridge Parkway stuns year-round, it shines most during the months of September and October when leaves have seemingly absorbed the oranges, yellows, and reds of summer sunsets to then emit them, ten-fold, in all their glory. While stops in trendy Asheville, N.C. and football-obsssed Clemson, S.C. are a must-see for their small-town charm, be sure to also add Greenville to the list, which boasts a surprisingly robust number of parks, waterfalls, and a 28-mile bike trail named Swamp Rabbit where weary legs can get a little breathing room.
If you’re not dead-set on a particular activity, but still want plenty of options, nothing beats the 17-mile drive in California. Starting in Monterey and ending in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the winding road takes travelers among oceanside cliffs and the Del Monte Forest with Monterey Cypress trees.
But beyond the postcard-worthy landscape emerges museums, lighthouses, and breakfast spots (such as Red House Cafe, housed in an old, red Victorian) that prove it’s so much more than a scenic drive — it’s a destination in and of itself.
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2024-07-22T14:09:19Z dg43tfdfdgfd