The Open Road

TOP 10 EXPERIENCES

BEST VIEWS

BEST COASTAL DRIVES

BEST FOODIE ADVENTURES

BEST GLIMPSES OF AMERICANA

BEST FOR KIDS

BEST FOR OUTDOOR EXPLORERS

BEST ON TWO WHEELS

Best VIEWS

BEST OF THE GOLDEN STATE

Enjoy golden views in California and beyond: sunrise at the Grand Canyon, sunset on the Santa Monica Pier, and midnight gazing down at the glittering lights of Las Vegas.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LOOP

See towering redwoods, the rolling vineyards of wine country, the snow-covered peak of Mount Shasta, Yosemite’s sequoias, and the ocean waves crashing into Big Sur.

CALIFORNIA DESERTS

There is nothing like seeing a Joshua tree for the first time. At Joshua Tree National Park, prepare to be astounded by forests of this gnarled yucca and hulking boulders.

SANTA FE, TAOS, AND THE ENCHANTED CIRCLE

See the red mesas, green valleys, and mountainous backcountry of New Mexico—including the looming Wheeler Peak—along the Enchanted Circle drive.

WEST TEXAS AND BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Big Bend offers unobstructed sightlines of the winding Rio Grande, the forested Chisos Mountains, and the stark desert landscape that stretches for miles.

DENVER, BOULDER, AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

The Rocky Mountains encircle Estes Park, so no matter where you are in town or in what direction you look, you’re rewarded with resplendent, snowcapped mountain vistas.

THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

From the peak of Mount Greylock you can see the Berkshires, and from the top of Spruce Mountain you have unparalleled views of the forests and lakes of Maine’s backcountry.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN SCENIC BYWAY

To grasp just how big the sixth-largest lake in the country is, walk or drive to the top of Mount Philo, where Adirondack chairs and wooden benches invite you to stay awhile.

ADIRONDACKS AND CATSKILLS

This region boasts an abundance of state parks and preserves, with thousands of acres of vista-packed wild spaces and natural lands to explore.

ROAD TO HANA

You’ll have a hard time deciding which views are more memorable—those of rushing waterfalls that plunge into secluded swimming holes or the endless expanse of the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Best COASTAL DRIVES

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY: CALIFORNIA

Whether it’s a cliff jutting over the ocean in Big Sur or the warm sands of Huntington Beach or San Diego, this highway keeps you linked to Pacific Ocean views at all times.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY: WASHINGTON AND OREGON

Staring at the deep-blue hue and unruly waves of the Pacific Ocean never gets old. Thankfully, this trip affords plenty of secluded beaches from which to gaze at the coastal horizon.

MICHIGAN’S GOLD COAST

No matter if you’re lunching at a family-owned restaurant or staying at a charming bed-and-breakfast, you’re never far from water views thanks to the route’s 300 miles of coastline.

BEST OF NEW ENGLAND

Lighthouses line the rugged Maine coast, linking quaint towns and lovely beaches, most of which lie dormant in winter only to come alive with the crowds in summer.

CHESAPEAKE BAY

The Chesapeake Bay hugs Maryland’s shoreline. This drive drive hops from yacht-filled marinas and bustling bayside towns to peaceful beaches sometimes populated only by a morning walker and his golden retriever.

NORTH CAROLINA’S OUTER BANKS

This drive straddles Pamlico Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Breathe in the sea air, and linger in the coastal villages that line the barrier islands.

O‘AHU COASTAL LOOP

The quiet beaches and pounding surf of the North Shore tempt you to pull over. Make time for frequent stops so you don’t to miss a chance to watch surfers navigate the 30-story waves.

ROAD TO HANA

Hairpin curves wind around Maui’s eastern coastline, where the only thing that stands between you and the view is a palm tree or a banana stand.

Best FOODIE ADVENTURES

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AND WINE COUNTRY

No trip to Washington State is complete without sampling the goods of the grape—cabernet franc, merlot, syrah—at tasting rooms in the region’s wine country.

WISCONSIN’S DOOR COUNTY

Ever downed a shot of bitters, dined on pickled herring and lingonberries, or eaten a potato pancake? On this Scandinavian culinary tour, you can.

BEST OF NEW ENGLAND

Roadside vegetable stands and u-pick farms are plentiful, but the real treats are the lobster rolls and clam cakes in Maine or the pizza pies in Boston.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN SCENIC BYWAY

The syrup is tapped from the maple trees that shade the road, and the cheese in the markets comes from nearby dairy farms. Then there are the orchards, which offer u-pick fresh fruit and hard ciders.

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY

Home of the Culinary Institute of America, this region invites you to explore the gastronomy of its renowned restaurants, often owned and operated by top chefs.

THE NATCHEZ TRACE: NASHVILLE TO NEW ORLEANS

From Nashville hot chicken to gumbo, beignets, and po’boys in New Orleans, you’ll get a true taste of regional flavors along the Natchez Trace.

CHARLESTON TO SAVANNAH

These are just a few of the dishes you must try: slow-smoked pork (pulled, shredded, or chopped), shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, low-country boil, pimento cheese on bread, and pralines.

KENTUCKY’S BOURBON TRAIL

Have your designated driver ready so you can indulge in bourbon tastings at some of the most notable distilleries in the world, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Evan Williams, and Buffalo Trace.

Best GLIMPSES OF AMERICANA

THE LONELIEST ROAD

As it travels through small town after small town, Route 50 shows you what Main Street U.S.A. looks like from coast to coast; hence its secondary nickname, “the Backbone of America”.

ROUTE 66

The retro neon signs, kitschy tourist traps, and vintage motor courts found on the Mother Road provide a captured-in-time image of American life.

GOLD COUNTRY RAMBLE

The gold rush and the West’s growth are intrinsically linked. Step back into the dusty, rowdy, hopeful, pioneering history of the Old West on this California road trip.

AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, AND THE HILL COUNTRY

Expect big hats, cowboy boots, and a friendly welcome. From Austin to San Antonio, and everywhere in between, the Texas spirit runs strong and proud.

PHILADELPHIA, PITTSBURGH, AND PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH COUNTRY

Find Americana treasures in the heart of Amish country, where buggies share the road with cars, shops sell handmade quilts, and restaurants serve chicken pot pie.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Dig into the fascinating world of bluegrass music and Appalachian folk arts, then pay a visit to Dollywood, an amusement park owned by the one and only Dolly Parton.

THE NATCHEZ TRACE: NASHVILLE TO NEW ORLEANS

With destinations like Elvis Presley’s Graceland, a studio where the greatest musicians of all time recorded hits, and civil rights landmarks, this trip offers a crash course in all things American.

Best FOR KIDS

ROUTE 66

Along the Mother Road, the quirky roadside attractions in small towns and kid-friendly museums in big cities keep the whole family entertained.

OREGON TRAIL

Ideal for older kids, this trip offers a hands-on, interactive education on America’s westward expansion, including a chance to ride on a real pioneer wagon.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND ROUTE 66 LOOP

Children will never be bored by the rides and shows at Disneyland and California Adventure, nor by the family-friendly offerings in Newport Beach and San Diego.

BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST

There’s family fun to be had in the Southwest, whether it’s riding the rails to the Grand Canyon, taking in a PG-rated show in Las Vegas, or standing in four states at once at the Four Corners Monument.

RENO TO THE RUBIES

If children aren’t mesmerized by the stalagmites in the Lehman Caves, they’ll love the steam-train ride in Ely and the Chollar Mine tour in Virginia City.

MOUNT RUSHMORE AND THE BLACK HILLS

Every child should see the rock-carved faces of past presidents at Mount Rushmore. At Custer State Park, bring carrots so the kids can feed the burros, then saddle up for a family horseback ride.

THE JERSEY SHORE

Bring swimsuits, sunscreen, and a lot of energy for the beach and boardwalk activities—such as arcades, games, and amusement rides—along the Jersey Shore.

SOUTH FLORIDA AND THE KEYS

Kiddos can build sand castles and frolic in the warm water at Daytona Beach, then enjoy the amusements at Disney World’s theme parks.

Best FOR OUTDOOR EXPLORERS

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: CALIFORNIA

Pack your hiking boots for numerous opportunities to pull off to the side of the road and hit the trail on California’s segment of the PCT, which runs from Mexico to Canada.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: OREGON AND WASHINGTON

Summit rocky peaks, balance on the caldera’s edge of Crater Lake, and camp in the shadow of Mount Rainier. Then cap off your adventures with a locally brewed craft beer.

HIGH ADVENTURE IN BEND

Bend’s craggy volcanic peaks draw high-adrenaline thrill seekers, from downhill skiers and mountain bikers to rock climbers, rafters, and kayakers.

SALT LAKE CITY, PARK CITY, AND THE WASATCH RANGE

You’ll find four-season outdoor fun in this region. In winter, bundle up for skiing and snowboarding; come summer, there’s hiking and mountain biking.

YELLOWSTONE TO GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

When you’re finished hiking glacier trails and summiting steep mountains, walk to a waterfall or take a dip in the healing hot springs.

IDAHO’S RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS: BOISE TO COEUR D’ALENE

Hook up with a river guide to embark on a float trip or rafting tour down the Salmon River. For something tamer, rent a canoe to paddle the placid waters of Payette Lake.

MINNEAPOLIS TO VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

Outdoors adventures come by way of water: fish for trout, camp on a houseboat, paddle the Boundary Waters, or hike to lake and river views.

THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

The Appalachian Trail is well marked and heavily traveled, making it easy to hop on at various points for a sunset hike or a vigorous day trek that leads to 360-degree views.

ALASKA’S PARKS HIGHWAY

Calling all birders and wildlife-watchers: Keep your binoculars out and your eyes open for caribou, moose, beavers, and migratory waterfowl.

THE KENAI PENINSULA

With its boat tours, glacier cruises, and gentle nature trails, the Kenai Peninsula is perfect for outdoor lovers who don’t want high-intensity adventure.

Best ON TWO WHEELS

THE LONELIEST ROAD

Motorcyclists will see nary another vehicle on the empty stretches through Utah and Nevada, and bicyclists can jump on the scenic, 239-mile Katy Trail through Missouri.

ROUTE 66

Thousands of motorcyclists and bicyclists ride this historic route. Complete the end-to-end journey—from Chicago to Santa Monica—or join the road somewhere in the middle.

BEST OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Not only are the rural areas of this region welcoming to two-wheeled travelers, but so are the cities; Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, and Victoria all cater to bicyclists.

THE APACHE TRAIL

Motorcyclists take to this road on the weekends to enjoy the slow and scenic ride through the Sonoran Desert, complete with one or two saloon stops and dinner overlooking Apache Lake.

RENO TO THE RUBIES

The ride from Reno to bawdy Virginia City is popular with motorcyclists—mostly for the epic views and wild-horse sightings, but also for the lively saloons that await at the end of the trip.

WILD WYOMING

The big skies and open spaces—not to mention the striking scenery—of Wyoming make it an ideal road trip for motorcyclists and bicyclists alike.

MICHIGAN’S UPPER PENINSULA

Heritage trails, historic stops, picnic areas, and welcoming B&Bs make it easy to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on two wheels.

The Loneliest Road (US-50)

Route 66

Oregon Trail