Summer may be winding down, but it’s not too late for a classic American road trip. From the beaches of Big Sur to the famous Route 66, GoCompare has rounded up 10 classic itineraries to share:
1. Badlands National Park
A short trip through Badlands National Park to Mount Rushmore offers the chance to take in the rock formations of the Badlands Wall, the view from the Big Badlands Overlook, a hike along the scenic Notch Trail and the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, said to be one of the most recognizable scenic byways in America. The trip is doable in two days.
2. The Road to Hana
Explore the island of Maui in Hawaii, from Twin Falls to the Kaumahina State Wayside Park on the North Coast. There’s also a chance to explore the Wai’anapanapa State Park, rich in history and legend, and the end of the road at Hana Town. Recommended four days.
3. New York City to Niagara
Take in the American countryside that starts and ends in the iconic city of New York. The route travels through an authentic Amish Village in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and stops at Niagara Falls, which travelers can see by either boat or helicopter. Other stops include Toronto and Boston. Recommended 11 driving days.
4. San Juan Skyway
Journey across America’s Wild West with stops in historic Durango, Mesa Verde National Park (home to the cliff dwellings of the Anasazi), Lizard Head Peak Vista Outlook and Red Mountain Pass. Recommended 10 days.
5. Columbia River Gorge
Take in all Oregon has to offer with this recommended six-day trip that stops at the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, five waterfalls, the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the Rowena Loops, which travelers may recognize from a great many car commercials.
6. Ocean Drive
Perfect for beach lovers, this trip through four Oregon coastal towns stops at Seaside, Cannon Beach, Yachats and Newport, which is home to whale watching tours, surfing, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing and crabbing. Recommended five days.
7. Highway 61
Music lovers will enjoy this trip up the Blues Highway, starting in New Orleans and continuing through Clarksdale, Mississippi; Graceland; Memphis; and ending up in Nashville, Tennessee. Recommended 12 days.
8. Route 66
A classic tour of America’s “Mother Road” starts in St. Louis and continues through Albuquerque with stops at the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas before ending in Los Angeles. Recommended 29 days.
9. Big Sur
Drive through some of California’s most picturesque coastal areas on Highway 1, with stops at the Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, Malibu and Los Angeles. Recommended four days.
10. The Pan-American Highway
Taking a recommended 281 days to complete, this tour of the world’s longest driving route wil take travelers from the Arctic to the Antarctic with a short break in the road at the rainforest area of the Darien Gap. Key stops include Vancouver, San Diego, San Antonio, Mexico City, Lima and Santiago.
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