Hit the Road Jack, With These 5 Epic Road Trips

The all-American road trip may bring up memories of a sitting in the back seat of mom’s station wagon, counting the different state license plates as the landscape whirs by your window. With travel restrictions, many are turning back to the road to get that travel bug fed. However, this time you can travel without the constant nagging of your sibling, “Not touching, can’t get mad!”

Here are our choices for 5 epic road trips that are more about the journey than the destination.

Pacific Coast Highway

From San Diego’s beaches to the Redwood Forest, there’s nothing better than driving the coast of California. Traveling along mostly Highway 1 and Highway 101, a week-long itinerary is doable covering the almost 1000 miles. Plan for stops in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, before heading on to Eureka and the Redwood National Park.  Plan for beach days, wineries, and dramatic landscapes along the way.

Lake Superior

The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior’s coastline offers incredible sights. Start in Duluth Minnesota and travel along the Great Lakes’ southern coastline (the northern part of Lake Superior is in Canada). Plan for plenty of stops to see waterfalls, black rocks, breweries, before ending your trip at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you dare, tip your toes or go for a full-fledged swim in Lake Superior. As the deepest of the Great Lakes, the temperature never rises above 68℉. Plan for 4 or 5 days to take in the splendor.

National Park Bonanza

Southern Utah is known for its copious natural wonders, national and state parks. Add in one more by starting at the north rim of the Grand Canyon and you’ll have plenty of stamps for your National Park Passport. 10 days to 2 weeks is best so that you can get out and explore all the Nationals parks. After the Grand Canyon, you’ll see Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park. Plus so many more natural wonders in between. Make sure you have plenty of space on your memory cards for pictures. 

A1A, Beachfront Avenue

Another coastal drive, A1A follows the Eastern side of Florida from Jacksonville to Miami. (Get real adventurous and continue on through the Florida Keys if you’d like.) You’ll discover sleepy beach towns like Vero Beach, Historic St. Augustin, and everything in between. Plan for about 7 days to include plenty of beach time and seafood platters. If you add in the Keys, add another 3-4 days.

West Virginia Country Roads

Often overlooked as a place to explore the mountains, West Virginia is saturated with national forests, scenic highways, and the stunning architecture of the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere. If you want a fall colors tour, West Virginia will not disappoint. 

If you need help planning epic road trips and where to stop along the way, Purple Light can take charge of your itinerary and unique accommodations to make the road trip one you’ll talk about for a long time.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).