6 Great U.S. Road Trips

Summer is here and road trip season is in full swing! All over the country, campers are packing their vehicles to hit the open road and start exploring. To help you plan your vacation, we've rounded up six of the best road trips in the U.S.

These road trips aren't isolated to specific areas and they aren't short either. Be sure to leave adequate time for any road trip and plan to stop during your journey. We've included suggestions for resorts along the way, so you can stay in comfort as you traverse America. Make your reservations early and have a great time on your all-American road trip!

6 Best Road Trips in the U.S.

1. Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West

As you soar across the Seven Mile Bridge, you'll understand why the Overseas Highway is so famous. This connection to the Florida Keys takes you over aquamarine waters, through mangroves, and down to the southernmost point of the continental U.S.

From here, you can easily access Bahia Honda State Park, which features sandy beaches and snorkeling spots. Then head south to Key West and explore the main drag on Duval Street. Don't forget to grab a slice of key lime pie!

2. I-15: Salt Lake City to Las Vegas

Most interstates aren't particularly scenic. But the stretch of I-15 from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas is the exception. This incredible route can take three days to a week, but brings you within striking distance of many worthwhile stops that include:

• Fishlake National Forest
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

To visit these attractions, you'll occasionally need to take the scenic route away from the interstate. But trust us, the extra time is worth it.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway: Charlottesville to Asheville

Following the ancient ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a serene route through the Appalachians. You won't move quickly, but you'll wind your way through forests and past mountain meadows. It's perhaps the best drive in the South, and one of the best road trips in America.

We recommend beginning near Charlottesville, Virginia. Then, meander your way south to Asheville, where you'll find craft breweries, the Biltmore, and the North Carolina Arboretum. 

You can also extend your trip by driving through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Simply take Newfound Gap Road (US 441) from Cherokee, North Carolina, across state lines to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for an incredible drive. 

4. Great River Road: Minneapolis to New Orleans

By far the longest road trip in this collection is the Great River Road. Traversing 10 states, this route follows the Mighty Mississippi from start to finish. Northern pine forests in Minnesota transition to Southern river deltas and swampy bayous on this incredible road.

Don't let the distance intimidate you though. The Great River Road is a perfect route to break into chunks. Here are a few popular routes:

• Minneapolis to the Quad Cities (~350 miles)
• Quad Cities to St. Louis (~300 miles)
• Memphis to New Orleans (~500 miles)

There are far too many attractions along the way to list. Try using these itineraries to find a few stops along your route. And don't forget to rest along the way. Two of our resorts are located just off the Great River Road:

5. Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Los Angeles

You'll fall in love with California on the Pacific Coast Highway. Considered one of the best road trips in the world, this oceanside drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a showstopper. Coastal cliffs, the shimmering sea, and rolling green hills come together for a road trip route you'll never forget.

Begin the trip just north of San Francisco at Mount Tamalpais State Park and Muir Woods. Then, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and begin heading south. We recommend stopping halfway through the trip in Paso Robles, where several Sun resorts sit in the heart of this growing wine country in California:

In southern California, take a stop in Santa Barbara to explore the local history and beaches. Finally, wrap up your road trip in the City of Angels with visits to Griffith Park and Hollywood.

6. Coastal Highway US 1 + Routes 6A and 3A: Portland to Cape Cod

Rounding out our list of the best road trips is a New England classic. You can journey between Portland, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts, on Coastal Highway 1. While these cities offer a lot, it's the small towns like Portsmouth, Kennebunkport, and Old Orchard Beach that make the trip extra special. 

You can also extend the road trip to Cape Cod. Follow Routes 3A and 6A out of Boston and along the Cape for a trip through historic New England towns. 

This summer, don't miss out on the best road trips in the U.S. Plan your route today, book your stay, and then share this post to tell your friends!

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