The United States is an expansive country. One of the best ways to explore all it has to offer is with a road trip. But with about four million miles of roadway, the big question is where to start. Kiplinger answers that question in an article that outlines what it considers to be the best road trip itineraries in the U.S., especially for retirees who have plenty of time to explore our beautiful nation.
To help you choose which is best for you, we’re breaking them down into destinations:
Best for scenic beauty – California Highway 1. The Pacific Coast Highway takes you from San Diego to San Francisco. Along the way, you experience California’s majestic coastline with stops to see Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Muir Woods, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Best for history lovers – Historic Route 66. This was one of the first continuous stretches of paved road in the country, spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Known for its mom-and-pop motels, neon lights, and quirky roadside attractions, this road trip will take you past the St. Louis Gateway Arch, Cadillac Ranch, and end up at the famous Santa Monica Pier.
Best for nature lovers – Going-to-the-Sun Road. Formerly known as the Transmountain Highway, this 50-mile scenic mountain road crosses the Continental Divide as it winds through the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park. It’s important to note that this road trip is primarily restricted to the summer months and closes due to adverse weather conditions. Due to its limited access, it can be very busy and congested.
Best for music lovers – Highway 61. The so-called “Blues Highway” is noted for its ties to blues music, with legendary artists such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters born along or near Highway 61. Running from New Orleans to Minnesota, road trippers can visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Delta Blues Museum, and Club Ebony during this drive.
Best for water lovers – the Overseas Highway. You’ll be surrounded by crystal clear blue water along most of the 160-mile drive through the Florida Keys. Along the way, you can stop to snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or enjoy an in-water dolphin encounter at the Dolphin Research Center. Make sure to stop for lunch or dinner to enjoy fresh seafood and a slice of Key Lime Pie.
But before you hit the road, the author suggests you make your hotel reservations, so you know you have a place to stay; hotels fill up months in advance in many popular destinations. It’s also recommended that you make sure your car/vehicle is ready for a road trip by checking tire pressure, refilling washer fluid, etc. Lastly, plan out your route so you’re not relying solely on your GPS – cellular service could be limited in some of these spots.
Do you enjoy road trips? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know your favorite itineraries and what you would recommend for a first-time road tripper.
