9 Unforgettable and Scenic U.S. Road Trips

Blue Ridge Parkway

Photo: Virginia Blue Ridge

Right in our own backyard, we have visited The Blue Ridge Parkway several times and it is incredible. Especially during the Fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile scenic National Parkway bordering the Great Smokey Mountain national park and the Shenandoah National Park. The parkway winds its way along a mountain ridge through North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

There are many opportunities for stopping and taking in the view. You can stop at one of the many overlooks, or choose to take a break from your drive and do a hike. Our family loves to pack a picnic and stop at one of the many great spots (wherever the views are fantastic).

The Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for hikers, photo buffs, and picnickers alike. Wildlife and waterfalls are in abundance, including bears. Be on the lookout for wildlife while driving.

For more information, the National Park Service has a virtual Blue Ridge map that will help you in your planning, HERE. National Parks Traveler also has a very helpful post on great picnic spots, see HERE.

Skyline Drive, Virginia

Photo: Visit Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is a picturesque 105 mile National Scenic Byway in Virginia. The byway runs the entire length of the Shenandoah National Park, much of it along the ridge of the mountains. The views are incredible and there are around 75 overlooks along the way so there is plenty of opportunity to stop and take in the sights. Hiking and wildlife viewing is very popular along the route as well.

Great road trip idea! Extend your road trip by also driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, taking time to explore The Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park while you’re at it.

The Black Hills of South Dakota

The Black Hills of South Dakota are incredibly beautiful and diverse. You’ll see prairie grasslands, mountains, crazy geological rock formation, and tons of wildlife. Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park aren’t on people’s radar as much as other parks in the US, but we rank it up there with one of the most beautiful National Parks we have in the United States.

This route takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Black Hills and Badlands, including Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Deadwood, then ending at the Devil’s Tower National Park. Unlike the other road trips we have recommend in this post, there is no one specific road to take you to all locations. To help you out, here is the route we took over the period of one week (too much to see in one day):

From I-90 take 73 South and turn West on to 44 scenic to visit the visit Badlands National Park. Get back on to  44 towards Rapid City and head to Mt Rushmore. After seeing Mt. Rushmore drive to Custer State Park and then Wind Cave National Park. After  visiting Wind Cave National Park, make your way back to Custer State Park to meet up with Needles Highway (Hwy 87), then take 385 North towards Deadwood. From Deadwood head to Spearfish via Spearfish Canyon  (85 to 14A), then on to Devil’s Tower National Park.

For more trip planning information see HERE

Florida Keys Oversees Highway

Photo: Gypsy Guide

Completed in 1912, and designated a National Scenic Byway, the Florida Oversees Highway (US Route 1) is a 113 mile breathtakingly scenic drive through the Florida Keys. Much of it surrounded by water, or directly over the water, as is the case of the 7 mile bridge stretching between the middle and lower keys.

There are some really neat places to stop along the way. Our favorite was Bahia Honda State Park and Beach, The Turtle Hospital, and walking the old seven mile bridge. Walking the old bridge at sunset is beautiful!

Having traveled on this road on a weekend during the Summer we found that it can get very congested. We highly recommend driving the road in the off-season.

The Great River Road

Photo: Great River Road Wisconsin

What could be cooler than a road trip down the Mississippi? Covering 10 states, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway runs along the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles between the northern most part of Minnesota and all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. It is estimated that trip can take 36 hours driving time, and most people do it in about 10 days.  Many people travel the road in their RV and take months to complete it.

The Mississippi has long been a major artery running right through the middle of the US. There are many riverfront towns and cities – and a whole lot of American history. There is an endless list of sights to see, places to stay, and things to do.

We will be driving the Wisconsin piece of this road (250 miles, 33 river towns) on our next summer’s RV adventure. Our route will start in Prescott and ending in Kieler, WI. Approximately 250 miles and 33 towns of history, beauty, craft breweries, wineries, quaint riverside restaurants, and nature. What more could you ask for?

More information on the Great River Road, HERE

Pacific Coast Highway

Photo: The Blonde Abroad

This is the one I’m sure you have heard about.  Stretching along California’s coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway is a scenic wonder, with gorgeous views and charming coastal California towns. Designated as an All-American road you’ll wind your way through Santa Barbara, Monteray, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Cruz and many other seaside towns.

Summer months can get crowded and you may experience fog. We suggest a visit during the Spring, or September and October as the Summer months can get crowded.

Maine Coastal Road Trip

Photo: Our Wandering Mind

Yep, this is the same US Route 1 as the Florida Oversees Highway. US Route 1 is the longest North South Road in the United States. We recommend starting in Bath, stopping in Kennebunkport, Bucksport, and ending in Bar Harbor to explore Acadia National Park.

Plan on spending a few nights in at least 2 of the towns to give yourself ample time to explore. If you really have some extra time, extend your road trip on US Route 1 to the Canadian border, it’s ending point. If you’ve also done the Florida Oversees Highway drive then you will have visited the most northern point of US Route 1 and the southernmost point. Very cool.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Photo: Style Blueprint

Natchez Trace Parkway is a parkway commemorating the original Natchez Trace. The parkway is an historic byway running about 440 miles between Natchez Mississippi and Nashville TN.

The original historic Natchez Trace was a historic corridor originally used by native Americans, then by explorers, and traders. The proximity to the Mississippi meant that transportation was easier by river than overland so the road itself never really took off as a major passage for settlers and traders.

Driving this road is like experiencing a beautiful piece of history, and there are quite a few things to see along the way. Our favorite stops were the Cypress Swamp and Sunken Trace. Hiking, horseback riding, and camping are popular as well. You can find more information from the National Park Service, HERE

Stop at Loveless Cafe outside of Nashville for biscuits and fried chicken! No, I am not affiliated with the Loveless Cafe – they just have really good food!

Centennial Scenic Byway

163 miles of panoramic mountains, ranches, and wildlife between Pinedale and Dubois, WY. If you’re driving to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone from the East, this is the most common route that people take.  We highly recommend it because of the easy roads and spectacular scenery.

This area is particularly known for pronghorn sheep, and you’ll see many bison and deer between the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole. Make sure to stop in Jackson Hole and look around the town. They have some great shops and restaurants!

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This bucket list is about unique places to stay, and go beyond just a place to sleep – they provide an experience. We think these stays are fun and memorable.  They are located all over the U.S., and range from vintage to western, RV camping, iconic road trips, boating adventures, remote wilderness, wild animals, and scenic train trips.

As always, if you have any great ideas let us know! Enjoy!

Bucket List: Unique Hotels and Vacation Stays in the U.S.

Photo Credit: The Queen Mary | Long Beach, CA

1 | The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is a decommissioned transatlantic luxury passenger ship that sailed between England and the US from 1936 to the late 60’s. Now listed on the National Historic Register, The Queen Mary has been beautifully restored and is operating as a luxury hotel in it’s permanent home in Long Beach, California. A stay on this ship is like stepping back in time, and is an experience like none other. With beautiful rooms, fantastic restaurants, a spa, tours, and the surrounding Long Beach area – there are plenty of things to do for everyone!

We’ve added this to our bucket list not only because it would be an awesome experience, but for sentimental reasons as well. My Grandfather sailed on The Queen Mary in 1937 when they moved from Denmark to the United States. I actually have his original traveling trunk, with his Queen Mary sticker still on the outside. How cool is that?! For more information on The Queen Mary, or to book a stay, see HERE.  More things to do around The Queen Mary and Long Beach, CA area

Photo Courtesy of OuterBanks.com | Carova Beach NC

Photo Courtesy of OuterBanks.com | Outer Banks Wild Horses

2 |  Outer Banks Wild Horses and a Secluded Beach Rental Home

Located on the northern end of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, Carova Beach is a very remote area accessible only by unpaved beach and a 4wd vehicle. The area is also famous for its wild horses that roam freely through the area and for its natural beauty.  There are no hotels, stores, or restaurants in the Carova area. Corolla is the nearest town and has all of those amenities. Because there are no hotels the only options for lodging are in vacation home rentals. Make sure to book early because they go fast! The perfect relaxing getaway!  More Information on vacation rentals in OBX

Photo Credit houseboating.org

3 | Mississippi River Cruise in a Rented Houseboat

What better way to see the Mississippi River than be on it? Friends of ours rent a houseboat on the Mississippi every year and have a great time. Many houseboats have hot tubs and water slides, and sleeping space for a couple of families. Sharing with another family works out well as you can share in the navigation and cost. There are multiple companies that offer houseboat rentals from Louisiana to Minnesota. Be advised that for all rentals you do have to go through navigation and boating safety training beforehand. You’ll want to do some planning prior to your trip so you can know the ins and outs of the river, places you are allowed to moor your boat – and places you are not.  More Information

4 | Farm Stay

Farm stays and agritourism are increasing in popularity every year. A farm stay is a really great alternative to a hotel if you’re looking for something more than just a bed. Farm stays can be anything from ranches to alpaca farms, vineyards, or dairy farms.  They are a wonderful way to experience life in the country and a good way to reconnect with your family.  One of the best reasons to stay – you are helping to support a farmer!  More Information

Photo Credit: Amtrack’s Coast Starlight Train | Seattle to LA

5 | Amtrak’s Scenic Coast Starlight Train

A scenic trip on the Amtrak’s Coast Starlight Train has been on our bucket list for a long time. The trip itself is a scenic 36-hour train ride from Seattle to LA, stopping in several cities along the way, including Portland and Sacramento. As if the fantastic views aren’t enough, the train has an observation car, dining car, a bar, and some private sleeping rooms so you can enjoy a relaxing overnight stay on board. Train travel is such a civilized and relaxing way to travel!

We would like to combine this train ride with a stopover in the Portland area and Mt. Hood, then The Vintages (see #10 below). Then continue on down into California to see a couple of the national parks, then hop off for an overnight stay on The Queen Mary. From there we’d rent a car and drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. Sounds awesome, right?

Photo Credit: Katmailand Katmai National Park | Brooks Lodge Alaska

6 | Bear Viewing and Fishing at Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park, Alaska

To be honest, you really could just add the entire state of Alaska on your bucket list as there are MANY cool places to stay and National Parks to visit. We, of course, have a bucket list item to see as many of the National Parks in the U.S. as possible, and this one is definitely a must see.

Katmai National Park is only accessible by boat or plane making for spectacular scenery getting in and out. Brooks Lodge is  situated within the beautiful park and is made up of modern cabins surrounding the main lodge. While initially known for awesome fishing, the secret is out and it is now also recognized as one of the top places to view bears in their natural habitat – and the bears can be literally on your doorstep. This is a nature lovers paradise.

7| Classic Route 66 Road Trip – in an RV

Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road” is the most iconic road trip in America and is on many people’s bucket list. Officially established in 1926 and 2,500 miles long, it was the original highway in the U.S. connecting Chicago to LA. During its heyday there were fabulous motels, restaurants, and roadside attractions. While we no longer use Route 66 as a main highway, there are many people committed to preserving as much of it as possible, and there are still many things to see.

We have been lucky enough to have driven a stretch of route 66 between Las Vegas and Arizona and it was awesome. There was very little traffic, but we were not far off the new highway. There were lot’s of things to see and we even stopped at a terrific diner that has been there since the 50’s. Sometime in the future we would love to hop in our RV and drive the whole thing. How awesome would that be?

For right now it’s a dream and very high on our bucket list. For those who are ready to head out and do it, there are some great sites with lot’s of information to help you plan the road trip of a lifetime.  If anyone has done this trip, or has some great tips on RV spots along the way – PLEASE share! In the meantime here are several sites with great information: State by State detail of RV parks along Route 66, Roadtrippers Mapping and Interesting Roadside Attractions

Booking.com

Photo courtesy of Western Legends Roundup | Kanab, Utah

8 | Wagon Train Trek in Utah

How about a 4-day 3-night historic, and authentic, wagon train trek in beautiful Kanab, Utah. The Western Legends Round-Up is followed by a western film and music festival complete with celebrities. For anyone interested you can choose to ride a horse for the day instead of riding in a wagon. For the tenderfoot you can opt to join the wagon trek for one day or all, and stay at alternative hotels. Kanab is close to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Lake Powell, and The Wave so you can join the wagon train for one of the days and enjoy some of the local area the others.

Photo Credit Beacon Preservation and Goose Rocks Lighthouse | Maine

9 | Goose Rocks Lighthouse, Maine

If you need more solitude than the secluded beach in Outer Banks only accessible by a 4 x 4, then try the Goose Rocks Lighthouse in Maine – which is only accessible by boat. It’s the only offshore ocean lighthouse on the Eastern Seaboard that you can stay overnight in. After a boat operator kindly takes you out to the lighthouse, climb a ladder to your accommodations and take in the beautiful scenery. The only way to stay in the lighthouse is if you make a donation to the fund. The donations are tax deductible and they keep the lighthouse funded and in working order. This is a fabulous experience to do either as a couple or a family! You’re family will be talking about it for years.

Photo Courtesy of Hairs Out of Place | The Vintages Trailer Resort, OR

10 | The Vintages Trailer Resort

Want to rent a charmingly restored vintage RV in Oregon’s Willamette wine country? Sure! Want to relive the past in a lovingly restored and cozy retro trailer? We do!  The Vintages Trailer Resort is literally the cutest trailer resort in America.

My family and I have an addiction to RV’ing and even though we have our own RV, there is nothing like a vintage trailer. We love the idea that The Vintages has taken the time to preserve these beauties to share with everyone.  The location of the resort is perfectly situated next to a vineyard and within an easy drive of other fantastic spots in Oregon (Portland, Mt. Hood, Columbia River). For those of you traveling in your own RV, you are in luck! They are also a part of Willamette Wine Country RV Park.

My sister lives in the area, so when we first learned about The Vintages Trailer Resort I called her immediately. Of course she was so excited she took a trip a few weekends later and stopped by The Vintages for some awesome pics! Shameless plug alert – see my sister’s blog post, Airstream Dreams – The Vintages Trailer Resort, OR.

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