The stress of the pandemic has affected the physical and mental health of people across the country. It has even affected people who work from home. One way to take away the stress from life is to travel. But it might not be advisable to travel by air now, especially with the spread of new variants of the virus.
Despite this, you can still travel. On the road that is. Instead of flying, you can opt to take your car out for a long road trip. You can travel alone or with family and friends. The important thing is getting out of your routine and trying to experience life once again.
With this, here are some interesting road trip routes you can try when you travel across the continental United States.
Route 66
Route 66 isn’t anymore included in the current maps of the United States. Even as over 90 percent of the highway is still used in Texas, it was officially decommissioned as a federal highway in 1985. It passes through eight states and stretches for more than 2,300 miles. The route runs through Illinois, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, and California, among others.
Much of the highway brings travelers through scenic open roads that connect several small towns. Changes in the alignment caused the route to intersect itself in Albuquerque, New Mexico. At this point of the route, you’ll see yourself standing at the intersection of Route 66 and Route 66. It was referred to as the Mother Road and had the first McDonald’s restaurant located along the route in San Bernardino, California.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway in California takes travelers on an exhilarating drive through a 123-mile highway along the central coast of California. It is one of the most scenic highways in the country and is designated as an All-American Road.
Aside from the coast, the highway also takes travelers through northern California’s redwood forests. Travelers also pass through several interesting places, including San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. While the trip takes around five hours, stopping by in the different counties and cities along the route can make the trip enjoyable.
Florida Keys Scenic Highway, Florida
The Florida Keys Scenic Highway is the only All-American Road in Florida. This 110-mile stretch takes you through 43 keys and a scenic five-mile highway surrounded by crystal clear waters on all sides. If you’re planning to take your Volvo S90 through this route, make sure it’s well maintained since you might not find a Volvo repair shop in the middle of the highway.
Driving down the “Road to Paradise” allows you to experience Florida’s relaxed lifestyle. Taking a trip through the highway will bring you to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park where you can rent a boat to go diving or snorkeling. You will also see the Indian Key Historic State Park where a community of salvaged shipwrecks once lived in the 1870s.
You can also visit the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, and Bahia Honda State Park while you’re in the area.
Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a 445-mile road trip through rainforests, rugged cliffs, and a stunning coastline in Washington. The trip offers many things for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Some notable places to visit include Lake Ozette, where you can stay a night or two in one of its campsites, Olympic National Park and its towering trees draped in thick moss and lush greenery, and Hurricane Ridge, where you’re treated to a scenic view of nature at its best. Additionally, also go beachcombing at a beach located close to the town of La Push.
Silverado Trail, California
Another good road trip route is the Silverado Trail in California. It links the towns of Calistoga and Napa and is lined with giant oak trees and world-class wineries. The trail was originally built in the 1850s. It has countless wineries that can be considered paradise by a wine lover.
You can visit the trail any time of the year since each season brings its own unique charm. The trail gives visitors scenic views of the vineyards in the area due to its dips and curves along the way. It runs parallel to the main thoroughfare of the Napa Valley and is often quiet and less traveled. Since you’re in wine country, the best activity in the area is stopping by the wineries to taste the best wine the region has to offer.
Taking a road trip around the United States doesn’t only allow you to take the stress away from life, but it also allows you to explore the country more intimately.
