A great American road trip should include a mix of scenic drives, fun activities, delicious local dining, and rich national history. Classic Americana can be found in the American North, South, East, or West. If you are planning a road trip across “The Land of Opportunity,” use this checklist of places that are not to be missed!
Image source flickr by F Tarawneh Faddoush
The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway weaves through the Appalachian Mountains and wraps around Grandfather Mountain. The scenery is breathtaking, especially when the leaves are changing colors in the fall.
Times Square in New York City
Times Square is known as “The Crossroads of the World” and “The Center of the Universe.” The area is located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, New York. Times Square is iconic because of the bright lights, bustling crowds, and plethora of historical places within walking distance.
Washington, D.C.
D.C. is the capital of the United States and cannot be missed. “The District” is home to the Washington Monument, White House, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and hundreds of other historical places.
The French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana
The French Quarter is the oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1718, the entire area is a National Historic Landmark. Today, the area is known for rowdy nightlife on Bourbon Street, street performers, and spicy Cajun cuisine.
Austin City Limits in Austin, Texas
Austin City Limits is one of the most iconic music festivals in America. Each year in October, thousands of concert goers flock to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas to hear the best live musicians in the world perform. The festival has grown each year, and it typically features over 100 musical acts playing rock, indie, country, folk, and electronic styles.
Zion National Park near Springdale, Utah
Located in the Southwestern United States, Zion Canyon merges the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions into a wonderful mix of landscape and wildlife diversity. The area allows the road tripper to see over 150 million years of history within the rock formations weaving through the park.
Drive Along Route 66 in Oklahoma
Route 66 is known as the “Main Street of America.” The road is famous for travelers heading into the American West. In Oklahoma, the longest stretch of Route 66 exists. It runs through Oklahoma City and Tulsa with numerous opportunities for roadside excursions to Midwestern cultural treasures such as Fort Reno, Coleman Theatre, Round Barn, and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.
Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California
Hollywood is iconic worldwide for movie stars, famous red carpet theaters, and bright lights. A trip down Hollywood Boulevard unveils the history and quirkiness of the area. The classic Hollywood Sign provides the perfect backdrop for a road trip photograph.
Traditional Spanish Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Traditional Spanish Market in Santa Fe is a cultural and artistic event. Thousands of travelers attend the market each year in search of cultural treasures and classic Americana souvenirs. The market also has traditional dancing, delicious street food, and lively artistic shows.
The Grand Canyon in Arizona
The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Nowadays, it is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and is over a mile deep in some places. The views from the outer rim are gorgeous, and there is amazing wildlife everywhere. Additionally, there are hundreds of cheap camping sites to stay at overnight.
Ali Bell is a travel blogger who has travelled to over 25 countries in the past 3 years.
