No summer would be complete without taking the time to get outdoors and explore. What better way to explore than to call up some friends, fill the tank with gas, and hit the open road. Road trips are an exciting way to change up your routine this summer. The following are some of the best recommendations for summer road trip destinations. You could even create a bucket list and try to include all five before the summer sun starts to fade.
The Beach
The first recommendation makes perfect sense for summertime fun. Though you may have your favorite beach destination that you and your family or friends typically frequent, try to find a beach off the beaten path that you’ve never visited before. A road trip to the beach is a great way to inaugurate your summer of road trip adventures. Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll be able to relax, unwind, take in the sun’s rays and splash around in the water.
The Mountains
If the beach is not your favorite destination, try a road trip to a mountain resort. Many places that are better known for skiing offer plenty of summer activities to enjoy outdoors. Hiking is one of the most popular activities at mountain resorts during the summer. You will enjoy not only seeing the spectacular views from your automobile en route but also you will achieve the perfect photo opportunity when you hike to the summit of the mountain and view the lush, verdant landscape below.
To the City
While nature has its place to be appreciated, there’s something exciting about choosing a city you’ve never visited and taking full advantage of the tourist experience when you get there. Popular routes for sightseeing in cities are typically very walkable. You will be able to shop, buy souvenirs, visit museums and monuments, perhaps see a show, sip coffee in a chic cafe, and conclude your day by enjoying the diverse array of dining opportunities that a city offers. Before you depart on a city road trip, check with your destination’s tourism website. There may be some special local events or places to see that you weren’t even aware existed.
A National Park
National parks are great for road trips because usually many parks can be visited on the same route. Visiting national parks is a great way to become acquainted with our country’s natural environments and beautiful geological formations and landscapes. Furthermore, many national parks are also nature and wildlife preserves, offering opportunities to seek out different kinds of flora and fauna in their natural habitats.
A Random Monument
Many states boast being home to many non-traditional monuments and roadside attractions. Landmarks claiming to be the world’s largest, smallest, ugliest, and other superlatives are interspersed throughout roadways to provoke curiosity and public interest. Check to see what non-traditional monuments exist within reasonable driving distance and hit the road. You may even be able to create a driving route that loops around multiple attractions in one day.
So, there you have it. This is not a definitive list, but these five suggestions will surely serve as a basis for planning a summer road trip. There’s still plenty of summer left, so decide what’s a feasible driving distance, call up some friends, plan your itinerary, and get going!