Road trip! While many may follow in the poetic footsteps of Robert Frost and take the road less traveled, there are indeed times in this life when you should take the road MORE traveled. Travel expert and blogger Julia Dimon of Traveljunkiejulia.com shares her top picks for the classic North American road trip.
If it’s lush tropical rainforests, valley glaciers or humpback whales you’re after, the following roads, highways and byways are some of the most popular drives around the world… and for good reason! From the charming Acadian communities of coastal Nova Scotia to the famed landscapes of coastal California, there is a scenic asphalt adventure for every taste and interest. Here are some of the best:
Top 5 Best Road Trips Across North America
Photo credit: Julia Dimon. Point Lobos State Reserve
1) Pacific Coast Highway – From Los Angeles, along the central California coastline hitting some of the major hotspots: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos State Reserve, Big Sur, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives and is as iconic as Route 66. Expect coastal redwood forests, ocean cliffs, winding roads, sea otters and sea lions. Favorite stops include: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, Bubblegum Alley, gorgeous views along 17-Mile Drive. Just came back from a 4-day adventure along the PCH. Lots of info to share.
2) Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Photo credit: Nova Scotia Tourism
Oh, Canada! When it comes to scenic road trips, Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is among the world’s best. It loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton, leading visitors to small fishing villages and across pretty plateaus. Along the way are killer views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. Drivers may want to make regular seafood pit-stops to slurp back fresh oysters and snack on mouth-watering, mayo-slathered lobster rolls. Stretch your legs on a hiking trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park or take a whale-watching cruise from the charming Acadian village of Chéticamp. Haven’t done it yet but it’s on my list of road trips to tackle.
3) Seward Highway, Alaska
Photo credit: Alaska.org
The Seward Highway spans 200km from Anchorage to the tiny coastal town of Seward, a popular cruise port and gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Road trippers will enjoy the diverse natural landscape of south-central Alaska, from sea to snow-capped mountains, pristine pine forests to quicksand-like mudflats and steel-blue glaciers. Play “I Spy” for beluga whales migrating in the Turnagain Arm or Dall sheep scaling steep cliffs. Count wildflowers in the alpine meadows or golden eagles soaring against a backdrop of the Chugach Mountains. Currently planning this roadtrip for my adventure in Alaska in August.
4) Hana Coast, Hawaii
Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority
The Hana Highway, along Maui’s eastern coast, is around 50 miles of postcard-perfect Hawaii with ocean views, rain forests, tropical waterfalls and volcanic black-sand beaches. Stretching from Kahului to the sleepy coastal town of Hana, this curvaceous road coils around the island through hundreds of curves and over one-lane bridges. Along the way, cool off at Lower Puohokamoa Falls and smell exotic flora at the Garden of Eden arboretum and botanical garden, where the opening scene of “Jurassic Park” was filmed. Surrounded by lush landscape and plenty of adventurous activities, it’s no wonder the Hana Coast is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. I did this road trip last fall and it was amazing!
5) Red Rock Scenic Byway – Arizona
Photo credit: Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona
Also known as Route 179, the Red Rock Scenic Byway starts just south of Sedona and runs through rose-colored sandstone country for 7.5 miles. It’s not a long drive but the panorama is stunning and there are tons of activities to do along the way from: mountain biking Bell Rock trail, to hiking the famous Cathedral Rock, archeological tours in the Coconino National Forest, to exploring the area’s many vortexes. A unique phenomenon, spiritual energy pockets known as vortexes draw the New Age traveler looking to soak up Mother Nature’s meditative medicine. For a luxury hotel and spa experience, stay the weekend at Enchantment Resort, luxury accommodations with a renown wellness program. With such natural beauty, Sedona’s high desert country is a photographer’s dream and a playground for the outdoor enthusiast.
Julia Dimon
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