There are few more quintessentially American experiences than the road trip, where the freedom of an open highway serves as a tidy metaphor for the kind of nomadic spirit of adventure this country was founded upon. They’re immortalized in songs and films, and form core memories—some fond, some not so fond—for generations of children confined to the backseats of station wagons.
For many, the image of an American road trip is backdropped by palm trees, deserts, mountains, or oceans—iconography of the West. And indeed, many of the great scenic drives in the nation are found here. Just ask the National Scenic Byway Association, which presents a list of the 10 most popular scenic drives in America. Right at the top is California’s Pacific Coast Highway.
Officially California State Route 1, the road known simply as PCH represents the classic coastal road trip, passing through all the Golden State’s major cities and many of its iconic attractions. The Big Sur region between San Luis Obispo and Monterey is routinely ranked among the most scenic drives in the world, a cliff-hugging cruise with views of crashing Pacific waves and pristine redwood forests. Groups can choose any number of scenic waypoints and also enjoy quaint seaside communities like Carmel-by-the-Sea for art gallery browsing, wine tasting, and more.
Groups that arrive in Monterey will find the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, where they can see animal feedings, get hands-on in the touch pools, and watch sea otters play. Monterey also is home to the internationally known Monterey Jazz Festival, held each September. Nearby Pebble Beach is well known to golfers, but it’s also home to the 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road—note a toll is required—that serves as a relaxing overview of the area.
Credit: Adobe/Floating Lens Drone
California State Route 1 runs concurrently with U.S. Highway 101, which continues out of California into Oregon and Washington. This section of highway is equally beautiful, passing through unique landscapes such as Oregon’s “Dune Country.” The U.S. Forest Service operates a visitors center for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in Reedsport, where groups can chart a course for hiking, biking, camping, and more. For the thrill-seekers, companies in the area also rent off-road vehicles to further explore the dunes.
A bit to the east, U.S. Route 89 from Montana to Arizona is best known as the National Park Highway, due to the fact that it links seven national parks, 14 national monuments, and three heritage areas. Stretching from border to border, the route was once named the No. 1 “Drivers’ Drive” in the world by National Geographic. The stretch in southern Utah and northern Arizona is particularly packed with parks, as Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon are all within this section of the Colorado Plateau.
If touring Colorado, be sure to carve out some time to explore the 236-mile San Juan Skyway. Designated an All-American Road, which requires an abundance of both natural resources and recreational opportunities, the Skyway passes through some of Colorado’s most iconic small towns. There’s the preserved Wild West of Durango, the world-class skiing in Telluride, the mining history of Silverton, and more. Groups also can dive into the unmatched natural history of Mesa Verde National Park, home to nearly 5,000 archeological sites—with many more yet to be discovered.
Last, but certainly not least, is the “mother” of all road trip highways, historic Route 66, which stretches from Illinois to California. America’s Mother Road turns 100 this year, though it is no longer contiguous and was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985. The history found here hasn’t changed, however, and groups can explore that story at engrossing museums, quirky roadside stops, and along scenic byways.
Out West is where you’ll find many of the road’s major attractions and landmark cities. For some under-the-radar destinations, explore Glenrio, a ghost town straddling the border of New Mexico and Texas. Go on a walking tour of the quirky town of Madrid, New Mexico, once a coal mining hub now filled with unique shops and art galleries. And get your fill of one-of-a-kind gifts and fun photo opportunities at the Hackberry General Store in Kingman, Arizona. You could even close the loop and visit the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California, then take a right turn and hop on PCH to keep your magical Western road trip going.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Big Sur, Pacific Coast Highway, California; Credit: Visit California/Max Whittaker
