Lets Go On A Whym Road Trip!
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We know that many people are wary of the airlines these days, with delays and cancellations becoming more the norm than the exception. Keep the faith! The government and the FAA are working to get that straightened out by recommending stringent new rules and fines be in place for when airlines let this happen. In the meantime, Whym has some suggestions for terrific road trips that we can send you on! The United States offers a wide variety of amazing routes, each with its own unique scenery, attractions, and experiences. Here are some of our suggestions for you to consider:
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
This iconic route stretches from Dana Point in the south to Leggett in the north along the California coast. It offers stunning ocean views, coastal cliffs, charming towns like Monterey and Santa Barbara, and famous landmarks like Big Sur and the Bixby Creek Bridge. Popular stops include Hearst Castle, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the beautiful Spanish architecture of Santa Barbara.
- Recommended Time: 5-7 days.
Route 66
Known as the "Main Street of America," Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through various quirky roadside attractions, historic towns, and classic Americana. Interesting attractions to stop for include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
- Recommended Time: 2-3 weeks to do the whole thing. Parts can be done in 4-7 days.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This scenic drive winds through the Appalachian Mountains and is particularly beautiful in the fall. Worth stopping for is the scenic overlooks offering breathtaking views of valleys, forests, and the autumn leaves. Also enjoy the Appalachian culture, several hiking trails, Mabry Mill, Linville Falls, and Craggy Gardens.
- Recommended Time: 4 days-2 weeks.
Great River Road (Mississippi River)
This national scenic byway is collection of state and local roads that follow the course of the Mississippi River through ten states of the United States. They are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. This road trip offers a glimpse into the heartland of America. It passes through charming river towns like Galena, St. Louis, and Natchez. Stop for historic sites, riverboat cruises, Delta blues music and picturesque landscapes.
- Recommended Time: 5 days-4 weeks.
Florida Keys Overseas Highway
US Highway 1 stretches from the Florida mainland through the Florida Keys to Key West. through the Florida Keys provides a tropical experience with stunning ocean views, crystal-clear waters, and opportunities for snorkeling, diving in the coral reefs, and enjoying fresh seafood. Drive along the Seven Mile Bridge and stop off at Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and finally Key West (plus all the smaller keys along the way. Key West in not the beach town that many people picture, but more a lively, fun atmosphere with historical spots like Hemingway's House & Museum.
- Recommended Time: 3-5 days
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Located in Glacier National Park in Montana, this road offers incredible alpine scenery, with mountain peaks, glaciers, and pristine lakes. It's a highlight of the Rocky Mountains. Marvel at Alpine landscapes, Logan Pass, alpine meadows, Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake.
- Recommended Time: 1-2 days.
Utah's Mighty 5
This road trip covers five of Utah's stunning national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Each park offers unique geological formations and outdoor activities. Amazing stops include iconic arches and red rock formations, The Narrows in Zion, hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, Mesa Arch in Canyonlands.
- Recommended Time: 1-2 weeks.
New England Fall Foliage
Taking a road trip through the New England states in the fall allows you to witness the vibrant colors of changing leaves. Routes through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine are particularly popular. Highlights to see while leaf-peeping are charming small towns, apple picking, covered bridges, and Ben & Jerry's Factory (Vermont).
- Recommended Time: 1-2 weeks in the fall.
Texas Hill Country
This road trip through the rolling hills of central Texas offers a mix of natural beauty, wineries, charming towns, and a taste of Texan culture. The route includes towns like Austin, San Antonio, and Fredericksburg. Stop to admire the wildflower displays, wineries, German heritage in Fredericksburg, and live music in Austin while eating great TexMex food and southern specialties.
- Recommended Time: 3-5 days.
Oregon's Columbia River Gorge
Driving along the Oregon-Washington border, the Columbia River Gorge showcases dramatic waterfalls, lush forests, and the stunning Multnomah Falls. Stop for the waterfalls, Bonneville Dam, Hood River, Mount Hood, and numerous observation viewpoints and stay in the fun city of Portland. Also consider the Evergreen Highway in Washington.
- Recommended Time: 2-3 days.
Grand Circle Tour (Southwest)
Connecting Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada, this road trip covers several national parks including the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Monument Valley, providing a diverse range of landscapes. The Grand Canyon's immense beauty, the red rock formations of Bryce Canyon and Zion, Monument Valley's iconic mesas are jaw dropping stops along the way.
- Recommended Time: 1-2 weeks.
Alaska's Seward Highway
Starting in Anchorage and ending in Seward, this road trip takes you through breathtaking Alaskan scenery, including glaciers, mountains, and the stunning Turnagain Arm. See the Alaskan wilderness, Chugach State Park, Turnagain Arm's tidal bore, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Exit Glacier.
- Recommended Time: 3-5 days.
That is 12 great road trips, but there are more! Factors to consider are the time of year, weather conditions, and finding accommodations along the way or when you arrive at the final destination.
Each road trip offers its own unique charm and experiences, so let Whym do the heavy lifting and choose the one that aligns with your interests and preferences. We'll customize the trip to include local attractions, coffee shops and restaurants, and convenient hotels that will make it an unforgettable experience!