In the United States, highways are as lonely, mysterious, and deep as the Grand Canyon. They quietly tempt travelers to go alone, along the endless asphalt road, on a mixed surprise and heart-pounding journey.
There are so many movies, books, and music about road trips that there is no need to introduce them all. Jack Kerouac's "On the Road", Bob Dylan's "Route 61 Revisited", and Dennis Hobard's "Knight Rider", are probably the best travel guide any freedom traveler can get. Here are seven of the most recognized routes, connecting the coast with the inland, connecting the ever-changing dynamic scenery, especially suitable for a weekend visit.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic highways in the United States, and it has long been considered the first stop on a road trip in the United States. The highway winds its way across the California coastline, from Los Angeles to San Francisco, passing Long Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Cape Reyes National Seashore on the North San Francisco Bay.
There are too many well-known restaurants on this route. Of course, there is a smarter way to break down the entire road into several separate journeys, such as from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, or from Monterey to Big Sur.
2. Olympic Peninsula, Route 101, Washington
From Seattle, follow Route 101 through densely vegetated rainforests and alpine forests, rugged beaches, beautiful waterways, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and even across different ecosystems. At every turn, we'll find jaw-dropping vistas—like Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, or Marymere Falls in Star Moon Lake.
3. Cross-Sea Highway, Route 1, Florida
U.S. Route 1 is 150 miles long, starting in Miami and leading to Key West. This is a unique cross-sea highway, bordering the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, passing through 42 bridges and causeways, linking the Florida peninsula and 100 outlying islands. There's no shortage of vintage-style boutiques, motels, old-fashioned burger shacks and drink stations along the way, while the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful beaches continue to appear in the left-hand windows and rear-view mirrors.
4. Route 66, Arizona
Route 66 is perhaps the most well-known highway in the United States. It is a symbol of the American Dream and has a history of 90 years since it opened in 1926. It has been written in the history of American highways for the first time the miracle of connecting the great arteries from east to west. At the same time, it has left a mark that cannot be ignored in various representative development histories such as the development of the western United States, the American economic crisis, and the American gold rush. Route 66 originally started in Chicago and ended in Santa Monica, stretching 2,451 miles.
But over time and generations, many road sections have been abandoned or replaced by other road sections, making it an intermittent line like a dotted line. The best-preserved and longest section of Route 66 is located in southwestern Arizona, with a total of 320 miles of road, connecting the Petrified Forest National Park and the small town of Kingman, and there are many wonders along the way.
5. Green Hills Highway, Route 100, Vermont
The 220-mile road runs through nearly the entire state of Vermont, winding its way through sloping hillsides, deep valleys, green pastures, farmlands, and forests, everything shimmering in shades of yellow, orange and red. Along the way, you can partake in apple picking at rural or old-fashioned grocery stores, or sample local delicacies such as Cabot cheese and Lake Champlain chocolates.
6. Million Dollar Highway, Route 550, Colorado
The biggest attraction of Route 550 is that the 20-mile road is located two miles above sea level. It crosses the Ouray Mountains and connects Silverton and Ouray, two ancient and legendary gold mining cities. The Million Dollar Highway is quite exciting both in terms of height and visuals, and it is part of the scenic thoroughfare of San Juan Boulevard. Because it winds through three steep mountains without guardrails, it is often ranked as the most beautiful and dangerous route in the United States at the same time.
7. Peak Scenic Drive, Route 73, NY
The Peak Scenic Drive is one of the main thoroughfares through Adirondack Park, crisscrossing several scenic drives, as well as more than 3,000 rivers and lakes, 2,000 miles of hiking trails, and 1,500 miles of waterways.
The 30-mile Peak Scenic Drive, often regarded as the gateway to the Adirondack Park, winds its way through the Peak District, where there are 46 mountains above 4,000 feet, the most famous of which is Mount Marcy, which rises to 5,344 feet.
