Summer Road Trip Ideas
Some people prefer to take vacations near the end of summer and through fall when the weather is cooler and there are fewer travelers on the road. We have compiled a list of four of the most inspiring and relaxing road excursions for those who delight in finding quiet and freedom.
Natchez Trace Parkway
This scenic and peaceful 444-mile drive follows a route from Natchez, Miss., to Nashville, Tenn., that was traversed by Native American tribes and later traveled by early European explorers. Peppered with historic sites, prehistoric settlements and quaint small towns, the "Trace" offers camping, fishing, and paths for exploration. Along the way, fans of singer Elvis Presley might consider visiting the singer's birthplace in Tupelo, Miss., or Graceland in Memphis, which is 212 miles west of Nashville.
Blue Ridge Parkway
This National Scenic Byway eases along the Blue Ridge mountain chain for 469 miles between Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina. You're guaranteed to relax and see the sights since the speed limit is 45 mph and there are no direct interchanges with interstates. Instead of gas stations and fast-food chains, you'll find vistas of flowering plants, meadows, farmsteads, hiking trails in addition to campgrounds and picnic areas.
Big Sur on California's Coast
Heading to Big Sur along Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) won't disappoint. The stretch of roadway from San Luis Obispo to Carmel is designated as an official National Scenic Byway, which means it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation for historical, natural, recreational and scenic elements. Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean are available from the road that hugs rugged coastline and crosses several historic bridges. Flanked by redwood groves on one side and rocky beaches on the other, Big Sur has plenty of hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities. One note: gas stations and rest stops are scarce.
Painted Desert/Grand Canyon
Sprawling over 160 miles of acreage across northern Arizona from Grand Canyon National Park to the Petrified Forest National Park is the Painted Desert, a colorful rocky badlands overlapping territory that is part of the Navajo Nation. Taking two-lane back roads rather than interstates will reward you with stunning vistas and overlooks. Nearby points of interest include Meteor Crater, historic U.S. Route 66, and the red sandstone formations in Sedona, Ariz.
Natchez Trace Parkway
This scenic and peaceful 444-mile drive follows a route from Natchez, Miss., to Nashville, Tenn., that was traversed by Native American tribes and later traveled by early European explorers. Peppered with historic sites, prehistoric settlements and quaint small towns, the "Trace" offers camping, fishing, and paths for exploration. Along the way, fans of singer Elvis Presley might consider visiting the singer's birthplace in Tupelo, Miss., or Graceland in Memphis, which is 212 miles west of Nashville.
Blue Ridge Parkway
This National Scenic Byway eases along the Blue Ridge mountain chain for 469 miles between Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina. You're guaranteed to relax and see the sights since the speed limit is 45 mph and there are no direct interchanges with interstates. Instead of gas stations and fast-food chains, you'll find vistas of flowering plants, meadows, farmsteads, hiking trails in addition to campgrounds and picnic areas.
Big Sur on California's Coast
Heading to Big Sur along Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) won't disappoint. The stretch of roadway from San Luis Obispo to Carmel is designated as an official National Scenic Byway, which means it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation for historical, natural, recreational and scenic elements. Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean are available from the road that hugs rugged coastline and crosses several historic bridges. Flanked by redwood groves on one side and rocky beaches on the other, Big Sur has plenty of hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities. One note: gas stations and rest stops are scarce.
Painted Desert/Grand Canyon
Sprawling over 160 miles of acreage across northern Arizona from Grand Canyon National Park to the Petrified Forest National Park is the Painted Desert, a colorful rocky badlands overlapping territory that is part of the Navajo Nation. Taking two-lane back roads rather than interstates will reward you with stunning vistas and overlooks. Nearby points of interest include Meteor Crater, historic U.S. Route 66, and the red sandstone formations in Sedona, Ariz.
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