Your Guide to Taking a Summer Road Trip

A car, some snack food, a great mix CD, a friend or two and an open highway add up to memories that will last forever. The only thing missing is a destination. Pop culture movies like Road Trip, Crossroads, Thelma and Louise and even Little Miss Sunshine, and songs like “Road trippin’” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash and “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts make us want to pack a bag and hit the highway.
 
But a road trip doesn’t have to be a cross-country quest. A short weekend trip can be just as fun, and you can keep your summer job at the same time. So in honor of the Great American Road Trip, we have scoured the country and compiled a list of some of the best and most unique destinations around. From California to the New York Islands, there is a good chance one of these destinations isn’t far from you!
 
WEST COAST
When HC staff writers were polled about where they would most like to go on a summer road trip, the overwhelming majority chose the West Coast. “California, no doubt about it,” one enthusiastically replied. And with its varied landscape, trendy cities and breathtaking coastline, it is no surprise that the West Coast would be so popular. Follow your own personal “Manifest Destiny” to one of these lovely spots.

Pacific Coast Highway, CA
Almost any show set in California features this famous highway. The picturesque coastal drive is the perfect route for breathing in some beach air on your way south to Orange County or north to Sonoma. It runs 105 beautiful miles along the Pacific Ocean. Try listening to some Beach Boys along the way; “Fun, Fun, Fun” is my personal favorite. And if you’re in need of a rest stop, Los Angeles and San Francisco are both exits on the road. Also, don’t miss a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge while singing the opening song of of “Full House”, of course.

Olympic National Park, WA
We’ve all heard of the great outdoors trips to Yosemite and Yellowstone National Park, but for those nature junkies who have been there, done that, there is Olympic National Park. Located about three hours west of Seattle, on the west coast of Washington, this park has it all. It boasts three different eco-systems: sub-alpine, coastal, and forest, as well as great camping facilities to witness the wildlife firsthand. For anyone a little reluctant to brave the “great outdoors” on your own, there are also Ranger-led programs and suggestions for quick visits. Bonus: This park is located right next to the real town of Forks, WA, so Twilight fans can take a “Twilight tour”  before heading back home.