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.
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.
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MIDWEST
As a native of Illinois, I know that many consider the Midwest an area made up of cornfields and cattle farms. However, the center of the country has a lot more to offer than silos and ethanol. “My favorite family road trip was to Mackinac Island, Michigan,” explained Christy L, a collegiette™ from Chicago. “We drove up into Michigan, then parked and took a ferry to the island because they don’t allow cars! We saw an old fort, rented a horse and carriage and went on a bunch of bike rides. Plus the fudge was amazing!” Get a taste of what she experienced with a trip to one of these Midwestern destinations.
Door County, WI
This little gem is located on the little peninsula of Wisconsin that sticks out into Lake Michigan. Known for its cherries, Door County is much more than just breathtaking scenery. From camping, biking and outdoor theatre in the State Parks, to beaches and water sports, to a drive-in movie theatre that shows double features every night, this little piece of heaven has fun for everyone. A trip to Door County is not complete without a visit to Wilson’s Ice cream in the adorable white-washed town of Ephraim. The night life is not exactly hoppin’– in fact, a few of the towns are dry, but with all there is to do during the day, you’ll be ready to snuggle in early or go for a late night swim before bed.
Chicago, IL
Seeing is believing with a trip to the Windy City, or as John Hodgman puts it, “the Atlantis of the Midwest.” I may be a bit biased as a native Chicagoan, but the city named for smelly onions is highly underrated. Get a summer glow on one of the many free freshwater beaches, or see a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field or a Sox game at US Cellular Field. For those history-crazed collegiettes™, the Chicago History Museum boasts a great exhibit on the World Fair, Abraham Lincoln’s deathbed, a constantly changing fashion exhibit, and a “dress up as a Chicago style hot dog” photo op. At night, see a comedy show at the famed Second City, where many SNL comedians got their start, or go to one of the many bars on State Street near Division.
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EAST COAST
The Liberty Bell, The Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, Monticello, and Mount Vernon: all historical landmarks and all located in Eastern States. And the East is not only known for the history it is steeped in, but also the delicious food it provides. Boston cream pie, Philly cheese steak, and New York-style pizza can all be found on the Atlantic side of the US. Feed your craving for history and American fare with a trip to one of these Eastern destinations.
Hershey, PA
No road trip article is complete without an amusement park. But for a break from the average, try Hershey park. Not only does it offer a first class amusement park, but also the Hershey chocolate factory, a spa and plenty of shopping. Plus, it is only about an hour from historic Gettysburg, and 30 minutes from Lancaster, PA: home of the oldest Amish settlement in the US. So you can learn about our nation’s history and enjoy its present all in one spot.
South of the Border
Not your average rest stop, this destination is located just south of the North Carolina/South Carolina border. The advertisements start 175 miles away, so if you’re headed south, this is a hard place to miss. Made up of the expected restaurants and gas station, this stop also boasts the unexpected: interesting shopping, a mini-amusement park and fireworks. It may be kind of a tourist trap, but it is a great photo op on your way down to South Carolina, Georgia or Florida.
Tybee Island, GA
This gorgeous beach haven is just off the coast of Savannah, GA. For those collegiettes™ who just want to relax seaside, this is the destination for you. Stop in Savannah to visit the home of Juliette Gordon Lowe, founder of the Girl Scouts. And don’t miss a meal at Mrs. Wilke’s Dining room, a friendly, family-style restaurant with the best fried chicken, cornbread and collard greens you’ll ever have. Then head over to Tybee and lay out on the beach, take a surfing lesson or rent a kayak and go exploring.
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OUTSIDE THE US
With the economy only slowly improving, many collegiettes™ have had to put their European backpacking plans on hold. If you feel a sense of “been there, done that,” when it comes to a U.S. road trip, it may be time to dust off your passport and venture across the border to Canada or Mexico.
Montreal
If you feel the need to get another stamp on your passport, Montreal is the perfect destination. There is historic “Old Montreal”, a fine arts museum, and a great bar and club scene. The city is also known for great live music. And for something a little out of the ordinary, try outdoor ballroom dancing.
Niagara Falls, NY (Canada)
Sure, it may be a little clichéd, but Niagara is actually a really fun road-trip location. If you bring your passport you can walk across the bridge to Canada. If you stay stateside, you can get waterproof sandals, a poncho, and the chance to walk under the famous falls. Take a historic elevator down and you can literally walk “the hurricane deck” beneath the falls. Or, for a bit more, you can experience them by boat on the Maid of the Mist. And on your way home, be sure to stop in Buffalo, NY: birthplace of Buffalo wings. Try them at Duff’s, but be warned, when they say “hot” they really mean earth-scorching.
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If we haven’t managed to find a spot close enough for you, take out a map of your state, close your eyes and point. Maybe you’ll find an awesome new road trip destination you can share with us, like Carhenge, Nebraska or the Yellow Brick Road and Munchkin Mall in Sedan, Kansas.
Now that you have decided on your destination, all you need to do is pack! Here’s a list to get you started:
- Pillow and Blanket
- Sweatshirt
- Swimsuit
- Jeans
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
- Camera
- Map or GPS
- Spare tire
- First aid kit
- Roadside emergency numbers
- Dramamine (in case of motion sickness)
- Snacks
- Book
- iPod
Happy Trails!
SOURCES:
Huff Post College article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/13/road-trip-destinations_n_610431…
Olympic National Forest: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/index.htm
Forks Washington: http://www.forkswa.com/twilight
Christy L, University of Illinois
Existence of Chicago: http://www.avclub.com/chicago/articles/john-hodgman-debates-the-existenc…
Second City: http://www.secondcity.com/
Chicago History Museum: http://www.chicagohistory.org/
Hershey, PA: http://www.hersheypa.com/things_to_do/regional_attractions.php
Lancaster, PA: http://www.padutchcountry.com/index.asp
Niagara Falls: http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Activities_CaveOfTheWinds.aspx
Duffs Wings: http://www.duffswings.com/menu.htm
South of the Border: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_of_the_Border_ (attraction)
Tybee Island: http://www.cityoftybee.org/
Mrs. Wilkes: http://www.mrswilkes.com/
Outdoor Ballroom Dancing: http://montreal.about.com/od/montrealevents/gr/dancing_free.htm
Road trip Playlist: http://thejetpacker.com/the-ultimate-road-trip-playlist-50-best-road-tri…
Yellow Brick Road in Kansas: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tour/93day3.html#sedan