No Plane Required – 10 Gorgeous Road Trip Destinations
Don't let your fatigue from plane travel stop you from seeing new things - take a road trip instead! If you're looking for a beautiful destination, we've got you covered with these 10 gorgeous places.
Shannon Scott
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Tired of the lines and the crowds? Don’t let it stop you from traveling!
We all know what a challenge it is to try and travel smoothly and without interruptions when we travel by plane. Try as we might, sometimes it cannot be helped, and that can denigrate the experience at times. But what should you do when you have the itch to travel and want to avoid the hassle of navigating through crowded airports? You can preserve your sanity by taking a road trip.
Car trips engage all your senses. We love the freedom of rolling the windows down and drinking in the newness when we arrive at a new destination. We also enjoy making lasting memories with our loved ones in all the unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations there are to explore in the United States. Hop in your car for a destination where you can explore nature, local culture, and geographic areas new to you, without all the stress. Here are 10 of our favorite destinations that make for the perfect vacation spot to take a break from the business of life.
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10 Great US Road Trip Destinations
Photo: Dina Gh on Unsplash
Marfa, Texas
This small desert town in the middle of west Texas is an arts hub and is the definition of the middle of nowhere. It’s the perfect place to go for a road trip. This charming small town is unlike any other you have been to. It has art installations you would expect to find in places like NYC, unique lodging like sleeping in a teepee and staying up late to witness the mystery of the Marfa Lights.
Located in the middle of a desert, there are few things you must know before going. The closest major city is El Paso, cell service can be unreliable and the entire town is on a siesta mentality. So keep a flexible schedule as stores and restaurants may close and open as they choose.
This is a great way to get away in Broken Bow, OK. Photo: visitcurtaincounty.com
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Located in southeastern Oklahoma, at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains you’ll find a little piece of paradise. You can enjoy spending all weekend secluded in your luxury cabin in the woods or take part in all of the outdoor adventures Broken Bow has to offer. This area has everything from water sports, year-round fishing, ATV riding, breweries, wineries, train rides, shopping, and plenty of great restaurants. If you are wanting to escape the business of life without sacrificing the luxuries of modern living, then this is the place to vacation!
McCall, Idaho. Photo: VisitMcCall.org
McCall, Idaho
Nestled in the Idaho mountains, this town is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. This town has everything from fishing, hiking, kayaking, scenic tours, rock climbing to skiing. The temperature only reaches the 80s in the summer to the 30s in the winter, making it a great destination year-round.
Red Lodge, Montana
Located in southern Montana, Red Lodge is located in the Beartooth Mountains. Travel along the 68-mile Beartooth Scenic Highway that features several roadside scenic views and trailheads to stop and hike.
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Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains range of the Appalachians, this park features more than 2,000 acres to roam free, away from crowds. While in town, guests can fish along the banks of the Doe River, view wildlife, or hike to the top of the mountain to visit the world’s largest natural Catawba Rhododendron garden.
Door County, Wisconsin
This midwest region is located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan that boasts more than 300 miles of shoreline. There you’ll find numerous wineries, orchards, five state parks, and 11 historic lighthouses to explore.
A Saber Tooth fossil found at Badlands National Park. Photo: National Park Service
Badlands National Park
Make your way around the 39-mile Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway between the towns of Cactus Flat and Wall. The drive only takes about an hour, but being surrounded by so much beauty, you will need at least a day for this road trip. Stop along the way at one of the 16 scenic overlooks for photo opportunities, to hike a few of the trailheads or catch views of the wildlife.
Sedona, Arizona
If you are looking for a destination where you can enjoy scenic drives, shopping, wineries, great restaurants, gorgeous sunset, and endless adventures, head to Sedona! One of the unique adventures in Sedona is car travel – exploring the rugged and remote landscapes with a 4WD vehicle. If you don’t have one, you can book a Jeep tour to climb up the mountain.
Bonneville Salt Flats
Located an hour and a half from Salt Lake City this 30,000 square acre parcel of Utah’s west desert is like any other place on earth. Not only is this the perfect Instagrammable destination for a road trip, but it’s also home to multiple auto racing events that take place throughout the year. While there isn’t much else to do other than walk around, take photos and enjoy the quiet, it’s certainly worth driving to appreciate this natural wonder.
Arkansas Alligator Farm Photo: Chastity Beene
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Famous for its healing waters, Bathhouse Row, and National Park, this adorable city is a must-visit. Its small-town charm is relaxing and its downtown is like an oasis in the Ouachita Mountains. Visitors can stroll along the Grand Promenade, hike through the Ouachita National Forest, enjoy a 210-acre botanical garden and soak in the natural spring healing waters. And, you can hold an alligator, if nothing else in town will satisfy your traveling companions!
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