Adventure awaits on the open road, tire tracks leading to landscapes vast and varied. It’s a narrative etched into the American fabric — the road trip. From sunsets over desert plains to autumnal canopies on the interstate, the USA offers a buffet of seasonal spectacles. For road warriors and wanderers alike, the allure of the American road trip is unparalleled.
But where does one start, and where do they go? In each season across the expanse of the United States, different destinations beckon with unique charms. Here, we’ve streamlined the season’s star road trips where every landmark, diner, and offbeat attraction contribute to the grand tale of the trip.
Spring Awakening: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park
In the fresh bloom of the year, road trippers revel in the awakening wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway, often dubbed ‘America’s Favourite Drive,’ winds through Virginia and North Carolina, unfurling a carpet of wildflowers against the canopy of newly green foliage.
The drive is a leisurely 469-mile spectacle, best soaked in as the sun rises over rolling peaks, and turkeys plod along the roadside. Linking the much-loved Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains, this stretch of asphalt sweeps past tunnels, serene coves, and the homely sights of rustic log cabins.
Summer Stretch: California Dreaming on the Pacific Coast Highway
Summer’s sunniest days beckon not just with warmth but with a golden-hued road trip traversing the California coast. The Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Morro Bay, or further to San Diego, is a quintessential summer jaunt for good reason.
Beneath azure skies, this route dances along the precipice of the Pacific Ocean, unveiling monolithic cliffs, pounding surf, and laid-back beach towns that seem frozen in time. Summertime surfers dot the ocean breeze, the salty scent of adventure mingling with coastal wildflowers. Stop for a sea lion’s sunrise or a moonlit cove’s calm — the best of summer’s vibe resides here.
Autumn Frolic: The New England Fall Foliage Tour
Autumn has a way of painting landscapes in fiery hues, nowhere more famously than New England. The fall foliage tour leads through a rich patchwork quilt of golds, reds, and plums, as each maple leaf turns to reveal the season’s spectacle.
Begin in the quaint village of Woodstock, traverse the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, and finally sail through Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont. Along the way, covered bridges, colonial hamlets, and the aroma of apple cider donuts fills the air. The season’s transition is best appreciated through the windscreen of your ride — a road trip that’s as American as apple pie.
Winter Wanderlust: The Grand Circle Loop through the Southwest
When winter’s chill sets in, the sun-soaked deserts of the American Southwest offer a respite. The Grand Circle Loop is an ideal wintertime expedition, linking the sunny states of Arizona and Utah.
Be it the red rock spires of Monument Valley under a dusting of snow, the enigmatic hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, or the serene beauty of Lake Powell, there’s a warmth in the heart of winter. This 1,200-mile loop is a testament to the resilience of nature, with each stop more spectacular than the last.
For every season, the USA’s roads whisper an invitation to explore, dream, and discover. Each trip is as much about the stops as it is about the in-between, the unexpected turns, and the unscripted moments found only on the open road. Pack your favourite tunes, stock up on snacks, and make sure your camera is fully charged — the great American road trip awaits.
