Road trips have long had a place in American culture. The construction of Route 66 in the 1920s might have sparked Americans’ love affair with the open road, and postwar expansion of the interstate highway system in the middle decades of the twentieth century only reinforced those feelings.
Road trips are not exclusive to any one time of year, but summertime tends to be a particularly popular time to take to the open road. School is not in session in summer, and that makes it easier for families and college students to fit road trips into their schedules. Regardless of when adventurers choose to get behind the wheel, the following are four of many notable sights to see across the United States.
Glacier National Park, Montana: Awe-inspiring views are the standard throughout the state of Montana, and Glacier National Park is no exception. The National Park Service notes Glacier National Park features more than 700 miles of trails and stunning views of glaciers. Though the NPS notes the park is particularly busy in summertime, crowds are no reason to avoid the stunning landscape, which encompasses more than one million acres and features hundreds of species of animals.
Key West, Florida: The Florida Keys are among the most unique locations in the United States. Key West certainly fits that characterization, as this beautiful island is the southernmost point in the continental United States and the terminus of Route 1, which is the longest north-south road in the country. Once vacationers reach the end of that road, they can rest easy with their toes in the Key West sand.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: History buffs who also happen to love the open road won’t want to miss a stop in Gettysburg. Gettysburg is arguably best known as the location of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. President Lincoln delivered that speech on November 19, 1863, following the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. Many historians consider the Battle of Gettysburg the most decisive battle of the conflict, altering the course of the war in favor of the Union. Visitors can explore the history of the site and also enjoy numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking.
Sedona, Arizona: Phoenix and Tucson might be the first cities people associate with Arizona, but anyone who has ever visited Sedona certainly would not overlook this stunningly beautiful town in the central part of the state. Sedona’s iconic red rock formations and ancient cliff dwellings are a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts. After a day of hiking and outdoor sightseeing, visitors to Sedona can enjoy a meal in town at one of many notable top-rated restaurants that offer their own unique and stunning views.
