The Best All-American Road Trip Routes
Originally, the term All-American was used to describe superb high school and college athletes. And that still exists today, but now the term has taken on a life of its own. It’s used to describe anything and everything that embodies this great country of ours—like some of our finest roads.
Summer may be winding down, but we know you’ve still got one last hoorah left in you. So, as part of our All-American series, here are four routes that are famously All-American according to the United States Department of Transportation. Seriously, they’re official.
North: North Shore Scenic Drive – Minnesota
The shoreline of Lake Superior is thousands of miles long, but only 150 miles of it is the North Shore Scenic Drive. This national scenic byway is so spectacular that it’s been given the extraordinary honor of being designated as an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation. From the city of Duluth to the Canadian border and everything in between, this stretch of Minnesota State Highway 61 is incredible.
Can’t Miss Things to Do
- Take a selfie or two at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Two Harbors.
- Eat at Ledge Rock Grille, also in Two Harbors.
- Book a Lake Superior boat tour with North Shore Scenic Cruises in Silver Bay.
South: Alabama’s Coastal Connection – Alabama
A drive along Alabama’s Coastal Connection will take you by beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, through cute downtown districts, and past historic sites. Start in Daphne and continue south along the shores of Mobile Bay until you reach the gulf. From there, head west and stop wherever you want for whatever you want.
Can’t Miss Things to Do
- Explore the 65 acres of Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore.
- Eat seafood and take in live music at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores.
- Rent a catch boat from Fins and Family Fishing in Gulf Shores.
East: Lakes to Locks Passage – New York
This amazing scenic byway that begins in Rouses Point in northeastern New York was designated an All-American road in 2002 and for good reason. The incredible qualities along the route are second-to-none and it’s one of the few roadways in America that is featured as a “premier destination” by the Federal Highway Administration. Kind of a big deal.
Can’t Miss things to Do
- Have a picnic and visit the museum at the Georgi on the Battenkill in Shushan.
- Pick up a bottle of local wine at Adirondack Winery in Lake George.
- Enjoy the best ice cream cone of your life at Martha’s Dandee Creme in Lake George.
West: Highway 1 in Big Sur – California
It’s back! Finally, after being closed for over a year, one of the most scenic, beautiful, gorgeous, stunning—pretty much any other similar adjective—roads in the entire universe is open. This cliffside route winds its way along the sheer cliffs of California’s Central Coast providing you with heart-stopping views every stretch of the way. Start in the southern Big Sur town of Gorda and head north to Monterey. It’ll be something you definitely want to write home about.
Can’t Miss things to Do
- Go to McCall’s Motorworks Revival car show in Carmel.
- Eat at the cliffside restaurant Nepenthe in Big Sur.
- Take a guided tour of the Tor House in Carmel.
North, south, east, and west; we covered every corner of the compass. Now’s the time to pack your bags and take off on some of this country’s best All-American roads.
Need help planning a road trip? Read our Essential Road Trip Survival Guide!
Header Image Via Shutterstock.com/turtix
Source of the post : https://www.carrentals.com/blog/the-best-all-american-road-trip-routes/