Portland is a city where they love to keep things weird. Visit must-see spots Rowena Crest and Multnomah Falls before heading to Portland. Whether you plan to ski it, hike it, or just drive to it, Mt Hood’s size will take your breath away. Be sure to get up for sunrise at Smith Rock State Park and stick around to climb at of the country’s best climbing destinations, or a take in the views with a hike.įrom Bend, head to Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. Work your way from Klamath Falls to Crater Lake National Park, America’s deepest lake (be sure to fill up your tank there isn’t gas around for miles)! Oregon may be well known for it’s waterfalls and mountains, but Bend is a stark contrast from the rest of Oregon with it’s desert landscape. With a rugged coastline, epic waterfalls, and stunning mountains, it makes for one of the best road trips in the country! Start in Portland and work your way (via coastline if you have enough time) to Klamath Falls to Running Y Ranch, which features horseback riding, a spa, incredible views and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer gold course. Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the US. The best time to go is late spring to early fall. – Contributed by Sara from Our Kind of Crazy.īest time to go: Oregon remains pretty cool year-round, so it’s best to stick to warmer months. Notable stops along the way include the Hollywood Sign, Big Sur cliffs, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Space Needle, along with several beautiful spots along the coast.Be sure to get out of the car and explore! Don’t forget to hit the Northeastern most point of the 48. There’s lots of forests and great lookout spots all the way up into Washington just before the end of the coast in Seattle. In Oregon, you can typically find some exciting sea life just off the shore. Head north towards San Francisco, and spend some time in the Bay before heading to the Redwoods. San Diego to Los Angeles is filled with beautiful beaches and great surf. Starting in San Diego, and heading north to Seattle will take you to some awesome places. Suggested Duration: 1-2 weeks depending on stopsīest Time to Go: This trip is best in the spring, summer or fall.Ī trip up the West Coast is not to be missed. Route: San Diego to Seattle (HWY 1 + 101 up to Seattle) READ: California Bucket List: 35+ Best Places to Visit in California Click here to read about must see Pacific Road Trip stops. If time is short, the leg between Monterey to Cambria is one of the most beautiful portions. CA State Highway 1 ends in Dana Point which is in Orange County but you can extend your trip to San Diego or end the trip in LA. While the CA State Route 1 starts in Leggett, California in the North, some people skip the northern portion and start the trip in San Francisco. Tip: If you have more time, explore the entire West Coast by extending the road trip to Seattle (see West Coast Road Trip below).Ī Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) road trip is one of best road trips you can take in the USA and is a good way to explore the California coast. Suggested Duration: At least a week depending on stops Route: Leggett, California to Dana Point, California on California State Route 1 – Contributed by Teresa from Brogan Abroad It is also worth taking a bit of a detour to visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Highlights of this route include Cadillac Ranch in Texas, an art installation that has become a must stop and Santa Fe, with its Spanish-influenced old town and adobe architecture. This road tells the quintessential story of freedom and the American Dream. During these tough economic times, hundreds of families moved to California following what is now the historic Route 66. It was one of the country’s first transcontinental highways that originated during the Great Depression. Route 66 is a historic road that traverses 8 states across USA and one of the most famous road trips in the world. Route 66: EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers is considered one of the most useful Route 66 guides. Tip: Pick up a Route 66 travel guide because GPS will direct you to the fastest route instead of the historical route. Suggested Duration: Approximately 2 weeksīest time to go: The best time to go is from May to October, with peak season during June, July and August.

Route: Chicago to Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles RELATED: Best Gifts for Road Trippers Best Road Trips in the USA

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