Whether you’re chasing sweeping coastal views, unique wildlife encounters, or quirky roadside attractions, these three U.S. road trips have something for every kind of traveler.
Take your foot off the brake, let’s go. 🚗
California’s Hwy 1: Santa Barbara to San Simeon
There’s never a bad time for a coast-hugging drive along California’s Highway 1, the famed Pacific Coast Highway. With every turn comes jaw-dropping cliffs, emerald hills, and sparkling ocean vistas that demand a pause for photos—or just to breathe it all in.
Several sections were closed the last three years due to natural disasters, but the full route—including Big Sur—has re-opened. In May 2024, I drove the 330-mile stretch from Santa Barbara to San Simeon. It was unforgettable. Check out my Instagram story.
Begin in Santa Barbara, where palm-lined beaches, Spanish-style architecture, and the iconic Old Mission set the stage. Walk State Street or take a short detour inland to Solvang, a charming Danish-inspired village with windmills, bakeries, and breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House.
Back on the coast, Morro Bay State Park is anchored by 576-foot Morro Rock. Kayak the calm harbor waters alongside playful sea lions and seabirds. Continue north to Cambria for a walk on the one-mile boardwalk trail at Moonstone Beach. A stop at Linn’s for olallieberry pie is practically mandatory.
End in San Simeon with a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the lavish former estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. From here, it’s a short hop to Piedras Blancas Rookery to watch elephant seals play and lounge in the California sunshine.
Plan It
- Pack layers—even in summer. Coastal fog and wind can cool things down fast, especially in Cambria and San Simeon.
- Build extra time for pullouts. The distance looks short on a map, but frequent photo stops can easily double your drive time.
- Book Hearst Castle tickets in advance. Guided tours often sell out, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons.
Florida’s National Parks: Miami to the Florida Keys
Florida is lucky to have three national parks within reach, and this road trip lets you maximize experiences while keeping driving manageable. Perfect for park-chasers, check off Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas in just a few days—a combo I call Florida’s Triple Crown.
Start in Miami at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest structure in South Florida. Stroll along sandy beaches, snap lighthouse photos, and soak in the warm breezes before heading west to the Everglades, a birdwatcher’s paradise with egrets and roseate spoonbills.
Hop on an open-air tram at Shark Valley for sweeping wetland views or join a ranger-led walk at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center. Climb aboard a fan-propelled airboat to see alligators in their natural habitat.
Continue south to Biscayne National Park, where 95 percent of the park is underwater. A guided 3.5-hour boat tour with the Biscayne National Park Institute takes you to islands like Boca Chita Key, Adams Key, or Elliott Key, with stories of shipwrecks, pioneers, and marine life along the way.
The finale is Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible only by ferry or seaplane. Snorkel turquoise waters, explore massive Fort Jefferson, and savor rare solitude far from the mainland. End in Key West for the obligatory photo at the red, yellow, and black buoy marking the Southernmost Point.
Plan It
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Book Dry Tortugas first. Seaplane and ferry tickets sell out weeks (sometimes months) ahead, so lock this in before finalizing the rest of your route.
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Time Everglades activities for morning. Birds are most active early, temperatures are cooler, and airboat tours feel more pleasant before mid-day heat sets in.
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Plan Biscayne from the water, not the road. There’s no scenic driving here—guided boat tours are the best way to experience the park’s islands, reefs, and history.
Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway Loop
Southern Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway blends desert landscapes, quirky Americana, and a healthy dose of UFO lore. This counter-clockwise loop begins and ends in Las Vegas. I’ve done it twice myself—both trips were five stars. In September 2024, I paired the drive with Great Basin National Park. See my Instagram story.
Kick things off at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, where a guided tour of the Neon Boneyard highlights more than 250 vintage signs from Sin City’s golden era. From there, head north onto State Route 375—the Extraterrestrial Highway.
Stop at E.T. Fresh Jerky in Hiko for jerky and a photo with the cowboy alien mural. In Rachel, the Little A’Le’Inn is ground zero for UFO enthusiasts, with the iconic Alien Burger and “top-secret” Alien Sauce.
Continue west to Tonopah, home to the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Restored equipment and exhibits tell Nevada’s mining story. Nearby, the Clown Motel, with over 4,000 clown figurines, is unforgettable whether you stay or just snap photos.
In Goldfield, the International Car Forest of the Last Church features dozens of spray-painted cars buried nose-first in the desert. For a dramatic add-on, detour into Death Valley National Park before looping back to Las Vegas—Badwater Basin, sand dunes, and epic vistas make it worth the extra miles.
Plan It
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Fuel up early and often. Services are sparse along SR-375; don’t risk running low in the desert stretches.
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Book accommodations in advance. Rachel and Tonopah have limited lodging; spots like the Little A’Le’Inn fill up quickly on weekends.
- Time your detour to Death Valley carefully. Summer heat can be extreme—spring and fall are safer and more comfortable for sightseeing.
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