By: Mary Gramer, Social Media Marketing Intern
The best road trips include great music, tasty snacks, and of course, picture-perfect vistas. The journey to these beautiful destinations will make your jaw drop.
1. Northern Coast of California
Flickr Creative Commons: Keirn
Northern California is home to vast redwood forests, wineries, and stellar restaurants. Not to mention, the entire drive is lined with idyllic sea views. You might even see whales and sea lions! This is a drive you don’t want to pass up.
For more activities and routes: http://www.visitcalifornia.com/region/discover-north-coast
2. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Flickr Creative Commons: Graeme Maclean
If you plan it right, your drive to Horseshoe Bend, AZ can include sweeping Grand Canyon panoramas and stellar looks at the Colorado River. You have to park ¾ of a mile from the Horseshoe Bend, and walk to the site. Rest assured, this walk is scenic too.
Interested? Go to www.horseshoebend.com for more info
3. Grand Marais, Minnesota
Flickr Creative Commons: Pete Markham
To get to Grand Marais, MN, You will likely pass through Duluth, a town right on Lake Superior. The route from Duluth to Grand Marais follows the shore of lake superior through dense forest, and rocky shores. You will want to stop along the way to snap some pictures.
For tourist info, go to http://www.ci.grand-marais.mn.us/
4. Blue Ridge Parkway
Flickr Creative Commons: Mary Anne Baker
The Blue Ridge Parkway spans 469 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With more than 15 places to stop and take in the view, hiking trails, and restaurants, hotels, and gas stations along the way you can spend your whole trip looking out over beautiful landscapes.
Want to take this scenic route? Plan your trip at www.blueridgeparkway.org
5. The Ozarks, Arkansas
Flickr Creative Commons: Jake Bellucci
The Mountain Region of the Ozarks in Arkansas contains rivers, wildlife, lakes, and of course mountains, that are sure to make your drive a memorable one. Once you make it to the heart of the Ozarks, there are cabins to stay in, trails to hike, places to fish, and waterfalls to explore.
To check out the activities in the area, go to http://ozarkmountainregion.com/
Have you gone on any exceptional road trips? Share them with us!
All photos used under this license.
