5 All-American Road Trips to Drive in Your Lifetime

LT Globetrotter

April 27, 2017
5 All-American Road Trips to Drive in Your Lifetime

The USA’s vast landscapes and iconic cities were made to be explored. They evoke the urge to jump in the car and hit the open road.

Give in to their call.

Taking a road trip has never been easier, thanks to GPS. And speaking of guides, Liberty Travel wants to map your route through our beautiful country on exclusive Discoveries road trips. Explore multiple cities and sights on dream road trips planned perfectly by travel professionals. Designed for the independent traveler looking to explore the US and Canada’s history, culture, and landscapes, these vacation packages are equipped with a rental car to go from one incredible destination to the next, with stops at various monuments, sights, national parks, and other fascinating places, all along the most famous roads and highways. Plus, you’ll get exclusive savings, a $150 future travel credit, and Liberty Travel’s 24/7 support if you should need it. Not sure where to start? Take a look at these iconic paved adventures to fill up on some inspiration.

Sunshine State, Miami to Key West

Heading out on U.S. 1 from electric Miami, it’s a straight stretch to Jimmy Buffet and Ernest Hemingway’s favorite party town—Key West. But there’s no need to rush, especially when there is so much to experience on the road in between! For starters, the views are just incredible, and the turquoise waters will have you feeling like you made a wrong turn and somehow landed in the middle of the Caribbean. Make a stop at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo for a guided snorkeling or diving excursion in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In the tiny town of Islamorada, you can rent kayaks to enjoy an early morning sunrise on the water. On your way through Marathon, a must-visit is the Dolphin Research Center at Mile Marker 9. Here, conservationists rescue and study not only dolphins but also manatees and seals. The highlight of the trip, however, before you get to the nonstop fun on bustling Duval Street in Key West, is crossing the Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon, where it's just you, your car, and the open sea.

The Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco to San Diego

“Jaw-dropping” is something of an understatement when it comes to describing the views along Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego. The cliffs and crashing waves below look like a painting come to life, and these scenic stops are the reason this trip was meant to be taken by car. Begin your getaway in San Francisco to see iconic landmarks like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Then, hop in your car and head south. Most people know of popular stopovers like San Simeon and the historic Hearst Castle, but also check out Nepenthe near Big Sur, where you can take in the view at an indoor/outdoor restaurant. Stop in Monterey or Carmel for lunch before heading on to Big Sur to check out the elephant seals of Piedras Blancas. Continue on to Los Angeles for all the glitz and glam, and park the car for a hop on/hop-off bus tour to hit all the iconic spots. Finally, drive on to sunny San Diego. From the parks, museums, and craft breweries to the unbelievable San Diego Zoo, a bustling nightlife, and fantastic beaches — this friendly city is the ideal final stop on your epic California Discovery.

Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica

Named “The Mother Road,” Route 66 may well be the most significant strip of highway in American history. Kick off your Route 66 road trip in the Windy City, and see the Second City’s highlights — the Loop, Wrigley Field, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Shedd Aquarium, Lake Shore Drive, and South Shore Drive. Head south to stop in St. Louis, Missouri to visit their zoo, considered one of the best in America. Continue on through Tulsa and Oklahoma City for delicious southern BBQ and a taste of the west. New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque, is your next destination, so take in the arts and culture of this bustling metropolis. When you reach Flagstaff, Arizona, you have the choice to make an ultimate detour to Grand Canyon National Park. This is one side-trip that’s completely worth it. Hit the beach to relax after your long yet rewarding trip once you reach Santa Monica, California. You’ve earned it.

Music Getaway, Nashville to Memphis

Ok, this might not be the official name of the route between Memphis and Nashville, but it definitely fits. Music lovers of every genre will appreciate the deep melodic roots in these two cities. Start out in the country music mecca — Nashville. See landmarks of music history and be sure to get your fill of live music when in town, with plenty of stops for authentic barbecue as you bounce from song to song on the famed Music Row. From the Country Music Hall of Fame to a museum dedicated to Johnny Cash, Nashville celebrates its music history. Check out the Grand Ole Opry to see what country beat is in town, and enjoy whiskey at its finest at the Jack Daniel Distillery in nearby Lynchburg. Next, drive to Memphis and listen to traditional Delta blues and other music on Beale Street before delving into history at the National Civil Rights Museum® at the Lorraine Motel on the site where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Afterwards, visit Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock n’ Roll. Here his spirit permeates almost every turn, from the Jungle Room to the Racquetball Building to the Meditation Garden.  

Colonial America, Philadelphia to Williamsburg

Fill up your car for one of the truest and most comprehensive explorations of our nation’s history. Start in the City of Brotherly Love. Visit historical gems in Philadelphia like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and Elfreth’s Alley. Don’t forget to throw in a genuine Philly cheesesteak in between stops. In Washington D.C., hit the key sites representing America’s capital — from the White House and the Capitol Building to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. You’ll be reminded of the incredible history of this country and your right to freedom at every turn. End this All-American Discovery in Williamsburg, Virginia, where Colonial America has been beautifully preserved. Explore Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne, and be sure to check out Busch Gardens, an incredible European-themed amusment park with thrills for the whole family.

Are these incredible road trips enough fuel for you? Call your Liberty Travel consultant and hit the gas on an exclusive Discovery vacation today.

LT Globetrotter

As fellow travelers, our people are always on the move discovering new destinations. On the occasions they take a break from exploring, they love to write up a few stories about their adventures before they leave for the next one, so you can enjoy expert tips, news, and recommendations to use for your own travels.

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