2023’s top road trip travel trends center around returning to nature and taking in its beauty. No matter if you enjoy history, music, foodie culture or cuisine – these trips provide something for all.
Be prepared for a road trip! A physical map (just in case your phone loses signal) and cooler are essentials.
1. The Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast is an incredible road trip destination filled with endless attractions. Well-known coastal towns and beaches boast eye-catching sea stacks; but there’s much more to experience in its environs.
The northern section of Oregon Coast boasts charming towns and beaches that provide plenty of things to see and do, from Astoria to Cannon Beach’s northern end, offering something fun for everyone.
Highlight of this section is the Fort to Sea Trail, an 8-mile hike extending from Fort Clatsop site all the way down to Sunset Beach on Sunset Bay. Along its route are lush forests, bridges and even underpasses of U.S. 101 for an exciting mix of nature and history.
Depoe Bay, known as the whale watching capital of the Pacific Northwest, provides visitors with an exceptional whale-watching experience from shore or via cruise ship. Visitors can also admire these large marine creatures from a distance with Depoe Bay’s landmark lighthouse and delicious fish and chips shop nearby.
2. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer something special, from warm ocean waters and breath-taking state parks, to beautiful mangrove forests and stunning sunsets that bring crowds flocking in, not to mention some of the finest key lime pie ever. Spanning south from Florida peninsula via breathtaking scenic road known as Overseas Highway and offering an array of bucket list worthy attractions and experiences perfect for beachgoers to experience, this idyllic archipelago boasts endless fun-filled attractions and experiences for beachgoers to experience and remember forevermore.
Experience all that the Florida Keys has to offer from exploring colorful marine life at Anne’s Beach and Long Key State Park to relaxing on Sombrero Beach or sampling cocktails at No Name Pub; these islands truly have something for every traveler. To maximize your trip’s potential, plan a visit between November and April for the best results – cooler temperatures and smaller crowds await you there!
No matter where your travels take you in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Dry Tortugas National Park or Mile Marker 0 in Key West must be seen to be believed! And don’t forget The Fish House in Key Largo for tasty conch fritters on your journey.
3. The California Coast
California Coast is an idyllic road trip destination, boasting breathtaking beaches and dramatic cliffs for an enjoyable driving vacation along Highway 1. Enjoy plenty of places to stop, discover, and take photographs in this picturesque region that boasts old-growth redwood forests as well as picturesque beach towns.
From Bodega Bay to Half Moon Bay, California’s coast boasts many charming destinations. These coastal towns hark back to simpler times without the strip malls and cement slabs associated with big cities; instead they feature charming shops, delicious seafood restaurants, and miles of uncrowded sandy beaches to call your own.
When planning a road trip to California’s Coast, make sure to invest some time online researching each destination. This will allow you to determine how long to spend at each place and what to pack, as well as any weather reports or road condition changes that might disrupt your travel plans. Also read up on road trip planning tips!
4. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is an amazing wilderness of towering mountains, breathtaking glaciers and alpine lakes. Visitors can take day hikes on one of 400 miles of trails spanning this park; enjoy boating on Ross Lake or hiking Thunder Creek Trail before stopping off at one of many scenic viewpoints like Diablo Lake Lookout for breathtaking vistas.
Hikers will find themselves in their element in this park with its hundreds of mountain peaks, glittering glaciers and dramatic waterfalls. There are numerous hikes which allow access to these summits but two that stand out are Cascade Pass Trail and Sahale Arm Trail.
Gorge Creek Falls, Ladder Creek Falls and Racehorse Falls. Additionally, visitors to this park may spot wildlife such as elk, moose, marmots and bighorn sheep – an experience which cannot be found elsewhere! While less visited than others, this park provides visitors with an unforgettable adventure – ideal for road trippers looking for peace away from crowds and civilization noise. To maximize wildlife viewing during summer months and ensure optimal wildlife encounters.
5. Phoenix to Sedona
Sedona is one of the top day trips in Arizona and also makes for an enjoyable destination when looking to extend their visit.
Phoenix to Sedona driving is relatively simple for any average driver, taking approximately two hours with plenty of stops along the way for things to see and do.
Discover Red Rock National Forest Visitor Center and Bell Rock for an incredible journey of exploration. Don’t miss Chapel of the Holy Cross built into a cliff that has become an iconic symbol for the region; make time to visit around sunset when its rocks turn brilliant shades of red!
At the next exit, Montezuma’s Well is an attractive cliff dwelling built by Sinagua people. Here, Woods Canyon Trail provides a longer hike and is often less busy than other popular trails in the area. At the next exit is Arizona 260 through Camp Verde to Cottonwood before finally turning onto Sedona via Arizona 89A; taking this detour will add time to your drive but may help to circumvent long lines at main entry points from Phoenix into Sedona.