3 Unique Road Trip Routes to Consider for Summer 2023
More than 200 million Americans will take a road trip during any given summer. With 18% of those road trips covering 500 miles or more, there’s no question that hitting the road is a popular way to travel. For those considering taking a road trip this summer, however, ensuring that it’s one to remember can make for stressful planning. From the tropical sights of Hawaii to the Florida Keys, here are just three particularly unique routes worth considering.
The Road to Hana
When thinking of a good road trip route, the famous Route 66 may come to mind. However, for those who are looking for a particularly unique and memorable road trip, venturing to Maui, Hawaii and taking the Hana Highway can make for a trip to remember. While the location makes for a road trip unlike any other, one Travel + Leisure post notes that it can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 522 miles from Kahului to Hana, thus making for the perfect day trip while on a Hawaii vacation. With idyllic scenery making for perfect photo opportunities of the coast, stops can include Haleakala National Park and the Pools of Oheo (located about 30 minutes further beyond where the Road to Hana terminates).
While breathtaking, it’s worth keeping in mind that this road trip route isn’t for the faint of heart, and it can be dangerous. According to RoadtoHana.com, the Road to Hana can be dangerous if you pay attention to the sights instead of your driving, don’t allow faster traffic to pass by pulling over, pull over in a spot that blocks traffic, or don’t yield at signs near bridges — to name just a few. With that in mind, ensuring that you take precautions and remain alert (and aware of the route’s condition) can help ensure you have a safe and memorable time.
From coast to coast
For anyone looking for a complete coast to coast road trip route, there’s no better way to see the sights of America than by traveling the Lincoln Highway. According to one Time Out article, the Lincoln Highway was the first road for automobiles across the whole of the United States, and was conceived in 1912 by Indiana entrepreneur Carl G. Fisher (and formally opened a year later). Running from Times Square in NYC to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, the route runs through 14 states, 128 counties, and more than 700 cities. The Time Out post highlights the fact that the Highway “has been gradually replaced with numbered designations after the establishment of the nUmbered Highway System, with most of the route becoming U.S. Route 30 from Pennsylvania to Wyoming.” That said, it’s noted that you can still navigate along the original route.
Whether you plan on taking a long or short road trip, planning ahead as to what kind of car you’ll be taking can make a major difference when ensuring that you’re well prepared (aside from choosing the route itself). For instance, many may be led to believe that taking a road trip is impossible with an electric vehicle (EV) due to a lack of chargers, though it’s necessary to keep in mind that there are nearly 50,000 public EV charging stations in the USA, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While many may prefer to take their EV on a shorter road trip, it’s important to anticipate the possibility of challenges regardless. For instance, it’s imperative to consider charge times and charger locations when planning out a road trip. That said, it’s a common misconception that EV charging takes too long — in fact, there are two main public charging options — Level 2 and DC fast charging. With DC fast charging, it’s noted that many EVs can regain hundreds of miles of charge in 20-30 minutes.
The overseas highway
For those looking for a summer-esque road trip like no other, the 150 mile drive from Miami through the Florida Keys on Route 1 is a great option. Featuring an impressive 42 bridges (including the Seven-Mile bridge over Pigeon Key), the HGTV article notes that you could complete the route in under four hours, though it’s recommended to spend time and take in the surroundings of the Keys themselves. With no shortage of tasty food to attractions (like the Key Largo’s Dolphin Research Center, according to the HGTV post) there’s plenty to do on this unique road trip — not to mention the amazing views along the way.
Planning the perfect road trip is a lot of pressure, especially when you’re looking for a route that is sure to be one to remember. While many may be quick to plan for a classic Route 66 trip, it’s important to realize that there are plenty of unique options out there — from picturesque locations to historic routes that will take you across the entirety of the country.
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