7 classic American road trips for coastlines, canyons and nostalgia

It’s very human to have suitcases packed, a full tank of fuel, and miles of paved roads before you head into eternity. Through time, the urge for exploration has caused people to leave their homes and venture off onto the road. Travel is not simply getting from point A to point B; rather, it allows people to mentally renew themselves, creating a profound sensation of freedom.A long drive can feel like a reset. Being surrounded by a diversity of landscapes and paths through history is a natural way to reset the mind after cognitive overload. By breaking free from the monotony, you become aware of each new mile you travel. If you want to get out of your comfort zone, rejuvenate yourself, and see beautiful views, here are 7 incredible road trips to experience across America, according to WorldAtlas.The nostalgic feeling of Route 66Starting in Chicago and ending up in Santa Monica, the legendary Route 66 is the epitome of any travel experience across America. Travelling across 2,400+ miles, you will be experiencing the history of the middle of the 20th century right in front of your eyes by travelling through nostalgic motels, unusual tourist sites, and cosy small towns.In between, tourists may visit the burial site of Abraham Lincoln at Springfield, Illinois, before immersing themselves in the lore of the Wild West at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The grand finale is at the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, where the stunning sight of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean makes for the perfect end to an incredible journey.Dramatic beauty along California State Route 1For those who crave the spectacle of meeting of land and water, California State Route 1 provides the ultimate experience of travelling along the coast. Extending roughly 1,057 km from Orange County to Mendocino County, the road calls for one’s leisurely pace in order to fully take in its surroundings.The adventure exposes you to the historically rich Old Mission Santa Barbara, the graceful Monarch Butterfly Grove at Pismo Beach, and the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur. Travelling across the awe-inspiring Bixby Bridge is sure to make you feel like you’re in a postcard, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself in the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and eventually the redwoods of Leggett.Sun, Sand, and Songs on Florida State Road A1ARenamed after the famous singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, the Florida State Road A1A stretches out 338 miles along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This road is perfect for the sun and sand enthusiasts among us.Travellers get an opportunity to witness the pale trees on Boneyard Beach on Big Talbot Island and the pinkish sand of Mickler's Landing. History lovers are bound to lose themselves in the historic streets of St. Augustine. In contrast, technology lovers will get the chance to marvel at the fascinating technology available in the Kennedy Space Center located in Cape Canaveral. Lastly, this drive ends in the Overseas Highway, which will take travellers right into the beautiful natural environment of Key West Nature Preserve. Mountain grandeur on the Blue Ridge ParkwayThis road, which meanders across a distance of 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, links Virginia and North Carolina. The National Park Service maintains it, and there are no traffic lights along this road.The tour starts by entering Shenandoah National Park from the southern gateway, where travellers are welcomed by historical monuments such as Mabry Mill from the early twentieth century. The Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering masterpiece, winds around Grandfather Mountain, safeguarding the mountain environment from any disturbances. The tour ends gracefully in Cherokee, North Carolina, offering travellers the opportunity to explore the heritage of indigenous peoples.Journey along the Great River Road to trace historyTaking the route along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road covers more than 2,000 miles through ten different states in the United States. Starting in Itasca State Park, Minnesota, the tour highlights the rich culture and history of the American heartland.The drive takes you through the steep hills of the Driftless Area and past the sacred burial grounds of Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. Literature fans can explore the childhood home of Mark Twain in Hannibal, Missouri, before heading south toward the musical foundations of Memphis and New Orleans. The epic highway concludes in Venice, Louisiana, where the mighty river finally meets the Gulf of Mexico.The dramatic canyons of the Utah Mighty 5For an otherworldly experience through red rocks and deep gorges, the 1,200-mile loop through Utah's five spectacular national parks is unmatched. Starting and ending in Salt Lake City, this expedition showcases the raw, artistic power of geological erosion.Along the trail, you will enjoy the balancing rocks at Arches National Park, the giant rock formations at Canyonlands, and the colourful sandstone cliffs at Capitol Reef. Travellers will see how the sun highlights the grand amphitheatre at Bryce Canyon before they try out their stamina at the famous trails of Zion National Park.Historic routes along the Natchez Trace ParkwayThe 444-mile-long Natchez Trace Parkway links Nashville in Tennessee with Natchez in Mississippi.The tour will allow visitors to enjoy the cool spray of Jackson Falls and the landmark Meriwether Lewis Monument. Upon heading south into Alabama, architecture buffs will have a chance to view the well-preserved architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House. Finally, before reaching Natchez, travellers will be able to see the largest pre-Columbian ceremonial earthen mound in the United States, next to the Emerald Mound.