For car enthusiasts, cars are more than just a mode of transportation. They are works of art and a way to get the blood pumping.
So what are the best road trips for car lovers? These spectacular routes will take you to some of the most incredible places in the world.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway
The great thing about road trips is that they’re an excellent way to see new areas of America and explore its amazing sights. And when it comes to exploring the USA, there’s no better route than the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive through North Carolina and Virginia with endless scenery and breathtaking views.
This road trip is best taken in Spring, Summer or Fall when the weather is nice and the foliage is at its peak. But even during the Winter, the Blue Ridge Parkway can still offer plenty of sights to see and a great road trip experience.
During your drive, make sure to stop at the Biltmore Estate, the country’s largest estate and home of George Vanderbilt. Also visit the Blue Ridge Music Center, which stages folk and country concerts. And at milepost 176, the Mabry Mill is worth a stop to see its restored water-powered sawmill, whiskey still and blacksmith shop.
2. The Dinosaur National Monument
The Dinosaur National Monument is the perfect place for a road trip that lets you explore nature’s wonders. Located on the border between Utah and Colorado, this National Park has something for everyone. You can tour the dinosaur quarry, hike scenic trails and see ancient rock art. The Monument is also an International Dark Sky Park, meaning that its night-sky views are spectacular.
The Colorado side of the park features a drive along Harpers Corner Road, which showcases breathtaking canyon views and signs that tell the park’s fascinating history. The monument is home to several hiking trails, including the Plug Hat Butte and Iron Springs Trails, and you can raft the river near Echo Park.
A visit to the Monument is a journey back in time. The petroglyphs (forms pecked with a tool) and log cabins of the past provide insight into other cultures who lived here. The monument’s mountains, desert and untamed rivers offer an excellent laboratory for scientific study and wilderness adventure.
3. The Alpine Road
There are few road trips more exhilarating than cruising along Germany’s Alpine Road, or Alpenstrasse. This 450-kilometre route winds through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country. From lush alpine meadows and verdant forests to craggy peaks and beautiful lakes, the scenery on this trip is truly breathtaking.
Start your tour in Munich, the capital city of Bavaria. From here you can explore world-famous sights like the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, royal castles like Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, glimmering lakes like Tegernsee and Schliersee, monasteries near Fuessen, and historic towns such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz, and Berchtesgaden.
After enjoying the beauty of these landscapes, head to the biggest lake in Germany – Lake Konigssee. This stunning lake is often referred to as the King’s Lake and is well worth a visit. You can take a ferry across the lake and visit the historic castle that sits on an island in the middle of the lake.
4. The Avenue of the Giants
One of the most famous road trips in America, Route 66 has a lot to offer car enthusiasts. With its iconic routes and stunning landscapes, it’s an excellent way to experience the American west.
The Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile scenic byway that runs parallel to Highway 101 through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It is home to some of the world’s largest coastal redwood trees and sequoias. You can drive through this impressive grove by downloading the auto tour or visiting the visitor center.
You can also take part in the annual Avenue of the Giants Marathon to see the forest at its most magical. This one-of-a-kind event takes place every May, and participants run along the 26.2 mile-long course surrounded by the giants! If you want to test your endurance even further, the Avenue of the Giants offers a variety of shorter trails that are perfect for runners. Make sure to pack snacks and water to stay hydrated during your journey.
