Road trips are a great way to take a break from the nine to five grind. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the country, meet people along your route, and reflect on life.
If you’re new to the concept of a road trip, you can benefit from some useful tips to make the most of your adventure. You can always familiarize yourself with an area and find the best places to eat by checking out this site.
You may be curious about the top places to visit. While there are countless attractions across the US, west coast road trips are gaining popularity- especially down the scenic Highway 101 route.
If you’re interested in taking a road trip along the West Coast, you should definitely check out the Central and Redwood California coastlines and make stops in Astoria, OR, Seattle, WA, and the Olympic Peninsula.
Traveling the Highway 101 route means that you’ll have the opportunity to take in California’s breathtaking coastlines, including the Central and Redwood Coasts.
You’ll definitely want to go to the charming town of Solvang and visit the extravagant Hearst Castle that’s complete with a swimming pool beyond your wildest dreams.
Pismo’s Monarch Butterfly Grove is an amazing stop to make during the winter months when the migrating butterflies swarm to the locale.
Next, you pass through the Redwood Coast and be able to take in the huge Redwood trees at Redwood National Park, and hike the Lost Coast.
Astoria is a small picturesque town along the Oregon coast. It’s the perfect place to stop and unwind for a few days. You may think that there isn’t much to do in a sleepy town, but you’ll find Astoria to be a great place for relaxing activities.
If you are brave enough to climb the Astoria Column, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Or you could take a hike along Cannon Beach or stop at Pelican Brewing for a cold beer.
As you continue down Highway 101, you’ll come across the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Although this locale is composed mostly of forests and peaks, it’s still well worth your time to stop and explore the area.
If you decide you want to stay for a few days, you’ll find a wide selection of gorgeous vacation homes on the Olympic Peninsula.
You can also enjoy a plate of to-die-for oysters at the Hood Canal, take a quick dip in the Rialto Beach tide pools, or unwind with a leisurely walk through the Hoh Rainforest.
Seattle isn’t actually on Highway 101, but it’s close enough to it to be worth mentioning.
You’ll have a blast in this city by attending as many games as you can squeeze into your schedule and cheering on your favorite sports teams.
Another attraction that you won’t want to pass up is the Museum of Pop Culture. If you want to take a break from the activities in this bustling city, you can grab some sandwiches and lay out a blanket for a picnic in Gasworks Park.
To make the most out of your next road trip, you should do your research and planning ahead of time, carry cash, stock up on snacks and fuel, drive during daylight hours, take periodic breaks, take the scenic route, and create a playlist.
You don’t want to be chained to an itinerary, but you still need to do your research to familiarize yourself with the open road and choose some must-see destinations.
While impromptu road trips can be a lot of fun, you’ll get more out of your experience by planning for the trip. You’ll want to make sure you’re adequately insured and know how to change a tire. It’s also wise to set a budget.
You should stop for gas every chance you get because you never know when you are going to face a long stretch of highway with your gas tank on E.
You’ll also want to keep plenty of snacks with you for the same reason. Although you wouldn’t want to travel with loads of dough, you will need to have cash on hand.
When taking a road trip, it’s best to relax and enjoy the ride. Choose the scenic route and sing along to your fave playlist. Stop and take breaks when needed and make sure to check out the must-see locales along Highway 101!