The season has arrived. It’s time to toss the essentials in the car and hit the open road. From the Statue of Liberty, down to the beaches of Miami — or the other way around — there is a lot to see on an Atlantic Coast road trip.
Here are a few of the top spots to see along the way.
The Route
The eastern seaboard is densely populated. It’s difficult to leave the concrete metropolis behind for the country roads and scenic byways, unless you know the route. Luckily, with modern technology you can find out which roads are best for road trips and even create your own route. With DiscoverAmerica.com, it’s easy to design your own personalized route. The site’s intuitive and comprehensive map allows users to add starting and destination points, then add any sites in between you might want to see. The map plans out the most efficient and scenic routes to take. If you don’t like the route the map sets, use the click-and-drag method to personalize even further.
While traveling can be a lot of fun, it’s important to be prepared. It’s a good idea to check your tires to make sure they aren’t worn. Do this using a quarter and a penny by measuring how far the tread comes up on each coin.
The Sites
Early in your trip to Massachusetts, make a visit to Fenway Park to see the Boston Red Sox play. This storied and historical baseball team has seen more ups and downs in its history than, perhaps, any other. Fenway Park is one of the most recognizable baseball stadiums in the country, and you’ll get a real feel for the local culture if you can grab tickets to a game. Boston driving is chaotic. Be sure you know the rules of the road before you venture there.
While the east coast can seem like a sprawl of suburban and industrial cityscapes, there is also some truly beautiful countryside to be seen. One of the best is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic zig-zag of a road where, in the spring, the leaves are awash in more shades of green than you can imagine. In fall, the forest looks aflame with the full spectrum of autumn colors. Though this is one of the must-see places on the eastern seaboard, be warned that it can also be a road with lots of traffic.
Once you’re down to Florida, you’ll want to visit the Florida Keys, along US 1. With some of the best beaches in the world and crystal clear water, Florida makes for a magnificent final stop where you can relax during the day on the beach, and hit the bars or clubs at night. Whether you enjoy being part of the nightlife, or just observing it, the Keys make for an interesting experience if you want to get out of Miami.
