For those with an insatiable appetite for travel (or who’ve simply been cooped up too long), this past couple of years has been rough. While Covid continues to impact air travel and international restrictions remain in flux, many Americans are finding road tripping as the best — and safest — way to get out and explore again.
We’ve compiled a bucket-list of domestic getaways — including the untamed 49th state, Alaska. Wherever you’re headed in 2022, here’s to safe travels.
In This Article:
Alaska
Half a continent away, the great wilderness of Alaska awaits the truly intrepid. If you’re serious about travel by car there’s no road trip like it in North America. Given the distance, right now is a good time to start planning for the Spring, or Summer season.
Starting your journey from the Lower 48, be prepared for a long drive, best done in a four-wheel-drive vehicle — with some off-road credibility. Good tunes and good friends, also a must.
Being the largest state in the union, you’ll want to take your time exploring the region. Actually, there’s no way around it. For this road trip, you’ll need at least two to three weeks (or more) to take it all in. Once you arrive in this expansive state, start your adventure in the fair city of Fairbanks.
Fairbanks to Denali National Park. From Fairbanks, you’ll head 2.5 hours east on Highway 3 to Denali National Park (aka Mt. McKinley) and the highest mountain ranges in North America. This massive series of peak soars up from Alaska’s plains and boreal forests, offering spectacular vistas of Denali's majestic snow-capped peak. Keep your camera handy.
Denali Backcountry Tour. Once you get to Denali, enjoy the inner reaches (much further than you could go in your own vehicle). This 13-hour journey takes you to the end of Denali Park Road, with ample opportunities for moose, bear, and caribou sightings — and awe-inspiring views in all directions.
Denali to Talkeetna. Not too far by Alaska standards, the tiny town of Talkeetna is just 2.5 hours south of Denali National Park, also along Highway 3. You’ll want to stop and experience, dine or even stay at the spectacular Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. This luxurious, rustic ridge-top property is located at the south end of the park and offers guests inspiring views of the snow-covered mountain range from nearly every room.
A picture-postcard-perfect historic mining town, Talkeetna is full of charm — and local characters. Explore rustic Main Street, its beautiful heritage buildings, vibrant art scene, and pioneer heritage. Enjoy a meal of fresh, wild Alaskan salmon and local brews at the day’s end.
Talkeetna to Seward. A little over four hours from Talkeetna, the stunning drive to Seward will have you meandering through the pine forests of the Chugach Mountains with photo-worthy views of Pioneer Peak along the way.
Stop in Wasilla, home of the world-famous Iditarod Dog Sled Race for a picnic lunch at countless waterfront parks. Walk it off along the shores of Trail Lake for a complete Alaskan immersion experience.
Kenai Fjord. Pristine bays and glimmering glaciers are Kenai Fjords’ calling cards. Ditch the car again and enjoy a glacier boat cruise and whale watching in the turquoise blue waters.
Glacier to Anchorage. To complete this epic road trip, you must stop and contemplate the slow-moving ice fields of Glacier National Park’s Resurrection River Valley. Hike along the undulating walking paths overlooking this glistening mass of ice. Next, you’ll be making your way toward Anchorage, and back to the “Big City,” a truly memorable way to complete a road trip for the books.
Pacific Northwest
Oregon. If you’ve never explored the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge beckons. Known for its spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking river views, this scenic drive along I-84/SR-30 meanders along one of America’s most historic waterways — the mighty Columbia River. Travel through primordial forests and countless opportunities for wildlife and waterfall viewing.
Stop in Portland for a dose of hipper than hip. Bring your single speed and a to-go coffee cup and head to the Portland Saturday Market for provisions. You’ll understand what all the Portland coffee buzz is about.
Washington. Once past Portland, you'll head north towards Seattle, the Space Needle, and some killer Orca whale viewing along the Olympic Peninsula of the great state of Washington.
Atlantic Seaboard
Looking for a little bit of everything? From New York City’s Statue of Liberty to the farthest-reaching southern shores of Florida’s Key West, this Eastern Seaboard road trip along I-95 (and its oceanfront tributaries) covers a big slice of America.
Starting with Lady Liberty, you’ll head southwest in search of the infamous Jersey Shore boardwalk and iconic lighthouse at Cape Hatteras. Exit the I-95 as soon as you can, and take the coastal roads for a true Atlantic Seaboard experience.
Feed the ponies on Assateague Island, Maryland, and spend a day or two camping, swimming, and relaxing along this unspoiled stretch of coast. Bird watchers, head to Virginia for a visit to Chincoteague National Wildlife refuge for more time among nature.
In the Carolinas, stop and set a spell among the overgrown gardens of Ocracoke Island in the North, and enjoy more wildlife viewing at Cape Romain in the South. Plump peaches, crunchy peanuts, and miles of primitive beaches await you in Georgia.
Once you reach Florida, explore the historic Plaza de la Constitución in St. Augustine, then wander the Spanish colonial-inspired streets where you’re sure to find the “oldest of everything” in the U.S.A. at countless curios shops.
Keep heading south along Florida’s iconic A1A and to yet another “must-see” tourist attraction — the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
Cape Canaveral, Daytona Beach, and Disney World — no trip to Florida would be complete without an homage to space travel, drag racing, and Mickey — it’s a small world, after all.
Further down the coast, rub elbows with the rich and famous in Palm Beach or stroll the sparkling sands of Ft. Lauderdale and marvel at its aquamarine, albeit shark-y waters.
- Palm Beach
- Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral
- Daytona Beach International Speedway
- Disneyworld, Orlando
Next stop, red hot Miami for Rumba, Cuban beats, and fruity rum drinks to cool you off from the tropical heat.
After you’ve taken in all that Miami has to offer, get ready to link the Florida Keys together along the 113 stretch of Highway 1 leading to the Southernmost point of the continent.
Crank up the Jimmy Buffet, and drop the top. This two-lane elevated bridge crosses bits of terra firma (Keys) infrequently, as you head towards the “Conch Republic," aka the bustling metropolis of Key West — population of 25K.
Grab a bowl of conch chowder and imbibe in a couple of rum-soaked Stormy Night cocktails at a local watering hole (of which there are plenty to choose from). Spend the day or two swinging in a hammock before a relaxing drive back home. Wherever that may be.
We’ll be taking drives all across the country this year. Look for more great road trips in upcoming Skip Blogs.
Get Prepared for the Road Ahead
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