The Tradition Of The USA Road Trip
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The road trip in the USA has long been associated with an expression of freedom and adventure. Starting in the 1920’s with the boom in the automobile industry, the cross country road trip quickly became synonymous with the iconic Route 66 connecting Chicago and Los Angeles. However, embarking on a road trip in the USA wasn’t always about self-discovery and adventure. Rather, in the 1930’s thousands of Americans fled westward from Chicago in the wake of the then great depression.
Of course, today much of Route 66 in particular has been bypassed, however, it is still possible to take the same road trip across the heartland of the USA and in doing so experience some truly spectacular scenic and cultural offerings. The only question is, which destinations along the way are truly the most experiential?
Amarillo, Texas
Made famous by several musical numbers, Amarillo in Texas is often overlooked by international tourists to the USA. However, for those looking to experience magnificent scenery, the city is a must visit destination primarily because of the city’s proximity to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Considered one of the finest national parks in the USA, the canyon which the park encompasses is the second largest in the country complete with miles of well maintained, cycling and hiking trails.
Grand Canyon South Rim
The first and foremost canyon complex in the USA, those planning a road trip west towards Los Angeles should never pass up the opportunity to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon itself. Unlike the North Rim, the South Rim park is open all year round, making the area one of the only ways for winter tourists to experience the majesty of the one of America’s most iconic natural marvels.
Santa Monica, California
Getting back to the city after a road trip west, Santa Monica is the perfect place to ease back into civilization slowly. From unwinding on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel to people watching at the beach, Santa Monica epitomizes the laid back, beach life atmosphere which the California coast is most famous for. The only problem is, after a cross country USA road trip, you will likely want to hang out in the city for a lot longer than originally planned in order to sample the very best of the city both culturally and atmospherically.