Which American Road Trip?

[Fox-]

Hi guys,

After last summers 6 week road trip across Australia both myself and the girlfriend are itching to do it again. We both have actual jobs now, however, so the scope is much lower for epic trips around continents. This time we've got 2 weeks.

The destination will be the USA but I'm not entirely sure where to go. Rather than go to one place I'd like to do another road trip - but something pretty relaxed. What I did in Aus was every so often I'd have a day where I'd cover 400 miles in a single day. This allowed more time to chill etc.

So, with this in mind, where should I go? We are both in our 20's but still appreciate nice scenery, culture, big cities and breathtaking views. I quite fancy some 'middle of nowhere' desert driving and she is desperate to visit Sea World in either San Diego or Orlando. She's never been to the USA before but I've been once and drove from Boston to New York.

Any ideas? Looking on the map it looks like New York to Miami is possible, or perhaps Los Angeles to somewhere central...

Thanks!

[BigMans197]

This may or may not be your thing, but have a look at 'Trek America' trips.

If nothing else there site will give you a good idea of what you can do in your 2 weeks.

[Conian]

along the gulf of mexico
over the ocean at Mobile, Alabama
along the bayoux (cant spell that word)of Louisiana, past New Orleans through to Dallas

i did this as part of a bigger road trip, was superb real america

[SimonV8ster]

Utah/Nevada/Arizona - that sort of stuff ?? You'll get the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, lots of other stuff, is Monumnet Valley down there somewhere ?? Think so as sure I made it there

[TheGreatSoprendo]

Did a (almost) circular road trip a few years back. Flew into LA, got a connection to Las Vegas (I think you can fly direct now), then got a hire car and took in Death Valley, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, followed by returning to LA via the Pacific Coast aHighway with stop off in Santa Barbera on the way through. Great trip, and do-able in 2 weeks.

[Blue Meanie]

Conian said:

i did this as part of a bigger road trip, was superb real america

It's all real America you know...

[V8TVR1978]

This summer I drove from Calgary Alberta Canada through the northern part of the U.S. to Toronto Ontario Canada then back into the U.S. to Philadelphia. Down the eastern coast with a small side trip to a few states inland. Then did the southern part of the U.S. to almost the west coast and then north to Vegas. Since I was pulling a car trailer, Homeland Security wouldn't let me near the Hoover Dam. From Vegas it was north back into Canada.I stayed 7 days in one place,3 days in 2 other places and 4 in the last place. Total time gone was just over 4 weeks and I travelled 13,000+ Kilometers (8,500 miles) plus over 1,000 miles in my car. Excellent trip and many unreal things done along with experiencing once in a life time times when the people see you driving a TVR. Going to do the same trip next year with a co driver and a different TVR as I now have many connections all over Canada and the U.S. Drove by the seat of my pants and stopped where and when I had to. Most rental car companies have unlimited mileage so there isn't a big expense there and by being a member with a major hotel chain I used their book to set up my lodging everywhere that I went. It was hard to do it by myself but well worth the experience. Have fun with your plans and enjoy yourselves as I did in my "Tour Of U.S." If you have any questions just e-mail me at
[e-mail]

Edited by V8TVR1978 on Saturday 2nd January 00:10

[Spudler]

What about picking up Route 66 somewhere around Texas then heading to LA. Plenty of "middle of nowhere" scenery and loads to see and do on route to LA/ San Diego. There's ghost towns, Grand Canyon, Meteor Creator, Hoover Dam, Vegas, and LA to mention a few.

[K50 DEL]

Take a look at www.roadtripamerica.com

There are several of my travel reports on there from various length road trips I've done (including one in the San Diego area)(search for posts by dangermouse)

You should be able to get plenty of tips / ideas from the site and the regulars are very helpful if you need specific advice.

[standfree93]

I was in the USA 2 years ago, we did a road trip over 2 weeks.
We flew to LA, stayed there for 2 nights, travelled to Las Vegas (4nights), Through Death Valley to a stop in a small town, just overnight, then 2 nights in Yosemite National park, a night in Sacramento then the last few days in San Francisco.
It was brilliant. Love to go back in the future.

[Conian]

Blue Meanie said:

Conian said:

i did this as part of a bigger road trip, was superb real america

It's all real America you know...

some bits are realer than others if y'awl nonesayin!
the kids with guns in Memphis seemed a whole lot realer than the woman in the shop in Orlando who reeeeeeally did want me to 'have a nice day'

[koolchris99]

we did when i was younger, like 15.

new york > miami > new orleans > chicago > new york

and hundreds of places in between, 45 cities or something stupid. was epic and awesome fun.. driving and staying in motels, like in the movies!