New Zealand Family Reacts to Top 10 Must-See Scenic Drives on an American Road Trip (#1 THE DREAM!)
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As a truck driver, and before that a railroad contractor. I've been paid to experience these beautiful routes for about 10 years now. I can say without a single doubt. That this is just the tip of the iceberg. I've seen places in this country that very few people in the world even know of. One place in particular in North Carolina has a Gold mountain. Every tree on the mountain shimmers with golden leaves in the fall. What's crazy is I've been doing this for 10 years of my life. And every year I still find something that is unlike anything I've ever seen. You can spend an entire lifetime traveling America. And it would be a life worth living.
I live in NC, and I didn't even know about that. Where is it located?
As an American, I haven't done any of these. Heard of most of them but never had the money or time to travel like that. The United States is a massive country. It'd probably take you over a year to do all of these on the list unless you have the time and money, about half that. If you guys do decide to road trip any of these, please film it so we can see your experience and reaction to how beautiful the U.S. really is.
Same. I've taken road trips but never any of those.
Yes please do
Great idea of capturing and sharing the trip!
I live in the Gatlinburg area have traveled a bit but no nothing like this
We had the pleasure of living in Key West, Florida, so I have driven the road between Miami and Key West many times. It's spectacular! The Blue Ridge park way is also and incredible site to behold! Sure hope your family gets to make a memorable road trip of your own soon !
As someone from the Pacific Northwest, spending much of my life with my home base in Washington and Oregon, with a stint in California, your choice of the pacific coast Highway is top notch. I have traveled a lot in my life… and been to 6 continents… the Pacific Northwest is probably one of the most beautiful regions on earth. I am blessed to call it home. I have not been to New Zealand, but there is a reason we film movies there. Many of the vistas I see in films like the LotR for instance, or footage of your countryside, gives me the impression that New Zealand is very lush and varied like the Pacific Northwest or Montana. Just some thoughts. My sister owns a beach house in long beach Washington, across the river from Astoria, Oregon, and up a ways from Cannon Beach, Oregon where the Goonies was filmed. Anyway, Long Beach Washington is one of the longest beaches in the world and is a highway, so you can drive on the beach. If you come through in the summer, hitting it for the Fourth of July is a must. The beach is covered for like 20 miles or more with people setting off fireworks. Pretty amazing show. Cheers New Zealand Fam!
You are so right about Long Beach peninsula on the 4th of July. We have a place in Ocean Park, and 4th on the beach is an amazing experience.
Second this - can't go wrong with pacific coast!
I would also recommend US 101. The Pacific Coast Highway (some sources will say this name only refers to the part in California) is one of the most beautiful areas and such a variety of ecosystems. San Diego at the start is nothing like the Washington Peninsula but both are stunning in their own way and you also get Northern California and Oregon. Even a having a week it would be hard to get a good look at the west coast, but a good start. We live about an hour and a half from Long Beach in Washington and I never get tired of the drive there or the view when we get there. We are inland on Washington Highway 6. It's a stunning little drive all on its own as well as the destinations. Wish you guys had an email for viewers, I'd send you some pictures of the area. We moved here 3 years ago and on our weekends, Wednesdays and Thursdays, we chose somewhere and go on a drive. I was raised in Idaho and Oregon and lived in California and Nevada, and been to a smattering of other states. There is no place I've been to as breathtaking as here in Western Washington.
I’ve been on seven of these drives, but then I was in the military and moved all over. The Pacific Coast Highway was my number one, especially through the redwoods of Northern California and the length of Oregon.
Driving through the Red Woods is an extreme experience especially in an RV
One of my best memories as a kid!
I agree.
That’s untouchable
I grew up, and still live in, the redwoods. It still hasn’t gotten old.
This one is on my bucket list for sure.
I was surprised the Columbia Gorge historic hyway wasn’t included. It’s gorgeous, past lots of waterfalls and historic towns and buildings.
One of my favorites too.
It’s my favorite drive, luckily I live 45 minutes from it …
They just picked 10 drives, and there are many more than that.
Agree. It's stunning.
Part of my top ten for sure.
When I was in the military, and my wife and I would drive either home for leave or to my new duty station (base), was some of the most peaceful. That is something really cool about America. We are really big, with roads going everywhere. You can just find yourself driving through this beautiful forest, or this gnarly swamp, or these just majestic mountains. Idk it’s something very American. Just driving. For miles and miles. And watching the terrain change in all these many ways. Deserts, swamps, mountains, coastlines, just all of it. My wife and I always enjoyed it. Throw some music on, roll down the windows, and just lean back and drive. Something peaceful about it. And my wife and I loved it. Just time together with no one but us, our 2 girls, music, and the open road. Edit: Oh and we just absolutely love your channel. You have a beautiful family man. Just an amazing and beautiful wife, and 2 great kids man. Wish you and yours all the best bud
This. My dad loved driving, so that's what we did on vacations. 😁 Throw the camping gear in the car and take off in any direction. We were in Portland Oregon (I still am), so we had wonderful choices. I've been up and down the Pacific Coast highway umpteen times, northern California to Vanccouver BC. Going to the Sun to Banff and Lake Louise in Canada, over *everywhere* in between. Camping, exploring ghost towns, horseback riding, cinder cones, rock gardens, little museums, historical sights galore. I've driven through every state West of the Rockies but New Mexico, and it's all wonderful. Though I still say the best part of the Pacific Coast Highway is North of California. 😆 Oregon and Washington have the most dramatic coastlines, with the Coast Range mountains plunging straight into the sea. And of course, a side trip to Portland, the Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood is a must see. All of Oregon and Washington, actually!
I've done so many road trips and I still haven't seen even 3% of the US. A must-go-to spot is always the Grand Canyon. It's so massive it boggles the mind. 12914.5 km in area, and goes even further than 1.6km deep. I have gone to Canada for their beautiful scenery as well. The depths of their lakes are absolutely insane. You can put a six pack overboard with rope attached to it the lake will cool it to near-freezing temperatures.
Almost 50 years ago my best friend and I did a 5-month road trip around the USA with side trips to Canada and the Caribbean. kzhead.info/sun/eLxxY76KgJqhbJE/bejne.html I took away the same thing, you could spend a lifetime traveling the road in the US and still not see everything.
As a native Michigander/Michiganian (from the State of Michigan) who's lived in California for 20years. I highly recommend the M-22 Scenic Highway on the West Coast of Michigan - Which is called America's 3rd Coast. Run down the dunes at Sleeping Bear, cross the Mackinac Bridge, and go to Mackinac Island.
The tunnel of trees is great too. And H58 from grand Marais to Munising.
And from my life in California, the PCH from LA to Big Sur is epic. Stop at La Cuesta Encantada (Hearst Castle). There are now native Zebra in California because of William Randolph Hearst. After heading to San Fran, cut back to Yosemite National Park. The first time I entered the Yosemite Valley, I cried. If you want to splash out, stay at Awahnee. Otherwise Curry Village is fantastic. They have nice permanent tents with electricity, showers, a pool, and a dining and shopping village. I camped in Group Camp 4, and brought nice clothes for a dinner at the Awahnee.. Continue on to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks (Moro Rock is a great pre-sunset hike. General Grant Tree. Giant Forest. Tokopah Falls. Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge) I would normally say, cut over through Death Valley to Furnace Creek and then Las Vegas), but the highway was washed out due to monsoons in August 2022. Or drive from San Fran to LA (still go to Hearst Castle), see the end of Route 66 at Santa Monica Pier (though its super touristy). Head to Anaheim and go to Disneyland. As an adult, it's one the places in California that lives up to its legend. California Adventure is my favorite. It's a love letter to California Republic, and has rides that are unique to the park (and for all ages and thrill levels). Lunch at Carthay Circle Lounge, ride Grizzly River Run, The Incredicoaster, Mission Breakout, Soarin', and the best ride in any Disney park: Radiator Springs Racers.
Highway 2 going toward Wisconsin on the upper peninsula is also very gorgeous
can someone be a _"Michigoose"_ ? 😁
@@JohnLeePettimoreIII If you seek a Pleasant Peninsula. Look about you.
There are thousands of spectacular drives in the US. Every state has something that will amaze.
I'm honestly surprised the Old Alaskan Highway wasn't included in this list. As beautiful as the Pacific Coast Highway drive is to me, it's got nothing on the Alaskan Highway.
Vermont Route 100 is another nice route. Florida 60 is interesting from the Gulf Beaches to the Atlantic Beaches. Maine Route 5 is nice...
Being a California native, I've taken the Route 1 from Northern to Southern California (and back) several times and it is an amazing and awe inspiring trip. The rugged mountains that end right at the sea is something to experience, as well as Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Malibu, Hearst Castle and even Denzel's favorite shirt logo Santa Cruz (to name a few stop worthy places). I hope you all have a chance to take that road trip in the "massive RV", you'll remember it the rest of your lives.
Santa Cruz is one of my favorite places to be. I live about an hour away and it’s so nice to just go for the day :) highway 1 is just so beautiful!
Facts
I just got back from a road trip through the US south, and did the Skyline Drive, which connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it was absolutely stunning. I spent way more time on the Skyline than expected because I kept stopping at all the overlooks. I had my window open and music going for a good chunk of the Skyline, and it was one of my favorite experiences from my road trip.
Is Humpback Rocks on Skyline Drive or is BRP? Years ago we hiked up the rocks and it was amazing. I know its in Virginia.
I've lived in 14 different states but lived in New Hampshire for almost 25 years. The East Coast of the United States is incredibly beautiful but you can find beautiful places in every state. From the White mountains of New Hampshire to the Rocky mountains or death valley and the Pacific Coast highway of California the United States awesome. If I was a rich man I would just travel within the United States and go to every National park. Great stuff keep up the great work
And on the Kankamagus, they might see moose!
I live in Massachusetts, but about 3 minutes from the New Hampshire border. Every Fall I drive up near the White Mountains and spend a couple of days at Woodstock Inn & Brewery. This year I am going October 16th-19th. It's just a nice retreat to hike, relax, and take in the mountain air.
@@jasonmistretta4295 Lots of missing girls along that route
North Carolina is absolutely beautiful, the great Smoky Mountains the most beautiful scenery you’re ever going to see it’s a must see. If you go to the smoky mountains make sure you hike up to cataract Falls you’ve never seen anything like it. Enjoy your trip
Clingsmans dome in Gatlinburg is pretty awesome also
I live in North Carolina & I can attest to this! NC is absolutely beautiful and great people!
Everything you said, the Carolinas, Tennesee, and the New England states, Vermont, Maryland, New Hampshire beautiful summer, winter and fall.
I agree that North Carolina is very beautiful but I don't really like living here. I have been here for 6 years and I truly do not like it at all. The humidity is unreal and it gets so hot. People who have lived here all their lives don't know any better. I lived on the west coast for most of my life (I'm in my 60's) and the low humidity makes life so much more enjoyable when you like to spend time outside. I stay inside most of the time here since the minute I walk out the door I feel like I am going to drown by breathing. I lived in Washington state most of my life and I think that that is the most beautiful state in the country. People who have never seen the whole state don't realize what its like. You have your rainy ocean front in Seattle with rocky beaches, white sand beaches on the ocean in the south of the state, there is a rain forest south of Seattle, the huge mount rainier with the snow caps east of Seattle. When you get to the east side of the mountains there is desert and what is like a miniature grand canyon. Keep going east and you will see green again in the Spokane area. Spokane is an amazing city with a river and waterfalls going right through downtown. I have also heard many people comment on how clean the city of Spokane is. (We always took pride in our city) I lived on Whidbey Island growing up in Puget Sound in the ocean by Seattle. Then in Seattle for a few years and finally found my home in Spokane. I miss it terribly and if my husbands parents didn't need him to take care of them we would be there still.
@@plother4242 yeah, but in the puget sound area, people gripe when the temperature gets below 55 and complain when it goes over 85. 😆
I've driven pretty much the entire west coast on hwy 1 and 101. It's amazing and definitely a must do. The sections going through Northern California and Oregon are the most scenic in my opinion. Another amazing drive is Hwy 2 in Washington State. It takes you right through the Cascades and is unbelievably beautiful in late October.
Hwy1 in Calif and oregon are a must and if you like waterfalls Oregon is loaded. Also Sedona Az over the Grand Canyon
I 100% agree about Hwy 2 across Washington. I spent many weekends and holidays going over Hwy 2 between Everett and Wenatchee my whole life up til almost 2 years ago when I moved to the Phoenix West Valley. Although this area has its own unique beauty, I still absolutely love Washington.
Just did “Going to the Sun Road” this summer. I can honestly say, having been all over this country on many road trips, this was the most beautiful drive I have ever taken!!
I highly recommend including in your final list the road through Monument Valley in the "Four Corners" region of the southwest U.S., near where the borders of the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah all meet at one point. (If you do it correctly, you can be in 4 U.S. states at the same time!). Monument Valley is famous for its huge, red rock (sandstone, so the area used to be underwater and was a shallow sea) flat-top mesas/buttes ("monuments") rising hundreds of feet from the valley floor. It is also famous for having been in many, many Hollywood movie westerns. Most of it is on a Navajo Native American reservation. Unforgettable and unique on the earth! Guaranteed amazing!
I agree monument valley is spectacular to drive through, unfortunately the highly scenic part is only 20-30 miles long.
Bro none of them are pretty at all all of them are usually just you know a normal drive
Yes, the 4 corners area is amazing and Monument Valley is about the coolest place on the planet.
I grew up in San Diego but moved to San Francisco over 20 years ago. Whenever I drive back 'home' I always take the Pacific Coast Highway. Sure, it increases the drive time but it makes the trips so much more enjoyable. Truly some incredible views and depending on the timing, you get to experience an amazing sunset.
when you get out of car on each end, step over the little brown piles on sidewalks.
i used to live in Port Hueneme and worked in Malibu.... drove PCH to work every day.... an awesome drive!!!
I love Highway 1 - it’s been almost 10 yrs since my last road trip along Highway 1 from SoCal and then hitting the 101 to Crescent City and detouring through a secret path through the Redwoods from Crescent City to Grants Pass in Oregon. Our lodging lady told us about the hidden path and it’s gorgeous and so peaceful! I have to revisit and also checkout Avenue of the Giants!
I rode in a bus through part of New Zealand in 2001 and it's absolutely gorgeous. I have been on the blue ridge parkway and had the pleasure of visiting craggy gardens a few times. It's a beautiful trail with wild rhododendron and blueberries and sometimes fog rolling by. So mystical...
I’ve lived in Idaho for 33 years and I STILL stop in awe at our beautiful landscapes. I personally really love the diversity in America, there’s every kind of weather, deserts, snowy mountains, big cities, and beautiful beaches. It really is a MASSIVE country though lol. California alone has more than 40 million residents, all of New Zealand has only 5 million. Pretty crazy perspective! Your country seems absolutely beautiful as well. 💜
Having lived in California my whole life I can honestly say the Pacific coast highway is an amazing journey. A must see. But make some time to see Yosemite because it is truly one of the world’s natural wonders. When you eventually come to the US please plan a meet-up for us subscribers. 🙏🏻
DO not forget the giant redwoods up north. Mind-blowing when seen up close.
Except when the wild fires accur
@@bogdog999 or its cousins down south: the sequoias.
@@BBBYpsi Wildfires are terrible...and destroy so much of California’s natural beauty... Those fires destabilize the soil on the hills...and can result in devastating landslides during rainstorms...
@@oldblood_eyes To tourists like me from the east coast, those Sequoyahs are awfully impressive enough! I fell in love with Felton.
The best time to visit West Virginia is for sure in the fall! I have lived here my whole life and still find the variety of colors of foliage to be breath-taking. I live near historic Harpers Ferry and still visit it regularly especially during Autumn. It's a must see if you all visit!
The best time for all these places is fall. Slightly cooler in the deserts, fall colors and little to no snow in the mountains.
West Virginia is one of my favorite states. So beautiful. The trees in the fall almost hurt your eyes the colors are so vibrant.
As a Mountaineer, I can say that fall is absolutely the best time to see WV! We have such a beautiful state! 💙💛
I have driven from Virginia to West Virginia, I love the colors of Autumn.
I’ve done the blue ridge parkway. I live approximately 8 hours or more from the parkway. I live in central Mississippi. The Great Smoky Mountains is a place we visit every couple of years. It is so beautiful. It has lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, and primitive settlements to see. Also home to lots of animals-elk, turkey, deer, black bears, etc. Great place and next to the parkway.
The road through the smokies is absolutely beautiful you can see how breath taking this planet really is. Mother nature in all her glory.
I took my sophomore year of college off and decided to road trip my home country of america. I put nearly 60,000 miles on my car. I went corner to corner top to bottom upside down and inside out.
One of my biggest regrets. I knew I should have headed towards Death Valley in my 64 Ford pickup when I had the chance.
Did you have a favorite or two? Our country is so diverse that you probably enjoyed the uniqueness of each area, so my question is likely hard to answer!
@@janetgillette2955 Northern Minnesota and the Southwest deserts.
Something to consider when planning a trip in the US is the time of year... Some of these spots are best as fall drives (typically the Midwest and Northeast if you are looking for tree color) While (IMO) much of the West is at its best in Spring (March - May) then, you may be seeing wildflowers where you would never expect them. One other thing to remember... especially out west, check the elevations of your destinations - it catches many folks off guard and effects things like the temperature and the weather you can expect at any time of year. Remember - in Los Angeles it is an actual possibility in the winter to surf in the morning, and snow ski in the afternoon.
My first cross country road trip took me through some Rocky Mountain passes and my roommate and I were thrilled to see snow in the beginning of June (end of spring for us ;P) we pulled over and had a snowball fight while wearing summer clothes, lol!
@@laurenb9479 Indeed, those are always fun, but many times roads are still closed for the winter in June in places where they have heavy snows - or dangerous plowing conditions. It can be awkward if your planned refueling point was "just over the pass" but you didn't leave enough fuel to get back to the last station you passed.
You make a very good point about weather, temperatures and elevations, especially if you're driving in altitude for the first time. Many drivers make the mistake of riding their brakes going down the steep mountain roads. The brakes get hot and then it becomes very difficult if not impossible to stop. Also, altitude sickness is something people want to be aware of for those coming to places like Colorado from sea level.
Great point. In the West desert areas it's possible to die of heat stroke during the day or die of hypothermia at night.
@@Tam_Eiki I absolutely hear you on the issue of altitude sickness. In California, there are numerous places that you can drive from sea level to over 10,000 feet in a matter of hours. In fact, some folks will ascend Mount Whitney as a Day Trip! 14,494 ft (4,418 m) It's just over 3 1/2 hours from LAX to the trailhead parking lot at about 8400 feet (2552 m) and then, some try to summit using "The Mountaineer's route" which climbs the remaining 6100 feet (1859 meters) in 5 miles (8km)! When I worked "Back-country trails" for the National Park Service we would regularly see people who had better physical fitness than perhaps awareness of the risks... who would leave the San Francisco area at noon on a Friday and be camped before dark above 10,000 feet. (Often suffering from headaches and nosebleeds.)
Living in Montana for 12 years of my life being from Pennsylvania originally. I will say this, the Beartooth Scenic Highway is absolutely a stunning drive! I traveled all over the country from East to West, West to East. Seen it all! Mojo definitely missed the Stunning Beartooth Scenic Highway.
100% agree!
From Red Lodge to Yellowstone the beartooth pass is incredible
I can’t believe Bear Tooth Highway wasn’t on the list. That and the Pacific Coast Highway are my favorite.
I live in California and have gone down Highway 50 "The loneliest road on Earth" many times. I once went in a car with no AC and rested my arm on the open window for half the state. I got a combination sunburn/windburn that hurt like you won't believe. Got some moisturizer and would put it in the fridge for a few hours before slathering it onto my arm and after a few days the pain finally died down. Kancamagus, Chickamauga, Takoma etc. are all Native American names which is why they sound a bit different. I've done every inch of their #1. It is really special, and I can recommend it as a first trip destination. There are big cities to stop at along the way and theme parks, especially in the LA area. Or it could be more of a camping trip stopping at forest each night, or a combination of the two. Wherever you go, I hope you all have a great time!
It took us 4 days to drive from Oregon to Florida and that was without stopping to see any interesting things. USA is Massive. You cant' really expect to experience more than a few things in a weeks time. If you try to do too much you will spend all your time driving and not have time to enjoy what you do get to see. Plan accordingly.
They need a month minimum.
Astoria is incredible! They have underground tours and some of the oldest gravestone Cemeteries. I live in South Eastern Washington near Hanford Nuclear Power Plants that developed the Atom Bomb. We are also on The Lewis and Clark Trail with the Mighty Columbia River which is 200 yards from my home. Hot weather 110s to 90 degrees during June-September. So it's hot now! Pacific coast has a lot to offer. Come see us!
Going to the Sun Road is one of my all time favorite places. I was lucky when I was young that my parents took us camping and we went all over the United States. So I've seen some wonderful places. But Going to the Sun is close to my heart. One of the highlights for me, is stopping in the middle of July (summer for us) and playing in the snow and having a snowball fight with my brother, sister and parents, while wearing shorts.
Being a truck driver has enabled me to travel across the USA and to see and experience many awesome places.
Can vouch for the Overseas Highway being a cool drive. Protip: fly into Key West (puddle-jumper airlines fly there from all over south Florida) or take the hydrofoil from Fort Myers Beach, spend a day or two (Key West isn't that big, I find my limit is about 2 days), rent a car, and drive back to Miami that way.
(3:02) #7 reminded me that you guys would love the "Pikes Peak International Hill Climb". (no guard rails)
Another one is Needles Highway right through the heart of the Black Hills in South Dakota. It stretches about 25-30 miles (40-48km) and you’ll see wildlife, small mountain tunnels and scenic overlooks.
Hey guys I hope you can make it here one day. Several years ago I met a young Australian couple in Amarillo TX who rented an RV on the east coast and were meandering their way across the US to the west coast then flying home.
Good Morning nz family, Michigan has a 5 mile bridge called the mackinaw that connects Michigan to the upper peninsula that's why the u.p. calls us trolls because we live under the bridge. The bridge is also call the big mac and the mighty mac which is 26,372 ft long and rated the 27th longest suspension bridge. I really enjoy the happiness your family brings keep up the great work!!
I used to love driving down Highway 1 (pacific coast) with my Dad. Stopping off and getting some fresh strawberries and pistachios from one of the many farm stands.
As a family we drove the coastline of California when I was younger, from the Orange County area all the way to San Francisco. It was so pretty and scenic. To me the highlight was taking a tour of the Hearst Castle. Willam Randolph Hearst built this castle. He had many accomplishments but the most notable was he started publishing company which is still around today. He had a lot of party’s at the castle and hosted lots of famous people on his estate. It was a really neat drive. Something I will always remember. It took us almost exactly week 😉
I told ya the Appalachian Mountains were gorgeous!! That's my home. Native to East Tennessee and currently living in SW Virginia, I literally can be in North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky in under 2 hours in any direction. I would LOVE to be able to treat your beautiful family to view in and around my home. I have a feeling a van life Vlog would be a HUGE hit with your NZ'ers here. I agree with you, even though I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, the Pacific Northwest and Coast Highway has always been a dream of mine too. That was beautiful - I agree with Nadine ....MANY trips should be on your agenda. LOL My best to you all !!! xx ~ Jan
You should consider driving US Route 1, from Key West, Florida, to Fort Kent , Maine, which is on the border with Canada.
Lived in Richmond VA and drove it north to Maine and the next year went south to Key West.
I am born and raised in New Mexico. I can tell you this is a place that gets overlooked a lot! I know you all do your parcels videos, I’m gonna put something together for you all and send it out. Your videos are a joy to watch, and I hope you are all happy and well
I'm in Oregon and the coastal highway is beautiful. So much to see and not like anywhere else you've been. I live bout 2 hours from the coast and plan to live there someday because everytime I go I get an overwhelming joy I can't describe. I wonder how Lewis and Clark must have felt them they finally arrived there
The Pacific Coast Highway is an AMAZING road. The last time I traveled that road I spent four days, but still could have taken another 2-3 to enjoy it all. I'm not sure Denzel would appreciate going over the Columbia River on the border of Oregon and Washington. Another spectacular road is the North Cascades Highway in northern Washington state. It leads east, through the Cascade Mountains, and is ALMOST as spectacular as the Highway to the Sun.
As a graduate student at the University of Georgia many years ago, I was on spring break with a college mate in San Francisco and we drove back across the country from San Francisco to Athens, Georgia. I don’t remember the routes we took, but the views of the changing landscape were absolutely stunning. I especially remember some incredible views of the Painted Desert.
Last year we took a trip across America, for our anniversary. We are from Oregon, so we flew out to Orlando, Florida, spent a few days going to DisneyWorld before we headed down to Key West for a couple of nights on a small boat (an Airbnb), then we headed up the east coast of Florida to Savannah, Georgia before we turned up into the Carolinas, through Virginia and West Virginia, and finally into Western Pennsylvania. From there we started heading west, through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, South Dakota, Northern Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington. The trip took us three weeks, and it felt like we sprinted way too fast, and missed soooo much. Oregon is the 9th largest state, and it would take at least a month to really see all of the state, because of all the different types of landscapes, and how many amazing places to see there are. I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life, and there are still places I feel like I haven’t really explored fully here. Now multiple that by 50!!! I’ve heard it said that the average American only makes it to about 12 states in their lifetime. I can’t imagine how long it would take to properly see everything American has to offer!
I'm an old guy and have traveled extensively and have been on most of those highways. I can guarantee you that there are many more highways and beautiful places to see in the USA. I really hope that you get to come soon and enjoy as many as you can in your time limit. The motorhome idea sounds like a wonderful plan for your beautiful family. Love from Tennessee.
Two times in my life have I seen something so stunningly awesome that it caused me to feel what can only be described as an electrical shock running through my body. Once was on the Blue Ridge Parkway (that S curved bridge, but the fog was such that it appeared to be resting on the clouds) and the other was the first time seeing the unbelievably blue water on the Overseas Highway.
I would always recommend starting with the east coast. You will see so much beauty and history. You can take a two week trip and hit all of the East coast down to the keys. Spending a day in some of the major historical or just fun places with a huge range of weather.
Love that you mentioned The Goonies and Astoria, absolutely gorgeous! I've done over seas highway and Going to the Sun road! Going to the sun is phenomenal and definitely worth it by itself, not to mention Glacier National Park in of itself! (Gotta do that one in late July usually for the snow to melt)
Going to the Sun road is scary, but fabulous.
In May, my husband and I drove from Michigan (where I live) to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, where my son is stationed in the Airforce. Took Route 66 almost the entire way. Of course you can't drive Route 66 without buying a vintage Route 66 sign. It definitely was an awesome road trip!
I'm so glad they included the Blue Ridge Parkway. I met my husband there. He worked there 29 years. I worked there 9. The bridge that you saw is the Linn Cove Viaduct. When building it they started on both ends and met in the middle. Each section is hollow inside. While they were building it Sid (my husband) and I got to go inside of one of the sections they had just completed and look over the edge. That was a great day!
Route 66 is #5?????????? It starts in downtown Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica pier in California. If you're truly looking for America, that'll get you halfway across and the scenery is breathtaking.
I’ve driven on quite a few of these. I’ve got to say that this just scratches the surface of beautiful drives.
I love your reactions when you seen the car all stacked up on each other. It's about 40 years since I have seen them myself.
I've done the high road to Taos! The adobe missions are fascinating, and my friend and I spent a couple of hours just talking to a traditional weaver. I would also recommend the Great River Road right outside St. Louis but on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi is the great divider between the eastern and western U.S. The river Mark Twain wrote about is still there, and huge white bluffs mark the Illinois side. Small river towns are along the way. If you hit it at the right time of the year you can also see eagles catching fish in the river. The Great River Road experience always makes me feel patriotic!
It's amazing that my dream is to visit New Zealand. I've been all over the US and it is quite beautiful.
You aren't alone in that dream. I would love to spend time in New Zealand.
New Zealand is the only country I want to visit. I was born and raised in West Virginia and love the mountains, but The Pacific coast highway is without a doubt the prettiest. The overseas highway is a close second.
NZ has always been on my list, the films made it even stronger
@@LindaC616 lotr scenery is amazing.
@@shellypetlogical2893 I also want to visit down under.
I live in Washington but me and my family go to the beach every summer. We go through Astoria and it’s always so warm and friendly with that small town feel. There’s a restaurant called Geno’s there that is THE BOMB!
As an American, I can honestly say that while all the roads are beautiful....we have nothing over New Zealand. Beautiful country filled with wonderful people!
I’ve done several of these, namely blue ridge, parts of rt 66 and the overseas highway ( the latter several times since I live in Florida) The keys here in Florida are so stunningly beautiful and the snorkeling is top notch
The most amazing drive for me has to be when I was visiting the Grand canyon. The drive from Flagstaff to Sedona on Hwy 89A is amazing.
I love the high desert.
I was lucky as a child. My grandpa was a coast to coast truck driver so I got to see most of the 48 continuous. It was amazing!!!!
Btw that church shown in the "High road to Taos" at 3:53 is El Santuario de Chimayó one of the most famous churches in New Mexico built in 1816 there a big pilgrimage to it every year (over 300,00 people annually) . I go to the Church there a few times a year but also stop in the town of Chimayo to buy Chile because the town has heirloom Chile that locals have been growing there for over 300 years. And Yes we get snow in the upper half of the state as we are high altitude (Albuquerque is 1,619 m above sea level and Taos is at 2,124 m) The combination of high desert reds and browns with white snow is beautiful
Just came across your channel a few days ago and I’ve watched several of your videos. You guys are incredible and your kids are the epitome of how kids should act! So happy for your success and I wish you and your family continued success and happiness! Your new subscriber from North Carolina!
A few of my personal favorites: - The National Parks Highway, US 89. Runs from Flagstaff, AZ north to the Canadian border. Along the way, you'll pass the east end of the Grand Canyon, the east entrance to Zion National Park, the west side of Bryce Canyon, go directly through Grand Teton and Yellowstone, and reach the entrance to Glacier National Park. You can add a detour on Utah Highways 12 and 24 to get over to Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands, then take US 191 north to where it meets up with 89 near Grand Teton again. I did a big chunk of that a few years back. - The Lake Superior Circle Tour. Haven't done the Canada side, but the Minnesota leg in particular (Minnesota Highway 61, also known as the North Shore Highway) is gorgeous. The road stays within a half mile of the lake pretty much the whole way through the Minnesota portion. Parts of the Wisconsin and Michigan portions of the route are further inland, but the pieces that stay near the shore are similarly beautiful.
I'm honestly surprised 89/12 weren't mentioned, personally I'd put that route above some of these listed ones. I would consider those NP's must-sees on anyone going through the area too.
I live on highway 61 in Minnesota. It's beautiful!
I drove the road to the sun in Glacier National Park as a teenager. It was breathtaking. Nothing like a snowball fight on the 4th of July, way more fun than during our Minnesota winters
I've been on the Overseas Highway several times. The Seven Mile Bridge is so cool. Another one that's not on the list is the M22 drive along the northwestern coast of Michigan's lower peninsula. The views of Lake Michigan are breathtaking. There are videos on KZhead you can check out.
My favorite on the list (and #1 imho) is The Going To The Sun Road in Glacier Park, Montana. I did it twice, once with my grandparents (my grandma cried) and the second as a nearly retired person. My husband (who refuses to get on a plane) said it would be easy-peasy to drive himself! He got there and said "H, no" and we ended up taking the shuttle (jitney) service. It was stupendous and terrifying.
Building that road (and in some places, you really can use that "build" word literally, stone upon stone!) is an engineering marvel, and I agree that video didn't do the road and the gladiated peaks justice.
Absolutely come do one. It’s going to take several trips over to complete those. As Nadine exclaimed “America is massive “ Yes, Route 66 in its entirety would take a good while. I live an Kentucky and we have driven Through the great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachians, almost any road you take will be a beautiful ride. Can’t wait for y’all to come over and travel the states!
Kentucky here as well
Route 66 also goes through the Texas panhandle or top of Texas. Amarillo is not far from Palo Duro Canyon. Native American raiders often hid from the military in the Canyon.
I have driven many of these trips and more. My best memory; driving with my brother from Seattle, Washington to Charleston, South Carolina then on to Tampa, Florida. All in one trip and with only one actual overnight sleep stop. We took turns driving and it was amazing.
I'm from California. Highway 101 is breathtaking and harrowing at the same time. I've taken road trips with family and friends there numerous times. It is definitely an adventurous drive at times due to it's two lane and many twist and turns. If you're driving north, you're going to feel a bit safer but if you're driving back down south, you're teethering on the edge and there are times where you feel like your heart is in your throat due to certain passages and curves and turns and the sheer drops below to the crashing pacific ocean. When the coastal fog rolls in, the highway is shut down because it is obviously a dangerous drive. One thing for sure: Driving along the pacific coast is breathtaking. You will have to put in a day or two to take it all in and even still, you won't have time to do everything. There are towns and other scenic places along the way that you would not want to miss out on.
As a child in the 60's and 70's, for the seven years we were living in upstate New York, we would drive every summer back to the south to visit our Grandparents, till we moved back in the late 70's. Upstate New York was beautiful during the fall with all the colors. When the wife and I lived in the LA area we would drive on parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, but never did the whole route, the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, with all of their themed rooms is where I took my wife for our 5th anniversary. The men's restroom with its waterfall urinal in the 80's, claimed to be visited by more women than any other men's restroom. I even took my wife in to see the beautiful urinal. Living in Nevada since 1990 I have driven from the California to as far as Ely, on Highway 50 and I can say it is a very lonely highway. I picked up two men who broke down during one winter, and I was the first vehicle who had driven by during the four hours since they broke down. There is much more traffic on it now, but you can still drive for 30 minutes and not see another vehicle.
I'm from the Finger Lakes region of NY, we've got some nice gorges and forests around here.
I love driving through America when I go on road trips (although I live in California and don’t see much but desert!) Hopeful y’all can come visit this beautiful country sometime soon! Love your channel!
"although I live in California and don't see much but desert!" dude you're doing yourself a disservice if all you're driving through is the desert. plenty of natural beauty to see in this state. i live in the central valley close to sequoia national park. the drives i do into the sierra nevadas are magical. i've also done a drive only through a short section of the highway 1 and it is truly beautiful.
I've done most of these road trips...haven't done the inland New England roads, but I have driven the coast of Maine. I'm on a road trip now from Portland Oregon to Denver to Omaha to Minneapolis and then across the northern tier states back to Portland. The Columbia Gorge is a must as an off-shoot drive from the Pacific Coast Highway. From Astoria, OR to Portland and eastward to Hood River. On this trip, we went through the Gorge on the way to Boise, Idaho. We drove from Boise to Jackson, Wyoming along the old US 20 through Craters-of-the-Moon in Idaho and the Teton Mountains south of Yellowstone. The landscape is amazing and the Tetons, in my opinion, are the most beautiful mountains I've ever seen. From Jackson, we drove to Riverton and took a country road for 120 miles to Rawlins WY. 120 miles of complete nothing. There was one rest area and gas station en route called Sweetwater Junction, and then a small 'town' of sorts, but really just a scattering of a few old houses called 'Jeffery City'. But it was a stunning drive because of the emptiness and openness of the land and sky. We spent three days in the Denver area, but we're now in Lincoln-Omaha, Nebraska for three days before driving to Minneapolis. The truly scenic part of the road trip going East is over...flat Midwestern terrain...but on the way back to Portland we'll be going through the Bad Lands of western North Dakota and through the Montana and Idaho northern Rockies.
I havent driven on any of the roads in this video but I've driven on other roads through California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado and the western states are absolutely beauitful. Also to give you a perspective of how much driving there is to be done here, I moved from Arizona to Florida in 2020 and it took me 4 and a half days of straight driving to do it. I didn't stop and do touristy or sight seeing stuff. This country is HUGE
The overseas highway is really beautiful and so much to do along the way especially if you are beach lovers. John Pennekamp park in Key Largo will take your breath away. The only drawback is the single lane road and traffic during certain times of the year. One thing I have yet to do is to visit the Dry Tortugas national park. You have to take a ferry from Key West but you can camp on the island. Best snorkeling out there hands down.
Yes!!!!
The Appalachian Trail: You want to drive through the mountains during Autumn, so you can see the amazing colors. Also, be prepared, it can be scary to drive through the mountains! Being able to see the ground 30 miles away while scaling up a crowded winding highway heading into a mountain tunnel doing 60 m.p.h./96 k.m.h.
I think it goes a lot slower in peak leaf season - traffic jams
@@caraziegel7652 Hotel reservations are a must in peak leaf season.
Love you Guys! Thanks for all the love you show America!!! You have an Amazing Country as well. I really enjoy your videos and keep up the great work. Your family is Wonderful!
Best way to see Road to the Sun and Glacier National Park is on a motorcycle - breathtaking!
The road to the sun is amazing, it is best done in June though or early July. Glacier Park in general is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Highly recommend renting the small motorboats on lake Mcdonald. The immense size of the mountains is absolutely breathtaking.
I clicked so fast!!!😇
I have driven up and down HWY 101 most of my life since I was 5 and I still come across sights I missed before. I live in Washington and have relatives in Oregon and California the drive never gets old. I have been on 3 others during family vacations. I have taken my kids on those same roads and rediscover it all over again thru their eyes.
I am a native Oregonian, so I am partial to the Oregon Coast and Cascades to the east, but the Redwoods in northern California, and Olympic National Park in Washington are both incredibly beautiful also. In the Cascades, there is an amazing drive from Bend past Mt. Bachelor and numerous lakes to LaPine, further south.
Glad to hear you’re interested in coming out to Oregon! Some seriously beautiful drives out here, obviously including 101 on the coast, but also the Columbia Gorge
You’re probably gonna call me mean or something or a liar but I am saying it’s not that pretty they just added a few glares and sunsets and no you don’t have that in Oregon and Washington it’s usually like no it’s usually sun and clouds and that’s it not literal tropical savanna or tropical islands or whatever it’s not that pretty it’s just a road going on a mountain that’s near a beach OK there are plenty of roads that do that
@@californiaandwashington1377 I’m not going to call you mean; everyone has their own opinions. I personally think the Columbia River Gorge is stunning, but that doesn’t mean you have to. I’ve seen the coast be foggy, with the huge rocks splitting through the fog, but I’ve also been there when it’s clear and sunny. I think both are pretty.
Being from South Texas, just getting out of Texas into another state is a LONG roadtrip! We have so many different terrains though, it’s beautiful!! Experiencing Texas is a definite roadtrip y’all should consider!!😊
I've driven on the Blue Ridge Parkway many times and it never gets old! It's even better on a motorcycle.
I live about 25 miles west of the west entrance to Glacier National Park so I have driven Going to the Sun road many times. It is an amazing drive from West Glacier over to St Mary. The Logan Pass visitor center is a great place to stop and go for a hike. It is located on the continental divide which is the highest point on the Going to the Sun road. I have also driven the Overseas Highway when my wife and I took a trip to Key West. We did the whole drive from Key Largo to Key West, it was a really fun drive. Thank you for everything you do. You have amazing content!
Hello My New Zealand Fam! First off, my daughter and I adore your videos and simply can't wait for the next on to arrive. When we see a new one pop up on KZhead, it makes our night. This video really resonated with us. We have done most of them and they are all magnificent. I spent the first 51 years on my life in Calif and can attest that PCH (Hwy 1) is an incredible view. It gets even better along the Oregon coast. Five years ago we moved to Virginia and we live at the base of the Appalachian Trail. The Blue Ridge Parkway is utterly astounding in both Virginia and North Carolina. It is truly a 'must see'. Keep making those enjoyable videos!
The Blue Ridge Parkway has 26 tunnels bored straight through the mountains, and countless bridges and roadside vista stops. Nothing compares in the Autumn. Once my family and I stopped at a vista just to look out at a forest below. It was almost entirely bright yellow with flashes of green and red. What stands out the most is that it was completely silent. It reaches back to a time before we came.
Going To The Sun Road is absolutely amazing
I used to ride my bike along the PCH from Ventura to Santa Barbara then back every weekend. It's such a beautiful ride and I never grew tired of it. I highly recommend cruising on bikes along the beach or on it. Have an awesome day
Road to the sun was the most amazing drive I've ever taken. I've driven through a lot of the country, that area (Glacier Park) is the most beautiful in America. Breathtaking.
Hwy 1 through Big Sur is amazing. Did a trip to Lake Tahoe then through Big Sur and then back home to San Diego. Amazing!
I've been on all of them and there are many more that are just as wonderful.
The coast highway is unbelievable! I was raised in Washington and have traveled the coast highway a few times and discover new things each time!
I was watching a different youtube video and a notification for your channel popped up so i shut the other video off and clicked on YOURS....i love watching The New Zealand Family...i appreciate you all
We will be so excited when you announce your travel plans to come! Love your Channel!
The Kangamangus Highway is in my home state of New Hampshire. A summer drive of the scenic highway is great because their are several places to go swimming. But for me, autumn is best. Comfortable temperatures, the foliage colors are out of this world and the crisp fall smells are to die for. It's heaven on earth.
I believe I've traveled route 66 many times. So nostalgic to see everything that made up this land. The coastline drives are also beautiful. Going though some of the dense wooded areas in the north east in the fall is so gorgeous with the multi colored leaves.
I grew up just a little ways from the Kancamagus. We call it "The Kank". I've swam in White River, which runs along the Kank, many times throughout the years. There are also parks and the famous Basin to stop off and see. Gorgeous country! The Blue Ridge Parkway is pretty awesome as well. Lots of hair pin turns and incredible views of the valley. Fall is the best time to go. Having been born and raised in the North East I was use to mountains, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. The Western drive of Rt. 66 was flatter, much more brown and took a special appreciation for me but it was cool to see something out of the norm. Enjoy whatever you choose!