Two Florida Road Trips Rated as America’s Best

In recent years, weekend road trips have experienced a surge in popularity among families. These mini-getaways offer a refreshing escape that combines adventure, flexibility, and quality time spent together, all at a significantly lower cost compared to conventional summer beach destinations.

Gunther Motor Company carried out a survey of 3,000 regular road trippers to find out the most popular 100-weekend road trips they would most like to experience in summer 2023.

The state of Florida's Pensacola to St. Augustine (via U.S. Highway 98 and A1A) road trip was voted as America's 23rd favorite weekend road trip. Starting in Pensacola, known for its beautiful beaches and rich history, you'll travel eastward on U.S. Highway 98, passing through charming coastal towns, pristine Gulf Coast beaches, and vibrant beach communities. As you continue along A1A, you'll experience the stunning scenery of Florida's Atlantic coast, with its sandy shores, dunes, and sparkling blue waters. The road trip offers numerous opportunities to explore iconic Florida landmarks, including historic lighthouses, wildlife preserves, state parks, and quaint beachside towns. You can immerse yourself in the unique coastal culture, indulge in delicious seafood cuisine, and enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, beach combing, and a vibrant downtown area.

And the Miami to Key West via U.S. Highway 1 weekend road trip was rated as the 26th best nationally. As you drive south on U.S. Highway 1, you'll pass through the picturesque Florida Keys, a chain of tropical islands connected by a series of bridges and causeways. Along the way, you can make stops in charming towns like Islamorada and Marathon, known for their crystal-clear waters and world-class fishing opportunities. The highlight of the road trip is reaching Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States. Here, you can soak up the laid-back island atmosphere, enjoy water sports activities, and witness breathtaking sunsets at Mallory Square.

“America is a treasure trove of interesting and diverse weekend road trips. From the towering mountains and vast plains to vibrant cities and charming small towns, each journey paints a unique portrait of our nation's rich tapestry. Every route has its own story to tell, fostering an exploration that unveils the heart and soul of America,” says Joseph Gunther IV of Gunther Motor Company. The top five are as follows:

In first place came a New York road trip – leaving from New York City to Niagara Falls via Interstate 87 and 90. This route showcases New York's diverse landscapes and attractions. Starting in NYC, you can visit famous sites like Times Square and Central Park, then head north. Interstate 87 provides views of the stunning Adirondack Mountains and outdoor activities, while Interstate 90 passes through scenic towns and historic sites. The journey ends at Niagara Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder, where you can take a boat tour or enjoy the view from observation decks. This approximately 400-mile trip takes about 7 to 8 hours.

In second place came a four to five-hour road trip based in Colorado – leaving from Colorado Springs to Dinosaur National Monument via US-40. The route goes through scenic mountain passes, charming mountain towns, and expansive valleys, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for outdoor exploration. Along the way, you can visit attractions like the historic town of Steamboat Springs, renowned for its hot springs and outdoor activities, and the unique geological formations of the Yampa River Valley. 

The Las Vegas to Great Basin National Park (via U.S. Route 93) weekend road trip emerged as the third favorite. This route takes you through stunning desert scenery, with vast stretches of open road and panoramic views of mountains and valleys. Along the way, you can make stops at unique attractions like the Extraterrestrial Highway, known for its UFO sightings and Area 51 lore. As you approach Great Basin National Park, you'll be greeted by the majestic Wheeler Peak, the park's highest point, and the breathtaking Lehman Caves, a subterranean wonder filled with stunning limestone formations. The road trip typically takes around four to five hours to drive the approximately 300-mile route from Las Vegas to Great Basin National Park.

Texas is home to the fourth most popular road trip in America. The Dallas to Big Bend National Park via U.S. Route 67 road trip takes you through charming small towns, rolling hills, and stretches of open countryside, offering glimpses of Texas' rich history and natural wonders. Along the way, you can explore attractions such as Fort Richardson State Park, known for its historic military fort and scenic beauty, and the Davis Mountains State Park, offering stunning hiking trails and panoramic views. The road trip takes around eight to ten hours to drive the approximately 500-mile route from Dallas to Big Bend National Park. This road trip is an ideal way to experience the vastness, natural beauty, and rugged charm of Texas.

And rounding up the top five came another New York road trip, starting off in Albany to Lake Placid (via Interstate 87). Here you'll witness the picturesque landscapes of the Adirondack Mountains, charming small towns, and stunning natural attractions along the way. Additionally, you'll encounter historical sites, such as Fort Ticonderoga, and cultural attractions like the Hyde Collection Art Museum, providing a blend of history and art.