On the Road: Guide to the best driving routes in the US
As any fan of the ‘Beat Generation’ wordsmith Jack Kerouac will know, there’s no better voyage of self-discovery than a road trip across the USA. Kerouac’s bohemian travels in 1957 novel On the Road were recently adapted into a Hollywood film starring Kristen Stewart, which was released on DVD on 25th February – so with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of America’s most spectacular driving routes.
The Overseas Highway
Hailed as the most beautiful driving road in the US, the Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys. The road begins in Key Largo and finishes in Key West, passing through a number of picturesque islands and gliding over the Gulf of Mexico. The road used to be an old rail track, so there are plenty of old truss bridges to drive over – you can stop on them and watch manta rays floating around in the crystal clear waters below. Be sure to stop at the many seafood restaurants dotted along the keys, and try the local specialities of fried conch and key lime pie!
Route 66, USA
Route 66
Known as “The Mother Road”, connecting East and West, Route 66 is the most famous highway in the US. It might surprise you to learn that it doesn’t exist anymore, however: the original route has now been replaced with modern motorways. With a bit of research you can still find the old route from Chicago to LA though, and plenty of quirky attractions through the rural towns along the way. Take a stop at the Route 66 Museum in Springfield, Illinois and learn about the history of this famous road. Other must-see curiosities include the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, as well as the Glen Rio ghost town on the border of New Mexico and Texas.
Extra-terrestrial Highway
Officially known as Highway 375, this ‘out of this world’ road runs through the Nevada desert and passes tantalisingly close to the mysterious Area 51. It’s rumoured to be a hotspot for UFO activity, and alien spotters flock to the famous Black Mailbox in search of a close encounter. Fans of geek culture will enjoy the tongue in cheek signs dotted along the road, claiming that the speed limit is “Warp 7” and to watch out for “Alien Encounters for the Next 51 Miles”.
If you’re planning an On the Road inspired road trip, be sure to check that you have the right level of overseas car insurance to keep you covered on your travels for peace of mind!