If you’re thinking about going on a long drive across the US, you’re not alone. Millions of people are planning to go on a road trip this year, and according to recent data, about 100 million individuals are planning to go on a road trip within 250 miles of their home. Most people will be taking their personal car or renting an RV, but there are some who are choosing to experience the open road on their motorcycle.
Going on a motorcycle road trip is an environmentally friendly way to travel since motorcycle emissions are generally lower than car emissions. It’s also more exciting than a car road trip since you can clearly see everything around you, and you get to save money on gas too. For the best experience though, it’s important to choose a good route that will enable you to see beautiful scenery, visit iconic destinations, eat delicious food, and have access to rest stops along the way. To have an epic adventure, consider any of these US routes for your motorcycle road trip.
Pacific Coast Highway
Before heading to the open road, you’ll need to prepare for your motorcycle road trip to have a hassle-free travel experience. Check to see that your vehicle is in good condition, and have essential items on hand, such as a map, a GPS navigation unit, a Bluetooth helmet communicator, and a repair kit. You also have to be prepared in case of an emergency, so you need insurance and the number of a motorcycle accident lawyer in case you get into a motorcycle crash. A law expert can give you legal advice, and they’ll also help you recover settlement for damages.
Once you’re all set, get on your motorcycle and head to the Pacific Coast Highway. This is California’s most famous road trip, and it’s more than 1,600 miles long from San Diego, California to Olympia, Washington. It’s possible to ride through the entire highway in about 12 hours without stopping, but it’s recommended that you make several stopovers to make the most of your road trip. You’ll pass a lot of beaches, so make sure to spend an hour or two at the Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, Monterey State Beach, or Carbon Beach in Malibu.
Make sure to stop at Mendocino, a charming town that’s known for its wineries and vineyards. You can also go hiking at the Van Damme State Park, which is both a coastal park and redwood forest. Then, once you’re in San Francisco, head to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to get a glimpse of what the hippie culture was like during the 60s, then go to Golden State Park and visit the Japanese Tea Garden.
Blue Ridge Parkway
For a leisurely ride, consider going on a motorcycle road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches from Afton, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina. This route has a 45-mile-per-hour speed limit, so you’ll be cruising at a pace which allows you to get a really good look at all the breathtaking views along the road.
Start at North Carolina and make your way to Grandfather Mountain. Plan on stopping here for a quick hike, or just go to the overlook spots to take in the amazing views. Once you’re on the road again, you’ll be passing by a few waterfalls, including the Linville Falls, which is one of the most popular falls on this route.
Make sure to make a pit stop at the Mabry Mill to get a taste of what life was like in the early 1900s. This Instagrammable grist mill was built beside a stream, and it’s one of the most picturesque parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don’t forget to check out Doughton Park too. There’s an overlook here that will give you amazing views of a valley, and you’ll also see a log cabin that was built in the 1920s.
Coastal Highway 1
For beautiful coastal views, go on a motorcycle road trip on the Coastal Highway 1, which stretches 260 miles from Calais, which is a Canadian border town, to Portland. You’ll get the best countryside views here, so ride at a relaxed pace to see beautiful lighthouses and beaches. Stop by the Camden Hills State Park, then plan on spending a few hours at the Sea Viper at Palace Playland, which is a beachfront amusement park in New England.
If you want to do a bit of shopping, head to Big Chicken Barn to buy toys, books, or a quilt. Don’t forget to try seafood from any of the lobster shacks that you’ll see along the road, and make sure to have a bowl of two of authentic New England clam chowder.
Going on a motorcycle road trip can be an exhilarating experience. Consider any of these routes for an epic motorcycle adventure, and make sure to stop often to take in the best views while you make your way across America.
