Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Belmont, Massachusetts, to Oakland, California
Starting from Belmont, Massachusetts, and ending in Oakland, California, taking a road trip is a great way to experience the beauty of the United States. The trip is approximately 3,000 miles long and has many highlights along the way. One of the midway points is Kearney, NE. Here are the top things to do while on this epic journey.
Visit Chicago, IL
Chicago is an exciting city for tourists to visit, and it offers many attractions that make it worth the stop. The city is located just 990 miles from Belmont, Massachusetts, making it a perfect first destination. There are a wealth of museums, parks, and entertainment venues like Navy Pier. The Chicago Architecture Boat Tour offers a unique way to view the city from the water.
Interesting Fact
Chicago is also known as the "Windy City," not because of the wind, but because of the hot air generated by its politicians.
Explore the Badlands National Park, SD
The Badlands National Park is a breathtaking sight and worth the 550 miles drive from Chicago. The park has stunning geological formations formed over millions of years of erosion and exposure. You can also see a variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope.
Interesting Fact
The rocks in Badlands National Park contain one of the world's richest fossil beds of mammals from the Late Eocene and Oligocene epochs.
Hike in the Rocky Mountains, CO
The Rocky Mountains are a majestic range towering over Colorado and worth the 385-mile drive from Badlands National Park. With over 300 miles of hiking trails and mountaineering opportunities, this location offers outdoor adventure at its best. The park's views are truly epic, making it one of the most beautiful areas in the United States.
Interesting Fact
The Rocky Mountains are home to the tallest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert, which is 14,440 feet tall.
Visit Great Basin National Park, NV
The Great Basin National Park is located in a unique ecosystem that offers some of the most stunning views in the United States. One of the highlights of the park is Wheeler Peak, which is a glacier-topped mountain rising to over 13,000 feet. The park is located 590 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park and is worth the drive.
Interesting Fact
Great Basin National Park is home to one of the oldest living organisms on earth, the ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, some over 3,000 years old.
Take in the Beauty of the California Coastline
Before reaching Oakland, California, take the time to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. The road stretches for over 600 miles and offers majestic views of the ocean and coastal areas. The highlight of the trip is Big Sur, a region known for its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, and the iconic Bixby Bridge.
Interesting Fact
Big Sur is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna, making it one of the most biologically diverse areas in the United States.
Conclusion
This epic one-way road trip covers approximately 3,000 miles. It takes approximately 51 hours, non-stop, to complete the journey. A road trip of this distance is likely to take several days, depending on the driver's pace. However, it is an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of the United States as you cross 13 different states. From the busy streets of Chicago to the rugged coastline of Big Sur, this road trip is filled with excitement and adventure. Don't miss the outstanding sights along the way and brush up on your driving skills before embarking on this journey.