Hit the Road: 6 of the Best Road Trip Ideas for the New Year

January 26, 2018

New year, new you new excuses to hit the road and plan one bona fide adventure. If there’s any resolution to make in 2018, traveling more is a sure-fire winner—and we’ve got some inspiration to get you started. We’ve nominated six of the best road trip ideas for the coming year, from cities that are celebrating their tricentennials to some of the most beautiful stretches of road in the country. Prep your itinerary, pick a co-pilot, and pack your bags.

 

1. BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: 2017 wasn't an ideal year for coastal Cali journeys. With the cracking of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge that blocked access to a large section of Highway 1, the iconic stretch of Big Sur was suddenly a lot more difficult to explore. While construction is still underway on mudslide-impacted sections of the roadway further south, the recent reopening of the bridge 30 miles up the road means motorists can make up for lost exploration time in 2018 (and drink in the views that make this one of the country's most incredible drives).
2. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: As host of this year’s Super Bowl, Minneapolis is enjoying high-profile status in 2018. In addition to the spirited competition and tailgating antics, fans can also attend the 10-day Super Bowl LIVE festival, which includes free concerts from Minnesota favorites, ice sculptures, and other wintry activities. But the big game isn't the only reason to embark on a northerly adventure. As The Wall Street Journal notes, Minneapolis also saw 13 James Beard Award semi-finalists nominated in 2017, meaning gourmands have ample inspiration to hop in the driver's seat.
3. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: New Orleans is a city that knows how to laisser les bons temps rouler on any given day-but you can bet the Big Easy will throw one heck of a bash in time for its 300th birthday this year. In addition to popular annual events like the New Orleans Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras, in 2018 New Orleans will host Tricentennial NOLA Navy Week in late April, celebratory fireworks on May 6th, and other festive happenings throughout the year. Get thee to Nola, in other words.
4. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: But New Orleans isn't the only city with a big birthday this year. San Antonio is also celebrating its big 300, which makes it one of the best road trip ideas for 2018. Make your way south in early May, when the Tricentennial Commemorative Week is planned. The new year also brings with it the debut of the Confluence Park science center and San Pedro Creek Culture Park, a new waterfront space that will be dedicated to public art. 300 years in, and San Antonio's never looked better.
5. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: In more somber news, 2018 also marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination. Pay your respects to the great man and his powerful legacy, and plan a reflective road trip to Memphis. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum—which is housed in the Lorraine Motel, the site of King's death-and read up on the special events which are timed for the anniversary, from storytelling evenings to commemorations and other moving tributes.

Image courtesy of The National Civil Rights Museum
6. NEW MEXICO: With its wild beauty, rich culture, and cosmopolitan cities, New Mexico is one of the best road trip ideas for adventurers of all stripes. Fresh off of its designation as a capital for foodies and one of travelers' favorite cities, Santa Fe is at the top of its game in 2018 with a rich collective of local art (don’t forget to check out Meow Wolf!) to experience. Head to Albuquerque in October, meanwhile, and trade your wheels for thin air at the International Balloon Fiesta, or explore the Sandia Mountains via the soon-to-debut Mountain Coaster. 
1. BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: 2017 wasn't an ideal year for coastal Cali journeys. With the cracking of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge that blocked access to a large section of Highway 1, the iconic stretch of Big Sur was suddenly a lot more difficult to explore. While construction is still underway on mudslide-impacted sections of the roadway further south, the recent reopening of the bridge 30 miles up the road means motorists can make up for lost exploration time in 2018 (and drink in the views that make this one of the country's most incredible drives).
2. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: As host of this year’s Super Bowl, Minneapolis is enjoying high-profile status in 2018. In addition to the spirited competition and tailgating antics, fans can also attend the 10-day Super Bowl LIVE festival, which includes free concerts from Minnesota favorites, ice sculptures, and other wintry activities. But the big game isn't the only reason to embark on a northerly adventure. As The Wall Street Journal notes, Minneapolis also saw 13 James Beard Award semi-finalists nominated in 2017, meaning gourmands have ample inspiration to hop in the driver's seat.
3. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: New Orleans is a city that knows how to laisser les bons temps rouler on any given day-but you can bet the Big Easy will throw one heck of a bash in time for its 300th birthday this year. In addition to popular annual events like the New Orleans Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras, in 2018 New Orleans will host Tricentennial NOLA Navy Week in late April, celebratory fireworks on May 6th, and other festive happenings throughout the year. Get thee to Nola, in other words.
4. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: But New Orleans isn't the only city with a big birthday this year. San Antonio is also celebrating its big 300, which makes it one of the best road trip ideas for 2018. Make your way south in early May, when the Tricentennial Commemorative Week is planned. The new year also brings with it the debut of the Confluence Park science center and San Pedro Creek Culture Park, a new waterfront space that will be dedicated to public art. 300 years in, and San Antonio's never looked better.
5. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: In more somber news, 2018 also marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination. Pay your respects to the great man and his powerful legacy, and plan a reflective road trip to Memphis. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum—which is housed in the Lorraine Motel, the site of King's death-and read up on the special events which are timed for the anniversary, from storytelling evenings to commemorations and other moving tributes.

Image courtesy of The National Civil Rights Museum
6. NEW MEXICO: With its wild beauty, rich culture, and cosmopolitan cities, New Mexico is one of the best road trip ideas for adventurers of all stripes. Fresh off of its designation as a capital for foodies and one of travelers' favorite cities, Santa Fe is at the top of its game in 2018 with a rich collective of local art (don’t forget to check out Meow Wolf!) to experience. Head to Albuquerque in October, meanwhile, and trade your wheels for thin air at the International Balloon Fiesta, or explore the Sandia Mountains via the soon-to-debut Mountain Coaster.