Summer months might bring hotter temperatures, more traffic, and an increase in construction, but it also means time to get out and enjoy what the season has to offer. You work year-round, bringing goods and commodities to businesses and consumers all over the United States. It makes sense to want to know some ideal destinations for the summer months to enjoy some downtime while you are on the road.
Routes Through Florida
Florida routes are popular due to the length and the number of rural highways that lack big-city traffic. Fortunately, Florida has a lot to offer those looking for a quick vacation destination while trucking.
Orlando
Orlando is home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. These two options alone can give you several days of fun due to the sheer volume of parks and attractions. Also, SeaWorld offers aquariums, shows, and hands-on aquatic animal experiences.
If your preferred destination while on the road involves sand and the ocean, Orlando has five beaches within 90 minutes of the city just on the eastern coast alone.
Tampa
If you find yourself in Tampa, the beaches are known to be exceptionally beautiful with clear water. Busch Gardens and the Aquarium are also popular spots to check out while on the road.
Furthermore, Tampa Bay includes four cities, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Clearwater. The bay itself is almost 400 square miles around all four cities and offers a tremendous variety of outdoor activities. Between shopping, live sports, and entertainment venues, there is plenty to do in this area.
Routes Through California
There are lots of places to visit if your journey has you going through California. However, with the hustle and bustle of some of the most congested roads in the country, you may want a slower pace.
San Bernardino
Lying along the famous Route 66, San Bernardino may not stand out as a significant tourist destination. However, do not underestimate the beauty of this area. San Bernardino sits at the eastern end of a 50-mile corridor that goes to Los Angeles. San Bernardino County hosts six different nationally protected areas, including Joshua Tree National Park and San Bernardino National Forest. The county sits at the base of the Southern California mountain ranges while being close to the Mojave Desert. If your ideal place to visit while trucking involves a quieter pace with tons of natural beauty, San Bernardino is a great choice.
Routes through the Midwest
Interstate 90 is more than 3,000 miles long, starting between Boston and Seattle and heading west to Seattle. This route covers plenty of ground and offers many options to check out while on a long-haul across the country.
Deadwood, South Dakota
If a busy spot is not your style, Deadwood, South Dakota may have what you are looking for on a side trip. Deadwood is full of Old West stories of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock. Deadwood was a gold rush town that became a National Historic Landmark. These days, you can enjoy the rich history of the area, casinos, and plenty of outdoor adventures.
Routes Through the Rust Belt
The Rust Belt includes the northeastern United States starting with Michigan and Wisconsin toward the west and ending in the New England area. There are some fantastic places to stop in this region.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly is the well-known home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, which is the birthplace of the United States and where the Declaration of Independence was first publicly read. Philadelphia is known for its parks, historical monuments, and enough museums to satisfy any history buff. Plus, Philadelphia is known to have all the amenities of a big city with the coveted charm of a small town.
Whether it be a quaint, docile destination like San Bernardino that piques your interest, or a bustling tourist attraction like Disneyworld or Seaworld in Orlando, it’s important to enjoy the summer months’ downtime while you are on the road. Have another location you love visiting? Share it with FCC!