This Father’s Day, why not ditch the coffee mug or tie and opt for an experiential gift instead? Road trips provide an opportunity to see new places, spend quality time with one another and build cherished memories. So, this Father’s Day, think outside the box – gift box that is – and check out the following 4 road trips dad will love:
Going to the Sun Road
Is your father a fan of the great outdoors? If you haven’t yet taken your dad to explore the scenic wonders of Glacier National Park, then there is no time like the present to do so. From the glacier-formed turquoise hues of Lake McDonald to the old-growth forests surrounded by endless mountain peaks, this awe-inspiring trip to the sun will be sure to leave your dad with memories for years to come.
The scenic drive can be done in either direction, but we recommend starting in Apgar and ending in St. Mary. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker’s paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude.
Pacific Coast Highway
Ready to take Dad on the ride of his life? The Pacific Coast Highway runs North/South through the state of California, along its western edge. Depending on your launching point, you can start in San Diego and finish in San Francisco or flip around and navigate the rolling hills and fabulous views on the way down south.
If time is limited on your journey, perhaps consider a shortened version of the same picturesque route. The Seventeen Mile drive, which includes Pebble Beach and the Lone Cypress, is a worthwhile selection. Should you choose to pursue this stretch, remain on high alert! You will like have an opportunity to catch glimpses of whales, seals and shore birds along the way.
San Antonio to Shiner, TX
Beer lover? Adventure seeker? Both types of dads will love the cities of San Antonio and Shiner, Texas. Though the hour-and-a-half drive between the two cities is not particularly scenic, it is well worth the trip. Both San Antonio and Shiner offer visitors boundless fun and countless things to do and see. If your dad has an adventurous soul, then be sure to check out the Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio, Texas. You and Dad will have the opportunity to enjoy zip lining, climbing, and underground cavern tours before hitting the road for Shiner.
Shiner beer is “as Texan as cowboy boots and bluebonnet flowers.” The Spoetzl Brewery started in 1909 as the Shiner Brewing Association, founded by German and Czech immigrants who had settled around the central Texas town of Shiner. The oldest independent brewery in Texas and one of the oldest in the U.S., the facility offers daily tours and tastings to its guests. We’ll cheers to that!
U.S. Scenic 1
For the dad who loves the water, consider a weekend trip to Key West, Florida! Road trips are always an adventure, but few routes boast the panoramic ocean views offered to travelers along the 127.5-mile stretch of highway carrying U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway — the southernmost leg of U.S. 1 — follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 when Henry Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railroad from Miami to Key West.
In the seaside town of Key West, there is something for every avid fisherman – bonefish, tarpon, redfish, and snook. Once you have made it back to shore, be sure to take Dad to Duval Street for a night on the town.
Have you taken a road trip with your pops? Share your experiences in the comment section below!
