By Liliana Gonzalez
Photo by Liliana Gonzalez
As the days get longer and the temperature rises, road trip season begins. From the misty mountains of North Carolina, to the vibrant culture in Texas, all the way down to the sun kissed sands of the Gulf Shores, summer is forever my favorite time to pack the car, roll down the windows, and experience the excitement of the open road. Road trips can be stressful for me, with traffic and time, but the destination never fails to make it worth it. Whether you’re looking for a chill beach trip or a mountain adventure, there’s a perfect location for everyone.
1: Nantahala, North Carolina ~ 9hrs
Found deep in the Smoky Mountains, Nantahala is a beautiful spot perfect for any outdoorsy activities. I love Nantahala because of its clear water and huge forest. For anyone looking for peace and quiet, this is the ideal small town. With North Carolina’s year round beautiful weather, this city is great for a road trip during any time of the year.
Since Nanatahala is in the middle of a mountain range, it is completely forest. This creates endless opportunities for many of my favorite things like camping, hiking, wading, and more. By far, white water rafting at the Nantahala Outdoor center is absolutely a must do activity. The Nantahala River is famous for its high class rapids, which are accessible for beginners as well as experienced paddlers. There are also numerous hiking trails for people of all levels, perfect for people like me who can’t really walk for long periods of time. These hikes offer incredible panoramic views of the mountains surrounding the city. In these trails, numerous campgrounds and campsites can be found for anyone wanting to stay off the grid.
2: Houston, Texas ~ 5hrs
Houston, one of the largest cities in the U.S., is a busy, diverse, and colorful paradise. Known for its sports, amazing food, and thriving arts scene, Houston mixes Southern culture with big city energy. With the humidity and tropical climate, this city is perfect for making road trips really seem like summer. Houston is by far my favorite big city to visit during the summer months.
Not only does Houston have an NFL team, but they also have a MLB and NBA team, so this city is perfect for whatever sport I feel like going out and watching. Despite being a big city, there are tons of green spaces that I’ve seen. The city is occupied with many bayous and parks that make it seem surprisingly full of nature. For example, Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park are the best spots for trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, and more. Houston is one of the most diverse places in America, with over 100 languages spoken and a mix of cultures from everywhere in the world. This influences so many aspects of the city, like the food, arts, science, and music in their everyday life.
3. Gulf Shores, Alabama ~ 3hrs
Gulf Shores is a hidden gem located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, famous for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and the relaxed vacation vibe. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a long beach trip, this charming small town is my all time favorite summer destination.
Gulf Shores is the perfect beach destination. Some of my favorite things to do there include sunbathing, swimming, and just watching the water go by. Because it’s a beach, there are so many water activities available, like kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and jet skiing. This is the perfect family vacation because everyone can do their own thing, and it’s not really a trip where you have to stick together the whole time, like at Disney World. I would also strongly recommend the food. The seafood is amazing and the various food shacks and restaurants never disappoint. My favorite place to go is The Hangout, which has great seafood as well as live music. Overall what makes this place so special is the laid back and relaxed vibe that I instantly feel as soon as I arrive.
I am beyond excited for summer and all the new road trip opportunities that I will have, so I can go on so many more awesome road trips like this one.
