Lonely Planet’s picks for top road trips in the US 2014

Travel experts at Lonely Planet have come up with a list of some of the top road trips across the US that go beyond the classic Route 66, with destinations like “the most surprising beach getaway” in the US and a spot that crosses four states at once. As parents begin thinking about summer staycation ideas, Lonely Planet has released the second edition of USA’s Best Trips book which provides 52 road-tripping ideas that span two-day escapes to week-long journeys. Here’s a sample of road trip routes detailed in the book: Coastal New England It’s not as mythical as, say, the Pacific Coast Highway that spans the length of California, but the stretch of 250 miles (402 km) from Gloucester, Massachusetts to New Haven, Connecticut is a scenic drive that captures the essence of the East Coast with fresh seafood and sailboat harbors. Michigan’s Gold Coast Lonely Planet calls the shores of Lake Michigan perhaps “the USA’s most surprising beach getaway.” But with endless stretches of beach dunes, wineries, orchards and quaint bed and breakfasts, and waves big enough to attract surfers, the Gold Coast is a LP favorite. It’s suggested to hit the region in late summer when the weather and waters are warmest, or early fall around harvest time. Four Corners It’s the only location in the US where four states meet. By standing in one spot, you can say you’ve been to Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah at once. Those who love old Westerns will get a kick out of Monument Valley, where many Westerns were shot. Not far off, continue a tour of the region by heading down to the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Ivy League Tour This road is best traveled in the fall, when Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, Brown and Dartmouth open their doors to some of the most brilliant, promising young minds in the US and the fall foliage turns brilliant shades of red, gold and orange. Along with the smell of books and crisp fall air, travelers are privy to fresh seafood, fishing villages and coastal scenery. Mighty Mo The Missouri River, otherwise known as the Mighty Mo, is the longest river in North America. Follow the river and make a stop in Kansas, one of Lonely Planet’s more unexpected destinations that made their top US destinations list for 2014. “Then again, is there really ever a bad time for slow-cooked barbecue, hot jazz and cool blues music?” they ask. Lonely Planet’s USA’s Best Trips 2014 is now available and retails for $25. Source: Relaxnews