Summer road trip.

So I just graduated from nursing school, and I start as an RN July 31st. In the interim I talked a friend of mine into making a cross country road trip in the truck with me. I'll be leaving Nashville on June 9th and return sometime around July 12th. Here is a rough idea of the route we're going to take.



It can also be viewed here: https://roadtrippers.com/map?lng=-1...62663&z=3.8783245872295082&a2=p!18,t!17949141

I am looking for any advice for things we absolutely must do or see along the way from the locals. I'm really hoping for some stupid local festivals, and I'm also not sure exactly where I'll be for July 4th, but that should be fun too. I'll be sure to post pictures and stories along the way. I''ll probably link to this thread from some of the regional subforums so I can keep everything mostly organized here. Give me some ideas and wave to me or talk to me if you see me along the way.

 

In

 

Shotgun!!

 

Did something similar not to long ago with my buddy, wasn't as much ground due to us wanting to spend multiple days in certain areas but a road trip non the less. We slept out of the camper shell, what are your plans?

 

We'll be doing a combination of camping, hotels, and staying at quirky spots like El Cosmico in Marfa, TX or the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO. There are a few places we'll be spending multiple days, but some areas where we'll cover 3-4 things in one day. I have friends in Huntington Beach so we'll probably make a stop there. My wife grew up in Santa Barbara, so I have people all over Southern California that will want to see me on the way through.

 

Right on, sounds like a good time! What are you guys doing for your food situation? Packing food for most the trip or are you planning on making pitstops on the road?

 

You'll be pretty close to lake Tahoe and the Rubicon Trail at stop 20

 

Both. I'll have my Coleman stove and a couple of coolers, along with a full set of dishes and utensils, but sometimes you just want carne asada fries.

Yeah, I doubt I'll venture over to the Rubicon, but Tahoe might be a thing.

 

If you're going up the 101, the Avenue of the Giants is pretty cool if you're into natural wonders. It's actually a part of the old highway 101. Very scenic. Huge redwoods.

Tahoe is nice.

 

Yeah we're planning to stick to the coast as much as possible. I've driven from SB up to Monterey and back a few times, and it's a great drive. We'll see how the loaded down truck with no sway bars does though.

 

I've camped in this area a couple of times.

There's a lot if this:

 

holy crap that is one long road trip looks fun though.

 

You could also do the Lost Coast in that area.

Map Link.

 

Epic

 

If you think you hate it now, wait till you drive it!

 

Passing through San Antonio?

 

Yeah, between Austin and Del Rio, on the way to Big Bend.

 

Really depends on when you come our way and what you like to do. My gf, dogs, and I head to these waterfalls as often as possible. A little offroading (mainly a forest road but can be a little gnarly after the rain carries the dirt away and it's rocky and requires a little clearance), a little hiking, beautiful scenery, and a swim depending on temp. Pm for details if you want em



and it's off ice house road so there's plenty else to explore as far as offroading goes

 

Swing by the Alamo. Even if your not big on history it's still cool to see.
There are also a bunch of old Missions scattered across the area that are pretty neat.

Also note. It's 2-3hrs to the coast from SA.
Padre Island National Seashore is fun.
Drive out on the beach. 60miles of sand to explore.