The Great Lakes are all too often overlooked when it comes to summer road trips. Yet this place is a hidden gem complete with such noteworthy stops as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior and just a few hours away Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan and (of course) all the Great Lakes themselves. Memorable Mackinac Island is another must-see but you park on the mainland because the island is vehicle-free. Allow yourself a week to enjoy everything available here.
The Hawaiian island of Kauai is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful, unique travel destinations. Leave the resort property and drive to the noteworthy Na Pali Coast. Hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail, see the Alakai Swamp, and head towards Waimea to check out stunning Waimea Black Sand Beach.
Cruise the coast until you reach the Poipu area where you can take in a hula show. Then it’s on to Wailua State Park. Hike Kuilau Ridge and be sure to see Opaeka’a Falls and Wailua Falls. The final stop on this three-day trip is in the Princeville area to visit Queen’s Bath.