The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charlotte, North Carolina and Sunnyvale, California

Charlotte, North Carolina, and Sunnyvale, California may be over 2,600 miles apart, but a road trip between these two cities can be an unforgettable adventure. A drive across the country will take travelers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States, from the rocky peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the vast deserts of New Mexico, and everything in between. After about halfway point, Tucumcari, New Mexico, travelers will have a chance to see some of the quirkiest attractions in the country, sample delicious cuisine, and learn about the history and cultures of different regions. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Charlotte to Sunnyvale:

Explore the Shenandoah Valley

As soon as travelers leave Charlotte, they can head north to witness the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. The valley is home to Shenandoah National Park, which boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can explore over 500 miles of trails, go camping, horseback riding, or visit the Luray Caverns, one of the oldest tourist attractions in the country. This underground network of caves contains towering stalactites, shimmering pools, and a reflecting lake, all hidden beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Interesting fact: The Shenandoah Valley was one of the most contested regions during the American Civil War. The Battle of Cedar Creek, fought in 1864, was one of the most significant battles to take place in the region.

Experience the Music Scene in Nashville

Located about 435 miles west of the Shenandoah Valley is Nashville, Tennessee, one of the most vibrant musical cities in the world. The city is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of country music and see memorabilia of legendary musicians, such as Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. They can also visit the Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, which hosted the biggest stars in country music, including Patsy Cline and Hank Williams. Nashville is also famous for its live music venues, such as The Bluebird Cafe, where songwriters perform their original compositions.

Interesting fact: Nashville is also known as the “Athens of the South” because of its numerous colleges and universities.

Tour the Gateway Arch in St. Louis

After leaving Nashville and driving for about 300 miles, travelers will reach St. Louis, Missouri, with its most iconic landmark, the Gateway Arch. This 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument is the tallest arch in the world, and visitors can ride to the top in a tram to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. They can also take a guided tour to learn about the construction of the arch and its significance to St. Louis’s history. St. Louis is also famous for its barbecue, and visitors can sample the best ribs, pulled pork, and brisket in the city at local restaurants such as Pappy’s Smokehouse and Bogart’s Smokehouse.

Interesting fact: The Gateway Arch is featured in the opening credits of the television show "Meet Me in St. Louis," which starred Judy Garland.

Visit the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo

After driving about 550 miles west from St. Louis, travelers will reach Amarillo, Texas, and its famous public art installation, Cadillac Ranch. This quirky site features ten vintage Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground, with their tail fins sticking up in the air. Visitors can bring spray paint to decorate the cars with their own messages and artwork. The Cadillac Ranch attracts thousands of visitors each year and has become an icon of American pop culture. Amarillo is also known for its steak, and visitors can try the famous 72-ounce steak challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.

Interesting fact: The Cadillac Ranch was created in 1974 by a group of artists called the Ant Farm, who were inspired by the famous Stonehenge monument in England.

Sample the Wine in Napa Valley

After driving for about 1,300 miles west from Amarillo, travelers will reach Napa Valley, California, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. The valley is home to hundreds of vineyards and wineries, offering visitors a chance to taste some of the best wines in California. They can take a guided tour of the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process, or take a hot air balloon ride to enjoy the stunning views of the valley and Mount St. Helena. In addition to wine, Napa Valley is also famous for its cuisine, with many Michelin-starred restaurants in the area.

Interesting fact: Napa Valley produces only about 4% of California’s wine, but it accounts for nearly 30% of the state’s total wine industry revenue.

Conclusion

The road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Sunnyvale, California, can take about 38 hours if driven non-stop, but it's much more enjoyable to take the time to explore the country's stunning landscapes and unique attractions. From the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley to the Kitchy Cadillac Ranch, this journey offers numerous opportunities to learn, taste, see, and do. By the end of this trip, travelers will have not only crossed the country, but also collected a lifetime of memories.