Google Maps Avoid Freeways
Introduction
When planning a trip, many of us use Google Maps to find the best route to our destination. But did you know that you can also use Google Maps to discover new places and experiences? By selecting “Avoid Highways” or “Avoid Freeways” in the settings, you can unlock a whole new world of travel possibilities. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that you can find along the way.
Top Attractions
Whether you’re traveling for the first time or the hundredth, there are certain places that you simply can’t miss. Here are some of the top attractions that you can visit while avoiding freeways:
- The Grand Canyon
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- The Statue of Liberty
- The Space Needle
- The Hollywood Sign
- The Las Vegas Strip
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are certainly worth a visit, sometimes the best experiences are the ones that are off the beaten path. Here are some hidden gems that you can discover while avoiding freeways:
- The Wave in Arizona
- The Antelope Canyon
- The Painted Hills in Oregon
- The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah
- The Maroon Bells in Colorado
- The Emerald Pools in Zion National Park
Food Scene
One of the best things about traveling is trying new foods. Here are some of the best places to eat while avoiding freeways:
- Chicago-style deep dish pizza in Chicago, IL
- Barbecue in Austin, TX
- Lobster rolls in Portland, ME
- Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, PA
- Gumbo in New Orleans, LA
- Fish tacos in San Diego, CA
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips for traveling on a budget while avoiding freeways:
- Stay in hostels or Airbnbs instead of hotels
- Eat at local diners and food trucks instead of restaurants
- Use public transportation or rent a bike instead of renting a car
- Visit museums and attractions on free or discounted days
- Take advantage of loyalty programs and travel rewards
Outdoor Adventures
For those who love the great outdoors, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had while avoiding freeways. Here are some outdoor activities to try:
- Hiking in Yosemite National Park, CA
- Kayaking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, MN
- Rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, CA
- Mountain biking in Moab, UT
- Zip-lining in Gatlinburg, TN
- Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon, AZ
Historical Landmarks
History buffs will love exploring the historical landmarks that can be found while avoiding freeways. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- The Alamo in San Antonio, TX
- Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA
- The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, HI
- The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
- The Freedom Trail in Boston, MA
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy while avoiding freeways. Here are some ideas:
- The San Diego Zoo in San Diego, CA
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, IN
- The Adventure Science Center in Nashville, TN
- The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
- The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL
- The Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those who want to get away from the crowds and explore something unique, here are some off-the-beaten-path experiences to try:
- The Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, CA
- The House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI
- The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD
- The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, KS
- The Carhenge in Alliance, NE
- The International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, NM
Natural Wonders
The beauty of nature is on full display when avoiding freeways. Here are some natural wonders to see:
- The Niagara Falls in New York
- The Redwoods in California
- The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina
- The Badlands in South Dakota
- The Gulf Coast beaches in Florida
- The Rocky Mountains in Colorado
Vibrant Nightlife
Just because you’re avoiding freeways doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a night on the town. Here are some cities with vibrant nightlife scenes:
- New Orleans, LA
- Austin, TX
- Nashville, TN
- Chicago, IL
- Miami, FL
- Las Vegas, NV
Local Markets
For a taste of the local culture, visit the local markets. Here are some of the best ones to check out:
- Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA
- Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, PA
- Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, CA
- Eastern Market in Detroit, MI
- Borough Market in London, England
- Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, Spain
Beaches and Mountains
Whether you prefer the sun and sand or the snow and slopes, there are plenty of beaches and mountains to explore while avoiding freeways:
- Big Sur, CA
- Cape Cod, MA
- Outer Banks, NC
- Maui, HI
- Banff National Park, Canada
- Aspen, CO
Cultural Immersion
For those who want to learn about different cultures, there are plenty of opportunities to do so while avoiding freeways:
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
- The Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC
- The National Museum of the American Indian in New York, NY
- The Holocaust Museum in Houston, TX
- The Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, CA
- The Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago, IL
Art and Music Scene
For those who appreciate the arts, there are plenty of museums and music venues to explore while avoiding freeways:
- The Museum of Modern Art in New York, NY
- The Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL
- The Getty Center in Los Angeles, CA
- The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN
- The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH
- The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot. Here are some walking tours to try:
- The Freedom Trail in Boston, MA