Denali Park Wonder Lake

Classic American road trips from the movies

Nothing triggers wanderlust quite like a classic American road-trip movie. The best of these films evoke the feeling of a place in such a way that the scenery becomes a character in its own right. With that in mind, we started our search for great American drives at the movies, where we watched reel after reel until we found five films that feature U.S. highways and landscapes as prominently as the protagonists. From the vast soundstage of the Southwest to the Technicolor magic of the Alaskan wilderness, each of these drives captures the spirit of the film that inspired the route.

Slideshow: 5 classic American drives

California's other wine country ("Sideways") Experience one of our nation's cinematic wine regions.

Film synopsis: This bromantic comedy by director Alexander Payne follows friends Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) on a tour through one of the less-trafficked areas of California wine country, the Santa Ynez Valley. The film is one of the first to celebrate American wine.

Destination highlights: The six communities of Santa Ynez Valley, Calif., are mainly located along or near U.S. Route 101. Plan your trip: Santa Maria to Buellton to Santa Ynez; 41 miles.

Stick to the script: To trace the duo's ramble through the region, start at Foxen Winery & Vineyard in Santa Maria, where Miles and Jack sneakily refill their glasses to the brim when the pourer's not looking. Drive south to Buellton so you can dig into Miles's favorite smoked-then-grilled duck breast with apricot-ginger sauce ($25.95) at the Hitching Post II restaurant. After dinner, stroll to the Days Inn Buellton and bunk like the boys did — breakfast is always included (from $90). Finally, scoot over to Santa Ynez, a gateway village for Los Padres National Forest, where you can preempt a Giamatti-style wine belly by hiking the famous trails.

How to go deeper: Santa Barbara Backroads can help you discover the best "Sideways" highlights with their Deluxe Backroads Wine Tour that visits four vineyards and wineries, including those featured in the film (tours from $149). And when it's time to stretch your legs, make like Lance Armstrong (who used to train in these hills) and hit the road on two wheels. Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours offers a number of itineraries (from $70 for a half-day tour).

Denali National Park A Must See | Tour and Travel Blogs

//-->

Denali National Park in Alaska is one of the most picturesque tourist destinations in all of Alaska. Its natural beauty is breathtaking and attracts visitors from all over eager to take partake of this sensory buffet. There’s no shortage of sites to see and from the towering Mt. McKinley to the majestic Wonder Lake, Denali National Park is definitely a must see.

When you first come to Denali National Park, one of the first destinations you’re likely to visit is the Denali Visitor Center. The scenery surrounding this center is absolutely beautiful and if you come between May and September you can take a lovely drive down Park road or a bus trip deep into the wilderness. However, if you happen to come to the park in the winter months you get to experience dog sled or ski trip. It’s this diversity that makes visits to the Denali Visitor Center so unique and with its lush greenery and snow capped mountains the Denali Visitor Center easily has one of the most attractive scenes you’ll find in Alaska. But there’s more than just the Visitor Center to pique your interest in Denali National Park.

In addition to the Visitor Center there are also a number of other attractions in the Denali National Park. One of the more popular attractions has to be Mt. McKinley. It’s the second highest peak in North America at 19,470 and attracts adventure seekers every year to attempt to conquer it, but whether you are a mountaineer or simply out for a bit of sightseeing, Mt. McKinley is one of the most impressive sites you will find anywhere. Combine this with the abundant wildlife on and around Mt. McKinley and you have an incredible photography opportunity.

When it comes to activities there are more than a few in Denali National Park, but the real crowd pleasers are always the fishing, camping and white water rafting. There are several prime fishing spots in Denali and most are open to everyone. A couple spots require a state license, but fishing is great at all of them. When it comes to camping there are over 290 sites and 7 campgrounds to choose from so camping enthusiast are sure to get plenty of enjoyment out of this trip. And if adventure is your thing, the white water rafting is wild.

Wonder, from emotion to spirituality

I Wonder, Essays for the Young People

I Wonder

The park and the people, a history of Central Park

The lake