Riding a motorcycle is a blast. Cruising down the road without a care in the world–what could be better than that? Going to nowhere, and not worrying about how long it takes to get there. For some people that sounds like the perfect vacation. Others riders enjoy the trip, but need to have someplace to end up–a goal or objective–in order to make the trip meaningful. No matter which method of touring you prefer, there are a few destinations that make the trip worthwhile.

Yellowstone National Park

The first piece of property to be named a national park was set aside in 1872 because of its unique topography. No ride to the western United States would be complete without stopping by Yellowstone. The park is huge, so big in fact that it spills over from Wyoming into Idaho and Montana. The roads are well maintained, but you are urged to be careful of the wildlife–Yellowstone National Park is home to wolves, bison, grizzly and black bears, elk, deer, and many other species of animals. The geysers alone are worth the trip.

The Grand Tetons

While you’re in the vicinity of Yellowstone, a trip to the Grand Tetons is mandatory. The Grand Teton National Park is merely a part of this phenomenal mountain range, which itself is part of the Rocky Mountains. The winding roads and beautiful scenery are breathtaking and made for motorcycle touring.

The Golden Gate Bridge

A backdrop for movies since it was built, the Golden Gate Bridge, which links the city of San Francisco to Marin County, spans the Golden Gate–the entrance to San Francisco harbor from the Pacific Ocean. The bridge was built in 1937 and is more than 4,000 feet long. It has long been regarded as an engineering masterpiece, and riding across it on a motorcycle is a thrill you’re sure to remember.

Daytona Beach, Florida during Bike Week

There probably isn’t a motorcycle rider alive who hasn’t heard of Daytona Bike Week. A gathering place for bikers from throughout the world, Bike Week takes place during the winter when riders from colder environments are in desperate need of a warm place to ride. Hundreds of thousands of riders converge on Daytona to watch the races and each other.

Sturgis

Like Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world. Thousands and thousands of people and motorcycles assemble in Sturgis, South Dakota during the late summer to see what’s going on. Riders from everywhere can be seen enjoying the displays of new motorcycles or going for a ride along the nearby mountain roads.

Mt. Rushmore

A motorcycle touring destination in its own right, Mt. Rushmore is near Sturgis, South Dakota, and many of the riders take time out from the rally to view this National Monument. The portraits of four of the most prominent presidents of the United States are carved out of the mountainside, and make a terrific end, or beginning, of a memorable motorcycle tour.

The Florida Keys

No trip to the southern states would be complete without a ride along this string of small islands sticking out into the Gulf of Mexico at the southern tip of Florida. The Keys are what tropical living is all about. Soothing music, beautiful ocean scenery, and well-maintained roads will make sure you remember this part of your motorcycle tour.

The Mackinaw Bridge

Although the mid-west is generally regarded as fly-over country, or the place you’re most-likely-to-hop-on-a-freeway-to-get-through-quickly-on-your-way-to-the-mountains-or-the-ocean, the Mackinaw Bridge is well worth taking the time to see. Big Mac, as it is affectionately known, spans the Straits of Mackinaw and connects the Lower Peninsula of Michigan with the Upper Peninsula. From beginning to end the bridge is five miles long and is the longest suspension bridge in North America.

The Rocky Mountains

As a destination, the Rocky Mountains are hard to miss because you have to cross them if you want to travel by land from the east coast to the west coast, or vice versa–except for the southern part of New Mexico. This mountain range is extensive and offers a motorcyclist the ultimate riding experience. Give yourself lots of time if you want to see it all.

Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alaska-Canadian Highway (or the ALCAN), was built during WWII to connect the continental United States with Alaska. Its purpose was to make it easier to transport goods and supplies to help the war effort. Over the years, the highway has become more civilized, with more miles of paved roads added each year. However, the road still provides a feeling of adventure and excitement because in places the amenities of civilization are few and far between. The Alaska Highway is one of the most dreamt about motorcycle touring destinations.

Guest post from Sydney Sommers. Sydney writes about motorcycle insurance quotes for MotorcycleInsurance.com.

Thanks to NDomer73 for the photo from Flickr!