Road trips are more enjoyable when you rent an unusual mode of transportation. Picture this: you’re cruising down California’s famous Highway 1 in a vintage red Mustang or exploring Michigan’s Kalamazoo Lake in a 1950s retro boat. Whatever you choose, chances are the trip will be that much more memorable.
Rent a classic car
Choose from a fleet of over 30 classic and vintage cars at Monterey Touring Vehicles, located in , a seaside city about an hour south of San Jose. Enjoy a variety that includes a 1958 Porsche 356 Outlaw, a 1968 Chevy Camaro, or perhaps a 1970 Chevy Corvette or a 1965 Ford Shelby Cobra.
Begin your adventure along the super scenic Highway 1 in Monterey, where restored adobe buildings abound and redwoods are plentiful. The pristine shoreline is highly Instagrammable, perfect for a pit stop that might involve stand-up paddleboarding among the seals or whale-watching.
Once you’ve had your fill of marine life, continue south to and rest your head at Ventana Big Sur resort. Highway 1 at Big Sur is a National Scenic Byway, celebrated for its unparalleled vistas and charming villages. The spellbinding twists and turns make for an incredibly fun drive in a classic vehicle.
Rent a vintage boat
Head to Retro Boat Rentals in Saugatuck, Michigan, to get your vintage-boat fix. Choose from a fleet of old-school boats retrofitted as electric.
Experience beauties like Jane, a 1958 Geneva, or Ruby, a 1959 Bell Boy Banchee that seats four. Ruby is especially photogenic, making it a popular choice for weddings and engagements. For families, Dottie, a 1960 Dorsett Catalina, is perfect for a leisurely ride with its ample room and kid-friendly cabin.
Enjoy cruising Kalamazoo Lake, a picturesque inland body of water, while soaking in the scenery and the smiles that come with it. Note that these boats operate at a leisurely pace, emphasizing experience over speed.
Rent a VW van
There’s no doubt you will make new friends along the way if you are at the helm of a VW camper. Vintage Surfari Wagons is one of the oldest vintage VW camper rental companies in the USA, located in Costa Mesa, California. Choose from 20 highly maintained VW pop-top campers from 1973 to 2002, each embodying a distinct personality.
Due to the popularity of these quirky vehicles, it’s advisable to plan your reservations several months in advance. Additionally, ensure you can drive standard-shift vehicles. For more options, Outdoorsy also rents VWs across the nation.
Rent a motorcycle with sidecar
Known as the Airbnb for motorcycles, Twisted Road offers motorcycle-sharing services for a flat daily charge. Choose from various rides, including the Ural Retro with a sidecar or the 1976 Honda CB550. Tip: wear vintage goggles and a scarf for added character.
Ride in a biplane
In Brodhead, , you can transport yourself back in time via biplane. Gypsy Air Tours offers the chance to soar in a 1930s WACO Taperwing, one of only seven in the world still in flight.
From the open cockpit, experience breathtaking views of winding rivers, fruit orchards, and quaint towns reminiscent of a century ago. It’s exhilarating to spot activities below, such as car shows or parades from above.
Give the pilot a thumbs-up for a memorable flight experience, enjoying the smooth ride reminiscent of the 1920s and ’30s. After your flight, consider visiting the Kelch Aviation Museum to continue your aviation adventure.
Hop in an amphicar
Experience the unique charm of an amphicar. Part car and part boat, only about 3200 were made in the 1960s, and around 300 remain today. You can take one for a swim at Disney Springs in .
There, the amphicar offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and fun. Following your water adventure, enjoy a meal at The Boathouse, where oysters, lobster, and the legendary baked Alaska await. Cap your day with a craft cocktail at one of the outdoor bars.
