Rediscovering America: A Journey Inspired by John Steinbeck

In 1960, renowned American author John Steinbeck embarked on a journey across the United States with his dog, Charley. Traveling in a camper van, he sought to reconnect with the heart of the nation. Having spent his career writing about America, he recognized that true understanding required firsthand experience. “I hadn’t heard American speeches, so I smelled grass and trees…I saw the hills and the water, its color and the quality of the light,” he reflected.

Steinbeck and Charley covered an impressive 10,000 miles, meeting diverse individuals along the way—from farmers to those living on the fringes of society. His famous book, Travels with Charley: In Search of America, captures his reflections, blending admiration with a sense of melancholy. It serves as both a portrait of the nation and a call to see it up close.

You can’t truly know America just by listening to the news or scrolling through social media. Like Steinbeck, many of us have traveled along Route 66, stood beneath ancient California Redwoods, witnessed the Grand Canyon at sunset, or watched the dawn break over the Smoky Mountains.

As the U.S. Transportation Secretary, I’m encouraging everyone to embark on their own journeys to rediscover America. Experiences can’t be fully captured through screens; they need to be lived. To mark our country’s 250th anniversary, I’m launching a Great American Road Trip—a year-long invitation to explore, reflect, and reconnect with the people and places that shape our identity.

Road trips symbolize freedom and opportunity, and at the Department of Transportation, we strive to ensure that everyone can travel without financial barriers. It’s essential that all Americans have the chance to explore their country on their own terms.

The current climate—lower gas prices, easing inflation, and a renewed sense of optimism—makes this the perfect time for families to hit the road. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are rolling back excessive regulations to make car ownership more accessible. Families shouldn’t be priced out of their chance to explore our beautiful nation.

Reflecting on a recent road trip with my own family, I remember the snacks, the music playlists, and the laughter. Kids pointing out cloud shapes and bug-splattered windows added to the adventure. Leaving our routine behind, we grew closer and learned about each other and our country in ways we never anticipated.

Through initiatives like America250 and Brand USA, we’ve identified 250 destinations—mixing iconic sites with hidden gems. We hope to capture the dazzling lights of Times Square, as well as the humble Ohio Trollhall Museum and Maine’s Crab Meat and Lobster Stop. From Hemingway’s home in Key West to the breathtaking Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, America’s stories are alive in landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the bustling roadside diners and bait shops of Wisconsin.

We also celebrate the American-made vehicles that carry us. These vehicles symbolize so much: movement, freedom, and tenacity. President Trump’s approach to fair trade aims to invigorate our automotive industry, ensuring that American craftspeople continue to build reliable, high-quality cars.

In the coming years, as we host global events like the World Cup and the Olympics, the eyes of the world will be upon us. This year, marking our nation’s 250th anniversary, is a reminder to celebrate our freedom and to connect deeply with this land we call home, not as mere tourists but as engaged citizens. As the song suggests, “From the mountains to the prairie, to the sea.”

So, this year, I urge you to venture out. Explore far and wide, or perhaps just take a trip somewhere unexpected. Embrace the journey, just like Steinbeck did.