If you’re tired of looking at brake lights and buildings, clear your mind with a drive on one of our favorite scenic roads.
These unforgettable routes take you around mountains, along the coast and through national parks. No one will ask, “Are we there yet?” when the drive is the main event. Fill up the tank, bring your camera, and check out these stunning drives.
Overseas Highway – Florida
This 113–mile series of bridges and roads was originally intended to be part of the Florida East Coast Railway, before a hurricane destroyed much of the track. It was restored for vehicle traffic, and the Seven Mile Bridge gives you some of the most unique views of the water you’ll find from a car.
Historic Columbia River Highway – Oregon
This drive offers year-round views of the Columbia River Gorge has a history dating back to the Oregon Trail. Be sure to stop at Vista House — a historic rest stop that doubles as a memorial to Oregon Trail pioneers.
Pacific Coast Highway – California
Also known as Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway runs along the edge of sharp cliffs and coastlines, so drivers must stay alert. As one of the most scenic highways in the world, you’ll want to allow extra time to safely pull over and enjoy the vista.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
Starting in Virginia, Skyline Drive is one of the best places to watch the seasons change in spring and fall. This leisurely drive features visitor centers, lookouts, and camping areas, so be sure to allot plenty of time to experience it all.
Going-to-the-Sun Road – Montana
The 50–mile drive across Montana’s Glacier National Park was built specifically to traverse the park. The road is only open from June through early fall because of heavy snow in the winter. The road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, which is 6,646 feet high.
Patchwork Parkway – Utah
Drive the route once traveled by Native Americans and Pioneers as they hunted. The scenery offers remarkable canyons, plateaus and forests. The plateau provides views that extend for hundreds of miles in some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Highway 61 along Lake Superior – Minnesota
Highway 61 runs along the shores of Lake Superior and gives views of natural forests and granite cliffs over the lake. It’s part of the Lake Superior Circle Tour that runs through Minnesota, Ontario, Michigan and Wisconsin.
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