10 Jaw-Dropping United States Scenic Drives You’ve Got to Experience
Planning an all-American road trip? Then you’re in for a ride! The American open road is magical. The scenery is beautiful and endless with options from dusty deserts to coastal highways and awe-inspiring mountain passes. There is so much to see on the open road and lots to explore.
Grab your camera, snacks, and a sense of wonder, and Join us on a breathtaking journey through 10 scenic routes in the United States.
Pacific Coast Highway
One of the best-known routes in the country, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) delivers jaw-dropping views on every corner. This drive stretches over California’s coastline, with views of the Pacific Ocean, lovely beach towns, and the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur. You’ll find yourself pulling over all the time, not just to take photos but to enjoy the salty air, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Don’t miss the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, which has become a road trip and Instagram hit.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway snakes through Virginia and North Carolina and is a feast for the eyes in the fall. The leaves are vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows and the drive is perfect for a slow-paced adventure with so many overlooks and places to admire. You can experience Appalachian culture through local crafts, music, and food. Have you ever made apple butter? Now’s your chance.
Route 66
It’s not called the “Mother Road” for nothing. Route 66 might be the most iconic slice of Americana, driving from Chicago to Santa Monica. Much of the original route has been replaced by highways, but stretches of it exist clichéd with quirky roadside attractions. Neon signs, vintage diners, and the occasional giant fiberglass dinosaur are what comes to mind. This is a nostalgic trip through small town America, and if you love a bit of history with your road trip, this is for you.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Driving Montana’s Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is like driving through a postcard. Its climb to jaw-dropping heights affords views of rugged mountains, crystal clear lakes, and mountain goats. Plan for an early start to this adventure to get off the trail before crowds swell, and for a chance to see the morning light play off nearby peaks.
Overseas Highway
The Florida Keys are connected by this 113-mile route, hopping from island to island across bridges that skim turquoise water. The Seven Mile Bridge stretches over the blue sea, making for a scenic drive, and a memorable road trip. It’s the perfect drive to crank up some Jimmy Buffett and embrace the tropical vibes.
Great River Road
Tracing the mighty Mississippi River, the Great River Road meanders through 10 states with lush forests, wide-open views of the water, and charming river towns. This historic drive tours Civil War battlefields, Native American mounds, and old riverboats. You’ll be humming ‘Proud Mary’ as you cruise along, and it’s as much about the culture — as it is the scenery.
Hana Highway
The Hana Highway on Maui is not a drive, it’s an adventure. This route, winding through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along cliffs with a thrilling sheer drop into the ocean, isn’t a drive for the faint of heart. One-lane bridges and tight curves mean you’ll want to keep your eyes on the road and maybe let someone else take the photos.
Beartooth Highway
One of the most beautiful drives in the country is the Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming, and it’s not hard to see why. Traversing this high-altitude route you can climb over 10,000 feet and see snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacier lakes. The road is often closed in the colder months, so summer is the best time to go. It can be chilly even in July, so bring a jacket!!!
Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway, or ‘The Kanc,’ in New Hampshire is a favorite for its beautiful fall foliage. The 34.5-mile route traverses the White Mountains and has brilliant colors, rushing rivers, and scenic trails. It’s a shorter drive but makes up for it in sheer beauty. Make a quick stop at Sabbaday Falls for a quick hike to a perfect picture waterfall.
Highway 12
Utah’s Highway 12 is a natural wonderland. This drive runs between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks and features a red rock landscape, sweeping desert views, canyons, and ghost towns. If you love the rugged beauty of the American Southwest, it’s a must-do. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to catch a sunset, you’ll be stunned.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
