The United States is a country that is full of scenic drives and breathtaking views. It can be challenging to narrow down the top ten most scenic drives, but we have come up with a list that will take you on a journey through the country’s most stunning landscapes.
1. Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a relatively short drive of 655 miles. Still, it is one of the most famous drives, thanks to its breathtaking views of the California coast. The route takes you through Big Sur, where you will see rugged cliffs leading straight into the Pacific Ocean, vast expanses of golden sand beaches, and charming seaside towns.
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile drive through Montana’s Glacier National Park. The road takes you through rugged mountains and past crystal-clear lakes, with stunning views of valleys and meadows. The road is also home to iconic landmarks, such as Logan Pass and the Continental Divide.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. The scenic drive takes you through the Appalachian Mountains and offers stunning views of the forested hills, rolling valleys, and rushing rivers. Along the way, you will see charming small towns, historic sites, and hiking trails.
4. Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway in Montana is a 68-mile drive that takes you through the Beartooth Mountain Range. The road is renowned for its stunning views, which include snow-capped peaks, glassy lakes, and fields of wildflowers. The drive also features dramatic switchbacks and steep grades that will take your breath away.
5. Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado is a 25-mile stretch of the US Route 550 from Silverton to Ouray. The drive offers panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, with rugged peaks, deep valleys, and high alpine meadows. The road also features sharp curves with steep drop-offs, making it a challenging but rewarding drive.
6. Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway, also known as Route 112, is a 56-mile scenic drive through the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The drive takes you through dense forests, past sparkling lakes, and over high mountain passes. The road is especially stunning in the fall when the leaves turn to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
7. Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile drive that takes you from mainland Florida to Key West through the Florida Keys. The highway traverses dozens of bridges and offers stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you will see countless palm trees, lighthouses, and historic sites.
8. Extraterrestrial Highway
The Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada is a 98-mile drive through the desolate and remote desert of Area 51. The road is famous for its connection to alleged UFO sightings and is a favorite of conspiracy theorists. The drive offers stunning views of the desert landscape, with distant mountains and vast stretches of nothingness.
9. The Great River Road
The Great River Road is a 3,000-mile journey along the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to Louisiana. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the river’s dramatic bluffs and rolling hills, charming river towns, and lush farmlands. The road is also home to numerous historic sites, museums, and festivals.
10. Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive is a 105-mile drive through Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. The scenic drive offers stunning views of the park’s forested hills and the lush Shenandoah Valley below. The road is also a favorite of hikers, with more than 500 miles of hiking trails to explore.
In conclusion, these ten scenic drives provide breathtaking views of America’s diverse landscapes, from rugged mountain ranges to coastal cliffs, from dense forests to barren deserts. These drives offer experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. All you have to do is get behind the wheel and start your journey.
