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11 Scenic American Drives That Will Leave You Speechless
Ready to hit the road? Well, grab those keys because we’re about to jump into the ultimate guide to the most mind-blowing scenic drives the U.S. has to offer. Trust us, these routes will make your GPS burst into a round of applause.
From jaw-dropping coastal routes to mountain passes that might just make you believe in magic, we’ve got the lowdown on where to steer your wheels for maximum adventure. No ordinary Sunday drives here—these are the drives where every turn greets you with a new postcard-worthy view, and every mile feels like you’re cruising through a fake backdrop.
So, say goodbye to boring highways and hello to epic roads that even your car will thank you for. And hey, don’t forget to pack your sense of wonder and a killer playlist—because these drives aren’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about soaking in every moment along the way.
Big Sur Coast Highway, California
You know that feeling when a road trip becomes a life-altering event? That’s what Big Sur Coast Highway in California delivers. It’s a jaw-dropping 90 miles of coastal magnificence that will make your heart race faster than a sports car.
With rugged cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean and ancient redwoods towering above, it feels like driving through a National Geographic documentary. And let’s not forget the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, which turns a simple drive into a cinematic experience. One thing’s for sure: it’s going to set the standard for all your future road trips.
Overseas Highway, Florida
Detour alert: the Overseas Highway in Florida will make you question every other drive you’ve taken in your life. Stretching over 113 miles and hopping across 42 bridges like a champion island-hopper, this road offers views so grand you’ll wonder if you’ve stepped into a glossy travel magazine.
Crystal-clear waters on both sides, sun-soaked islands, and enough tropical vibes to make you forget about that inbox of unread work emails. It’s not just a drive; it’s a mobile vacation. Just one guarantee: you’ll be scrambling to find a way to extend your trip.
Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Craving a drive that takes you from red rock deserts to lush alpine forests? Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is your answer. At over 122 miles, this route feels like nature’s roller coaster. With jaw-dropping sights like Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, every twist and turn serves up a new marvel to stare at.
Plus, the landscape varies so wildly that you’ll think you’ve driven through multiple planets. It’s not just a drive; it’s an interstellar adventure without needing a NASA budget. And let’s be real: if your car had a bucket list, this route would be at the top.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Get ready to be blown away by the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana, where every twist and turn feels straight out of a blockbuster. This 50-mile route in Glacier National Park doesn’t just offer stunning visuals—it throws you right into the heart of jaw-dropping landscapes.
With towering mountain peaks and breathtaking valleys, it’s the kind of drive where you’ll start questioning why you don’t live here year-round. Plus, wildlife sightings? Oh, they’re practically guaranteed. Just be prepared to share the road with a family of mountain goats—it’s their highway too, after all.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Prepare to have your breath stolen by the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. This stretch of road doesn’t mess around; it’s 25 miles of sheer adventure between Ouray and Silverton. Hairpin turns? Check. Dramatic drop-offs with no guardrails? Double-check.
Trust us, the jaw-dropping views of the San Juan Mountains are worth every white-knuckle moment. And every twisty curve reveals eye-popping scenery that’ll make your camera beg for mercy. It’s said the road cost a million dollars a mile to build, but the priceless, adrenaline-tinged memories you’ll create are the true treasure here.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
Get lost in a tropical paradise on the Hana Highway, Hawaii’s answer to the road trip of your dreams. Stretching over 64 miles with more twists and turns than a soap opera plot, this route serves up jaw-dropping ocean views, dense rainforests, gushing waterfalls, and a chance of car sickness.
Each mile feels like you’ve stepped into a lush tropical rainforest. Who needs straight roads when you can have hairpin turns that reveal one natural wonder after another? And just when you think it can’t get better, you stumble upon delightful roadside fruit stands that make life feel, well, just a bit more “aloha.”
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Tired of the same old boring drives? Skyline Drive is your answer to road trip monotony. Running 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this route dishes out sweeping views of Shenandoah National Park, complete with deer giving you side-eye.
The fall foliage here? It’s a masterpiece. With 75 scenic overlooks, your phone’s camera roll is in for a workout. And we can attest to this as we were just here last fall. It’s perfect for leaf-peepers and sunset chasers as every lookout just one-ups the last.
Seward Highway, Alaska
Miles of jaw-dropping beauty await you on the Seward Highway. This 127-mile journey from Anchorage to Seward will have you pinching yourself at every turn. Towering fjords, lush forests, and glaciers so close you might be tempted to reach out and touch them.
Home to Beluga whales and bald eagles, the wildlife sightings are the cherry on top. And with each turn of the road, dramatic landscapes unfold like an epic saga. Convinced yet?
Mount Washington Auto Road, New Hampshire
Conquering Mount Washington Auto Road in New Hampshire feels like a rite of passage for any road trip enthusiast. As you ascend the 7.6-mile route, prepare for hairpin turns and steep inclines that challenge even the bravest adventurer.
The summit? A jaw-dropping 6,288 feet with panoramic views that make all the white-knuckle moments worth it. But the real badge of honor comes from navigating unpredictable weather, rapidly changing conditions, and the gale-force winds at the top of the mountain. Your car will feel like an intrepid explorer scaling new heights, and each glance out the window reaffirms that you’re driving on the edge of grandeur.
Columbia River Highway, Oregon
There’s no need to travel the entire world when you have the Columbia River Highway right here in Oregon. This 75-mile masterpiece winds its way through landscapes so varied that you’d swear they snuck in a few extra states.
Think cascading waterfalls that practically beg you to stop for a photo op, forests that look straight out of a fairy tale, and jaw-dropping views of the Columbia River Gorge. Plus, it was the first planned scenic highway in the U.S., so you know it didn’t come to play.
North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota
Take a drive on the wild side with Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive. Covering 154 miles of pure Minnesotan magic along Lake Superior’s shoreline, this route is like a greatest hits album of the natural world. From misty waterfalls to charming lighthouses and dense forests that seem to stretch into infinity, it’s a visual feast that promises to leave your jaw permanently dropped.
And let’s not forget the quirky small towns along the way, each offering a unique glimpse into North Shore life. This is the kind of road trip that transforms a simple drive into a legendary adventure.
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