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10 Best Scenic Drives in America: The Perfect Road Trip Guide

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10 Best Scenic Drives in America: The Perfect Road Trip Guide 1

The Ultimate American Road Trip

Just imagine yourself driving on a clear road, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, mountains, forests, wildlife, and the sound of nature. This is what a road trip looks like; it’s an adventure full of fun, exploration and adventure. America has some of the best scenic drives, and taking a road trip, whether solo or with friends and family, is a must! From diverse regions to unique landmarks, history, and culture, these drives showcase the very best of America’s beauty.

The Best Scenic Drives in America

Here are 10 of the best scenic drives in America:

  • Route 66 – Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
  • Pacific Coast Highway – San Francisco to San Diego, California
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
  • Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park, Montana
  • Great River Road – From Minnesota to Louisiana along the Mississippi River
  • Route 1 – Florida Keys
  • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument – Utah
  • Alaska Highway – Alaska to British Columbia, Canada
  • Hana Highway – Maui, Hawaii
  • Bitterroot Valley – Montana to Idaho
  • Route 66

    This iconic 2,448-mile stretch is one of America’s most famous roads, and for good reason. Starting in Chicago, the route takes you through small towns, deserts, mountains, and historic landmarks. Expect to see the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle near Collinsville and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. The best time to drive this route is from May to October to avoid harsh winter conditions.

    Pacific Coast Highway

    The Pacific Coast Highway is a picturesque coastal drive that takes you from San Francisco to San Diego. You’ll drive along the stunning coastline, watching the waves crash against the rocks, and spotting marine life like whales and dolphins. Other attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, and the Sea Lion Caves. The best time to drive this route is from September to April when the weather is mild.

    Blue Ridge Parkway

    A perfect drive for those who appreciate mountains, forests, and nature, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic route that takes you from Virginia to North Carolina. The drive gives you a chance to see wildlife like deer, black bears, and elk. The fall season is the best time to visit as the trees change color, turning the area into a picture-perfect landscape.

    Going-to-the-Sun Road

    Going-to-the-Sun Road is Montana’s only national park and is a perfect destination for those seeking breathtaking mountain views, valleys, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife. This 50-mile stretch takes you through the heart of Glacier National Park and provides stunning views of the park’s most remarkable features. The road is usually open from June to September, and the best time of day to drive is in the early morning when the road is less crowded.

    Great River Road

    The Great River Road spans ten states, starting in Minnesota and ending in Louisiana. The drive takes you along the Mississippi River where you can experience small towns and see historic sites like Civil War cemeteries, antebellum homes, and lighthouses. The Great River Road is a year-round drive, but the best time to take this route is during spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the colors of the foliage are breathtaking.

    Route 1 – Florida Keys

    The Florida Keys are a scenic chain of islands about 120 miles long and connected by the Overseas Highway. The trip from Miami to Key West will take you about four hours, and you’ll pass through small towns, beautiful beaches, and the astonishing Seven Mile Bridge. Snorkeling, swimming, and fishing are some of the best activities you can do on this drive. The best time to visit the Florida Keys is between March and May.

    Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

    This scenic area in southern Utah is perfect for those who love outdoor activities, vast landscapes, and unique geological formations. The Grand Staircase-Escalante Area has some of the best hiking trails, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, and rock climbing. You’ll also experience unique dinosaur fossil sites and Native American cultural sites. The best time to visit this area is between March and May when the weather is not too hot.

    Alaska Highway

    The Alaska Highway is the ultimate adventure for those seeking the great outdoors, remote towns, unspoiled nature, and wildlife. The 1,390-mile drive takes you from British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction, Alaska. You’ll come across crystal-clear lakes, forests, mountain ranges, and chances to spot wildlife like brown bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. The best time to travel this highway is from late May to early September when the weather is mild.

    Hana Highway

    If you’re visiting Maui, the Hana Highway is a must-do activity. The 52-mile stretch has 600+ hairpin turns, 59 bridges, and breathtaking waterfalls and beaches. You’ll drive through lush tropical rainforest, seeing waterfalls like Twin Falls and Wailua Falls. You’ll also experience black sand beaches like Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach. The best time to drive this route is during the dry season, from April to October when the weather is stable.

    Bitterroot Valley

    The Bitterroot Valley is a scenic drive that takes you from Montana to Idaho. This valley is in the northwest part of the Rockies and offers stunning views of open spaces, jagged peaks, and wildlife. You’ll pass through rustic towns, experience outdoor activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and fishing. The best time to visit this area is during the summer months when the weather is warm. Explore this external website to gain more insight into the subject. Luxury Travel https://www.overtheplanet.com!

    In Conclusion

    Road trips are a great way to experience America’s beauty, diversity, and culture, and there is no shortage of scenic drives to explore. From Alaska to Florida, these 10 scenic drives offer something for everyone. Remember to always put safety first by obeying traffic rules, carrying an emergency kit, and staying hydrated. Happy driving!

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