Planes and trains are faster, but a car offers the best way to appreciate the beauty of The United States. There’s something cathartic about being out on the open road. You can set your favorite playlist, roll down the windows, and cruise along at your own pace.
Where can you go? The majestic Catskills Mountains of New York and the Poconos of Pennsylvania, offer much-needed respite from the city hustle. The Midwest has just about every kind of scenery you can imagine, from prairies to mountains and waterfalls to lakes. Out West, you’ll find nine national parks in California—the most of any other state. There’s too much to possibly see in a lifetime.
Grab some friends and go for a scenic drive along these highways and roads in the U.S.
Going To The Sun Road – Montana
This road stretches approximately 50 miles and is part of Glacier National Park. Summer and fall are the ideal times to visit, not to mention safer. In the winter, it can take many weeks for plows to clear the snow, and the road gets slippery with ice.
According to the National Park Service, “the lower elevation sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road remain open all year and provide access to many locations and activities. The summer opening date of the alpine portion varies from year to year, based on snowfall and plowing progress. There is no set date for the road to open over Logan Pass. Typically, the road has been fully open by early July.”
Pacific Coast Highway – California
The Pacific Coast Highway is a masterpiece of human labor, and construction started in 1930. You’ll be in awe of the rugged coastline, the mountains, and where the sky meets the Pacific.
If you want to do the whole highway without stopping, that’ll take about 10 hours depending on your speed. It’s definitely a good idea to book accommodations along the way, to avoid fatigue.
According to Visit The USA, “Thanks to California’s mild weather, you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway at any time of year. The best weather is expected from late spring through fall, with the busiest travel season in July and August.”
Palisades Scenic Byway – New Jersey
How’s this for a twofer? Driving along this byway allows you to take in views of New Jersey and New York.
The National Scenic Byway Foundation explains, “This 19-mile-long Byway truly has it all, from lush forest scenes to views of the George Washington Bridge and New York City.
When you need a break from all the driving, there are opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and biking. Some points of interest include the State Line Lookout and Rockefeller Lookout, where you can see the New York skyline.
History lovers might also enjoy Fort Lee Historic Park and Visitor Center.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – Michigan
If you want a shorter road trip, check out the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, named for a lumberjack who helped develop the road.
The National Park Service urges drivers to abide by the 20 mph speed limit, and to keep an eye out for cyclists. And for those who want to bike the distance, make sure you have the stamina. The road gets spicy in places.
Sites of interest here include Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Glen Lake.
Badlands Loop Road – South Dakota
You might want to hand the wheel to somebody else, so you can get top-tier photos of Badlands Loop Road. It’s like being transported to another time, long ago.
Enjoy 31 dramatic miles of pinnacles and spires—a nod to the state’s pre-historic past. It’s no wonder that it’s a popular spot for paleontologists.
There are several overlooks where you can pull over and take in the scenery. Some include Big Badlands Overlook, Burns Basin Overlook, and Pinnacles Overlook.
