Warmer weather has us daydreaming of road trips to come. Though we may not be driving much right now, we’ve compiled a few of the best scenic drives in the U.S. to look forward to in months to come, from Oregon’s rocky coastline to the inlets of the Florida Keys.
Million Dollar Highway — Colorado
This 25-mile stretch in Western Colorado is not for the faint of heart. Running from rural Silverton to Ouray, its isolation is at once exhilarating and terrifying. The road winds through three mountain passes, the highest of which clocks in at 11,000 feet.
Blue Ridge Parkway — Virginia
John Denver knew what he was talking about when he sang about the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This meandering road through Virginia and the northern tip of the Carolinas offers an abundance of incredible overlooks. Fiery colors pop in fall, but the cool greens and blues of its summer vistas shine, too.
Overseas Highway — Florida
Endless views of emerald waters on both sides, a warm sun beating down, and nowhere in particular to be—that sounds like exactly what we need right now. Florida’s Overseas Highway, which runs 113 miles from Miami to Key West, takes about five hours to drive end to end. Stops and traffic vary, so snacks are a must (and be sure to grab a slice of Key lime pie somewhere along the way).
Highway 101 — Oregon
Follow the storied Pacific Northwest coastline, with sweeping ocean views and jawdropping cliffsides abound. Oregon’s rocky coast and charming seaside towns make for a perfect day spent driving and stopping off at local landmarks, like Tillamook Cheese Factory and Cannon Beach.
Red Rock Scenic Byway — Arizona
We’re feeling very Thelma and Louise when we picture ourselves roaring down this desolate desert highway, red rocks framing the road ahead. Technically only 7.5 miles total, this short-but-scenic byway ends in serene Sedona, with plenty of shops, eats, and arts to take in.
Park Loop Road — Maine
Though Maine’s Acadia National Park is closed right now, its Park Loop Road remains one of the most stunning drives in the country. In the future you can look forward to taking in blustery New England seascapes and serene stretches of forest as you meander along the coast of the northernmost state in the contiguous 48.
Going-to-the-Sun Road — Montana
You may recognize this windy mountain drive from the opening scenes of the The Shining. Tucked within Glacier National Park—also temporarily closed—this 50-mile road crosses the Continental Divide and boasts an interesting title: one of the most difficult to plow in North America. Up to 80 feet of snow has been recorded at the top of the road’s highest pass.
