10 of America’s Most Scenic Drives
You don’t have to board an airplane to enjoy some of the world’s most gorgeous and scenic spots. An extensive trip to Australia allows you to check out The Great Barrier Reef and some adorable wildlife. However, if The Great Barrier Reef isn’t on your itinerary and you can’t afford such an elaborate vacation, simply pack up your trunk and slide behind your automobile to embark on some of the most scenic road trips our country offers. Some areas may only take you a few hours to arrive at, while others may be a cross-country trip. With a little bit of planning, you can embark on a journey to experience the most scenic drives in America.
The Blue Ridge Parkway: A Journey Through Appalachian Splendor
The Blue Ridge Parkway includes approximately 469 miles of roads that make their way through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. It’s a beautiful scenic drive regardless of the season, though fall tends to be the most popular time of year for people to visit, thanks to the foliage. There are several ski resorts along this path as well, making winter the perfect time to visit. In addition, you can see several tourist locations in the Appalachian Mountains, enjoying the opportunity to pan for things like gold, topaz, emeralds, and rubies. You can also spend some time in the woods, looking for unique species of birds.
17-Mile Drive in California
Located near California’s Monterey Peninsula, the 17-mile Drive passes through Pacific Grover, Del Monte Forest, and Pebble Beach. There’s plenty of beauty to see, such as cliffs, lookout points, winding roads, groups of harbor seals, and breathtaking spots where the sunset looks more beautiful than you’ve ever seen it before.
Schedule enough time to stop and see the Lone Cypress and Bird Rock. As one of the most photographed trees in North America, the Lone Cypress is a Monterey cypress tree located in the heart of Pebble Beach, California. It’s located on top of a granite cliff that overlooks Carmel Bay.
Journey to the Florida Keys: U.S. 1
Once you leave the main section of Florida and travel to the Keys, you feel like you’re entering an entirely new world. The Florida Keys has a very relaxed vibe, with plenty of restaurants, bars, water sports, coral reef parks, and lighthouses to check out. In addition, you can stop at the docks of Islamorada, which is the sport fishing capital of the world.
Even if fishing doesn’t interest you, you can find it in a charming little town. Here, you can savor the local cuisine, soak in live music, and watch the sunset.
Established in 1957, National Key Deer Refuge is located in the Florida Keys. It was created to protect and preserve the Key deer population and other wildlife found in this area. Spanning across 8,542 acres, this is the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature.
The Bluebonnet Trail in Texas: A Flowerful Adventure
Texas’ official state flower is the bluebonnet, and you can visit The Bluebonnet Trail to enjoy these gorgeous, spiky flowers with a bright blue hue. The best time to make this scenic drive is between the months of March and May, when bluebonnets are in full bloom. The trail begins in Austin, Texas, where the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center is located.
Lady Bird Johnson was the first lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969 the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The beautification of our country was a priority of hers. As you travel east of U.S. Route 290, you’ll spot bluebonnets on the side of the road. They’re very prevalent in Brenham, which is on the way to Houston. If you explore various tourism websites on social media for a while, you can locate some of the best small patches of bluebonnets. Just a hint: some of them are situated in the Buffalo Bayou and Hermann Parks.