The spirit of adventure runs deep here in the U.S. especially with the classic car enthusiasts and that is why we cannot wait to explore more classic car scenic drives. The US is a place comprised of 50 wholly unique states and an amazing melting pot of cultures. This drive to explore is quite literally a drive to explore, too, with the country connected by a series of the most scenic highways and byways, iconic bridges, and backcountry roads. Route 66 is obviously the epitome of the Great American Drive, but it’s by no means the only route worth traveling. Buckle up and get ready to explore; these scenic drives in the U.S. are sure to fuel your wanderlust, no matter how insatiable it might be!
For the classic car owner taking a road trip can be a bit more involved than just jumping you’re your favorite late model sedan so that is why we recommend making the proper road trip preparations as well as planning for any possible breakdowns before you “hit the road”.
The following are a few more classic car scenic drives for your car and family to explore:
The Car Scenic Drive Along: Highway 101 - Oregon
Life really is about the journey… not the destination. And nowhere is this more evident than along Highway 101. Part of the Pacific Coast Highway, this waterfront route runs parallel to the ocean, offering not only spectacular sights but also unsurpassed opportunities for off-road adventures. This is especially true in Oregon, where Highway 101 spans the length of the eponymous Oregon Coast: 363 miles of pure, PNW splendor. Sea stacks and tide pools, verdant green foliage and black basalt cliffs, lighthouses, and sand dunes — this is the Oregon Coast, and Highway 101 is the perfect place to have an epic road trip adventure.
Going-to-the-Sun Road - Montana
One of the very best ways to embrace your wanderlust is to venture out on a good, old-fashioned road trip. The U.S. is full of scenic byways and backcountry roads that will show you some of America’s most swoon-worthy natural wonders; of these routes, there’s one in Montana with a name that truly captures its splendor, and that’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trans-mountain highway is 50 miles of pure Montana majesty, carved out of the rugged terrain and mighty mountains of Glacier National Park. And while Glacier is certainly one of the most wondrous national parks in the country, Going-to-the-Sun Road takes the experience to another level entirely.
Pacific Coast Highway - California, Oregon, and Washington
If the ocean has your heart and soul, there’s no better route than the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most famous scenic drives in the PNW, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway stretches along Highway 1 for 656 miles, connecting Northern California and Southern California, Oregon, and Washington. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly while ogling the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches, and endless blue skies. Construction on this modern-day marvel began in 1933, with the highway completed in small segments over the next several years. In fact, it was not until the 1964 state highway renumbering that the entire route was officially designated as SR 1. On this epic route, you’ll be treated to stunning ocean views right outside your car window for an iconic experience that’s every road tripper’s dream.
17 Mile Drive - California
When you find yourself craving coastal serenity, set out on the world-famous 17-Mile Drive. This beloved scenic drive is considered the ultimate way to explore California’s famed Monterey Peninsula, and it’s an experience everyone should have at least once. Boasting endless views of the Pacific Ocean and access to some of the region’s most popular natural attractions, this oceanfront drive will have you hooked from the moment you hit the road. This scenic route primarily serves as the main road through Pebble Beach, a gated community where non-residents must pay a toll of $10.50 per vehicle. It may seem like a steep price for a scenic drive, but the coastal beauty that awaits is so totally worth it.
Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park showcases the stunning geology of Utah and is a natural wonder that’s well-worth exploring. Its name is a misnomer — Bryce Canyon is not a canyon at all; it’s more than a dozen natural red-rock amphitheaters and cliffs totaling 35,835 awe-inspiring acres. While best-known for its stellar hiking, there are numerous scenic drives in the park that allow for equally incredible views. Come and experience a sunrise or sunset if you can — the morning and evening light casts the park in a soft glow that’s stunning.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway - South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the most underrated states in the country, and on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, you’ll get a front-row seat to some of the best scenery this state has to offer. This byway spans 22 miles and connects the towns of Spearfish and Lead via winding roads, mature trees, and rocky cliffs. But for such a short road trip, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway packs a big scenic punch; Spearfish Creek lines the canyon floor, and Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls make for popular roadside attractions. Beautiful all year round, this drive is especially fantastic in the autumn, when fall foliage begins to peak. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour, forcing drivers to slow down and really savor the resplendence of South Dakota’s Black Hills.
Route 66
In terms of Great American road trips, none compares to Route 66. Known as the Mother Road, this undulating ribbon of asphalt was the country’s original road trip, launched in 1926 to connect the Midwest to the West Coast, from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. In its heyday, Route 66 attracted thousands of road trip warriors each year; over the decades, motels, roadside attractions, and communities sprang up along the route. After it was decommissioned in 1985, it was no longer considered a major roadway, and travel started to wane. Traveling along this route truly is a bucket-list must for any self-described road tripper, as is visiting the eponymous Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, located in Pontiac, Illinois.
The Great Mississippi River Road Scenic Drives
We have all heard of the ‘Great American Road Trip,’ an epic adventure that leads travelers to all the amazing places this country of ours has to offer. But what about a road trip along the Great River Road? This epic road trip traces the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states and will open your eyes to America the Beautiful. This All-American Road is lauded as *the* single-best scenic drive in the country, and it’s hard to argue with such a superlative. From the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Illinois and the Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri to the bayous of Arkansas and bustling streets of New Orleans, Great River Road truly is an All-American adventure for your classic car scenic drives bucket list.
Natchez Trace Parkway - Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee
Spanning 444 miles through three states (Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee), the Natchez Trace Parkway passes by more than 90 points of interest, which run the gamut from natural wonders to perfectly-preserved historic sites. This is a road designed to showcase the bucolic beauty of the American South, and you’ll want to allow for plenty of time to sit back, soak up the scenery, and see where the road takes you — because it’s going to be someplace beautiful.
Ocean Drive - Rhode Island
This 10-mile route is one of the most iconic in the Northeast, offering drivers unrivaled views of the Rhode Island coastline. This scenic trip is flanked with incredible views of the coast, with the rugged shores of the Atlantic offering a startling and sublime contrast to the gilded homes on its shores. Though the route is only 10 miles long, it’s one you’ll want to reserve plenty of time for, with numerous points of interest beckoning travelers to stop and explore. The first leg of the trip, in fact, wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at Fort Adams State Park. Visit the largest coastal fort in the country and enjoy a tour, explore the tunnels, or simply stroll the waterfront bay walk. Brenton Point State Park is another must-visit on Ocean Drive; in the summer, the skies above this lovely park are filled with whimsical, colorful kites that seem to dance above the Rhode Island shores!
Hana Highway - Hawaii
It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana along the eponymous Hana Highway, which traverses past sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees and vistas straight out of “Jurassic Park.” But this drive is not for the faint of heart. Hana Highway is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island of Maui — and possibly all of Hawaii — but it’s also nerve-wracking, to say the least. This incredible highway is home to a whopping 620 curves, making it the windiest road in the Aloha State, and one best attempted with a slow and steady hand (and foot!). But if you happen to have a strong stomach, there’s no better way to revel in the resplendence of the Aloha State, making Hana Highway a bucket-list must.
Dalton Highway - Alaska
There are many ways to experience the rugged resplendence of the Last Frontier, from camping and hiking to stargazing and snowshoeing. But you don’t have to be an avid outdoor enthusiast to revel in the state’s untold beauty; simply buckle up and drive the Dalton Highway. Constructed in 1974, this 414-mile road passes through incredible landscapes that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world, meriting the route a top spot on any adventurer’s bucket list. One of the most striking points of interest along the way is the Brooks Range, a 126-million-year-old mountain that spans from western Alaska all the way to Canada’s Yukon Territory. The entire range is within the Arctic Circle, and most of the drive along the Dalton is also within this grand region, too! The road is a designated Scenic Byway, too, and once you travel it for yourself, you’ll understand why.
Finally
From coast to coast (and everything in between), America is one big map for classic car scenic drives or cruises to explore for adventures. As always be safe out there. The only question for the car cruise lover is: which classic car scenic drive will you tackle first?
Great summary of some great experiences available to c c lovers!