Few things are tied to American culture more closely than a road trip. Due to the incredible geographic diversity of our country, there are many stretches of pavement just waiting for drivers to experience the beauty they have to offer. Here are four of the best highways in the United States on which to simply sit back and enjoy the view.
Route 66
No road is more iconic to the history of America than the original Route 66. Starting in Chicago, the road runs through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before coming to an end in Santa Monica, California, giving it a staggering distance of 2,448 miles. Many cities and states have taken steps to restore the road to its former glory. Today, it provides one of the most scenic trips through the heartland of America, and it’s an ideal way to spend a family vacation.
Red Rock Scenic Byway
More of a destination than a full-day event, the Red Rock Scenic Byway makes up for its unimpressive 14.5-mile length with staggering beauty. The road runs from Sedona, Arizona, through the heart of Coconino National Park and features the picturesque red rock that gives this stretch of road its nickname. This stretch of road has been the setting of thousands of pictures and paintings through the years. Thus making it a must-visit site for artists and photographers.
Blue Ridge Parkway
You would be hard-pressed to name a more beautiful destination in the fall than the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway. Stretching through the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina, it’s the longest linear park in America. The Parkway has a total distance of 469 miles. This beautiful stretch of road is the ideal place for a weekend getaway with your significant other.
Pacific Coast Highway
No list of the best highways in the United States would be complete without mentioning the Pacific Coast Highway. This network of roads unofficially stretches from Seattle to the Pacific coast before descending south down U.S. Route 101, finally coming to an end 1,540 miles later in Los Angeles. Countless popular culture mediums have immortalized the Pacific Coast Highway’s beauty. This route is also ideal for making a family move because it avoids most of the dullness of the interstates while offering a truly breathtaking view of everything the Pacific coast has to offer.