The United States is filled with beautiful roads, but some routes stand out above the rest. Here we highlight the Top 10 Most Scenic Drives in the U.S. – from California’s breathtaking coastal Highway 1 to the tropical Overseas Highway in Florida. These legendary drives offer stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences for road trippers. Planning a big road trip from Illinois? Before you leave Chicago, make sure you’re protected – call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 for reliable auto coverage.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of the most iconic scenic drives in America. This coastal route spans over 600 miles along California’s Pacific shoreline, treating drivers to endless ocean vistas on one side and rugged cliffs or redwood forests on the other. As you cruise this highway, you’ll pass through charming beach towns, cross famous bridges like Bixby Creek Bridge, and wind along the dramatic Big Sur coastline.
It’s a dream trip for many road trippers, including folks from Chicago looking for a change of scenery from the flat Midwest. Summer offers some of the clearest views, though morning fog can linger along the shore. Take your time on this route. Pull off at scenic overlooks, enjoy fresh seafood in seaside villages, and soak in the California sun as you drive.
2. Overseas Highway, Florida
Florida’s Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1 through the Keys) is a unique drive that hops across the ocean. This 113-mile highway connects the string of tropical islands known as the Florida Keys, from Key Largo down to Key West. Much of the drive is over turquoise waters – including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, where you’ll feel like you’re gliding across the sea with blue sky above and water on all sides.
Road trippers from all over, even as far away as Chicago, come to experience this one-of-a-kind route. Along the way, you can stop to feed tarpon at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada or relax on the sandy beaches of Bahia Honda State Park.
3. Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming
If you’re seeking jaw-dropping mountain scenery, Beartooth Highway delivers. This high-altitude road stretches about 68 miles between Red Lodge, Montana, and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It climbs up to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass, treating drivers to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, alpine tundra, and glacial lakes.
For a Chicagoan used to flat Illinois highways, the Beartooth’s steep switchbacks and lofty vistas are truly breathtaking. The road is typically open only from late spring to early fall due to heavy snowfall the rest of the year.
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel that crosses Glacier National Park in Montana. The road winds its way up and over the Continental Divide, reaching a peak at Logan Pass (6,646 feet). Along this narrow mountain road, you’ll encounter crystal-clear glacial lakes, towering rocky peaks, and even waterfalls spilling right onto the roadway.
This route is only open during the warmer months (typically late June through early fall) because of heavy snow in winter. It’s wise to start early in the day to beat the crowds and make use of daylight for sightseeing.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and for good reason. Spanning 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, it connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. As you drive this winding parkway, you’ll be treated to rolling mountain ridges draped in forest.
This route has a leisurely pace, with a speed limit around 45 mph and plenty of scenic pull-offs. You can pause at historic sites, visitor centers, and hiking trailheads along the way.
6. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive is a scenic 105-mile road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing 75+ overlooks with panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Piedmont region to the east.
Skyline Drive is a slower-paced route (35 mph speed limit in the national park) meant for sightseeing. Keep an eye out for wildlife here – deer are common, and you might even spot a black bear from a safe distance.
7. U.S. Route 66, Illinois to California
No list of great drives would be complete without Historic Route 66 – the “Mother Road” of America. This legendary highway originally stretched about 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Route 66 isn’t a mountain or coastal drive like others on this list, but it earns its fame from the slice of Americana along the way.
Highlights of a Route 66 journey include:
- Starting Point (Chicago, IL): Snap a photo at the “Begin Route 66” sign on Adams Street in downtown Chicago.
- Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX): An art installation of half-buried, graffitied classic cars.
- Santa Monica Pier (CA): The symbolic end of Route 66 at the Pacific Ocean.
8. Great River Road, Mississippi River
The Great River Road isn’t a single highway, but a network of roads following the course of the Mississippi River for over 2,000 miles. It traces the path of America’s most famous river from its northern start in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.
Because the Mississippi forms Illinois’ western border, part of the Great River Road runs right through Illinois, making it an easy scenic drive to start for Chicago-area explorers.
9. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
High in the Colorado Rockies, Trail Ridge Road takes you literally over the top. This spectacular road through Rocky Mountain National Park climbs to 12,183 feet in elevation at its highest point, earning the title of the highest continuous paved road in the United States.
Due to its elevation, Trail Ridge Road is generally open only from late May to October. Even in summer, it can be chilly up top, so bring a jacket.
10. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
Maui’s Hana Highway (Road to Hana) is a lush, tropical adventure that feels worlds away from the mainland. This famous drive stretches about 64 miles from Paia to the small town of Hana in East Maui. Don’t let the short distance fool you – with roughly 620 curves and 59 narrow bridges, it’s a slow, winding journey through rainforests and along cliff edges.
Driving the Hana Highway is about enjoying the journey, not rushing to the destination. Many rental car travelers (including visitors from Chicago) take a full day to explore this route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the minimum auto insurance required in Illinois?
A: Illinois law requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/20 liability coverage on their auto insurance. That means a minimum of $25,000 for injury per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. While these are the legal minimums, many Chicago drivers opt for higher limits or additional coverage (like comprehensive and collision) to better protect themselves on the road.
Q: Does my Illinois car insurance cover me in other states?
A: Yes. If you have valid Illinois auto insurance, your policy will generally cover you for road trips across the U.S. and even Canada. When you drive out of state, your coverage automatically adjusts to meet that state’s minimum requirements, so you can enjoy scenic drives nationwide with peace of mind.
Q: How can I prepare my car for a long road trip from Chicago?
A: Start by getting a thorough vehicle check-up – inspect the brakes, tires, oil, and fluids, or have a mechanic do it. Pack an emergency kit with items like a spare tire, jumper cables, first aid, and water, especially if you’ll be in remote areas. Finally, make sure your insurance ID cards are accessible and your policy includes roadside assistance.
Q: If I get a speeding ticket on a road trip, will it affect my Illinois insurance?
A: It can. Most states share traffic violation information with Illinois, so an out-of-state speeding ticket may appear on your driving record back home. Once it’s on your record, your Chicago insurance provider will see it, and it could lead to a rate increase.
Get a Quote Today!
Insure on the Spot is proud to serve Chicago drivers with our local auto insurance expertise. We understand what Illinois motorists need for smooth, worry-free travels – from daily commutes to cross-country road trips. If you’re planning your next scenic drive, make sure you have quality coverage in place. Give us a call at 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to hit the road with confidence and peace of mind.