You don’t have to cross the country to get breathtaking views from the seat of your car! From Maine to Florida, the U.S. East Coast is full of stunning scenic drives. The next time you’re planning a road trip, consider these scenic drives for an amazing experience.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The most popular of all scenic East Coast drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway traverses two states and offers drivers some of the most incredible scenery this side of the Mississippi. Starting in Virginia in Shenandoah National Park and ending in North Carolina near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Parkway offers breathtaking views of East Coast mountains, especially in the fall.
The Blue Ridge Parkway passes through four regions, each offering their own unique scenery. All along the Parkway, you’ll find multiple spots to pull over and stop, allowing you to take in the amazing scenery, and you’ll drive through multiple tunnels and pass by popular cities and attractions like Roanoke, VA, and Asheville, NC, Chimney Rock State Park, the Biltmore Estate and countless breweries, hiking trails and more.
The Overseas Highway
If you prefer saltwater and palm trees to rivers and mountains, then driving the Overseas Highway on U.S. 1 in Florida is a must. This stretch of highway takes you into the famous Florida Keys, starting in Miami and ending in Key West. Totaling 113 miles, the Overseas Highway features 42 bridges and all the blue ocean water and sunshine you could hope for. Along the way, you’ll cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon. Be sure to check out the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada, too!
Once you reach Key West, get ready to relax. Grab some Key Lime Pie as a reward for completing the drive, dip your feet in the water or just enjoy the breathtaking views.
Skyline Drive
The Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t the only mountain drive on the East Coast. Spanning 105 miles of Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive offers an abundance of gorgeous scenery. The drive begins in Front Royal, VA, and ends south in Rockfish Gap, VA, and includes 75 overlooks. If you finish at the southern end of the Skyline Drive, consider heading east and exploring Charlottesville, VA, a college town full of history, culture and great food and drinks.
