4 Most Spectacular Roads in the USA

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The most spectacular roads in the USA have long been regarded as among the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. From lush greenery over rolling hills to ice caps on scenic mountainous terrain, there’s plenty to discover in the United States.

Now is the perfect time to hit the road and enjoy the open air. You don’t even need to have a car. You can get affordable car rental deals that will allow you to travel across the picturesque roads of America without breaking the bank. 

Here are the most breathtaking roads to travel in the US for a fun-filled adventure:

1. Overseas Highway: Florida to Key West

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Florida Keys, one of the best ways to get there is to traverse the Overseas Highway, the only stretch of pavement connecting the Keys to the mainland. The Overseas Highway is a series of roads and bridges spanning the 120-mile island chain to Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States.

Before the road became open to vehicular traffic, the only connection from the mainland USA to the Keys was Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway. However, the railway was short-lived, as part of the track was destroyed by a hurricane a few years after construction. 

Aerial view of Overseas Highway
Aerial view of Overseas Highway

When reconstruction began, the engineers converted the railway into roads, which have since become the picturesque Overseas Highway. The remnants of the old railroad make up part of the scenic views you’ll find when using the road. 

To get the best views and pictures, you should traverse the highway at sunrise or sunset. The golden hours provide outstanding displays of colors that reflect on the water. 

Note, however, that parts of the road are notorious for traffic snarl-ups that often bring things to a crawl. Also, although it’s technically a highway, it is crucial to stay within the speed limit since some parts have animal crossings. 

2. Pacific Coast Highway: San Diego to San Francisco

Another American road filled with picturesque views is the Pacific Coast Highway in California. It is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic roads in the world, teeming with towering mountains, endless coastlines, and breathtaking cliffs. 

It takes about 10 hours to drive the entire highway without any stops and to fully appreciate the natural wonders along this route, you’ll need to make a few stops. In fact, travel enthusiasts are encouraged to stay overnight along the way to take in the marvelous views without feeling rushed.  

Stunning view of Pacific Coast Highway
Stunning view of Pacific Coast Highway (Photo courtesy of 12019/Pixabay)

Furthermore, traversing the Pacific Coast Highway will take you through exciting destinations full of adventure and spirit. An ideal road trip through this enchanting road would start in San Francisco through Santa Cruz, where you can see the enchanting Devil’s Slide. 

Your next stop should be at Big Sur, where you can marvel at the redwood forests that drop from the mighty mountains to the dramatic coastline. 

When planning a road trip through the Pacific Coast Highway, avoid going during June and August when the road has high traffic. It is also advised to avoid traversing the route during winter since some areas are prone to mudslides.

3. Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier National Park, Montana

The Going-to-the-Sun Road should be on the list of all road trip lovers and travel addicts. It’s a 52-mile road that bisects Glacier National Park in Montana. 

The road traverses nearly all the landscapes in the park, including cedar forests, glacial lakes, and valleys. The Going-to-the-Sun Road also crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. 

Moreover, since engineers designed the road to pass through the park, it is dotted with various viewpoints throughout its length, which made the Going-to-the-Sun Road a place in the National Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks.

Going-to-the-Sun Road during daytime
Going-to-the-Sun Road during daytime (Photo courtesy of MikeGoad/Pixabay)

The best time to traverse the Going-to-the-sun Road is during summer and fall. This is because the area receives a lot of snow during the winter, making the roads nearly impassable. Always check with local authorities when using the route to ensure you remain safe during your trip. 

4. Hawai’i Belt Road: Big Island, Hawaii

There’s no denying that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world. So it’s not surprising that one of America’s most dazzling roads would be in this state. 

Essentially, the Hawai’i Belt Road consists of three state routes; 11, 19, and 190. These roads form a circle around the island’s perimeter, spanning over 300 miles. The Hawai’i Belt takes travelers through some of the most scenic places on The Big Island of Hawaii.

View of Hawai'i Belt Road
View of Hawai’i Belt Road (Photo courtesy of lightninginabottle/Flickr Creative Commons)

The best place to commence a road trip across this belt is Kailua-Kona. The belt will take you around the Big Island through active lava flows, lush jungles filled with incredible flora and fauna, white sandy beaches, and dipping valleys.

Final Thoughts

Traversing the most spectacular roads in the USA will bring your dreams to reality and provide beautiful memories that will last your entire life. Although the list barely scratches the surface, it provides insight into the routes with the best views on the country.

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