Explore America's Scenic Drives this Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to take a road trip and explore America’s scenic drives. From the rolling hills of the Midwest to the rugged coastline of the West Coast, there are countless routes to choose from that offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best scenic drives in the country, as well as tips for planning your perfect Memorial Day weekend getaway.

Why Scenic Drives are Perfect for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in America, and what better way to kick off the season than with a road trip? Scenic drives offer the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty, making them an ideal choice for a Memorial Day weekend getaway.

Whether you’re looking to explore rugged coastlines, rolling hills, or winding mountain roads, America has some of the best scenic drives in the world. And with Memorial Day falling on a Monday, you have an extra day to explore, making it the perfect time to hit the open road.

Planning Your Memorial Day Weekend Road Trip

Before you hit the road, it’s important to plan your route and itinerary to make the most of your Memorial Day weekend getaway. Here are some tips to help you plan:

Decide on a general route: Do you want to explore the East Coast, West Coast, or somewhere in between? Narrow down your options to a few potential routes based on your interests and travel preferences.
Research your route: Once you have a general idea of your route, research each location to find out about local attractions, dining options, and lodging. Make sure to book accommodations in advance, as Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for travel.
Plan for breaks: Scenic drives can be long and tiring, so make sure to plan for regular breaks to stretch your legs and take in the sights.
Prepare for weather: Depending on where you’re traveling, the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for your route, and check the forecast regularly.
Bring snacks and drinks: Stock up on snacks and drinks for your road trip, as food options can be limited on some routes.

By taking the time to plan your route and itinerary, you can ensure a memorable and stress-free Memorial Day weekend getaway.

The Best Scenic Drives in America

Now that you have some tips for planning your Memorial Day weekend road trip, it’s time to choose a route. Here are some of the best scenic drives in America:

Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, is one of the most iconic and scenic drives in America. Stretching 655 miles from Orange County to Mendocino County, California, the route offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and picturesque seaside towns. Highlights include Big Sur, where towering cliffs meet the sea, and the scenic town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its charming architecture and artistic community.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile drive that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. The route offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque valleys. Along the way, visitors can explore charming small towns, historic sites, and hiking trails.

Great River Road, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana

The Great River Road is a 3,000-mile route that follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. The drive offers a glimpse into America’s heartland, with stunning views of the river, charming small towns, and historic sites. Highlights include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the birthplace of Mark Twain in Hannibal, Missouri, and the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Route 66, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California

Route 66 is perhaps the most famous scenic drive in America, stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. The route offers a glimpse into America’s past, with historic roadside attractions, charming small towns, and stunning natural beauty along the way. Highlights include the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and the Santa Monica Pier in California.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile drive that winds through Glacier National Park in Montana. The route offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and dense forests. Highlights include Logan Pass, where visitors can hike to Hidden Lake, and the historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

Acadia All-American Road, Maine

The Acadia All-American Road is a 40-mile drive that winds through Acadia National Park in Maine. The route offers stunning views of rocky coastline, lush forests, and rolling hills. Highlights include Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, and Jordan Pond, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning vistas.

Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile drive that winds through the Beartooth Mountains of Montana and Wyoming. The route offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. Highlights include the Beartooth Pass, which reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet, and the charming town of Red Lodge, Montana.

Overseas Highway, Florida

The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile drive that spans the Florida Keys. The route offers stunning views of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush tropical foliage. Highlights include the Seven Mile Bridge, which spans the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and the charming town of Key West, known for its colorful architecture and lively nightlife.

Whether you’re looking to explore the rugged coastlines of California, the rolling hills of Virginia, or the wildflower meadows of Montana, there’s a scenic drive in America for every type of traveler.

Tips for Enjoying Your Memorial Day Weekend Road Trip

To make the most of your Memorial Day weekend road trip, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Pack Appropriately

Make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for your route, including sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes. Depending on where you’re traveling, the weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all types of conditions.

Plan for Traffic

Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for travel, so expect some traffic congestion, especially near popular destinations. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, plan your route ahead of time and try to travel during off-peak hours. Also, be sure to factor in extra time for rest stops, meals, and unexpected detours.

Stay Safe on the Road

Make sure to practice safe driving habits, including obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and driving defensively. Also, be sure to check your vehicle before hitting the road, including checking your tires, brakes, and fluids.

Take Advantage of Rest Stops

Rest stops are not only a great place to take a break and stretch your legs, but they also offer opportunities to explore local attractions and learn about the history and culture of the area. Take advantage of rest stops to make your road trip more memorable and enriching.

Pack Snacks and Drinks

Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up and hydrated during your road trip. This will not only save you money on restaurant meals but also allow you to enjoy a picnic at a scenic overlook or park.

Buy a Performance Chip

Purchasing a performance chip will improve your trip tremendously! With the increase in mpg, you’ll be making less steps at the gas station, which means more time for site seeing! You’ll experience a smoother drive as well, thanks to the increase in torque and horsepower. Check out our options for your vehicle here.

Conclusion

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to hit the open road and explore America’s scenic drives. From the rugged coastlines of California to the rolling hills of Virginia, there’s a scenic drive for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, explore historic sites, or simply enjoy the freedom of the open road, a Memorial Day weekend road trip is the perfect way to kick off the summer season.