America's Best Spring Drives With the Top Down

As much as we love to feel the hot summer air or the crisp fall breeze from our convertibles, in many ways we enjoy to drive in the spring months even more! There are few things more encouraging than the colors turning from brown to green and seeing trees and flowers begin to sprout. In celebration of the rising temperatures and blooming trees, we have compiled a list of our favorite places to take a drive with the top down in the spring months.

George Washington Memorial Parkway – Virginia and Maryland
Every year, thousands of people descend on our nation’s capital to get a glimpse of its famous cherry blossom trees – and for good reason – they are beautiful! Although most tourists choose to wander around the notable monuments while viewing the trees that surround them, we prefer to hop on the George Washington Memorial Parkway in our convertible, where you can take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms in addition to a massive collection of wildflower species- 591 to be exact. Our favorites are the bluebells, which peak in late April.

Columbia River Highway – Oregon
Oregon is littered with scenic roads that offer views of the state’s regal mountains and vast stretching rivers. One of the most popular is the Columbia River Highway, beginning in Portland and passing through the Columbia River Gorge on its way to Mount Hood, which stands at 11,000 feet and holds the title of Oregon’s highest peak. Along the drive, be sure to look on the side of the road to spot attractions like Multnomah Falls, a yearlong waterfall that many drivers pull over to take photos of. Your drive will also be marked by bright purple Columbia kittentail wildflowers that peek out beneath the waterfall this time of year.

Highway 1 – California
We have been caught – California’s Pacific Coast Highway also made our list of the favorite drives to take in the fall as well as this list. At Auto Tops Direct, we are admittedly proud Californians, but we know that even those not on the west coast won’t blame us for this pick. One of our favorite trips down Highway 1 in the spring is just past Monterey in the famous Lovers Lane Park. This time of year, it is completely covered in cheerful magenta ice plants that truly signify the start of spring.

Newfound Gap Road – Tennessee and North Carolina
The Smoky Mountains are one of the most popular driving destinations in the south. Between North Carolina and Tennessee lies the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and one of our favorite driving destinations. Try cruising around the Newfound Gap – at 5,046 feet. And if you get a late start in your wildflower peeping season, don’t worry. The purple Catawba rhododendrons, which only grow at very high altitudes, can be seen in this area well through June.

Are you taking any springtime road trips this year in your convertibles? Do you have a favorite scenic cruise in your own neighborhood? Let us know in the comments, or share them with us on our Facebook page – we always love new road trip destinations!