The 5 Most Scenic Highways for Convertible Drivers

From New England and the deep South to the Northeast and the California coast, there are countless scenic highways that make driving a convertible an exceptionally enjoyable experience. Spring and fall are the best times to take scenic cross-country drives, and we’ve gathered some of the best routes for viewing some of the amazing scenery the United States has to offer.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California) - The Pacific Coast Highway stretches along the California coast from San Diego all the way to the Oregon border. The entire PCH links together several interstates and highways including Interstate 5, South Coast Highway, Highway 101 and others. This route passes through the famous cities of San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, to name a few. You’ll go from the sandy beaches of Southern California to the tall trees of the redwood forest on this drive, so bring both flip-flops and hiking boots!
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana) - Going-to-the-Sun Road winds around Going-to-the-Sun Mountain and Glacier National Park as well as Saint Mary Lake and Lake McDonald. With many sections carved out of the mountain, this road is an engineering marvel that provides some of the most amazing sunsets and mountain views in the country. This drive only takes a couple hours to complete without stopping, but points along the way provide perfect views of glaciers at Jackson Glacier Overlook.
3. Skyline Drive (Virginia) – Skyline Drive is a 109-mile public scenic highway that runs through Shenandoah National Park. This drive boasts waterfalls as high as 93 feet, lush mountainous views and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery, including views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the spring, the park boasts wildflowers and lush greenery, while in the fall, the foliage displays virtually every color imaginable.
4. San Juan Skyway (Colorado) - San Juan Skyway offers a 236-mile drive through the San Juan Mountains and Gunnison and Grand Mesa National Parks, where you will find yourself surrounded by sprawling mountain ranges, countless waterfalls and lush forest. This route passes by many historic landmarks including the Ancestral Puebloan homes carved out of the cliffs of Grande Mesa.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina) - The Blue Ridge Parkway passes through the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia, North Carolina and parts of Tennessee. This route contains some of the most beautiful fall foliage of all and numerous places to stay with plenty of activities along the way. There are hundreds of places on this route to stop for pictures, recreation and food, as well as lodging in case you never want to leave.

These are just a few of our favorite cross-country drives for convertible owners. Many of these routes are seasonal, so it’s important to check into whether or not they are open before heading out. After you’ve given them a try, leave a comment and tell us your favorite spots!