Spring is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already daydreaming about the open road. Sunroof down. Playlist blaring. The most mundane stretch of highway feels like an epic adventure. It’s that time of year when the world shakes off its winter slumber. And the best way to embrace the season? A scenic road trip. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into some of the best spring road trips that will leave you feeling like the star of your own road trip movie.
The Most Scenic Road Trips to Take This Spring
Let’s face it: the journey is what makes a road trip memorable, not just the destination. You want endless roads, landscapes that stop you in your tracks, and spots begging for a selfie. Here are some of the best scenic road trips in the U.S. this spring, perfect for pulling over to catch that golden hour view.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
This isn’t just a road, it’s a bucket list experience. It stretches from Southern California to Northern California, offering views of the Pacific Ocean that will make you want to pull over every few miles. Cross cliffs, wind through forests, and pass by coastal towns straight out of a postcard. And don’t miss Big Sur, the ultimate spot for those “Wow, I can’t believe I’m here” moments.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
If you love winding roads and foggy mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is calling your name. This 469-mile stretch of road takes you through the Appalachian Highlands, offering breathtaking mountain views, forests, and waterfalls. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel like you’re in a nature documentary, minus the narrator.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Route 66 holds a special place in every roadtripper’s heart. From quirky roadside attractions to kitschy diners, this route is all about nostalgia. In the spring, the Midwest and Southwest bloom with wildflowers, giving Route 66 a fresh, vibrant makeover. It’s a trip where the road itself and the people you meet along the way are just as memorable as the destination.
Best U.S. Road Trip Destinations for Spring Travelers
Spring is prime time for road trips, and some U.S. destinations are just better in the spring. Perfect weather, breathtaking views, and a vibe that only the season can offer make these destinations ideal for your spring driving vacation.
Sedona, Arizona
Imagine stepping into a dream. That’s what it feels like in Sedona. Known for its stunning red rock formations, Sedona is even more magical in the spring. The wildflowers bloom, temperatures are perfect, and the skies are a brilliant blue. Whether you’re hiking, stargazing, or just driving through, Sedona will steal your heart.
Napa Valley, California
Spring is the sweet spot to visit Napa Valley, before the summer crowds flood in. The vineyards are alive with new growth, and the weather is perfect for wine-tasting on a sunny patio. Stop at a few wineries, maybe take a hot air balloon ride, and enjoy Napa from above. Trust me, it’s worth it.
The Florida Keys
Looking for a tropical escape without the long flight? The Florida Keys offer that and more. The Overseas Highway connects the islands, offering stunning ocean views and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for a family road trip or a romantic getaway, the Keys offer beaches, sunsets, and those laid-back island vibes you crave.
Best National Parks and Scenic Drives for a Spring Road Trip
Spring is the perfect time to explore America’s national parks. Fewer crowds, blooming wildflowers, and cooler temperatures make them ideal for a scenic drive. These parks are some of the best places to take a spring road trip.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains should be at the top of your list. With over 200,000 acres of mountain beauty, diverse wildlife, and flowering dogwoods, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. The Cades Cove loop offers some of the best scenic views, where you might catch a glimpse of wild turkeys, deer, or if you’re lucky, black bears (from a safe distance, of course).
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is the place for dramatic, jaw-dropping landscapes. Spring is the best time to visit before the heat of summer sets in. Take the scenic drive through Zion for views of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and lush valleys. For the adventurous types, Zion offers trails like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows, perfect for working off those road trip snacks.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., and it’s especially stunning in the spring. Located on Maine’s rugged coast, Acadia offers scenic drives with views of cliffs, lighthouses, and the Atlantic Ocean. The wildflowers and new greenery make spring the ideal time to visit. Don’t miss Cadillac Mountain, where the sun first rises in the U.S.
Top Road Trips for Spring Break
Spring break isn’t just for college students, everyone deserves a getaway! Whether you’re looking for an adventurous family trip or a relaxing solo retreat, there are plenty of spring road trips that are perfect for breaking out of your routine. If you’re hoping to soak up some sunshine, explore a new city, or embrace nature, these road trips are perfect for a memorable spring break.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a fantastic spring road trip destination if you’re craving culture, history, and amazing food. This city’s unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Western cultures creates a fascinating atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. The spring season brings beautiful weather for wandering through art galleries, visiting the historic Plaza, or enjoying a margarita on a sun-drenched patio. Plus, the drive through New Mexico’s deserts and mountains will take your breath away.
Austin, Texas
Austin is a top spring break destination for those who love music, food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” this city comes alive during the spring months. With South by Southwest (SXSW) happening in March, Austin attracts music lovers from all over, and the city’s food scene is just as exciting with its food trucks and BBQ joints. The spring weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or even enjoying one of Austin’s famous bat-watching events at Congress Avenue Bridge.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is an iconic destination for a reason, and spring is one of the best times to visit. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking and exploring the park’s vast landscapes, without the overwhelming summer crowds. Whether you’re viewing the Canyon from the South Rim or hiking down into it, this natural wonder offers the kind of awe-inspiring scenery that makes road trips worth every mile.
Your Perfect Spring Road Trip Awaits!
Spring is the perfect time to hit the open road, whether you’re exploring breathtaking national parks, winding along scenic highways, or soaking up the sun in vibrant cities. These road trips offer everything from natural beauty to cultural experiences, and what makes them even better? The journey itself. In addition, there’s something special about hitting the road during spring, when the world is coming to life around you. So, go ahead and pack your bags, load up your playlist, and get ready to embrace the open road. After all, the best spring road trip is just around the corner, waiting for you to experience it all!
Read more: Best Beach Destinations for Your Next Tropical Getaway
You might also like
Leave A Reply