The best scenic routes in America, part 1

April 21, 2011 12:00 AM

Road trips are always a blast, which is why Travel + Leisure has come up with a list of America's most scenic drives.

From Maui's Hana Highway to U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys, there are roads everywhere in this country that deserve American driver's attention.

“To everyone in this country, the car represents freedom, mobility, and the control you feel over your destiny/destination,” says Callie Khouri, Oscar-winning screenwriter of Thelma & Louise.

So besides Hana Highway and U.S. 1, what else made the list?

Even though 17-Mile Drive sounds as if it'd be the same length, this Monterey Peninsula road is only 10 miles long. The best time is at sunset as it boasts some of the best ocean views in California.

Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina is one of America's most famous roads thanks to its place in the Great Smokey Mountains (a massive natural attraction in its own right).

City roads aren't often considered beautiful, but Lake Shore Drive in Chicago is beautiful with its massive skyscrapers on one side and coastal views on the other.

These are only some of the American roadways included on Travel + Leisure's list. Read part two for more ideas.

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