These are days for dreaming. While most of us are currently spending the majority of our time indoors, with family, getting closely acquainted with very small spaces, one icon defines America—the open road, and the limitless horizons ahead. While some of these routes might be nice for a quick spin if they’re nearby your home, this list is mainly for those picturing sunnier days, when we can again get behind the wheel, fire up the engine, and steer into a bright, endless future. For the time being, while we think, and plan, and aspire, here are America’s five greatest drives.
The Pacific Coast Highway, California
Stretching from Los Angeles to the wild lands north of San Francisco, State Route 1 is known for its curves. Clinging to some of the most scenic coastline in the world, the drive alone is worth it—descending from the Bay Area urban grid, the world opens up, as you cruise along big bends in the road, mountains and cliffs falling away, vertiginously, and spectacularly, to the sea below you. The full route can actually be done in a day, but that would be a shame—this is a drive to savor, with many stops along the way.
A luxurious swimming pool at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Calif. gnohz/Shutterstock
