Summer is upon us, the time when millions pack up the car, strap in the whole family, and excitedly hit the road. Although some make a National Lampoon vacation of the process, it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. With a small bit of planning and, most importantly, the right route, a summer drive with the family, a loved one, or even just by yourself, can be a very pleasant experience. You might not have an epiphany, but then again you might. Who knows?
Because the direction is so all-important, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to choose some of the best panoramic routes in the USA. In our combined decades of pleasure driving for some of the country’s most 
popular automotive magazines, we’ve seen a gaggle of pretty roads. But we’re here to tell you that the four we feature are surely among America’s best. And, so that it doesn’t seem that we’re playing favorites with localities, we have chosen roads in the Southeast, the Midwest, the Northeast, and the Pacific Coast. Given the limited space we have, that’s about as ecumenical as we can get. And so, without further ado, here are 4 Hot Summer Drives. Read more . . .
Although Rhode Island is the smallest state, its sandy beaches and coastline top the list for beauty. And even though the coastal drive is brief, you will find it’s long on charm and beautiful sceneries. Start your drive on Route A1A in Misquamicut and trace the coast all the way to Wickford, which is a panoramic 48-mile drive. The drive will consume additional time because you’ll find yourself stopping most of the times.
This public beachfront drive extends 127 miles like to a pointing finger along the Atlantic Ocean from the Sandy Hook Peninsula in the north to Cape May at the southern tip. Hop on the Garden State Parkway at Sandy Hook Peninsula and proceed south down the shore. Sandy Hook Peninsula displays the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country, and the Gateway National Recreation Area, which provides a glimpse of the historic New York City skyline. Quintessential seaside amusements and recreational activities will greet you at every turn.
Anyone who’s journeyed to our westernmost state will tell you that this is a trip that’s not to be missed. The 100-mile, round-trip excursion clocks in at 6 hours, and provides 54 bridges and more than 600 curves sure to please the adventurous driver. The twisting “highway” is well-paved but narrow, so caution is advised.
The Rim of World Picturesque Byway aptly describes the drive along Southern California’s highest mountain range, the San Bernardinos, with their spectacular sight of the surrounding mountains as well as the Los Angeles Basin. Along the way, you’ll pass several resort communities and wilderness areas, and you may even catch a little “gold fever” as you search the remains of an abandoned 1860s mining town.