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 Fun road trippopular 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 . . .

See the Gulf of Mexico’s azure blue waters and white sandy beaches, live oaks, sea oats, towering sand dunes, boardwalks, boating, and restaurants.

Driving route mapThis 3.5-hour, 103-mile drive never drifts far from the famous blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and its string of white sandy beaches. The long drive showcases rows of live oaks and the sporadic tourist strip. Since this drive begins in Pensacola, home to a historical naval air station, stop by the Pensacola Historical Museum for an in-depth look at the town’s colorful history. You’re in for a taste of the real South, at Seville Square (between S. Alcaniz and E. Government), one of Pensacola’s three historic districts.

Going east, Main Street (U.S. 98) passes Pensacola Harbor and spans the 3-mile long Pensacola Bay Bridge
heading into Gulf Breeze. Read more . . .

Observe South Beach art deco, speedy Everglades airboats, mangrove shorelines, crystal clear water, emerald isles, living coral reefs, and Florida Keys seven-mile bridge.

Driving route mapIf you are in the Miami area, South Beach is the place to be.  With its  bright-colored, art-deco design, pastel buildings and ocean views, this place is hot. At night, Collins Avenue is an eclectic mix of various people and spectacular neon-lit buildings. If you’re hungry, stop at Balan’s over on trendy Lincoln Avenue for  its famous lobster club sandwiches or a wild salad. If you’re into gazing at other sites, check out the  space museum and planetarium.

After leaving Miami, you’ll head northwest and be quickly surrounded by the sounds, sights,  and smells of the Everglades.   You have to hire an airboat tour  while in this neck of the swamp.  Proceed into the tiny Read more . . .