Road trips are the best ways to see the country. In the summer, when the road conditions are fine and the weather is hot, it’s great to sit in your air-conditioned car or feel the breeze blowing through your hair as you drive a stretch of road with the windows down. It’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination. There are so many sights to see along the roads, from scenic landscapes to wildlife. Your eyes will always be searching and will never be disappointed.

US 1

The US 1 in the Florida Keys runs from island to island while passing lighthouses, beaches, and vegetation. The entire highway is 120 miles, including a stretch over the water that encompasses the longest bridge in the world, 7 Mile Bridge. If driving over the beautiful blue waters makes you want to take a dip, stop at the Theater of the Sea on Islamorada to swim with dolphins.

Route 14

In California, Route 14 is also known as the Antelope Valley Freeway takes you past miles and miles of golden poppies. Drive up the Antelope Loop Trail in the 1,760-acre Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve to Antelope Butte Vista Point some 300 feet high for a gorgeous view of the Mojave Desert.

US Route 9

Route 9 runs 300 miles and takes you all the way up to Canada. It’s a long journey so you’ll definitely get hungry along the way. There’s no need to worry. You can stop at any of the many farmer’s markets and stands along the way for fresh produce. In the New York stretch of the highway, stop at the Vanderbilt Mansion.

Route 100

In Vermont, the Route 100 will take you past the infamous Woodstock, the Green Mountains, and Gifford Woods State Park for the best forest scenery you can find. On a hot summer day, you can stop for freshly churned ice cream.

US Highway 2

The US Highway 2 in Washington is also known as Cascade Loop, takes you from Puget Sound through rainforests and apple orchards to Lake Chelan. On the way, stop in Leavenworth for a quasi Deutsch experience in this re-created Bavarian Alps town.

Highway 31

Highway 31 in Louisiana heads along the bayous past tall oak trees and lagoons filled with alligators, herons, and other wildlife. The best part of your trip will be a stop at Breaux Bridge for some of the finest Cajun food you’ll ever eat.

Highway 513

The Highway 513 in Michigan, otherwise known as the Black River Scenic Byway, follows Lake superior through the Upper Peninsula of the state. Waterfalls, forests, and sandstone rocks all around, make sure to stop in Ironwood, a former mining town.

Highway 2

In the state of Nebraska, the Highway 2 will make you feel like you are the only souls in the world. You won’t run into many other people, but you will find great views of the Great Plains with its sand dunes. Stop at the Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center to see cranes and, hopefully, some other humans.

Route 12

In Utah, the Route 12 takes you 124 miles past red sandstone canyons and purple sage bluffs. The road is bookended by two National Parks, Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. The most treacherous and also the most interesting part of the drive is the Hogback.

Hana Highway

Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii is a winding, roller coaster of a ride, but there is no more beautiful setting for a road trip. Along the 51 miles, you will pass Waianapanapa State Park where you can lounge on the black sand beaches, explore a sea cave, or climb a lava cliff.

Route 66

No list of road trips would be complete without 2,451 mile stretch of highway going from Illinois all the way to California. You’ll get to pass by the Grand Canyon. What could possibly be a more scenic drive?