12 Scenic Summer Drives for Grandparents Summer is the perfect time for grandparents to hit the open road, offering a relaxed pace to enjoy breathtaking landscapes without the frantic energy of peak vacation season. These twelve scenic drives are curated for comfort, accessibility, and stunning views, providing unforgettable experiences that are easy on the back and delightful for the senses. From coastal cliffs to mountain vistas, these routes offer numerous places to stop, stretch, and take in the view. Coastal Charm and Seaside Views
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) in California, particularly the stretch between Monterey and Cambria, offers dramatic ocean views. Grandparents can enjoy the sea breeze at Big Sur, with plenty of cafes in Carmel for a relaxing lunch. For a shorter trip, the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach provides accessible stops to view the Lone Cypress and iconic mansions. On the East Coast, the Ocean Drive in Newport, Rhode Island, offers a leisurely coastal tour, showcasing historic mansions and stunning Atlantic vistas without leaving the comfort of the car.
For a northern coastal experience, the Acadia Byway in Maine offers breathtaking views of the rugged shoreline. It is a fantastic option to drive up Cadillac Mountain for sweeping views of the Atlantic without having to hike, making it perfect for a leisurely morning drive. Alternatively, driving through the Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway offers a unique experience, connecting islands over miles of open water with accessible, flat-ground sightseeing opportunities at various stops. Mountain Vistas and Forest Drives
The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina is ideal for a gentle summer drive. Its slow speed limits and frequent, accessible scenic overlooks make it easy to enjoy the misty mountains. A stop in Asheville provides a comfortable, charming, and accessible town to explore. In the West, the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, offers unparalleled mountain views. While often busy, driving this road at a steady pace allows for awe-inspiring views of glaciers and alpine meadows, with several easy-access points for photographs.
The Beartooth Highway, also in Montana/Wyoming, is often called the most beautiful drive in America. It climbs to over 10,000 feet, offering snowy peaks even in summer, but the road is wide and well-maintained. For a more temperate forest experience, the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire provides a scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest, perfect for a cool summer day with many flat, accessible areas near rivers and covered bridges. Historic Roads and Leisurely Routes
For a dose of history and scenic beauty, the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon offers views of magnificent waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, with viewing platforms just a short, flat walk from parking areas. The Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park offers over 70 scenic overlooks, allowing visitors to stop, rest, and enjoy the lush Virginia landscape at their own pace.
For a longer, relaxing route, the Talimena Scenic Drive along the Oklahoma/Arkansas border traverses the top of the Ouachita National Forest, providing panoramic views of rolling hills. Finally, the Upper Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive in Wisconsin, often called the “Great River Road,” offers a leisurely drive along the river bluffs, featuring charming, flat, river towns with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a meal by the water.
These twelve scenic drives offer grandparents a wonderful blend of accessibility, beauty, and relaxation, making summer travel a joy rather than a chore. Whether it’s watching the waves crash in California or exploring the mountains in Virginia, these routes ensure a memorable and comfortable journey. Taking the time to enjoy the journey, rather than just the destination, makes these drives special.
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