There’s something magical about a road trip in the spring. The air is crisp and clean, the landscapes are alive with blooming flowers, and the roads—often less crowded than in summer—invite you to roll the windows down and take your time. Whether you’re a seasoned road-tripper or a spontaneous weekend explorer, spring offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable drive. Let’s dive into some of the most scenic routes across the United States that come alive during this vibrant season.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
Length: 469 miles
Best For: Mountain views, wildflowers, charming small towns
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and spring is when it truly earns that title. This two-lane highway winds through the Appalachian Highlands, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
In spring, the parkway bursts with color—dogwoods, redbuds, and mountain laurels dot the roadside. There are plenty of overlooks and pull-offs where you can soak in the views or have a picnic. Stop by charming towns like Asheville, NC, and Roanoke, VA, or take a detour for a hike on the Appalachian Trail.
Don’t Miss:
- Mabry Mill (Milepost 176.1)
- Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364.4)
- Linville Falls (Milepost 316.3)
2. Pacific Coast Highway – California’s Highway 1
Length: About 655 miles
Best For: Ocean views, cliffs, laid-back beach towns
Spring on California’s Highway 1 means sunshine, mild temperatures, and coastal wildflowers in bloom. This iconic route hugs the Pacific Ocean from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in the north, with must-see spots like Big Sur, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo in between.
The drive features dramatic cliffs, ocean spray, and some of the most unforgettable sunsets you’ll ever witness. Springtime means fewer crowds than summer, and the coastal landscape is especially lush from recent rains.
Don’t Miss:
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Elephant seals at Piedras Blancas
3. Hill Country Wildflower Loop – Central Texas
Length: Varies (typically 100-200 miles around Fredericksburg)
Best For: Wildflowers, small-town charm, wine tasting
Texas Hill Country transforms into a painter’s palette in spring, thanks to an explosion of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and other wildflowers. Start in Fredericksburg—a town rich in German heritage—and make a loop through Llano, Marble Falls, Burnet, and Johnson City.
This area is known for its rolling hills, friendly locals, and growing wine scene. Stop at roadside stands, tour local vineyards, and take countless photos of the vibrant fields. It’s a short trip with big rewards.
Looking for a Place to Stay?
The Texas Hill Country is just a short drive from Texas’ iconic capital city of Austin. And Unwind has got you covered if you want to add luxury accommodations to your memorable road trip. Click HERE to view Unwind’s incredible selection of luxury homes in the Austin area.
Don’t Miss:
- Wildseed Farms (outside Fredericksburg)
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Willow City Loop (famous for wildflower displays)
4. Great River Road – Along the Mississippi River
Length: 3,000 miles (pick a segment!)
Best For: River views, historic towns, birdwatching
The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. While the full trip spans ten states and thousands of miles, spring is a great time to pick a segment—like Wisconsin to Iowa or Mississippi to Louisiana.
Spring along the river means vibrant green trees, blossoming flowers, and migrating birds returning to the wetlands. The road is lined with river towns, historic sites, scenic bluffs, and soulful Southern food.
Don’t Miss:
- Dubuque, Iowa (for its historic downtown)
- Natchez, Mississippi (one of the oldest towns on the river)
- Mississippi River State Park in Arkansas
5. Olympic Peninsula Loop – Washington State
Length: 330 miles
Best For: Rainforests, coastlines, spring blooms
In Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, springtime is marked by blooming rhododendrons, mossy trees, and rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt. The Olympic Peninsula Loop circles Olympic National Park and showcases its diverse ecosystems—from temperate rainforests to rocky coastlines.
Even in early spring, you’ll find lush greens and misty mornings that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Be prepared for rain and chilly mornings, but also for stunning beauty and relative solitude.
Don’t Miss:
- Hoh Rain Forest
- Hurricane Ridge
- Ruby Beach
6. Skyline Drive – Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Length: 105 miles
Best For: Mountain views, peaceful drives, birdwatching
Skyline Drive runs the length of Shenandoah National Park, offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In spring, the forest wakes up with blooming wildflowers, budding trees, and chirping birds. With 75 scenic overlooks and numerous hiking trails, you’ll never run out of reasons to stop and explore.
Skyline Drive is ideal for a short weekend road trip or as the starting point for the longer Blue Ridge Parkway adventure.
Don’t Miss:
- Dark Hollow Falls Trail
- Big Meadows area for wildflowers and deer sightings
- Byrd Visitor Center for history buffs
7. Route 100 – Vermont
Length: 216 miles
Best For: Covered bridges, maple syrup, peaceful countryside
While Vermont is known for its fall foliage, spring offers a quieter, equally picturesque experience. Route 100 winds through the heart of Vermont and offers scenic views of mountains, farmlands, and charming New England villages.
You’ll pass through places like Stowe, Ludlow, and Killington, each offering opportunities to hike, eat, or simply relax. Maple syrup season peaks in early spring, so look for sugar shacks offering samples and tours.
Don’t Miss:
- Moss Glen Falls
- Weston’s Vermont Country Store
- Stowe Recreation Path
8. Beartooth Highway – Montana to Wyoming
Length: 68 miles
Best For: Alpine scenery, wildlife, snow-capped peaks
This high-elevation road opens seasonally—typically by late May—so it’s a late-spring adventure. But once it opens, it’s one of the most breathtaking drives in the country. Beartooth Highway climbs to nearly 11,000 feet as it connects Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Expect snow even in late spring, along with alpine lakes, wildflowers, and possible wildlife sightings. It’s a must-do for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Don’t Miss:
- Beartooth Pass Summit
- Rock Creek Vista Point
- Cooke City, a charming mountain town
9. Natchez Trace Parkway – Mississippi to Tennessee
Length: 444 miles
Best For: History lovers, cyclists, peaceful roads
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic route once used by Native Americans and early settlers. Today, it’s a scenic byway with no billboards, commercial traffic, or modern clutter—just uninterrupted nature and history.
In spring, the dogwoods bloom, and the hardwood forests come to life. The road is perfect for leisurely driving, with plenty of historical markers and pull-offs for short hikes or photo ops.
Looking for a Place to Stay?
Click HERE to view Unwind’s amazing luxury homes in the Nashville area.
Don’t Miss:
- Emerald Mound (prehistoric Native American site)
- Jackson Falls
- Loveless Café near Nashville
10. Florida Keys Overseas Highway – Miami to Key West
Length: 113 miles
Best For: Island vibes, tropical breezes, turquoise waters
If your idea of spring involves sunshine and salty air, the Overseas Highway delivers. This route stretches from the mainland to Key West, hopping across dozens of islands via a series of bridges—including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
Spring is ideal: the weather is warm but not oppressively hot, and the crowds are more manageable than in winter. Swim, snorkel, and soak up the laid-back island culture as you cruise with the top down.
Don’t Miss:
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Dolphin Research Center
- Sunset at Mallory Square, Key West
Tips for a Perfect Spring Road Trip
1. Plan for Weather Variability
Spring can be unpredictable—sunny one moment and stormy the next. Pack layers, check forecasts, and keep an umbrella handy.
2. Make Room for Spontaneity
Some of the best road trip moments happen off the beaten path. Leave time for unplanned detours and photo stops.
3. Check for Seasonal Road Openings
High-elevation routes like Beartooth Highway or parts of Skyline Drive may open later in spring. Check with park services or state departments before heading out.
4. Book Accommodations in Advance
Spring is a popular time for festivals and flower shows in many areas, so lodging can fill up quickly. If you’re staying overnight, book ahead.
5. Don’t Forget the Essentials
Snacks, water, road trip playlists, a phone charger, and a good map (digital or old-school paper) will keep you cruising smoothly.
Let’s Ride!
Spring is a season of new beginnings, and there’s no better way to embrace it than hitting the road and letting the scenery unfold in front of you. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, flower fields, mountain vistas, or ocean breezes, a springtime road trip is your ticket to unforgettable moments.
So fill up the tank, pack your favorite snacks, and set your sights on the open road. Adventure is calling—and it smells like fresh blossoms and freedom.
