If you're looking for a low-budget vacation, taking one of America's most scenic drives could be just what you need. As it turns out, Florida has one of the most scenic drives in the country, according to Reader's Digest. The publication picked 40 drives to highlight, so not every state got the honor. That said, it's pretty special that Florida is getting recognized, and the route is totally worthy of the acclaim, too.
Reader's Digest Says Florida Has One of Most Scenic Drives in America
The experts at Reader's Digest put together a list of the most scenic drives in the U.S., and in it, they point out the country's incredible sights. "This country is full of natural beauty, and road trips are one of the best ways to experience it," they write. "Any of these scenic drives will take you past stunning landscapes and breathtaking views."
Before we get to our main route on the list, let's look at some of the other routes that made the cut. One is U.S. Highway 41, also called "Lake Shore Drive." Reader's Digest says that this route has "all the best Chicago has to offer. Drive south to north on the 15-mile urban parkway to see Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Windy City's famed skyline, and more on one side and stunning Lake Michigan on the other." So, if you're planning a trip to Chicago this upcoming season, don't miss that route. It's especially glorious in the fall months. Reader's Digest also notes that one American route stands above the rest: Historic Route 66. They call it "America's most ultimate road trip," adding that "you can get your kicks on Route 66 starting in downtown Chicago" and, believe it or not, take this 2,450-mile trip all the way to Santa Monica, California. That's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of drive. I'm determined to at least drive some of Route 66 at some point in my life, God willing.
Now, let's get to the Florida drive that Reader's Digest calls one of the most scenic drives in America. It's the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys. That is a great spot. "The iconic Overseas Highway (Rt. 1) that connects the Florida Keys to the mainland, gives you the feeling you’re literally driving on water," the publication states. They also picked Woodpecker Trail, which "stretches from Charlotte, North Carolina to St. Petersburg, Florida." They add that it's "known as Woodpecker Trail because of all the woodpeckers that inhabit its wooded landscape."