12 Easy Scenic Drives Perfect for Teen Drivers For teenagers, getting a driver’s license represents the ultimate form of freedom. However, the first few months of solo driving can be intimidating. Instead of jumping straight into chaotic city traffic or winding, narrow mountain roads, new drivers should seek out routes that combine breathtaking views with manageable, low-stress driving conditions. These 12 scenic, easy drives across the United States are perfect for building confidence, practicing essential skills, and enjoying the open road. Coastal and Lakeside Cruising
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California – Monterey to Carmel): While parts of Highway 1 are challenging, the stretch between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea is a relatively short, gentle introduction to coastal driving. It features stunning ocean views, easy curves, and iconic stops like Pebble Beach.
2. A1A Coastal Highway (Florida – Ormond Beach to Flagler Beach): This route offers flat, straight roads that run parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. Teens can enjoy sea breezes and ocean views without handling complex intersections, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon drive.
3. Lake Shore Drive (Illinois – Chicago): For teens seeking an urban yet scenic route, this iconic drive provides stunning views of Lake Michigan on one side and the Chicago skyline on the other. It’s well-maintained and provides a great introduction to scenic city driving.
4. Overseas Highway (Florida – Key Largo to Islamorada): Driving over the ocean is an unforgettable experience. The bridges are wide, the road is straight, and the turquoise water provides a calming backdrop for building highway confidence. Mountain and Forest Routes
5. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina – Linn Cove Viaduct area): While parts of this parkway are intense, the section near the Linn Cove Viaduct offers safe, well-marked roads with moderate speeds and breathtaking, expansive views of the Appalachian Mountains.
6. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway (Arizona – Tucson): This well-paved, two-lane road takes drivers from the desert floor to the pine forests of the Santa Catalina Mountains. It features gentle switchbacks and many pullouts for stopping and taking photos.
7. Logan Canyon Scenic Byway (Utah – Garden City to Logan): This route through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is scenic and straightforward. It passes by Bear Lake and through a beautiful limestone canyon, offering a smooth, relaxing drive.
8. Cades Cove Loop Road (Tennessee – Great Smoky Mountains): This 11-mile, one-way loop is perfect for new drivers. The speed limit is low, and the drive focuses on scenic, slow-paced sightseeing, often featuring wildlife like black bears and deer. Historic and Pastoral Drives
9. Historic Columbia River Highway (Oregon – Troutdale to Dodson): This route avoids the main interstate and offers a slower pace through the Columbia River Gorge. It features stunning waterfalls and historic viewpoints, providing an easy, enjoyable route.
10. Merritt Parkway (Connecticut – Fairfield County): As a designed scenic route, this parkway is surrounded by lush trees and features unique, historic bridges. It is a fantastic introduction to maneuvering on a scenic, limited-access highway.
11. Cherohala Skyway (Tennessee/North Carolina – Tellico Plains to Robbinsville): While longer, this skyway is wide, paved expertly, and offers sweeping views. It is far less traffic-heavy than nearby routes, allowing teens to focus on navigating curves at their own pace.
12. Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway (Delaware/Pennsylvania – Wilmington to Kennett Square): This route takes drivers through rolling hills, historic towns, and past lush gardens. It is a relaxed, pastoral drive that is excellent for developing consistent speed control. Tips for Teen Drivers on Scenic Routes
When taking on these scenic drives, it is essential for teen drivers to remember a few key tips. First, keep your eyes on the road, not just the scenery; use the designated, safe turnouts for taking photos and enjoying the views. Second, manage your speed appropriately, especially on downhill sections where gravity can cause the car to accelerate quickly. Finally, remember that these roads are popular, so be prepared for cyclists and pedestrians, particularly during weekends and summer months.
Building confidence behind the wheel takes time and practice. By choosing routes that offer both beauty and safety, teen drivers can transform the learning process into an exciting adventure. These twelve drives provide the perfect balance of scenic beauty and manageable driving conditions, ensuring a memorable experience for any new driver eager to explore the country.
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