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10 Great American Summer Road Trips

10 Great American Summer Road Trips

By Food & Wine

Updated July 28, 2017

Credit: Courtesy of PureWow

They don’t call it America the Beautiful for nothing, people. This summer, buckle up and soak in the greatness on one of these ten scenic drives from sea to shining sea.This piece originally appeared on PureWow.com.

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Skyline Drive, Virginia

Credit: © Deb Snelson / Courtesy of PureWow

Ride high along the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, and you can glimpse black bears, pull over to take in the vistas at 75 overlooks or hike part of the Appalachian Trail.

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Road to Hana, Hawaii

Credit: Courtesy of PureWow

Give yourself plenty of time to linger on this hugely popular 50-mile stretch along Maui’s northeastern shore. Waterfalls, beaches, banana patches, hairpin curves and views, views, views: you’ll want to stop and take a photo every two minutes.

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Beartooth Highway, Wyoming & Montana

Credit: Courtesy of PureWow

Winding through the Beartooth Mountain Range in Wyoming and Montana, this 68-mile road leads to Yellowstone Park and can be driven in three hours or less.

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Sedona to the Grand Canyon, Arizona

No matter where you start from, a two-hour trip on 89A will reveal some of the most stunning natural wonders on the planet--from red-rock formations to lush forests blanketing jagged, glacier-carved terrain to the biggest hole in the U.S. Pro tip: Stop in Flagstaff for lunch.

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San Francisco to Big Sur, California

The highest coastal mountain in the U.S., serene waterfalls, sheer cliffs and plenty of twists and turns make the 140-mile jaunt to Big Sur an adventure by the minute.

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Highway M-22, Michigan

Credit: Courtesy of PureWow

Hugging the Lake Michigan shoreline for 116 miles in the northwest part of the state, this Midwestern marvel will take you through charming towns and lush countryside to the breathtakingly beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.

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The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Credit: Courtesy of PureWow

You may want to hire a driver for this one. Sample all the bourbon you want while taking in views of rolling green countryside, adorable foals grazing in horse-farm fields, picturesque barns and small towns full of friendly Southerners.

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The Silverado Trail, California

This is wine country’s road less traveled—and the way locals prefer to see the region. The 29-mile jaunt, which is lined with rolling vineyards, is prime for stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch.

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Turquoise Trail, New Mexico

Credit: Courtesy of PureWow

Make your way from Albuquerque to Santa Fe along this striking, 50-mile desert route. Pass through historic mining towns now re-emerging as destinations for art, music and restaurants.

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Davis Mountains Scenic Loop, Texas

Credit: Courtesy of PureWow

Up and down you’ll go on the highest highway in Texas, where you’ll see mountains, wildflowers and gorgeous rock formations. Don’t forget to stop off at the Prada store in the not-at-all-bustling nearby town of Marfa.

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