The United States is outstandingly vast and varied, just the factors that make it one of the best road-trip countries on the planet. And while the dramatic coastline of California and the whole western seaboard is sure to leave anyone completely blown away, the East Coast, with its many pristine beaches, charming coastal towns, and historic cities, is no less amazing. Granted, the debate is not yet settled—and the jury has been long out—whether the East Coast is better than the West Coast.

What is certain is that the East Coast has roads that are some of the most scenic in the United States. And let’s be honest. The sense of freedom that comes with a road trip, makes it the quintessential adventure for those who live in a country described as the home of the free. In this article, we reveal the most scenic roads on the East Coast.

10 U.S. 1, Florida Keys

The 193-kilometer-long island chain of the Florida Keys is an over-the-top, red-hot travel destination that’s wildly famous for its sandy beaches, warm climate, and thrilling, water-based adventures.

Snaking its way from Key Largo to Key West, driving on U.S.1 is hands-down the best way to marvel at the paradise of beach bars, historic lighthouses, and several amazing underwater coral reef parks.

And then the Seven Miles Bridge. Few drives come close to the ravishing scenery across one of the most iconic sights in the Florida Keys.

9 Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Kanc, as locals call the Kancamagus Highway, twists and bends its way through some of the best scenes in the country, revealing a side of New Hampshire that will leave any road tripper feeling completely healed.

And forget about the White Mountains, Kancamagus Highway reveals fall foliage in all its technicolor glory.

  • Travel Tip: Roadtrippers will need to fill their tanks in Lincoln or Conway as there are no pump stations along the way.

8 Route 6, Massachusetts

Known as the “Grand Army of the Republic,” Route 6 offers ravishing ocean views, including cascading sand dunes, pristine beaches, and several charming fishing towns.

Whatever one’s state of mind, the dream-like, panoramic vistas of the Cape Cod National Seashore will work like charm on the soul.

Provincetown, Route 6’s starting point, is a historic gem that provides road trippers with a delicious taste of what will be an exciting adventure.

7 Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island

This is a windy, 10-mile coastal trip that’s chock-full of implausible scenery, rich colonial-era history, and soul-touching serenity. Like a fine wine that is never gulped, this is a road that, for its stunning scenery, begs to be taken slowly.

  • Trip Highlight: Road trippers, as they start out at Bellevue Avenue, may want to marvel at several mansions where some of the wealthiest names in America once lived.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful East Coast Beaches To Add To Your Bucket List

6 Park Loop Road, Maine

Park Loop Road is a two-lane, 27-mile-long drive that reveals the underappreciated, mesmerizing beauty of Acadia National Park.

For those who have an incurable lust for natural scenery, Park Loop Road is a beautiful drive with views of several sparkling lakes, lofty granite peaks, and lush forests.

In the backdrop, Mount Desert reveals its hazy grandeur from several viewpoints.

5 Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

Sometimes, driving far away from the hum of towns can be a pleasure. At other times, however, a trip conveniently close to—or cutting through several attractive towns—may just be what the doctor prescribed.

Concerning the latter, Mohawk Trail, which snakes its way through several Masachussettes towns, amazingly blends the allure of history, the convenience of towns, and rural charm. For self-confessed leaf-peepers, Mohawk Trail will be a dream drive.

4 I-95, New Hampshire And Maine

Driving through the beautiful coastline of New Hampshire, while heading north to the Pine Tree State, will look like an art class. For those who’ll manage to reach the end at Kittery, Maine—the drive will be more than a blast.

The Piscataqua River Bridge provides amazing views of downtown Portsmouth and the majestic mountains that dominate the backdrop in the distance. This is just the bridge to the way life should be.

Related: 10 Must-Visit Places You Should See On The East Coast

3 Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is among the East Coast’s best. Providing blissful views of Piedmont Valley to the east, Skyline Drive cuts through Shenandoah State Park, a famous haven for the truly adventurous.

While a road tripper may chance on a bear, there are plenty of deer to be seen on the trip and in all their mesmerizing grace. Here’s the truth: few other places will keep cameras continuously clicking.

2 Historic National Road

Another smoking-hot drive for leaf-peepers, Historic National Road is a 170-mile Historic National Road in Maryland that goes through quite a number of small, charming towns, gifting trippers with miles of head-turning scenery and rich, fascinating history.

1 Blue Ridge Parkway

There’s a reason Blue Ridge Parkway is considered one of the most scenic in the United States. And while Blue Ridge Parkway is long and abounds with many stops for eyes and cameras, Mount Pisgah is a special highlight.