17 Best Places in the U.S. to Drive Your Corvette

It’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey.

While the purpose of any road is to get you from point A to point B, some are much more than that — they give you the freedom to explore different scenery along the way. Whether you drive a classic, restored or modern Corvette, the journey you take is extra meaningful when you combine a classic American car with some of America’s most beautiful destinations.

Top Flight Automotive has restoration and performance parts for classic and modern Corvette generations to help you prepare for your next big Corvette road trip. If you’re looking for a short joyride or a longer venture, the U.S. has plenty of fantastic roads to cruise down.

The Best Places in the U.S. to Drive a Corvette

The best classic car highways may lead to something beautiful, like the Grand Canyon or the Appalachian Mountains, but it doesn’t mean the voyage can’t be just as exciting. Fill your gas tank, charge your camera and bring some snacks for the road. All you need is a Corvette full of provisions and a GPS, and you’re ready to go.

With this list of the 17 best roads to drive your Corvette, you can experience incredible regions across the country. The roads are in no particular order, but each will have you pulling over in amazement the whole way through.

1. 89A, Arizona

Arizona 89A runs about 81 miles from Flagstaff to Prescott, AZ. The state route takes you right through Red Rock Country, which is home to some of the most photographed formations, like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. At the center of Red Rock County is Oak Creek Canyon — the second most popular destination in Arizona, aside from the Grand Canyon.

Along the way, you’ll get to drive through Sedona. The desert town is a beautiful sight to see and is surrounded by massive buttes, rock formations and a strew of canyons. You can also visit Mogollon Rim, which is the southernmost tip of the Colorado Plateau.

Of course, you can’t be in Arizona and not see the Grand Canyon. Park your Corvette and take in the iconic views — just make sure not to go during monsoon season, or you and your convertible will be sopping wet in a matter of seconds.

2. Beartooth Highway, Wyoming

Considered one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the U.S., Beartooth Highway is a stretch of U.S. Highway 212 that runs near the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The byway has 10,000 mountain lakes, 12 national forest campgrounds and 20 peaks reaching more than 12,000 feet.

You won’t get bored driving your Corvette along the road’s steep zig-zagged path that reaches high altitudes. You’ll even pass through a cluster of state forests that you may want to hike through, like Shoshone, Custer and Gallatin. Keep an eye out for Bears Tooth, which is a sharp peak that resembles a bear’s pearly whites.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

Blue Ridge Parkway is a staggering 469 miles long, starting in Virginia and ending in North Carolina, so you will need more than one day if you’re looking to complete the adventure. The highway is situated atop the Appalachian Mountains, giving you incredible views of endless ranges and valleys.

If you want to stay in Virginia, you can hop onto Skyline Drive, which will take you through Shenandoah National Park. You can also experience the Linn Cove Viaduct, a bridge that spans over 1,200 feet, working its way around the Grandfather Mountain.

If you have time, explore the area more by hiking or backpacking. Some great hiking spots include Old Rag and Three Ridges. You can even walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge if you’re good with heights. Once you reach North Carolina, the parkway will lead you into the Great Smokey Mountains.

4. Brockway Mountain Drive, Michigan

While the Brockway Mountain Drive is only about nine miles long, it sits 1,320 feet above sea level, giving you incredible views of Lake Superior. As you and your Corvette navigate your way along this scenic byway,  you can experience hundreds of waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Brockway is another great spot to pull over and take a few hikes and check out the Copper Harbor lookout. At the peak of the mountain, stargazing is a must if you take your time driving throughout the day.

5. Feather River Scenic Byway, California

The best time of year to take a road trip with your Corvette is during the fall if you want to experience the Feather River Scenic Byway. It’s the perfect time to see the desert canyons and colorful foliage of the passing landscape. The road is part of the Sierra Nevada’s and is open year-round — even in the winter because it has a low elevation.

Driving through the diverse terrain, you can view Lake Oroville and drive over its dam. You can also experience the Pacific Crest and Lake Tahoe. The byway even has a rich past with the Western Pacific Railroads at one end and history of the gold-rush era at the other when you reach Plumas-Eureka State Park. You can also stop and pan for gold if you’re feeling lucky.

6. Gateway to the Endless Mountains, Pennsylvania

The Gateway to the Endless Mountains is what it seems — an infinite range of foothills in Northeastern, Pennsylvania that will leave you wondering if there’s an end. Encapsulated in the Tunkhannock Mountains, you can explore the highest peaks and hike through the stunning forests. There are plenty of overlook locations where you can see out over the valley, too.

As a part of U.S. 6, the road leads you through the Appalachian Mountains and over the Susquehanna River.

7. Highway 101, Oregon

You and your Corvette can take on the entire Oregon coast if you decide to take a road trip down Highway 101. Oregon’s coastline is rugged, yet exciting to experience. Driving through the winding roads will allow you to see the waves down below and the cliffs on your side.

Two must-see places are Haystack and Seal rocks with the former being on the north end and the latter being on the south. Other areas you may want to see are Thor’s Well and the Devil’s Churn. If you have extra time on your hands, check out the famous city of Portland by following the Columbia River inland or visit the beach town of Seaside to get a more local feel.

8. Highway 12, Utah

Make your way to Utah’s southern Highway 12 to drive through Red Rock County. Take a look at the mesas, and take a few pit-stops along the way — like at Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s one of the more exciting roads to drive your Corvette on, with its switchbacks, steep inclines and fun turns.

You may even be lucky enough to have the road to yourself during a weekday venture. Imagine all the national parks you can experience in one drive, as well as see several other spots along the way like Hole-in-the-Rock Road and Coyote Gulch.

9. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon

Head east of Portland, and you’ll find yourself on the 70-mile Columbia River Highway. The road can take you several hundred feet above the Columbia River Great Gorge, which is beautiful between the spring and fall.

It was originally created to support the Model T car, so it was designed with drivers in mind. You can feel assured that it’s a laidback road trip with waterfalls at almost every turn. Some of the most popular are the Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls.

Lush plants, trees and flowers surround the narrow road, which make for spectacular photo ops. You and your Corvette will also make your way through a few tunnels. One area you must see is the Vista House, which overlooks the Columbia River. If you’re craving more explorations, head to Mount Hood Crown Point and the Lewis and Clark Trail for a bit of history.

10. Loneliest Highway, Nevada

Many of the highways throughout the states are spot-on with their titles — and the Loneliest Highway gives you a pretty good clue about what to expect. Although there’s no fooling you on this one, don’t think it’s a boring drive.

The Loneliest Highway, also known as Highway 50, runs through the entire middle section of Nevada. Starting in the western part of the state at Lake Tahoe, your Corvette will work its way across Nevada and end up in Utah. The road stretches on with little to no civilization in sight, but you can view mountain ranges through 17 passes, with the Connors Pass reaching more than 7,000 feet. Make sure to see Sand Mountain and take a tour of the Great Basin National Park.

11. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

Another one of America’s most beautiful roads is the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. Take your classic or newer-model Corvette and tour the San Juan Mountains and Red Mountain Pass, which reach 11,018 feet.

It’s an exceptional 25-mile drive during the winter if you’re brave enough to take your Corvette — but the best time to go is during the summer. Roll down your windows or open your convertible to take in all its beauty.

Along the way, you can also stop at Mesa Verde National Park, plus Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. As one of the best roads to drive a sports car, the Million Dollar Highway also has the Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass.

12. North Cascades Highway, Washington

The North Cascades Highway begins in Sedro Valley and won’t disappoint with its magnificent views. As a section of State Route 20, the road is open between April and November, which is perfect weather for riding in your Corvette. The Washington Pass marks its highest point at over 5,500 feet, and you can experience a vast range of geological features along the way. Stop off at viewpoints, take in the wildlife and appreciate the scenic beauty along the drive.

13. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

The Olympic Peninsula Loop is one of the most scenic locations to drive a Corvette. It’s a journey where your head will be out the window as you take in the jaw-dropping views. Be sure to drive your car around Olympic National Park and along the Hood Canal.

A road trip through the loop will allow you to see the snow-capped mountains and Lake Crescent with its mesmerizing shores. From one end to the other, you’ll drive next to the Pacific Ocean. If you can take a detour off the main highway, visit Hurricane Ridge. Other stop-offs on the map include the Hoh Rainforest and La Push beaches.

14. Overseas Highway, Florida

Also known as Route 1, the Overseas Highway starts in Miami and makes its way through the Florida Keys. The entire length of the road is 113 miles of pure ocean-spray views, so you’ll be able to take plenty of pit stops.

Along Route 1, you and your classic Corvette can see everything from landscapes of rustling pine and swaying palms to the shimmering sea that is home to stunning coral reefs. The highway connects many islands, so it’s no surprise you’ll have to cross over a few bridges, 42 in fact, with one that is seven miles long. It is the perfect drive to roll down your windows.

If you drive the entire Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West you will end up at the southernmost point in the U.S. When you’re there, stop at the Ernest Hemingway Museum. On the return trip to Miami make another detour to the Everglades National Park — it’s home to one of only two Everglades in the world, with the other being in Australia.

15. Pacific Coast Highway, California

California has some of the most breathtaking highway cruises in America, with one of the most famous and most photographed roads being the Pacific Coast Highway. This is the type of road where you don’t even need a destination — the journey is the sole purpose.

Highway 1 is an iconic drive that follows the Pacific Ocean along most of the California Coast. Along the way, you’ll be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge, San Jose, historic Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Malibu and Long Beach. As if that’s not enough, you can also stop at the overlook at Muir Beach.

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best places to drive a convertible Corvette because of its endless miles of open ocean road. Taking your time on this trip is key, so make time to head to Highway 101 to see the California Redwoods.

16. Route 100, Vermont

The best time to drive on Route 100 is during fall to experience the peak colors of the foliage. There’s nothing like driving through mountain ranges that are aglow with vibrant oranges, reds and yellows.

The road runs along the Green Mountain National Forest. You can also make a stop at Camp Plymouth State Park or Wilmington for an overnight stay. If you’re looking for a fun activity, there are plenty of golfing, biking and hiking opportunities.

17. The Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee

Considered the #1 highway for sports cars and motorcycles, the Tail of the Dragon has a whopping 318 curves. Beginning at Deals Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, this 11 mile stretch of US 129 is the perfect adventure if you’re ready for a thrill. Travel through the forest, stop at viewpoints and pull over at different straightaways to take in all its beauty.

Summer is the best time to travel on the Tail of the Dragon, and it’s even better with a convertible. This road is more like an adrenaline rush than a relaxed drive like some of the other routes. It will get your heart pumping through its sharpest curves like Mud Corner and Bust Bend.

However, always drive with safety as a priority. If you need a reminder, stop by the Tree of Shame to understand the importance of safe driving.

An entire lifetime of road trips await you and your Corvette, no matter if you’re searching for an exciting adventure or a laidback cruise.

Your Go-To for Quality Corvette Restoration Products

Top Flight Automotive is an American-based Corvette parts supplier. As you’re taking on one new adventure at a time, tour through Pennsylvania’s countryside and mountain ranges, stopping at the Corvettes at Carlisle event in August 2020. It’s the largest Vette event in the world that features more than 5,000 classics. on your way to the show, visit Top Flight Automotive in Reedsville, PA, just 60 miles west of Carlisle.

We speak fluent Corvette with enthusiasts like you who can’t wait to restore or repair their sports cars. Contact our knowledgeable sales team to learn more about the event or our OE licensed parts.