Take a Scenic Drive Through San Diego
The U.S. has several cities that are a joy to drive through. There's the grid-like street system in Boise or the well-planned side streets in Salt Lake City. These cities make a morning commute pleasurable. There are also a lot of cities that are a pain to drive through because of poorly-maintained roads and traffic. Here are the 10 best cities to drive through and 10 of the worst.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale has smooth, well-planned roads with minimal traffic and year-round sunshine. It's a driver's paradise thanks to the city's intuitive layout, efficient highways, and wide boulevards through desert landscape. The mountain backdrops don't hurt either.
2. Colorado Springs, Colorado
There are only a few U.S. cities that blend drivability and scenery like Colorado Springs. Roads are typically uncrowded, and the skyline is visually arresting. Drivers love zooming along the well-maintained streets that make exploring nearby attractions a treat.
3. Boise, Idaho
Boise's relatively small population and grid-like street system make it easy to navigate in a car. Rush hour isn't too intense, and there's lots of parking. The city is also surrounded by rivers and foothills, making for gorgeous drives all year round.
4. San Diego, California
The coastal drives in San Diego are a thrilling experience. You can cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway or drive through Balboa Park with its unforgettable views. San Diego is a major city without much gridlock, and its infrastructure is manageable.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston matches its distinct Southern charm with drivable streets soaked in history. The Lowcountry routes are scenic, calm, and marked with lots of oak trees with Spanish moss. Enjoy Sunday drives across bridges spanning the harbor or coastal routes.
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has wide streets and not too much congestion, making it something of a driver's dream. The grid system makes navigating the city simple, and the mountain views are hard to beat. This city offers a smooth and spectacular experience for drivers.
7. Austin, Texas
Austin has grown over the last decade, which has increased its traffic. That said, its mix of hill country drives, lakeside routes, and scenic backroads makes it pleasant for drivers and sometimes even fun.
8. Portland, Maine
Portland offers drivers a coastal setting, manageable size, and not much traffic. There are also scenic ocean views, lighthouses, and lovely historic architecture to gawk at as you drive through this beautiful city.
9. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Driving through Santa Fe is a cultural and scenic experience. The city's adobe architecture, desert landscapes, and mountains make for idyllic drives. Furthermore, the traffic is light and there are bright skies and open spaces to enjoy.
10. Anchorage, Alaska
Drivers in Anchorage are treated to awe-inspiring views along just about every road. As you drive, catch a glimpse of snow-capped peaks, forests, and sparkling inlets. The rugged environment is paired with well-kept and easy-to-navigate roads.
1. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is at the top of every list of bad driving cities. It has a sprawling layout, endless freeways, and don't get us started on the rush hour traffic. Los Angeles is a nightmare for drivers, as a 10-mile trip can take over an hour.
2. New York City, New York
You need a god-like patience to drive through Manhattan during rush hour. It's pure madness with constant honking, gridlock, and narrow lanes. The scarce parking in New York City doesn't offer drivers any respite when they finally reach their destination.
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3. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston's colonial street layout wasn't really designed for cars. Roads twist awkwardly, and signage isn't always present. Add in aggressive drivers and limited parking, and you have one of the worst driving experiences in the country.
4. Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital is a stunning place with amazing monuments and architecture. The driving, however, is brutal. There is tons of traffic, unpredictable road closures, and confusing circle intersections. When in Washington, it's best to walk when possible.
5. San Francisco, California
San Francisco's steep hills and narrow streets look great on postcards, but they make for a tough driving environment. Drivers also need to work around cable cars, cyclists, and seemingly never-ending construction.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Drivers who love potholes and tollways will love driving through Chicago. If you're a normal person who doesn't enjoy these things, then Chicago will be a frustrating experience for you. You'll also have to drive through lots of snow in the winter and a long construction season.
7. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta's sprawling highways are known for bottlenecks, and the I-285 loop is infamous for car accidents. The rush-hour gridlock is severe, and the rapid suburban growth can make Atlanta feel like one big traffic jam.
8. Miami, Florida
Miami's driving scene can be glamorous, but it's also infused with a lot of chaos. The palm-lined boulevards are picturesque, but the drivers don't have the best reputation for being courteous and safe. The congestion near beaches can also be quite bad.
9. Seattle, Washington
The geography of Seattle makes driving tricky. Limited routes funnel traffic into a series of chokepoints. The city's growing population has made traffic worse in the last decade, and it's compounded by narrow bridges and constant construction.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is paradise, but the price of experiencing paradise is traffic. It is one of the most congested cities per capita in the country. There are limited highways and very few alternate routes, so one minor car accident can derail everyone's commute.
