8 Fall Destinations for Your Next BMW Road Trip

Fall is here, which means now’s your last chance to take a road trip before the snow and ice arrive. Take advantage of the great driving weather and plan a trip in your BMW. With so many destinations to choose from, you’re bound to find at least one that suits your fancy.

1. Big Sur Coast

Luxury car owners love the 101 — and for good reason. The Pacific Coast Highway is home to numerous scenic byways, including the Big Sur Coast. This drive stretches 137 miles from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, bustling cities that are destinations all by themselves.

Snap a photo at the iconic Bixby Bridge and check out the many beaches, cities, and forests that dot the shore. No matter where you stop, you’re sure to experience delicious seafood, elegant wines, and miles of beautiful coastline.

2. Olympic National Park

If you live in Washington or wish to travel farther north on the 101, take a day or two to drive around the Olympic Peninsula Loop. This 300-mile scenic drive defines the perimeter of Olympic National Park and includes picturesque views of valleys, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, rainforests, and waterfalls.

Keep an eye out for wildlife like bears and elk or stop and take a short hike into the park to experience nature up close.

3. Shenandoah National Park

There’s no better time than autumn to see the Blue Ridge Mountains. For just a few weeks each year, this stunning mountain range turns to gold, orange, and bright red in a wild display of color.  Make Shenandoah National Park your final destination and take Skyline Drive for 105 miles to scenic overlooks, trailheads, campgrounds, and picnic areas.

If you’re up for a little off-roading, take Hollow Loop or Snead Farm Road, which meander through bygone farms and old gravesites.

4. The Grand Canyon

Fall is the perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon because there tend to be fewer tourists and the weather is more ideal for hiking. Peak fall foliage also arrives between late September and mid-October, so your drive to the canyon is bound to be breathtaking.

Once you arrive in the park, take Desert View Drive along the rim for 23 miles. The entire drive will take about four hours if you stop along the way to take in the sights.

5. Laurel Highland Scenic Byway

If you find yourself in southwestern Pennsylvania, take a trip back in time along the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. This 68-mile stretch takes two hours to complete if you drive straight through. However, there’s plenty to see and do along the way if you’re planning a longer trip.

Explore the Fallingwater Loop Trail to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater, feed baby animals at a nearby wild animal park, or snap a pic under the Somerset Historical Center’s bright-red covered bridge.

6. The Upper Peninsula

When you picture stunning vistas, sandy beaches, and miles of shoreline, you probably envision a scenic coastal highway. Yet, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has all that and more, even though it’s nowhere near the ocean.

Take a road trip through the UP along the Hidden Coast, a shore-hugging scenic drive with more than 25 overlooks and dozens of lighthouses. Start in Menominee with the North Pier Light Station and end your trip at Kitch-iti-kipi’s natural springs.

7. The Finger Lakes

New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Country is scenic year-round, but nothing beats the fall colors in September and October. Of course, you can hike, bike, or even boat around this beautiful area. However, BMW lovers know that the best way to get around is in their whip.

Take the Seneca Wine Trail if vino is your vice or drive up Jerusalem Hill Road to catch sweeping views of Elmira’s rustic farmscapes and the Chemung River.

8. Acadia All-American Road

Of course, those looking for an all-American experience should take the Acadia All-American Road through Maine.

Following Route 3, this byway will take you through Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park, where you can explore more than 35,000 acres of rugged wilderness. Cadillac Summit Road offers a 3-mile scenic drive to the highest peak in the park. Just be sure to visit before the road closes on October 19 so you don’t miss the view.

Planning the Perfect Trip

The best drivers know that life’s about the journey, not the destination. The same is true of any good road trip, so remember to slow down and enjoy the ride. Plan to make a few stops along the way and make time for scenic overlooks. Most importantly, take only photos and leave only tire tracks.