- Survey of 3,008 to identify America’s best spots to witness summer solstice.
- Great River Road emerged in #69 nationally; followed by Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in #81.
- Infographic showing the top location in each state to witness the sunrise this summer solstice.
Each June, the summer solstice marks the official beginning of summer – and gifts us the longest day of the year. It’s a moment that invites stillness, reflection, and, for many people, an early-morning drive in search of the perfect sunrise. To celebrate the occasion, Gunther Mazda surveyed 3,008 people, asking:
“Based on your own experience, where’s the most breathtaking place to drive to and watch the sunrise on the summer solstice?”
Two Illinois spots emerged among the best in the country to witness summer solstice:
#69 Great River Road (north of Alton)
This section of the Mississippi isn’t flashy, but it’s quietly spectacular. The road hugs the river, passing limestone bluffs and sleepy river towns. Just north of Alton, there’s a pull-off where the river reflects the sky perfectly-and the sunrise feels like a private showing.
#81 Shawnee Hills Wine Trail (Southern Illinois)
Forget Napa vibes-these rural backroads twist through forested hills and vineyards. There’s a stretch between Alto Pass and Makanda where the road crests and gives you sweeping views of the valleys below. In early morning mist, it’s almost dreamlike.
From desert valleys to forested ridgelines, here are some of the other most awe-inspiring routes named by respondents:
#1 Mauna Kea Access Road – Hawaii
While sunset crowds gather at the summit, those who set out before dawn experience something far more serene. As you ascend Mauna Kea, stars slowly give way to a soft, rising light that touches the lava fields and cloud cover below. Stopping at one of the lower pullouts, you’ll catch the sun cresting through thin air, with the vast Pacific behind you and the summit above. It’s a moment that feels both cosmic and completely still.
#2 Sunrise Highway – California
True to its name, Sunrise Highway in San Diego County offers a front-row seat to daybreak. Winding through the Laguna Mountains, the road climbs to over 5,000 feet, with views over the Anza-Borrego Desert. As the first light stretches across the valley below, pine trees rustle and long shadows flicker across the rocky landscape. It’s a drive that transforms with the light – and on the solstice, the horizon feels endless.
#3 Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia
Just off this iconic road lies Pine Tree Overlook, where dawn spills over the Peaks of Otter and into the quiet sweep of Goose Creek Valley. The signature pine frames a golden vista, perfect for a slow, thoughtful morning. There’s space for only a few cars, and that’s the charm: no noise, no rush – just rolling ridges, waking wildlife, and the feeling that you’ve found your own private moment in the Blue Ridge.
#4 Skyline Drive – Virginia
Though often associated with fall foliage, Skyline Drive is a sunrise secret in summer. Start around Swift Run Gap, and you’ll see the Shenandoah Valley unfold in soft layers of mist and light. With most travelers still asleep, you’ll have the road – and its sweeping overlooks – nearly to yourself. It’s a gentle, soul-soothing way to mark the year’s longest day.
#5 Chilkat River Scenic Byway – Alaska
A lesser-known gem near Haines, this drive traces the Chilkat River past snow-dusted peaks and eagle habitats. The early hours are often cloaked in a hushed fog, with sunbeams slowly breaking through to light the water and mountaintops. It feels like you’re watching the planet wake up in real time – with no crowds, no sounds, just the rhythms of the wild.
Infographic showing the top location in each state to witness the sunrise this summer solstice
“The summer solstice is the longest stretch of daylight we get all year – and there’s no better way to make the most of it than getting behind the wheel and chasing the sunrise,” says Joseph Gunther IV at Gunther Mazda. “These drives aren’t just about the destination. They’re about the early-morning roads, the changing light, and the sense of freedom that only a great drive can give you.”
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