Buick’s best autumn Sunday drives

2026-10-23


            

By Kristin Shaw, GM News contributor

The best Sunday drives aren’t always about having a destination in mind. Sometimes they’re about exploring a new neighborhood, discovering a hidden gem, revisiting a favorite local spot or simply seeing where the road takes you.

That spirit of curiosity and discovery is what inspired Buick’s Sunday Drive Club, a lifestyle platform celebrating local discovery, connection and the joy of the drive. Through the perspectives of creators and cultural voices, Sunday Drive Club encourages people to explore the places, experiences and communities that reflect their own interests and personal taste. It represents the desire to simply hit the road to experience somewhere beautiful, together.

And whether the journey takes you through a bustling city or along a scenic stretch of highway, Buick brings together thoughtful design, comfort and technology to make the drive part of the experience

Set your navigation and keep your eyes straight ahead on the road as Buick’s available head-up display alerts you to the next turn. Plus, available Super Cruise® driver assistance technology in the Enclave or Envision helps you elevate every drive with hands-free driving on a growing network of compatible roads.1

This autumn season is a perfect time to take your Buick on the road for a Sunday drive punctuated by brilliant fall colors. Reds, yellows, and vibrant oranges light up the northern half of the country while some southern states add deep russet, maroon, and yellow tones. In case you need some inspiration to get behind the wheel and explore, here are a few ideas.

1. MICHIGAN

Michigan is known for its gorgeous autumn finery, and right here near GM headquarters in Detroit is a great place to start a drive. One option is Edward N. Hines Drive, a 17-mile parkway that runs from Dearborn to Northville. You’ll follow the Rouge River through a chain of wooded parks, passing through a colorful canopy of tall maples and oaks. Those who are up for a farther trek might be interested in heading to the west side of the state to follow US-31 along Lake Michigan through South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, and Grand Haven.

2. INDIANA

Brown County, Indiana is often called the "Little Smokies" for its glacier meltwater-carved valleys and hills and permeating morning mist. The Brown County State Park is the largest in the Hoosier state, boasting nearly 16,000 acres of fall foliage and impressive vistas. The Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau even provides a live Leaf Cam to catch a peek as the leaves turn. There’s more than 50 miles of professionally built mountain biking trails inside the state park alone, so it would be a good idea to attach a bike rack and bring yours along. Buick offers a comprehensive selection of accessories, including bike racks and roof rails, to enable a family bicycle ride.

3. VERMONT

Pile into your Buick SUV for a leaf-peeping tour of Vermont starting in the picturesque town of Stowe. A skier's dream in the winter, Stowe is even more charming in the fall when it’s framed by magnificent autumn colors. Drive over to the headquarters for ice cream makers Ben & Jerry’s right in Stowe for a guided tour and then hop on the gondola ride for a birds’ eye view of the autumn season.

4. MAINE

Craggy and beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine is a 90-minute drive from the Bangor airport. Hug the harbor for incredible scenery that encompasses both seaside splendor and autumn jewel tones. Stop at Acadia National Park, a quick 10-minute trip from Bar Harbor, where the fall colors decorate the mountains, forests, and ocean. There’s a scenic 27-mile road through the park, passing coastal landmarks like Sand Beach and Thunder Hole. As the temperature dips in the afternoons, turn on the available heated seats in your Buick and carry on toasty and warm.

5. COLORADO

Golden aspen-lined canyons, historic mining ghost towns, and rugged alpine peaks are a few of the highlights along Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. Start in the quaint town of Silverton and follow US Route 50 to Ouray for an awe-inspiring high-mountain path through the San Juan Mountains. Don’t miss Owl Creek Pass to snap a few photos and catch a ghost tour in Ouray.

6. CALIFORNIA

The Big Sur area is a rugged, mountainous stretch of California's Central Coast with a dramatic coastline, ocean views and winding roads, running roughly 70 to 90 miles along California State Route 1 between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon. Representing a stunning juxtaposition of colors between changing leaves and the deep blue sea, the route to and from Big Sur is a can’t-miss autumn Sunday drive. Cross the Bixby Bridge for elevated, breathtaking views of the region.

From coast to coast, Buick offers an elevated experience for everything from errand running to leaf peeping trips. Whether you’re driving our compact Encore GX or Envista, or a spacious Envision or Enclave, you’ll get an array of technology and safety features2, a confident drive, and plenty of standard amenities.

Looking for inspiration to discover your own favorite route? Take a look at voices from Sunday Drive Club creators like Jai Simmons and Sandy Pierre and tag us at @BuickUSA when you find yours.

1Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a handheld device. Requires an active service plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit buick.com/explore/technology/super-cruise for compatible roads and full details.

By Kristin Shaw, GM News contributor

2026 Buick Envision
2026 Buick Envision in Brilliant Red

The best Sunday drives aren’t always about having a destination in mind. Sometimes they’re about exploring a new neighborhood, discovering a hidden gem, revisiting a favorite local spot or simply seeing where the road takes you.

That spirit of curiosity and discovery is what inspired Buick’s Sunday Drive Club, a lifestyle platform celebrating local discovery, connection and the joy of the drive. Through the perspectives of creators and cultural voices, Sunday Drive Club encourages people to explore the places, experiences and communities that reflect their own interests and personal taste. It represents the desire to simply hit the road to experience somewhere beautiful, together.

And whether the journey takes you through a bustling city or along a scenic stretch of highway, Buick brings together thoughtful design, comfort and technology to make the drive part of the experience

Set your navigation and keep your eyes straight ahead on the road as Buick’s available head-up display alerts you to the next turn. Plus, available Super Cruise® driver assistance technology in the Enclave or Envision helps you elevate every drive with hands-free driving on a growing network of compatible roads.1

This autumn season is a perfect time to take your Buick on the road for a Sunday drive punctuated by brilliant fall colors. Reds, yellows, and vibrant oranges light up the northern half of the country while some southern states add deep russet, maroon, and yellow tones. In case you need some inspiration to get behind the wheel and explore, here are a few ideas. 

2026 Buick Enclave
The 2026 Buick Enclave comes standard with a 30-inch diagonal LCD screen

1. MICHIGAN

Michigan is known for its gorgeous autumn finery, and right here near GM headquarters in Detroit is a great place to start a drive. One option is Edward N. Hines Drive, a 17-mile parkway that runs from Dearborn to Northville. You’ll follow the Rouge River through a chain of wooded parks, passing through a colorful canopy of tall maples and oaks. Those who are up for a farther trek might be interested in heading to the west side of the state to follow US-31 along Lake Michigan through South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, and Grand Haven.

2. INDIANA

Brown County, Indiana is often called the "Little Smokies" for its glacier meltwater-carved valleys and hills and permeating morning mist. The Brown County State Park is the largest in the Hoosier state, boasting nearly 16,000 acres of fall foliage and impressive vistas. The Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau even provides a live Leaf Cam to catch a peek as the leaves turn. There’s more than 50 miles of professionally built mountain biking trails inside the state park alone, so it would be a good idea to attach a bike rack and bring yours along. Buick offers a comprehensive selection of accessories, including bike racks and roof rails, to enable a family bicycle ride.

3. VERMONT

Pile into your Buick SUV for a leaf-peeping tour of Vermont starting in the picturesque town of Stowe. A skier's dream in the winter, Stowe is even more charming in the fall when it’s framed by magnificent autumn colors. Drive over to the headquarters for ice cream makers Ben & Jerry’s right in Stowe for a guided tour and then hop on the gondola ride for a birds’ eye view of the autumn season.

4. MAINE

Craggy and beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine is a 90-minute drive from the Bangor airport. Hug the harbor for incredible scenery that encompasses both seaside splendor and autumn jewel tones. Stop at Acadia National Park, a quick 10-minute trip from Bar Harbor, where the fall colors decorate the mountains, forests, and ocean. There’s a scenic 27-mile road through the park, passing coastal landmarks like Sand Beach and Thunder Hole. As the temperature dips in the afternoons, turn on the available heated seats in your Buick and carry on toasty and warm. 

2026 Buick Encore GX
Stand out wherever you go in a 2026 Buick Encore GX

5. COLORADO

Golden aspen-lined canyons, historic mining ghost towns, and rugged alpine peaks are a few of the highlights along Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. Start in the quaint town of Silverton and follow US Route 50 to Ouray for an awe-inspiring high-mountain path through the San Juan Mountains. Don’t miss Owl Creek Pass to snap a few photos and catch a ghost tour in Ouray.

6. CALIFORNIA

The Big Sur area is a rugged, mountainous stretch of California's Central Coast with a dramatic coastline, ocean views and winding roads, running roughly 70 to 90 miles along California State Route 1 between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon. Representing a stunning juxtaposition of colors between changing leaves and the deep blue sea, the route to and from Big Sur is a can’t-miss autumn Sunday drive. Cross the Bixby Bridge for elevated, breathtaking views of the region.

From coast to coast, Buick offers an elevated experience for everything from errand running to leaf peeping trips. Whether you’re driving our compact Encore GX or Envista, or a spacious Envision or Enclave, you’ll get an array of technology and safety features2, a confident drive, and plenty of standard amenities.

Looking for inspiration to discover your own favorite route? Take a look at voices from Sunday Drive Club creators like Jai Simmons and Sandy Pierre and tag us at @BuickUSA when you find yours. 

2026 Buick Enclave
2026 Buick Enclave in Iridescent White Tricoat

1Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a handheld device. Requires an active service plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit buick.com/explore/technology/super-cruise for compatible roads and full details.