Is there anything better than setting out for an adventure on the open road, with music on the stereo, snacks close at hand, and the countryside rolling by your window? Embarking on a road trip, especially along one of America’s most scenic drives, is the perfect way to experience the country’s breathtaking beauty. From dramatic mountain passes to peaceful coastal highways, we’ve curated a list of 65 unforgettable routes across the U.S. to inspire your next journey.
Why These Drives Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
- Magnificent views: Each drive offers stunning vistas, unique geologic features, or iconic American landscapes.
- Eclectic stops: Many routes feature charming towns, world-class attractions, and secret hideaways.
- Seasonal appeal: Whether it’s wildflower blooms, autumn foliage, or sun-drenched coasts, every route shines at different times of year.
Coastal Marvels and Oceanfront Highways
California: 17-Mile Drive
Experience California’s iconic coastline on this storied route. Despite being under 10 miles long, it dazzles with its craggy cliffs, harbor seals, unforgettable sunsets, and legendary golf courses like Pebble Beach. Don’t miss the sweeping outlooks and rocky beaches, and if you have children onboard, a stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must.
Maine: Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park
This picturesque 27-mile loop winds through Acadia’s forests, beside rugged ocean cliffs, and up Cadillac Mountain for sweeping Atlantic views. Visit in autumn for fiery foliage or in spring to spot migratory birds.
Florida: Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1)
This 113-mile engineering marvel links the Florida Keys, skimming the turquoise sea atop bridges and causeways. You’ll pass through quirky towns, and the Seven Mile Bridge is the perfect spot for photos at sunset or sunrise.
Oregon: Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
Follow Oregon’s Route 101 for 363 miles of wind-sculpted cliffs and sandy stretches, dotted with old lighthouses and sea stacks. Whale watching, beach combing, and sampling fresh seafood are all part of the adventure.
Mountain Passes and Valley Vistas
Colorado: San Juan Skyway
Explore 233 miles of alpine grandeur in southwest Colorado. You’ll traverse historic towns like Durango, ascend jaw-dropping passes, and wind through aspen forests—best enjoyed in late September for golden fall colors.
Utah: Scenic Byway 12
This 122-mile route connects Bryce Canyon with Capitol Reef National Park, winding past surreal red rock formations and the wilds of Grand Staircase-Escalante. The Queen’s Garden and Inspiration Point are essential stops.
North Carolina/Virginia: Blue Ridge Parkway
Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” this 469-mile journey along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers mesmerizing overlooks, slow-paced curves, and access to trails, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows.
Montana: Going-to-the-Sun Road
Cutting a dramatic path through Glacier National Park, this 50-mile feat of engineering hugs rugged cliffs and crosses the Continental Divide. Take in gushing waterfalls, snowmelt lakes, and jagged peaks.
Lakes, Rivers, and Historic Byways
Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive
Travel 142 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage along Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline. Marvel at waterfalls, forests, and fishing harbors. Don’t forget a stop at the creative hub of Grand Marais for culture and lakefront dining.
Illinois: Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
This urban route showcases Chicago’s architectural splendor, skirting the edge of Lake Michigan with views of both city and water. In summer, enjoy a picnic at Millennium Park or take a leisurely stroll along Navy Pier.
Louisiana to Minnesota: The Great River Road
Following the mighty Mississippi for 2,340 miles through ten states, this renowned route weaves together river bluffs, lush bayous, and historic towns, telling the story of America’s heartland.
New York: Taconic State Parkway
Winding through the Hudson Valley, this parkway delights with wooded hills, farm stands, and seasonal blooms. Autumn is especially magical as maples light up with vibrant color.
Chasm Crossings, Canyons, and Natural Wonders
Arizona: Highway 89A (Oak Creek Canyon)
This 30-mile drive between Flagstaff and Sedona follows a red rock canyon, flanked by ponderosa pines and carved cliffs. Cool off at Slide Rock State Park, a natural waterslide adored by families.
Wyoming: Beartooth Highway
Connects Red Lodge, Montana to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. Expect dramatic switchbacks, tundra views, and snow—even in July.
Hawaii: Hana Highway (Maui)
Navigate 59 bridges and 600 curves as you trace the lush, waterfall-studded Hana coast. Plan for roadside fruit stands and black sand beaches along the way.
Wilderness Wonders and Remote Escapes
Alaska: Seward Highway
This 127-mile corridor links Anchorage to Seward along the Turnagain Arm, with vistas of the Aleutian and Alaska Ranges. Watch for Dall sheep scaling rocky outcrops and beluga whales cresting in the surf at Beluga Point.
Vermont: Route 100
Stretching nearly the entire length of the state, Route 100 is lauded for covered bridges, classic villages, and autumn’s riot of color.
Montana: Big Sky Backcountry Byway
Wind through endless prairies, grasslands, and tiny hamlets, far from crowds and noise—ideal for nature lovers and solitude seekers.
Charming Countryside and River Valley Rides
Pennsylvania: Route 6
This 400-mile drive traverses rolling hills, small towns, and old-growth forests, offering peaceful scenery and local charm.
Missouri: Ozark Highland Scenic Byway
Discover caves, crystal-clear streams, and thick woodlands in the heart of the Ozarks. Spring wildflowers and fall foliage are highlights.
Virginia: Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park)
Cruise along the Blue Ridge crest for 105 miles of vistas, wooded hollows, and wildlife viewing. Take time to explore trails and scenic overlooks.
Wild West and Southwest Adventure Routes
New Mexico: Turquoise Trail
This 54-mile byway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe runs through historic mining towns and desert landscapes. Stop in quirky Madrid, featured in many films, for art and local flavor.
Nevada: Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375)
Skirt the mysterious Area 51 as you traverse a stark, lonely stretch with big-sky views and kitschy alien-themed roadside attractions.
Signature Southern Detours
Tennessee/North Carolina: Cherohala Skyway
Explore 43 miles of forested ridges and river valleys from the Cherokee National Forest into North Carolina’s mountains, with inviting picnic areas and panoramic overlooks.
Georgia: Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway
Travel 23 miles through Chattahoochee National Forest with mountain ridges, rhododendron tunnels, and waterfalls lining the way.
Alabama: Talladega Scenic Drive
Ascend Cheaha Mountain, Alabama’s highest point, for rewarding views and a peaceful journey through hardwood forests. Birdwatchers should arrive early in spring or fall to spot rare species.
Classic American Highways
Route 66: The Main Street of America
Spanning 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 embodies the romance of the American road trip. Wander through retro diners, quirky roadside attractions, and vintage motels that capture the spirit of yesteryear.
Texas: Hill Country Wildflower Loop
In spring, highways outside Austin and Fredericksburg burst with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and rolling green hills—a spectacular seasonal display.
Lesser-Known Gems and Hidden Journeys
- Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway — This storied path connects Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, through cypress swamps, Civil War sites, and quiet forests.
- Arkansas: Pig Trail Scenic Byway — Only 19 miles, but brimming with dramatic curves, Ozark scenery, and dazzling foliage in every season.
- Idaho: Sawtooth Scenic Byway — Alpine lakes, hot springs, and stunning Sawtooth peaks form the backdrop to this 115-mile stretch.
- Oklahoma: Talimena Scenic Drive — Rolling through the Ouachita Mountains, this 54-mile drive sparkles in autumn when trees ignite in color.
- South Carolina: Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway — Travel 118 miles through peach orchards, waterfalls, and Revolutionary War sites amid the Blue Ridge foothills.
- Connecticut: Route 169 — One of New England’s most peaceful rides, tracing historic towns, stone walls, and church steeples surrounded by fall foliage.
Planning Tips for Your Perfect American Road Trip
- Check local weather and road conditions before departure—some routes may close in winter or require reservations in high season.
- Pack extra snacks, water, and a physical map, especially in remote areas with poor cell signal.
- Respect wildlife—always observe from a distance and never feed animals.
- Build in time for spontaneous stops; the hidden gems are often off the planned path!
- Stay flexible—detours and unexpected adventures are part of the road trip magic.
Scenic Drives at a Glance: Top Picks by Region
| Region | Iconic Route | Signature Feature |
|---|---|---|
| West | Pacific Coast Highway (CA) | Coastal cliffs, surfing towns, ocean sunsets |
| Southwest | Scenic Byway 12 (UT) | Red rock canyons, hoodoos, and national parks |
| Midwest | Great River Road | Mississippi vistas, river towns, wildlife |
| Northeast | Kancamagus Highway (NH) | Mountain passes, fall foliage, covered bridges |
| South | Blue Ridge Parkway (NC/VA) | Mountain overlooks, Appalachian culture |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time of year for a scenic drive in America?
A: Spring and fall are typically most colorful for wildflowers or changing leaves, but summer offers long days and open roads in most regions. Some routes, like mountain passes, are not accessible in winter due to snow.
Q: Are all these scenic drives suitable for RVs or large vehicles?
A: Most routes welcome RVs, but some drives—such as Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park)—have restrictions for longer vehicles or certain times of year. Always check regulations in advance.
Q: Which scenic drives are best for families?
A: Many routes—especially those with national or state parks, such as the Pacific Coast Highway, 17-Mile Drive, and Blue Ridge Parkway—offer kid-friendly attractions and plenty of places to stop and explore.
Q: Are there scenic drives suitable for a weekend trip?
A: Yes! Drives like 17-Mile Drive (CA), Park Loop Road (ME), and Skyline Drive (VA) are easily completed in a day or two, yet filled with sights and short excursions.
Q: How can I combine several scenic drives into a longer road trip?
A: Many highlights—such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, and Great Smoky Mountains routes—can be linked for multi-day adventures. Plan your route using state tourism websites to maximize your experience.
Wherever your travels take you, these 65 scenic drives promise to show you the extraordinary beauty of America—one winding road at a time. Pack your bags, hit the gas, and create memories you’ll cherish forever!
