The Most Breathtaking American Road Trips to Add to Your Bucket List

Each journey unveils unexpected panoramas, turning every mile into a new discovery.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Each journey unveils unexpected panoramas, turning every mile into a new discovery.

Few journeys rival the sheer freedom of setting out on an all-American road trip. From the towering cliffs of the Pacific Coast to the lush valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, America is stitched together by scenic byways offering both legendary vistas and countless surprises along the way. Whether you crave rugged coastlines, mountain escapes, or historic trails, these breathtaking road trips promise to ignite your wanderlust and add unforgettable entries to your adventure journal.

Why Take a Scenic Road Trip?

Road trips are more than a means of travel—they are immersive experiences, where every detour presents new possibilities and each mile brings you closer to some of America’s most beautiful secrets. Opting for a scenic route means embracing the journey itself as the main attraction, not just the destinations.
Benefits of scenic road trips include:

Discovering hidden gems off the beaten path
Unhurried immersion in varied landscapes
Rich opportunities for spontaneous exploration and photography
Personalized itineraries tailored to your interests

18 Gorgeous Scenic Road Trip Ideas Across America

Below, explore some of the most iconic and captivating scenic drives the US has to offer. From winding mountain highways to expansive ocean drives, these routes showcase the diversity and grandeur of America’s landscape. Each road trip suggestion includes highlights, suggested stops, and unique features.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1)

This legendary route hugs California’s dramatic coastline from Orange County to Mendocino County, featuring some of the most recognizable seascapes in the world.

Scenic Highlights: Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge, Redwoods, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Best for: Ocean vistas, beaches, wildlife spotting, coastal towns.
Don’t miss: Stopping at Hearst Castle, elephant seal vistas near San Simeon, and tasting local seafood in Santa Barbara.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

Stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway dazzles with rolling mountain views, flowering meadows, and vibrant autumn foliage.

Scenic Highlights: Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains, Linville Gorge, Mabry Mill.
Best for: Hiking, leaf peeping, panoramic overlooks, Appalachian culture.
Don’t miss: Craggy Gardens in springtime and the historic Blue Ridge Music Center.

3. Route 66 (Illinois to California)

No list is complete without the Mother Road. The famous Route 66 delivers equal parts retro Americana and desert majesty from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Scenic Highlights: Cadillac Ranch (Texas), Petrified Forest (Arizona), Santa Fe (New Mexico), and stretches of open desert.
Best for: History buffs, kitschy roadside attractions, classic diners.
Don’t miss: Amboy Crater, the Wigwam Motel, and Oklahoma’s Blue Whale of Catoosa.

4. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

Dive into turquoise waters and tropical breezes along the Overseas Highway, an engineering marvel that strings together the Florida Keys from Miami to Key West.

Scenic Highlights: Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, Key Largo’s coral reefs.
Best for: Island-hopping, snorkeling, water sports.
Don’t miss: Sampling key lime pie in Marathon and Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West.

5. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

This 50-mile stretch traverses Glacier National Park, offering alpine forests, glacial lakes, and breathtaking mountainscapes.

Scenic Highlights: Logan Pass, Weeping Wall, Jackson Glacier Overlook.
Best for: Nature photography, wildlife viewing (mountain goats, bears), and dramatic vistas.
Don’t miss: Hidden Lake Trail hike and boat tours on Lake McDonald.

6. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

Tracing the Mississippi River’s sinuous path, the Great River Road winds through ten states, historic river towns, and fertile delta landscapes.

Scenic Highlights: Bluffs of Minnesota, Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal (MO), Natchez (MS).
Best for: History, river views, Southern cuisine, birdwatching.
Don’t miss: Winter bald eagle sightings in Iowa and paddlewheel cruises in the Delta.

7. The Loneliest Road (US-50, Nevada)

US-50 slices through the wide-open heart of Nevada, revealing haunting ghost towns, alpine forests, and star-filled skies.

Scenic Highlights: Great Basin National Park, Sand Mountain, Austin’s historic buildings.
Best for: Stargazing, end-of-the-earth exploration, adventure seekers.
Don’t miss: Stopping to mail a postcard from the remote Middlegate Station.

8. Hana Highway (Maui, Hawaii)

This island odyssey propels you along 64 serpentine miles of waterfalls, lush rainforests, and jaw-dropping Pacific views from Kahului to Hana.

Scenic Highlights: Twin Falls, Wailua Valley State Wayside, Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o Gulch.
Best for: Lush tropical scenery, waterfall hikes, local fruit stands.
Don’t miss: Sampling fresh banana bread in Ke’anae and the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park.

9. Beartooth Highway (Montana & Wyoming)

Ascending to nearly 11,000 feet, this high-altitude route links Red Lodge (MT) with the Yellowstone National Park’s northeast entrance.

Scenic Highlights: Towering peaks, glacial lakes, wildflower meadows.
Best for: Dramatic Alpine scenery, summer snowfields, mountain adventure.
Don’t miss: Pull-offs for panoramic photo ops and hiking at the summit plateaus.

10. Columbia River Gorge (Oregon to Washington)

This route along the Oregon-Washington border delivers cascading waterfalls and basalt cliffs framed by verdant forests.

Scenic Highlights: Multnomah Falls, Vista House, fruit orchards in Hood River.
Best for: Waterfall chasing, hiking, windsurfing, outdoor markets.
Don’t miss: Sampling local cherries and roadside fruit at farm stands.

11. Skyline Drive (Virginia)

Spanning 105 miles through the heart of Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is legendary during autumn for its explosion of colors.

Scenic Highlights: 75 overlooks, Appalachian Trail access, Skyline Caverns.
Best for: Fall foliage, short hikes, wildlife, picnic spots.
Don’t miss: Mary’s Rock Tunnel and Dark Hollow Falls Trail.

12. Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

Running 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest, “the Kanc” is world-renowned in the fall but spectacular year-round.

Scenic Highlights: Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge, panoramic overlooks.
Best for: Fall color, hiking, swimming holes, rustic campgrounds.
Don’t miss: Lunch at an old-fashioned country store in Lincoln or Conway.

13. Olympic Peninsula Loop (Washington)

Embark on a 300-mile journey circling the wild, weathered Olympic Peninsula, weaving through seaside towns, rainforest, and alpine peaks.

Scenic Highlights: Hoh Rain Forest, La Push beaches, Hurricane Ridge.
Best for: Diverse ecosystems, coastal drives, indigenous culture.
Don’t miss: Sol Duc Hot Springs and fresh-caught salmon in Port Angeles.

14. Lake Superior Circle Tour

This rugged loop around the world’s largest freshwater lake traverses Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario.

Scenic Highlights: Porcupine Mountains, waterfalls, lighthouses, lake views.
Best for: Wilderness adventures, fishing, Native American history.
Don’t miss: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the vibrant Duluth harbor.

15. Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)

This 444-mile byway traces an ancient Native American path, replete with gentle hills, historic sites, and serene woodlands.

Scenic Highlights: Cypress swamps, Sunken Trace, Mount Locust historic inn.
Best for: Cyclists, history lovers, camping, slow-paced travel.
Don’t miss: Tupelo’s birthplace of Elvis Presley and wildflower displays in spring.

16. San Juan Skyway (Colorado)

This 236-mile loop soars through the striking San Juan Mountains, with twisting mountain roads, mining towns, and dramatic vistas.

Scenic Highlights: Million Dollar Highway, Silverton, Telluride, alpine lakes.
Best for: Mountain scenery, historic railroads, autumn foliage.
Don’t miss: Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

17. Highway 12 (Utah)

Known as an “All-American Road,” Utah’s Highway 12 meanders 122 miles through spectacular red rock canyons and iconic parks.

Scenic Highlights: Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Capitol Reef.
Best for: Desert landscapes, stargazing, hiking, geology.
Don’t miss: Slot canyon walks and cowboy-style meals in Escalante.

18. Seward Highway (Alaska)

This northern odyssey delivers sensational views of glaciers, Turnagain Arm, and forested mountains from Anchorage to Seward.

Scenic Highlights: Chugach State Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, wildlife (bears, moose, whales).
Best for: Remote wilderness, fishing, outdoor adventure.
Don’t miss: Beluga Point for whale watching and boat tours at Seward’s harbor.

Expert Tips for Planning Your Scenic Road Trip

With so many remarkable routes, how do you maximize your adventure? Consider these expert planning tips to ensure a seamless and memorable journey:

Research designated scenic byways: Many states have officially listed scenic routes. Start your planning using resources like America’s Scenic Byways, or apps like Roadtrippers and MyScenicDrives.
Identify points of interest: Map out key stops, viewpoints, hikes, and unique local attractions so you don’t miss iconic highlights along your route.
Optimize your navigation: Set GPS or apps to avoid highways to ensure you’re traveling on scenic side roads rather than interstates. Satellite or terrain view helps you visualize landscapes in advance.
Leverage travel apps: Apps like Roadtrippers or MyScenicDrives help build custom itineraries with curated attractions and sync plans with travel companions.
Plan for flexibility: The allure of road trips is in serendipity—leave time for unplanned stops and detours.
Prepare your vehicle: Ensure your car is road-ready—oil, tire pressure, emergency kit—and pack supplies for comfort, safety, and snacks.
Check seasonal conditions: Some routes (especially mountain passes or highways in national parks) may close in winter or require permits in high season.

Essential Packing List for Your Scenic Road Trip

Printed maps and/or offline GPS (not all scenic byways have cell service)
Camera or smartphone for capturing epic views
Binoculars (for wildlife watching)
Snacks, water, and a cooler for fresh food
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats
Comfortable clothes and layers for changing weather
Flashlight, extra batteries, and a car charger
Emergency roadside kit and first aid essentials

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Road Trips

Q: What is the best time of year to take a scenic road trip?

A: Timing depends on the region. For example, late spring through early fall is ideal for Northern and mountainous routes; autumn is best for leaf-peeping drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway or Kancamagus Highway; desert routes can be better in early spring or late fall to avoid extreme heat.

Q: How do I choose the best route for my trip?

A: Consider your interests—coastline, mountains, history, or adventure. Often, state tourism boards maintain lists of scenic byways with detailed descriptions, and apps like Roadtrippers help you visualize routes and attractions.

Q: Do I need to reserve accommodations in advance?

A: For popular routes or high seasons, booking ahead is recommended. However, many travelers appreciate the flexibility of spontaneous stops—just be mindful of availability in rural areas or around national parks.

Q: Are these routes suitable for RVs or motorcycles?

A: Most scenic byways are RV-friendly, though some mountain passes or narrow canyon roads (like portions of the Beartooth Highway or Hana Highway) require experienced driving. Motorcyclists especially love winding, scenic corridors, but always check road conditions and safety advisories in advance.

Q: What apps or websites can help me plan and navigate scenic road trips?

Roadtrippers: Route mapping and attraction discovery
MyScenicDrives: Curated drives and personalized itinerary builder
Google Maps: Satellite view and route customization
America’s Scenic Byways website: Official scenic drive listings

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of America’s Scenic Roads

Every one of these scenic routes has something unique to offer, whether it’s the thunder of the Pacific surf against rugged bluffs, a quilt of flaming fall leaves across Nebraskan valleys, or the thrill of discovering ghost towns along Nevada’s quiet highways. Capture memories, indulge your curiosity, and let the open road lead you somewhere unforgettable.

For both the first-time explorer and the veteran roadtripper, America’s byways are calling—keys in the ignition, adventure on the horizon, and the journey yours to shape.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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