Big sur coast in California, United States of America. Panoramic image.

The 12 Most Scenic Drives in the US

From the four corners of America and everything in between, these adrenaline-pumping roads are the most scenic drives in the country.

With sweeping stretches across ever-changing landscapes and some of America's most iconic sites, these scenic drives offer a combination of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and historical significance.

Road trips have always satisfied my need for adventure, and if they include an exciting and scenic route, then so much the better! These are my top twelve most scenic drives across the United States.

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

A highway along southern Oregon coast with afternoon light
Image Credit YAY Images.

The holy grail of road trips, the Pacific Coast Highway is a dramatic 1650-mile route between Port Townsend, Washington, and San Diego, California. If you want to hit the best bits, head for Route 1, known as the California State Highway.

This is one of my all-time favorites, with glorious views of the Pacific Ocean, the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, and coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that snakes spectacularly between Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina.

With rolling hills, spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains, and the towns of Charlottesville and Asheville en route, this really is one of America's most scenic routes, especially if you visit in the fall for vibrant foliage along the route.

3. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Waterfall flows down from the mountains onto the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park Montana.
Image Credit: YAY Images.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana's Glacier National Park is a 50-mile route through the rugged Rocky Mountains, sharing panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and pristine glacial lakes as the road tops out at Logan Pass, over 6,600 feet above sea level.

Add the gravity-defying road with its twists and turns as it clings to the side of the mountain and the chance to spot grizzly bears, and you have all the elements of an adventurous road trip.

4. Route 66, Illinois to California

A roadside motel sign on Historic Route 66 with a blue sky and desert landscape in the background. The sign advertises amenities such as queen beds, HBO, cable TV, and large family rooms.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Route 66, often called the “Mother Road,” is one of the most iconic highways in American history. Established in 1926, it originally stretched over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, traversing eight states and three time zones.

This legendary route played a crucial role in America's westward expansion, serving as a lifeline for those migrating to California during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Over the decades, it became a symbol of freedom and adventure, embodying the spirit of the open road for generations of road-trippers.

5. Overseas Highway, Florida

Aerial view along the long beautiful bridge above turquoise sea. Action. Flying above bending bridge with driving cars
Image Credit: YAY Images.

The Overseas Highway in Florida is a remarkable feat of engineering that stretches 113 miles into the ocean from Miami to Key West, connecting the Florida Keys through several bridges and causeways, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

The journey gives the sensation of driving over the open sea as you travel across turquoise waters sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

6. Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana

sunset mississippi river
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Stretching nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states along the mighty Mississippi River, the Great River Road follows a waterway that has been the birthplace of diverse cultures, inspired Mark Twain, and played a critical role in the American Civil War.

The route along “Old Man River” offers many different activities and attractions that showcase America's Midwest and Deep South, from visiting the river's source at Itasca State Park, Minnesota, to exploring the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi. This is not just a road trip; it's a journey through America.

7. The Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

American flag with beautiful yellow autumn aspen tree leaves at the background. Taken in Black Hawk city turned into gambling destination of Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA.
Image Credit: YAY Images.

The Million Dollar Highway connects the beautiful mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado because of its spectacular scenery and fascinating mining history.

But make no mistake — this is a challenging drive. The Million Dollar Highway is dangerous in some places because of hairpin turns and sharp drop-offs with no guardrails, and it is not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced driver.

8. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee

Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi.
Image Credit: Author:Brent Moore – CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a trip through 10,000 years of American southwest history. The 444-mile route passes through three states and links Natchez with Nashville, crossing some of the most beautiful landscapes in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Both a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road, the route is tranquil and scenic, often along forest roads that follow the historic travel corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, and traders for centuries.

9. Hana Highway, Hawaii

A beautiful view of road to Hana from the island of Maui Hawaii, showing its diversity of nature, lush tropical green foliage, and beautiful sky. The road is know for it's twist and turns along a stunning nature path.
Image Credit: YAY Images.

The epic Hana Highway wanders along the east coast of Maui for 64 miles, from lively Paia to remote Hana. This picturesque drive features lush tropical rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, and sweeping sea views.

Some of the best stops along the route include the Garden of Eden Arboretum, the black sand beach of Waianapanapa State Park, Twin Falls, and the fascinating Hana lava tubes.

10. Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Highway 12 is one of the most scenic highways in America, receiving the designation of 'All American Road' in 2002. The highway has two National Parks, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, at each end and many other scenic points in between.
Image Credit: YAY Images.

The 122-mile Highway 12 showcases the rugged beauty of Utah's most dramatic landscapes, connecting the towns of Panguitch and Torrey. The highway passes close to some of Utah's top attractions, including Bryce Canyon National Park, with its otherworldly hoodoos, and Capitol Reef National Park, known for its striking cliffs and domes.

The route also passes through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where the road narrows to cross the Hogsback, a ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides and far-reaching views that stretch to the distant horizon.

11. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Olympic national park landscape in washington usa
Image Credit: YAY Images.

This Pacific Northwest road trip is a stunning 330-mile loop around the Olympic Peninsula. Highway 101 winds along the rugged coastline through lush rainforests with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Highlights include the Hurricane Ridge section, which offers awesome hiking and incredible views; Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in America; and Forks, the setting of the Twilight series. Fabulous beaches nearby include Rialto, Ruby, and Second Beach, where sea stacks tower out of the ocean.

12. Dalton Highway, Alaska

Dalton Highway in Alaska at north slope
Image Credit: YAY Images.

The Dalton Highway is an incredible 414-mile road trip filled with adventure, excitement, and glorious landscapes. Stretching from Fairbanks to the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay on Alaska's Arctic Coast, the route covers some of the wildest landscapes in Alaska, including the Yukon River, the Arctic Circle, and the rugged Brooks Range.

But it's not a road for the faint-hearted. With few services, potential extreme weather conditions, even in summer, and long stretches of gravel, this road trip needs careful preparation. You'll be rewarded with stunning views of vast tundra, wildlife like caribou and grizzly bears, and the satisfaction of reaching one of the northernmost points accessible by road in America.

Author: Izzy Nicholls

Writer for The Gap Decaders. Expert in European travel, road trips, motorhome & RV travel, overland travel, van life, adult gap years and how to live the dream!

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