The Most Beautiful Drives In The Country
Is there anything more American than a good road trip? Luckily, the country is full of breathtaking scenic routes just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or something a little more intense, like a week-long cross-country adventure, our list of the most enchanting road trips in America has something for you. Grab your snacks and crank up the radio—it’s time to hit the open road!
Route 66, California To Illinois
No list of great American road trips would be complete without including Route 66. Known as the Mother Road, this iconic route is one of the original highways in the US Highway System. It begins in downtown Chicago and meanders its way across the country, ending at the Santa Monica pier. Spanning eight states and roughly 2,500 miles, this historic highway is filled with nostalgic Americana and charming roadside attractions from a bygone era.
Make sure you stop and take a tour of the 400-million-year-old Meramec Caverns in Missouri. Jesse James famously hid out there, and the Jesse James Wax Museum is nearby.
Highway 1 To Big Sur, California
This breathtaking drive gained widespread attention after appearing in the opening credits of Big Little Lies, but it's long been a favorite among seasoned motorists. This California coastal gem is packed with hair-raising twists and turns, but the stunning views make every mile worthwhile. Be warned: Some sections stretch up to 40 miles without a single gas station or restroom, so plan accordingly.
Fred Moore, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Route 6, Rhode Island To Massachusetts
Route 6 stretches across the entire country, but we highly recommend the portion that begins in Providence, Rhode Island and extends to Provincetown, Massachusetts, at the tip of Cape Cod. This segment offers a picturesque journey through quaint New England towns and scenic beaches, allowing for leisurely stops and exploration along the way.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia To North Carolina
If you're craving a leisurely, iconic drive, set your sights on the Blue Ridge Parkway. With a relaxed speed limit of 45 mph and a ban on commercial vehicles, this scenic route offers a peaceful escape. Winding through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, the 469-mile drive links Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks. For the best leaf-peeping experience, visit in the fall when the foliage is a stunning blend of crimson, auburn, and golden hues.
Chrishash1991, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Route 101, California To Washington
Like many iconic road trip routes in the US, this journey is made up of various sections of road that create a seamless adventure. By following Route 101, which transitions into California State Route 1—familiarly known as the Pacific Coast Highway or PCH—and then briefly reconnecting with Route 101, you can drive pretty much the entire length of the West Coast. Starting just north of Seattle at the American-Canadian border, this route takes you all the way down to the American-Mexican border, just south of San Diego. This, my friends, is the ultimate road trip.
AmarChandra, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Overseas Highway, Florida
For a tropical getaway, turn up the radio and take a drive along the Overseas Highway. This scenic route follows US-1, linking the Florida Keys on a 113-mile journey bathed in sunshine. Originally built in 1928 and later reconstructed in the 1980s, this continuous road stretches from Key Largo to the relaxed roads of Key West. Along the way, you'll cross the iconic Seven Mile Bridge—one of the longest in the world—while enjoying views of towering lighthouses, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine white-sand beaches.
Anchorage To Valdez, Alaska
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska on this short drive. Spanning 300 miles, this route links the Glenn and Richardson highways, guiding you past sparkling glaciers and towering mountain ranges, many of which remain unnamed. The seven-hour journey can be leisurely extended to fully enjoy the natural marvels of the Last Frontier, including the vibrant Spirit Houses of Eklutna Village and the stunning Matanuska Glacier Scenic Turnout.
During your trip, stop by the Thunderbird Falls Trail. There, you can hike to an incredible 200-foot waterfall. More experienced hikers can try ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier, located about 100 miles from Anchorage
Going-To-The-Sun Road, Montana
Originally built to boost tourism and encourage visits to America’s national parks, this remarkable road has fulfilled its mission since its completion in 1932. The 50-mile route winds through Montana’s Glacier National Park, cutting through the Rockies and rising over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Keep an eye out for blind curves and steep drop-offs, and steer clear of this drive during winter when snowbanks can tower up to 80 feet high.
m01229, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Santa Fe To Taos Loop, New Mexico
Grab your cowboy boots and head out on the Santa Fe Loop, a route that winds through the valleys of the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico. This quintessential American road trip feels like it’s straight out of a classic Western, complete with tumbleweeds. The journey takes you through vast desert landscapes and the historic Pueblo communities of Ojo Caliente, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Route 12, Utah
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Utah's Scenic Byway 12, a route that stretches from near Panguitch in the west to Torrey in the northeast. This drive takes you through the stunning Dixie National Forest, beneath red rock arches and past scenic overlooks with views of the Henry Mountains and Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way, you'll also find yourself near the popular destination of Bryce Canyon, making this journey a true showcase of Utah's famous red rocks.
Christian Mehlführer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Texas Hill Country, Texas
The best way to experience the vast beauty of the Lone Star State is by hitting the open road, and there's no better place to start than in Hill Country. This captivating region is crisscrossed by charming rural roads, lined with award-winning wineries and orchards that produce delicious apples, peaches, and pomegranates each year. For meat lovers, Hill Country is a paradise, brimming with family-owned barbecue joints that serve up mouth-watering delights.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
Hawaii is famous for its vibrant landscapes and water activities, but it’s also home to one of the most enchanting road trips in America. This scenic drive stretches 60 miles from Kahului to Hana, featuring breathtaking curves and stunning views. While most travelers can finish the trip in around three hours, heavy midday traffic can significantly extend the drive. As you travel, keep an eye out for swaying mango trees and sunbathing monk seals.
dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Great River Road, Minnesota To Mississippi
As one of America's longest scenic byways, the Great River Road stretches approximately 3,000 miles alongside the majestic Mississippi River. This remarkable drive extends from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, passing through 10 states and typically taking around 10 days to complete. The route is easily recognizable by its distinctive green pilot's wheel road signs and is renowned for its rich variety of natural landscapes, cultural landmarks, historical sites, and recreational opportunities.
McGhiever, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a West Coast gem that circles Washington’s Olympic National Park. This 330-mile drive is remarkable for its dramatic landscapes, from rugged Pacific coastlines to lush temperate rainforests and the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range. A single day on this route offers a feast for the senses, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy local specialties like fresh oysters and clams along the way.
Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln Highway, New York To California
The Lincoln Highway holds the distinction of being the first road built specifically for cars across the entire US. Designed in 1912 by Indiana entrepreneur Carl G. Fisher, it officially opened a year later, stretching from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. Initially, it passed through 13 states, but a 1928 realignment extended the highway through the northern tip of West Virginia, bringing the total to 14 states, 128 counties, and over 700 cities, towns, and villages. These include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California.
Over time, the Lincoln Highway was gradually replaced by numbered routes under the US Numbered Highway System, with much of it becoming US Route 30 from Pennsylvania to Wyoming. However, with a bit of research, you can still follow the entire length of the original route, making it one of America’s best cross-country road trips.
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