10 Best Road Trips In The United States For Stunning Scenic Views
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The best way to take in the beauty of the United States is from the driver’s seat, with your favorite playlist on and the windows down. This country is packed with scenic roads that lead to jaw-dropping landscapes and unforgettable memories.
I’ve been to 49 states so far and have experienced everything from mountain passes to oceanfront highways. These are the drives you’ll be talking about long after you’ve turned off the engine of your car.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most talked-about road trips for a reason. This drive hugs the California coastline, treating you to cliffs, beaches, and ocean views that are straight out of a postcard.
Start in Southern California and wind your way through places like Santa Barbara, Big Sur, and Monterey before ending in San Francisco. Highlights include the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and plenty of spots to stop for tacos or fresh seafood. You might even catch a glimpse of whales or sea otters along the way. I recommend bringing binoculars so you don’t miss seeing them!
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is extra special to me because I grew up just down the road from it and got engaged on a hike in the area! It’s a dream for anyone who loves rolling mountains and quiet overlooks. This road connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It’s especially magical when the trees burst with different colors in the fall. Stop for a hike, check out Asheville’s artsy vibe, or just pull over at an overlook and take in the views.
3. Route 66 (Illinois to California)
No list of the best road trips in the USA would be complete without mentioning the infamous Route 66, which is like a time machine on wheels. This historic highway takes you from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through small towns and landmarks that feel like stepping back into the 1950s.
Along the way, you’ll find quirky spots like Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Blue Whale in Oklahoma. Between the classic roadside diners and wide-open desert views, this road trip has its own charm.
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must if you’re heading to Glacier National Park. This drive cuts right through the park, giving you front-row seats to some of the most stunning mountain views in the country.
Although the road is only 50 miles long, every inch is packed with towering peaks, glacial lakes, and wildlife. Make sure you stop at Logan Pass; it’s one of those places that you will remember forever.
I was able to check this drive out recently and loved the scenery along the way. I recommend visiting during the shoulder season, as the summer traffic and parking lots get slammed, which can dampen the mood!
5. The Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River through 10 states, offering gorgeous views and interesting stops along the way.
You’ll drive through charming river towns, pass by dramatic bluffs, and maybe even spot some bald eagles. A highlight is the French Quarter in New Orleans, where the scenery changes from natural beauty to lively streets full of music and culture. It’s one of the most underrated road trips on this list but well worth checking out due to its uniqueness.
6. Hana Highway (Maui, Hawaii)
The Hana Highway is the ideal road trip for those wanting to cruise with their windows down and appreciate the tropical weather. This 64-mile drive on Maui twists and turns through rainforests, waterfalls, and oceanfront cliffs.
The road has over 50 bridges, and many are one-lane, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Along the way, stop at black sand beaches, hidden swimming holes, and roadside stands for fresh coconut and banana bread.
7. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
The Overseas Highway is a road like no other, stretching from Miami to Key West across a chain of tropical islands.
The drive feels like you’re floating on water, with ocean views on both sides and sunshine almost guaranteed. The Seven Mile Bridge is the highlight, but the seafood shacks and snorkeling spots along the way are worth stopping for, too.
8. Beartooth Highway (Montana and Wyoming)
The Beartooth Highway climbs to almost 11,000 feet, passing through one of the country’s wildest and most beautiful landscapes.
This route starts in Red Lodge, Montana, and ends near Yellowstone National Park. Along the way, you’ll see jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and fields of wildflowers. It’s a rugged road, but the views are worth every twist and turn.
9. Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)
Utah’s Highway 12 is like driving through a painting. This drive connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks and is packed with red rock formations, canyons, and open desert.
There’s no shortage of places to stop, whether you want to hike, snap photos, or just take in the landscape. And don’t miss the stretch through Grand Staircase-Escalante; it’s unreal.
10. Denali Highway (Alaska)
For a road trip off the beaten path, the Denali Highway is a hidden gem. This road stretches 135 miles through remote Alaska, offering views of Denali, glacial rivers, and endless tundra.
It’s rough, it’s wild, and it’s unforgettable. Summer is the best time to go, but make sure you’re prepared because it’s a true wilderness adventure.
What’s Your Favorite Scenic Road Trip In The United States?
Tell us which one you love and why in the comments!
