15 Breathtaking US Road Trips—And 5 Overhyped Routes To Skip

Nothing beats the freedom of rolling down the windows, cranking up your favorite playlist, and hitting the highway with no strict agenda—just the promise of whatever’s around the next bend. I’ve spent years chasing sunsets and scenic byways across the country, and I can tell you: not all road trips are created equal.

Some routes blew me away—think cliff-hugging coastlines, red rock canyons, and misty mountain curves that made me pull over just to take it all in. Others? Well… let’s just say I wish I had taken the detour. So whether you dream of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or winding through the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve got the inside scoop.

Want to know which drives are absolutely worth your gas money—and which ones might just leave you yawning? Buckle up. This list is all about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Where else can you drive with the ocean on one side and redwood forests on the other? The Pacific Coast Highway feels like a moving postcard, every mile bursting with wild cliffs and salty air.

It’s impossible not to stop for photos or just to breathe in the fresh Pacific breeze. My favorite stretch runs from Monterey to Morro Bay, with the Bixby Creek Bridge stealing the show.

Did you know the highway’s construction started in the 1930s? That means you’re riding through living history, with each hairpin turn revealing a new masterpiece.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina to Virginia)

How about a drive where the air smells like pine and the mountains roll on forever? The Blue Ridge Parkway is pure poetry in motion, especially in autumn when every leaf turns to fire.

If you love wildlife, you’re in luck—deer and wild turkeys often cross your path. I once lost track of time here, mesmerized by endless ridgelines and hidden waterfalls.

Are you a music fan? Appalachian tunes make the perfect soundtrack for winding through these hills, connecting you to the region’s soulful roots.

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

Ever feel like you’re driving through a painting? Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana hands you that magic on a silver platter. Glacier-carved mountains and turquoise lakes frame each breathtaking turn.

This isn’t just a summer affair—the wildflowers bloom with abandon, and mountain goats casually stroll by. I can’t forget the view from Logan Pass—it’s the kind of sight that sticks for a lifetime.

If you love adventure, plan ahead: the road is only open seasonally due to snow, making every trip feel like a rare treat.

4. Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)

Did someone say thrills? The Million Dollar Highway isn’t for the faint of heart. With hair-raising drops and no guardrails, it’s as daring as it is beautiful.

I always grip the wheel a little tighter on Red Mountain Pass, but those sweeping views of the San Juans are worth every white-knuckle moment. History buffs will love the old mining towns dotted along the way.

Rumor claims the road cost a million dollars per mile to build—fitting, since the scenery is truly priceless.

5. Route 89 (Arizona to Utah)

Are you looking for the ultimate Southwest sampler? Route 89 serves up desert grandeur, red sandstone arches, and mesas that seem to touch the sky. Each mile feels like a chapter in a classic western novel.

My favorite memory is the spontaneous detour to Horseshoe Bend—jaw-dropping! This drive links several national parks, making every stop a chance for another adventure.

Craving color? The sunsets turn everything gold and crimson. Don’t forget your camera—this road is pure visual poetry.

6. San Juan Skyway (Colorado)

If you love loop drives, the San Juan Skyway is a crown jewel. It’s hard to beat those sweeping mountain views, especially when aspens turn brilliant yellow every fall.

Small towns like Telluride and Ouray feel like time capsules, each stop brimming with quirky charm and friendly faces. One autumn, I found myself surrounded by golden leaves—nature’s confetti.

Where the mountains seem endless, the Skyway promises adventure at every turn. Even the switchbacks feel like a thrill ride with the scenery as your reward.

7. Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)

This highway feels like driving on the roof of the world. Elevations soar above 10,000 feet, with every switchback revealing wild, untamed beauty.

Wind howls across the tundra, and snow often lingers deep into summer. I once watched a thunderstorm roll in from miles away—nature’s drama played out on a grand stage.

Are you a fan of extremes? The Beartooth Highway delivers, with moments that feel both remote and exhilarating. Few drives are this raw or this unforgettable.

8. Cascade Loop (Washington)

Where rainforests meet alpine peaks, the Cascade Loop delivers the best of Washington’s wild side. Evergreen forests, turquoise lakes, and mountain passes compete for your attention.

I once lingered in Leavenworth—a Bavarian village tucked into the mountains, where bratwurst and pretzels fuel your next adventure. Misty mornings and waterfalls create a storybook atmosphere.

If you crave variety, this loop has it all. Every bend offers something new, from fruit stands to epic vistas. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the journey.

9. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

Did you ever want to follow the mighty Mississippi from top to bottom? The Great River Road lets you do just that, passing through ten states filled with culture, blues, and barbecue.

I still remember stopping for pie in a riverside diner, listening to stories from locals. Antique shops, Civil War sites, and riverboats keep things interesting mile after mile.

It’s a journey through the heart of America. This route is a living museum, packed with hidden gems and hospitality.

10. Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

When leaves ignite in New Hampshire, the Kancamagus Highway becomes a wonderland. Every curve reveals a new burst of orange, red, and gold—nature’s own fireworks display.

One chilly October morning, I watched the mist rise above the Swift River while sipping hot cider. Covered bridges and quiet trails invite you to linger awhile.

If you crave a classic New England fall, this is the drive to beat. The sense of peace and color is unmatched anywhere else.

11. Highway 12 (Utah Scenic Byway)

How does endless red rock sound? Highway 12 is Utah’s showstopper, cutting through landscapes that look stolen from another planet. Hoodoos, arches, and canyons create a playground for the senses.

Dark skies make it a stargazer’s paradise. I once lay on the hood of my car just to watch the Milky Way spill across the heavens.

History lovers, take note: this byway connects ancient Fremont culture sites and pioneer towns. It’s a road where the past and wild present blend in brilliant color.

12. Big Sur Coast Highway (California)

With every mile, the Big Sur Coast Highway feels wilder and more dramatic. I once pulled over just to watch sea otters playing in the kelp below.

Fog rolls in without warning, wrapping the cliffs in mystery. Wildflowers bloom alongside the road in spring, turning the landscape into a painter’s palette.

If you ever need to feel small (in the best way), this stretch of Highway 1 delivers. The meeting of land and sea is unforgettable every single time.

13. Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)

Did you ever want to time travel without leaving your car? The Natchez Trace Parkway is as close as it gets. Each mile whispers stories of Native Americans, explorers, and Civil War generals.

Quiet, shaded lanes invite slow travel—cycling or picnicking by the roadside is a must. I once watched wild turkeys dart across the road, adding a bit of comedy to the history lesson.

If you appreciate the past, this drive rewards the curious. The sense of Southern charm is strong here.

14. Loneliest Road – US 50 (Nevada)

Are you the type who craves solitude? US 50, the Loneliest Road in America, delivers vast emptiness and surreal beauty. I once went hours without seeing another soul.

Where the silence is profound, the sense of freedom is even greater. Quirky roadside stops, like old mining relics, break up the miles with touches of weird Americana.

History buffs love the Pony Express stations scattered along the way. For me, the loneliness turned into unexpected peace and reflection.

15. Lake Superior Circle Tour (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota)

When the wind whips off Lake Superior, you feel alive. This circle tour wraps around the largest freshwater lake on earth, offering shorelines that shift from wild rocks to sandy coves.

I spotted bald eagles here and skipped stones at twilight. Each small town along the route has its own lore—places where you can swap stories over fresh-caught fish.

If you’re a true adventurer, braving the lake’s storms is an experience you won’t forget. There’s a wild spirit up north.

16. Route 66 (incomplete or overly commercialized sections) (overhyped)

Though the nostalgia is strong, many stretches of Route 66 have lost their magic. Overly commercialized stops and broken pavement can leave some travelers disappointed.

I once faced bumper-to-bumper traffic near a famous diner, only to find the charm replaced by souvenir shops. If you crave authenticity, you might feel let down.

However, the road still holds pockets of history if you know where to look. Just be ready to sift through the gimmicks to find the gold.

17. I-95 East Coast Corridor (overhyped)

If you think an epic road trip means bumper-to-bumper traffic, I-95 might be your jam. For me, it’s a stream of honking horns, endless exits, and little to remember but rest stops.

Though it knits together great cities, the drive feels more like a chore than an adventure. I’ve battled urban gridlock more times than I care to count.

Are you a fan of scenery? You’ll find better elsewhere. This corridor is an expressway to frustration, not inspiration.

18. I-10 through West Texas (overhyped)

Where some roads promise adventure, I-10 through West Texas offers monotony. I once counted tumbleweeds for entertainment—there’s little else to break the drive.

Are you seeking variety? The endless desert views barely change for hours. Even the gas stations feel a bit lonely.

Though the vastness has its own beauty, most travelers grow restless. It’s a slog best bypassed unless you love wide-open emptiness.

19. Las Vegas Strip by car (overhyped)

When glitz meets gridlock, you get the Las Vegas Strip by car. I spent more time staring at brake lights than neon signs—and that’s saying something here.

Though the lights are iconic, the journey quickly turns stressful. Honking, slow crawls, and endless lane changes zap the fun.

If you want the Vegas dazzle, park your car and walk instead. On wheels, the Strip is all flash and frustration.

20. Alligator Alley (I-75 in Florida) (overhyped)

Are you hoping for thrills with a name like Alligator Alley? You might be let down. My drive was mostly straight, flat, and uneventful—gators were nowhere in sight.

Though it’s a quick way across south Florida, excitement is in short supply. Swampy scenery blurs together after a few miles.

If you’re chasing adventure, look elsewhere. This stretch is better for making time than making memories.