22 Scenic Drives In America You Should Experience At Least Once

Road trips along America’s most breathtaking routes offer unforgettable adventures for travelers seeking natural beauty. From coastal highways hugging dramatic shorelines to mountain passes winding through majestic peaks, these scenic drives showcase the diverse landscapes of our country.
Pack your camera, fill up the tank, and get ready to discover the open road on these incredible journeys across America.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

The engineering marvel cutting through Glacier National Park delivers jaw-dropping mountain views at every hairpin turn. Built in the 1930s, this 50-mile route climbs to over 6,600 feet at Logan Pass, where mountain goats often greet visitors.
Summer months offer the best driving conditions, though you’ll share the road with other admirers. I recommend starting early to catch the golden morning light illuminating the massive glacier-carved valleys.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina

Meandering 469 miles along Appalachian ridgelines, this historic byway connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Fall brings an explosion of red, orange, and gold as hardwood forests transform the landscape into a painter’s palette.
Did you know this road was a Depression-era project designed to provide jobs? The leisurely 45-mph speed limit forces you to slow down and savor the journey. Don’t miss stops at Mabry Mill and Linn Cove Viaduct.
3. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Highway 1 hugs California’s rugged coastline, offering heart-stopping views of crashing waves against dramatic cliffs. The stretch between Monterey and Big Sur delivers the most spectacular vistas, with the iconic Bixby Bridge providing a perfect photo opportunity.
If possible, drive north to south so you’re on the ocean side of the road. I’ve found spring brings wildflowers to the coastal hills, while fall offers clearer skies. Watch for California condors soaring overhead as you navigate this engineering marvel.
4. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii

Around 620 curves and 59 bridges pack into just 52 miles on this legendary tropical drive. The Road to Hana isn’t about the destination – it’s about waterfalls cascading beside the road, hidden beaches, and lush rainforest at every turn.
Many travelers rush this route, but I recommend taking a full day or even staying overnight in Hana. Don’t miss sampling fresh banana bread from roadside stands or taking quick hikes to swimming holes. The black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park offers a perfect midway break.
5. Beartooth Highway, Wyoming/Montana

Charles Kuralt called this the most beautiful drive in America, and after experiencing its 68 miles of alpine splendor, you might agree. This high-elevation highway climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, offering tundra landscapes more common in Alaska than the Lower 48.
Snow can block this route until late June, making the summer window precious. My favorite stretch passes alpine lakes reflecting surrounding peaks. Wildlife sightings are common – keep eyes peeled for mountain goats, marmots, and even grizzly bears in distant meadows.
6. Skyline Drive, Virginia

Running 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this scenic route offers 75 overlooks with panoramic views of Shenandoah Valley. Wildlife encounters are practically guaranteed – white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys frequently cross the road.
When autumn arrives, the valley becomes a patchwork quilt of color. I recommend driving the entire length, stopping at Skyland Resort for lunch with a view. The 35-mph speed limit might seem slow until you spot your first bear cub or stunning valley vista.
7. Seward Highway, Alaska

Just 127 miles long, this route packs in more dramatic scenery than highways twice its length. Connecting Anchorage to Seward, the road skirts alongside Turnagain Arm, where bore tides create massive waves and beluga whales sometimes surface.
The highway then climbs through Chugach National Forest before descending to the coastal town of Seward. During summer, I’ve spotted Dall sheep clinging to cliffs right beside the road. Waterfalls seem to appear around every bend, especially after rainfall.
8. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

America’s highest continuous paved road winds through Rocky Mountain National Park, reaching elevations over 12,000 feet. Above the treeline, alpine tundra stretches to the horizon, creating an otherworldly landscape rarely accessible by car.
Summer snowstorms can happen even in July, so pack accordingly! The road typically opens Memorial Day weekend and closes in October. My favorite stops include Forest Canyon Overlook and the Alpine Visitor Center, where you can often spot elk herds grazing on distant slopes.
9. Highway 12, Utah

Red rock wonderland unfolds along this 124-mile route connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks. The most dramatic section crosses the narrow spine of Boulder Mountain, with thousand-foot dropoffs on both sides and no guardrails to obstruct the view.
You’ll drive through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where multicolored rock formations create a geologist’s paradise. I recommend the short detour to Calf Creek Falls for a refreshing hike. The small town of Boulder offers perfect lunch stops with locally-raised beef and produce.
10. Overseas Highway, Florida

Floating above turquoise waters, this 113-mile roadway connects the Florida Keys using 42 bridges. The Seven Mile Bridge stretches dramatically across open ocean, creating an almost surreal driving experience between the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll feel like you’re driving on water as pelicans fly alongside your vehicle. I love stopping at the small islands along the way – each has its own character. The journey from Miami to Key West takes about four hours without stops.
11. North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota

Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, dominates this 154-mile journey along Minnesota’s rugged northern coastline. Lighthouses, waterfalls, and forested cliffs create a landscape more reminiscent of Maine than the Midwest.
Eight state parks dot the route between Duluth and Grand Portage, offering short hikes to scenic overlooks. I never miss stopping at Gooseberry Falls or Split Rock Lighthouse. Fall brings vibrant colors as maple forests turn crimson against the deep blue lake backdrop.
12. Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee/Alabama/Mississippi

History and natural beauty merge on this 444-mile route following ancient Native American paths. Commercial traffic is banned, creating a peaceful drive through hardwood forests and rolling farmland across three states.
The parkway feels like stepping back in time, with historic sites dating to the early 1800s when travelers called “Kaintucks” walked this route. My favorite section runs through Tennessee’s lush hills. The double-arch Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge near Franklin offers a stunning modern contrast to the historic pathway.
13. San Juan Skyway, Colorado

Often called the “Road to the Sky,” this 233-mile loop traverses some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the Rockies. The Million Dollar Highway section between Silverton and Ouray will test your driving skills with narrow lanes and sheer dropoffs.
Former mining towns turned tourist destinations provide perfect stopping points. I always pause in Telluride, where Victorian buildings nestle beneath towering peaks. Autumn transforms the abundant aspen groves into shimmering gold, creating a magical driving experience through these historic mountains.
14. Acadia Park Loop Road, Maine

Circling Mount Desert Island, this 27-mile route showcases the rugged beauty of Maine’s Atlantic coastline. Granite cliffs meet crashing waves while inland sections wind through pine forests and past pristine lakes. Thunder Hole, where waves create explosive sounds in a narrow inlet, makes for an exciting stop.
I recommend driving at sunrise to catch the first light hitting Cadillac Mountain – the earliest sunrise in the continental US. The carriage roads crossing the loop offer perfect hiking and biking opportunities between driving sections.
15. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon

Mountain majesty awaits on this 66-mile route winding past alpine lakes and volcanic peaks in central Oregon. The snow-capped Cascade Range creates a stunning backdrop as you pass more than a dozen lakes, each with its own character.
Mount Bachelor dominates the skyline along much of the drive. I love stopping at different lakes for short walks – Sparks Lake offers perfect reflections of surrounding peaks. The route is typically open June through October, with July wildflowers creating colorful meadows between the dark forests.
16. Great River Road, Mississippi River

Following America’s mightiest river from Minnesota to Louisiana, this network of roads showcases the heart of the country. The most scenic sections hug limestone bluffs in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where eagles soar above the wide waters.
Southern portions pass historic plantations and riverboat towns frozen in time. I particularly enjoy the stretch through Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. The road offers cultural diversity too – from Scandinavian influences in the north to Cajun flavors in the south.
17. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

New England’s finest fall foliage display unfolds along this 34-mile mountain pass through White Mountain National Forest. The road climbs to nearly 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass, offering sweeping views of surrounding wilderness.
Though famous for autumn colors, I find the summer equally rewarding for hiking access. Several waterfalls lie just short walks from parking areas. The Swift River parallels much of the route, creating perfect picnic spots. This road has minimal services, so fill your gas tank before the journey.
18. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Diversity defines this 350-mile circuit around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. You’ll experience temperate rainforests, wild Pacific beaches, mountain vistas, and serene lakeshores all in one drive. The western portion along Highway 101 passes through the Hoh Rainforest, where moss drapes ancient trees in green cloaks.
I recommend taking several days to explore, stopping at Ruby Beach where sea stacks rise dramatically offshore. Hurricane Ridge provides alpine contrast to the coastal sections, with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
19. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon

America’s first scenic highway, built between 1913 and 1922, showcases the dramatic Columbia River Gorge. Engineering marvels like the Vista House perched on Crown Point offer spectacular views of the river canyon below.
Waterfalls appear around nearly every bend – the 620-foot Multnomah Falls being the most famous. Spring brings wildflowers to the slopes while fall paints the deciduous trees in vibrant colors. I always stop at Rowena Crest for the iconic horseshoe curve photo opportunity.
20. Scenic Byway 12, Arizona

Navajo Nation landscapes unfold along this 124-mile route connecting Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. The road passes through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where erosion has sculpted fantastical formations from multicolored sandstone.
Ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks hint at the area’s long history. When driving the narrow ridgeline called “The Hogback,” you’ll see thousand-foot dropoffs on both sides. I suggest stopping at Calf Creek Falls for a refreshing hike to a desert oasis with a 126-foot waterfall.
21. Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina

Island hopping takes on new meaning along this 138-mile coastal route connecting barrier islands via bridges and ferries. Lighthouses stand sentinel over shifting sands, while maritime forests create unexpected green oases.
Wildlife refuges protect migratory birds and the famous wild horses of Corolla. The road passes through historic fishing villages where time seems to move more slowly. My favorite section crosses Ocracoke Island, accessible only by ferry and home to a lighthouse dating to 1823.
22. Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine

Circling the eastern portion of Mount Desert Island, this 27-mile loop delivers quintessential Maine coastal scenery. Granite headlands meet the Atlantic Ocean in dramatic fashion, with waves crashing against pink-hued cliffs.
Early risers should head to Cadillac Mountain, where you can be among the first in America to greet the sunrise. The road passes several carriage paths built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offering perfect walking detours. I always stop at Jordan Pond for popovers at the historic teahouse with mountain views.