Best Road Trips in America: 12 Scenic Drives in the USA You'll Never Forget
From the Pacific Coast Highway to the Overseas Highway and Blue Ridge Parkway, these are the best road trips and most scenic drives in the USA.
Some roads are destinations in themselves. These 12 scenic drives showcase America's coasts, mountains, deserts and countryside. Add them to your road trip bucket list.
Coastal drives
- Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1): dramatic cliffs through Big Sur, seaside towns and the Bixby Bridge. Landslides sometimes close sections, so check Caltrans for current conditions.
- Overseas Highway, Florida Keys: about 113 miles of island-hopping across turquoise water to Key West, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
- Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon (U.S. 101): sea stacks, lighthouses and beaches like Cannon Beach.
- Road to Hana, Maui: waterfalls, rainforest and hundreds of curves. Drive slowly and respect residents' property.
Mountain drives
- Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana: about 50 miles crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. It's usually fully open only in summer, and vehicle reservations have been required in some seasons.
- Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming: climbs to nearly 11,000 feet on the way to Yellowstone.
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina: 469 miles of overlooks, with no billboards or stoplights.
- Million Dollar Highway, Colorado (U.S. 550): a thrilling mountain road between Ouray and Silverton. Not for nervous drivers.
- Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park: one of the highest continuous paved roads in the country.
Heartland and history
- Historic Route 66: the "Mother Road" from Chicago to Santa Monica, with neon signs, diners and vintage motels.
- Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee: 444 peaceful miles following a historic travel corridor.
- Great River Road: follows the Mississippi River through 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana.
Road trip tips
- Check seasonal closures. High mountain roads often close in winter.
- Don't over-schedule. Scenic roads take longer than GPS estimates because you'll want to stop.
- Fill up often in remote areas.
- Download offline maps and music.
Get your car and packing list ready with our road trip planning guide, and time your trip with the best places to visit in fall.
