20 Best Scenic Drives in the U.S. for an Epic Road Trip
There's nothing like packing all of your friends or family into the car for an epic road trip. Just ask Ree Drummond: Her family took a nine-hour road trip to the Colorado mountains over Christmas vacation last year. (Her advice? Take stretch breaks and bring coffee—lots of coffee. 😂)
But while some road trips are about the destination, others are all about the journey. Our list of the best scenic drives in the U.S. covers drives with breathtaking ocean and mountain views, with plenty of amazing overlooks, hiking, and photo ops along the way. There are even a couple of drives that will make you feel like you're floating across sparkling blue waters (hello, Overseas Highway in Florida!) or taking a "highway to the sky" (the unofficial nickname for Trail Ridge Road in Colorado, America's highest continuously paved highway). You'll also find some of the best places to see fall foliage on this list, like Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire and Blue Ridge Parkway in the Carolinas and Virginia. No matter which trip you choose, you can be sure you're in for miles and miles of unforgettable natural beauty. Oh, and don't forget your favorite road trip snacks so you can enjoy every moment on a full stomach!
Blue Ridge Parkway, the Carolinas and Virginia
For spectacular views of national forests and the Appalachian mountains, hit the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway through Virginia and the Carolinas. If you plan your trip in the fall, you'll be treated to some truly stunning fall foliage.
Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
Beartooth Highway is known for its stunning scenery, rugged terrain, and abundance of wildlife. There will be plenty of lookout points along the way to take in the gorgeous views—and take photos, of course!
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Natural beauty abounds on the iconic Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. It's also considered one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the world.
Overseas Highway, Florida
On this world-famous 113-mile drive, you'll traverse 42 bridges that connect the Florida Keys to the Florida mainland. You'll feel like you're floating across the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Take an epic West Coast road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles for crisp ocean breezes, wide-open spaces, and breathtaking scenery. You'll want to make pitstops in beautiful seaside towns like Monterey, Pebble Beach, Malibu, and Santa Barbara, to name a few.
Route 66, California
Get your kicks on Route 66! This iconic highway includes the best scenery the Golden State has to offer, from the wide-open spaces of the Mojave Desert to the sea views of Santa Monica.
Scenic Byway 12, Utah
This stunning scenic byway connects Capitol Reef National Park with Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of sandstone canyons, dramatic cliffs, and towering rock formations.
Hana Highway, Maui
Breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush greenery await you on the dazzling and winding road to Hana. You'll even take a dip in the Pools of 'Ohe'o (aka Seven Sacred Pools), against a gorgeous backdrop of bamboo jungle and dramatic cliffs.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun-Road is known as one of the most beautiful and adventurous roads in the world. Follow its cliffside curves through the snow-dusted mountains and valleys of Glacier National Park.
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Coast along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. This gorgeous drive boasts plenty of incredible hiking along the way, including a section of the Appalachian Trail.
Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma and Arkansas
Wind through 54 miles of lush scenery and unparalleled views amid the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. The best time to take this drive is from late October to early November, when you'll enjoy fiery red and gold trees.
Highway 101, California, Oregon, and Washington
Soak in rugged coastal views and towering redwoods as you cruise down Highway 101 through California, Oregon, and Washington. This stretch is known for its blend of wine country and beaches so you're sure to get your fill of both!
Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Architecture lovers will enjoy this 15-mile urban drive around the city of Chicago. Get the best of both worlds with green space, beaches, and Lake Michigan on one side and a mix of parkland and striking skyscrapers on the other.
Bluebonnet Trail, Texas
Anyone who loves flowers has to try this scenic trail, which is the oldest one in Texas. You'll enjoy endless views of pretty blue wildflowers as you drive through gorgeous fields, prairies, and parks.
Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Climbing as high as 12,183 feet, this road holds the honor of being America's highest continuously paved highway. Also known as the "Highway to the Sky," it winds through stunning mountain peaks, high-alpine tundra, and some of Rocky Mountain National Park's best views.
Anchorage to Valdez Highway, Alaska
There's so much to explore on the adventurous drive from Anchorage to Valdez! It's dotted with mountain ranges, glaciers, and a rugged canyon featuring waterfalls and an old railroad tunnel.
Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee and North Carolina
Cherohala Skyway is known for its beautiful mountain views, scenic overlooks, and pristine waterfalls. It's also popular among motorcyclists and was featured as one of the Discovery Channel's Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America.
Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho
Calling all American history buffs! Lemhi Pass was famously visited by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their epic journey across the American West, and in fact was the highest point their party reached. To this day, this remote mountain pass offers drivers beautiful natural views similar to what Lewis and Clark witnessed on foot.
Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island
Take in stunning coastal views and Newport's opulent historic mansions on this famous 10-mile drive. Be sure to make a stop at Fort Adams State Park, where you can tour the largest coastal fort in the country.
Park Loop Road, Maine
Park Loop Road is one of the best scenic drives in the country as well as a fantastic way to explore Acadia National Park. You'll enjoy views of rocky coastline, ocean, lakes, mountains, and forest all in one 27-mile trip.
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