Whether you’re planning a two-day road trip or a cross-country getaway, there are plenty of opportunities for sightseers and nature lovers alike. From the Pacific Northwest and the California Coast to the Blue Ridge Parkway, these are 24 of the most scenic byways in the United States.
1. Virginia’s Skyline Drive
This scenic route through Virginia will have you driving alongside the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you pass through the Shenandoah Valley National Park. There are many incredible spots to picnic, hike, and even stay along the way.
2. Colorado’s Independence Pass
Spanning 32 miles, the Independence Pass goes through the strange city of Leadville, a small U.S. town with quite a history. This drive will take you to one of the highest mountain passes in the area as you travel through aspen forests and spectacular valleys.
3. Maui’s Hana Highway
The 52 miles that span between Kahului and Hana are no joke — the locals even sell T-shirts sporting: “I survived the road to Hana.” Depending on your speed, it can take 2.5+ hours to travel the distance. Fortunately, the trip along the way is a beautiful one, with a view of blossoming vistas and seaside cliffs. Don’t forget to stop at a roadside stall!
4. New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Highway
If you’re looking for a short, half-mile hike (that you can easily reach from the road) to a stunning, tiered waterfall, this is the drive for you. Whether you’re there to see the yellow violets in the spring or the stunning array of leaf colors in the fall, this drive won’t disappoint.
5. Oregon’s Highway 101 (Pacific Coast Byway)
Did you know that the Pacific shoreline in Oregon is one of the most popular locations for travelers and road-trippers looking for coastline views? There are just under 400 miles of state-owned beaches available to the public that are waiting to be explored! On your drive, you’ll also find both a beautiful array of sea cliffs and some dinosaur replicas in a “rainforest” type display.
6. Montana’s Going to the Sun Road
If you’re ready to drive the long, winding road that travels up to the peaks of Glacier National Park, you should prepare to get up early. Hikers and travelers have reported that you may be pressed to find a place to park, so don’t waste any time getting on the road and enjoying the overlooks and views along the way.
7. Florida Keys US Route 1
Is island hopping more your jam? Experience the delight of driving over bridge upon bridge — and if you’re not afraid to look down, you can enjoy views of clear, beautiful water. It might be nerve-wracking for some, but the views are worth it.
8. Texas’ Bluebonnet Trail
Want to send your family back a photo with a backdrop of beautiful bluebonnets? Take a drive along the Bluebonnet trail during March, April, or May. This section of the trail, spanning about 6 miles, is popular for runners, bikers, and even birders. You can admire the flowers along the road. However, if you would like to appreciate them at their peak, find them in the more tourist-laden town of Brenham.
9. California’s Big Sur
Ready to soak in one of the most beautiful stretches of the coast in California? You can find this drive between San Simeon and Carmel along the PCH. Stretching approximately 90 miles, this drive offers views of McWay Falls, the Bixby Bridge, the Santa Lucia Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
10. Florida’s Scenic Highway 301
Not tired of Florida drives yet? Check out the 24 miles of beautiful coastline found in Northwest Florida. Tourists come from all over to sink their feet in the white sand beaches, explore the state parks, and enjoy the dune lakes.
11. Utah’s State Route 12
You don’t want to miss Scenic Highway 12, which brings many visitors through Utah. Whether you’re here to explore widely or are enjoying a day trip, this 124-mile-long journey through beautifully rugged red landscapes full of red rocks and purple flowers won’t disappoint.
12. Washington’s North Cascades Scenic Highway
This 140-mile drive passes through Diablo Lake Overlook and Washington Pass Overlook, perfect places to stop and picnic or take a family photo. You’ll also pass through National Cascades National Park. We’re unsure why this is one of the national parks with the least visitors because it’s stunning.
13. Washington’s International Selkirk Loop
With a starting point at the Idaho-Washington state line, you will follow a beautiful, scenic road that turns your trip into an international one when you arrive in Canada! Views alongside this 280-mile loop will include many beautiful towns and stunning water, eventually returning on State Highway 1 in Idaho.
14. South Dakota’s Highway 240
Highway 240 (also known as the Badlands Loop Road) is the perfect drive to find beautiful rock formations and grassland. If you look carefully, you might spot some of the resident prairie dogs or bison.
15. Wyoming’s Snowy Range Scenic Byway
If you’re the outdoorsy type, this drive might be perfect for you. With activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and exploring, the historic town of Laramie is just waiting for you along this highway in Wyoming.
16. New Mexico’s The High Road to Taos
You will be amazed by the ancient beauty between Taos and Santa Fe. Take your time on this drive to appreciate the colors, both in the flower meadows and the art displayed all around you throughout these small adobe towns.
17. Michigan’s Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
This sought-after loop is just under 8 miles and travels through the beautiful dunes and Beech-Maple Forest. This drive is an essential part of any visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and has incredible overlooks and hiking spots.
18. Minnesota’s North Shore Drive
If you’ve never visited North Shore Drive, you’re missing out on the superior shoreline (pun intended)! This byway offers incredible scenery, including unique art galleries, shops, restaurants, and several state parks. There’s even a historical lighthouse!
19. Tennessee’s Cherohala Skyway
As far as scenic parkway drives go, this one is an excellent choice for picnicking, long-distance mountain hikes. This drive takes you just above sea level as you travel through the Great Smoky Mountains and not one but two national forests! Be sure to learn about the history of this highway and the nearby parks at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center.
20. Rhode Island’s Ocean Drive
Found in Newport, Rhode Island, the 10 miles you can take down the coastline offer jaw-dropping views. Although pictures can illustrate a small fraction of the beauty, you will have to see it for yourself. In addition to the relaxing sound of the waves and the beautiful ocean views, you can also find multiple state parks nearby.
21. Montana’s Lemhi Pass
Along the border of Montana and Idaho lies this historic pass, where you will find yourself surrounded by majestic mountains. This unpaved pass is known for being used by Lewis and Clark in 1805, so prepare for bumpy roads ahead!
22. Colorado’s Trail Ridge Road
Whether you’re a visitor or resident, this road within the Rocky Mountain National Park is highly revered. One of the highest paved through-roads in the U.S., you can take in the summer wildflowers, mountain peaks, and even some wildlife—such as bighorn sheep and elk.
23. Alaska’s Glenn & Richardson Highways
The drive from Anchorage to Valdez has been rated by many as a 5-star experience due to the view of the mountains and the spectacular glaciers. Visitors have reported that the trip can get bumpy, so be careful and watch for signs in between taking in the view.
24. California’s Silverado Trail
For the wine lovers out there, this drive will impress you both with beautiful trees and plenty of stops for world-class wines. Don’t forget to book a hotel or resort to allow yourself time to explore and enjoy the many wineries responsibly.
More From Savoteur
If you’re looking to add some thrills to your upcoming road trip, these harrowing drives across America will get your adrenaline pumping, make your heart race, and bring on a case of white knuckles. From haunted roads to sky-high highways and byways carved right into the side of mountains, here are 15 of the Scariest Drives in America to inspire your next trip.
15 of the Scariest Drives in America
18 Road Trip Destinations Within One Day’s Drive for 50% of Americans
According to a recent OAAA/Harris Poll, road trips are again Americans’ top choice for summer vacation travel. This year people plan to take two or more weeks of summer vacation, making long road trips possible. So, if you caught the road trip bug during the pandemic and are looking for more destination ideas, here are 18 cities in the U.S. that are within one day’s drive for most of the U.S. population.
18 Road Trip Destinations Within One Day’s Drive for 50% of Americans
Essential Road Trip Stops from Miami to Key West Drive
The drive through the Florida Keys is a perfect way to see all of this amazing area. You will get plenty of time for pictures, and you can stop at any number of scenic viewpoints along the route! The Miami to Key West Road Trip makes it easier than ever before in order not to miss out on seeing what wonders await just off-road.
Miami to Key West Drive: Essential Road Trip Stops
Most Iconic Road Trips in Every State
Hitting the road to get away from it all and explore new places has never felt more thrilling. These trips offer an adventure for everyone, from stunning coasts to epic mountains or even music and bourbon trails.
If you have a weekend, a week, or a month, there’s a trip for you. Whether you’re looking for roads less traveled or a cheaper way to vacation, here are The Most Iconic Road Trips in Every State to inspire your next holiday.
Most Iconic Road Trips in Every State
Discover the Coolest Drive-in Theaters in the US for Movies Under the Stars
Many moviegoers claim there is nothing quite like watching a movie in the great outdoors. Drive-in movie theaters often transport us back in time and take us back to simpler times. A drive-in experience is something that everyone should do at least once in their life, but if you don’t know where to go, I have you covered. Here are the top ten best drive-in movie theaters in the United States, and yes, they are absolutely worth going on a road trip for.
