These 16 Iconic Scenic Drives In The USA Will Fuel Your Wanderlust

America is a country of explorers. This spirit of adventure runs deep here in the U.S., a place comprised of 50 wholly unique states and an amazing melting pot of cultures. This drive to explore is quite literally a drive to explore, too, with the country connected by a series of the most scenic highways and byways, iconic bridges, and backcountry roads. Route 66 is obviously the epitome of the Great American Drive, but it’s by no means the only route worth traveling. Buckle up and get ready to explore; these bucket list road trips that are some of the best scenic drives in the USA and are sure to fuel your wanderlust — no matter how insatiable it might be.

Cross-Country Scenic Drives In America

Scenic drives are a metaphor for life. There’s Point A and Point B, and all the time in between. It’s obviously great to look ahead at what’s to come, but it’s just as important to, as they say, enjoy the ride. And the following cross-country scenic drives in America will undoubtedly have you enjoying the ride. Depending on which route you take, you’re looking at anywhere between 2,500 to 3,500 miles. So make a massive playlist and grab your favorite traveling BFFs — and be prepared to be totally dazzled by America the Beautiful.

Route 66, Rte 66, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

Harun Mehmedinovic/500px Collection via Getty Images

• Location: Route 66 spans 2,400 miles and crosses eight states.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Attractions abound along the Mother Road, from the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Illinois to the Trail of Tears Memorial in Jerome to the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico.
• Where to Stay En-Route: Accommodations abound along the Mother Road, and we suggest stopping for the night in Oklahoma at this quaint bungalow cottage.

In terms of Great American road trips, none compares to Route 66. Known as the Mother Road, this undulating ribbon of asphalt was the country's original road trip, launched in 1926 to connect the Midwest to the West Coast, from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles.

In its heyday, Route 66 attracted thousands of road trip warriors each year; over the decades, motels, roadside attractions, and communities sprang up along the route. After it was decommissioned in 1985, it was no longer considered a major roadway, and travel started to wane.

Traveling along this route truly is a bucket-list must for any self-described road tripper, as is visiting the eponymous Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, located in Pontiac, Illinois. This really is the adventure of a lifetime!

The Great River Road, The Great River Rd, East Alton, IL, USA

The Great River Road/Facebook

• Location: The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Where to begin? Attractions along Great River Road include Chain of Rocks Bridge, Buffalo Bill Museum, Fort Snelling, and quirky roadside attractions such as the World's Largest Six Pack and Field of Dreams Movie site!
• Where to Stay En-Route: Accommodations abound along The Great River Road, and this cozy Mississippi cabin would make a wonderful place to rest after a day of driving.

We’ve all heard of the ‘Great American Road Trip,’ an epic adventure that leads travelers to all the amazing places this country of ours has to offer. But what about a road trip along the Great River Road? This epic road trip traces the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, and will open your eyes to America the Beautiful.

This All-American Road is lauded as *the* single-best scenic drive in the country, and it's hard to argue with such a superlative. From the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Illinois and the Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri to the bayous of Arkansas and bustling streets of New Orleans, Great River Road truly is an All-American adventure for your bucket list.

Advertisement

Northeastern USA Scenic Drives

The Northeast is such a treasure. In addition to being undeniably beautiful, there are lots of states packed into a relatively small region, making it possible to pack a whole lot of scenic punch in a short amount of time. Whether you choose to take a leaf-peeping trip in the fall or admire covered bridges come spring and summer, the following scenic drives in the Northeastern USA are sure to capture your heart.

New Hampshire 112, NH-112, Albany, NH, USA

Raimund Linke/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images

• Location: Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Two words: fall foliage.
• Where to Stay En-Route: Stay in a gorgeous mountain home in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Considered by many to be one of the most scenic drives in the Northeast, Kancamagus Highway is a treasure trove of natural beauty.

At just 36 miles long, Kancamagus Highway packs quite the scenic punch, rolling through charming covered bridges, past wondrous waterfalls, and into the heart of the lush White Mountain range.

This drive is especially lovely in the autumn when fall foliage paints the landscape of the Northeast in fiery reds, oranges, yellows, and golds:

Advertisement

Mohawk Trail, North Adams, MA, USA

haveseen/iStock Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

• Location: Western Massachusetts
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: The (in)famous Hairpin Turn!
• Where to Stay En-Route: We can't think of a more charming place to stay than this historic cottage.

The Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway was first opened in 1914 as one of the very first scenic routes in the country. However, its origins date back even further -- he route the byway traces dates back more than 10,000 years ago. During that time, Native Americans first walked along footpaths that followed the rivers where they would hunt and trade.

Today, this 69-mile route traverses some of the most scenic landscapes in the Northeastern USA, and its sinewy turns force drivers to stop and enjoy the ride. In my opinion, it's one of the most scenic routes in the USA. Pay extra attention and take it slow, ensuring you can safely enjoy the scenery along this route:

Ocean Drive, Ocean Dr, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA

Discover Newport/Facebook

• Location: Ocean Drive is a 10-mile stretch along the southern coastline of Rhode Island's Aquidneck Island.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Brenton Point State Park
• Where to Stay En-Route: Accommodations are plentiful in this area, with rentals like this oceanfront home letting folks sit back and soak up the scenery.

This 10-mile route is one of the most iconic in the Northeast, offering drivers unrivaled views of the Rhode Island coastline. This scenic trip is flanked by incredible views of the coast, with the rugged shores of the Atlantic offering a startling and sublime contrast to the gilded homes on its shores.

Though the route is only 10 miles long, it's one you'll want to reserve plenty of time for, with numerous points of interest beckoning travelers to stop and explore. The first leg of the trip, in fact, wouldn't be complete without making a stop at Fort Adams State Park. Visit the largest coastal fort in the country and enjoy a tour, explore the tunnels, or simply stroll the waterfront bay walk.

Brenton Point State Park is another must-visit on Ocean Drive; in the summer, the skies above this lovely park are filled with whimsical, colorful kites that seem to dance above the Rhode Island shores!

Southern USA Scenic Drives

The American South is truly beautiful. Marshes and swamps, shorelines and canyons, mountains and rivers, and history — there’s a lot to see in the South. The following scenic drives in the South boast all of the above — and more — and we promise you’ll emerge with a newfound appreciation for all this region has to offer.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA

Sean Pavone/iStock via Getty Images Plus

• Location: The parkway, which is America's longest linear park, runs for 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, linking Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: The Linn Cove Viaduct is a Blue Ridge icon!
• Where to Stay En-Route: Accommodations abound along the Blue Ridge Parkway and this rustic cabin is the coziest place to break for the night!

The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most picture-perfect scenic drive in the U.S. The Parkway itself is 469 miles long and winds its way through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. It also connects with the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the unofficial gateway to both regions.

Unlike the mountain passes in the West that go up and over mountains, or the iconic "Notch" valley roads of the Northeast, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the spine of the ridge, rolling up and down for the entire length. It's a prismatic feast for the eyes in all seasons, with dynamic displays of color in autumn, a lush forest landscape in summer, and dazzling white expanses in the winter.



This route is a favorite for birders, too; with over 50 resident species, this region boasts more avian diversity than the entire continent of Europe!

Florida Keys, 4590 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA

Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon, FL, USA

Westend61/Getty Images

• Location: The Florida portion of U.S. Highway 1 spans 574 and runs from Key West all the way to its crossing of the St. Marys River into Georgia.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island
• Where to Stay En-Route: Accommodations abound along U.S. Highway 1 in Florida, such as this Luxurious Newly Renovated Amelia Island Plantation.

There is nothing quite as exhilarating as hopping in your car, putting on a playlist, rolling down the windows, and having nothing but the open road -- or, in this case, open ocean -- in front of you. If you're feeling the pull of the tropical paradise that is the Florida Keys, then U.S. Highway 1 is the road trip for you.

Highway 1 is an epic route that runs all the way from Georgia’s St. Mary’s River down into Florida's Key West, clocking in at 545 magnificent miles. This highway literally leads straight to the sea; the dazzling, crystal-clear cerulean expanse otherwise known as the Florida Keys:

Midwestern USA Scenic Drives

There’s a saying that the Midwest is Best, yet many dismiss this part of the country as “flyover” territory. Don’t make that mistake. The Midwest might be the most underrated region of the USA, and on the following scenic drives, you’ll see some truly extraordinary landscapes sure to leave you speechless.

North Shore Scenic Drive, N Shore Scenic Dr, Duluth, MN 55804, USA

Explore Minnesota Tourism/Facebook

• Location: North Shore Scenic Drive is a 154-mile stretch between Duluth and the Canadian border along Lake Superior.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche State Park, Temperance River State Park, Silver Bay, and Grand Marais.
• Where to Stay En-Route: Stay right on the water in the ridiculously charming Superior's Edge cottage.

One of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country, North Shore Scenic Drive takes adventurers on a 150-mile tour de force along lovely Lake Superior.

Points of interest abound along this route, with In addition to things you can see from the roadside, there are also many places to stop along the route. Some of Minnesota's most popular state parks are found along the route; Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Tettegouche are just some of the many delightful places to discover along the way.

While North Shore takes only a few hours to complete, you can easily extend this trip to last all day, because, really, what's the rush when you have views like these?

Advertisement

Related Stories

12 Hikes Across The United States That Are Challenging, But Incredibly Worth It

Here Are 13 Places Across America You Need At Least A Week To Explore

You Won't Want To Skip The 10 Least-Visited National Parks In America

Northwestern USA Scenic Drives

The Northwest and Pacific Northwest part of the USA is a wonderland filled with old-growth forests, shockingly blue alpine lakes, majestic mountains, and even high deserts and temperate rainforests. Revel in the resplendence of this region with the following scenic drives through the Northwestern USA:

Olympic Peninsula, Washington 98331, USA

Mint Images/Mint Images RF Collection via Getty Images

• Location: Olympic National Park in Washington
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Hoh Rain Forest, La Push, Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent... this 329-mile route cruises past some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the USA.
• Where to Stay En-Route: Hoh Valley Hideaway is a postcard-perfect little green rental located near Hoh Rain Forest.

Residents of Washington know that living in the Evergreen State is like traveling through a real-life fantasy a la "Where the Wild Things Are." From the amazing views of the ocean to the state's incredibly dense forest and rugged wilderness, there’s always an adventure waiting for you in Washington. And there's nowhere more wondrous than Olympic National Park: 922,651 acres of pure beauty that's home to an abundance of wildlife, an incredible rainforest, great diversity of flora and fauna, old-growth forests, and so much more.

Within this world of wonder, the Olympic Peninsula Loop covers 330 miles and encircles the national park. And like so many of America's greatest drives, the incredible places you'll visit along the way are what make this loop so wonderful to travel.

Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR, USA

Feng Wei Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images

• Location: Highway 101 runs all 363 miles of the Oregon Coast.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: There are so many lighthouses and natural wonders along this trip, so we're switching it up and directing you to Pronto Pup, home of the original corn dog!
• Where to Stay En-Route: Accommodations abound along Highway 101 in Oregon, but this Luxury House on Cannon Beach is hard to pass up.

Life really is about the journey... not the destination. And nowhere is this more evident than along Highway 101. Part of the Pacific Coast Highway, this waterfront route runs parallel to the ocean, offering not only spectacular sights but also unsurpassed opportunities for off-road adventures.

This is especially true in Oregon, where Highway 101 spans the length of the eponymous Oregon Coast: 363 miles of pure, PNW splendor. Sea stacks and tide pools, verdant green foliage and black basalt cliffs, lighthouses, and sand dunes — this is the Oregon Coast, and Highway 101 is the perfect place to have an epic road trip adventure.

Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA

Doug Meek/Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images

• Location: California, Oregon, and Washington.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: The California stretch of this highway is a case study in American icons: Golden Gate Park, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Morro Bay, Hollywood...buckle up and enjoy the ride!
• Where to Stay En-Route: Channel Old Hollywood glam when you book a night at this SoCal cottage with views of Griffith Observatory.

If the ocean has your heart and soul, there's no better route than the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most famous scenic drives in the PNW, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway stretches along Highway 1 for 656 miles, connecting Northern and Southern California, Oregon, and Washington.

It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly while ogling the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches, and endless blue skies. Construction on this modern-day marvel began in 1933, with the highway completed in small segments over the next several years. In fact, it was not until the 1964 state highway renumbering that the entire route was officially designated as SR 1.

On this epic route, you'll be treated to stunning ocean views right outside your car window for an iconic experience that's every road-tripper's dream.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Montana, USA

Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images

• Location: This 50-mile route in Montana traverses through the heart of the Rockies.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: This drive truly is about the dashboard views: impressive glaciers, beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, colorful wildflowers, and loads of wildlife make this road a total sensory experience.
• Where to Stay En-Route: If your manta is "go big or go home," then you really can't get any more luxurious and bucket-list-worthy than this Glacier Park Mountain Home.

One of the very best ways to embrace your wanderlust is to venture out on a good, old-fashioned road trip. The U.S. is full of scenic byways and backcountry roads that will show you some of America’s most swoon-worthy natural wonders; of these routes, there’s one in Montana with a name that truly captures its splendor, and that's Going-to-the-Sun Road.

This trans-mountain highway is 50 miles of pure Montana majesty, carved out of the rugged terrain and mighty mountains of Glacier National Park. And while Glacier is certainly one of the most wondrous national parks in the country, Going-to-the-Sun Road takes the experience to another level entirely.

Southwestern USA Scenic Drives

Over in the Southwest, hoodoos, sand dunes, and rock formations come together to create some of the most otherworldly landscapes in the USA. Immerse yourself in these wholly wondrous worlds on the following scenic drives through the Southwestern USA:

17 Mile Drive, 17 Mile Dr, Del Monte Forest, CA, USA

David Toussaint/Moment Collection via Getty Images

• Location: 17 Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula in California.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: The Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach, and Spanish Bay.
• Where to Stay En-Route: Accommodations abound in this cozy corner of California, and this classic SoCal home is just one block from 17 Mile Drive.

When you find yourself craving coastal serenity, set out on the world-famous 17-Mile Drive. This beloved scenic drive is considered the ultimate way to explore California's famed Monterey Peninsula, and it’s an experience everyone should have at least once.

Boasting endless views of the Pacific Ocean and access to some of the region’s most popular natural attractions, this oceanfront drive will have you hooked from the moment you hit the road.

This scenic route primarily serves as the main road through Pebble Beach, a gated community where non-residents have to pay a toll of $11.75 per vehicle. It may seem like a steep price for a scenic drive, but the views along 17 Mile Drive that await are so totally worth it.

Advertisement

San Juan Mountains, Colorado 81235, USA

CampPhoto/iStock via Getty Images Plus

• Location: The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway covers 236 miles of terrain across southwestern Colorado, passing through towns such as Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Stoner, and Rico.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Embrace mountain town living when you visit places like Durango, Silverton, Telluride, and Ouray.
• Where to Stay En-Route: Accommodations abound along this part of Colorado, and this Luxury Condo in Telluride would make a great "home base" for your adventures!

For those looking to experience the splendor of Colorful Colorado *without* embarking on a big hiking expedition, the San Juan Scenic Byway is undoubtedly the next best thing.

This 236-mile loop is a tour de force of the range, dubbed the "Million Dollar Highway" due to the high cost of its construction. The true value of this scenic drive, however, is priceless: the Skyway climbs as high as 10,910 feet in elevation and boasts some of the best vistas in the West.

Non-Continental USA Scenic Drives

The Lower 48 tends to get the attention when it comes to bucket lists, especially with scenic drives, as exploring the non-continental USA requires multiple forms of transportation. While you can’t just “pack up and go” to Alaska or Hawaii, you can — and should — add the following non-continental scenic drives to your bucket list, because they traverse some truly exceptional and exceptional parts of the USA… and the world!

Dalton Highway, Dalton Hwy, Alaska, USA

Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/Moment Collection via Getty Images

• Location: The Dalton Highway runs for 414 miles from Livengood, a small community 80 miles north of Fairbanks, to Deadhorse on the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: Where to even begin? Denali National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve, the Northern Lights... there's no shortage of spectacular dashboard views on this Alaska highway.
• Where to Stay En-Route: Gaze at the elusive Northern Lights when you book a night at the charming and cozy Aurora Cabin A.

There are many ways to experience the rugged resplendence of the Last Frontier, from camping and hiking to stargazing and snowshoeing. But you don't have to be an avid outdoor enthusiast to revel in the state's untold beauty; simply buckle up and drive the Dalton Highway. If you're on the hunt for "scenic road trips near me" in Alaska, this is one of the best drives you can take in the state.



Constructed in 1974, this 414-mile road passes through incredible landscapes that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world, meriting the route a top spot on any adventurer's bucket list. One of the most striking points of interest along the way is the Brooks Range, a 126-million-year-old mountain that spans from western Alaska all the way to Canada’s Yukon Territory.

What's more, the entire range is within the Arctic Circle, and most of the drive along the Dalton is also within this grand region, too! The road is a designated Scenic Byway, too, and once you travel it for yourself, you'll understand why.

Hana Highway, Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA

wingmar/E+ Collection via Getty Images

• Location: Hana Highway is a 64.4-mile-long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 which connects Kahului to the town of Hana in east Maui.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop: If you're into bridges and jaw-dropping scenery, Hana Highway has both in spades: there are over 50 bridges and some of the most vibrant and jaw-droppingly gorgeous landscapes along this stretch of road.
• Where to Stay En-Route: There's no shortage of amazing accommodations along Hana Highway, and Areca Suite is as adorable as it is affordable!

It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana along the eponymous Hana Highway, which traverses past sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees and vistas straight out of "Jurassic Park."

But this drive is not for the faint of heart. Hana Highway is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island of Maui -- and possibly all of Hawaii -- but it’s also nerve-wracking, to say the least. This incredible highway is home to a whopping 620 curves, making it the windiest road in the Aloha State, and one best attempted with a slow and steady hand (and foot!).

But if you have a strong stomach and appetite for adventure, there's no better way to revel in the resplendence of the Aloha State, making Hana Highway a bucket-list must sure to satisfy even the most insatiable wanderlust:

From coast to coast (and everything in between), America is one big map of road trip adventures. The only question is: which one of these bucket list road trips and best scenic drives in the USA will you tackle first?