15 Scenic Highways That Route Through America’s Most Beautiful Landscapes

Apart from Oceania, I can’t think of a country better than America that’s best explored by driving. The United States is home to some of the world’s most scenic highways and byways.

Road trips have long been hailed as the ultimate way to explore this vast country. They allow you to see remote landscapes and quirky roadside attractions you can’t experience flying from one city to another.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 38 states across this beautiful country, and I’ve road-tripped through the majority of them. Out of all those miles on the open road, these 15 highways stood out as my absolute favorites and the best road trips in America.

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

I feel like I’m in a movie whenever I drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, and that’s probably because it has been featured in so many.

Spanning about 600 miles, the highway offers jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and sheer cliffs on the other. It starts near San Francisco in the north and ends at Dana Point in SoCal.

One of my favorite stops on this route is Big Sur to see that beautiful beach waterfall fall into the sea and Bixby Creek Bridge.

2. Route 66, Illinois to California

The “Mother Road,” Route 66, is the quintessential American road trip. Stretching from Chicago all the way to Santa Monica, this route covers nearly 2,500 miles.

Get ready to pass through quirky towns with names like Tucumcari and Winslow. Plenty of bizarre roadside attractions exist like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or the Gemini Giant in Illinois.

The road itself may have been decommissioned, but the history still lives on through vintage diners, motels, and neon signs. Also, who could forget the countless Route 66 signs? Even I have one hanging on the wall of my house.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in stunning North Carolina for 469 miles. Every mile is packed with scenic overlooks of the mighty Appalachian.

The fall season sees the trees transforming into a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows. Hop off the car and hike on one of the many trails accessible from the parkway, like Humpback Rocks or Craggy Gardens.

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

This is one of those drives you won’t forget anytime soon. The Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts through Glacier National Park and is only open in the warmer months due to snow. It’s just 50 miles long, but you’ll traverse Logan Pass, which is over 6,600 feet above sea level.

The Weeping Wall is one beautiful waterfall you’ll want to stop and admire. Or, stretch your legs at the Hidden Lake Trailhead.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is only open from late June to mid-October, and the park is quite busy during this time. You’ll need to be lucky to secure a vehicle reservation, or we just woke up at 4 a.m. to enter before the attendant arrived.

5. Overseas Highway, Florida

The Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys to the mainland, running 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West. The highlight has to be the Seven Mile Bridge, a stretch of road that feels like you’re gliding over the ocean.

You’ll pass over more than 40 islands, and the ocean views of this Florida destination are unbeatable. If you need a break, stop at Bahia Honda State Park or check the giant lobster statue at Islamorada. The end of the road is Key West, where you can say you’ve officially driven to the southernmost point of the US.

6. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

This highway takes “mountain views” to another level. Beartooth Highway climbs to nearly 11,000 feet at Beartooth Pass. The road is only about 68 miles long, but it’s packed with switchbacks, alpine lakes, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to stop at every pullout.

There are no major cities here, just raw high-altitude tundra. So don’t be surprised if you see snow, even in July. Take a detour into Yellowstone National Park; the northeast entrance is just off this road.

7. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii

The Hana Highway is famous for two things: hairpin turns and jaw-dropping island scenery. You’ll be navigating around 620 curves and crossing 59 bridges as you hug the rugged coastline of Maui.

You’ll find waterfalls like Wailua Falls and the black sand beaches at Waianapanapa State Park. The highway ends in the quiet town of Hana.

8. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

It’s up for debate whether this highway gets its name either from the cost of construction or the incredible views. What’s a fact is that the Million Dollar Highway has some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the US.

The road cuts through the San Juan Mountains, taking you from the town of Ouray to Silverton. It’s only about 25 miles, but you’ll pass old mining towns, red rock cliffs, and hair-raising drops with no guardrails. I drove it in winter, and this drive on slippery roads is not for the faint of heart.

9. Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Stretching across 124 miles, Scenic Byway 12 gives you front-row seats to Utah’s epic desert landscapes. You’ll drive through Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef National Parks, and a handful of state parks like Escalante and Kodachrome Basin.

The terrain is otherworldly, from arched rock formations to horizons of hoodoos. If you’re a fan of stargazing, this is the place to be.

10. Cascade Loop, Washington

The Cascade Loop is an all-in-one package of Washington’s natural beauty. The 440-mile loop passes through the Cascade Mountains, dense rainforests, small towns, and even some wine country.

You’ll start in the European-looking town of Leavenworth, which will transport you straight to Bavaria. As you drive, the landscape shifts from alpine peaks to fertile farmlands and eventually to Puget Sound. Along the way, you can stop at my favorite underrated national park for the unbelievably turquoise waters of Diablo Lake.

Pro tip: the North Cascades Highway is only open during the summer.

11. Lake Superior Circle Tour, Great Lakes

If you’re up for a long haul, the Lake Superior Circle Tour is a 1,300-mile drive that loops around the largest of the Great Lakes. The route winds through both the US and Canada, passing views of cliffs, beaches, and the lake itself, which is so big it looks like an ocean.

Pass through charming small towns like Bayfield, Wisconsin, and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Waterfalls like Gooseberry Falls in Minnesota make for great photo ops. You can even take a boat tour to explore some of the shipwrecks at the bottom of the lake as a day trip in Michigan.

12. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

Welcome to the highest continuous paved road in the United States! Trail Ridge Road climbs to an altitude of over 12,000 feet as it winds through Rocky Mountain National Park. The views up here are nothing short of epic, with alpine tundra stretching out for miles and snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Due to snow, the road is usually only open from late May through October. Bring layers, as it can be 70 degrees at the bottom and freezing at the top.

13. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, Oregon

Waterfalls, waterfalls, and more waterfalls are what the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway is all about. This 75-mile route follows the Columbia River and features no less than 77 waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls.

The road itself was built in the early 1900s and runs along stunning northern Oregon views of the cliffs that rise above the river. Check out Eagle Creek Trail for one of the most popular hiking spots in the area. If you’re in Portland, there’s no reason not to take a day trip and see this.

14. Skyline Drive, Virginia

Skyline Drive winds through Shenandoah National Park for 105 miles, giving you uninterrupted views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 70 scenic overlooks, this road practically begs you to pull over and take in the vistas.

The colorful foliage is worth the trip alone if you’re visiting in the fall. Hiking trails crisscross the drive, including parts of the Appalachian Trail.

15. Great River Road, Mississippi River

Following the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, the Great River Road is a 3,000-mile journey through history and a whole lot of river views.

Historic plantations, Civil War battlefields, and quirky small towns dot the route. Want a break from the road? Hop on a riverboat cruise in St. Louis or New Orleans. Just be ready for humidity if you’re driving through in the summer and the giant bugs that splat on your windshield in the deep south.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.