Best Scenic Road Trips in the United States

There’s something magical about hitting the open road. Windows down, favorite playlist on, and endless views stretching before you—it’s the perfect way to explore America’s vast and varied landscapes. From coastal drives to winding mountain passes, the U.S. is filled with highways that turn travel into an adventure.

Here’s a guide to the best scenic road trips in the United States that promise breathtaking views, iconic stops, and memories to last a lifetime.

Why Road Trips Are the Best Way to See the U.S.

Freedom – Go at your own pace, stop when you want, and take detours.
Diverse scenery – Beaches, deserts, mountains, forests—all within one country.
Hidden gems – Small towns, local diners, and off-the-beaten-path wonders.
Budget-friendly – Save on flights and explore more for less.
Memories – The journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

Best Scenic Road Trips in the U.S.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Stretching along California’s coast, this iconic drive offers ocean views, cliffs, and charming seaside towns like Big Sur and Monterey.

2. Route 66 (Illinois to California)

Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 is a nostalgic trip through vintage diners, roadside attractions, and classic Americana.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

A winding drive through the Appalachian Mountains, famous for fall foliage and breathtaking overlooks.

4. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

A tropical drive over turquoise waters, connecting Miami to Key West across 42 bridges.

5. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

Follow the Mississippi River through 10 states, rich in history and scenic landscapes.

6. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

Glacier National Park’s crown jewel, featuring towering peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife.

7. The Loneliest Road (U.S. Route 50, Nevada)

Desolate beauty, wide-open skies, and quirky small towns define this adventure.

8. Highway 101 (Oregon to Washington)

A coastal drive through rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and charming fishing towns.

9. Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee to Mississippi)

A historic route with Civil War landmarks, hiking trails, and lush forests.

10. Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)

A high-altitude drive offering snow-capped peaks, switchbacks, and alpine meadows.

11. Trail Ridge Road (Colorado)

The highest continuous paved road in the U.S., winding through Rocky Mountain National Park.

12. Highway 12 (Utah)

A surreal drive through red rock canyons, arches, and desert landscapes.

13. Lake Shore Drive (Chicago, Illinois)

Urban skyline meets lakefront beauty with views of Lake Michigan.

14. Cascade Loop (Washington State)

A mix of mountains, rivers, and charming Pacific Northwest towns.

15. Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

New England’s fall foliage wonderland, filled with covered bridges and scenic pullouts.

Road Trip Tips

Plan your stops – Research towns, landmarks, and must-see attractions.
Pack smart – Bring snacks, water, maps, and emergency kits.
Check your car – Oil, tires, and brakes should be road-ready.
Stay flexible – The best road trip moments often come from detours.
Balance driving and exploring – Don’t rush through beautiful stops.

Real-Life Example: The Martinez Family’s Coastal Drive

The Martinez family drove the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles. They stopped at Big Sur for hiking, Monterey for the aquarium, and Santa Barbara for beach time. By mixing sightseeing with downtime, their road trip became one of their most cherished family adventures.

20 Quotes to Inspire Road Trips

“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Roads were made for journeys, not destinations.” – Confucius
“The freedom of the open road is seductive, serendipitous, and absolutely liberating.” – Aaron Lauritsen
“Sometimes the best therapy is a long drive and good music.” – Unknown
“Happiness is a road trip with good friends.” – Unknown
“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Beatty
“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.” – Jack Kerouac
“Take the long way home.” – Unknown
“Road trips aren’t measured by miles, but by moments.” – Unknown
“The open road is a beckoning, a strangeness, a place where a man can lose himself.” – William Least Heat-Moon
“Fill your life with adventures, not things.” – Unknown
“The best views come after the hardest climbs.” – Unknown
“Adventure is out there, and it starts with a tank of gas.” – Unknown
“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.” – Angela N. Blount
“Life is a highway, and I want to ride it all night long.” – Tom Cochrane
“All he needed was a wheel in his hand and four on the road.” – Jack Kerouac
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” – David Mitchell
“The road is there, it will always be there. You just have to decide when to take it.” – Chris Humphrey
“A journey is best measured in friends, not miles.” – Tim Cahill
“Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.” – Unknown

Picture This

Imagine cruising along Highway 1 with waves crashing against cliffs, or driving through autumn forests in New England, leaves swirling around your car. Picture yourself pulling off at a scenic overlook in Montana, gazing at snow-capped peaks. The road becomes your guide, and the journey itself becomes the destination.

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Disclaimer

Road trip conditions vary by season, weather, and region. Always check road advisories and ensure your vehicle is safe before traveling. This article is for informational purposes only, and we disclaim responsibility for travel or driving decisions made based on this content.