The open road is still America’s greatest adventure.
From coastal bluffs and high mountain passes to sun-drenched deserts and hidden lake shores, these are the 15 most scenic, must-drive routes in the country.
1. Pacific Coast Highway: California
- Over 600 miles of iconic coastline
- Famous stops: Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Malibu
- Whale spotting, redwoods, and endless ocean views
There’s no road more romantic or cinematic than California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), officially State Route 1.
Hugging the dramatic Pacific coastline for over 600 miles, this legendary drive takes you through misty redwood forests, sun-soaked beaches, and chic coastal towns where the surf never stops.
Every twist and turn reveals a fresh panorama; craggy sea cliffs, thunderous surf, and impossibly green hillsides.
From surfing in Santa Cruz to wine tasting in Santa Barbara and shopping in Malibu, this is a “see it all” drive.
Best enjoyed in a convertible, the PCH encourages plenty of stops for seafood, photo ops, or just to let the ocean breeze blow your worries away.
Best Stretch:
Big Sur between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon takes the cake.
Here the highway clings to cliffs hundreds of feet above the roaring Pacific, winding through dense forests and past landmarks like the art-deco Bixby Creek Bridge (pictured above) and waterfall-fed McWay Cove.
Every pull-off feels like a National Geographic cover. This stretch is at its best early in the morning or as the sun sets in golden light.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia & North Carolina
- 469 miles of Appalachian scenery: America’s longest linear park
- Over 200 overlooks and dozens of hiking trails
- The country’s top fall foliage destination
Winding gently through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the nation’s longest linear park and one of its most leisurely drives.
Designed for a slow pace, the Parkway rewards you with endless ridge views, misty forests, wildflowers in spring, and stunning autumn color.
There are picnic spots, old cabins, and frequent pull-offs for taking in the vistas.
Best Stretch:
The North Carolina high-elevation segment near Grandfather Mountain and the spectacular Linn Cove Viaduct (milepost 304) is a favorite, especially in early October.
The views here seem endless, with layer after layer of blue ridges stretching to the horizon. Stop at Waterrock Knob (milepost 451), one of the highest points on the Parkway, for a picnic with a million-dollar view.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road: Montana
- Crosses the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet
- Only open in summer (late June to mid-October)
- Wildlife sightings: mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzlies
This jaw-dropping 50-mile road through Glacier National Park is nothing short of a miracle.
Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts through dense cedar forests, skirts sheer cliffs, and climbs to dizzying heights, all showcasing the best of Montana’s rugged beauty.
It’s a tight, twisty, two-lane marvel that hugs the landscape as it rises over Logan Pass and then drops past alpine lakes, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows.
Don’t be surprised if you hit traffic… Everyone wants a piece of the view.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many overlooks.
The drive is as much about stopping and gazing as it is about the journey.
Best Stretch:
The climb from the West Glacier entrance up to Logan Pass is a show-stopper.
You’ll see the famous Weeping Wall, where runoff spills right onto the road, the towering Bird Woman Falls, and the Garden Wall’s rocky spine.
At Logan Pass, the landscape opens up to a grand sweep of crags, glaciers, and valleys; truly a drive above the clouds.
4. Overseas Highway: Florida Keys
- 113 miles and 42 bridges between Miami and Key West
- The legendary Seven Mile Bridge, drive surrounded by turquoise sea
- Sunsets, key lime pie, and laid-back island culture
The Overseas Highway is America’s closest thing to driving on water.
Connecting Miami to the end-of-the-line paradise of Key West, this string of bridges hops from tropical island to tropical island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.
It’s like rolling through a Jimmy Buffett song.
Every few miles, you’ll find quirky roadside stands, tiki bars, and opportunities to snorkel or fish.
Each Key has its own flavor: Key Largo for diving, Islamorada for sport fishing, Marathon for beaches, Big Pine for wildlife, and Key West for music and mischief.
Best Stretch:
The Seven Mile Bridge is the superstar. It’s one long, dramatic causeway straight across open water, especially spectacular at sunset when the whole world seems lit up with color.
For the full experience, drive the bridge both ways, or walk a section of the old bridge nearby.
5. Beartooth Highway: Montana & Wyoming
- Reaches nearly 11,000 feet at Beartooth Pass
- Open only in summer… Expect snow even in July
- Called “America’s most beautiful road” by Charles Kuralt
This wild 68-mile rollercoaster from Red Lodge, Montana to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance is all about altitude and attitude.
The Beartooth Highway climbs through switchbacks so steep and twisting that you’ll lose track of direction and elevation, rising above the treeline into an alpine world of tundra, wind, and sparkling lakes.
Every mile reveals a new view: distant peaks, glacial valleys, or meadows dotted with wildflowers and the occasional mountain goat.
There are almost no services or towns; it’s just you and the mountains. Keep an eye out for sudden weather shift, snow is common even in July!
Best Stretch:
The ascent from Red Lodge to Beartooth Pass is a thrill, each hairpin offering a broader view until you crest the top and look out over hundreds of peaks.
The pass area is high, lonely, and often shrouded in clouds. Bring a jacket, a camera, and maybe a snowball.
6. Million Dollar Highway: Colorado
- 25 miles of cliff-hugging, no-guardrail adrenaline
- Connects Ouray and Silverton via Red Mountain Pass (11,018 ft)
- Famous for old mining ruins and jaw-dropping drops
If you love a good white-knuckle drive, Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway is a must.
This famed stretch of US 550 snakes through the San Juan Mountains, hugging sheer cliffs and winding past abandoned mines, waterfalls, and red-stained peaks.
The scenery is straight out of a western movie, but the driving is pure modern thrill; minimal shoulder, no guardrails, and views that’ll make you sweat.
Every corner reveals another heart-stopping panorama.
In fall, the aspen leaves turn the mountainsides gold. In winter, the route is icy and only for the truly brave.
Best Stretch:
Between Ouray and Red Mountain Pass, the road clings to the edge with tight bends, rapid elevation changes, and seemingly endless views.
Pause in Silverton, a former mining boomtown frozen in time, for a meal and a look around.
7. Scenic Byway 12: Utah
- 124 miles through canyons, slickrock, and pine forests
- Connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks
- “The Hogsback” a razorback ridge with drops on both sides
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is the road trip of every geologist’s and photographer’s dreams.
It winds from Bryce Canyon’s pink hoodoos to Capitol Reef’s orchards, passing through the Grand Staircase-Escalante and over Boulder Mountain at 9,000 feet.
You’ll drive from Martian landscapes to high meadows, each mile a new surprise.
Keep your camera ready for slot canyons, strange rock formations, and wide-open starry skies (the area is an official International Dark Sky route).
In summer, the air is scented with sage; in autumn, the cottonwoods blaze gold along creek beds.
Best Stretch:
The Hogsback, a narrow ridge section near Escalante, is the standout, with steep drops and 360-degree views of slickrock country.
Slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy feeling on top of the world.
8. Hana Highway: Maui, Hawaii
- 52 miles, 620 curves, and 59 bridges
- Lush rainforest, waterfalls, and black sand beaches
- The true “road less traveled” on Maui
Hawaii’s most famous road isn’t long, but it packs in more beauty per mile than almost anywhere else.
The Hana Highway weaves along Maui’s wild northeast coast, past waterfalls that tumble beside the road, jungles of bamboo and ginger, and tiny villages where time moves slowly.
Every curve brings a new temptation: fruit stands, hidden swimming holes, or a beach of black volcanic sand.
Take your time, the drive is as much about the stops as the scenery.
Bring cash for banana bread, and don’t be afraid to pull over for a quick hike to a waterfall or a dip in the Pacific.
Best Stretch:
The final approach into Hana, including Wailua Falls and the Hāna Lava Tube, is simply magical. Pastures open up, the road gets quieter, and you’re rewarded with Hawaii’s true old-school aloha spirit.
9. Route 66: Illinois to California
- America’s “Mother Road”: 2,400 miles of nostalgia
- Historic diners, neon signs, and quirky roadside attractions
- Runs from Chicago to Santa Monica Pier
Route 66 is the soul of the American road trip, less about scenery, more about stories and roadside kitsch.
Once the main drag to the west, today it’s a ribbon of vintage diners, crumbling motels, and friendly small towns, best experienced with a classic rock soundtrack.
You’ll see a cross-section of America: prairies in Illinois, deserts in Arizona, big city bustle, and lonely ghost towns.
Bring your camera for offbeat stops like the Cadillac Ranch, the Gemini Giant, and plenty of weird roadside art.
Best Stretch:
The Arizona segment from Seligman to Kingman is a fan favorite: full of Route 66 nostalgia, vintage motels, and a stretch over Sitgreaves Pass into Oatman, a mining town where wild burros still roam the streets.
10. Tail of the Dragon: North Carolina & Tennessee
- 11 miles, 318 curves, a legend among drivers and bikers
- No intersections, no driveways, just pure tarmac
- “Tree of Shame” celebrates those who underestimated the Dragon
If you love a twisty road, the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) is a rite of passage.
Just 11 miles long, it packs 318 turns through Smoky Mountain forest; no straightaways, no side roads, just you, your vehicle, and your wits.
This is where serious drivers and motorcyclists come to test their skills.
The vibe is friendly but competitive: everyone’s here for the adrenaline and the bragging rights.
Summer brings green tunnels; fall brings blazing leaves. There are plenty of pull-offs for photos, but keep your eyes on the road: one mistake and you might wind up on the Tree of Shame at Deals Gap!
Best Stretch:
The whole Tail is the main event, each curve is named, and locals can tell you which ones are the most technical. The best spot to watch or rest is at Deals Gap, where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and grab a sticker to mark your accomplishment.
11. Kancamagus Highway: New Hampshire
- 34.5 miles through the White Mountains
- Top spot for fall color in New England
- Covered bridges and mountain streams along the way
Known as “The Kanc,” this classic New England byway cuts through dense forests and over a mountain pass between Lincoln and Conway.
Along the way, you’ll find picture-perfect covered bridges, boulder-strewn rivers, and endless stands of sugar maple that burst into fiery color each October.
Spring and summer bring wildflowers, hiking, and moose sightings, while winter snows create a postcard scene (the road is open year-round, weather permitting).
Stop for a picnic, a short hike to Sabbaday Falls, or just to soak in the stillness of the woods.
Best Stretch:
Near the Kancamagus Pass and Pemigewasset Overlook, you’ll get the widest views, mountain ridges rolling away to the horizon, with nothing but nature for miles. For waterfall fans, don’t miss Sabbaday Falls, just a short stroll from the road.
12. Needles Highway: South Dakota
- 14 miles of rock tunnels and granite “needles”
- Custer State Park’s must-see route
- Squeezes through the famous Needle’s Eye Tunnel
This Black Hills marvel isn’t long, but it packs in more scenery per mile than almost any drive.
Needles Highway (SD 87) winds between towering granite spires and through impossibly narrow tunnels.
One, the Needle’s Eye Tunnel, frames a slice of blue sky that’s instantly Instagram-worthy.
The road twists past Sylvan Lake, a favorite swimming and hiking spot, and is often full of bison, deer, and wild turkeys.
Built in the 1920s, it’s a testament to old-school road engineering, don’t attempt it with a big RV!
Best Stretch:
Approaching and driving through Needle’s Eye Tunnel is pure fun. The view of granite pinnacles and the feeling of “threading the needle” makes this one of America’s most photographed spots.
13. Denali Highway: Alaska (unpaved)
- 135 miles of gravel wilderness
- Epic views of Denali and the Alaska Range
- Solitude: more moose and caribou than people
If you really want to get away, the Denali Highway delivers. This mostly gravel route cuts across unspoiled tundra, crossing braided rivers, glacial lakes, and endless mountain vistas.
Once the main route to Denali National Park, today it’s a little-traveled, a real adventure for those who love wild country.
There are a few remote lodges, but don’t expect cell service or amenities. The road is only open from late May to mid-October, and weather can be fierce; carry extra food, water, and a sense of humor.
On a clear day, the view of Denali (Mt. McKinley) dominating the horizon will take your breath away.
Best Stretch:
Near Maclaren Summit, the road’s highest point, you can see for miles over the Alaska Range and Maclaren River valley. Pull over, unpack the thermos, and listen to the sound of absolute silence, except for the occasional trumpeter swan or distant howl.
14. Trail Ridge Road: Colorado
- The highest continuous paved road in America (12,183 feet)
- Crosses Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake
- Alpine tundra, wildflowers, and sweeping vistas
Trail Ridge Road is where you drive among the clouds. This spectacular highway winds over the Continental Divide, passing through every ecosystem in the Rockies, from aspen groves to stunted alpine tundra, with panoramic views in all directions.
The air gets thin, so take it slow and stop often. The Alpine Visitor Center at the top offers a chance to catch your breath and learn about this fragile, beautiful landscape.
The road is only open from late May to October, heavy snow blocks the way the rest of the year.
Best Stretch:
The climb from Many Parks Curve up to Rock Cut and the Alpine Visitor Center is the showstopper, mile after mile above the treeline, with nothing but sky, peaks, and the occasional marmot.
15. M-22: Michigan’s Lake Michigan Shoreline
- Loops around the scenic Leelanau Peninsula
- Beaches, vineyards, lighthouses, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Known for cherry orchards and autumn color
M-22 is a Michigan classic, relaxed, scenic, and full of Midwestern charm. The road traces Lake Michigan’s shore, passing through small towns like Glen Arbor and Leland, past roadside farm stands, wineries, and long sandy beaches.
The highlight is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can climb giant sand hills or just enjoy endless water views.
Stop in Suttons Bay for a wine tasting, explore Fishtown’s historic docks, or catch a Lake Michigan sunset. Every mile is pure lakeside bliss.
Best Stretch:
The section through Sleeping Bear Dunes, especially near Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, offers big lake vistas and the chance to climb dunes that tower over the water.
Thanks you so much for reading!