The Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in the USA

Exploring the USA by road is one of the most exciting and immersive ways to experience its diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and cultural gems. The vast highways, rolling hills, coastal roads, and desert trails provide a visual feast for travelers. Whether you're drawn to coastal vistas, mountain views, or wide-open plains, there’s a scenic route for everyone.

One of the most iconic drives in the United States, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), offers an unparalleled blend of ocean views, towering cliffs, and quaint coastal towns. Stretching from Orange County to Mendocino County, this road allows drivers to witness California’s natural beauty in all its glory.

The most scenic stretch is between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Notable stops include Big Sur, where the rugged cliffs drop dramatically into the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey, home to its famous aquarium and Cannery Row. Along the way, you'll also encounter the stunning Hearst Castle and charming coastal towns like Cambria and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Traveling in the spring or fall is recommended for the best weather and fewer crowds. However, no matter the season, the PCH will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

If you're seeking a scenic mountain drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is your ideal destination. Nicknamed "America's Favorite Drive," this 469-mile road connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, winding through the stunning Appalachian Mountains.

The Parkway is known for its vibrant fall foliage, rolling hills, and access to countless hiking trails. Scenic viewpoints like the Linn Cove Viaduct, and natural reserves such as Craggy Gardens, make for incredible photo opportunities. It's not just about driving – there’s plenty to do, including hiking, picnicking, and visiting small mountain towns along the route.

Few road trips are as legendary as Route 66. Dubbed the "Main Street of America," this historic highway runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and offers a nostalgic journey through the heart of the country. While much of the original road has been replaced by modern highways, several portions still remain and attract road trippers seeking a vintage travel experience.

Driving down Route 66 is like stepping back in time. Quirky roadside attractions, classic diners, and iconic landmarks such as the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Wigwam Motel in Arizona bring the past to life. The route showcases America’s love affair with the automobile and a simpler time when the journey itself was the destination.

For a more laid-back road trip, the Great River Road is a perfect choice. This route traces the course of the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to its delta in Louisiana, offering a serene, scenic drive through America’s heartland.

Along the Great River Road, travelers can enjoy the river’s ever-changing landscape, passing through charming river towns, historic plantations, and wildlife refuges. The journey offers a peek into America’s agricultural and cultural history, with stops like the National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque, Iowa, and the historic city of Natchez, Mississippi.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, located in Glacier National Park, Montana, is one of the most breathtaking and challenging drives in the USA. Stretching 50 miles across the Rocky Mountains, this scenic road provides stunning views of glaciers, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and rugged mountains. As you wind through the park, you’ll experience hairpin turns, towering cliffs, and incredible wildlife sightings, such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

The road takes you up to Logan Pass, which is the highest point of the drive at 6,646 feet. Here, the visitor center offers panoramic views, and several trailheads invite you to explore the area further. The best time to travel is during the summer when the road is fully open and snow has melted off the higher elevations.

Given its narrow and winding nature, it’s essential to check road conditions before embarking on this trip. Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a thrilling and scenic adventure for those willing to make the drive, delivering some of the most awe-inspiring views in the country.

For a road trip that feels like a tropical escape, the Overseas Highway offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Spanning 113 miles and connecting the Florida mainland to Key West, this route offers stunning ocean views, as it travels over a series of bridges that seem to float above the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

The highway passes through a series of islands known as the Florida Keys, with notable stops in Islamorada, Marathon, and the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Key Largo, the largest of the Keys, is a great spot for snorkeling, while Key West offers a laid-back atmosphere with vibrant nightlife, historic sites like Ernest Hemingway’s home, and the famous sunset celebrations at Mallory Square.

This road trip is ideal for water lovers, with opportunities to snorkel, dive, fish, and kayak along the way. It's best enjoyed in the cooler winter months to avoid the heat and humidity of Florida’s summer.

For those craving an adventure into the wilderness, the Alaska Highway is a must. This historic route, also known as the Alcan Highway, stretches over 1,390 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska. Originally built as a military supply route during World War II, the highway now provides a unique opportunity to explore the untamed beauty of the northern frontier.

The journey offers travelers a mix of towering mountain ranges, dense forests, and pristine lakes. Along the way, you can spot wildlife like bears, moose, and caribou. Stops like the Liard River Hot Springs in British Columbia and Kluane National Park in the Yukon offer memorable breaks from the long stretches of road.

Driving the Alaska Highway requires careful preparation, as gas stations and lodging can be sparse in some sections. Summer is the best time for this road trip, as winter conditions make the highway nearly impassable.

Highway 101, which hugs the dramatic Oregon coastline, is one of the most picturesque drives in the Pacific Northwest. This road weaves through coastal towns, state parks, and forests, providing travelers with access to some of the most stunning coastal views in the USA.

Along this route, you'll encounter towering sea cliffs, expansive beaches, and picturesque lighthouses. Highlights include Cannon Beach, with its famous Haystack Rock, and the charming town of Newport, home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. For nature enthusiasts, the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area offers miles of hiking trails and views of crashing waves against ancient volcanic rock formations.

Whale watching is a popular activity along this drive, particularly during migration seasons in the spring and fall. Highway 101 is a year-round destination, but summer and early fall offer the best weather and clearer skies for ocean views.

U.S. Route 50, dubbed "The Loneliest Road in America," is a journey through the desolate yet captivating expanses of Nevada. Stretching across 287 miles from Ely to Fallon, this road passes through vast deserts, mountain ranges, and historic mining towns. Though isolated, the sense of solitude and openness is one of the key attractions for travelers seeking a different kind of road trip experience.

While the route may feel remote, there are several notable stops along the way, including the ghost town of Austin, the old Pony Express stations, and the massive sand dunes at Sand Mountain Recreation Area. The surrounding landscapes, punctuated by the expansive skies and rugged mountain views, offer incredible opportunities for stargazing and photography.

The best time to drive this route is during the spring and fall, as summer temperatures can soar, making the desert heat intense. For those who love adventure and isolation, the Loneliest Road is a road trip like no other.

The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile loop through the rugged and beautiful San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. This high-altitude route offers dramatic mountain scenery, passing through old mining towns, alpine forests, and vast wilderness areas. The road connects some of Colorado’s most charming and historic towns, including Durango, Silverton, and Telluride.

One of the highlights of the San Juan Skyway is the stretch known as the Million Dollar Highway, which offers stunning views of the Uncompahgre Gorge and Red Mountain. In the fall, the changing aspen trees turn the mountainsides into a golden wonderland, making it an ideal time to take this road trip.

Outdoor activities abound, with options for hiking, biking, and exploring the hot springs scattered throughout the region. No matter the season, the San Juan Skyway offers a thrilling and scenic drive through some of Colorado’s most spectacular landscapes.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic road that winds through three states—Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi—following an ancient path used by Native Americans and early European settlers. Today, it’s a peaceful and historic drive, passing through forests, swamps, and rolling hills, with a variety of historical sites along the way.

Some of the highlights include Mount Locust, one of the oldest structures along the trace, and the Emerald Mound, an ancient Native American ceremonial site. Civil War history buffs will enjoy stops at the Battle of Tupelo and other significant historical landmarks. The Natchez Trace Parkway is perfect for travelers interested in a slower, more reflective road trip filled with both natural beauty and history.

• What are the best months to go on a road trip in the USA?The best time depends on the region you're visiting, but spring and fall are generally ideal for most destinations due to mild weather and fewer crowds.
• How can I prepare for a long road trip?Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, plan your route, pack essential supplies, and make lodging reservations in advance.
• What are some road trip safety tips?Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, carry an emergency kit, plan your route in advance, and make sure to have a reliable GPS or map.
• What should I pack for a scenic road trip?Essentials include a first aid kit, snacks, plenty of water, a camera, extra layers of clothing, and road maps in case of poor signal.
• Are there any scenic road trips that are family-friendly?Yes, routes like the Pacific Coast Highway and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer plenty of opportunities for family-friendly activities, such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
• Can I do these trips in an RV or camper?Absolutely! Many of the scenic routes, including Route 66 and the Alaska Highway, are RV-friendly, with plenty of campgrounds and pull-offs along the way.

The USA offers some of the world’s most diverse and stunning road trip experiences. From the coastal views of California’s Pacific Coast Highway to the wilderness of Alaska, these scenic drives provide an unforgettable way to explore the country. Whether you prefer the solitude of Nevada’s highways or the historic routes like Route 66 and the Natchez Trace Parkway, a road trip allows you to discover the hidden gems, breathtaking landscapes, and rich histories that define America.

Planning a scenic road trip is about more than just reaching your destination—it's about enjoying the journey itself. So, pack your bags, buckle up, and hit the open road to discover the beauty and wonder that await on America’s most scenic drives.